Nsw 20190326

MARCH 26, 2019 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

news + sport + property guide

Assaults at decade high

By Laura Michell Assault rates in Whittlesea and Hume are at their highest level on record while burglaries have fallen to an all-time low, new crime statistics reveal.

Latest Crime Statistics Agency data shows that in the year to December, 2018, 1635 assaults were recorded in Whittlesea – an increase of 15 per cent, or 216 offences, from December, 2017.

In Hume, assaults rose five per cent – from 1696 in December, 2017, to 1784 in the year to December, 2018. Crime statistic data has only been collected since 2009.

‘‘

We do not apologise for holding offenders to account - Daniel Jamison

’’

Mernda Police Senior Sergeant Daniel Jamison said the increase in assaults was driven by increased police attendance at family violence incidents and a stronger focus on victim support. “This is an area we have a strong focus on as [assault] is a high impact crime,” Senior Sergeant Daniel Jamison said.

“We do not apologise for holding offenders to account for committing these crimes and we work very hard with the community to prevent and detect these offences.

“We want victims to feel confident their local police and support agencies will support them if they unfortunately become a victim of these crimes.”

Family violence incidents rose by five per cent in Whittlesea in the year to December, 2018.

In Hume, incidents rose 17 per cent.

The crime statistics show that burglary rates have continued to fall across Whittlesea and Hume. In Whittlesea, there were 1019 burglaries recorded in the 12 months to December, down from 1358 to December, 2017.

In Hume, burglaries fell from 2097 to 2017 to 1441 to December, 2018.

Police say the burglary reduction has been driven by an increase in the number of uniformed officers on the street.

“We are arresting more offenders and successfully having them remanded in custody, which is having a positive effect in protecting the community,” Senior Sergeant Jamison said.

Craigieburn and Roxburgh Park’s booming population is making the Craigieburn CFA one of the busiest brigades in Melbourne’s north west – and fire fighters are expecting to become even busier as the area continues to grow.

New fire services response data shows the brigade is responding to more than 50 incidents every month, with call-outs ranging from house fires to car accidents and grassfires.

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story: Page 3

Firefighter Nick de White, lead firefighter Chris Tanner, firefighter Ben Vickery and station officer Michael Wearne. (Joe Mastroianni)

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Craigieburn crew answer the call

By Laura Michell Craigieburn CFA is one of the busiest fire brigades in the region, responding to an average of 56 incidents a month, new data shows.

CFA emergency response times for October to December, 2018, reveal that the Craigieburn brigade responded to 168 incidents over the three months, making it the second busiest brigade in district 14.

The busiest brigade was Melton (219 incidents).

District 14 cover Melbourne’s north-west.

‘‘

Our call rate has been increasing fairly steadily

’’

- David Maxwell

In Melbourne’s north, Epping CFA responded to 88 incidents, while South Morang responded to 49, Greenvale 42 and Mernda 39.

The data also shows that Craigieburn CFA’s average response time is seven minutes and 46 seconds, with 90 per cent of incidents responded to within the required eight minutes.

South Morang had the district’s fastest response time, averaging six minutes and eleven seconds.

Craigieburn CFA operations officer David Maxwell said the brigade, which covers Craigieburn, Roxburgh Park and parts of Mickleham, expected the number of incidents to increase as the area’s population grew.

He said incidents attended by Craigieburn firefighters ranged from house fires and car accidents and fires to grassfires in nearby rural areas such as Kalkallo.

The brigade also provides emergency medical

response, assisting Ambulance Victoria to respond to calls requiring life support such as CPR or defibrillation.

“Our call rate has been increasing fairly steadily for the past 10 years,” Mr Maxwell said.

“It is a mixed bag of calls, which require a lot of different skills, but it is good for our firefighters.”

Mr Maxwell said the brigade strived to keep its response times as fast as possible, adding that new traffic lights installed on Craigieburn Road outside of the station had made it easier for crews to exit the station.

Council refuses live streaming

Baker rises to a victory

(Joe Mastroianni)

Syrian refugee Nibal Almarri knows a thing or two about baking a perfect gateau.

The Gladstone Park student recently took out first place in the gateau-making category at the 2019 Victorian Baking Show.

Her Kangan Institute classmates, Sarisa Kaewklang and Cassandra Hedger, also had success at the show, finishing second and third in the gateau category.

The students were among eight from Kangan Institute’s retail baking course to compete at the show.

Ms Almarri, who came to Australia in 2016 on a humanitarian visa, said the award was the first step towards building a successful career.

“I was happy, surprised and thrilled to win,” she said.

“Having recently arrived in Australia, I didn’t expect to compete and win at state level.

I wouldn’t have such an achievement without my teachers’ guidance.”

Kangan Institute chief executive Trevor Schwenke said the awards reflected the students’ passion and skills.

“Our students’ success reflects their top-notch skills,” he said Laura Michell

Whittlesea residents won’t be watching live streams of council meetings any time soon, with councillors backing away from the idea following almost two years of investigation.

A recent notice of motion from Cr Caz Monteleone asking the council to live stream meetings to the council website throughout 2019, and store the recordings for 12 months, failed to garner support from his colleagues.

The motion was voted down by mayor Lawrie Cox and councillors Stevan Kozmevski, Sam Alessi and Kris Pavlidis.

Councillors Tom Joseph and Emilia Lisa Sterjova abstained from voting, while Cr Norm Kelly was not in attendance.

Cr Monteleone said live streaming would improve transparency, with the council known as one of the most secretive in Victoria.

Data from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning shows that in 2017-18, 21 per cent of Whittlesea council’s decisions were made behind closed doors. The figure has fallen from 35 per cent in 2014-15. “[Live streaming] isn’t just about informing the community, it is about embracing less secrecy,” Cr Monteleone said. “Live streaming is not a luxury, it is a necessity.”

The issue of live streaming was first raised by Cr Sterjova in June 2017, with the council inviting Channel 31 to record two meetings in mid-2018 so councillors could review the footage before making a final decision.

Thirty-one of Victoria’s 79 council live stream their meetings, while a further 12 provide audio recordings after meetings.

Laura Michell 12413507-SN12-19 1007284-05

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Recycling plant reopens

The recycling crisis is over for Hume and Whittlesea residents, with SKM Recycling’s Coolaroo site reopening last week. The Environment Protection Authority allowed SKM to resume receiving recycling at Coolaroo last Thursday, bringing an end to recycling collections being sent to landfill. The EPA will continue to monitor the site.

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Leisure centre progress

The redevelopment of the Mill Park Leisure Centre is on track with steel frames up and new pools being dug.

The $25 million redevelopment began last June and is expected to be finished by mid-2020. To see how the centre will look once work is complete, visit: bit.ly/2TnW3ER

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Joe Pileggi’s son Brandon Lee receives phototherapy treatment. (Damjan Janevski)

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Special care at home Newborns diagnosed with jaundice may no longer need to stay in hospital for treatment under a new program at The Northern Hospital.

Currently, newborns with jaundice are admitted to the Epping hospital’s special care nursery for phototherapy treatment after their mums are discharged.

The new program, launched this week, aims to keep babies and their parents together by allowing newborns who meet certain criteria to receive treatment at home.

The hospital has four phototherapy units that can be taken home by parents.

The units consist of a cocoon that helps keep

the baby under lights even when feeding or being cuddled.

Midwives will make daily home visits to check the babies, monitor feeding habits and track temperatures.

Neonatal nurse unit manager Barbara Rischitelli said the program allowed otherwise healthy babies to avoid a stay in the nursery.

“Our aim is to try and keep mother and baby together,” she said.

The program was funded by the Northern Health Foundation.

Laura Michell

Craigieburn’s Casey Nunn has been inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women. Ms Nunn, one of 21 women inducted earlier this month, was recognised as a local champion for her volunteer work in the community.

Ms Nunn has volunteered with Ambulance Victoria for more than 17 years, has been a CFA volunteer for 11 years and was an honourary member of the Craigieburn SES and a Hume councillor. She is the chairwoman of the 3064 Salvation Army Advisory Board.

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Commuters want action on line

By Laura Michell Upfield commuters have stepped up their campaign for more frequent train services, with more than 100 people marching from Gowrie to Fawkner stations to demand the state government take action.

The Upfield Transport Alliance, which includes transport groups and residents associations from Hume and Moreland, organised the March 16 rally at which commuters urged the government to bring

forward plans to duplicate the Upfield line from Gowrie to Upfield stations.

Commuters also want 10-minute peak services on the line.

Currently Upfield commuters face long waits between trains, with services running at 18-minute intervals during peak periods.

The line has just eight morning and eight afternoon peak services – the lowest on the network. The line is also plagued by short-shunting of services, leaving commuters north of Coburg stranded.

In February alone, 50 trains were short-shunted – a term for when trains are turned back before reaching their final destination.

Alliance supporter Jane Holroyd said the line needed to be duplicated in this term of the Victorian Parliament to improve reliability and frequency of services.

“Improved public transport is a top issue for residents in the City of Hume, particularly the elderly, who are currently very poorly serviced by the overcrowded Craigieburn line, the

infrequent Upfield line and woefully poor and disconnected buses services,” she said.

“We believe improved public transport will be vital in providing Hume residents with equal access to services and jobs.”

Alliance member and Broadmeadows resident Sheriden Tate said Upfield commuters were without access to “high quality” transport.

“It’s ludicrous in this day and age that you have a single track line. If there is a cancellation, you have got a long wait for the next train.”

Students make the bean scene Coffee and scones were the order of the day at Mernda Central College last Thursday as year 9 students opened the doors to their school cafe.

The cafe opened at 7.30am, with students serving up coffee, milkshakes, scones, toasties and muffins throughout the morning as part a their wellness studies.

Teacher Matthew Wilson said the cafe would help improve students’ job prospects.

He said students had been working on resume writing and investigating the skills needed to get a job.

The cafe, 2 Birds One Scone, will be open to year 9 students, parents and teachers on March 28 and April 4. Money raised at the cafe will go towards buying a new coffee machine.

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Laura Michell

Year 9 students Ritish, Tanner, Abdullah, Lilly, Hassan, Elias, Zouheir and Ruby. (Joe Mastroianni)

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Craigieburn sales remain steady

By Laura Michell

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Act for Kids practice manager Chris Tanti (front) with Wendy Brakey from the Property Industry Foundation and Lendlease’s Joe Kokai. (Shawn Smits)

Laura Michell

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Children visiting the Act for Kids centre in Broadmeadows have a new play space to explore while taking part in therapy sessions.

Lendlease and the Property Industry Foundation recently completed a $300,000 refurbishment of the Act For Kids Riggall Street centre.

The charity, which works to treat and prevent child abuse and neglect and provides therapy to children who have experienced or are at risk of child abuse, opened its first Victorian centre in Broadmeadows last October.

There are already 70 children on the centre’s waiting list.

The refurbishment included a makeover of the centre’s interior and exterior, as well as the installation of the Lily’s Garden play space.

Lendlease executive general manager Joe Kokai said the company and the Property Industry Foundation were proud to support the charity.

“Together with our amazing team of consultants, subcontractors and suppliers, we are delighted to be able to give something back to the Broadmeadows facility,” he said.

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Craigieburn’s housing market is bucking a statewide trend, with prices remaining strong, agents say.

According to CoreLogic research, median house prices have fallen across Victoria by about nine per cent in a 12-month period, compared to the same time last year.

But real estate agents say while the Craigieburn market had cooled slightly, it is still performing well.

Ray White principal Andrew Bellino said that in 2018, median prices in Craigieburn rose eight per cent. So far this year, prices are up four per cent, he said.

“The median price is still under $600,000, so there are plenty of options for buyers,” he said.

Stockdale and Leggo Craigieburn director Tim Romeril said that while some people were predicting “doom and gloom” for the market, there were still plenty of buyers around.

“I think Craigieburn, Roxburgh Park, Mickleham is doing well,” he said. “There is so much happening in the area and there is so much development. It is very affordable.”

Barry Plant Epping principal Fadi Khoder said it was different story in Epping, Wollert and Epping North. Mr Khoder said prices in those suburbs had fallen by about 10 per cent.

“Lending is a big issue today,” he said. “Banks are making it difficult to get finance. There are not a lot of finance-approved buyers.”

Mr Khoder is optimistic the market will improve in the next six months.

“Auction clearance rates were 30 to 40 per cent late last year and they are up to 50 per cent now,” he said. “If banks start to approve more finance, the market will rise in the next four to six months.”

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Work needed on youth job rate

By Jessica Micallef and Laura Michell

Brotherhood of St Laurence executive director Conny Lenneberg said the organisation’s research and experience showed many young people are doing it tough.

“We remain especially concerned at how young people without qualifications and skills or family networks are tracking in this rapidly changing economic and social environment,” she said.

“We also know that from our practical experience that all young jobseekers in Australia need to have access to a specialist youth employment service, a one-stop-shop dedicated to their needs.

Melbourne’s north west is a hot spot for youth unemployment, a new report reveals.

A report from the Brotherhood of St Lawrence analysing unemployment data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics revealed the north west region is one of six areas with a high rate of unemployment among 15-24 years olds.

The region, which covers Hume, has a youth unemployment rate of 13.3 per cent.

By comparison, 4.4 per cent of young people living in Melbourne’s north east – which covers Whittlesea – are unemployed.

“We still have a fragmented response to employment services for young people.”

Hume planning and development director Michael Sharp said the council was “committed to supporting Hume residents to gain employment”.

Mr Sharp said the council worked closely with industry and business to promote Hume as a place for new business and supported existing businesses to grow.

“Council also actively builds partnerships with local employers, training providers and other government organisations to help facilitate local employment,” he said.

Mr Sharp said programs such as Hume Hospitality Path were a big part of the council’s approach.

“This program … has successfully helped provide training and employment opportunities,” he said.

“The Hume Hospitality Path program is a collaboration between the Hume Employment and Learning Committee, the Bendigo Kangan Institute and Delaware North.

“To date, 25 Hume young people have completed the program and 15 have secured ongoing employment with businesses across Melbourne Airport.”

New school on the way an additional secondary school and I am very pleased that we are delivering it.”

Craigieburn South Secondary School is one of five new schools set to open in Hume in the next three years.

Greenvale North West an Merrifield West primary schools are planned to open in 2021, with Kalkallo Common Primary School and Greenvale Secondary School opening in 2022.

Craigieburn’s third government secondary school will open its doors for term one next year.

Construction of Craigieburn South Secondary School started on March 15, with Yuroke MP Ros Spence turning the first sod.

The school, being built on the corner of Elevation Boulevard and Debonair Parade, will cater for 1200 students from Craigieburn south and surrounding areas.

The $24 million school was funded in last year’s state budget.

Ms Spence said the school would help cater for “booming” school enrolments in Craigieburn.

“By building this school we are providing local families with the facilities they deserve and creating brighter futures for our students,” she said.

“Craigieburn families have been calling for

Laura Michell

Willmot Park Primary School pupils Kiana and Blake with Yuroke MP Ros Spence and Hume mayor Carly Moore. (Supplied)

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Chemical stockpile fears

By Laura Michell Another four warehouses in Hume are being investigated amid concerns they are being used to illegally store chemicals.

WorkSafe has revealed the contents of three warehouses in Craigieburn and one in Campbellfield are being assessed by its investigation team, the MFB and Environment Protection Authority.

It follows the discovery of illegally stored chemicals in eight warehouses in Epping and Campbellfield in December.

In a statement, WorkSafe said the latest warehouses appeared to be housing bulk containers similar to those being stored at the

other sites. Chemical testing will be carried out to establish the contents of the warehouses, while the air quality at the sites is also being monitored.

WorkSafe said it was still investigating how the chemicals ended up in the warehouses.

A taskforce was set up in January to remove the chemicals from four warehouses. The fire chemicals were removed from one of the Epping sites last month.

The discovery of four more warehouses comes as Hume council urges authorities to do more to stop “rogue operators” from illegally stockpiling dangerous chemicals in the municipality.

Councillors have written to Environment

Minister Lily D’Ambrosio and the EPA calling for better processes to help councils and other agencies recoup clean-up costs from those behind the stockpiles.

Cr Naim Kurt blasted those responsible for the stockpiles, which he labelled “alarming”.

“The ability of those who clean up those messes to claim back the clean-up from operators is not up to standard at the moment,” he said.

“There needs to be a better way of recouping the costs from these rogue operators so taxpayers are not left out of pocket.”

Councillors Drew Jessop and Jack Medcraft agreed, saying the stockpiles had created a dangerous situation.

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Mernda Village Kindergarten pupils Jake and Saige with Whittlesea mayor Lawrie Cox. (Suppled)

Push is on to fund kinders Whittlesea and Hume councils are warning families could be $2000 out of pocket if the federal government doesn’t commit to funding kindergartens on an ongoing basis.

The councils have joined with other Victorian councils for the Municipal Association of Victoria’s I Love Kinder campaign, which calls on the government to secure funding beyond December.

Whittlesea mayor Lawrie Cox said currently the federal government funds five hours kindergarten a week for every four-year-old, while the state government funds 10 hours.

There are 2558 children enrolled in kindergarten in Whittlesea this year.

“If the federal government does not provide ongoing funding, families throughout Australia could be worse off and children could miss out on the quality education they deserve,” Cr Cox said.

“Families could be stuck paying an extra $2000 [in fees] out of their own pockets – that is simply unacceptable.”

Hume mayor Carly Moore said kindergarten helped children make the transition to primary school.

“We need our children to arrive at school ready to learn and kindergarten provides this important platform for our young residents,” she said.

To get involved in the I Love Kinder campaign visit: ilovekinder.org.au Laura Michell

Hume details its works wishlist The duplication of Mickleham and Somerton roads, construction of the Bulla Bypass and redevelopment of Broadmeadows train station have been named as priority projects by Hume council.

Mayor Carly Moore recently met federal Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population Minister Alan Tudge and his opposition counterpart, Anthony Albanese, along with McEwen MP Rob Mitchell and Calwell MP Maria Vamvakinou to call for greater investment in infrastructure in the municipality.

The meetings were part of the National Growth Areas Alliance pre-election campaign, Catch up with the Outer Suburbs.

Cr Moore said local road and public transport improvements were urgently needed to cope with the municipality’s growing population.

“When you consider the growth taking place in suburbs like Greenvale and Craigieburn, where the population is predicted to increase by 50 per cent by 2036, the stretch on essential services and the infrastructure we need is obvious,” Cr Moore said.

“We need the federal government to help us to keep up.”

Laura Michell

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MY PLACE Gillian Borrack is the founding member of the Friends of Westgarthtown and Whittlesea’s Citizen of the Year.

She speaks with Laura Michell.

What’s your connection to the City of Whittlesea?

Ziebell’s Farmhouse in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her mother, Dorothea Ziebell, died in 1969, aged 96. Two of Dorothea’s daughters, Sylvia Adams and Verona Ziebell, continued to live there after her death. After the death of Sylvia Adams, Ziebell’s Farmhouse was purchased from the Adams family by the City of Whittlesea in 1993. My brother-in-law, architect Geoffrey Borrack, was engaged by council to supervise the restoration of the buildings. In 1995, I organised a meeting and the Friends of Westgarthtown was formed.

My connection to the City of Whittlesea began in 1959 when I was appointed to a teaching position at Merrilands High School, Keon Park, in the then Whittlesea Shire. In 1962, my husband John and I purchased five acres of land in Mernda, a cow paddock which retained two ancient gum trees and a derelict cottage built in c1874, a few elm trees and a remnant garden.

In 1970, we built a new home and studios and came to live at Mernda.

What does it mean to be named Whittlesea’s Citizen of the Year?

What do you like about where you live?

What, if anything, would you like to change?

To see the parks in the City of Whittlesea being visited by more people, more often.

Establishment of areas with community gardens and a farmers’ market, to create connections to the land and the residents living within this once fertile valley. Traffic

I accept the award as recognition that volunteers working together within a community can achieve outcomes that individuals by themselves can rarely achieve. I remain close friends with many people I have worked with over almost 48 years in varying groups in the local area. School councils, Plenty Valley Conservation Group, Friends of Plenty Gorge, Plenty Valley Arts, Mernda-Wollert Water Extension, providing water to 18 rural properties, and many City of Whittlesea Council committees and forums.

(Mark Wilson)

I absolutely loved the small farming village and the rural environment where everyone knew their neighbours. Our children attended Mernda Primary School when there were less than 100 students. We had no mains water, electricity was relatively new, no rubbish collections and gravel roads. Today it is vastly different – we have improving infrastructure and the train is back. However, I will always retain my wonderful memories of Mernda as it was – a significant cultural landscape – and be thankful that our family had the opportunity to live in that environment for so many years.

lights at the Plenty Road and Bridge Inn Road intersection.

How long you have been involved with the Friends of Westgarthtown?

I was a founding member of the Friends of

Where is your favourite place to spend time?

Westgarthtown in 1995.

What sparked your interest in the group – and what keeps you volunteering?

My mother-in-law, Augusta Borrack (neé Ziebell), was one of 10 siblings to grow up at

My most favourite place would have to be my own home and garden. In second place, Ziebell’s Farmhouse and garden. I can recommend the enduring sense of place and welcome on entering that gate, no matter what the season or weather.

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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 communitycalendar@starweekly.com.au. Deadline for copy and announcements is noon Tuesday.

Art exhibition

Malaysian-born local artist Rani Singh will showcase his artwork at Mill Park library throughout March. At 394 Plenty Road.

■ 9437 8189

Expresso Legal

Expresso Legal will visit Thomastown library on Thursday, March 28, to provide free legal advice about family law and child protection over a cuppa. At 52 Main Street, 10am-12.30pm.

■ 9464 1864

nanna’s Makers Market

Buy hand-made goods at the Nanna’s Makers Market at Uniting Church Hall, 105 Schotters Road, Mernda, on Saturday, March 30, 10am-1pm.

There will be jewellery, cards, knitted and crocheted goods, kids clothing and jams and preserves for sale.

■ facebook.com/ nannasmakersmarket

Earth Hour

Chinese cinema

Enjoy The Nightingale, a Chinese movie with English subtitles, cultural entertainment and traditional lunch at a multicultural event at Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre on Wednesday, March 27, 10.30am-3pm. Cost: $7.

■ whittlesea.vic.gov.au

Belly dance classes

Give belly dancing a try at Thomastown Scout Hall on Wednesdays from 10am. At 31a Waratah Street.

■ 0413 423 926

Thomastown market

Browse the stalls at Thomastown Neighbourhood House’s market on

(iStock)

Join the fun at Hawkstowe Park to celebrate Earth Hour 2019 on Saturday, March 30, 5.30-10pm.

■ whittlesea.vic.gov.au

Saturday, April 6, 10am-1pm, at 52 Main Street. New stall holders welcome.

■ 8376 6939

Youth theatre

Learn skills, build confidence, make friends and have fun at Fresh Youth Theatre. The free workshops for 12-18 years run every Friday, 4-6.30pm, at Thomastown library, 52 Main Street.

■ 9217 2172

Playgroup Week

Celebrate National Playgroup Week at

a free water play spectacular at the All Abilities Playspace, Bundoora Park, 1069 Plenty Road, Bundoora, on Wednesday, March 27, 10am-noon.

■ whittlesea.vic.gov.au/events

Just Add Water

The Friends of Toorourrong invite you to the launch of Just Add Water Water, a social history of Wallaby Creek, Toorourrong and Yan Yean Reservoirs on Friday, March 29, 4-5pm at Toorourrong Reservoir, Jacks Creek Road, Whittlesea.

■ fotoorourrong@gmail.com

Cyber world

Learn how to engage children in responsible cyber usage at a free workshop on Wednesday, March 27, 6.30-8.30pm at Westfield Edge Community Space.

■ 9404 8865

Jobs help

Get advice to help you write your resume and cover letter and learn interview techniques at Broadmeadows library on Thursdays, 7.30-8.30pm. At 1093 Pascoe Vale Road. Bookings essential.

■ 9356 6900

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FOOD REVIEW

CONSIDER THE SAUCE Kenny Weir spices it up with Dukkah Dukkah is a bright new arrival on Vernon Street.

The long dining room has been done up a treat. It’s casual and elegant, spacious and warm.

There’s a lot of old, gorgeous wood in use.

Bennie and I choose the easy option of getting stuck into the share platter, which sells for $48 for two people.

It starts with three dips, all with clear and concise flavours – and all offering something different from most Mid-East eats emporiums.

Lemon turmeric hummus with Egyptian dukkah, fel-fel (chargrilled capsicum cream cheese with sweet paprika, walnuts and chives) and beet labneh (caramelised beetroot and yoghurt with black sesame seeds) come with good toasted bread that runs out just before we’ve slurped the last of the dips.

But as Bennie quips, more bread and we’d be stuffed before the mains arrive.

And the share plate mains?

They are splendid.

Two fat, exemplary cigars of lamb kofta – dense, perfect and with just the right mild level of Mid East-style seasoning.

Two skewers of chicken shish tawook with capsicum and red onion. The chook chunks look sufficiently large to promise dryness, but such is emphatically not the case.

In other words, superb.

Our meaty skewers were accompanied by very nice quinoa tabouli and rice pilaf in exactly the right proportions.

Dukkah address: 23 Vernon Street, South Kingsville Phone: 9399 3737 As we gleefully devour all, father and son banter a bit about the merits of our meal – and its price.

Bennie reckons $48 is a bit steep, with the sort of deal he gets at his beloved Footscray Best Kebab House colouring his views profoundly.

I beg, very much, to differ.

Dukkah is a quite different sort of place and the quality – especially of the meats – is above that of the majority of kebab shops.

And the combined regular cost of our dishes from the menu would be $54.

No such quibbling is possible with the Dukkah desserts – and we try both.

Om ali – puff pastry pudding with coconut, cinnamon milk, hazelnut and sultanas served in a tagine – is the Egyptian version of bread-and-butter. It’s wonderful, rich, quite heavy. This beauty – which could easily serve two – clocks in at a very cheap $12.

Kunafa (layers of shredded angel hair pastry, mango and cream topped with pistachio dust and rose petals) is lighter, a good deal more playful – and just as tasty.

It, too, is priced keenly at $11.

Kenny Weir is the founder of Consider the Sauce, the definitive guide to eating in Melbourne’s western suburbs – www.considerthesauce.net

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Advertising feature

Plenty of cheese that pleases A

s reported in Star Weekly last month, Floridia Cheese in Thomastown recently had its pecorino pepato variety named as Champion Hard Cheese at the Australian Grand Dairy Awards (AGDA).

As manager Rosalba Portella puts it: “That makes it the best hard cheese in Australia. And we had three runners-up in other categories as well – plain pecorino, ricotta and haloumi.”

Grandfather Mauro Montalto, who passed away in 2010, would have been so proud.

When self-sufficient Mauro, with his wife and three sons, came to Australia in 1952, he set about using his cheese-making skills, handed down through the family, to supply friends before he began selling his traditional Italian varieties to a local continental deli.

Fast-forward more than 65 years and Mauro’s legacy is flourishing, with Floridia Cheese now one of Australia’s most respected traditional cheese manufacturers, producing about 2500 tonnes a year.

Montalto’s son, Tomasso, and children now run Floridia and they’ve maintained all the traditional skills. Of course, these days the company uses advanced technology and has hygiene, safety, monitoring and testing standards at the highest levels.

Rosalba says the Floridia Cheese family is no stranger to winning awards.

“The company received the 2016 Champion award at AGDA for its ricotta,” she says. “The following year in 2017 and again in 2018, Mauro Montalto’s namesake was declared Champion Cheesemaker at the Dairy Industry Australia Awards – and

12 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY \ MARCH 26, 2019

Mauro Montalto’s namesake was declared Champion Cheesemaker

Production manager Fabio Portella, general managers Rose Portella and Tomasso Montalto, HR manager Lisa Galati and sales and logistics manager Daniel Mantalto. (Damjan Janevski) Right: Mauro Montalto. (Supplied)

there are others.

“That type of affirmation makes us all feel proud, but all our customers help us feel great, too, through their constant positive feedback. Floridia Cheese is a happy place.”

Floridia’s products include the Pasta

filata range. Originally from Southern Italy, it comes in many shapes and sizes, such as mozzarella, provoletta, salamini, scamorza and bocconcini.

The Floridia fresh cheese range includes the award-winning ricotta and haloumi, and for hard cheese think pecorino, parmesan

and Romano. Their semi-matured cheese Casalingo is also another award-winner.

The limited production specialty cheeses such as Burrata and buffalo mozzarella are produced by hand using more artisanal traditions whcih tend to produce more complex flavours and textures.

Products can be purchased either directly from Floridia’s factory shop or from quality supermarkets and specialty delis.

Floridia Cheese, 327 Settlement Road, Thomastown. Opens 8am-4pm Monday-Thursday; 8am-3.45pm Friday; and 8am-1pm Sunday. Inquiries: 9464 2600.

Advertising feature

The art of making delicious arancini I

taly, cradling one of the most prestigious cultures in the world and a country of countless culinary traditions, is at the heart of Arancini Art’s inspiration. When the time came to choose a name for their Italian food start-up 10 years ago, it was easy for Riccardo Siligato and his wife Josanne Rizzo.

“Coming from Italy a few years ago, we felt the need to bring a little bit of Italy close to us, and we started the production of traditional Italian food in Epping in a close friend’s warehouse,” Josanne says.

“We profoundly respect both our origins and the country that has now become our home,” she says. “That’s why we select the best local produce to be integrated with imported ingredients to recreate in Australia the perfect art of Italian arancini.”

The operation started because the founders wanted to bring to Melbourne some food that was truly Italian, but every now and then they added a bit of artistic creatitivity in their recipes, offering arancini with ingredients such as beetroot, salmon, lemon and even Nutella.

From that start back in 2009, they have flourished, becoming one of the best producers of arancini in Australia and extending their production to finger food, calzoni, pizza bases and lasagne. They also have an offshoot division, Food Art Distribution, that imports and distributes Italian fine food and ingredients.

Like all companies, there were challenges at first.

“We made arancini a couple of days a week in a little kitchen and were weighing

them individually, so you could imagine how time-consuming that was,” Josanne says.

Luckily, soon after the couple started their venture, Massimo Minutoli and Gerry came on board. Massimo took over the sales with Josanne, while Riccardo, assisted by Gerry, organised the production on a larger scale with the first employees.

... can produce customised recipes for any specific needs.

Now they have a staff of 10 working in an industrial kitchen that runs full-time.

“Our modern kitchen is fitted out with ovens, fryers, a conveyor belt oven for the calzone and we’ve got a machine that weighs the arancini for us,” Josanne says.

Their clientele includes restaurants, cafes, butchers, delicatessens and caterers, which is in keeping with their aim of being a source of quality products and service for the hospitality industry and larger community.

However, Josanne says, they can produce customised recipes for any specific needs.

Riccardo and Massimo, who became business partner in 2016, go to Italy at least once a year to source new products and get inspiration for new recipes.

“We import a lot of things, flour and pizza toppings and wood briquettes for the wood fire oven, so, we like to stay with the trends. Italian trends.”

Arancini Art and Food Art Distribution, 32 View Road, Epping. Inquiries: 9408 0499 or aranciniart.com.au

Top: Josanne, Riccardo and Massimo. Above: Calzone, Party arancini; Traditional arancini.

(Pictures: Supplied)

Because life is tastier with our arancini and finger food

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Advertising feature

Building is in the blood for Custovic H

is father was a builder so Salko Custovic practically grew up on building sites, learning the ins and outs of the building industry.

It sparked a passion in him for the industry so it seemed a natural progression, once completing a residential drafting course and working as a building designer for many years, he set up his own business.

Our team provides clients with impeccable service and creativity Custovic Design came into being about 23 years ago, with Salko setting up the design and construction business with his dad at his side.

In that time, Custovic Design has built up to 600 homes and completed many multi-unit projects. The business designed Australia’s largest panel beating outlet in Deer Park and is currently undertaking a 10-storey building in Sunshine.

Salko says his team works to find smart, innovative design solutions.

“We feel that a successful architectural solution is the result of an efficiency of design that translates to all aspects of a project including space planning, specified materials, mechanical systems, and structural strategies,” he explains.

“Our approach is holistic in that all components are thoughtfully combined into a coherent whole that solves design problems the project sets out to address.”

As well as providing building designs,

Above: Custovic Design showcases smart, innovative design solutions. (Pictures: Supplied) Right: Salko Custovic; Building designers Michael Demeris and Karolina Minniti. (Pictures: Joe Mastroianni)

project management and construction of homes, extensions and unit developments, Custovic Design also has a hardware store supplying trades and DIY-ers with just about everything needed for building – from timber, rendering products and insulation to tools, hardware and fittings.

Salko says his office is built around

making clients feel at home.

“Our clients, through both the drafting and building processes, become our friends. We’ve designed plans for generations of families.

“We’ve also helped interstate clients with their property purchase, completing development plans and then selling to an

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already interested party. Both parties were very satisfied.”

Custovic Design, 199-201 William Street, St Albans.

Opens 9am-5pm Monday-Friday; and 9am-noon Saturday by appointment.

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Advertising feature

Lion rentals driven to succeed L

ion Car Rentals has been renting out vehicles and trucks from the Somerton branch for the past 10 years, and from the West Footscray branch for three.

Recently, Managing Director Chanaka Gamage launched an initiative for his loyal customers.

“We now have a special renting package, providing an opportunity to long-term [two years] vehicle renters, who have fully abided by the contract’s T&Cs, the option of purchasing the vehicle for $1 plus on-road costs,” explains Chanaka.

Option of purchasing the vehicle for $1” “And during the rental period, all repairs, services and maintenance are free.”

Lion Car Rentals has come a long way since 2009, when the business had just seven cars in the fleet. The business now buys and sells vehicle to constantly upgrade their large fleet, overcoming problems and hardships along the way to make it the success it is today.

“Much market analysis and the gathering of a team of directors, each highly competent business and finance managers, as well as establishing a family-cultured workplace contribute to our business success,” Chanaka says.

“We believe in participatory management practices, developing and empowering employees, and establishing systems and procedures to ensure high-quality service.

“This all translates to a highly satisfied

Managing Director Chanaka Gamage (left) with the Lion Car Rentals team. (Joe Mastroianni)

pool of customers who value our service, which is hallmarked by responsiveness, dependability, honesty, transparency and flexibility.

“It also means our customers engage with very competent staff members who are happy in their jobs. We have regular get-togethers of staff and families, sometimes a picnic, another time a special event.

“It’s all about team spirit and solidarity and maintaining a commitment to meeting customer requirements.”

Offering customers a chance to provide welcome feedback and the ongoing upgrades and fleet maintenance are other factors on which Chanaka has built his business.

Online bookings are available and, for interstate visitors, an airport pick-up service can be arranged.

Chanaka isn’t resting on his laurels, though. With demand constantly growing, he hopes to open other branches in Victoria and intends to introduce new products and services tailored to customer needs.

Lion Car Rentals, 2/85 Hume Highway, Somerton. Opens 7am-6pm Monday-Friday; and 8am-1pm Saturday-Sunday.

Inquiries: 9303 7447.

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SPORT Whittlesea remains upbeat after two big losses Whittlesea Pacers are remaining positive after being on the end of two big losses in the Big V women’s state championship division.

It hasn’t been an easy transition for the new-look Pacers side after returning of the top flight this year.

After losing to McKinnon Cougars in round one, the Pacers had a massive loss on Saturday night to the Southern Peninsula Sharks, 105-61.

The Pacers were on the back foot early with just nine first quarter points while the Sharks extended the lead every quarter.

Coach Damon Lowery said while it was tough, they know there is plenty to work with.

“It’s full credit to Southern Pen,” he said.

“They exposed a lot of our weaknesses.

“They shot really well and we gave them some easy lay-ups. They played zone the whole game and we didn’t execute and missed some.

“Our challenge is to stay upbeat and recognise where we can improve.”

Lowery said there were still positives to come out of the game.

He said import Dani Reinwald, who finished with 18 points, was massive on the offensive end, finishing with 14 offensive boards and 20 rebounds overall.

“Her work rate is something to behold.”

Megan McMahon, who was scoreless in round one, scored eight points, while veteran Natalie Dowdy provided good minutes off the bench.

Lowery said the challenge of stepping up a grade was always going to be a tough one, but had been made tougher by off season departures.

The playing group has been together for just two weeks.

“We’re under no illusions we were not going to come out and dominate,” he said.

“We’re a new group that hasn’t played together before and there is a lot of youth out there.

“It’s a new group that’s come together at the last minute with some girls quitting a month out from the season.

“We were left in a tight spot and scrambling to get a team together. We’re nowhere near as

advanced as we would like to be, but we’re not whinging about it.”

Lowery said he is confident a win is just around the corner as the group continues to gel.

He said as a coach he couldn’t ask for any more.

“They are a great bunch of girls who want to be here and who want to learn.

“Every game is tough … for Whittlesea basketball it’s a good challenge.”

The Pacers men’s side also had a tough weekend, losing to Bellarine Storm 103-96.

Dominic Bruno top scored with 23 points.

Tara Murray

Bell sounds for Rivergum’s captain-coach

Matthew Kiely shows his frustration at losing his wicket on Sunday. (Luke Hemer)

Bowlers crush Kookas

By Tara Murray Rosebank outgunned rivals Rivergum in the North Metro Cricket Association Jika Shield.

In one of the competition’s greatest rivalries, which has spanned the past seven grand finals, Rosebank came out on top.

Rosebank overcame a slow start with the bat to control most of the next two days to claim its third title in seven years.

Rivergum captain-coach Gary Bell said at the end of the day they were beaten by a better side.

“We were simply outplayed, I think,” he said.

“When they play good cricket like that you can only tip your hat to them, and say ‘well done’.”

Rosebank won the toss and elected to bat.

The Kookas started the better of the two teams, taking three early wickets.

Rosebank recovered to post a very solid total of 9-186.

18 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY \ MARCH 26, 2019

Bell said they thought they could chase down the score.

“We had a good start and had them at 3-24,” he said.

“They had a really good partnership and Buwaneka Ekanayake made 50-odd.

“He took his chances and played a few shots.

We fought back really well and I thought we could chase that total.”

Matthew Perri was the pick of the bowlers taking three wickets.

The Kookas’ dreams of a fifth premiership in six years were quickly up in smoke early on day two.

The Rosebank bowlers did the damage early and had the Kookas in trouble at 5-36.

Despite some fight back, the Kookas were bowled out for 113 in the 68th over.

Bell said once his partnership with Perri came to an end the game slipped away.

“Unfortunately they bowled really well,” he said.

“We maybe played a couple of rash shots or a

couple of decisions not going our way, whatever it may be, we were outplayed today.

“Me and Pez didn’t make a big partnership, but put on close to 40 and were feeling comfortable before I sort of run myself out.

“That was the turning point. If we put on another 30-40 runs it would have been in our ball court.”

Perri top scored for the Kookas with 32, with Bell and Daniel Young the only other batsmen to reach double figures.

Bell said while the loss will hurt, they were realistic where it sits in the bigger picture.

“I said to the boys at the tea break and at the end of the day, it’s just another game.

“If we hadn’t won a flag, we would have been more anxious and more disappointed.

“Life is short and we’ll still celebrate the season all together.

“We’re good mates.”

For Bell it was his last game as captain-coach as he announced he was stepping down after the game.

It’s an end of an era at Rivergum with Gary Bell stepping down as captain-coach of the North Metro Cricket Association club.

Bell, who has been instrumental in the success of the club in recent weeks, announced his decision to the playing group following their Jika Shield grand final loss to Rosebank on Sunday.

Bell said he had been thinking about calling it a day for the past couple of years and decided it was time.

“I have been thinking about it for the last couple of years and the body is pretty sore,” he said.

“The young fellow is starting to go up the grades, so it’s time for me to step away.

“I don’t know what will exactly happen in the next six months.”

Bell said he had made the decision to retire heading into the match. The news came as a surprise to everyone.

“I didn’t speak to anyone about it before,” he said. “My wife didn’t even know.

“I didn’t want it to be about me this weekend and just wanted to focus on the game.

“I had the dream we would bat first and do exactly what they [Rosebank] did.

“There’s more important things than losing a game of cricket.”

Bell will leave a lasting legacy at the club after a tough start.

He admits there were some people who wanted to sack him after his second year.

Since then, the Kookas claimed a Quick Shield before moving into the Jika Shield.

In the nine years since, they have played in eight Jika Shield grand finals, winning four of them.

Bell said he was proud of not only what they had achieved on the field, but also off it.

“They are all my best friends,” he said.

“It’s been 13 years and … sometimes it doesn’t feel like we’ve had that success.

“I’ve learnt it takes time, and I wasn’t the greatest coach when I first got there.

“I’m proud of the mates I’ve made.

We’re mates and we hang out together outside cricket season we all keep in contact.

“I’m proud of what we have on the field, but more proud off the field. It’s a pretty good club.”

Tara Murray

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

SPORT

Hume takes a different tack in a move of great import Hume United is taking a different approach to a new FFV state league 2 north-west soccer season.

After being in the middle of the table in recent years, Hume is setting its sights on promotion – and that is having a big say in how the club is putting the side together.

Hume general manager Mutlu Oztas said a change was needed.

“It’s hard to get top level Australian players to transfer to this level,” he said.

“So we’ve got a few international players.

We’ve got four or five coming from the likes of Spain, Argentina and Columbia.

“We needed to add some more professional players. We want to go up this season – and we think we are a really good chance.”

Oztas, who formed the club 21 years ago, said only four or five players were returning from last season. He said they had a 24-man squad this year, with many of them keen to make a long term commitment to the club.

Despite so many changes, Oztas said he didn’t think it would take the side long to put it together on the field.

Oztas said it was also an exciting time off the field for the club. Lights have been installed at its ground, meaning it can play night matches.

“It’s a different vibe,” Oztas said. “It’s all pretty exciting.”

However, on Saturday Hume didn’t have an ideal start to the season, losing 3-0 to Hoppers Crossing after leading 1-0 at half-time.

It was a disappointing result for Hume, which defeated Hoppers Crossing in the FFA Cup a few weeks ago.

On that first occasion, Hume had been missing several players, so it had been hoping to build on that performance for the return encounter.

In other state league 2 north-west results, Mill Park had a 3-1 win against Altona East Phoenix.

Mill Park scored the only goal of the first half,

before strengthening the winning position in the second half. Michael Paul scored twice for Mill Park with Fabio Rogerio Albuquerque Junior scoring the other goal.

Epping City had a 1-1 draw with Fitzroy City.

In state league 3 north-west, Lalor United and Craigieburn City both had wins.

Lalor beat Sebastopol Vikings 4-2, while Craigieburn City beat Essendon United 3-1.

Upfield had a 3-1 win against Point Cook.

In state league 4 north, Greenvale United and Plenty Valley Lions both had wins.

In state league 5 north, Uni Hill Eagles won 11-1 against Mitchell Rangers, while Bundoora United also got the win.

Tara Murray Hoppers Crossing’s Martin Strasser and Hume United’s Sam Beesley contest the ball.

(Damjan Janevski)

Sports shorts NAB League Girls

The Calder Cannons remain undefeated after three rounds of the NAB League Girls, beating the Sandringham Dragons on Saturday. The Dragons kicked the only goal of the first half, before the Cannons found another gear to kick away for a 4.8 (32)-1.3 (9) win. The Northern Knights returned to the winners’ list with a big result against the Western Jets. The Knights took the lead in the first quarter and extended it throughout the game, winning 5.7 (37)-1.6 (12). Alyssa Bannan kicked two goals for the Cannons, while Gabrielle Newton was named their best.

NAB League

The Calder Cannons had a nightmare start to the season against the Sandringham Dragons on Sunday.

It was a one-sided affair, with the Dragons piling on the goals for a 19.13 (127)-1.12 (18) victory. Sam Ramsay was the lone goalkicker for the Cannons and picked up 19 possessions. Brodie Newman had the most possessions for the Cannons with 24. The Cannons will face the Oakleigh Chargers on Sunday afternoon in their first home game of the season. The Northern Knights lost a thriller to the Western Jets.

James Dickinson top scored for Plenty Valley in its premiership. (Shawn Smits) Inset: Plenty Valley celebrates premiership joy. (Greg Heatley)

Double flag joy for Bats

By Tara Murray It’s celebration time at Plenty Valley Cricket Club after it claimed two Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association premierships.

With two sides in grand finals, the Bats’ hopes of double silverware were granted, with their first and fourth XIs securing flags.

Bats first XI captain-coach James Dickinson said he was on cloud nine after winning the north-east first XI premiership.

“It is amazing,” Dickinson said. “It’s a process that started in July and the guys have put in the hard work.”

Having travelled across town to Noble Park, the Bats won the toss and elected to bat.

They looked in control at 2-141 with plenty of batting left in the shed.

Noble park fought back through Marasinghe Perera, who would end up being named man of the match after taking eight wickets.

Constant wickets towards the back end of the innings saw the Bats all out for 212.

Dickinson said they were unsure whether they had enough runs on the board.

“It was competitive,” he said. “It was probably par on that ground.

“It ebbed and flowed a little bit. We ended up the with the runs on the board and they would have to chase them down in a pressure situation.”

Dickinson was the standout with the bat, making 79 at the top of the order.

The bowlers did the job on Sunday and looked in control all day, bowling Noble Park out for 158.

Dickinson said the whole bowling attack had stood up.

“We were able to take wickets at important times,” he said. “The slower bowlers built up the pressure. Ryan Pearson has shown he can be a match-winner with the ball.

“Blacky [Simon Black] tore through them in his second spell.

“A couple of boys were primed to show they can win a premiership.”

Daniel Heatley and Pearson finished with three wickets each, while Callum Nankervis and Black took two wickets each.

The premiership is the Bats’ first top side flag since 2014-15 and third VSDCA first XI premiership overall.

Dickinson said the Bats’ first XI was made up of a special group of players.

“To finish second and have a crack at the flag is really good,” he said.

“It’s a different team from last year and we’ve been able to form so quickly.

“We’ve got two 15-year-olds in the team and some who hadn’t played first XI cricket before.

“It’s a testament to the people at the club and those involved in the side.”

It’s been a big season for the youngest two members of the team. Dickinson said that this season Jai Lemire had won three premierships and Ikroop Dhanoa, two.

The Bats’ fourth XI won the north-west premiership.

The Bats made 163 before restricting Hoppers Crossing to 58.

David Wallace was the star of the show, taking 7-20 for the Bats.

“The more premierships the better,” Dickinson said. “It’ll be a good time back at Yarrambat.”

Dickinson said he was yet to make a decision on his coaching future.

“I’ll soak it up and see what happens,” he said. “We’ll have a few beers and see what everyone says.”

Soccer

Hume City had a night out against Dandenong City in the National Premier League on Friday night. Hume had all guns blazing early, scoring four first-half goals. Both teams scored in the second half, giving Hume a 5-1 win. Ben Bowler, James Brown, Stevie Hewitt, Bradley Blumenthal and Paul Wilson were the goalscorers. In NPL2 west, Whittlesea Ranges had a 0-0 draw with Manningham United Blues on Saturday afternoon.

Basketball

Hume City Broncos experienced mixed fortunes in Big V state championship basketball on Saturday night. The women’s side had a massive 84-50 win over the Bulleen Boomers, including a 31-7 last quarter. BreAnna Brock top-scored with 27 points. The men, though, had a tough night, losing to Chelsea Gulls 92-81. Lee Jeka top scored for the Broncos with 18 points.

FOR mORE SPORT, viSiT Web: starweekly.com.au Northern Star Weekly @starweeklysport @star_weekly 19 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY \ MARCH 26, 2019

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