Star Weekly - Northern - 25th November 2025

From Lord’s to Donnybrook

Mayor urges respect

By Laura Michell

New Whittlesea mayor Lawrie Cox has urged his fellow councillors to treat the community, council staff and each other with respect – and called out online abuse directed at councillors.

Cr Cox was elected mayor for 2025-26 on Tuesday 18 November, ahead of Cr David Lenberg.

Outgoing mayor Martin Taylor did not nominate for the position despite announcing his re-election bid in a 856-word Facebook post on 15 November.

Cr Blair Colwell was selected as the city’s deputy mayor over Cr Michael Labrador – who was elected to council just three months ago.

This Cr Cox’s second time in the mayor’s chair, having been Whittlesea mayor in 2018-19, while he also served as president of the Shire of Whittlesea in 1982.

Speakingfollowinghiselectionasmayor, Cr Cox said Whittlesea was a diverse community.

“Many of us have joined this great Australian community but we are all equal in standing. And I think that is important

to understand in terms of respecting our community and the people who elected us,” he said.

“There are also many faiths ... but no matter where you come from or the faith you have, you are all to be treated with respect.”

He also spoke of the need for councillors totreatcouncilstaff–andeachother–with respect, and called out those who attack councillors online.

“Councillors are creatures of the state ... we are not recognised as a separate level in the constitution,” Cr Cox said.

“So many people don’t understand that we are directly governed by state acts and we have to comply to those requirements.

“Too many attack local government unfortunately at the moment because they fail to understand that.

“It is easy to yell at a computer screen or punchthekeyboard.Idon’tacceptthatand I don’t accept abuse or false claims without evidence.

“This applies to all councillors and all employees of the City of Whittlesea.”

 Continued: Page 10.

This is Thomastown’s best kept secret

At Marran Run, life is easy. Enjoy quick access to schools, shops, transport and green spaces all just minutes from your doorstep. Build a future where everyday living feels effortless, and every weekend is filled with possibilities. This is Thomastown’s best-kept secret, but not for long.

‘Suffocating democracy’

By Laura Michell

AchangetoWhittlesea’sgovernancerulesis “suffocating democracy”, according to one councillor.

During the 18 November council meeting, councillors voted on a number of changes to its governance rules, with most the changes revolving around speaking times afforded to councillors during meetings.

Councillors also changed how it handles notices of motion from councillors, requiring a notice of motion to be signed by onethird councillors, instead of just one. Recission motions will also need to be signed by

one-thirdofcouncillors,upfromthree.

Council’s office of council and CEO executive manager, Jacinta Stevens, told the meeting the changes were in response to the Commission of Inquiry into council and reports from monitors overseeing other councils, including Brimbank, Moonee Valley and Geelong, which recommended governance changes to how those councils dealwithnoticesofmotion.

But Cr Aidan McLindon – who returned from his six-month suspension last month – said he did not believe the Commission of Inquiry report had suggested the council should be looking at its notice of motion process. He moved that council did not

amendedthenoticeofmotionrules.

He said there was talk the state government planned to introduce statewide legislationontheissuenextyear.

“Wearepre-emptingsomethingthatmay ormaynothappen,”CrMcLindonsaid.

“I don’t think we are in a position ... where we should all of a sudden think we shouldgooffonourowntangent.”

Cr McLindon said notices of motions were one of the few channels councillors had to put an issue on the table and said he feared the changes would mean minority groups of people “who do not have the will of more than two councillors” would be unable to have their issues raised in the chamber.

Toy donations wanted for charity Christmas drive

Thomastown-based Turbans 4 Australia is running its Christmas toy drive again this year, urging people to donate what they can before December 6. Turbans 4 Australia founder Amar Singh said the toy drive will be delivered to the regional Grampians community to help out with cost of living pressures.

“Kids don’t care about [the cost of living], they just want toys for Christmas,” Mr Singh said.

“As Sikhs, we don’t celebrate Christ

“It is the best feeling when you see kids’ eyes light up.”

Turbans 4 Australia has formed a partnership with Zaparas Lawyers, who donated $30,000 to the cause.

Paul Zaparas said partnering with Turbans 4 Australia has been a great opportunity to give back to the community.

“As a personal injury firm … we are keenly attuned to working class issues,” Mr Zaparas said.

“Turbans 4 Australia is one of the sig

Mr Singh said the law firm’s contribution, and volunteer work will go a long way.

“There are always more families in need,” Mr Singh said.

Mr Singh started Turbans 4 Australia to inspire the next generation.

“We are all Australians … who have to roll up our sleeves and help out when times get tough,” he said.

Donations to the toy drive will be accepted at the Zaparas Lawyers offices at Epping and Werribee until December 6.

“I think by strengthening [the governance rules], we are suffocating democracy,”hesaid,

Cr Michael Labrador also opposed the changes to notices of motion, warning it would “hamstring” councillors’ ability to raiseanissue.

Cr McLindon’s bid to stave off changes to notices of motion was defeated after Crs Lawrie Cox, Blair Colwell, Deb Gunn, Martin Taylor and Jarrod Lappin voted against it, while Cr Daniela Zinni abstained from voting, which is considered to be a negative vote.

Whittlesea councillors have added their voices to call for traffic lights to be installed at a Thomastown roundabout dubbed the “worst roundabout in Thomastown”.

During the 18 November council meeting, councillors received a petition signed by 28 people, which requested the installation traffic lights at the roundabout the intersection of Dalton Road and Settlement Road in Thomastown.

Council will refer the petition to the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) as it is responsible for those roads.

However, Cr Daniela Zinni said she supported the petition and urged DTP to act.

“The Dalton Road and Settlement Road roundabout would have to the worst roundabout in Thomastown,” she said, “I use this roundabout regularly, and more concerningly,mymumdoes.Peopleturnoff music [in their car] to navigate this roundabout. Customers coming out of Bunnings run the gauntlet.”

Cr Nic Brooks said he also regularly used the roundabout and could recall several near misses.

“I took my life in my own hands several times,” he said. “I have spoken to many residents abut it and the state member.”

A DTP spokesperson said the department would continue to monitor the intersection and consider any necessary safety upgrades as part of future planning.

Conservation takes flight

The Golden Sun Moth is a vulnerable species endemic to south-eastern NSW, the ACT and Victoria. With Golden Sun Moth conservation sites across Hume, Brimbank, Wyndham and Whittlesea, the insect has cemented its home in Melbourne’s northwest. However the moth is still under threat from increased development in the region. Sam Porter spoke to Hume council’s conservations program supervisor Eric Stone about the insect and the Golden Sun Moth conservation site in Craigieburn.

Part of the reason why Golden Sun Moth numbers are so hard to accurately record is because the insect is only alive for one to four days.

Born without mouthparts, the moth cannot eat and has one sole purpose in its fewdaysasamatureadult—tofindamate and reproduce.

In Melbourne’s northern suburb of Craigieburn the moth has found a sanctuary at a 44-hectare conservation site. The reserve was sectioned off as part of a 2009 federal government condition of approval when granting land developer, Stockland, permission to develop the Highlands estate.

Eric Stone is a conservations program supervisor at Hume council and co-manages the site alongside numerous nature reserves in the east of Hume.

“Realistically, that organism is only a moth for a very small percentage of its life cycle … the rest of the time that organism is actually under the ground as a grub,” he said.

“They can be under the ground for definitely one year, maybe two, maybe three years. We’re not sure how long they can be under there for.”

It would be better to protect nature before it becomes critically endangered than try to do so afterwards - Eric Stone

The Craigieburn reserve is an environmental offset created to compensate for significant biodiversity loss caused by land development.

Hume council took on responsibility for the reserve after Stockland’s approval condition expired in 2020.

Inthesameyear,themoth’sclassification was downgraded from critically endangered to vulnerable in Victoria due to increased conservation efforts.

However, increasing housing development projects pose ongoing risks to the moth and its natural grasslands habitat, and so ecologists, developers, local communities and government are making concerted efforts to protect the nativeecosysteminthesegrowingregions.

“I think that in high growth areas, like Hume, you need to carefully consider the impacts that that’s going to have on nature,” Eric said.

ThebiggestpartofEric’sroleismanaging the contractors who do the physical work at the site such as mowing back grasses to encourage moth reproduction.

“The reason that we do that is to reduce the biomass and give the moths that space that they need to fly around to recognise each other.”

During the reproductive season, from mid-October to January, male moths fly above tussock grasses, looking for signals from females crawling in between grasses on the ground.

“[The female’s] wings have a sort of little golden splash on them and that’s why they call them Golden Sun Moths,” Eric said.

“The females will sense the male flying around and they’ll give that little flash of the wings, and they can find each other.

“Ifthegrassgetstoolong,thentheycan’t do that so we mow it this time of year just before the season starts.”

If moths successfully mate the female will lay her eggs at the base of the tussock grass.

The most common grass at the Craigieburn site is the non-native Chilean needle grass which the moth has quickly taken to.

“Golden Sun Moth is a bit of an anomaly inthatit’sactuallyabletothriveinChilean needle grass which is, in many other places, considered a fairly bad weed,” Eric said.

When the weather conditions are right and the moth larva is ready for its next life phase, it will migrate to the surface of the soil and undergo pupation.

Every few years, Eric and his colleagues conduct surveys to track seasonal variations and Golden Sun Moth numbers at the reserve.

“We’renottryingtocountallofthemoths in the reserve. We’re trying to gather data over successive years about how many we can see from a certain set of viewpoints in a reserve,” Eric said.

Surveys are conducted on days with favourable weather conditions for moth activity,andmothsarecountedwithinthe same marked areas across the site.

“You’re counting the amount of moths

that you can see flying around within a certain time period, maybe five minutes, and you’ll generally have at least two people so that you can see in different directions.”

Eric said climate change could be detrimental to the Golden Sun Moth’s survival especially for populations living in small, isolated urban areas surrounded by housing or roads.

“If something happens like it gets a lot wetter, or it gets a lot drier, maybe some of its core food plants drop out of those systems, those moths can drop out of the system as well because they haven’t got enough alternatives in the landscape, and they can’t travel very far.

“The males can possibly fly up to about 400 metres at a stretch. The female is nowhere near that. They can’t cross things like suburbs and extensive roads and car parks and form new populations easily elsewhere,“ Eric said.

“I think [the conservation site at Craigieburnis]anexampleofagoodoffset for Golden Sun Moths because it’s large, it’s interconnected with other reserves, and there’s some variable habitat in here so that we can create different conditions.

“The great thing about an offset like

this is we can do more than protect and preserve a Golden Sun Moth population. We can protect, preserve and improve other aspects of the natural environment as well.”

EricwasaskedwhytheGoldenSunMoth is important.

“It’s a bit of a philosophical question,” he replied. “I do think that there is something strange about the way we rate the importance of nature. There tends to be a situation where we’ll wait for something to become really endangered, and then suddenly we’ll consider it to be really important and worth protecting, but it seems to me it would be better to protect nature before it becomes critically endangered than try to do so afterwards.

“[The Golden Sun Moth] is not really more important than all of the other creatures and plants and ecology that also could become critically endangered if we don’t protect it. It’s a part of these ecosystems, and it has its role.

“Butreallyit’saquestionof,‘doyouthink ecosystems are important? Do you think that they have a function in our modern society?’Becauseiftheanswerisyes,well, then the Golden Sun Moth is important just like the rest.”

How Eda got her life back

By Courtney Black

When she was 23 years old, Dallas Resident Eda Ozkoca received a life-saving liver transplant.

The now 36-year-old said she could not put into words how grateful she is for her organ donor and their family.

“I have always wanted to write to them but couldn’t put pen to paper, how could I?” Ms Ozkoca said.

“They’ve got my life back.”

Sunday 16 November was DonateLife Thank You Day, a national day to acknowledge the generosity of organ and tissue donors, and their families.

Liz Sonntag, a spokeswoman from Donate Life Victoria, said each year thousands of lives are saved and transformed through the generosity of organ donors.

Ms Ozkoca is one of almost 20,000 Australians who have received life-saving organ transplants, according to DonateLife.

Ms Ozkoca was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at six or seven years old after being referred to the Melbourne Royal Children’s Hospital because of constant tummy pains and diarrhea.

“After diagnosis, I was dehydrated and malnutritioned from the drips, vitamins and fluids,” she said.

“At age 12 everything just tumbled when I copped a bug overseas, I was back at square one and worse than before.

“One day in year 9 my friends said to me ‘you look pale, you look yellow’.

“I didn’t take much note of it … but when I got home and looked in the mirror, my eyes were lemon yellow.”

The yellowness was due to a blockage in the bile duct, a major duct draining the liver, Ms Ozkoca said she had to have tubes down her throat to unblock it.

Bile duct inflammation occurs in around three per cent of patients with ulcerative colitis, according to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.

“That went on for a few years until I got really really sick with the liver,” Ms

What’s on

Bundoora Beats - Celebrate local music close to home

Enjoy an evening of live music, family fun and great food at this free outdoor concert.

Featuring Jazz Party, Jess Ribeiro, Charlie Needs Braces and Ramona Sky.

When: Saturday 29 November, 6pm - 10pm

Where: Norris Bank Parkland, 135 Mcleans Road, Bundoora

This is a free event and no bookings are required.

For more information, visit whittlesea.vic.gov.au/BundooraBeats

Ozkoca said.

“I was at a Coles checkout and someone behind me said I looked like a walking dead body … I had black skin and yellow eyes.”

Ms Ozkoca said in 2011 she rushed to get married in her dream boat wedding even though she was so unwell.

“The next day we went to sign the papers [for a liver transplant] because I was

at the end stages,” she said.

According to Austin Health, the average wait time for a liver transplant is eight to 12 months.

Ms Ozkoca said she had multiple surgeries after her wedding, first an operation to open and drain her bile duct, and then her first unsuccessful liver transplant.

“We couldn’t win,” she said.

Sixteen months later, she had just been discharged from hospital, and was called to undergo her second liver transplant.

“I was cut open before they found Hepatitis-B in the donor liver,” she said.

After this second unsuccessful liver transplant, Ms Ozkoca was given three days to live if a healthy liver wasn’t found.

“On the third day, I remember wordfor-word the doctor saying he found a red, bright, shiny liver,” she said.

“I woke up from the surgery pain-free, and had an instant colour change.”

“Fourteen years on, every single day I wish I could have told [the donor family] how grateful I am for what my life has come to post-transplant.”

Ms Ozkoca said she is most grateful for being mother to her four children.

“That was my dream, to have kids, and I couldn’t have done it without [the donor],” she said.

She said the decision to donate organs falls back to the family, so potential organ donors should inform family members of their decision. “It could happen to your loved ones, you never know,” she said.

Australians can register to be an organ donor at donatelife.gov.au or through MyGov.

Help shape our economic future

The City of Whittlesea is inviting businesses and investors to provide feedback that will inform our Economic Growth Strategy 2026-2036. This strategy provides the framework to:

• Create opportunities for jobs, investment and innovation

• Support our local economy

• Address the needs of our fast-growing population

To have your say, visit engage.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/egs26-36

Noise program concerns

By Sam Porter

Locals that will be affected by additional aircraft noise from Melbourne Airport’s third runway have expressed concerns over ministerial conditions for the noise ameliorationprogram.

The program is designed to mitigate the impacts of aircraft noise for residents and sensitivepublicbuildingsintheHumeand Brimbankcommunities.

Ministerial conditions for the third runway outline that only residents living within the ANEF25+ (Australian noise exposure forecast) contour will be eligible fortheprogram.

Keilor Valley local and former GP Dr

Michael Howson believes this condition shouldbereducedtoANEF15+.

“The noise harm I’m concerned about is all the people who live beyond that [ANEF25+contour],”DrHowsonsaid.

“They’reintheANEF15+levelbutthey’re still going to experience interrupted sleep and be annoyed by the noise, especially at night.That’swhenmostofthehealthharm occurs.”

Dr Howson said the noise at night can triggerthebody’sfightorflightresponse.

He said this often leads to an increase in bloodsugar,bloodpressureandpulserates, and that it can also lead to hypertension andotherhealthproblemslateron.

Another ministerial condition outlines

Young Doreen actor breaks through

Amileya Moro, an 11-year-old performer from Doreen has landed a role in the award-winning musical Saturday Night Fever, which opens in Melbourne in January.

Amileya said she was so excited and felt very lucky to be chosen out of more than 400auditioneesfortherole.

“It is a really hard industry to break into and there are so many talented people out there,soitwasextraspecial,”shesaid.

Amileya is playing the role of Linda Mareno, the younger sister of the lead character,Tony.

“I think she is a lot like me, bright, a bit cheekyandsassy,”Amileyasaid.

“Everyone has been so encouraging and they are very excited to come and see me perform,”shesaid.

Amileya said she has always wanted t be on stage, and absolutely loves performing.

“Iwantedtopursueperformingseriously whenIwas8 yearsold and Iplayedtherole of Baby June in the musical Gypsy,” she said.

Amileya said rehearsals for the production are starting soon and she is surprised at how much she connected with thecast.

“Italreadyfeelslikeafamily,”shesaid.

“I cannot wait to be able to bring my role as Linda Mareno to life and be part of such anamazingshow,”shesaid.

Amileya Moro will debut in Saturday NightFeverattheAthenaeumTheatrefrom 8January,2026.

TicketsareonsaleviaTicketmaster.

thatrequestednoiseameliorationworkson eligiblepropertiesneedtobecompletedno later than 12 years from the date the noise ameliorationplanisfinalised.

The noise amelioration plan is expected tobefinalisedinSeptember,2026.

Dr Howson is concerned eligible residents will not sign up for amelioration works before the third runway opens in 2031, potentially exposing them to years of noiseharm.

“People are just going to wait and see if it annoys them or keeps them awake but it can be causing noise harm without them knowingaboutit,”DrHowsonsaid.

The federal government said experience fromsimilarprogramssuggestedanumber

of eligible people will not enrol in the programuntiltheyexperiencetheimpacts ofaircraftnoise,whilesomepropertieswill takelongertoameliorate.

It said the objective behind the noise amelioration program timeline condition aimed to balance the requirement to put a time limit on the program, while giving eligible residents ample opportunity to participateintheprogram.

A spokesperson for the Infrastructure and Transport Minister Catherine King told Star Weekly the government aims to minimise the impact of aircraft noise on the community wherever possible through airspace design, noise abatement proceduresandlanduseplanning.

Whittlesea remembers

At 11am on Tuesday 11 November, Australia stopped to remember those whose lives were lostduringthewars.

Residents and RSL members were joined by local schools, councillors, parliamentary members, community groups and former soldiers at Epping’s RSL and Whittlesea Secondary College to commemorate those whosacrificedtheirlivesforthosebackhome.

The services included speeches from RSL president Raymond Long (Whittlesea) and Kevin Ind (Epping), as well as a laying of the wreaths by local veterans, school kids, community members, and councillors and parliamentarymembers.

As everyone came together to mark the anniversary of the ending of the first world war through the one minute of silence, one message rang through louder than anything else.

StarWeeklyPhotographerDamjanJanevski captured the commemorative moments at Whittlesea Secondary School and reporter Jack O’Shea-Ayres attended Epping RSL’s day ofremembrance. Lestweforget.

No Limits for Rhiannon Tracey

Sixteen years after a life-changing accident left her a quadriplegic, Rhiannon Tracey continues to defy expectations, inspiring thousands through her advocacy, entrepreneurship and unshakable optimism.

The Melbourne-based motivational speaker,modelandwellnessadvocateisthe founder of The Next Step Program Spinal Injury Recovery and Wellness Centre, a not-for-profitfacilityoperatingoutofEpping andlaunchedin2012.

Traceystartedtherecoverycentretofilla gapinintensiveneurologicalrehabilitation, which recently expanded to include an inclusive, independent gym and partnered with Griffith University to bring stem cell clinical trials to Victoria - a development Tracey describes as “potentially life-changing” for people living with spinal injuries.

“I wasn’t ready to take no for an answer,”

she said. “I wanted to have a happy and fulfilling life — and to show others what’s possible.”

Tracey also made history as the first female wheelchair user to walk the runway at Melbourne’s Fashion Week, explaining visibility and inclusion remain central to hermission.

“It’s about creating that doorway of opportunityforothers,”shesaid.

This month, Tracey will take the stage as official ambassador for the Melbourne Disability Expo, held on Friday 21 and Saturday 22 December at the Melbourne ConventionandExhibitionCentre.

“The expo is more than just a showcase - it’s a space for real conversations about respect, self-advocacy and the kind of care ourcommunitydeserves,”shesaid.

For Tracey, her message is simple yet powerful.“Nevergiveup—youcangiveup, oryoucangiveitallyou’vegot.”

Man arrested on roof

Police have charged a 40-year-old Lalor man with burglary and being equipped to steal at a Thomastown scrap metal yard. Police responded to an alarm at the Alyward Avenue factory about 12.20am on 21 November. A man was allegedly seen running around the property and jumping onto a shipping container. He then jumped onto the roof of the factory and with nowhere left to go, was arrested. The alleged offender has been bailed to appear at Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on 22 January.

Seeing double Police thought they were seeing double when two identical vehicles sped past them in Campbellfield on 18 November. It is alleged two identical white 2019 Ford Rangers were both clocked racing at 125km/h in a 70 km/h zone just after midnight on Sydney Road. One police car managed to intercept both vehicles. The driver of the first Ford was found to be an unaccompanied learner and the driver of Ford number two was a probationary driver. Both cars were impounded for a matching cost of $999. The two men are expected to be charged on summons with various driving offences and may be able to split a rideshare to court.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT

Web: starweekly.com.au

Northern Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Pleas to save lake heard

By Courtney Black

Community consultation has influenced Whittlesea council to change its proposal and retain the Lauries Field lake in Doreen, rather than turn it into an “ephemeral wetland”.

During the 18 November council meeting, council’s open space and planning co-ordinator Andrew Chau said there was an overwhelming rejection of the proposal to convert the lake.

“Seventy-four per cent of responses opposed this proposal, we have listened, and the draft plan … has been revised to retain the lake as a permanent water body,” he said.

More than 620 people have signed a petition on the change.org platform to save the lake.

“The plan has been shaped by a very engaged community with over 650 participants contributing across two phases,”

Mr Chau said.

Other redevelopment proposals include converting part of the Lake Front Mews car park to parkland, improvements to the playspace, basketball and fitness equipment as well as the walking trail.

Councillor Deb Gunn moved the motion to open community consultation

from November 21.

Cr Aidan McLindon said the consultation process should be a role model for other councils.

“When there’s contentious issues, you bring the community along, you get their input and compromise,” he said.

Cr Gunn encouraged residents to read the revised draft plan and provide their feedback, urging them to be polite.

“You get more flies with honey than you do with vinegar,” she said.

Cr Gunn said that in the future, she will advocate for a toilet block in the area when the budget allows.

The newly elected Whittlesea mayor,

Northern Health public sleep service a first

Northern Health has launched its first dedicated public sleep service to address the long-standing gap in access to sleep medicine for communities across Melbourne’s northern suburbs.

Until now, all sleep testing at Northern Health was outsourced to external providers, often resulting in long wait times, high out-of-pocket costs, and limited clinical support, with barriers posing particular challenges for patients with time-sensitive conditions.

The new sleep centre in Epping’s Northern Hospital features a six-bed laboratory capable of both overnight and daytime testing, including assessments for hypersomnia and introduces a digitally enabled, person-centred model of care that is reshaping how sleep health is delivered.

The laboratory is reported to deliver a streamlined, multidisciplinary model of care designed to improve access and reduce delays, ensuring timely treatment for conditions like obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), insomnia and parasomnias.

Dr Katharine See, director of Respiratory and Chief Outcomes Officer at Northern Health, said the service demonstrates how innovation can drive equity.

“By prioritising those most at risk and supporting people through digital pathways, we are improving access and delivering the outcomes that matter most to our community,” Dr See said.

Northern Health’s sleep centre has set itself apart from traditional treatments through its digitally enabled care pathway delivered through the My Health@ Northern app. Before a first consultation, patients are asked to complete an evidence-based questionnaire via SMS which enables clinicians to identify those at highest risk in an aim to prioritise them for care.

The process is being used in a bid to empower patients to manage their own health from home while also improving

long -term outcomes and freeing up clinician time for more individualised care.

For more information https://northernsleepcentre.com.au/.

Lawrie Cox said council understands how important the lake is to the community.

“The future of Lauries Field is shaped by the people who use it and care deeply about their local park,” he said.

Council infrastructure and environment director Debbie Wood said the changes are a perfect example of community influencing outcomes.

“We have heard very clearly, keep the lake, protect the conservation area… so we’ve done this,” she said.

Community consultation on the proposal will be open from 21 November 21 to 19December through engage.whittlesea.vic.gov.au

Dog desexing to be considered

Whittlesea council will explore introduction mandatory dog desexing as part of its latest Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP).

The plan was adopted by councillors on 18 November. The DAMP outlines how council will manage cat and dog issues in in the community.

Council data suggests a potential link between desexing and better animal behaviour outcomes.

The DAMP notes that about 55 per cent of impounded dogs are not desexed, while 99 per cent of prosecuted dog attacks involved dogs that were not desexed.

According to the plan, 40 per cent of community respondents to the draft plan supported mandatory desexing for newly registered dogs, with some calling for council to provide subsidized desexing and education on the correct timing and benefits of desexing dogs.

Council said it would explore the feasibility of introducing a mandatory desexing requirement for new dog registrations before making a final decision on the topic.

TheDAMPalsoincludesenhanced guidelines around council’s response to dog attacks, including data-led initiatives to streamline reporting, improve transparency, and proactively identify any drivers, as well as exploring an education program on selecting the ‘right dog breed’.

Council will also run targeted adoption campaigns and an annual open day at its animal shelter.

It’s a world record!

AworldrecordhasbeensetinWhittlesea.

On Tuesday 18 November, 1070 people made their way to Donnybrook’s Olivine Recreation Reserve to help developer Mirvac, Cricket Victoria and the Melbourne Renegades in their bid to set a Guinness World Record for the largest cricketlesson(singlevenue).

Thepreviousrecordof943,setatLord’s in2025,wascomfortablybeaten.

Children aged 6 to 14 from schools includingHumeAnglicanGrammarand Donnybrook Primary School joined in, asdidlocalsandcricketfans.

Cricket Victoria consumer and businessgeneralmanagerDylanPrescott hoped the record achievement would inspirethenextgenerationofcricketers.

The world record attempt was part of anongoingpartnershipbetweenMirvac, Cricket Victoria, and the Renegades, focused on school programs and clinics in Olivine, aimed at inspiring more youngpeopletotrycricket.

Mirvac Victorian residential development general manager Elysa Anderson said the developer was proud to have teamed up with Cricket Victoria and the Renegades to achieve therecord.

“The Olivine Recreation Reserve reflects our commitment to creating healthy, active places, and seeing local schools and families come together for this milestone showed exactly what communityisallabout,”shesaid.

Duo make history

By Georgia Tacey

Hume council will be led by an all-female leadership team for the first time.

Cr Carly Moore has been elected mayor for a historic fourth term at the 12 November council meeting.

Cr Moore is now the first councillor in Hume to be elected mayor four times.

She said she was honoured by the appointment.

“As I step into this role again, I will work hard. I will listen. I will lead with honesty, integrity and heart and I will strive to ensure every resident – regardless of background or circumstance – feels seen, heard, and valued,” she said.

Cr Moore said her connection to Hume runs deep, with her growing up in the area, and now raising a family here as well.

“When I say Hume is home, I don’t just mean it’s my home. I mean it’s our home, all of ours,” she said.

“No matter how long you’ve been here or how far you’ve travelled to get here.”

Cr Moore, from Aitken Ward, spoke of her commitment to working together, buildingacommunityforallresidents,and achieving positive outcomes as a council team.

“Looking ahead, the upcoming state election presents a vital opportunity to advocate for Hume,” she said.

“Just like other parts of Melbourne, we deserve the very best of services and infrastructure, great schools, safe roads and healthcare when and where we need it.”

Cr Ally Watson was elected deputy mayor.

This is her first term on council, and

said she was very deeply honoured and humbled by the nomination.

“I make this commitment because I believe leadership is not about titles or power, it’s about service,” she said.

“It’s about listening, learning and acting in the best interest of all.”

Cr Watson, from Yubup Ward, has called Hume home for 10 years.

Alongside chief executive officer Sheena Frost, the election makes this Hume’s first

all-female leadership team.

All councillors present at the meeting congratulated Cr Moore and Cr Watson on their appointments, with Cr Kate Hamley an apology of the evening.

Councillors also took the time to thank outgoingmayorCrJarrodBellandoutgoing deputy mayor Cr Naim Kurt on both of their service to the municipality.

Cr Moore and Cr Watson will both serve a one year term in their roles.

Mayor urges respect



From page 1.

Cr Cox also took time to pay tribute to councillors, shire secretaries and councilchiefexecutiveshehadworked with over the years, and took aim at decisions made by the previous council which was dismissed by the local government minister in March 2020.

“CrTomJosephwasmydeputywhen I was mayor in 2018 and he was not elected the mayor, and unfortunately he was, in my view, treated poorly,” he said.“Idowanttoacknowledgethathis service was valuable, and in particular to the Indian community, and would have been our first Indian mayor and I think that is something that should have been acknowledged at the time.

“Simon Overland, was a history that is part of the dismissed council.

“He did an excellent job as far as I was concerned but that wasn’t a jointly held view by others.

“I felt he was treated unfairly.”

Reflectingonhisyearsasacouncillor, Cr Cox noted that some councillors he had served with in the past had died and been honoured by having reserves named after them, while he and Frank Merlino remained the only two living people to have been shire president and city mayor.

HesaidhehaslivedinWhittleseafor almost 50 years.

“AndIlookforwardtocontinuingmy time living in the municipality until they carry me out.”

A hidden family dining experience with city views to enjoy

If you’ve never been to the Melbourne Greyhounds at ‘The Meadows’ and dined in the City View Bistro, it’s about time you treated yourself, some friends or the family.

Aptly named, thanks to the amazing Melbourne city skyline views it offers diners, this bistro is a hidden gem (due to it being a little hard to find) and only offering dining on Saturday nights. Don’t that that be your excuse to not give it a try.

Located on Northcorp Boulevard, access is off Camp Road, near the Sydney Road end. For those who have already dined in this elevated bistro, with its sensational racetrack and city views, you’ll be pleased to learn anew summer menu was launched recently, crafted and curated by head chef Steve Collins. He and the racing associations hospitality managerHarryThackrayandCEOhaveall worked diligently to take the City View’s dining concept to a new level. Google reviews are already singing the praises of the transformation that’s taken place. The desserts have received high praise from the dining public, as has the very affordable pricing.

Inthecasethatagreatdiningexperience doesn’t sound enough for you to get off the couch, don’t forget Saturday nights at the City View Bistro also revolves around the excitement of world-class greyhound racing. A twelve-race card provides a very unique night of entertainment, by where your table in the bistro remains yours for the entire evening (seatings start from 5:30pm and races run from 6:30pm to 10:45pm) and allows you to explore the venue and engage in the racing. It’s not just dinner, it’s a whole night of fun.

Complimentary track entry and parking are provided, and the bistro dining room bar prices are very easy on the hip pocket. The more adventurous can also delight themselveswithanexpertlymadecocktail

or a top-shelf spirit. This bistro is very popular (especially at this time of year), therefore a table reservation must be made

Bookings can be made via themelbournegreyhounds.org.au or by calling9355 5222 during weekly business hours.

Join 16 days of action

Hume and Whittlesea residents are being encouraged to take a stand against gender-based violence over the coming weeks.

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence begins on 25 November, marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and concludes on 10 December, Human Rights Day.

It serves as a call to action to raise awareness and strengthen efforts to eliminate gender-based violence. Events being held locally include: EngagingMenandBoysinGender-based Violence Prevention: Hume council will host a panel event engaging men and boys in gender-based violence prevention on Monday 1 December, 11am-12.30pm. The event will be held in partnership with Northern Community Legal Centre (NCLC) and will include a question and answer panel discussion. Subject-matter experts will share their experiences and perspectives to inform best practice engagement with men and boys in family violenceprevention.Thepanellistsinclude The Man Cave’s Ged Moriarty, NCLC’S Celeste Rebbechi and Berry Street’s Dr Lauren Codd. It will be held at Town Hall Broadmeadows, 10 Dimboola Road, Broadmeadows. Registration required. https://tinyurl.com/yah2tuex

Whittlesea 16 Days Of Activism Forum: Whittlesea Family Violence Network will host the Whittlesea 16 Days Of Activism Forum 2025 on Thursday 4

December, from 2.30-5pm, at Barry Road Community Activity Centre, 36 Barry Road, Thomastown.

The forum will include panel sessions, talks from multicultural group leaders, an edutainment program, networking and afternoonteatime.Thisisafreeeventand childcare will be provided. Registration required.

https://tinyurl.com/3kk52bs4

International Day of People with Disability - Whittlesea: Visit Whittlesea Community House on Thursday 4 December for a friendly morning gathering to celebrate the many and varied achievements of people with a disability.Thiseventisagreatopportunity to connect with the community, enjoy fun demonstrations and learn more about local activities and providers. It’s at Whittlesea Community Activity Centre, 57-61 Laurel Street, Whittlesea, from 9.30-11am.

wchi@whittleseach.com.au

International Day of People with Disability- Hume: As part of the celebrations for International Day of People with Disability, Hume council will be hosting an information session about disability related supports and pensions, followed by a light lunch, on Friday 5 December. After the presentation there will be plenty of time to meet with the speakers and ask any personal questions or seek advice. At Broadmeadows Library, 1093 Pascoe Vale Road, Broadmeadows. https://tinyurl.com/yrdkht4w

Role model says masculinity is an ‘ongoing journey’

A youth advocate is helping young Victorian men challenge stereotypes and embrace healthier expressions of masculinity.

MawoutMuoisoneofthefacesofRespect Victoria’s ‘What Kind of Man Do You Want to Be? Campaign’, which highlights how harmful ideas of masculinity and men’s use of violence are connected.

As a child growing up in Sudan, Mawout grew up surrounded by strong female influences.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re raised by womenorjustbymen.Masculinityisfrom within, being a good person, being kind,” he said.

Mawout said there’s no one way to describe what it means to be a man.

“I just say it’s an ongoing journey. Everyday is a new challenge. But work on building relationships, finding your own innerpeace.That’stherealmasculinity,it’s notyourmoney.It’snotyourachievements. It’s what’s within you.”

He said social media is negatively impactinghowyoungmenviewthemselves and that they should look for positive role models within their community instead of online.

This year’s campaign theme for Respect Victoria’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is ‘UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls’.

Mawout said men need to stand up to violence against women and create a safe environment for them.

“A lot of men know that it’s not right but not a lot of men are speaking up about it,” he said. “There’s things that us men of the community need to advocate more for

the women, just as much as the women advocate for us.”

Mawout said fathers should teach their sons to treat women and girls with respect and to also love themselves.

“It’s time to change the narrative as

being a man and that is by showing love. Love is more powerful than violence, than anger, than all these kinds of things. It’s love.”

The 16 Days against Gender-Based Violence, which is a global campaign led

It’s time to change the narrative ... by showing love. Love is more powerful than violence, than anger

by UN women, runs from 25 November-10 December.

Respect Victoria is holding its annual Walk Against Family Violence as part of the campaign on Friday 28 November. Details: shorturl.at/p7Tt5

Take a bridge to a better life that aligns with your goals

The Bridge Inc is a not-for-profit organisation that offers various community and employment services to peoplewithdisabilities.

Ourflexible,client-centredmodelallows individuals to choose supports that align with their goals, creating personalised pathwaystoindependenceandfulfilment.

Our services are divided into two core areas:TheBridgeConnectsandTheBridge Employment. We believe in empowering each person to create their own unique pathway, combining supports from both areas to meet their own needs and aspirations.Choosefrom:

The Bridge Connects Community Services

Day Services: Aimed at providing health and wellbeing, learning life skills and participating socially with friends whilst outinthecommunity.

Recreation: Our Getaways program provides recreational leisure activities, as wellastripsawayinVictoriaandinterstate. Supportthattravelswithyou.

1:1IndividualSupport: OurYourSupports programprovides1:1supportinhomeand thecommunity.

Accommodation: Supervision and/ or assistance with everyday tasks, seven days a week, in one of our shared accommodation Supported Independent Livinghomes.

Support Coordination: NDIS plan assistance to help you understand and use your plan to achieve your goals and manageservices.

The Bridge Employment Services  Job Skills Training (NDIS): Our Your Job Now program provides job skills training. This includes work experience, 1:1 weekly coaching sessions and group activities to help you find and keep ajob.

Supported Employment: All abilities employment opportunities at our

warehouses and microbusinesses.

Matching your skills with positions availableatTheBridgeEmployment.

OpenEmployment: ThroughtheInclusive Employment Australia program, we can help build your skills and find a job that suitsyourinterests.

The Bridge Inc is your local NDIS

provider.Weoperateinmultiplelocations in the southeast and northern suburbs of Melbourne.

Not sure which is the right service for you? No problem! Our friendly team are heretogetyoustarted.

Call us on 1800 274 343 or email enquiries@thebridgeinc.org.au to start your journey today.

St Monica’s College wins gold

St Monica’s College, Epping, has been awarded the Gold Award (first place) at the 2025 Rerum Novarum Awards, hosted by Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS), for its outstanding student-led social justice initiative, Dignity in Every Dollar.

Theproject,developedcollaboratively by the Be More Social Justice group, the Senior Student Council, and the FIRE Carriers, exemplifies the college’s commitment to Catholic Social Teaching and ethical stewardship.

Drawing inspiration from Pope Francis’encyclicalLaudatoSi’,students embraced the call to care for our commonhomeandoneanother,guided by the words of Oscar Romero “Aspire not to have more, but to be more.” Through initiatives such as the renewal of the student-led canteen menuandthecreationofanIndigenous

Fairtrade tea blend, students demonstratedhowmindfulchoicescan foster dignity, solidarity, and lasting change within and beyond the school community.

College principal Brian Hanley OAM, said “This recognition affirms the deep values that underpin our college community. Our students have shown that leadership in social justice beginswithcompassion,creativity,and conviction. Dignity in Every Dollar is a powerfulexampleofhowfaithinaction can shape a more just and thoughtful world.”

St Monica’s College thanks MACS for this honour and congratulates all students and staff involved in the Dignity in Every Dollar project. The college remains committed to nurturingyoungleaderswhoservewith purpose and integrity.

CBD for the north unveiled

La Trobe University has unveiled an ambitious $5 million masterplan to transform its Bundoora campus into a thrivingcitythrougha30-yearvisionsetto reshapeMelbourne’snorth.

AnnouncedonWednesday12November, La Trobe’s University City will feature three distinct villages and a bustling city designed to house 15,000 residents and supportmorethan40,000students.

The masterplan aims to create a vibrant ecosystem which blends education, innovation, housing, culture and green space.

The plans have been developed in consultation with the Wurrundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation along with other stakeholders and sets out designs for a 255-hectare project aiming to position La Trobe as a globalleaderinresearchandsustainability.

Chancellor John Brumby said the initiative would redefine the university’s roleinthecommunity.

“University City could boost Gross

Regional product in Melbourne’s north-east by an estimated $440 million each year and generate around $202 million in annual student spending,” he said.

Vice Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell described the project as “a bold, purpose-built innovation city where education drives everything - and sparks somuchmore.”

Four neighbourhoods will make up the development, including the North Village, designedtobebuiltwitharesidentialfocus, theEastVillage,whichwilloffermixed-use housing and student accommodation, the South Village to drive research and industry partnerships, and a revitalised City Centre expanding westward with new retailandacademicspaces.

LaTrobe’smasterplanalsoincludesmore than one million square metres of green, regenerative open space - including the Nangak Tamboree eco-corridor, alongside upgradedcyclingandpedestrianlinksand aproposedsuburbanrailloopstation.

column or box.

1 Australian tree which bears yellow flowers (6)

4 Not representative of a type or group (8)

9 Notions (5) 10 Doom (9) 11 Zest (5)

12 Offering (9) 13 Dodge (8)

15 Resident doctor (6)

16 Oppose (6)

18 Omission represented by three periods (8)

23 Opinion (9)

24 Writing material (5)

26 Result of a taipan attack; cocktail (9)

27 Sugary (5)

28 Observation (8)

29 Against (6)

1 Complains (coll) (7) 2 Layers (5)

Classes (7)

Ditch (6)

Modern Iranian language

Skinny wind instruments (9) 8 Source of light (7) 10 Deputised group (5)

Dilapidation (9) 16 Amends (7) 17 Wise (7)

19 Liquid measure (5)

20 Way that has no outlet (7)

21 Impish persons (7)

22 Hanger-on (6)

25 Newspapers (5)

1 Riyadh is the capital of which country?

2 Which British journalist was part of a series of conversations known as the Nixon Interviews?

3 Which letter of N’SYNC’s name was represented by Justin Timberlake?

4 The Battle of Iwo Jima took place during which war? 5 Mount St. Helens is in which US state? 6 What is John Legend’s (pictured) original surname?

7 Who played Nyles in the 2020 movie PalmSprings? 8 The Liberation of Paris occurred in which year? 9 Roberto Benigni starred as Guido Orefice in which film? 10 In which country would you find the Malagasy people?

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

Men’s Shed open day

Join the Lalor and District Men’s Shed for its open day on Saturday 29 November, between 10am-3pm. Take a glance at the shed’s large variety of handmade items, enjoy a sausage sizzle and look at joining the Men’s Shed group. Open to all men 18 and over. 34 Robert Street, Lalor.

 Merv Landy, 0480 193 939

Gladstone Park Probus Club

Have fun with like minded people if you live in Gladstone Park and surrounding suburbs. Monthly speakers, lunches, outings and bus tours. The probus club meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 9.45am at the Good Shepherd Parish Hall, 88 South Circular Road, Gladstone Park. Visitors and new members welcome.

 Chris, 0422 017 907

Craft market

Enjoy a craft market, Devonshire tea and a 16-car vintage car display at Bridgewater Retirement Village on Saturday 29 November, 9am-2pm, where all money raised will go to children’s charities. Stall holders welcome. 9 Wedgewood Road, Roxburgh Park.

 Liz Munro, 0409 712 613 or lizmunro7@gmail.com

Bundoora Probus

Bundoora Probus meets on the second Wednesday of each month at St Peter’s Anglican Church Hall, Alma Road, Bundoora, at 10am. Make new friends at excursions, lunches, coffee mornings, walks and craft sessions. Hear guest speakers at monthly meetings.

 Leanne, 0419 004 997

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/

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. Enjoy a dance between 7-11pm on the third Saturday of every month. 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

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 corner of Carrick and Elmhurst drives, Gladstone Park.

 Liz, 0433 249 995

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 about 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

Craigieburn Probus Club

Craigieburn Probus Club offers retired people an opportunity to socialise, go on monthly bus trips, enjoy dine outs and morning melodies among other activities like general business, morning tea and an interesting speaker. Every second Monday of the month at the Craigieburn Bowling Club, 233 Craigieburn Road, Craigieburn.

 Bill, 0411 517 217, or Marion, 0407 052 774

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

Mernda Repair Cafe

Located at Mernda Neighbourhood House, the Mernda Repair Café will be open monthly for residents to come and have their faulty or broken items fixed. Staffed by skilled volunteers from the community. A range of repairers will be available at each session with skills in repairing items including bikes, small electrical items, clothing and jewellery.

 Mernda Repair Cafe Facebook page for bookings each month.

Regular storytime for kids

Yarra Plenty Regional Library offers a range of children’s services and programs across their network of libraries. They are run every day with sessions for young babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and families. Come along to help your child develop those crucial language skills and social connections.  yprl.vic.gov.au

Festive events by the bay

Christmas events are ramping up across Hobsons Bay as the festive season approaches.

For those with clothing in need of mending or some handyman advice, the ’Pop Up’ Repair Cafe at The Bridge Church in Williamstown is on Sunday 30 November.

If live music of the non-carols variety is what you’re after, Hudsons Road in SpotswoodistheplacetobewhenCaptain Chaos Quartet with Megan Slattery and

Aneta Graham play smooth jazz, lively rhythms and festive favourites from 10am-1pm on Saturday 6, 13 and 20 December.

If Christmas carols are what you’re looking for, Carols on the Green will take place from 6.30pm-8.30pm on Saturday 6 December at Paine Reserve, Newport.

The next day carols come to Altona at Logan Park from 6pm-8pm, The following weekend, Carols by Candelight is on from 6.30pm-10.30pm on

Saturday6DecemberatTrafalgarReserve, Altona Meadows .

On the Sunday, Carols by Candlelight is on from 7pm-10pm at Commonwealth Reserve, Williamstown.

But if it’s the big guy you want to see, don’t worry, Santa is everywhere next month.

On 6 December he’ll be at the Williamstown family Christmas picnic in theparkatCommonwealthReserve,while also stopping by Altona and Newport on

Discover the varied Faces of Wyndham

A portrait alone could never tell a person’s entirestory.

Concept artist and photographer David Mullins’ Faces of Wyndham project has proved it can be a powerful way to start tellingit.

Since starting the completely self-funded venture in 2019, Mullins has taken the portraits of 100 Wyndham residents, many of whom decided to wear the traditional clothingoftheirbirthorancestralcountries.

After making a 3D model of the Point Cook Pop Up Park for Cr Susan McIntyre and CoLocal founder Sara Mitchell in their

bid to make the case for the space, learning ofthesuburbs’160culturesplantedtheidea inhismind.

“Being shy I thought this would never happenandIputtheideatoSaraoverlunch and she said just do it you’ll learn along the way,” Mullins said. “It was a very slow process in the beginning – it took months forthefirstpersontosayyes.“

Having lived in the general area since 1993, he has seen Point Cook develop from paddocks to one of Australia’s biggest suburbsandapatchworkofpeople.

“I wanted to do a snapshot of what

Wyndhamlookslikeaspeople,sothatismy takeonit,“hesaid.

“We accuse migrants of not assimilating, but I didn’t get to know all these different cultureswithoutputtingmyselfoutthere.

“I have learned so much and am a better personforit,Ibelieve.“

The exhibition will run across the Tarneit Community Learning Centre, Saltwater Community Centre and Dianella CommunityCentrefrom27Novemberto22 January.

The opening night is on Saturday 29 November.

Hume decks the halls with carols at Anzac Park

Christmas spirit will fill the air in Craigieburn as one of Hume’s most anticipated festive events of the year returns to Anzac Park on Saturday 6 December.

Hume’s Carols by Candlelight promises a dazzling evening of music, community and Christmas joy as it invites Australian entertainment icon Rhonda Burchmore to thestageasheadlinefortheevent.

Burchmore brings more than four decades of stage experience and a glittering history of performing at some of thenation’sbiggestcarolseventstoHume. But it doesn’t end there - Burchmore will be joined by an impressive line-up of performers in AYDAN, DanceXclusive, Divine Divas Show Choir, Eamonn Conor,

and the

the same day. He’ll also be in Newport on Saturday 13 December and on 20 December he’ll be in Spotswood for pics and face painting. The Dancing Christmas Trees will be boogying at the Newport Shopping Precinct on 20 December and Spotswood Primary School hosts a slow food extravaganza on 23 December.

For more information: https://www. hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/visit/Blog/ Christmas-in-Hobsons-Bay

Fisher brings the festive cheer

Caroline Springs families are set for a burst of free festive cheer when award-winning children’s entertainer Bethany Fisher brings her Christmas Spectacular Show to townonThursday4December.

Running between 10.30 to 11.15am, the high-energy show promises a morning packed with music, movement and plenty of Christmasmagic.

Fisher is the winner of “Best kids Live Show” and will be joined by hertroupeofdancersforacolourful performance designed for the youngandtheyoungatheart.

Audience participation is a big part of the fun, with kids invited to learn dance moves throughout the show and even join Fisher onstage, with a handful of lucky audience members taking home some very specialprizes.

In true christmas spirit, each child will walk away with a gift in a free signed poster in honour of the festiveday.

Fishersaidshe’sthrilledtoreturn toMeltonfortheImaginationMagic program during her favourite time oftheyear.

“I absolutely love performing in Melton… The kids are always so excited to sing and dance along,” she said. “We get the kids (and the grown-upstoo)involvedinlearning dance moves and joining us on stage.It’sgoingtobesomuchfun.”

Catch Bethany and her crew at Caroline Springs Leisure Centre on Thursday4December.

For information: https://www. melton.vic.gov.au/Out-n-About/ Events-Activities/Bethany-Fishe r%E2%80%9 9s-Christmas-Spectacular-ShowCaroline-Springs.

Ploog and his nine-piece band, the event promises a night of sing-along classics and heartwarmingcommunityspirit.

The festivities don’t just stop there, residents can enjoy DIY Christmas crafting, library storytimes, gingerbread making, and letters to Santa, plus a local neighbourhood celebration at Westmeadows Reserve on Friday, December 12 from 6pm, hosted by local MCSteveTabone.

Hume’s Carols by Candlelight is free for all-ages, promising a jam-packed night of fun and entertainment for the whole familytoenjoy.

For a full list of Christmas events and giveaways, visit hume.vic.gov.au/ christmas.

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Which former AFL coach recently stepped down as CEO of Dick Johnson Racing?

2. Who is the new captain of the Sydney Sixers women’s team?

3. The AFL stadium project Mac Point is planned for which Australian state capital?

4. Which top jockey has been charged with two serious rule breaches after his Champions Mile win?

5. In what year did the Wallabies last lose four straight Tests in Europe?

6. Nico Harrison recently lost his job as the GM of which US sports

And what is the main reason he was fired?

Who will captain Western Australia in AFL State of Origin

What is special about a knuckleball pitch?

The Wallabies recently lost to what nation for the second time in history?

Which club had both the first and second overall picks in the 2025 AFL draft?

At what weight division did Australian Jack Della Maddalena lose to Islam Makhachev at UFC 322?

13. Originally signed to Nike, Steph Curry began a partnership with which sportswear brand in 2013?

14. Which Australian city is hosting the 2025 Beach Volleyball World Championships?

15. Gemma Houghton was the first player to kick how many AFLW career goals?

16. The 2025 NFL game between the Washington Commanders and Miami Dolphins was held in which Spanish city?

17. Rockhampton-born bowler Brendan Doggett has represented which state in first-class cricket since 2021?

18. New teams Seattle Torrent and Vancouver Goldeneyes will play what sport in the upcoming PWHL season?

19. Adelaide 36ers basketballer Isaac Humphries played for which US college team?

20.Canberra-born Mack Hansen plays for which country’s national rugby league team?

21. Apple is a slang term for an assist in which sport?

22.Which two birds are the nicknames for Baltimore’s MLB and NFL teams respectively?

23.In which year was the last AFL ‘State of Origin’ game played?

24.On a dartboard, which number is directly opposite the 9?

25.Which WBBL team does Sophie Devine play for?

26.Mary Fowler plays for which WSL team?

27. The Townsville Crocodiles played in which league between 1993 and 2016?

28.The Power Within is the name of which recently retired AFL player’s biography?

29. Jessica Campbell is the first female coach of which sporting league?

30.How many points is the pink ball worth in snooker?

Insight into hybrid Honda

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

It’s not surprising that one of the world’s largestenginebuilders,in1999,wasamong the first to bring electric power to the productionautomobile.

What is surprising is that the company, Honda, persisted with its poor selling petrol/electric powered Insight, whereas rival Toyota’s hybrid Prius went on to capture the world’s imagination and massivesales.

TheInsightlimpedontoathirdgeneration in2018.Basedonthe10th-generationCivic sedan the new Insight used Honda’s third generation two-motor hybrid powertrain, featuring a 1.5-litre Atkinson Cycle petrol engine, combined with an electric motor andalithium-ionbatterypack.

Honda announced the Insight would be discontinued after the 2022 model year, with production ending in June and replaced by a new Civic Hybrid. Following HR-V and Accord, the new Civic e:HEV LX is a self-charging, full hybrid hatchback that sets the 11th-generation Civic apart withexhilarating,electrifiedpower.

The new Civic e:HEV LX also marks the introduction of Honda Connect, a mobile application and server that allows customers to access vehicle information and interact with their vehicle via a Telematics Control Unit. This includes climate control, lights on/off to help locate the car in a crowd or at night, plus remote lockandunlock.

Five years of Honda Connect services is included with the Civic e:HEV LX, joining thefive-yearunlimitedkilometrewarranty, five-year premium roadside assistance and five low-priced services that come with everynewHondavehicle.

The most premium, sophisticated and high-techCivicyet,thenewCivice:HEVLX comeswithadriveawaypriceof$55,900.

Styling & interior

There was no denying the original Insight was ahead of its time not only in electrification but in design features which made it stand out on a crowded street. Direct descendant, the e:HEV LX hatch continuestheCivictraditionofinnovation, design leadership and outstanding driving dynamics.

Hondasays:ThenewCivicmarkedastep change for the company in the small-car segment, with the latest generation elevating key aspirational elements of the Honda brand such as craftsmanship, premiumqualityandintuitivedesign.

Unintentionally, it meant a step down for some, with the low-slung swoopy stance making for a far-from easy entrance and exittothehatchback.

It boasts a clean, modern design paired with a high-tech, human-centred interior andequippedwiththelatesttechnology,as well as advanced active and passive safety systems.

Infotainment

A virtual dashboard can check fuel range directly with a location finder giving immediateaccesstovehiclelocation.Atrip log supplies a recent trip history - access to driving history, trip distance, travel time andgeofencealert.

Engines/transmissions

The newly developed e:HEV powertrain combines a power-dense lithium-ion batteryandtwocompact,powerfulelectric motorswitha2.0-litreAtkinson-cyclepetrol engine,whichachievesexceptionalthermal efficiency and features a direct-injection

system optimised for faster and more efficient combustion, and greatertorque.

In addition, a number of technologies such as low temperature active catalyst and a modified intake port design contribute to improved fuel efficiency while achieving specificoutput.

The result is a combined maximummotoroutputof135kW of power and 315Nm of torque, the highest outputs offered on a Civic with the exception of Type R, ensuring the Civic e:HEV LX delivers a compelling driving experience.

Safety

The new Civic e:HEV LX features Honda’s latest generation Sensing suite of advanced driver-assistandsafetytechnologies,which employs a new 100-degree front wide-view camera and enhanced recognition of road lines, boundaries, pedestrians and other vehicles, including motorcycles and cyclists.

Additional features include Traffic Sign Recognition by automatically recognising and displaying the signs via the 10.2-inch LCD display. An Intelligent Speed Limiter recognises traffic speed signs and sets

thespeedlimit.

With automatic collision detection, in the event of airbag deployment, a notification will be sent to the device logged in to Honda Connect. The app will also alert a Honda Connect Customer Care agent and if a voice call is not answered, emergency services can be dispatched to the accident location.

A total of 11 airbags are fitted to the Civic e:HEV LX as standard equipment, including knee airbags for the driver and front passenger (introduced on Civic VTi LX), along with new side airbags for the rear seats and a new front centre airbag to help prevent a collision between thedriverandfrontpassengerduringaside impact.

Driving

The new Civic e:HEV LX has been engineered to ensure that its e:HEV powertrain, steering and suspension deliverlevelsofperformance,responseand feedback that, over the years, have been centraltotheCivic’sappeal.

The result is a vehicle that blends a rewarding driving experience with high levels of real-world efficiency and refinement.

This advanced powertrain is capable of shifting seamlessly between Electric drive, Hybrid drive and Engine drive to ensure optimum performance in both urban and highwaydriving.

Four drive modes – Eco, Normal, Sport and a new Individual mode, which allows separatecontroloftheengine,transmission and cluster gauge display – can be selected bythedrivertotailorvehicleresponse.

Central to the e:HEV system is the fixed-gear transmission (eCVT), which has been designed to minimise mechanical friction and is controlled by an intelligent power control unit that optimises the vehicletoeachdrivingsituation.

Careful attention has also been paid to the drivetrain and noise management to create a tranquil, calming cabin environment, whilst enhancing the overall vehicle driveability, resulting in a smooth, linearfeelduringacceleration.Thisrefined powertrain is paired with reassuring handling and straight-line stability –cornerstonesoftheCivicmodelthroughout itshistory.

Summary

The Honda Civic continues at the forefront of technology and design of the small hatchback on the company’s way to full electrificationofthebrand.

The sun was out and the weather was perfect to spend the day watching or playing sport. Star Weekly’s LJUBICA VRANKOVIC was out shooting some of the action.

Action around the grounds

New recruits give Demons a welcome off-season boost

By Tara Murray

Tullamarine knew that it needed to strengthen its squad for next year’s Essendon District Football League division 1 season and it couldn’t be much happier.

The Demons spent much of Zack Carey’s first season in charge in the relegation conversation, but did enough to survive in division 1.

“We’re pretty happy with our recruits,” Carey said. “We needed to with our end of year results not where we wanted to be.

“Wehadalotofumpiresandbadluckbut we needed to improve the list.”

The Demons went bang early in the off season when they announced one of the biggest names in the EDFL, Josh Covelli, was joining them next season.

Covelli, a league best and fairest winner, is coming off a second straight season of kicking 100 goals in a year.

This year his last and 100th goal came late in Hillside’s grand final win. CareysaidgettingCovelliwassomething

the club had been looking at for a little while.

“It’s huge for the club, not only the playing group but the supporters,” he said.

“The thing is, he’s not just a good footballer. He’s one of the better people in the competition.

“He will help improve our juniors.

Hopefully he’ll kick his 1000th goal of his

career early in the year.”

Covelli is one of two premiership Sharks to join the Demons with premiership captain Zak Wunhym also making the move across.

Carey said the pair led the way on the first night of pre-season.

“He’s another good person and a great leader,” he said of Wunhym.

“He brings leadership and helps us on how we can improve quicker up the ladder.

“He’s also a premiership player at Keilor so he brings a premier mindset with him.”

The Demons have added three other players so far for next season.

The first Tom Jackson returns to the club andwillformapartnershipwithCovelliup forward.

“He wasn’t sure about leaving last year buthedecidedtoheadtotheRDFL[Riddell District Football League].

“He kicked 40-50 goals and enjoyed his footy again. He had lost the passion and we had talked all the way through the year to get him back to Tulla.

AFL dream beckons

By Tara Murray

TherealisationthatheisnowanAFLplayer was still sinking in for Calder Cannons’ Cooper Duff-Tytler.

While having represented Australia on the national stage in basketball, it was his footballing dream that came true on Wednesday night.

After weeks of speculation, Duff-Tytler is headed to West Coast after being taken at pick four on the first night of the draft.

Speaking the next morning, it was still a dream for the Woodend teenager.

“It’s hard to settle in,” he said.

“The more you wear the colours it feels a bit more real, still not real pretty unbelievable at this stage.

“Once I get over there and start to meet everyone and get amongst training and stuff it will start to feel a little more real.”

Duff-Tytler said there wasn’t much sleep following the draft.

His family and friends celebrated with him along with number one pick Willem Duursma, who is also headed to the Eagles. Both has been predicted to end up at West Coast.

“We went out a little bit after that bit of a late night but you only get drafted once,” he said.

While Duff-Tytler had plenty of family and friends around him, there were a couple of people who were there in spirit on the draft night.

On his table at the draft was a photo of his grandparents, Brian and Dianne Lee.

“Nan and grandad on my mum’s side passed away a few years ago,” Duff-Tytler revealed about the special photo.

“They can’t be here and they always supported me a lot when I was younger and theywouldhavebeenthefirstpeopleinthe room with me for sure.

“[I wanted to] bring them along and have them there to be a part of it.”

Brian Lee is one of the legends of the Woodend-Hesket club having played a huge role in the two club’s merging.

The club and Romsey play for the Brian Lee Cup each year.

Duff-Tytler might soon find his name up there in the rafters at Gilbert Gordon Oval as well alongside his grandfather.

TheWoodendclubroomswerepackedon Wednesday night as the local community

“He has a good ability around goals and working with a big body like Josh, Tom may not get the best defender all the time and he might get off the chain.”

Lucas Scerri crosses from Strathmore. Carey previously coached Scerri, who played in the 2023 premier division grand final.

“He’s only 21 and he real leadership,“ he said. “He will play a big role for us.”

TheDemonshavealsoaddedamidfielder who is moving down from Queensland. Carey said heading into his second season in charge, things had been a lot smoother this time round.

He said knowing the playing group and competition gave them a big head start on where they were 12 months ago.

“Last year we lost 27 players in the first part of the pre-season,”he said. “This year we’ve got almost no turnover.

“We’ve only got two guys on the entire list that have not re-signed.

“Hopefully in a year or two we can build something and get Tulla back up there.“

Demons lock in women’s coach

Corey Dennehy jumped at the opportunity to coach Tullamarine in nextyear’sEssendonDistrictFootball League women’s season.

Dennehy started the 2025 season as the side’s runner before two coaching changes as the Demons saw him become the side’s coach in the division 1 competition.

When the club asked if he would take on the role for next season, Dennehy had no doubt about it.

“There was no shadow of a doubt and I would have turned up anyway,” he said. “It’s very exciting.

“It was a bit of a rough start with two coaches before me. It was a bit rough trying to achieve something in so little time with no pre-season to implement things and how we go about footy.”

Dennehy, a self-confessed footy nuffy, said the club needed a coach that was committed to the role to see what the side can do.

He said they showed some good signs this year, including pushing grand finalists Burnside Heights for three quarters midseason.

“We glued together really well,” he said. “Playing the full four quarters is the biggest thing for us.”

followed Duff-Tytler’s journey.

“He helped Wooded and Hesket merge together as clubs and he’s done everything at Woodend footy club you can do,”

Duff-Tytler said of his grandfather.

“It’s a pretty good name around there.

“I’ve seen the videos and the club rooms were packed. They were jumping around when I got drafted.

“Sohumblingtoseeandthesupportfrom my local club means everything to me. To see the amount of people rally around me to see out my dream was pretty special.”

Eagles list management and recruiting head Matt Clarke said Duff-Tytler showed plenty heading into the draft.

“He was outstanding at the draft combine, running just over six minutes for the two-kilometre time trial at 201 centimetres, which is incredible.

“He also clocked sub-three seconds for the 20 metre sprint, that’s a rare combination of size and athleticism.

“What really stands out for us is his follow-up work at ground level. He’s super clean, creative with his hands, and kicks the ball really well. He fits the modern prototype for a tall.”

Dennehy said having a pre-season together would make a massive difference.

He said there was one big area that they were really looking to focus on.

“Fitness,”hesaidasthemainthing.

“We might not be the most skilful team in the competition, but we want to be able to outrun any team.”

The Demons have already had their first session of the pre-season with 17 players hitting the track.

Dennehy said they had started the pre-season with a lot of momentum.

“So far we signed on three new players on the first night and we’re talking to a few other girls,” he said.

“To have 17 rock up on the first night especially in November is really good. We have 25 girls so far that have signed on and want to play footy for us, that’s good at the start of November.”

Dennehy said they were still looking for new players and everyone was welcome to come down.

Oldfield returns to Hume City, reunites with coach Hegarty

By Tara Murray

ChrisOldfieldwillreunitewithHumeCity and coach Nick Hegarty for next year’s National Premier League season.

Oldfield has been considered one of the best goalkeepers in NPL Victoria, with more than a decade and a half of experience as a top-class footballer.

Born and raised in the United Kingdom, Oldfield’s footballing journey truly began when he was a member of Liverpool youth academy at 11.

The Merseyside-born player then spent almost a decade at the famous club before having minor stints at a number of other English clubs for the next couple of years.

At 21-years-old, he moved to Australia andarrivedatHumeCitywherehestarred for five years as the number one keeper –playing alongside current Hegarty.

In that time, Oldfield helped the club secure finals appearances in three consecutive years, including his best season in 2016 where he conceded the

second fewest goals in the league.

Following on from a strong five years at Broadmeadows, Oldfield then moved around to different clubs including Avondale,AltonaMagicandmorerecently, Melbourne Knights – establishing himself as one of the best keepers in the league during the past decade.

With more than 200 games at the top level in Victoria under his belt, Oldfield brings both experience and natural talent to the backline.

Oldfield said he was was excited to reunite with Hegarty and the team.

“It’s exciting. I started my career here in 2012. I had a lot of good years here and great memories and I’m excited to be back,” Oldfield said to Hume City media.

“One of the main reasons for coming back was Hegs (Nick Hegarty). He has been a good friend of mine for many years now. I know that he’s gained a lot of experience with his coaching and I’ve always wanted to play under him as a player. I am fortunate enough that he

asked me to come back and play.

“I am hoping to achieve success. We play the game to be successful at all levels and being more of a mature goalkeeper now I see the game differently to what I was when I was younger.

“I have a bit more composure now than what I had when I was younger, so hopefully I can bring that to the team and bring some success back to the club.

Nick Hegarty was just as excited to reunite with Oldfield and have him back at the club.

“I am really excited to bring Chris back to the club, I am hopeful that by the end of his second tenure he will secure his legend status with our club,,” he said.

“Bringing in a goalkeeper of his quality, experience and stature is extremely important for the club. It will allow us the confidence, consistency and stability at the back which will give us the platform todeliverastyleoffootballthatentertains our community and wins us football matches.”

Sweid heads west

By Tara Murray

New Fremantle forward Adam Sweid is ready to get to work after being taken with the last pick on night one of the AFL nationaldraftonWednesdaynight.

Sweid, who was surrounded by friends and family, had a few nervous moments before finding out he would call the Dockershome.

As an Essendon Next Generation Academy product, Essendon had the right tomatchtheDockersbidatpick25.

Whentheydidn’t,thecrowdwentwildas itwasconfirmedhewouldgotoFremantle.

Speaking the following morning, the Calder Cannons star said it was a crazy feelingtohavebeendrafted.

“I don’t think it’s hit me yet,” he said. “When I get some time to myself [I think it might],Ihaven’thadanytimeyet.

“It’s exciting and I just can’t wait to get to Perth.”

Having spoken to Fremantle in the lead up to the draft, Sweid knew there was a chance that the Dockers might have bid on him.

Itwasonlywhenhisnamewascalledout thatitbecameareality.

While Essendon had nominated him, he didn’tknowwhethertheywouldmatchthe bidornot.

“I wasn’t worried about that,” he said. “I just wanted to play AFL and Freo has given methechancetoliveoutmydream.

“I’mgoingtogivethem100percent.”

As soon as Sweid’s name was called out had was swamped by friends and family whohadcometowatchitwithhim.

“It was so good, family and close people around me to be there one of my best days ofmylife,I’msohappy,“hesaid.

Among those supporting Sweid was former Calder Cannon and now-Essendon forwardIsaacKako.

This time last year it was Kako in the samesituation.

“I’ve done my running with him over the last few months to get in shape and be ready,”hesaid.“He’sbeensogoodtome

“It’s unreal, he was here 12 months ago. I put in the hard work and stayed consistent andmyworkhaspaidoff.”

Sweid said the Cannons had done so much for him over the past few years and had allowed him to play his brand of football.

He played his junior football with Hadfield, Glenroy and Pascoe Vale, all in theEssendonDistrictFootballLeague.

Sweid said he’d spend the next couple

of days catching up with as much family beforeheadingtoPerthontheweekend.

While Sweid’s draft dreams have been realised, he was a keen watcher on night two of the draft to see if Cannons and Pascoe Vale teammate Hussien el Achkar gotpickedup.

The El Achkar household was packed on Thursday night as Calder Cannons’ Hussien El Achkar waited to find out whether he would be drafted.

Aftersittingthroughnightone,the Essendon Next Generation Academy membernervouslywatchedonnight two surrounded by friends and family.

Richmond put a bid on El Achkar at pick 53 with the Bombers quickly matchingittogettheirman.

A standout from the Dons’ NGA-James Hird Academy program, ElAchkarisseenasapureexcitement machine.

The171cmsmallforwardtookover games for the Dons’ affiliate Calder Cannons in a dynamic two-year Coates Talent League stint, slotting 47 goals from 26 appearances including an eye-catching six-goal haul against Sandringham this season.

With Vic Metro, El Achkar’s three goals against the Allies was another solid effort. In his debut with Essendon VFL on the road, he lifted his side with a quick burst of three goalsafterhalf-time.

Essendon national recruiting manager Rob Forster-Knight said they were pretty happy to lock in El Achkar.

“It was our number one priority to be honest coming into tonight [Thursday],” he said. “Huss is obviously an outstanding person first and foremost and we’ve helped develop him for a number of years now, “Assisting the Calder Cannons of course did a great job as well in supporting Huss’ development over thelastfewyears.

“To actually call out Huss’ name tonight [Thursday] is recognition for Hussandhisfamilyandourprogram aswell,ledbyMartyAllison.”

Among those there to celebrate withElAchkarwashisnewBombers teammateIsaacKako.

Like El Achkar he came through the Bombers academy and the Cannons.

He is also an Essendon Next Generation Academy member, with the Bombers pickinghim.

“I’ll be at Huss’s house. Hopefully he goes, it would be amazing,” Sweid said beforethedraft.

“He’smybestmate.”

“They’ve got a strong bond those two, that is for sure,” Forster-Knight said. “I’m sure that Huss is now looking forward to one of Isaac’s official teammates. They’ll learn off each other and have similar games tosomeextent.”

Stunning haul as Westmeadows go big with the bat

Westmeadows was reaching for the record books after a stunning performance with the bat against St Albans in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division on Saturday.

The Warriors were out in full force with the bat against the Saints at Willowbrook Reserve.

Winning the toss proved vital for the Warriors

Afterlosinganearlywicket,theWarriors got going and scored 5-433 off their 80 overs.

The total is the highest in Warriors history.

Tallan Wright (142 not out off 156 balls), Donovan Pell (107 off 144) and Stephen Mihelakos-James(100off41ball)allscored centuries.

It’s the first time the club has had three playersscore100inagame.

Mihelakos-James’ 100, which is his first for the Warriors, is the fastest 100 in club history.

The innings put the Warriors in primed position to get their second win of the season.

While the Warriors are on top in their match, Craigieburn has work to do against AltonaNorth.

In a battle between the two bottom sides, Altona North decided to bat at CroftsReserve.

It made 218 as it was bowled out in the 53rdover.

James Portou was the pick of the bowlers fortheEaglestaking6-60offhis13-1overs.

The Eagles top order never got going and leftthesideintrouble.

Kevin Spaull and Sammy Laffan had a small partnership before Spaull departed for13.

It got even tougher for the Eagles with four of its next five batters going out for a duck.

TheEagleswillresumeat8-56.

Laffan is unbeaten on 29 while Darren Wotuisyettoscore.

In the McNamara Shield, Tullamarine willhavetobatwellagainstWestCoburgSt

Pingers show depth

By Tara Murray

Epping is proving one of the surprise packets of the Diamond Valley Cricket Association Barclay Shield early in the season.

The Pingers have undergone a bit of a change the past couple of years, but the depthwithintheclubisshiningthrough.

The Pingers sit third on the ladder with a 3-1andhaveshownarealresolve.

Pingers president Daniel Bramich said it could be seen as a bit of a shock with their start,buttheyfelttheyhadagoodgroup.

“Speaking with captain Tom [Emmins] wefeltwehadareallytalentedgroup,some just haven’t had a chance at the higher level,”hesaid.

“They’re proven names in B-grade. We’re getting wins where we need to, especially thisyearwiththerelegationofthreesides.

“Besides the Rosanna game we have put ourselvesinwinningpositions.

“We have to put ourselves in a winning position week in, week out and we’ll win morethanwelose.”

Bramich said with their second side winning four premierships in six seasons, therewereplayerswhowerejustwaitingto gettheiropportunities.

He said they were thriving with the opportunity but knows there’s still improvementtocome.

“They’ve now had to step up,” he said. “We’rerelyingonafewplayersbutweneed everyoneeachweektoplaytheirrole.

“We know that Tom is the big wicket but weneed10playerstochipinherewecan.

“Wehavetofindwayswithouthim.”

Bramichsaidfromabowlingperspective they felt like they still had a really good attack.

Rob Tinsley and Bramich have been around for a while, while Ethan Kunelius has come into his own after coming throughthesecondXI.

Akash Cheema is the other key, having wontheclub’schampionplayerlastseason, while Jaedyn Kearney and Todd Hughes areotheroptions.

On Saturday, the Pingers bowling group got the job done against Heidelberg. bowlingitoutfor143.

Kunelius, Bramich and Cheema took threewicketseach.

Bramich said they were happy to restrict themtothattotalastheyputthemselvesin awinningpositionagain.

Itwasn’tanidealstartwiththebatforthe Pingers.

Theywillresumeondaytwoat3-38.

Importantly for the Pingers, Emmins is unbeatenon26.

“It was disappointing to lose three wickets,” Bramich said. “Everyone knows thatTomisthebigwicketinourgroup.

“We do rely on him to make a winning

Andrewsifitistogetthewin. Afterdecidingtobat,theRedbacksmade 314 from their overs to be in control after dayone.

Shehan De silva took four wickets for the Demons, while Danny Law took three wickets.

IntheRoyPiconeShield,EastKeilorhada soliddayoutagainstGreenvaleKangaroos. EastKeilormade9-268fromits80overs. Samith Fernando took four wickets for theKangaroos.

In the Russell Pollock Shield, Roxburgh Park and Jacana have a task on hand to get victory, while Donnybrook is in control againstMeltonCentrals.

Roxburgh Park was bowled out for just 141againstWilliamstownCongs.

Umar Farooq played a lone hand for the Falcons,making53.

The Falcons bowlers gave them some hope heading into day two, as they had the Congsat4-46atstumps.

Jacana bowled Wyndham Vale out for 256withtwooversremaining.

Praneeth Jayasundara took four wickets fortheJaguars.

Meanwhile, Donnybrook made 6-339 againstMeltonCentrals.

Puneet Sharma made 156 at the top of theorder.

Centralswillresumeat0-42.

Driscoll headed to Geelong

Northern Knights’ Nick Driscoll is headed down the freeway after being taken by Geelong in the AFL rookie draftonFriday.

The Knights had to wait until the final pick of the drafts for a player from the program to take that next stepintoAFLlevel.

The Cats took Driscoll with pick 28 in the rookie draft, which would end up being the last pick of all three drafts.

Driscoll, is described as a speedy midfielder-forward from Eltham and theNorthernKnights.

He played his junior football at Yarrambat, playing 38 games before heading to Eltham where he played nearly100games.

Driscoll earned a state draft combineinviteafterabrilliantstretch of football through the middle of the season, resulting in him making his VictorianFootballLeaguedebutwith theNorthernBullantsinround17.

“Capable of breaking lines with his elite speed, Driscoll is also able to have an impact around stoppages with a high IQ around the contest andacleansetofhandstoextractthe ball,”theCatssaidonitswebsite.

“Driscoll also possesses elite endurance and can work hard into space.”

Cats’ head of list and recruitment strategy and TPP Simon Murphy said Driscoll deserved his opportunity at AFLlevel.

“He is a player we have tracked across the year for the Northern Knights and we love Nick’s running power and ability to win the ball insideandoutside,”hesaid.

score. Myself, David [Graham] and Jaedyn have to work to make sure we chip away at thescore.”

The Pingers will be back in action on Tuesday night as the summer smash kicks off.

Bramich said they would use the shorter formattotryandgetsomeguysintoform.

In other matches on Saturday, Bundoora United is chasing Diamond Creek’s 9-278, while Bundoora is chasing Rosanna’s 9-246.

“His power running he has played both inside and outside for the NorthernKnights.

“He managed to play a couple of VFL games at the Northern Bullants as well, he was super impressive at thatlevel.

“We think he has a lot of developmentandhewillcompliment those other young midfielders we’ve got.”

AT CALLISTO PLACE

Thejoyoflivingwell

SituatedinMelbourne’sleafynortherncorridor,Callisto PlacebyBoltonClarkeoffersavibrantlifestyleforover-55s, blendingthebestofcitylifewithastrongsenseofcommunity andbelonging,witheasyaccesstoshops,transport,and services.Justmomentsfromlushparklands,vibrantcafés, andMelbourne’sculturalheartbeat,CallistoPlaceiswhere everydayfeelseffortlesslyconnectedandfullofpossibility. Relaxandrechargeinthemodernclubhouse,connectwith neighboursinthewelcomingcoffeelounge,ortakeinamovie inthegoldclassstylecinema.

Withdedicatedspacesforhealth,wellness,andsocialising, you’llfindeverythingyouneedtothrive.Liveindependently withthepeaceofmindthatcomesfromaprofessional managementteamandasecure,carefreeenvironment. DiscoverthedifferenceatCallistoPlace,acommunitythat celebratesindependence,connection,andthejoyoflivingwell.