proudly serving the Northern Suburbs
30 SEPTEMBER, 2025
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Established in 2003
Kangaroo great Anthony Stevens writes exclusively for Star Weekly
....SEE SPORT 100 reasons to celebrate Whittlesea Lodge Aged Care resident Gwenda Williams has joined the ranks of centenarians, celebrating her 100th birthday on Saturday, September 27, surrounded by family and friends. Born in the family home on Hawthorn Street in West Coburg, Ms Williams grew up as one of four children. Her father owned the Coburg Spring Works, purchasing the factory after the Depression. Community service played a big role in her life. Ms Williams taught Sunday school for 13 years and was a Girl Guide leader for 20 years. In 1950, her life took her overseas when her husband accepted a role as an aircraft engineer in Hong Kong. The family spent six years abroad across two postings, and their daughter was born during their time there. Reflecting on reaching 100, Ms Williams said she was determined to outlive her mother, who lived to 95. Ms Williams marked her birthday on Sunday with a high tea celebration at the Whittlesea Bowls Club.
Gwenda Williams celebrated her 100th birthday on the weekend. (Damjan Janevski). 505578_01
‘Chronic’ rate debt By Jack O’shea-Ayres Hume residents owe more than $45 million in overdue council rates, with councillors urging households to reach out early for support rather than letting debts spiral. The annual rate arrears report, presented at Hume’s council meeting on Monday, September 22, revealed 18,623 ratepayers across the municipality were in arrears as of June 30, 2025. Council is owed $45.75 million in unpaid rates. The figure has climbed by $6.17 million from last year. Of these, 6357 households and
businesses have repayment arrangements in place valued at $19.9 million, supported by council’s rates financial hardship policy which allows struggling ratepayers to make interest-free repayments, with the aim of easing financial pressure and avoiding further penalties. “This approach is about supporting our community through challenging times while ensuring council can continue delivering essential services,” the report noted. Cr Sam Misho said overdue rates had become a “chronic issue” since COVID-19 and called on residents to engage with
council early on in the process to avoid falling into debt. “All they have to do is call and make a payment arrangement. I understand they may have financial hardship, but please reach out. Talk to our officers. They’ll help you,” he said. “Interest is remitted, and it stops people paying unnecessary charges.” Despite the support measures, more than 5300 accounts with a combined debt of $27.16 million were referred to council’s debt management agency in June after repeated attempts at contact were unsuccessful. Of these, 780 accounts were paid in full, while a further 1025 entered
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payment plans worth $5.47 million. Council said the referral process applies only to non-responsive accounts, with pensioners and those already on payment plans excluded. The report highlighted arrears are concentrated in Hume’s central and northern growth areas, with Craigieburn, Sunbury, Roxburgh Park, Greenvale and Mickleham accounting for the bulk of repayment arrangements. Craigieburn alone recorded 1634 active agreements covering a total of $4.7 million. Continued: Page 3
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