One of Roxburgh Park’s most anticipated creative events is back.
The 2025 Bridgewater Lake Art Show will take place on Saturday, August 30 and Sunday, August 31, with more than 50 artists displaying paintings, photography, mosaics and mixed media creations. Local artist and organiser Nicola Kelly said the show is a vital space that brings people together and reminds artists of the unique value in what they create.
“It inspires me to keep painting, to try different mediums, to try different ways of doing things,“ she said.
Kelly began painting in 2000, often bringing her daughter – who has down syndrome – along to local art groups.
“She would sit with her pencil and paper, and do these little flowers with lovely colours,” Kelly said. “And every year she sold everything, I sold nothing. Her daughter’s success served as a reminder of art’s true purpose: not in technique, but in emotion.
The show will be held at the Bridgewater Lake Retirement Estate.
Whittlesea councillor hits out at ...
‘Selfish’ tamperers
By Laura Michell
AWhittleseacouncillorhascalledforthose responsible for a vote tampering scheme in the Lalor Ward to be prosecuted, as the candidates for the ward’s by-election are revealed.
Voters in Lalor Ward will once again be asked to elect a councillor after the October 2024 election result for their ward was voided by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) in May. The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) referred the election result to VCAT as part of an investigation into suspected vote tampering in the ward. The VEC also
asked police and the Local Government Inspectorate (LGI) to investigate.
Labor candidate and former Whittlesea councillor Stevan Kozmevski was elected with 4953 first preference votes, ahead of independent Ellen McNaught (4003 votes) and community independent Nicholas Hajichristou (3344). After preferences, Mr Kozmevski had 6170 votes to Ms McNaught’s 6131. Mr Kozmevski served on counciluntilVCAT’sMay8decisiontovoid the election result.
VCAT found the fraudulent votes favoured Mr Hajichristou. There was no suggestion Mr Hajichristou was responsible for, or involved in, the fraud,
the VEC submitted.
In voiding the election result and triggering a by-election, VCAT vice president, Judge Caitlin English, said she wassatisfiedthatamajorityofvotersmight have been prevented from electing the candidate they preferred as a result of the vote tampering.
In a video shared to social media on Monday, June 16, Cr Lawrie Cox said the by-election would cost Whittlesea ratepayers $200,000 and called for charges to be laid against those responsible for the vote tampering.
“The people involved should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,”
Cr Cox said.
“They have cost significantly a by-election process to the tune of $200,000.
“That is money that could be far better spent on basic interests of ratepayers and residents of the Lalor Ward. It could have been contributions to local community groups, it could have been better roads, it could have been funding our better dumping campaign, or providing public toilets in the reserves.
“The residents have been disadvantaged by … the actions of a selfish few.”
Continued: Page 3
Nicola Kelly with her artwork.
(Damjan Janevski) 484218_04
We’re building big near you and there will be transport disruptions
As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re building North East Link. We’re also upgrading the Eastern Freeway and completing the M80 Ring Road in Greensborough, making travelling around Melbourne quicker and safer.
What we’re doing:
Tunnelling continues all year on North East Link, while entry and exit ramps are excavated in Yallambie and Bulleen.
Building the new ramps that will connect the Eastern Freeway to North East Link in 2028.
Making changes to Manningham and Bulleen roads in Bulleen to keep traffic moving as we work.
Constructing the new freeflowing interchanges at the M80 Ring Road and Grimshaw Street.
Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions
Hurstbridge Line 1 to 24 JulyHeidelberg to Eltham
Road disruptions: Closed roads and ramp
Eastern Freeway, Bulleen 9pm 27 June to 5am 30 June
Lower Plenty Road, Yallambie 8pm 11 July to 5am 14 July
Bulleen Road, Bulleen 8pm 13 July to 6am 21 July
8pm to 6am each night, 18 to 21 July
Citybound exit ramp to Bulleen Road
Between Greensborough Highway and Rosanna Road
Rosanna-bound between Manningham and Thompsons roads
Between Manningham and Thompsons roads
Car thefts drive up crime
WhittleseaandHumehaverecordedspikes incrime,withcar-relatedtheftsandfamily violence driving up offence rates.
Data released by the Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) revealed a 29.2 per cent jump in offences across Whittlesea in the 12 months to March, rising from 13,809 to 17,841.
Hume recorded a 18.7 per cent increase, with 22,733 offences up from 19,183 the previous year.
Theft from motor vehicles remained the most common crime in both municipalities.
In Hume, 3507 offences were recorded, followed by other theft (2323) and
breaching family violence orders (2187).
In Whittlesea, there were 2463 thefts from vehicles, followed by breaching family violence orders (2145) and other theft (2046).
Craigieburn (4192 offences) and Broadmeadows (3580) were the most affected suburbs in Hume.
In Whittlesea, crime hotspots included Epping (4196), Thomastown (2809), Mill Park (1793), Lalor (1683) and Bundoora (1557).
A Victoria Police spokesperson said officers are actively targeting known hot-spots in both municipalities.
“Both theft of cars, and from cars, make
up a large portion of all crime in these areas– 19 per cent in Hume and 22 per cent in Whittlesea,” the spokesperson said.
“Local and specialised police units continue to patrol hot-spots to detect and deter offences.”
Police also urged the community to take preventative steps.
“About a third of all thefts from cars relate to the theft of number plates, which is why we encourage the use of anti-theft screws.”
Houseswerethetoplocationforoffences, with 7448 residential incidents in Hume and 5825 in Whittlesea– both up on the previous year’s figures.
Big bus rolls in to put food on the table
With the support of Kinetic, Fodbank Victoria has transformed two 18-metre buses normally used for airport transfers, into the coolest mobile supermarkets on the planet.
Foodbank’s bright purple supermarket bus was in Whittlesea on June 18 pulling upinthecarparkbehindtheThomastown Library to help feed those finding it tough to put food on the table.
The pantry on wheels offers a miniature supermarket experience with shelving and refrigeration stocked with a range of fresh produce, pantry, and essential items to help needy families across the region. The bus visits culturally diverse
communities across Melbourne with ingredients to suit their needs. Each mobile supermarket delivers 2000 kg of fresh, healthy food – that’s 3636 meals every trip.
Foodbank’s mobile supermarkets have distributed over 545,425 healthy, culturally appropriate meals to date, 247,642 in the last 12 months.
Foodbank Victoria chief executive Dave McNamara said the mobile supermarket program allows many struggling Victorianstoaccesshealthyandnutritious food.
“This is a concept that allows us to visit people who often don’t have the
capacity to travel or who aren’t receiving food relief in the traditional ways. It also allows us to provide a truly bespoke food relief service to the emerging culturally and linguistically diverse communities around metro Melbourne,” he said.
“Local families hit hardest by the rising cost of living can access fresh food and pantry staples - all free of charge.”
Foodbank’ssupermarketbuswillreturn to Thomastown on Wednesday 25 June between 10.30am and noon at Main Street Recreation Reserve, 54-76 Main Street, Thomastown. Appointments can be made at foodbankvictoriamarkets.appointedd. com
Family violence incidents rose sharply. In Whittlesea, 3319 incidents were recorded, up from 2270.
InHume,thenumberclimbedfrom3525 to 3920.
“Police continue to work tirelessly to apprehend family violence perpetrators and bring them before the courts to ensure the safety of victim-survivors,” the spokesperson said. “We encourage victims to seek help from police or support service –whenyou’reready,speaktousorspeakto someone you know.”
Across Victoria, there were 627,268 offences recorded in the 12 months to March – an increase of 17.1 per cent.
New service to resolve disputes
Bundooraisoneoffourcommunity locationsforthestategovernment’s new rental dispute body.
Rental Dispute Resolution
Victoria (RDRV) went live on Monday June 23.
According to the state government, RDRV will help renters and rental providers settle disputes over bonds, compensation, repairs and rent increases in a more informal setting, freeing up VCAT to deal with other cases.
The free service – announced as part of the government’s housing and renting fairness reforms – will give renters a fairer go without the barrierofexpensivelegalfeesoran intimidating VCAT hearing.
Anyone involved in a residential tenancy dispute can access the free service by calling 1300 01 7378, jumping online, or attending RDRV in person.
At RDRV, highly skilled resolution experts will work to bring parties together and resolve rental disputes quickly and avoid a formal hearing. They will oversee each case from start to finish.
Anewteamofabout40resolution coordinators have been recruited and trained to handle cases, and an additional 10 staff will soon join as intake officers to support the RDRV call centre.
RDRV will be headquartered on King Street in the CBD with four community locations at Oakleigh, Bundoora,FrankstonandBendigo. It’s also a digital-friendly service that can be easily accessed and used online.
Whittlesea councillor hits out at ‘selfish’ vote tamperers
Victoria Police told StarWeeklythe vote tampering had been referred to the LGI, with the state government confirming the inspectorate is responsible for investigating and prosecuting breaches and offences under the Local Government Act.
Cr Cox also used the video to urge voters tore-electMrKozmevski.“Pleaseconsider yourvotecarefullytoensurewegetproper, stable representation in the Lalor Ward by re-electing Stevan Kozmevski,” he said. A state government spokesperson
confirmed to Star Weekly that Cr Cox was permitted to endorse a candidate as long as council rescources were not used and any conflicts of interest or bias were “managed appropriately”.
Cr Cox’s endorsement of Mr Kozmevski coincided with nominations for the by-election being submitted to the VEC.
As of Friday, June 20 six candidates had nominated. TheywereMrKozmevski,MsMcNaught, Mary Krassos, Samjhana Uprety, William Sharp and Michael Labrador.
Mr Kozmevski said he was re-contesting the election “to continue serving our
community with honesty and integrity”, adding the people responsible for the by-election should be “ashamed”.
Ms McNaught said she had nominated once again because the last six months in council had been “interesting to say the least”.
“Itreallyjustgoestoshowitisimportant who we decide represents us,” she said.
Mr Sharp said there was a perception council was not functioning well and that his experience as a worker advocate in the buildingindustrycouldhelpsolvesomeof the issues council was facing.
MsUpretysaidshewaspassionateabout
ensuring every member of the community had a voice and would use her experience as a community leader to build a stronger, more inclusive Whittlesea. MrLabradorsaidhenominatedbecause he believed changes needed to be made in Lalor. “After seeing the election that I voted in be undermined due to fraud, I knew that if there was to be change in Lalor and in our wider community, I had to be the change I wanted to see,” he said. Ms Krassos could not be contacted. Postal ballots for the by-election will be mailed to voters from July 14 and voting will close at 6pm on August 1.
Foodbank chief executive David McNamara in the supermarket bus. (Damjan Janevski) 485066
Whittlesea locks in budget
By Tom Ingleton
Whittlesea ratepayers will face an average rate rise of 3 per cent next financial year after council adopted its 2025-26 budget.
The budget, endorsed at the June 17 council meeting, includes a focused $110.69 million capital works program
Key projects include the continued construction of the Regional Sports Precinct, completion of Murnong (Patterson Drive) and West Wollert community centres, the upgrade of Peter Hopper Lake in Mill Park, and road
resurfacingandplaygroundimprovements across the municipality.
The budget allocates $57.25 million to roads and public transport, $51.02 million to parks and open space, $49.96 million to leisure and community facilities, $8.52 million to safety initiatives and $1.99 million to arts and culture.
Waste charges will increase to $409.95 due to a 28 per cent rise in the state government’s landfill levy.
Councillor Lawrie Cox said the budget processhadbeendetailedandtransparent.
“It’s an important process – not a rubber
Saving the earless dragon
St Mary’s Primary School is working toward official recognition as a Fighting Extinction School – an initiative led by Melbourne Zoo that celebrates student-driven conservation.
While not formally partnered yet, the school is applying to join the program.
“Our students have been highly engaged in learning about critically endangered Australian animals,” STEM specialist teacher Kayla Borg said.
“This engagement stems from the relevance of the topic to our local environment and where the students live.”
Akeyareaoffocusattheschoolhasbeen animal conservation, with a particular focus on the Victorian grassland earless dragon. The tiny reptile, rediscovered in 2023 after fears it had vanished forever, has captured the imagination of students learning about endangered species in
Australia.
“Our students are currently working on some amazing projects that we will be submitting to the zoo as part of this initiative,” Ms Borg explained.
“We chose the earless dragon because it was rediscovered in 2023 and Melbourne Zoo is putting in a lot of research and time to help discover more earless dragons and help save this species.”
The students are pooling their pocket money to buy special earless dragon tote bags from the zoo’s gift shop, with all proceeds going to conservation efforts.
“We have focused on endangered Australian animals where they need to identify ways that we can help protect them. They are beginning to understand howimportantitistoprotectourAustralian habitats as these are home to endangered animals,” said Ms Borg.
stamp – with many discussions behind the scenes,” Cr Cox said.
“Wewillbeafteralotmoreinfrastructure and we will be seeking state and federal support, not just raising rates. We understand people are under financial pressure.”
Cr Deb Gunn described the plan as “fiscally responsible” and noted council’s efforts to minimise the impact on households.
“Therates–yeah,ithurtswhenitgoesup – but it could’ve been a lot worse,” Cr Gunn said. “It wouldn’t be fiscally responsible to
not raise rates. We’ve kept them as low as possible while ensuring services remain strong.”
Council will continue to support vulnerable residents through its Financial Hardship Policy and $18.2 million in community grants over 10 years.
Mayor Martin Taylor thanked community members for their time to provide feedback during the consultation process.
“Your insights have helped the council shape a fair, balanced, current and future-focused budget.”
We’re upgrading the Donnybrook Road and Mitchell Street intersection to reduce travel times, improve safety and cater for population growth.
Planning is also progressing for the upgrade of Donnybrook Road between Mickleham Road and Epping Road.
Have your say
We want your feedback to help inform our planning work. We want to hear your views on safety, traffic flow and what we should consider in our planning for future improvements to Donnybrook Road.
We also want to hear what we should consider when planning the construction approach for the Donnybrook Road and Mitchell Street Intersection Upgrade.
Merrifield City (Outside Chemist Warehouse) Saturday 28 June, 10am to 12pm & Thursday 3 July 5.30pm to 7.30pm.
Shared Cup 995 Donnybrook Road Saturday 28 June, 1pm to 3pm.
or visit
upgrades by 13 July 2025
Whittlesea’s St Mary’s Primary School, student Sam. (Damjan Janevski) 480449_05
Call for tougher penalties
By Georgia Tacey
Humecounciliscallingforhigherpenalties for illegal dumpers.
At the June 10 council meeting, Cr Naim Kurt successfully put forward a notice of motion to request an immediate review of the penalty amounts assigned to littering and dumping offences under the Environment Protection Act 2017.
The current maximum penalties under theactmeancouncilcanissueamaximum on the spot fine of $395 for individuals and $1976 for corporations caught illegally dumping under 50 litres of litter.
“Every week we hear from residents
frustrated about the dumped mattresses, the broken furniture, the household junk, and the commercial waste sometimes left on our nature strips, parks and laneways. It’s a blight on our streets and I think a burden on our ratepayers,” Cr Kurt said.
Cr Kurt said council has invested significantlytofightbackagainstdumpers, saying “if you dump in Hume, you will be caught and you will be called out”.
“The cost to clean up these dumps is often three to four times that amount for ratepayers,” he said.
“Even worse, some of the data I got last yearwasthat80percentofillegaldumpings in Hume are often done by people who
Golden echoes of the past
The past pulses through every brushstroke of Antiqueanism, a luminous new exhibition by Egyptian artist Rasha Wanase-RW, where ancient symbolism and modern aesthetics collide in gold-drenched harmony.
Unfolding like a scroll of timeless narrative, the exhibition showcases watercolour paintings and low-relief canvasworksthatshimmerwithsculptural texture and abstract energy.
Gold, ever-present, gleams not just as decoration but as a symbol of value, eternity and artistic legacy.
“It’s all about keeping this history alive, the protection of this kind of art,” Rasha said. “When I started to carve the symbols, theartwork,Iwastryingtoprotectitforthe upcoming generations.”
Rasha is the founder of Antiqueanism,
an emerging art movement that merges contemporary materials with ancient Egyptian iconography.
Rasha’sEgyptologybackgroundenriches everymotif,drawingalinefromPaleolithic cave art to the present.
“Back to my education, studying Egyptology, I found out that the symbols from 35,000 years ago are the same symbols expressing the feeling of fire, the air, the sun … so because of my studies and connection to the art that I’m fond of, the ancient time actually represents the present time too.
“It’s like a bridge between the past and thepresent.Withouttheartist,wewouldn’t know the history.
The exhibition runs until September 21 at the Gee Lee-Wik Doleen Gallery, Hume Global Learning Centre in Craigieburn.
don’t even live in our community.
“They see our wide open spaces, come into the industrial zones, our generous areas here and they dump their rubbish willy-nilly and without thought because the penalties are too low to care.”
As part of his motion, council will be writing to the state government and environment minister, Municipal Association of Victoria, and the EnvironmentProtectionAuthority(EPA)to request for the review.
Councilwillalsoberampingupitssocial mediacampaignsontheissue,tomakethe community aware this isn’t just a council issue.
A state government spokesperson said the EPA has increased activity in the past year to target illegal dumping, specifically of dumped waste tyres and asbestos as incidents have risen across the state.
The spokesperson also confirmed the maximum court penalty for businesses is $3,951,800, and for individuals $800,000 or five years imprisonment, or both.
“Illegal dumping has an impact on local communities and environment and that’s why we have given the EPA greater powers to crack down on illegal dumping, including tougher penalties for repeat offenders,” the spokesperson said.
Rasha Wanase-RW with her artwork ‘Canobia’. (Damjan Janevski)
More support for mums
For three decades, Belinda Toohey has worked at the intersection of advocacy, disability support, and community care –and now she’s turning her focus to a group she believes has long been overlooked; mothers.
The Founder and chief executive of Including You Disability Services is launching a support group for mums raisingchildrenwithdisabilities.
The group will offer connection, shared learning, grief support, and a space to celebrate children’s achievements –somethingMsTooheysaidislongoverdue.
“There’s a gap for mothers who have children with disabilities, and to be able to seek assurance, guidance and learning from other mums will be amazing –whethertheyhavenewbornsorhaveraised childrenwithadisability,”MsTooheysaid.
Ms Toohey wants the group to offer emotional and practical help, from strategies to navigate day-to-day life, to help accessing services and referrals that most general mothers’ groups can’t provide.
“Withamothers’groupyouhaveacircle of support, but it’s also about grief,” she said.
“Grief isn’t just one situation when a child is born with a disability – that grief goes on for a lifetime. I want to have those conversationsandbuildresilience.”
“If a mum is returning week to week, finding it invaluable, making friendships, orheadinghomeafterasessionfeelingless isolated–that’ssuccessforus.
Two teenagers have been charged after a stolen SUV crashed near the Hume Freeway in Epping on June 18, leaving six people seriously injured. The vehicle was allegedly stolen from a Doreen home and tracked by police before it rolled. Investigations are ongoing.
Blood drive
Ambulance Victoria is rallying for the Emergency Services Blood Drive this winter, encouraging staff to donate blood, plasma, and platelets. The campaign runs from until August 31 in partnership with Australian Red Cross Lifeblood.
$200k aluminum theft
A 39-year-old Meadow Heights man has been arrested after a trailer carrying more than $200,000 worth of aluminium was allegedly stolen from a Campbellfield warehouse. He was tracked and found hiding in a Broadmeadows creek. Police are searching for a second suspect.
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• Our high-quality programs, run by qualified staff, let children explore and learn through play and in nature.
• Our centres are welcoming, inclusive and are a part of the local community.
• Many centres also provide additional support services, like maternal and child health, allied health, and playgroups.
• Long day care • Free Kinder for three- and fouryear-olds
Government subsidies like Child Care Subsidy and Free Kinder can help with fees.
Belinda Toohey is launching a dedicated support group for mother’s raising children with disabilities. (Damjan Janevski) 482243_01
Call for library overhaul
By Tom Ingleton
The future of Tullamarine’s undersized and under-resourced library could be set for change, as Hume councillors back a proposal to explore expanded hours, new infrastructure, and even 24-7 access, while also pushing to restore a community hall’s historicalname.
Speaking during the June 10 council meeting, councillor Naim Kurt urged council to prepare a report on the state of Tullamarine’s library and adjacent War MemorialHall.
“The current library in Tullamarine
is currently our shortest opening hours library,”CrKurtsaid.“Butit’salibrarythat’s packingarealpunchamongresidents.”
At just 20 hours per week and with only one full-service day on Wednesdays, the library struggles to meet the growing needs ofachangingsuburb.
“The facility is under resourced and in need of improvement to make sure it is modern and suitable for the needs of the Tullamarinecommunity,“CrKurtsaid.
He suggested the demographic shift was a part of the pressure and need for improvement.
“There is a younger demographic moving
College is resource smart
St. Monica’s College has been crowned campus infrastructure and operations schooloftheyearatthe2025ResourceSmart Schools Awards.
Held at the MCG and hosted by TV personality Costa Georgiadis, Victoria’s largest sustainability celebration had 10 of 31finalistschoolswalkawaywithhonours. ButitwasStMonica’sthatstoodoutforits transformation of an unused sports pitch by Darebin Creek into a vibrant wetland teeming with life.
Led by their student action team, EnviroFriends, the school breathed new life into the area–recreating habitats for endangered species of the Victorian Volcanic Plains Grassland ecosystem. Frog saunas, fish hotels and net boxes werejustsomeofthecreativeconstructions used to encourage biodiversity.
The judging panel praised the students for their strong collaboration with a broad range of external organisations, councils and businesses noting that it had enriched students’ learning experience and built skills in environmental monitoring.
A five-time finalist, St. Monica’s has consistently been recognised for its efforts, winninginboththecurriculumleadership and student action team of the year (Secondary) categories in 2024.
This year, teacher Ben Coleman was also shortlisted for secondary teacher of the year.
Theschool’slatestwinreflectsmorethan a decade of steady progress in weaving sustainability into everyday school life–not just through projects, but through partnerships and student-led initiatives that aim for long-term impact.
into Tullamarine at the moment, there are a lot of young families which are using the library as it is and there are a lot of seniors who are using The Chatty Cafe,” Cr Kurt said.
He also raised concerns that limited opening times reduce access to programs likeBabyBounce.
“I know people in my own family who have recently had children – unfortunately, because of the opening hours, they’re only able to access one Baby Bounce program everyfewweeksthere.”
“Onethingthatwasraisedintheprevious council term was the opportunities for the 24-7accesstolibraries–somethingthathas been trialled in rural councils – and it was identified the Tullamarine Library could potentiallybeonetoo.”
Themotionalsocallsfortherestorationof the Tullamarine War Memorial Hall name, whichhasbeenlistedincouncildocuments astheTullamarineCommunityHall.
“I’m quite outraged actually by the renaming of the Tullamarine Community Hall because it’s a link back to the history not just of Tullamarine but of Melbourne,” CrSteveGagensaid.
St. Monica’s College, Teresa, Sahib, Nathan, Amna, Aira and Ben. (Supplied)
Hume eyes amenity blitz
By Tom Ingleton
A city-wide clean-up is on the cards in Hume as council throws its support behind a proactive blitz on waste, graffiti and unsightly public spaces.
Theproposedprogramincludesfunding for four additional city laws officers and $200,000 in extra contractor costs to ramp up graffiti removal and waste management.
It comes as an interim step toward a broader “amenity blitz” strategy aimed at improvingtheappearanceandup-keepof
entire suburbs in the municipality.
Speaking during the June 10 council meeting, councillor Naim Kurt said the blitz-style approach had delivered results in the past.
“Last year we came up with the idea of an amenity blitz proposal for different parts of the city and it’s something that our council has done before quite successfully,” Cr Kurt explained.
“We’ve done amenity blitzes with shopping trolleys, we’ve done it before with real estate signs – and this is just really taking it to the next level.”
Extra parking needed now
Commuters are calling for urgent improvements to parking facilities at Donnybrook train station, as demand continues to outpace supply in one of Melbourne’sfastest-growingcorridors.
Northern Victoria MP Wendy Lovell and Northern Metropolitan MP Evan Mulholland are also calling for the state government to expand the station’s car park, citing mounting frustration from locals who struggle to find spaces each morning.
Ms Lovell said Donnybrook was one of thefastest-growingsuburbsinMelbourne.
“An additional 150 parking spaces were added five years ago, but that’s simply a drop in the ocean compared to what’s needednow,”shesaid.
In Parliament, Ms Lovell highlighted the experience of a Springs Road resident living adjacent to the station who is
regularly unable to park outside her own home due to overflow parking from train users.
Mr Mulholland described the parking situationas“ashocker.”
“This is more than just a minor inconvenience. It’s pushing commuters onto surrounding roads, causing frustration for residents and congestion duringpeakhours,“hesaid.
The Liberal MPs said a solution needs to shouldincludenotonlymorecarparksbut alsoimprovedbusservicesandcontinuous pedestrian and bike paths linking the stationtonewhousingdevelopments.
The state government was contacted for comment.
Liberal MPs Evan Mulholland and Wendy Lovell. (Damjan Janevski) 482911_01
Cr Kurt said the full-scale blitz would cost about $1.5 million, which council is not yet in a position to fund.
However, the interim version focuses on mobilising multiple department s–from the trees and parks team to city laws and waste crews –to improve entire neighbourhoods in a co-ordinated push.
“As an interim measure we have put in for additional hard waste collection, and we will be trailing this to see what difference this does make to our city,” Cr Kurt said.
“We also ran a very successful program
in Craigieburn which we were hoping to expandtootherareasaswell…I’mhopeful it does make a difference.”
CrKarenSherrysaiditwasasteptoward restoring pride in Hume’s public spaces.
“Along with the waste management response team, I believe that this interim measure which has been proposed by Cr Kurt will ensure there is more amenity and cleanliness in the municipality,” Cr Sherry said.
Council will track data from the initiative and report back in 12 months to assess its success.
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Meet the Principal
Principal inspires students
At Penola Catholic College, staff believe every student deserves the opportunity to grow, be challenged, and feel a true sense of belonging.
UndertheleadershipofprincipalTracey Kift, the college continues to deliver an environment where students are known, supported and inspired to be their best.
The college’s goal is to nurture confident, compassionate and capable young people. Staff want students to step into the future equipped with knowledge, values and the belief that they can make a difference.
Rooted in Catholic values and a strong sense of community, Penola provides a learning environment where excellence is a way of life. In everything they do, staff are proud to live out the message that Penola is Excellence, in learning, in leadership, in faith and in character.
This year, Penola proudly introduced the Advanced Learning Program at Year 7, an exciting opportunity for high-achieving students to be extended through rich, future-focused learning and personalised support. It’s just one of the many ways Penola helps students excel and discover their passion.
Beyond academic growth, Penola is a vibrant and welcoming place where students thrive through friendships, cocurricular experiences, and leadership opportunities. Whether in the classroom, on stage, on the field, or in service to othersevery child is encouraged to excel.
Enrolments for Year 7 in 2027 are now open, secure your child’s future today!
Penola Catholic College principal Tracey Kift.
New Kennards Hire branch opens its doors in Craigieburn
Kennards Hire has officially opened its doors in Craigieburn, bringing a brand-new, purpose-built 3,000sqm site to the heart of Melbourne’s north. As Craigieburnanditsneighbouringsuburbs continue to thrive, the new branch is here to support local tradies, families, and businesses with the gear they need to get the job done - with a team ready to support the local community.
As Kennards Hire’s second purposebuilt site in Victoria, following Ballarat in 2023, the branch has been built with locals in mind. Designed for customer convenience, the branch features a sideentry counter to streamline pick-ups and drop-offs, and stocks everything from earthmovingandaccessgeartolawncare and construction equipment.
Led by branch manager James McMillan, the team of five is made up of people who know the area, three of whom live nearby or have previously worked in surrounding branches. With a focus on building a people-first culture, James says he’s excited to be creating a workplace based on trust, growth and collaboration.
“I’ve always aspired to be the kind of leader who brings out the best in people,” James said.
Area manager Scott Rimmer, who oversees seven branches across northern Melbourne, knows that it’s the familyowned business value of One Family, along with the team’s local ties that will maketheteamatruecommunitypartner.
“This isn’t just about opening a branch - it’s about becoming part of the community,” he said.
“The culture here is real and it’s why I’ll probably retire here.”
While the Craigieburn team is just getting started, neighbouring Kennards Hire branches have already been active in supporting local community groups, including clubs like Loughlan Football Club and Wallan Football Netball Club offering practical help such as traffic control gear, marquees, and barbecues.
Building on this legacy, the Craigieburn team is looking to partner with local schools, clubs, and events to offer practical support where it’s needed most.
Located at 1-3 Grasslands Avenue, just off Sydney Road and the Hume Highway, the new branch offers easier access to equipment for tradies, businesses, and DIYersacrossCraigieburn,Campbellfield, Roxburgh Park and nearby areas.
For all your hire equipment needs, get in touch with the local team on 7303 1800 or visit kennards.com.au
Come along to a special screening of the 1998 animated classic ‘A Bug’s Life’ and
4 July, 6pm-9pm
Craigieburn branch staff Elmo Anastacio, area manager Scott Rimmer, branch manager James McMillan, Montel Pritchard and Mousa Ghosn. (Suppliled)
Breaking new ground for lifestyle living in Beveridge
Construction has kicked off on the residentonly clubhouse and resort-style facilities in Beveridge’s newest downsizing community -IngeniaLifestyleSpringside.
The exciting milestone was marked by a sod turning ceremony with future residents invited as VIP guests before they begin moving into their homes in the coming months.
“This event marks the start of what will become the beating heart of our community,” said Ingenia Communities CEOJohnCarfi.
“We’re creating well-thought-out amenitiesthatbringpeopletogether-places to relax, stay active, and feel a real sense of belonging. It’s all about building a thriving community, and with this milestone, this communityisreallystartingtotakeshape.”
The clubhouse is set to be completed by aroundthistimenextyear,andwillfeaturea lounge area, bar and billiards tables, as well as an indoor heated pool, gym, yoga studio, gold-class-stylecinema,artandcraftstudio, library, hair salon, outdoor barbecue area, pluscroquetandpickleballcourts.
“The new facilities tick all the boxes for us,” said Ingenia Lifestyle Springside homeownersPaulandJenny.
“Amorningswim,anafternoonbarbecue or a coffee - we can’t wait to be part of this newcommunity.”
Aswellasconstructiononthecommunity facilities, work is underway across the development, with more new homes being built and community landscaping underway.
The masterplan features 262 architecturally designed homes with smart eco-friendly features designed to save residents over $2,000 a year on household bills compared to an original 30 year
old gas home*. Plus all homes are lowmaintenance, which means less worries about upkeep, and more time to enjoy lifeincludingtheresort-stylefacilitiesrighthere inthecommunity.
With move-in-ready options for new buyers, those exploring the idea of downsizing this year are in luck with this strictlylimited-timeoffer:eligiblecustomers can be in line for a $20,000 discount on their new luxury home at Ingenia Lifestyle Springside**.
You can also come and see what luxury
living is like at Ingenia Lifestyle Springside byjoiningourdisplayhomesgrandopening eventon3July.
Withhomesnowsellingfrom$475,000*** and Ingenia Lifestyle benefits including no exit fees, no deferred management fees (DMF) and no stamp duty, plus resort-style facilities on your doorstep, and stunning low-maintenance homes, you’ll find a place to live life to the fullest at Ingenia Lifestyle Springside.
For more information on Ingenia Lifestyle Springside go to ingenialifestyle.
com.au/beveridge or call Louise on 0438 017752.
*Kinesis ‘Green Star Home Sustainability Analysis Report’, October 2024. Visit Ingenialifestyle.com.au/Beveridge for more information
**Terms & conditions apply. Visit Ingenialifestyle.com.au/Beveridge for more information
***Price is based on owning your home andleasingthelandandiscorrectatthetime of publishing and subject to change without notice.
Grand Opening Event
Grand Opening Event
To RSVP call 03 8723
City View Bistro is decking the halls and you’re invited
Why wait until December to indulge in festive feasting? Melbourne Greyhounds’ City View Bistro is bringing the cheer early with its Christmas in July dining specials – an unforgettable winter experience packed with flavour, warmth, and a touch ofseasonalmagic.
ThroughoutJuly,thebistrowilltransform into a winter retreat, where diners can enjoy the brand-new winter menu as well as traditional Christmas favourites with a gourmet twist. Think pepper crusted roast beef sirloin, fig and cranberry stuffed chicken breast, indulgent plum pudding and Christmas pavlova. Whether you’re after a hearty meal or a casual catch-up, there’s something to suit every appetite andcelebrationstyle.
Nestled in the Northcorp Industry Park, Broadmeadows - just off Camp Road - The City View Bistro delivers more than just a deliciousmeal.
Set against the backdrop of world-class greyhound racing at The Meadows, the City View Bistro offers a dining experience that’s vibrant, energetic, and distinctly Melbourne,aplacewheregreatfoodmeets excitementinawayfewvenuescanmatch.
Perfect for work parties, family outings, or a festive night out with friends, the bistro’s Christmas in July specials offer a fun and flavourful way to beat the winter blues with great-value food and beverage offeringstosuiteverygroup.
With limited seats available and bookings already filling fast, don’t miss out on this mid-year festive feast at the northern-suburbsbest-keptdiningsecret.
To reserve your table or explore the menu, visit melbournegreyhounds.org. au or call (03) 9355 5222.
Ride to educate refugees
By Sahar Foladi
A Hazara former refugee has embarked on an extraordinary 4000-kilometre cycling journey to raise educational funds for refugeesandAfghanwomen.
Muzafar Ali has begun pedalling from Maleny, Queensland, to Adelaide, South Australia, passing through Whittlesea later thismonth.
It is one of a series of brief stops for Muzafar’steamontheirRideforEducation, includinginseveralruralcommunities.
“The cycle has a special place from my childhood when my father used to take me toschoolanhourawayforeightyearsofmy life,”Muzafarsaid.
“This cycle is very symbolic to me and helpedmecontinuemyeducation.
“This time I want to use it to raise awarenessandraisefundsforrefugeesstuck inIndonesiaandwomeninAfghanistan.”
The ride, which coincides with Refugee Week 2025, is part of a campaign to raise $250,000 to support eight schools, 130 teachers, and more than 2000 students across seven countries through Cisarua Learning, a refugee-led organisation co-founded by Muzafar in Indonesia in 2014.
It is named after the Indonesian town Cisarua, which is also the staging post for asylum-seeker boats headed for Christmas Island.
Muzafar worked as a UN political analyst in Afghanistan, actively engaged in the promotion of human rights among other critical works before fleeing threats from theTalibanin2012.
As a refugee in Indonesia for two years with no rights to work or education, he
co-founded the first refugee-led school in WestJava. He, his wife, sister and sister-in-law becamethefirstteachervolunteers.
“Whenwestartedourfirstrefugeeschool in Indonesia with just $200, we never imagined it would grow into what it is today,”Muzafarsaid.
“This ride is about connecting with the communities who have supported us along the way and raising awareness about the critical situation facing women’s education inAfghanistan.”
What started as a school has grown into a holistic refugee pre-resettlement support organisation that provides education to refugees from many war-torn countries, all basedinIndonesia.
The school is running strong with nine schools in Indonesia, six of them supported through Cisarua Learning by not only providing English classes but also psycho-social activities such as sports, to minimisethementalhealthissues,senseof purposeandbelonging.
AccordingtoMuzafar,theschoolconsists of students aged four to 68 years, including women who have not previously attended school and are having a go at learning English.
“When they attend school, a lot of them don’t know English and we use English as a common language to learn and use the Australiancurriculum.
“When resettled, they go to their age-appropriate classes straightaway; they don’tneedtoattendEAL.”
Capable students become teachers after Year 9 or above and teachers can move up to become managers, providing a career pathway.
During Musafar’s ride, the film ‘The Staging Post’ directed by director and Cisarua Learning co-founder Jolyon Hoff is beingscreenedinseveralstop-offpoints.
The film follows Muzafar’s life in Indonesia,thecommunityandschool.
Left: Muzafar Ali during the 4000-kilometre trip. Top right: Cisarua Learning in Indonesia provides psycho-social activities and sports for refugees. Centre right: The first school started off in a two-room building with $200. After a week there were 50 students on the waiting list. This villa was rented out through funding from supporters. Right: The school in Indonesia operates from early childhood through to university-accredited high school certificate level. (Pictures: Supplied)
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication
Bundoora Probus Club
Bundoora Probus meets on the second Wednesday of each month at St Peters Anglican Church Hall, Alma Road, Bundoora, at 10am. Enjoy guest speakers, excursions, coffee mornings, lunches, walks and craft sessions.
Leanne, 0419 004 997
Craft Market
Join the fun at Bridgewater Retirement Village’s Craft Market and Devonshire Tea on July 19, 8.30am-2pm. Enjoy handmade crafts, local stalls, and a delicious morning tea. Interested in hosting a stall?
Liz Munro, 0409 712 613
Inclusive tennis
A free weekly tennis program for people with disabilities and/or special needs, or if your just struggling to access mainstream sport programs. Held at Epping Tennis Club, 861 High Street, Epping, on Thursdays from 5-6pm.
play.tennis.com.au/eppingtennisclub.au
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.
ynthia 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
This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Hobsons Bay
Club
Sue
and
Blackwood, Lois Hunt, Marg Morrissey and Susan Morwood, who won the prestigious Australian
Division 2. (Damjan Janevski) 484361_01
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, or 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
Craigieburn Toastmasters
Craigieburn Toastmasters supports community members in developing and practising their public speaking, leadership, and communication skills. It meets the first and third Thursday, from 7-9pm, at the Craigieburn Guide Hall, 33 Hamilton Street, Craigieburn.
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 www.craigieburn.org.au
Whittlesea Historical Society
The Whittlesea Historical Society welcomes anyone interested in the history of the City of Whittlesea area. A meeting schedule is available on the society’s website.
www.whittleseahistoricalsociety.org.au
Indigenous Community Gardens
Westmeadows Indigenous Community Garden members are hosting a monthly open day on the first Saturday of each month, 11am-noon, to showcase the gardens at the corner Toora Drive and Redan Court. All are welcome.
Eva Mazzei, emmmazzei@gmail.com
Craigieburn Residents Association
Do you live in Craigieburn and wonder what’s happening re-roads and facilities, or have a concern you’d like to raise so it can be addressed? Go along to the
Craigieburn Residents Association and tell them about it. The association liaises with Hume council, as well as state and federal government organisations to get the job done. They also give annual donations to a local charity each year. They meet on the last Wednesday of the month at Selwyn House, Selwyn Avenue, Craigieburn, 7.30pm.
craigieburnresidents@gmail,com, or 0401 369 311
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://tinyurl.com/2wbet35x
Menergise men’s walk and talk Every Thursday from 7pm, starting at the Mernda Neighbourhood House. A nightly walk for men to get some exercise and shoot the breeze in the breeze.
0475 454 133
Yacht
skipper
Burke
team members Jude
Women’s Keelboat Regatta
Colourful exhibition
An exhibition of works by late indigenous artist Josh Muir will become the first to feature in the newly re-opened Wyndham ArtGallery.
The gallery was temporarily closed late last year due to the Wyndham Cultural Centre theatre undergoing refurbishment andmaintenanceworks.
To mark it’s re-opening, the gallery will host JXSH MVIR: Forever I Live, a touring exhibition curated by Koorie Heritage Trust(KHT)fromFriday,July11toSunday, September28.
JXSH MVIR: Forever I Live, is the first major solo retrospective exhibition of Muir’s,whodiedin2022.
The exhibition is co-curated by Muir’s partner Shanaya Sheridan, his mother Justine Berg and the curatorial team at KHT.
Muir a Yorta Yorta Yorta, Gunditjmara, and Barkindji artist, was born and raised inWadawurrungcountryinBallarat.
The exhibition title is taken from an artwork of the same name – Forever I
Live (2015) – and references the ongoing legacy that continues to live in Muir’s artworkbeyondlifeitself.
His artworks draw on a range of themes including cultural identity, the impacts and legacies of colonisation, extending to more personal experiences of mental health,addiction,lossandgrief.
Wyndham mayor Mia Shaw described the exhibition, which fuses contemporary art, bold colour, and cultural resilience, as “stunning“.
The artworks in the exhibition include references to the late artist’s street art practice, colourful visuals and the use of VR/AR to tell a strong and evocative narrative.
“It is an impressive exhibition that uses colour and geometric patterning across a range of media, including painting, digital prints on aluminium, neon, animated video works and augmented reality experiences,“CrShawsaid.
The Gallery’s beloved fashion parade is celebrating20years.
For the past two decades, every July the best display of local fashion is exhibited, with the public invited to see makers and gallery members have their creations modelledonthecatwalk.
The Art to Wear Parade will feature creative designs by 25 talented makers from across the state, with a unique collectionofhandmadeclothing,jewellery andvariousaccessories.
Alongside the parade at Juilbee Hall, the art won’t stop inside the walls, with a displayofkimonostorivaltheNGV’sinthe foyer.
To complement the parade, once again the champagne afternoon tea will be part of the proceedings, so its the perfect opportunity to gather some friends, enjoy somebubblesandenjoyashow.
Sue Anson, who handles publicity for TheGallery,saidtheparadeisamust-see.
“Itwillbequitealovelyafternoon…have a champagne when you arrive and you’ll be treated to a lovely parade of Victorian handmadegarments,”shesaid.
Ms Anson said that one of the artists featured will be local Colleen Weste, who help create the parade 20 years ago alongsidethelateJoanBurke.
All garments not sold on the day will be featuredatTheGalleryinMountMacedon duringJuly.
The Art to Wear Parade will be taking place on Saturday July 5 at 1pm to 3pm at Juilbee Hall in Macedon, with tickets costing$30andonlyavailableonline.
Tickets:www.trybooking.com/DCDAT
Givit to get punk rock proceeds for the third year
Punk rock will come to Footscray on Saturday, June 28 to kick out the jams for charity.
ZeWisenheimer,En_ZoandDisgruntled Civil Servant will play at Givit III, an fundraising gig held at Mam Chen’s which isnowinit’sthirdyear.
Allproceedsfromthegigwillgotowards Givit,anationalnot-for-profitthatpartners directly with councils, recovery outreach teams, charities and community groups to connect those in need with generous donors, ensuring that people experiencing hardship receive the essential goods and services they need, when they need them
Doors open at 7.30pm, with Melbourne three-piece Disgruntled Civil Servant first on the bill, playing tracks from their recently released five-song EP ‘The Woke MindVirus’.
They will be followed by self described dark wave western meets post-punk queer goths, En_Zo and then headliners, noisey post-punkfour-piece,ZeWisenheimer. Ticketsare$15plusbookingfeeor$20at thedoor.
Film focuses on migrant stories
An award-winning Eynesbury podcaster, filmmaker, and musician is sharing the stories of migrants – including those living in Melton – through his latest film, set to be presented with live soundtracking in Carltonnextmonth.
Eynesbury resident Simon Reich has been touring his latest multimedia project across Australia, which includes filmed interviews with people from various European countries on one screen, migrants’ own photographs and videos on a secondscreenwithimmersivesound design complementing the touching stories.
This is also soundtracked by a quartet of Melbourne Symphony Orchestra members and live grand piano.
Reich said he was inspired by his father, who immigrated to Australia from war-torn Berlin, and his multimedia show is “nothing like a dryanddustyhistorylesson.“
“It is a multimedia presentation, and the migrants tell of their war experiences, why they wanted to travel to the other side of the world, and how they fared in their newly adoptedcountry,”Reichsaid.
“At times it’s tragic, disheartening and racist, but ultimately, it’s a feel-good story of gutsy and inspirational people who created the backbone of Australian society,” he said.
“With war in Ukraine and Israel and continuing hostility towards migrants, this project shows that Australia and the world still has a lot to learn about what happened in the past.”
The interviews featured in this show formed the basis for Reich’s documentary titled Bonegilla: The Migrant’s Journey, which was recently selected in the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival as one of 30 films from thousands of entries acrosstheworld.
The film features former migrants, some who live in the Melton municipality, and all the editing, post-production and soundtrack music recording were completed in Reich’sEynesburyrecordingstudio.
As part of the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival next month, Bonegilla: The Migrant’s Journey will be presented with a live piano and violin soundtrack at 7.30pm on Friday, July 25 at Cinema Nova,380LygonStreet,Carlton.
For more information and to book, visit: https://mammachens.com.au/gigs/ TolistentoZeWisenheimer,goto:https:// zewisenheimer.bandcamp.com/album/ live-live-live-bad-decisions-271122
To listen to En_Zo, go to: https:// enzopunkband.bandcamp.com/album/ nil-zero-nothing TohearmoreofDisgruntleCivilServant, visit: https://disgruntledcivilservant. bandcamp.com/
For more information on Givit, visit: https://www.givit.org.au/take-action/ ways-to-give/give-against-an-appeal/ domestic-and-family-violence
Fashion from last year’s show. (Supplied)
Eynesbury podcaster, filmmaker, and musician Simon Reich. (Supplied).
Josh Muir, JXSH MVIR: Forever I Live will be on display at the Wyndham Art Gallery from July 11. (Supplied)
SPORTS QUIZ
1. The Magic are an NBA team based in which US city?
2. Oscar Piastri collided with which other driver in the recent Canadian Grand Prix?
3. Which South African batsman was named Player of the Match in the World Test Championship Final?
4. Aussie basketballer Shyla Heal recently signed to play for which WNBL team?
5. In addition to England, which two other men’s teams will tour Australia during the 2025–26 cricket schedule?
6. Geelong Cats player Patrick Dangerfield recently reached what milestone for games played?
In golf, what does LPGA stand for?
Blue Ribbon Sports was the original name of which athletic footwear and clothing company?
North Melbourne sold two of its home games to which state during the 2025 AFL season?
The Cy Young Award is given to the best Major League Baseball players in what position?
John McEnroe makes a cameo appearance in which 2004 romantic sports comedy film?
In which year did GWS Giants join the AFL?
Who hit the game-winning shot for the Indiana Pacers in their 111–110 comeback victory over Oklahoma City in Game 1 of the NBA Finals?
14. Which Australian NFL player remains the league’s highest-paid at his position after signing a new $25 million deal?
15. While filming the latest Mission: Impossible movie, which actor performed 16 skydives using fuel-soaked parachutes that caught fire mid-air?
16. When the Seattle SuperSonics were sold and relocated, what NBA team did they become?
17. What is the Roland Garros Slam better known as?
18. Six of the last seven Yokozuna (highest-ranked sumo wrestler) were born in what country?
19. Who is the only current AFL coach to have not played in the AFL?
20. Where is the Brumbies sports team based?
21. How many countries will compete at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, an increase from the previous 32?
22. Which Australian batting allrounder recently retired from One Day International cricket?
23. 2028 Olympic hosts Los Angeles also hosted the Games in which two other years?
24. Which NSW Blues player was man of the match in game one of the rugby league State of Origin series?
25. Which former Geelong captain has been appointed alongside CEO Andrew Dillon as the AFL’s chief operating officer?
26. How old is current Spanish Formula One driver Fernando Alonso, who debuted in 2001?
27. Name Melbourne’s second Super Netball team, following the demise of the Collingwood Magpies.
28. Australian soccer coach Ange Postecoglou was sacked by Tottenham Hotspur despite winning which trophy?
29. Which Australian cricketer opened the batting for the first time in his career against South Africa in the World Test Championship final?
30. Following his
defeat in Stuttgart, tennis player Fabio Fognini called winner Corentin Moutet ‘a little’... what?
Fabio Fognini Fabio
Ange Postecoglou
ACROSS
1 Cover (5)
4 Came into line again (9)
9 Demand as a right (5)
10 Power cells (9)
11 Religious house (6)
12 In company (8)
14 Bringing to (10)
15 Fun activity (abbr) (3)
17 Curved path (3)
19 Snakelike (10)
23 Total (8)
24 Not liable (6)
26 Point to be judged upon (9)
27 Tree (5)
28 Game birds (9)
29 Dollars (coll) (5) DOWN
1 Receive (6)
2 Conjecture (7)
3 Japanese warrior (7)
4 Red precious stone (4)
5 Allowed (10)
6 Titanic sinker (7)
7 Not one nor the other (7)
8 Preoccupy (8)
13 Severe despondency and dejection (10)
16 Encumbrance (8)
18 Unite (7)
19 Merchants (7)
20 Public conveyance (7)
21 Wandering (7)
22 Hoards (6)
25 People (4)
1 How many countries border Austria?
2 What nationality is singersongwriter Sarah McLachlan?
3 In which war did the Charge of the Light Brigade take place?
4 John Goodman (pictured) plays which character in the Monsters, Inc. franchise?
5 What type of animal is an American marten?
6 How many yellow stars appear on the People’s Republic of China’s flag?
7 The Pont du Gard is a bridge in which country?
8 Which actor played the character of President Orlean in the 2021 film Don’tLookUp?
9 Ariel Sharon is the former prime minister of which country?
10 Monticello was the primary plantation of which US president?
Ioniq 5 is well equipped
By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring
The Ioniq 5 is not Hyundai’s first fully electric vehicle, not by a long shot, but it was their first EV based on a dedicated battery-electric platform.
The look of the car is inspired by Hyundai’s original Pony car, a small hatch from the 1970s that was South Korea’s first mass-produced exported vehicle.
The dedicated E-GMP electric vehicle platform offers advantages over dual purpose vehicles such as the Kona that are marketed with both electric or internal combustion powertrains.
In the case of the Ioniq 5 it means a fully flat floor and long three-metre wheelbase that delivers plenty of legroom and a largish boot. Generous rear legroom was achieved by making the front seats about 30 per cent thinner than typical seats.
Ioniq 5 now shares a platform with the Ioniq 6, Ioniq 9, Kia EV6, Kia EV9 and Genesis GV60. Prices for the Ioniq 5 start from $69,800 before on-road costs. Our test vehicle was the top of the range rear-wheel drive Epiq with a single electric motor, extended range battery and 20-inch wheels,andarangeof530km-pricedfrom $84,300.
Ioniq 5 comes in three grades, Ioniq 5, DynamiqandEpiq,withoneortwoelectric motors and rear- or all-wheel drive along with a standard or extended range battery.
A high performance N model is now also offered priced from a breathtaking $110,000.
Styling
Ioniq 5 received a facelift in July last year, with new look bumpers, a rear spoiler and redesigned wheels etc. A windscreen wiper was also added to the rear window at this time. Inside, the centre console was redesigned to provide easier access to air and seat heating controls. The steering wheel, instrument cluster bezel, multimedia screen, and seat pattern were also updated.
Many of the interior parts are made from recycled materials, including plastic bottles.
The size of the wheels plays a significant role in the ultimate range of the car which currently varies from 440km to a high of 570km.
The N Line sports pack adds $3150 to the price. Premium paint adds $1000, the N Line Pack $2500 and the Digital Mirror Pack $3000.
You might pay for it, but the Ioniq 5 is certainly well equipped.
Standard kit includes dual-zone climate air, combination wool and leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, acoustic laminated windscreen and side door glass, proximity entry with push-button start, power adjust driver seat and two-way manual recline rear seats (fore/aft adjustment, 60:40 split/fold), LED interior lighting and adjustable ambient lighting.
There’salsoa12.3-inchdigitalinstrument cluster, LED headlights, automatic high-beam, traffic sign recognition, auto lights and wipers, auto dimming rear view mirror, heated, power-fold mirrors, remote smart parking and tyre pressure monitoring.
Epiq adds 20-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres, eco-processed leather, smart LED projection headlights, rear privacy glass, rear door sunshades, power-operated tailgate, glass roof with power sunshade, front and rear heated seats, cooling for the front seats, heated steering wheel and two driver-seat
memories.
Digital side mirrors are an option, but make sure you try them before you buy them.
Standard warranty is five years with unlimitedkilometres.There’saneight-year, 160,000km battery replacement warranty.
Infotainment
Infotainment consists of a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth multi-connection, Voice control system, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluelink connected satellite navigation.
This model also scores Bose premium audio with eight speakers. There’s wireless phone charging and four USB-C ports, Vehicle-to-load (V2L) outlet inside the car and the system now supports over-the-air updates.
Bluelink connected car services, complimentary for five years, includes automatic emergency SOS.
It also allows users to set charge time, monitor distance to empty and can restart charging if necessary.
The app allows the owner to find EV charging stations and send the address to the car’s sat navigation.
Atoolshowsthedriveableradiuswith80 and 100 per cent charge levels.
Safety
Ioniq5scoresafullfivestarsforsafety,with seven airbags including a centre bag in the front, 360-degree camera and autonomous emergency braking (AEB).
There’s also head-up display, a blind spot camera with blind spot warnings, as well as a lane support system with lane keep assist (LKA), lane departure warning (LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK), and an advanced speed assistance system (SAS) are standard on all variants.
Engines/transmissions
Our test vehicle is powered by a single electricmotorthatdelivers168kWofpower and350Nmoftorque,withdrivetotherear wheels through a single-speed reduction gear transmission.
Driving
TheIoniq5isbyanymeasureanimpressive car. It’s not often that my better half and I agree on a car, but we both warmed to the Ioniq.
RATINGS
plus DC fast charger.
For a car that weighs over 2 tonnes, the Ioniq gets moving. The dash from 0-100km/h takes 7.3 seconds and it has a top speed of 185km/h.
Looks: 7.5
Performance: 8
Safety: 8
Thirst: 7
Practicality: 7
Comfort: 7
Tech: 8
Value: 7
Overall: 7.4
Moresobecauseitperformslikethekind of cars we’re used to, even though it’s an electric vehicle.
TheIoniq5Epiq(lovethatname)isquick and comfortable with plenty of legroom front and back plus a good-sized boot - all the things one looks for in a car.
As well as the boot there’s storage under the bonnet in the form of a frunk; 57 litres intheRWDand25litresintheAWDwhich is handy for storing cables.
It’s got a decent amount of range for an electricvehicletoo,withupto570kmifyou tick the right boxes. In fact, it’s the first EV we’vedriventhatindicatedaninitialrange ofmorethan600kmfullycharged-canyou believe it?
But why you’d option the larger, 20-inch wheels at the expense of driving range doesn’t make sense. Give us the 19s any day!
Anyone with an EV will tell you, it’s all about the range (and where and when you can recharge the car).
Even though our test vehicle showed 620kmwhenwepickeditup,we’restarting to believe this must be like ‘shop mode’ for TVs (makes them brighter and more vibrant).
That’s because the real range turned out to be 530km - the claimed range anyway. You sacrifice 40km stepping up from 19- to 20-inch wheels in the rear-drive Epiq.
It might not sound much, but it can make a difference when you get down to it. Further, despite the advertising, we’ve never found an EV or charge station that can deliver on the wildly optimistic promises that carmakers make of being able to recharge in less than 20 minutes.
Itjustdoesn’tpanout;despitethefactwe have a bank of 300kW Tesla Superchargers down the road.
And, when did a full charge morph into 80 per cent; keep in mind that a small portion of the battery is reserved for the system to continue functioning.
You can charge the battery to 100 per cent using a slower AC charger, but the industry has decided that 80 per cent is the mark when it comes to fast DC charging, otherwise it can shorten battery life. The chargeisstoredinan84kWhliquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack in the extended range, 80 kWh of which is useable.
Ioniq 5 has battery preconditioning to facilitate faster charging. This will take 35 hours with a so-called ‘granny’ charger (10A household power point), 11.6 hours withahomechargestation,oraslittleas18 minutes from 10-80 per cent with a 250kW
There are five selectable drive modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, My Drive, Snow which have accompanying instrument themes. Adding some drama to the drive experience is a virtual sound system with a choice of artificial sounds.
They’re electronica rather than engine emulations, in case you’re interested. Not many people are.
Brakemodeoffersanothertwo settings: Normal and Sport. Regenerative braking can be adjusted via the steering wheel mounted paddles, right down to one-pedal braking which brings the car to a stop when you lift off the accelerator.
There’salso‘Smart’regenerativebraking which is traffic and navigation based. Or youcanchoosetoignorethesesettingsand simply drive the car.
The ride is generally good but like most EVs it can become bouncy at times, as the springsloadandunload.Thelargeexternal mirrors can obscure vision, particularly thedriversidemirrorwhenyou’retryingto lookthroughacorner.Ifyou’reparkedona slope,releasingthehandbrakeandmoving off in reverse requires a dab touch on the accelerator, but just a touch.
Be ready to catch it with the brakes because the car is liable to lurch backwards. Fingers over or under? Facing the wrong direction, the pop-out handles are awkward to use.
The twist grip gear selector is present in many Hyundais and takes some mastering.
Although putting the car into park requires just the push of a button (which also engages the handbrake), we continually forgot to actually turn off the car.Automaticreverseandparallelparking are available if you feel game.
Speed sign recognition is annoying because it sounds a warning when you’re over the limit (like it is supposed to). The trouble is that it is often wrong, displaying a speed limit that does not relate to the current surroundings.
With claimed Energy consumption of 16.99 kWh/100km, we bettered that figure at 15.5 kWh after 375km of mixed driving. The long-term average showed as 15.8 kWh after close to 2000km. A quick trip down the motorway returned 13.2 kWh.
Summing up
The Ioniq 5 is an impressive car and one of thefewEVsthatwewouldconsiderbuying. It doesn’t chew through the battery too quickly and with 530km of range, more if you’re sensible and opt for the smaller 19-inch wheels, it compares favourably with a conventional car.
But at just over $90,000 by the time you put it on the road, it’s just too damned expensive, at least for the average consumer. Even the base model is $75,000 driveaway.
This from Hyundai?
We’re not rich, and we’re not poor, but we baulk at the prospect of spending this much on a car, especially one that could quicklybecomeoutdatedasthetechnology continues to evolve. Then there’s the charging infrastructure to consider, which quite frankly isn’t there yet. Remember how much we used to pay for flat screen TVs and what they cost now?
The Ioniq 5 is an impressive car. (Supplied)
The sun was out and there was no rain providing perfect conditions for football and other sports on Saturday. Star Weekly photographer LJUBICA VRANKOVIC was out shooting some of the action.
A perfect day for sport
Hillside’s Annalise Wilkie. 485452_03
Essendon’s Brooke Plummer tries to escape Teagan Brett. 480511_11
Hillside’s Makaylah Brne is tackled. 485452_28 Keilor’s James Bailey tackles Deer Park’s Josh Chatfield. 485453_25
Keilor’s Josh Honey. 485453_13
Williamstowns’ Mia D’Agostino goes up for the ruck. 480511_04
Point Cook Centrals’ Charli Sette and Caroline Springs’ Nikki Perrett. 485447_17
Wyndhamvale’s Ava Strathairn. 485446_17
Suns’ Bonnie Lea Brown. 485446_01
Point Cook Centrals’ Patricia Doyle. 485447_07
Craigieburn Eagles men continue winning in the Big V
Craigieburn Eagles have well and truly found its feet in Big V division 1 with six wins in a row putting them back in the finals conversation.
Coach Tim Annett said they were thrilled with how it has started to come together after finding themselves in trouble early on.
“We’re going well at the moment,” he said. “We’ve won six in a row at the moment and we’re definitely on the right trackandhopefullythere’smoretocome.
“We had a disrupted start to the year. We had a guy at college and has now played five or six games now.
“We had a few injuries but we’ve had some continuity in the squad and the guys are training well.”
Annett said the group was starting to gainsomeconfidenceatthislevel,having had success last year at division 2.
He said they knew it wasn’t just going to happen.
“We had to put in a lot of hard work,” he said. “We’ve done that and the success has come from that and credit to the guys who have put the hard work in.”
On Saturday, the Eagles travelled to Warrnambool to take on the Seahawks
On the scoreboard it was a 100-71 win, but Annett said the match was closer than that.
“They were up for the fight for the first three quarters,” he said. “We were able to weather them down late and were able to come away with a good win.”
The Eagles were able to spread their load with all 12 players getting on the court.
Lewayne Grant top scored with 20 points as five players reached double figures.
Annett said it was good to give some of those guys who don’t get a lot of minutes
some court time.
He said they had been working hard at training and deserved some court time.
While they’re on a winning streak, Annett said they were just taking it game by game.
“Our aim is to finish in the top five,” he said.“Wewanttofinishashighaspossible but it’s a fairly tight competition.”
The Eagles face ladder leaders Coburg Giants this week.
Annett said they go in believing that they can win that match.
In the women’s division 1 competition, the Eagles suffered their first loss of the season.
Melbourne University got the job done, winning 64-55.
Tegan Hindle top scored for the Eagles with 17 points.
The Eagles remain top.
Tara Murray
Broncos happy on top
By Tara Murray
Hume City Broncos are focused on fixing the small things in the back part of the Big V men’s championship season.
The Broncos sit atop the table with an 12-2recordandhaveshowntheyareoneof the teams to beat this season.
Broncos coach Matt Foster said they would have taken that record at the start of the season.
“Definitely happy with where we are at,” hesaid.“There’sstillworktodo,butittakes a bit of pressure off not being in the mix of the fifth and sixth sort of spot.
“If we thought we would be 12-2 and sitting on top, definitely exceed where we thoughtwewouldbewithanewrosterand fittingnewpiecesinandthatsortofthing.”
Fostersaidwhilethesquadhasstartedto click a bit better as the season progresses, they still have a bit of work to do.
He said there were parts of games where he was pretty happy with what they were doingandpartswheretheydropoffabitas well.
“Wewanttoextendthosegoodparts,”he said. “Minimise areas not performing as well.
“The guys are still getting used to each other’s strengths and weaknesses and gelling a little more on court.
“Any team in our league can beat any team on any given night. If you’re not switched on mentally, it evens the game out pretty quickly.”
Foster said they won’t look to change things too much as they fine tune what has been working so far for them.
Hesaidremaininghealthywasoneofthe big things for them in the back end of the season.
“Getting reps into guys who potentially might not have got a lot of reps,” he said. “We want to continue preparing for the pointy end of the year.”
TheBroncoshaveabigfewweekscoming up with a couple of double headers in the mix.
On Saturday night, the Broncos faced Melbourne University.
Foster said before the game it was
one that they really wanted to get after Melbourne University beat them earlier in the season.
The Broncos were able to get one back against Melbourne University, winning, 125-92.
After leading by 11 points at quarter time, the Broncos won the second quarter 37-17 to blow the margin out to 31 points at the main break.
The second half was a lot closer as the Broncos shared the minutes around.
Zach McKenzie and Kavione Green top scored with 24 points each.
The Broncos face Wyndham this Saturday night.
In the women’s championship division, the Broncos lost to the Sherbrooke Suns, 76-58.
TheSunsgotofftoaflierandtheBroncos weren’t able to peg them back.
Madeline Holland top scored with 16 points for the Broncos.
Robert Fletcher will finish up as Mernda coach at the end of the Northern Football League division 3 season.
The Demons announced on Wednesday on social media that Fletcher, who is the club’s second longest serving senior coach, wouldn’t continue on.
“After careful consideration, Mernda Football Netball Club and senior coach Robert Fletcher have mutually agreed not to extend his contract beyond the current season.
“We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Robert for his dedication, leadership and commitment throughout his time with the club.
“Under his guidance, the club and senior group have grown both on and off the field, and his effort have left a lasting impact on our players, staff and supporters.
“From the training ground to match day, Fletch brough passion, professionalism, and a relentless drive to succeed.
“We sincerely thank him for his service and the memorable moments he helped created.”
Fletcher, who had success with Jacana in the Essendon District Football League, joined the Demons in 2019 as an under-19 coach before stepping up into the senior role the following season.
Among his achievements at the Demons, he took them to a grand final in 2023, which they lost to Laurimar by six points.
On Saturday, the Demons moved inside the top five with a win against Lalor.
The Demons controlled the game throughout on the way to a 14.18 (100)-2.5 (17) win.
Brayden Plant kicked four goals for the Demons, while Jayden Bell, Christian Evans and Dayne Kellett were named the Demons best.
Lewayne Grant. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 424324_04
Zach McKenzie. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 467506_15
Mill Park keen to find its groove in FV state league 2
Mill Park is hoping to rise up the ladder in the second half of the FV state league 2 north-west season.
Sitting in the middle of the pack after the first round of matches, Mill Park found itself not quite where it wanted to be.
Speaking before Saturday’s match, coach Andy Vlahos said it had been a solid season so far.
“We had a bit of a lull in the middle of the first round,” he said. “We set our expectationsabithigherthanwhereweare.
“It’s a close competition and there is a gap in the points. Hopefully we can get a bit of a run starting this week.”
Vlahos got his wish with a strong win against the Geelong Rangers in Geelong on Saturday.
Mill Park led 2-0 at half time before sealing the win with a third goal in the 65th minute.
It won 3-0 with Mitchell Franco, Luke Gallo and Shifa Ahmed the goal scorers.
Both sides finished the game with 10 men after red cards.
The win was Mill Park’s fifth of the season and takes it to a 5-2-5 record.
Vlahossaidtheywerehopingtoseethings start to turn their way.
“We bought in a couple of players to strengthen the squad and we’ll see where we finish,” he said.
“We want to be more competitive than we have been at the moment as we expected to be a bit higher.
“Therehavebeenafewpersonnelchanges
with only three players left from last year. It’s a big overhaul from last year.”
Vlahos is in his first season coaching the club. He said it was a good little club.
“I started in November,” he said. “They have been mid table the last few years try to find the balance to get ourselves higher on the ladder.”
While the state league season hasn’t been what it had hoped, Mill Park has had some success in the cups.
After a strong Australia Cup run, Mill Park made it through to the Cecil Earley Plate for the top eight state league sides in the Australia Cup.
ItbeatChisholmUnitedinthefirstround and now face Balmoral for a spot in the final.
AFLW draft dream
By Tara Murray
It might be her draft year, but for Calder Cannons Chloe Baker-West she just wants to go out and have fun.
Long been seen as a draft prospect since winning the best player award at the under-16 national championships. becoming an AFLW player has long been the dream.
“Ihaveacountdowntothedraftnight,”she said. ”I’m so excited to see what the outcome is and where I will go, if I’m picked up.
“It has been a dream since I was seven.” It’s been an up and down few years for the midfielder from Strathmore.
After her strong under-16 season, she made the Vic Metro team last season as a bottomager.
Injury meant she didn’t play and was limited to just two games for the Cannons It meant a little bit of unknown coming into her draft year.
“I didn’t know how I would come back,” Baker-West said. “Would I play well or come back and build into it.
“I have built that confidence back up.
Going into each game is helped now that I have some good games under my belt.
“I want to have fun.”
Baker-West started the season with 38 possessions and has now more than 20 disposals in all one game.
In round six, Baker-West had 41 possessions and kicked one goal.
The AFL Academy member has again been named in the Vic Metro squad for the national championships which started on the weekend.
She was part of the squad last year as a bottom age player, but didn’t play last season due to injury.
Baker-West missed the opening game on the weekend.
‘I had a collision, knee on quad three weeks ago,” she said. “It was a grade three contusion with swelling and bruising and with it so close to the knee joint, we’re being careful.”
Baker-West said having been injured last year she had built up a lot of resilience and knows this is just a bump in the road.
She said having been part of the Vic Metro program the past three years had
“We did well in the FFA Cup [Australia Cup],” Vlahos said. “We take it as it comes with the next game in August away to Balmoral.
“We try to win every game, Cecil Earley Cup, the FFA Cup, we try to challenge ourselves and put the progression on show.”
In other matches in state league 2 north-west, Uni Hill Eagles beat Albion Rovers, 3-1.
The Eagles had led 1-0 at half time. Whittlesea Ranges lost to Strathmore Split, Craigieburn City beat Williamstown and Lalor United and Dallas City had an 0-0 draw.
Roos announce coach, captain
A new coach and captain will lead the Greenvale Kangaroos women’s side in VictorianPremierCricketnextseason.
Tony Marasco joins the Kangaroos as their new women’s coach, while Tahlia Meier comes on board as captain.
Marasco has been involved in the Kangaroos men’s program.
“Tony, who has Cricket Victoria Level 2 accreditation, brings a wealth of experience and passion to the club and a fresh approach to help take our program to the next level,” the club said.
“Tony’s coaching credentials cover local clubs, sub-district and premier clubs, public schools programs and several coaching stints in England.
“He was engaged by Cricket Victoria as head coach of YPL [Youth Premier League] teams and was a regional talent coach for the north-west metro.
been special.
“Being that top ager and getting around them has been special in my draft year,” she said.
“Now that I’m training as last year I didn’t train a lot with them, I’m finding my voice is a big thing and being as big a leader as I can.
“I’mgettingaroundthebottomagersand trying to get them out of their shells a bit. I want to gain as many friendships as I can.
“We’ve travelling for a few games so I’m learning about that AFLW environment. I want to get as much out of it as I can.”
Baker-West said having completed year 12 last year had been a big bonus so she could spend more time working on the one percenters this year.
The teenager said she just wanted to continue learning as her draft journey goes along.
“I just to be me,” she said. “I want to keep learning and now with the captaincy role at the Cannons with Jade out take that on as well.
“We’re not winning many games but we’re picking the positives out of it.”
“He has a unique knowledge of the cricket landscape in the north west metro and in regional Victoria.” Meier returns to premier cricket after dominating in the North Metro Cricket Association women’s competition last season.
“Tahliaisanexceptionalall-rounder whose achievements to-date include representing Vic Country at under-16 and 19 level and regularly playing premier WP1,” the Kangaroos said.
“Tahlia has represented Victoria in the National Indigenous Cricket Championships. Her consistent performances earned her a spot in the 2024-25 women’s team of the tournament and in the current Australian team
“Tahlia’s versatility, leadership, and commitment to excellence will be invaluable assets to our club.
“Her passion for the game and dedication to her community align perfectly with the values of the club.”
Meier, who is also playing for North Melbourne-Werribee in the Victorian Football League women’s, travels to Papua New Guinea with the Australia Indigenousteamlaterthismonthfora tri-series tournament.
- Tara Murray
Chloe Baker-West. (Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos)
Tahlia Meier. (NMCA)
Nick Hegarty back in charge at Hume City in NPL
Hume City has turned to a favourite son to take on the coaching role for the rest of the National Premier League season and beyond.
The club announced that former player and coach Nick Hegarty was returning to the coaching role.
Hegarty brings a wealth of experience as aplayerandmanagerbothforthecluband at an international level.
Born and bred in the United Kingdom, Hegartybeganhisprofessionalcareerwith notable League Two outfit Grimsby Town and had small stints at Scottish team St Mirren and non-league team Mansfield Town before making a move to Australia, where he joined Hume in 2012.
Hegarty won the Football Federation Victoria Gold Medal on two occasions and is one of the club’s leading goal scorers. Following his successful six-year career
asaplayer,Hegartywasappointedascoach in 2017 and started out as a player-coach.
In 2018, he retired from playing to focus purely on coaching, where he was able to guide the team to a famous Dockerty Cup title in 2019, which was the club’s first major piece of silverware, while also being named as coach of the year.
In 2022, Hegarty resigned from his positionasmanagertoreturntotheUnited Kingdom.
Sincethenhewasanassistantcoachwith Huddersfield Town’s women’s team before heading to Grimsby Town to become the club’s youth development phase lead.
HegartystartedbackatHumeonJune17.
Hegarty said he jumped at the chance to return to Hume.
“It’s fantastic to be able to have the opportunity to return to Hume City as it’s a place that is close to my heart and my family were keen to get back to life in Melbourne,” he said.
“It’s definitely home for me, so I’m very excited to start working with the players and helping them develop. It’s going to be a hard but enjoyable journey and I am looking forward to it.
“The timing was right for us to return so
Power switches on
By Tara Murray
Laurimar has passed a couple of strong mid-season tests in the Northern Football League division 3 competition.
In a close division 3 competition, every winisvitalinthefightforthedoublechance andalongwithfinalsspots.
On Saturday, the Power was able to do enough late to get across the line against Kilmore.
Power coach Jimmy Atkins said these mid-season tests would help them later in theyear.
“We’re going alright,” he said. “Yesterday [Saturday]wasanothertoughgame.
“Hopefully it will hold us in good stead, butthereisstillalongtimetogo.”
On Saturday, the Power led at quarter time by 13 points before they trailed by two pointsatthemainbreak.
It was still game on the line at the last break before the Power kicked five goals to
two in the final quarter to win, 10.11 (71)-7.7 (49).
Atkinssaidtheytookawhiletogetgoing.
“We were only the better side in the second half,” he said. “Kilmore was good in thefirsthalf.
“Wewereundisciplinedandweresecond to the footy.
“After half time we were first to the footy and able to get our hands on the ball. We moved the magnets around and were able to win the contest.
“That’s how we got running.”
Patrick Fitzgerald kicked three goals with Kaiden Arthur kicking two goals.
Atkins said Luke Wilson, Joel Lawson and Josh Leather were their best and they continue to set the standard each week.
The Power sit second on the ladder, two games clear of third placed Epping.
Atkins said the top two spot was the aim and wins in the last couple of weeks have helped them open up that gap.
“We want to get back up there [division 2] and we want to make sure we’re at the
whentheopportunitycameup,itwashard to turn down. With that said, it’s a big job, I’m privileged to have it and I look forward to representing the club, fans and local community with the passion they deserve.
“All in all, I am really pleased and ready to help the club, my club, continue moving forward, this will be my only focus.”
Hume president Ersan Gulum?said it’s a fantastic moment for Hume to have a decorated individual like Hegarty rejoin theclubfortheforeseeablefutureandhelp us continue our rise.
“Nick is a favourite son of the club and thewidercommunityforhisachievements asaplayerandamanagerandIamhopeful that he will be able to bring back the glory of 2019 and return Hume City to where it belongs – celebrating silverware,” he said.
Sports shorts
VTCA
Tullamarine has welcomed Sri Lankan first-class cricketer Johanne De Zilva to the club for the upcoming Victorian Turf Cricket Association Steve McNamara Shield season. The Demons described De Zilva as a talented right-handed top-order batsman and a skilful medium-fast bowler known for his ability to swing the ball both ways. “A product of the prestigious St. Joseph’s College, Colombo, he captained the first XI in the 2019-2020 season and has since gone on to represent Nondescripts Cricket Club and Negombo Cricket Club across all formats of Sri Lanka’s domestic competitions.”
VTCA
Westmeadows has further added to its line up with the addition of another former player for the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division season. Clayton Campbell, who has played both juniors and seniors at the Warriors, returns to the club. In his last season at Willowbrook, Clayton made 413 runs at 31.76 in senior division. He has been plying his trade in the North-West Premier competition of Tasmania where this season he recorded 602 runs at 30.1 across all formats while turning himself into a left arm orthodox bowler. Clayton joins Jordan Kosteas in returning to the club.
VPL
right part of the ladder at the pointy end,” he said.
The Power faces Kinglake this Saturday. Kinglakesitsinfourthspot,soawinwould further cement a double chance for the Power.
“We got across the line last time,” Atkins said.“They’reingoodform.
“We’reaimingtowinthisgameanditwill definitely help looking at a second chance. It’sabigtestforusthisweek.”
In other results on Saturday, Epping beat OldElthamCollegians,13.14(92)-4.13(37).
Liam Waldron and Jordan Wilkins were thePingersbest. ThePingerssitinthirdspot. Merndatookitsrecordto50percentwith awinagainstLalor,14.16(100)-2.5(17). Merndasitsfifthontheladder.
In division 1, Bundoora moves off the bottom of the ladder with a 15.5 (95)-14.5 (89)winagainstEltham.
South Morang slips to last. The Lions had a 10.10 (70)-6.10 (46) loss to West Preston-Lakeside.
Whittlesea United has parted ways with Andrew Marth half way through the Victorian Premier League 2 season. The club announced it had parted ways with Marth, effective immediately on its social media. “We would like to thank Stabba for the past two seasons at Hilalspor, he will be remembered for leading our boys to our 2024 historic state league 1 championship season.”
NMCA
Laurimar has announced Danni Maguire as its coach for the North Metro Cricket Association women’s competition.
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