Star Weekly - Northern - 12th May 2026

Tea-riffic cancer fundraiser

Mill Park Community House (MPCH) is inviting the community to join its Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea event raising money for Cancer Council.

MPCH manager Lynne Harris said she is excited to host the morning tea on 20 May. “Join us for a special afternoon as we come together to support those impacted by cancer and help raise vital funds for Cancer Council,” Ms Harris said.

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea is a nationwide Cancer Council community fundraising event traditionally held on 21 May . Ms Harris said she changed her morning tea date to hold it in a larger space and accommodate more guests.

“We are hoping to raise as much money as we can,” she said.

Attendees will enjoy traditional morning tea favourites, fun games, prizes and a silent auction. n Entry to the morning tea is $5, the raffle prices are one ticket for $1 or three tickets for $2.

You can reserve your spot at the morning tea event by contacting MPCH before 19 May.

The event will be held from 1pm to 3pm at 68 Mill Park Drive, Mill Park. Contact: 9404 4565

RSL lease concern

By Courtney Black

A dance school fears displacement as Whittlesea council cosiders a proposal to lease part of Brookwood Community Centre to the Doreen Returned Services League (RSL).

At its April meeting, the council endorsed a plan to permanently lease the centre’s largest room – the Hazel Glen room – to the Doreen RSL for at least five years, subject to community consultation and proof of funds.

Under the proposed lease, the nine groups who regularly rent space in the centre, would be left to share the remaining smaller room.

The council rejected a larger proposal that would have handed over the entire facilitytoDoreenRSLandallowedalcohol sales, gaming and other commercial uses.

For more than 23 years, Dance Power has provided weekly classes at the centre for a total of 10,000 students.

Principal Annessa Nikolaou said the school depends on using both rooms at once.

“Our classes are at capacity, with waitlists, and we utilise both rooms concurrently to meet strong and growing community demand,” she said.

“Displacement would disproportionately impact female participants and reduce access to affordable local physical activity.”

Co-founder Lola Nikolaou said 15 weekly classes, and more than 200 students would be affected by the lease.

“How do we tell parents that we have to cut half of our classes?” she said.

Doreen RSL president Wes Wridgway said the RSL was allocated $1.6 million in federal funding that was allocated for a permanent base at Brookwood.

“The funding is attached to that address and can not be transferred to another property sadly,” he said.

He said Doreen RSL is willing to share the centre.

“It’s a place where the veterans can feel safe, mix with like-minded people and have somewhere they can meet with their wellbeing and compensation advocates,” he said.

“There will be no gaming, no TAB, no rock bands, no functions and no dining room.”

Whittlesea mayor Lawrie Cox said the council’s proposal is balanced.

“[It] aims to meet the needs of both the Doreen RSL and the wider community through a shared use arrangement of the centre,” he said.

Community consultation is open until 31 May, with a final council decision expected in July.

Submitters can present their feedback to a submissions committee meeting on 11 June.

Details: https://engage.whittlesea.vic. gov.au/brookwoodleasing

Hume’s needs ‘ignored’

Hume council has criticised the state government for “ignoring” road upgrades and overlooking funding for Broadmeadows in the state budget.

The budget, handed down on 5 May, included funding for works on Donnybrook and Mickleham roads, but did not include funding for upgrades to Sunbury or Somerton roads.

“These roads are becoming more crowded and less safe as Hume City continues to grow,” council said in a statement.

The budget also included money for upgrades at Donnybrook and Broadmeadows train stations as part of a $4.3 million

commitment. Donnybrook station will receive critical pedestrian safety upgrades and bicycle parking facilities, while Broadmeadows Station will have its amenities improved.

But Hume said the money allocated to Broadmeadows station was insufficient.

Council said the station serves thousands of users each day and is a key gateway for travel to and from Melbourne Airport.

Council said it considers the current condition of the station inadequate and not reflective of the significance of the precinct or community expectations.

Mayor Carly Moore said Hume’s most urgent transport needs had “once again” been ignored.

“Major roads to our outer suburbs are not meeting the rapid growth in these areas, while the current state of Broadmeadows Train Station is unacceptable and is actively holding the area back from realising its full potential as a major activity centre,” she said.

“Council will not accept ongoing inaction by our government. We will continue to fight alongside our community for the investment Hume urgently needs.”

Also included in the budget was a final

Workshop to help bring heritage to life

An historical farmhouse is inspiring writers to bring their cultural heritage to life in a workshop that will transform family history into meaningful stories.

Established and aspiring writers are invited to join author Sue Gunningham in the tranquil grounds of Zeibell’s Farmhouse on 14 May in a workshop that asks the question - ‘How has your cultural heritage changed you?’

Ziebell’s Farmhouse museum director Lyndel Wischer said she is delighted to host the group of writers.

“Imagine how exciting it can be to find out you have ancestors who come

from far away places – you realise some of your beliefs and traditions are influenced by another culture,” Wischer said.

During the workshop Gunningham will guide writers to draw on the rhythms, sounds and imagery of their cultural heritage to create authentic and evocative characters and settings.

“This is an opportunity to write about your family, culture and how you see the world.”

Gunningham is a local writer across all genres and a Creative Arts Practitioners of Whittlesea member. “Sue’s personal passion is memoir writing and

she has had two full length memoirs published - ‘All the days After’(2015) and ‘Waldene: Love in the Shadows’ (2020),” Wischer said.

The event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival led by the National Trust of Australia. Ziebell’s Farmhouse is a community museum that celebrates the history of Westgarthtown – a heritage registered precinct in Thomastown and Lalor that was established in 1850.

Tickets: https://australianheritagefestival.org.au/event/35028658-a/writingworkshop-how-has-your-cultural-heritage-changed-you

Black spot funding to help improve safety on Whittlesea roads

Roads in Epping and Thomastown and set to be made safer with over $1.7 million in federal funding under the 2026–27 Black Spot Program.

The majority of funding ($1.24 million) will go toward improvements at the Findon Road and North Haven Drive intersection in Epping. A further $505,000 has been allocated to upgrades at the Wattle Street and Myrtle Street intersection in Thomastown.

According to the federal government, there have been 15 casualty crashes at the

Findon Road intersection and this funding will deliver a roundabout and supporting treatments to mitigate such risks.

As part of the upgrades a left-in/left-out/ right-in intersection will also be developed at Findon Road and Healey Drive. The stretch of road is currently 70km/h, but a speed limit reduction to 60km/h will also be considered.

A roundabout and supporting treatments will also be implemented at the Wattle Street and Myrtle Street intersection in Tho-

business case for the Upfield train line duplication, the acquisition of land for a new school in Hume, upgrades at Yubup Primary School in Mickleham and the opening of an urgent care centre at Craigieburn Community Hospital.

Residents can expect more train services on the Craigieburn and Upfield lines later this year after the budget included $674 million for 25 more of Victoria’s newest trains to increase network capacity on the lines and retire the existing Comeng fleet.

Additional services for the Mernda line are also planned under the budget.

Locals want breaks from plane noise

Community consultation found that locals would like overnight and occasional daytime breaks from aircraft noise when Melbourne Airport’s third runway opens in 2031. Last year, more than 500 locals had their say on the Noise Sharing Plan which will guide how aircraft noise is distributed across communities surrounding the airport.

According to Melbourne Airport, the third runway will change how aircraft noise is experienced and will particularly impact the nearby suburbs of Keilor and Bulla. The Noise Sharing Plan aims to give communities breaks from continuous aircraft noise through flight path management and runway operations.

Melbourne Airport major capital projects executive general manager Scott Cooper said community feedback will help shape the plan.

“Community members indicated preferences for breaks from aircraft noise at night and alternating runway use to provide regular days of respite, along with interest in learning how flight paths are designed to support noise sharing,” he said.

This feedback was received through more than 570 online survey responses and 24 community sessions facilitated by independent consultants Trax and GHD. Aviation industry stakeholders were also consulted and Mr Cooper said they questioned the impact of flight path changes on local airspace access. Though he said they supported priority airspace access for emergency services.

Melbourne Airport will publish the draft plan for review and further community feedback later this year. The plan will then be submitted for approval to the federal infrastructure, transport, regional development and local government minister.

Melbourne Airport was required to develop a Noise Sharing Plan as part of the federal government’s runway approval.

“The third runway is essential to ensure Melbourne Airport has the capacity it needs to serve Victoria’s growing population and the increased demand for both passenger and cargo services,” Mr Cooper said.

mastown.

Scullin MP Andrew Giles said the funding is a welcome investment for the northern suburbs.

“Findon Road is a busy stretch of road. I’m pleased to see it receive the funding it needs to ensure a safer journey for the many locals who use the road,” Mr Giles said.

“Similarly, it’s fantastic to see the Wattle and Myrtle Street intersection in Thomastown receive funding to help turn around the concerning crash trend at the site.”

“By 2045, we expect more than 76 million passengers to pass through our terminals, which is more than twice the number today.

“The third runway will contribute almost $6 billion to the Victorian economy each year, while giving airlines more flexibility, reducing delays and supporting thousands of new jobs.”

Details: melbourneairportprojectshub.com.au/noise-sharing-plan

Mum fights to keep son at home

By Courtney Black

For 37 years Craigieburn mother Maria LiistrohascaredforhersonSammy-Joe,who lives with Trichothiodystrophy, at home.

She said her son’s National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) support has not kept up with his growing and complex needs and she has had no choice but to take the case to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART).

Amid her fight, Ms Liistro is raising awareness for those who choose to receive disability support at home.

Maria Liistro said the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding model unfairly disadvantages participants who prefer at-home-care.

“If Sammy-Joe were living in a supported facility, all of his care needs would be fully covered. Instead, because he is at home, we are expected to carry these costs ourselves,” Ms Liistro said.

“This is a basic human right, the right for a person with a disability to live safely at home with dignity and with the supports that they genuinely need.

“Imagine if I wasn’t here, how would Sammy-Joe fight this system?”

Sammy-Joe is wheelchair and bedbound, requires oxygen support, a feeding tube, and cannot be left alone at any time.

“My campaign is to show the NDIA that you can’t refuse funding for someone that has a disability because that’s what the NDIS has been set up for. What they’re basically saying is that it’s too expensive or too costly to keep Sammy-Joe at home.

“How do you put a cost on someone’s life?”

An NDIA spokesperson said the agency recognises the role of families and carers in supporting participants.

“The NDIS provides participants with the disability-related supports they require, and all available submitted evidence is considered when the agency makes funding decisions in line with the NDIS Act,” the NDIA spokesperson said.

Ms Liistro said there are no provisions for Sammy-Joe’s 24-7 three-to-one carer ratio.

“Unless you come here and see it, you don’tunderstandthelevelofcareheneeds.

“My son requires 24-7 high-intensity disability support to stay safe. Without it, he is at risk of serious harm or hospitalisation.

“I believe he is surviving this rare condition because he’s so loved and cared for the right way in his home.

“We’re providing the right environment for him, we just need help to cover all those costs of care.”

Ms Liistro said she has acted as an informal carer, and paid for much of Sammy-Joe’s care to ensure he can stay at home.

“When funding decisions don’t reflect real needs, families are forced to step in and carry the risk and that is unsafe.

“We have exhausted our finances, but we have never stopped fighting for our son.

“Sammy-Joe must not be forced out of his home due to funding limitations.”

If Sammy-Joe was put in a supported facility Ms Liistro said it would be detrimental to his mental health.

“It would impact his ability to socialise because he would have to be in an isolated room and a dark room since he is allergic to ultraviolet (UV) light.”

“He loves being at home, he loves being surrounded by his family, he sees his care workers as friends.

“We are simply asking for funding that reflects the full impact of his disability and allows him to remain safely at home.”

The Liistro family runs a non-for-profit charity ‘Friends of Sammy-Joe’ to raise awareness for Trichothiodystrophy and has started a GoFundMe to help with Sammy-Joe’s essential medical costs.

According to the NDIA, the NDIS does not fund medicines and items related to the clinical treatment of health conditions.

“The NDIS forms one part of the disability ecosystem, it is designed to complement, not replace, other government services such as the health system,” the NDIA spokesperson said.

Details: https://www.friendsofsammyjoe.org/, https://www.gofundme.com/f/ help-sammy-joe-with-his-medication-bill

Calls to build Mernda pool

By Courtney Black

Mernda residents are calling for progress on their promised pool after Whittlesea council did not include the project in its 2026-27 draft budget.

Council’s administrators approved the 50-metre pool in 2021 as part of a $180 million Mernda regional sports precinct project, despite councillors stating in 2019 council could not afford such a pool.

In April 2026, council commenced construction on the precinct’s indoor and outdoor stadiums, but not the promised pool.

Council said the pool is set for stage

three of the precinct, which will commence after the stadiums are built.

Yan Yean MP Lauren Kathage condemned the council for delaying the pool when it has received substantial external funding.

The Mernda regional sports precinct has been allocated a total of $31.5 million in state and federal funding since 2022. This is almost 40 per cent of the $80 million in external funding council advocated for.

Ms Kathage said she conducted a survey of residents who were frustrated that construction of the pool has not begun.

“My community has told me loud and

Stitching together the north

The Embroiders Guild Victoria (EGV) is inviting locals to join in on its new monthly northern embroidery group.

On 6 May beginners joined with experienced stitchers at the Lalor Library for the first northern suburbs guidance group.

EGV promotions convenor Heather McDougall said the guild is committed to bringing embroidery groups to more locals.

“There’s a huge gap in the north,” Ms McDougall said.

“We made a firm decision to come out to people because our embroidery house in Malvern can be too far for some.”

Ms McDougall said embroidering groups are therapeutic and motivating.

“I get so much out of it, it gets me out

of bed every day. It’s a way I can give back

“It is therapeutic, particularly when I was working a high stress job.”

She said the guild is hoping to engage more beginners and young people in embroidery.

“People are told to bring something they are working on or we can provide something for them to start.

“For the first few sessions we have a beginners kit if they haven’t done embroidery before. It has cross stitch fabric, needle and thread, they can work on it at their own pace.”

The Northern Suburbs Guidance group meetings are open to all. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 3 June from 10am to noon at Lalor Library.

Welcome to the neighbourhood

clear that they want a pool in Mernda,” Ms Kathage said.

“The funding is there. The need is there. The only thing missing is the council’s commitment towards the project,” she said.

Council said $21.5 million of the external funding is being spent on the precinct’s stadiums, but a further $38.5 million in external funding is needed for the pool.

Whittlesea mayor Lawrie Cox said council cannot afford this major investment alone.

“While we’d love to deliver everything at once, we need to balance these ideas with

what we can realistically afford,” Cr Cox said.

“This project is council’s single biggest investment in a recreational facility in our history and we have had to take a staged approach to delivery to make it financially viable.”

The pool’s design will be tabled for approval by July this year when the council will also consider how to fund the aquatic and leisure component of the project.

As reported by the Star Weekly, in 2022 the budget for the precinct jumped by almost $70 million from the original $131 million estimate made in 2021.

Probus celebrates 25 years

Whittlesea Probus is celebrating its 25th birthday on 15 May.

Founding member and secretary Mary Wood said the group has always been about fun, friendship and fellowship.

“We were formed in May 2001, we had a lot of retirees at the time and the local rotary club was interested in chartering us,“ Ms Wood said.

“We had about three public meetings, and each one got bigger so we decided to create the club.”

She said in 2001 the group was all early retirees with healthier interests.

“There were things back then that we did that we don’t do now, like a caravan club and a wine tasting club.

“That’s the beauty of probus because they do adapt.

“Now we’re inviting members to vote on whether they would like a new club to go to

the movies.“

Ms Wood said she and her late husband found community connection in probus.

“He didn’t want to join because he was still working part-time and had a busy life playing golf and goodness knows what. But once he got into it, he became very involved.

“After he died, it was my lifesaver, it really was.

“When you know that you’ve got a group of people every month waiting for you to arrive that keeps you going.”

Ms Wood encouraged retired locals to give probus a go.

“There is always someone, with a smile to greet you, and bring you in.”

Whittlesea probus meets on the first Monday of each month from 9.30am at the Whittlesea Bowls Club.

Briefs

Meet the mayor

Hume residents will have the chance to meet and speak to their mayor and councillors at cafes in their local wards. Mayor Carly Moore will be visiting all 11 Hume wards in the coming months, joined in each location by that ward’s councillor. The events in May will be held at Caffe Cherry Beans Broadmeadows (13 May), Lovely Cake Studio Craigieburn (19 May) and The Jolly Miller Greenvale (26 May). There’s no need to RSVP. Council will share alerts for each ward’s meet up closer to the date.

Oaklands Junction a future quarry Oaklands Junction will be safeguarded as a site for a future quarry. Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny announced her approval of three new Strategic Extractive Resource Areas (SERAs), including one in Oaklands Junction. This will ensure the land will be safeguarded for future quarries. The state government said the planning controls will help ensure homes aren’t built too close to extraction sites. It also confirmed it will protect critical resources from being built over as suburbs grow.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT

Web: starweekly.com.au

Northern Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

MY PLACE

Thirteen young people were elected in March for a twoyear term on Whittlesea’s youth council. Courtney Black spoke to the youth deputy mayor Gabrielle (Gabby) Charman about her new role.

What excites you most about your new role?

The thing that excites me the most about my new position in youth council is the opportunity to grow myself and work in such a kind and supportive team. This position gives me the confidence to be able to contribute my beliefs to my community in a meaningful way. I can’t wait to see what we can achieve as a team as well as individually throughout our term.

What impact do you hope to have during your tenure?

My main hope is just to have a positive impactonthecommunity.Ihopetobring a growth mindset to more members of the community and make a meaningful impact for people who need it most, being the youth of Whittlesea. I was also previouslyluckyenoughtoengageinthe Young Women’s Leadership Program, so I would love to make an impact by continuing to create opportunities for our youth, bringing an overall positive environment for our community.

What do you like about Whittlesea? I really enjoy living in Whittlesea as there are so many beautiful places that we have access to. Namely some of our nature reserves. I love the idea of being able to spend time outside and engage

with nature and our area is such a great placetofosterthat.Ialsolovethepeople.

What would you change in Whittlesea?

Something I would love to see changed is the accessibility of our community. As someone who faces these challenges myself, as well as being surrounded by many people who do, I would love to see more spaces for people with disabilities as well as more common areas for members of the community to connect in a risk-free, engaging environment.

Where is your favourite local place to spend time?

My favourite local place to spend time is either down at the South Morang footy oval with my friends, or Oz Tenpin in Epping. I’ve made so many great memories with people close to me so I am lucky enough to call these spaces familiar and welcoming.

Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you... Somethingyoumightbeshockedtoknow about me is that I am neurodivergent! I have made a massive statement to not let this stop me in life and I want to do as much as possible for the youth within my community to show them that they can hold leadership positions and make change no matter what!

Whittlesea City Council, Thomastown Ward by-election

Check the mail for your ballot pack

Ballot packs containing voting material will be mailed to enrolled voters from Monday 11 May 2026

This is a postal election only.

If you do not receive your ballot pack by Tuesday 19 May 2026 please visit vec.vic.gov.au to complete the online replacement form, or call 131 832 to arrange a replacement.

Candidates

Candidates who have nominated for the by-election are listed in the ballot packs and at vec.vic.gov.au

A photo and candidate statement will also be included if provided by candidates. Responses to a candidate questionnaire, if provided, are available at vec.vic.gov.au

How to vote correctly

You must complete your ballot paper correctly for your vote to count. Put the number 1 in the box next to the candidate you want to see elected, then number all the other boxes in order of your choice. You must number every box and only use each number once.

How to return your ballot pack

Put your completed ballot paper in the ballot paper envelope, complete the declaration, then post it ASAP using the reply-paid envelope provided, or hand deliver it during election office hours to:

109 Yale Drive Epping

Voting is compulsory

Voting is compulsory for all voters who were enrolled at 4 pm on Wednesday 18 March 2026. This includes state-enrolled and council-enrolled voters.

If you don’t vote and don’t have a valid excuse, you may be fined.

Your completed ballot pack must be in the mail or hand delivered by 6 pm on Friday 29 May 2026.

State-enrolled voters can register for free VoterAlert SMS and email reminders at vec.vic.gov.au

For enquiries in languages other than English: (Arabic) 9209 0100 • (Assyrian) 9209 0160 • (Burmese) 9209 0161 • (Mandarin) 9209 0106 • (Cantonese) 9209 0101 (Croatian) 9209 0102 • (Dari) 9209 0193 • (Dinka) 9209 0119 • (Greek) 9209 0103 • (Hazaragi) 9209 0162 (Italian) 9209 0104 • (Khmer) 9209 0192 • (Korean) 9209 0194 • (Macedonian) 9209 0105 • (Nepali) 9209 0163 (Persian) 9209 0195 • (Thai) 9209 0164 • (Turkish) 9209 0110 • (Urdu) 9209 0165 • (Vietnamese) 9209 0111 All other non-English languages 9209 0112 vec.vic.gov.au | 131 832 @electionsvic  Authorised by S. Bluemmel, Electoral Commissioner, 530 Collins

Candidates make their pitch

The Whittlesea council Thomastown Ward by-election is being held this month to fill a vacancy on council created by the resignation of Nic Brooks in January. The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) said ballot papers will arrive in voter’s mailboxes from Monday 11 May. Voting closes at 6pm on Friday 29 May. Nine candidates have nominated for the position on council, StarWeeklyasked them to make their pitch to voters.

Joseph Paola

It has been exciting speaking with residents,businessownersandtheother candidates about the community that weareallsopassionateabout.Ourfellow residents expressed concerns around public safety, cost of living, housing affordability, family violence, as well as issuesrelatedtotheNDIS,mentalhealth andeducation.Conversationsoftenlead to issues around social inclusion, equity and investment in infrastructure and designofoursharedpublicspaces.Many residents described the importance of ensuring existing services are maintained,improvedandstrengthened whileinvestingincommunitysafety,our roads and our public spaces. Working together, we can turn our community voices and concerns into actionable council agenda, ensuring that residents of Thomastown are heard and included in the decisions and plans which effect ourcommunity.

Edward Sukkar

Hello, I’m Edward. A devoted family man and schoolteacher with a passion to empower the people of Thomastown.

I am a good listener; hard worker and I thrive on problem solving. After 40 years living in the morthern suburbs, I know how to make things better. I am an independent candidate and serve no masters. I will help struggling families byprovidingservicesforthevulnerable. Residents always come first and I will challenge wasteful council decisions. I despise Band-Aid solutions and petty council revenue raising. People deserve a‘fairgo’andIacknowledgethefailings of my predecessors to recognise the untapped potential of Thomastown. Small businesses don’t need obstacles; theyneedincentivestothrive.Iwantthe state government to put their hands in their pockets, not our residents. I want tolowerrates,reducecostsandimprove liveability. Thomastown deserves better leadership!VOTE1forEdwardSukkar

Chaman Tiwari

I’m frustrated and I know many residents are too. We’re being pushed into another expensive by-election, paid for by ratepayers. Thomastown is left without proper representation at a time when families are struggling with the rising cost of living. Rates have increased while we’re dealing with ageing facilities, neglected streets, and stalled progress. Our community deserves consistent leadership, someone who listens and follows through. My name is Chaman Tiwari.I’malocalcandidate,proudLabor

Paul Seidl

Thomastowndeservesbetter! Asaproud husband,fatherandcommunitymember living in Thomastown, I’m committed to supporting all residents, therefore my promise, if elected, is to donate 100 per cent of my council allowance right back into the Thomastown community. I will fight for targeted rates discounts and ensure ratepayer money is spent wisely on services and infrastructure we truly need. I’m a financial adviser and business owner, holding a master’s degreeinfinancialplanning.I’vehelped countless local families reach their retirement goals, and I’ll bring that same financial expertise to council. I grew up in the City of Whittlesea and now raise my family here. I want the same opportunities that I had, for my family and other families so I will fight for funding into Thomastown and use my council allowance for local sporting clubs, schools, neighbourhood house, seniors’clubsandTRAC.

member, and a Thomastown resident of over 15 years. This is my home, where I’ve chosen to raise my family and build my business. It’s time to restore pride in Thomastownbyproperlymaintainingour public spaces, supporting our sporting clubsandcommunitygroups.TRAC,local grounds, and critical intersections such as Acacia and Waratah Street need urgent attention. I’ll advocate for better services forseniors,families,andlocalbusinesses. No excuses. No empty promises. Just results.

Sarah Garnham

Hi, I’m Sarah. I’m running because our community deserves so much better. People in Thomastown are being squeezed by rising housing costs, stagnant wages and the steady privatisation and erosion of vital services. Meanwhile, big developers, pokies venues and corporations continue to profit. I believe we need affordable, council-run services like aged care and childcare, along with proper investment in roads, footpaths, parks and community amenities. We should be funding libraries, neighbourhood houses, and sports. It’s time to put ordinary people first. I’m an activevolunteerinourlocalcommunity and have spent years standing with workers and ordinary people. I refuse to punch down and will always oppose racism and discrimination. We need a councillor who will hold the powerful to account and fight, at every turn, for peopleoverprofits.

**StevanKozmevski,BelindaStojcevski, AryanSinghandAndrewFilippopoulos didnotrespondbeforedeadline.

Extremist material charges

Two Roxburgh park men have been charged with possessing violent extremist material after allegedly sharing footage of ISIS terrorist attacks and propaganda.

The 20-year-old and 21-year-old men were arrested by the Australian Federal Police along with two Clyde South men on 7 May following search warrants.

The arrests were made after a forensic analysis of the Roxburgh Park men’s mobile phones revealed they had allegedly been sharing suspected violent extremist material. This included images and videos of previous terrorist attacks and other ISIS propaganda.

The investigation started in November 2024, after Australian Border Force (ABF) officers found suspicious material on the now 20-year-old Roxburgh man’s phone during a routine search at Melbourne Airport. The man was searched after arriving in Australia from Turkey, and his phone was seized and the material reported to the AFP.

As part of ongoing inquiries, the now 21-year-old Roxburgh Park man was intercepted at Melbourne Airport in June 2025 before departing to Turkey. During a routine search ABF officers also found suspicious material on his phone which

More homes for Epping

Whittlesea council has approved 200 new homes in Epping under a revised Aurora South Town Centre precinct plan, while construction has begun on the estate’s final internal road.

Council endorsed the updated plan at its 21 April meeting, which allows for increased housing and changes to land use across the site at O’Herns Road, Epping.

The changes will allow for about 210 additional homes, with more land allocated to medium and high-density housing. Commercial land in the estate has been reduced in favour of the housing land, which council said reflects a shift towards online shopping and remote working. Once developed, the town centre is expected to support more than 500 jobs.

Whittlesea mayor Lawrie Cox said it is important that planning keeps pace as the community grows.

“This revised precinct plan ensures the Aurora South Town Centre evolves to meet the needs of current and future residents, with a balanced mix of housing, jobs and community spaces,’ Cr Cox said.

Under the plan council will obtain an additional 1000 square metres of open space for use as a local park. The plan also sets aside 4000 square metres for a future community centre near the proposed retail precinct and train station.

Meanwhile Aurora estate developer Stockland has started construction on a one-kilometre road which will connect the estate to the O’Herns Road interchange.

was seized by the AFP.

The four men have since been charged with the commonwealth offence possession of violent extremist material which has a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment.

During the search warrants yesterday investigators seized more mobile phones for forensic examination.

The men appeared at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court yesterday, and three were refused bail to re-appear at the same court on 8 May. The fourth is on strict bail conditions and will re-appear on 30 July.

A fifth man aged 21 was arrested at the

Meadow Heights property but released pending further inquiries. Investigations are ongoing. AFP Counter Terrorism Commander Paula Hudson said the investigation aims to prevent escalation.

“We allege these men were actively engaging in the sharing of this material inspired by ISIS, a terrorist organisation responsible for mass killings, and violent religious persecution,” Commander Hudson said.

If you suspect someone is being radicalised online or in person, call the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors

10 years ago 17 May, 2016

Hume council should not become obsessed with paying off debt at the expense of funding necessary projects, according to Cr Adem Atmaca.

7 years ago 7 May, 2019

Wollert, Craigieburn and Doreen have been named among Melbourne’s best-performing real estate markets.

5 years ago 4 May, 2021

A state government proposal for a 500-bed COVID-19 quarantine hub in Micklehamhasdividedthecommunity.

1 year ago 13 May, 2025

Aby-electionwillbeheldinWhittlesea’s Lalor Ward after the Victorian Civil and AdministrativeTribunal(VCAT)voided the election result.

What’s on

From feel-good to boring

Movie buff Evan Turok is Star Weekly’s film reviewer. This month he is critiquing a movie for film lovers by film lovers and a 1984 film that left him questioning his decisions.

Project Hail Mary (M)

When the sun begins to cool off, you send Ryan Gosling into space; when the cinemascenebeginstocooloff,yousend for directing duo Chris Miller and Chris Lord.

Project Hail Mary has everything a film needs and takes it all to new intergalacticheights.

When mysterious cells are found to be eating away at the sun, the world’s governments are forced to unite their best scientists and astronauts in a race against time; their goal: to stop the sun fromcoolingbeyondthepointnecessary forhumansurvival.

Against the odds, school teacher and former scientist Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) wakes up alone aboard the spaceship named the ‘Hail Mary’ and, withthehelpofacharmingalienfriend, must find a way to save the world and returnhomesafely.

No matter if you are a casual fan or a movie fanatic, it’s impossible to watch thismovieandnothaveagoodtime.

Breath-taking visuals were abundant

in this film, from distant planets to the endless void of stars; there is no doubt this was created for film lovers by film lovers.

The mix of dramatic symphonies and uplifting comfort songs created a balance of comedic fun and devastating stakesthatfeelfeasibleinsteadofforced. Thereissomethingforeveryonetoenjoy inProjectHailMary.

I had reservations about the alien at first. I wasn’t sure I would be able to find myself caring about something so inhuman, but as the faceless rock alien wasgivenmoretimetosettlein,themore I felt myself, and the people around me, treating this creature as if he was one of us. All the credit for this feat goes to the incredibleactingofGoslinghimself.

Gotoyourlocalcinema,sitclosetothe screen, and let the music vibrate your chair; let the comedy take the edge off; lettheheartfillyouwithemotion;andlet thebeautyofthevisualsremindyouwhy agoodfilmissometimesallyouneed.

ProjectHailMaryreceives4/5stars.

Paris, Texas (M)

Wim Wenders’ Paris, Texas is one of the highest-rated films of all time, and for thelifeofmeIcan’tworkoutwhy.

Made with a modest budget of $1.7 million, the 1984 independent film follows Travis Henderson (Harry Dean Stanton), who is found stumbling around in the Texas desert unable to speak.

The film quickly takes a jarring left turn, becoming the story of a shy, but completelycapable,Travisreunitinghis estranged son with the boy’s long-lost mother.

With such high praise thrown at this film, I expected to be invested; you’d have more of a chance of making a pyramid out of marbles than getting the average viewer engaged in all two andahalfmethodicalhours.It’snevera good sign when you know exactly what part of a long film you would leave on the cutting room floor had you been in charge.

Paris, Texas started off strong and brought me back at the very end, but

don’t be fooled by the bittersweet ending; the hour and a half of plateaued plotisn’tworththereward.

At its very core, film is meant to be entertainment; Paris, Texas committed the ultimate sin: it. was. boring. I can look past bad acting in other films, and I can excuse shaky writing, but at the end of the day, what was the point of watching a movie if all you want by the endofitisahaircutandwhatfeltlikethe lastthreemonthsofyourlifeback?

I’ll be the first to tell you this is a pretty-looking film; the neon lights, complemented with the beauty of the Texas landscape, are given a spotlight, especially since the film is so thin with dialogue. Unfortunately, my neck is still sore from the whiplash of such an aggressivechangeofpace,andtheslow, contemplative shot wears thin very quickly.

There is no doubt there was a vision here; it’s just not a vision I can get behind.

IgiveParis,Texas2/5.

Surgery a chance to survive

Kirsty Wesner was staring death in the face when friends, strangers and a US-Filipino surgeon stepped in to give her a chance at survival. She’s determined to make the most of it, Cade Lucas reports.

There’s desperate and then there’s the plight Footscray’s Kirsty Wesner found herself in at the beginning of thisyear.

Back in January, StarWeekly reported on the 41-year-old mother of three’s frantic efforts to raise enough money to travel overseasforlife-savingsurgery.

Stricken with Superior Mesenteric Artery Compression Syndrome (SMACS), a rare digestive disorder that was slowly killing her, Ms Wesner needed to raise more than $40,000 so she could pay for a trip to the Philippines to undergo the Alvear procedure,aspecialisedsurgicaltechnique that is one of the few known treatments for SMACS and which is not available in Australia.

In fact, the Alvear procedure is mostly performed by the man it’s named after: Filipino-American surgeon Dr Domingo Alvear, who returns back to his homeland a couple of times a year to perform it and otherlife-changingoperations.

By the time Ms Wesner spoke to Star Weekly in late January, she had less than three weeks to come up with the money in time for Dr Alvear’s February visit, yet the GoFundMe page she’d set up had attracted littlemorethan$6000.

It’s Kirsty 2.0. I feel like I have an opportunity to survive now

-

Kirsty Wesner

Raisingover$30,000inthreeweekswould be difficult for the most physically able, but for someone dangerously malnourished and underweight due to not having been abletoeatproperlyfortwoyears,itbordered onfantasy.Andadeathsentence.

“I will die without this surgery,” Ms Wesner said bluntly in the story published on22January.

While news of Ms Wesner’s plight was splashed across the front page in the inner-west, out in Melton, where she lived before moving to Footscray to be closer to medical care, a rescue attempt was quietly gettingunderway.

LoriKeelebecamefriendswithMsWesner after their daughters did the same. Despite the Wesners no longer living in Melton, the families remained close and Ms Keele was wellawareofherfriend’sworseninghealth.

“It was very hard to watch,” Ms Keele said of witnessing her friend’s decline while feelinghelplesstostopit.

With time running out, she reached for the break-glass option many locals go to in timesofcrisis:shecontactedKeithStephen.

Keith and Sallyann Stephen are what passes for moves and shakers in Melton. Keith runs an IT business and is a well knownlocaltrader,whilebotharemembers of Rotary Melton Valley, where Sallyann servesasthesecretary.

“It just really hit a chord with us” Mrs Stephen said of their reaction to learning aboutMsWesner’ssituation.

Thentheyswungintoaction.

“I discussed this with the members of my Rotary club to see if we could help and then reached out to most of my customers via emailseekingdonationstohelpfundKirsty getting to Manila for this life-changing operation and many generous donations werereceived,”MrStephensaid.

“All donations were made via Rotary Melton Valley, who also donated $1000 and coordinated payment to the medical team inManila.”

Donations from Mr Stephen’s customers came in from all over the country and

while the exact total is unknown, it’s believed to have far exceeded the amount donated by the Rotary club or the $2000 provided by the Footscray Lions Club who Ms Wesner approachedherself.

“I received email correspondence from Kirsty and I said “right this seems like a desperate case where nobody else is going to help,” Footscray Lions Club member Bert Jessup recalled, pointing out that once the club had verified Ms Wesner’s story, the decision tocontributewasaneasyone.

“We had some funds available and we decidedtodonatethem,”MrJessupsaid.

While this was going on, Ms Wesner’s GoFundMe had crept up to over $9000 and withMsKeeleandherhusbandprovidinga substantialdonationaswell,thefundraising targetwassuddenlywithinreach.

“It was so touch and go,” Ms Wesner said of the last-minute dash for cash which was thenfollowedbythenotinsignificanttaskof getting$41,000tothePhilippines.

“Thebankswerecomplicatingthingsand shutting people’s bank accounts because theydidn’tthinkitwaslegitimate.”

The transfer was belatedly approved and finally, the night before Ms Wesner and her youngest daughter were due to fly out to Manillaon13February,realitysetit.

“It was kinda like, ‘okay it’s actually happeningnow,”shesaid.

Beingwheeledintosurgeryfivedayslater on18Februarywasevenmoreprofound.

“I became emotional and realised that it wasactuallygonnahappen.”

Theoperationatahospitalontheoutskirts ofManillaandlastedforroughlyfourhours.

While there were no complications, Ms Wesner awoke from the “very invasive” surgery to excruciating pain and stitches fromsternumtonaval.

“They took all of my intestines out and operated on all of it,” was her rough explanation of what Dr Alvear didintheprocedure.

Given the nature of the condition, it’s hard to think of anyotheroption.

SMACS involves the duodenum – the first part of the small intestine – being squeezed by two arteries, the SMAandtheaorta,restricting the amount of food that can bedigested.

In Ms Wesner’s case, the SMACS was further complicated by her also having Ehlers Danlos, a genetic condition that causes organs, ligaments and connective tissuetostretch,prolapseanddrop.

Having a combination of rare disorders made accessing viable treatment in Australia even rarer, with Ms Wesner claiming local doctors lacked knowledge aboutherailmentsandoftenmisdiagnosed herwithanorexiaorothereatingdisorders.

A rapid decline in her condition over the past two years forced her to look overseas andtoDrAlvear.

Once he began operating on her, the US-based surgeon found that not only did Ms Wesner have SMACS, but an especially badcaseofit.

“What they found was that the artery was compressing the duadenum, but there were also ligaments that were across the whole lengthofmyintestines,”MsWesnersaid.

The effect was such that not only were Ms Wesner’s intestines being squeezed, but twistedaswell,makingitalmostimpossible for food to get through. Dr Alvear and his staff were amazed that she had survived so long.

Ironically, the sagging effect from her Ehlers Danlos probably helped keep Ms Wesneralive.

“It kinda helped keep me alive for longer with that not compressing so severely,” shesaid.

Unfortunately, the Ehlers Danlos also meant Ms Wesner couldn’t take many common painkillers and with opiates such as morphine also restricted in the Philippines, her first week post surgery was rough

“Therecoverywasverybrutal,”shesaid. “It was still less pain than what I was experiencingbeforehand.”

Whatever pain there was disappeared onceMsWesnerateherfirstmealwithsolid foodsince2024.

“I cried,” she said. “When I had a burger I cried my eyes out. I hadn’t had a burger for twoyears.

“IfeltlikeIhadmylifeback.”

Discharged from hospital after 10 days and returning to Australia at the end of March, Ms Wesner has since been out for a meal with Ms Keele, the first time they’d eatentogetherinyears.

“Oh my God, she’s so much better. She’s unrecognisable,” Ms Keele said of her friend’simprovement.

The recovery has been uneven though. While Ms Wesner is able to eat and digest food and her weight has increased by 10 kilograms,hermobilityhasn’timproved.

“We’re still trying to figure that out,” she saidofwhyshewasstillwheelchair-bound.

Not that this has dimmed her newfound leaseonlife.

“It’s Kirsty 2.0. I feel like I have an opportunity to survive now,” Ms Wesner said, adding that she was preparing a presentation on SMACS that she hopes to show at Rotary clubs, while a foundation aimedateducatingAustralians,particularly clinicians, on the condition was also a possibility.

“I want my suffering to have been worth something,”shesaidofherfuturegoals.

As for all those who donated to make her new life possible, Ms Wesner is much less definitive.

“I don’t even know how to express how gratefulIamtothem.”

Out and about

Each week Star Weekly photographers are out and about capturing events and people across the

and Whittlesea.

Push for selective school

By Courtney Black

Hume council will write to the state government in a bid to establish a local selective entry school.

At its 27 April meeting the council endorsed councillor Naim Kurt’s notice of motion to advocate to the state for a local selective entry secondary school.

Cr Kurt said there are no options in the northern suburbs for students who are gifted and want to get ahead.

“There are 6000 students every year applying for about 1000 places which are made available in selective state schools,” Cr Kurt said.

He said a local selective entry school should also have equity entry requirements for students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

“It would assist in responding to our rapid population growth, expanding access for high achieving students and also reduce the need for long-distance travel to existing schools.”

Victoria’s four selective entry schools are located in the Yarra, Wyndham, Port Phillip and Casey municipalities.

As part of the 2025-26 state budget, the state allocated $1 million towards a plan for a maths and science focused selective entry school in Melbourne’s north-west.

“With the completion of that business case, hopefully we can see something proposed hopefully for the City of Hume,” Cr Kurt said.

Cr Jarrod Bell said the old Victoria University campus in Jacksons Hill, Sunbury has beautiful buildings and is the perfect location for a selective entry school.

“Why not have the Harvard of selective entry?” Cr Bell said.

“We would blow them out of the water.

“The government already owns the site, it’s already been a school all they need to do is make that decision.”

Cr Sam Misho supported the motion but said nothing may come from writing

Fight to reinstate hall’s former name

Hundreds have signed a petition calling on Hume council to commit to changing the name of Tullamarine Community Hall back to Tullamarine War Memorial Hall.

In June 2025, council endorsed a plan to initiate a formal renaming process, then in December that year council rejected a recommendation to commit $1500 in the 2026-27 budget to the project.

Military historian and Tullamarine resident Caroline Torode said she was devastated by this decision.

“It is a dismissal of broader community values and expectations around recognising and preserving our local history,” Ms Torode said.

The Tullamarine community raised funds to build the Tullamarine War Memorial Hall in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The name was changed to Tullamarine Community Hall in the 1990s.

Ms Torode said the campaign is about restoring historical truth and community recognition.

“Each time I have read the original signage above the doorway I am reminded of the original purpose of our hall – to remember the war service and sacrifice of Tullamarine’s own.

She said $1500 to rebrand the hall is a small investment that can have a powerful impact.

“Ultimately, this decision goes beyond signage and costs. It speaks to who we are as a community and what we choose to remember.”

Hume city services and living director Kristen Cherry said council recognises the historical significance of the Tullamarine Community Hall.

“Council welcomes community

advocacy, and any petitions received will be considered as part of future council decision-making,” Ms Cherry said.

Petition: https://www.change.org/p/

restore-our-hall-s-name-back-to-tullamarine-war-memorial-hall

to the state. Cr Kurt contended that the state is delivering Hume Tech School in Broadmeadows because of council advocacy.

“People ask ‘What’s the point of sending letters? What’s the point of sending correspondents? What’s the point of advocating for projects?’ - sometimes we get results,” Cr Kurt said.

Hume council officers will engage with the department of education and send a letter to the education minister seeking a commitment for future discussions on this issue.

Asbestos waste found dumped at Wildwood property

Thousands of tonnes of dumped waste including asbestos has been found at a Wildwood property.

After members of the community reported that they witnessed waste-dumping activity, the Environment Protection Authority(EPA)Victoriainspectedthe Wildwood Road rural property on 14 April.

Twenty-two EPA officers, Victoria Police, Hume council and emergency services representatives found large stockpiles of industrial waste illegally deposited and buried onsite.

EPA north metropolitan regional manager Steve Riley said laboratory results confirmed the presence of asbestos in some of the dumped materials.

“The site does not have a licence to accept waste, which presents a risk to the environment as well as a fire risk,” Mr Riley said.

“Licensed sites have appropriate controls in place, so risks are properly addressed,” he said.

Mr Riley said police were also pursuing other avenues of investigation and council was also considering its next action.

Quality, affordable home in a secure, friendly community

Step into effortless retirement living with this brand-new, beautifully appointed villa in the highly sought after Melba Vale CountryClub.

Secure your place in one of the most vibrant over-55s communities before it’s gone.

Perfectly positioned in Coolaroo on Pascoe Vale Road, you’ll enjoy the convenience of being just minutes from Broadmeadows Shopping Centre and close to public transport. Everything you need rightatyourdoorstep.

Villa 61 – Exceptional Value at $485,000 (No Stamp Duty!)

This is your chance to own a premium, low-maintenance home at an unbeatable pricepoint.

Designedforcomfort,style,andflexibility, thisstunningvillafeatures:

•Sleekstonebenchtopsandqualitykitchen appliances

•Lightfilledopen-planlivingplusasecond lounge,study,oroptionalthirdbedroom

•Spaciousbedroomswithbuilt-inrobes

•Modern two-way ensuite plus an additionaltoilet

•Gas ducted heating and split system air conditioningforyear-roundcomfort

•Ductedvacuumsystem

•Secure internal access from a single car garage

•A private rear garden. Perfect for relaxing orentertaining

A Lifestyle You’ll Love

Melba Vale isn’t just a place to live, it’s a community where you can truly thrive. Residents enjoy a warm, welcoming atmosphere and a lifestyle tailored to their needs.

Indulge in exceptional on-site facilities, including:

•A stunning Community Club with bar, theatre,library,pooltable,andhairsalon

•Fullyequippedgym

•Outdoorbowlingrink

•Social outings/activities and shopping tripsviathecommunitybus

With dedicated on-site management and a 24-hour emergency call system, you’ll havecompletepeaceofmind.

Act now – Inspections available Village Manager Gregory Nicholls invites you to experience everything Melba Vale has to offer. Inspections are available Monday to Friday, 10am–4pm,orbyprivateappointment.

Call Gregory today on FreeCall 1800 503 225 today to arrange your personal tour or visit melbavale.com.au

• Secure community • 24/7

Spacious

Nominate an inspiring senior who is making a difference

The extraordinary contributions of older Victorians will be celebrated at the 2026 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards.

Nominations for the 2026 awards are now open, with Victorians encouraged to nominate seniors who are making a real difference in their communities.

For more than 30 years, these awards haverecognisedthelastingimpactofolder Victorians, from mentoring young people and supporting Victorians experiencing disadvantage, to promoting social connection.

Last year’s Victorian Senior of the Year, Patrick Templeton, was honoured for his work supporting disadvantaged young people through community outreach programs.

Other recipients were recognised for backing road safety programs, strengthening social cohesion and spreading awareness about reconciliation and sustainability.

Across the west, three locals were recognised as part of the 2025 awards.

Point Cook’s Pradeep Kanthan received Council on the Ageing Award for his volunteer and advocacy work, while Sunbury’s Lesley McCarthy received the Council on the Ageing Award for her passion for volunteering.

Broadmeadows’ Aunty Jo Russell was awarded the Emerging Impact Award for her work inspiring her community to learn about Country with compassion and generosity.

There are six categories of awards in 2026, including the Premier’s Award for Victorian Senior of the Year , the Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria Senior Achiever Award and awards for positive ageing, emerging impact, promotion

of multiculturalism and service to the veteran community.

“Older Victorians play a vital role in keeping our communities strong, safe and inclusive – these awards recognise the difference they make every day,” Minister

for Ageing Ingrid Stitt said. “If you know a senior Victorian who goes above and beyond for their community, now is the time to nominate them so we can celebrate their contributions.”

Nominations close on 19 May and the

winners will be announced in October as part of the annual Victorian Seniors Festival.

To find out more and make a nomination, go to: seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/awards.

Assumptions that annoy seniors

National Seniors Australia (NSA) has released research into the annoying and contradictory assumptions made about older people.

More than 2000 people aged 50 plus shared their views on assumptions that annoy them about older people’s bodies, brains, values, lifestyles, and more.

Some people objected to the stereotypes of older people as frail and incapable, bad with technology, resentful of change, or unable to contribute to society.

Such assumptions were countered with comments about older people’s “enormous unpaid contribution to society and economy”, the fact they “still want to be a punk rocker”, or their “lifelong history of protest”.

Other people objected to the counter-stereotypes that older people are all fit, technology savvy, and excited about change.

NSA head of research Dr Diane Hosking said the research reinforces older people are extremely diverse and while some are sharperandfitterthanever,othersdoneed support and consideration.

“The research shows how ridiculous it is to make assumptions about people based on age,” Dr Hosking said.

Objections to assumptions about Baby Boomers were common as well. Such assumptions include the contradictory ideas that Baby Boomers hoard wealth or are conversely a “drain on the public purse”.

Photography tips for seniors: How to capture memories

Entering the world of retirement offers a refreshing chapter in one’s life – a season marked by leisure, introspection, and often,thepursuitofnewfoundhobbies.

As the golden years dawn, why not explorethewondersofphotography?

The art of capturing memories offers myriad benefits for seniors – and the best thing is, this hobby doesn’t have to be expensive.Infact,usingjustasmartphone, you can take high-quality photos that are asartisticastheyarememorable.

The Transformative Power of Capturing Moments

Photography isn’t just about clicking a button; it’s about preserving a moment, an emotion, a story. For seniors, this becomes a powerful medium. It offers a chance to document one’s journey, recall memories, or even craft a visual legacy to be passed on to future generations. Every snapshot becomes a personal diary entry, echoing storiesthatmightotherwisebeforgotten. But there are many benefits beyond the lens. While the thrill of getting that perfect shot is undeniable, the rewards of photography extend far beyond it. Engaging with this art form can play a pivotal role in enhancing mental well-being.Here’show:

Cognitive stimulation: Picking up a new skill, especially photography, stimulates the brain. Framing a shot around natural lightingandexploringdifferent anglescan serve as a cognitive exercise, challenging thebrainandkeepingitactive.

Physical activity: The act of moving around to find the perfect shot, adjusting one’s stance, or even travelling to scenic

locations promotes physical activity, which is crucial for seniors’ overall health. Furthermore, handling a camera or smartphone, adjusting lenses, or working with small controls can help maintain and improvefinemotorskills.

Emotional wellbeing: Photography is an artformthatallowsforpersonalexpression. It can be an outlet for emotions, ideas, and creativity, helping seniors convey their perspectives. Reflecting on past memories, capturing present moments, or

envisioning a future shot can be cathartic and therapeutic, potentially alleviating feelingsoflonelinessordepression.

Social engagement: Joining photography clubs or groups provides an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, share experiences, and learn collectively. Sharing photographs with family, friends, or within a community can led to storytelling, fostering deeper connections andunderstandingbetweengenerations.

Legacy-building: Seniors can document their life stories, family events, or even changes in their community, creating a visual legacy to pass on to younger generations.

Boostedself-esteem: Overtime,asseniors improve their photography skills, they often experience a boost in confidence and self-worth. Receiving compliments or recognition, whether from family members or even in local exhibitions, can greatly enhance a senior’s sense of accomplishmentandvalue.

Put those senior photography tips to use at Centennial Living, where a fun and tranquil world awaits you. Our retirement villages, brimming with picturesque landscapes and vibrant community activities, are an ideal backdrop for your newfound photography skills. Here, not only can you capture beautiful moments, but you can also learn and grow alongside fellow photography enthusiasts in a supportiveenvironment.

Please contact a friendly team member about booking a tour at your nearest CentennialLivinglocation.

Learning through action at Global Village Learning

At Global Village Learning, learning is something you do, not something you sit through.

Our learners don’t wait to apply knowledge later. They build, design, create,test,andrefinenow.

Whether it’s developing a prototype, workingwithmaterials,orshapinganidea into something real, learning happens throughaction.

This is driven by a simple belief: young people are capable of far more than we often allow . When they are trusted with meaningfulwork,theystepup.

At GVL, Personal Interest Projects and EDventurous Projects sit at the centre of theexperience.

Learners pursue what genuinely interests them while developing the skills needed to bring those ideas to life. It’s

practical,purposeful,andengaging.

There is structure, but it’s personalised.

Learners move through Learning Hubs based on readiness, building confidence andmasteryovertime.

What ties it all together is our vision: empowering learners to build communities that positively impact the world.

This is supported by a focus on agency,

mastery, and community connection. When learners have ownership, feel capable, and are part of something bigger than themselves, motivation takes care of itself.

The result is a learning environment withenergy.Focused.Creative.Real. Not preparation for life, but a place where young people are already shaping it.

Leadership for all: Empowering every student at Penola

At Penola Catholic College, leadership is not reserved for a select few, it is an opportunity open to every student with thepassiontogrow.

Our Student Ambassador Program is built on the belief that leadership potentialexistsineveryone,andthatwith encouragement and guidance, students can develop the confidence and skills to leadintheirownuniqueway.

Unlike traditional leadership models, studentsdonotneedtobeelectedthrough avotingprocess.

Instead,anystudentwhoismotivatedto expandtheirleadershipskillsandbecome actively involved in college life is invited tojoin.

This inclusive approach ensures that leadership is accessible, welcoming and reflective of the diverse strengths within ourstudentcommunity.

Throughtheprogram,studentsaregiven meaningfulopportunitiestorepresentthe collegebothinternallyandexternally.

They play an important role in hosting and leading student tours, welcoming prospective families and sharing the Penola story with pride and authenticity. Their involvement helps visitors experience the warm and connected culturethatdefinesourcommunity.

CollegeprincipalTraceyKiftsaysvisitors to the college are always impressed by the confidence and communication skills of theStudentAmbassadors.

“The Student Ambassador program has exceeded our wildest expectations. It has been genuinely transformative for students; watching students discover leadership potential they didn’t realise theyhadhasbeensuchajoy.”

At its heart, the Student Ambassador

Program is about more than titles or positions. It is about nurturing character, encouraging service and helping students becomethebestversionsofthemselves.

Through a supportive and empowering environment, Penola Catholic College is

proudtofosterleadershipthatisinclusive, authenticandfuturefocused.

We believe every student has the potential to lead, grow and thrive when giventherightopportunities.’

We invite families to experience the

Penoladifferenceforthemselves. Book a college tour today via our website, penola.vic.edu.au, and see your child’s future take shape in a community where they can truly belong, succeed and shine.

By Timothy Cottrell, principal

Our small class sizes and highly experienced teachers are focused on every student being their best and having a successful journey through Lalor North Secondary College and beyond.

In my fourth year as principal of our wonderful college, I find myself increasingly proud of our community’s achievements. We are no ordinary learning environment, we are innovative, focused on the individual’s

ability to flourish in learning, wellbeing and community.

Our school is passionate about academic rigour, positive student outcomes and developing young aspirational leaders. With growing enrolments at all year levels, our very beautiful grounds, and the great endeavour of our students in both in their studies and in extra-curricular areas – we can’t help but feel excited for the years ahead.

Our dedicated staff continue to work hard every day to bring every possible opportunity

to our students to enjoy success. We thank them,andwecelebratethecontinuouslearning of our students.

At Lalor North Secondary College, education is a journey that flows seamlessly from primary years providing excitement, growth and joy into adolescence and beyond. Currently, many prospective new families are contacting us about year 7 in 2027, and it is a great pleasure to share with them the range of innovations in learning planned for the college. Should anyone in our community

know of families seeking a fine education for their children, please encourage them to contactthecollegetofindoutmoreortoenjoy a tour. It is pleasing also to note the many families of grade six children who continue to express interest in our new range of scholarships across the curriculum for 2027.

Booking your personal tour with me will be the first step in achieving your child’s best opportunity to discover and achieve their goals.

Apply now for year 7, 2028 at Hume Anglican Grammar

There’s still time to see Hume Anglican Grammar before applications close for year7,2028!

SituatedinMelbourne’snortherngrowth corridor, Hume Anglican Grammar continues to grow and develop to meet the needsofourcommunity.

Lookingahead,theschoolwillbehosting several events this year to give families the opportunity to find out more about the school, our facilities and processes, as well as ask any questions relating to the campusesorenrolment.

Freier Campus Discovery Tours

•Thursday28May,2026

•Thursday22October,2026

Donnybrook Campus Discovery Tours

•Tuesday2June,2026

•Thursday29October,2026

Kalkallo Campus Discovery Tour

•Wednesday17June,2026

•Thursday12November,2026

The Discovery Tours present an opportunity to see the campus, meet with staff and get a sense of what each campus hastoofferateveryyearlevel.

With a strong focus on providing a culture of support, personal excellence and equity in opportunity, Hume is led by dedicated and expert teachers who build strong relationships with their students andskilfullypractisetheircraft.

Awardees of the 2025 Australian Education Awards Best Student Wellbeing Programandthe5-StarInnovativeSchools, the school is committed to continue learning so that the best approaches and practices are implemented for the benefit

ofallstudentsinitscare.

The Hume Campuses have facilities that reflect the latest educational advancements, exemplifying innovation and possibility. They continue to develop to provide greater opportunities for our students, including a specialised Media Room and Imaginarium at Kalkallo, and a STEM Centre at Donnybrook. These facilities feature bold, purpose-built spaces for hands-on learning, designed to inspire creativity, collaboration and problem-solving.

schoolapart. Year 7, 2028 timely applications due: 4pm Wednesday 3 June, 2026.

Hume students readily embrace a love of learning, aiming for high standards and demonstrating empathy, excellence and respect for their peers and staff. Come anddiscovertheuniquespiritthatsetsour

REGISTER TODAY! humegrammar.vic.edu.au/enrolment/ upcoming-tours, call 8339 6900 or www.humegrammar.vic.edu.au

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

YPRL Library Activities

Enjoy hand embroidery basics at Thomastown Library on Saturday 16 May at noon. You’ll learn a range of basic embroidery stitches and how to use them to add texture, detail, and personality to fabric. Turn your passion into profit at Mill Park Library on Wednesday 20 May at 1pm. A local small business coach will share tips and insights in a presentation for new and soon to be business owners. Celebrate World Play Day at the Lalor Library on Tuesday 26 May at 10.30am. Puzzle, play and try out all the new toys and then borrow some to take home. https://www.yprl.vic.gov.au/events/

Mill Park Community House Groups

The Neuro Group is a social group catering for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and neurological disabilities. The group runs Mondays and Fridays and includes bingo, card games, group outings and much more. There is a $10 yearly fee and a gold coin donation for tea, coffee and snacks. The carers friendship group supports families and friends who care for someone experiencing mental illness and meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month. The Coffee & Chat runs every Thursday 1-3pm and is a relaxed and friendly space where everyone is welcomed in for a gold coin donation. The seniors Recycled Teenagers Group runs every Tuesday noon-3pm. $10 yearly fee, includes tea, coffee and afternoon tea every week.

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? The Craigieburn Residents’ Association is the perfect platform to share your concerns. The association liaises with Hume council, as well as state and federal government organisations to get the job done. It also gives donations to local charities each year. The group meets on the last Wednesday of the month at Selwyn House, Selwyn Avenue, Craigieburn, at 7.30pm. craigieburnresidents@gmail.com, or 0430 354 463

Kalkallo English Classes

Learn to speak English with confidence. Open to all adults, come to learn English in a fun and supportive environment. Improve your English speaking, reading and writing in a supportive group. Practice speaking, listening, and understanding English for daily life. Gain confidence in conversations at work, in shops, and in the community. Meet new people and make friends while learning together. Enjoy a relaxed and friendly classroom where everyone is welcome. Mondays 11am to 1pm at Kalkallo Community Centre, 33 Toyon Road, Kalkallo. Sussex Neighbourhood House, 9354 2210

Craigieburn Country Women’s Association

The Craigieburn Branch of CWA welcomes women of all ages to its meetings and craft sessions which are held on the third Wednesday of every month. Meetings begin at 10.30am followed by lunch and a craft or socialising session. Meeting venue is St Thomas’s Uniting Church corner of Rayfield and Dianne Avenues in Craigieburn. craigieburncwa@gmail.com or Karen, 0499 821 754

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

Bundoora Probus

Bundoora Probus meets on the second Wednesday of each month at St Peters 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

TAC L2P Program

The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) L2P Program is a community-based program developed to assist eligible young

Victorian learner drivers between the ages of 16 and 21 who do not have access to a supervising driver, or an appropriate vehicle to gain driving experience required for a probationary licence. Volunteer mentors needed.

Cynthia Petridis, 0435 653 371

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

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. Italian, Greek and Spanish Storytime also available. 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

Inclusive tennis

A free weekly tennis program for people with disabilities and/or special needs, or if you’re just struggling to access mainstream sport programs. Held at Epping Tennis Club, 861 High Street, Epping, on Thursdays from 5-6pm. play.tennis.com.au/eppingtennisclub. com.au

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

Elmo under the big top

Elmo and his Sesame Street friends are in Craigieburn this month in a circus spectacular.

Step right up to Elmo’s Circus Dream under the big top at Craigieburn Central until Sunday 17 May.

Watch as Elmo drifts off to sleep and a magical bedtime story transports him to a vibrant circus world.

Elmo will be joined by his friends Abby Cadabby, the Cookie Monster, Grover,

Bert and Ernie as they chase their biggest circus dreams.

Circus Royale owner and ringmaster

Damian Syred is proud to present worldclass circus acts to local audiences.

“We still have that exciting action while teaming up with our favourite Sesame Street characters,” Syred said.

“You can definitely see the excitement on the children’s faces, especially when there are characters that they’ve only

seen on TV up until now.

“We funnily have a strong response from the adults too that as a grown-up they are watching these characters and get to see them again.”

Syred said the show has something for everyone, blending heart, humour, and spectacular circus artistry.

“That is the beauty of the circus in general, it’s still going strong to this day because it’s got something for everybody.

event will take place on 1517 May. (Damjan Janevski) 550998_01

Sleepless weekend set for Footscray

Footscray’s Trugo Lane will be transformed into a three day cultural and arts streetpartywhenSleeplessFestivalreturns from 15-17 May.

Born from a desire to create space for emerging and independent artists in Melbourne’s west, Sleepless Festival is a volunteer led, non-profit arts charity that reimagines the laneway between Paisley and Irving streets as a multi stage precinct, blending live music, installations, visual and street art, performance, and community workshops and more.

The 2026 festival will feature more than 60 different artists across the weekend, including Gusto Gusto, Ag Angenth Ayom, Vanessa Estrada, Asinine and Naive Atom.

The festival’s main stage will play host to a diverse mix of alt-rock, rap, jazz, afrobeats, R’n’B, punk, and pop, while electronic and boundary pushing experimental performances will take place at the Irving Hub.

There will also be a creative program featuring live painting, a DNB musical, a fashion showcase and interactive instal-

lations and performances from Nxngtn, Gusteenee, Sausage Woman, Anna Luna, Rubyanna Edwards, Nat Thomas Steer and Mammet.

“We are so excited to be back taking over the streets of Footscray and showcasing the local arts scene,” Sleepless Festival head of programming Miles Brennan said.

Sleepless Festival begins at 6pm on 15 May and then runs from noon until late on 16 May and 10am-8.30pm on 17 May.

Tickets and information: https://sleeplessfestival.com/

Immersive performance aims to spark dialogue about the future

What happens when music, light and imagination come together to tell the story of our planet?

Echoes of the Earth is a powerful immersive performance that places audiences inside a living experience of humanity’s relationship with Earth and the choices that shape what comes next.

Created by Altona resident, multi-instrumentalist and composer QiQi, the work blends live music, evolving projections and atmospheric staging to create a world that surrounds and responds to the audience.

The project, developed over two years, will be staged for the very first time in Brimbank.

QiQi said the work aims to spark constructive dialogue about the climate crisis.

“Through music and shared experience, the work invites us to reflect on the role we all play in the future of Earth,” QiQi said.

“I want to bring more hope into this discussion about climate change, and just how powerful we are when we work together.”

QiQi will join three live musicians as part of the work — a pianist, a percussionist and

“We have the motorbike daredevils with aerials and Las Vegas-style illusions.

“It’s a great excuse for people to get out of the house and do something as a family.”

Don’t miss your chance to see Elmo and friends live in Craigieburn at Elmo’s Circus Dream produced by Circus Royale and Showtime Attractions.

Book tickets online: https://www.sesamestreetcircus.com.au/

Wild Action is letting you get up close and personal with Australia’s furry friends. Wild Action director and zoologist Chris Humfrey will lead sessions in May in Macedon to let the whole family discover more about endangered species. At each session, you’ll be able to learn more about our native wildlife and take interactive photos with the animals in a fun, interactive and educational experience for all ages.

Animals featured at the workshops include koalas, echidnas, wombats, joey kangaroos, mountain pygmy possums, bats, snakes, lizards, frogs and more.

“You name it, we’ll have it here,” Humfrey said.

“Kids and adults alike can learn all about conservation, their threats, their habitats.

“Many of these animals are indicative to the Macedon Ranges. We live in a really amazing biodiversity hotspot, and I think people don’t realise how lucky we are.”

Humfrey said the event will also be accessible for everyone, with the ethical event something he hopes will become a monthly activity.

“You can pat a koala, you can hold a joey kangaroo … all of these animals are part of our family, so they don’t get stressed out, and the photo opportunities are amazing,” he said.

“It’s one of the most interactive wildlife programs around … and it’s probably the only place you can hold a mountain pygmy possum in your hand.

a double bassist— and will play the Chinese stringed-instrument, the guzheng, which has a 2500 year old history.

“I really love the instrument, especially for its history and tradition. It’s an instrument which tells stories almost with a magical quality,” QiQi said.

Echoes of the Earth, which has been developed and presented through Creative Brimbank’s Bowery Theatre Residency program, is showing at Bowery Theatre, 33 Princess Street, St Albans, on Thursday 21 May at Details: creativebrimbank.com.au

“They’re critically endangered, there’s 2000 left, so everyone’s support actually helps us breed our critically endangered mountain pygmy possums. It all goes back into our conservation works.”

Wild Action is coming to Macedon’s Jubilee Hall on Saturday 16 May and Sunday 17 May with two sessions held each day.

Tickets are $30 per person, with spaces limited.

Details: weteachme.com/ classes/1044535-a-weekend-of-wildlife#details

Taxviser Accounting & Bookkeeping Services Your Local Accounting, Tax & Small Business Experts

•Tax Preparation: Expert returns for Individuals, Sole Traders, Companies, Trusts, and SMSFs.

Taxviser’s Comprehensive Accounting & Tax Services: Visit our South Morang Office

•Business Compliance: BAS, GST, and Payroll/STP management.

•Financial Reporting: Detailed Profit & Loss and Balance Sheet preparation.

•Bookkeeping & Advisory: Efficient cloud-based solutions and business growth advice.

8804 7970 info@taxviser.com.au

•Company Secretarial: ASIC compliance and business structure setups.

•Registered Tax Agents & Accountants.

Online: networkclassifieds.com.au (24/7)

Phone: 1300 666 808 (Open 8.30-5pm Mon-Fri)

Email: sales@networkclassifieds.com.au

(include your name, address and phone number)

We accept payment

Ask

Deadline for all classifications is 3:00pm Friday.

display of Publication of

for assessment of Preliminary Documentation for the proposed industrial facility –276 Rex Road, Campbellfield, Victoria (EPBC 2021/8934)

The following notice is published pursuant to Section 95A (3) of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).

Adam Bamford of Bamford Rex Industrial Pty Ltd (ACN: 607 853 065) is proposing to develop the 2.92-hectare industrially zoned property at 276 Rex Road, Campbellfield, Victoria. The proposal is for an industrial facility to include a three-lot subdivision, six industrial warehouse units, an internal road network and car parks. Lots will be serviced with electricity, communications, sewer, water and gas reticulation in accordance with regulatory requirements. The disturbance footprint for the proposed action is the entire 2.92 ha site area.

On 1 July 2021, it was determined that the proposed action is likely to have a significant impact on listed threatened species and communities (sections 18 and 18A) protected under Part 3 of the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).

It was also determined that the proposed action will be assessed by preliminary documentation. Hardcopies of the EPBC Act Referral (EPBC 2021/8934) and Preliminary Documentation are available for public viewing at the two Victorian locations listed below for 10 business days from Tuesday 12 May 2026 until COB Monday 25 May 2026.

• Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action: 8 Nicholson Street, Melbourne

• Broadmeadows Library: 1093 Pascoe Vale Road, Broadmeadows

A digital copy of the Preliminary Documentation is also available to view and download from the project website located here: https://www.labelmakers.com.au/who-we-are/news/

Information published in hard copy and digital format includes the following:

• The EPBC Act Referral (EPBC 2021/8934)

• The Preliminary Documentation being Report No. 20045.04 (2.2) and the following attachments:

1. Salvage & Translocation Plan for Matted Flax-lily Dianella amoena, dated January 2026, labelled Report No. 20045.07 (1.2)

2. Offset Management Plan for Matted Flax-lily Dianella amoena Habitat, dated April 2026, labelled Report No. 20045.09 (1.0)

Interested parties are invited to provide written comments to Bamford Management Pty Ltd via enquiries@natureadvisory.com.au by COB Monday 25 May 2026. All comments received will be summarised and a response prepared and made available for viewing.

People with special needs (i.e. for whom English is a second language or who has vision impairment) may contact Nature Advisory via enquiries@natureadvisory.com.au or 03 9815 2111 for assistance in accessing the material.

Planning and Environment Act 1987 WHITTLESEA PLANNING SCHEME

Notice of the preparation of an amendment to a planning scheme

Amendment C291wsea

Overview

This amendment seeks to apply the Public Acquisition Overlay 15 (PAO15) to land at 70 and 80 Boundary Road, Wollert to facilitate the delivery of essential road infrastructure outlined in the Wollert Precinct Structure Plan 2017, and Wollert Development Contributions Plan 2017.

The application of the PAO15 will enable land to be acquired to construct a new intersection at Boundary Road and Andrew Road, Wollert.

For further details, refer to the explanatory report about the amendment.

Details of the amendment

The City of Whittlesea has prepared Amendment C291wsea to the Whittlesea Planning Scheme.

The land affected by the amendment is located at 70 and 80 Boundary Road, Wollert.

The amendment proposes to apply a new the Public Acquisition Overlay 15 over parts of the above-mentioned land to facilitate the delivery of road infrastructure.

You may inspect the amendment, any documents that support the amendment and the explanatory report about the amendment, free of charge, at:

• the Department of Transport and Planning website www.planning.vic.gov.au/public-inspection or by contacting 1800 789 386 to arrange a time to view the amendment documentation

• the Engage Whittlesea website at https://engage.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/; or

•on request, during office hours, at the office of the planning authority, Council Offices 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang VIC 3752 by contacting 9217 2170 to arrange a time to view the amendment documentation.

Any person may make a submission to the planning authority about the amendment. Submissions must be made in writing giving the submitter’s name and contact address, clearly stating the grounds on which the amendment is supported or opposed and indicating what changes (if any) the submitter wishes to make.

Name and contact details of submitters are required for the planning authority to consider submissions and to notify such persons of the opportunity to attend planning authority meetings and any public hearing held to consider submissions.

The closing date for submissions is 19 June 2026.

A submission must be sent to the:

By Mail: Chief Executive Officer City of Whittlesea Locked Bag 1 Bundoora MDC 3083

The

Employment

PUZZLES

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

ACROSS

1 Graceful bird (4)

3 South Asian republic (10)

10 High-protein food pulses (7)

11 Largest of the Ryukyu islands, south of Japan (7)

12 Rump (8)

13 Of the nose (5)

14 Summit (4)

15 An automatic weapon (7,3)

18 Actually, truthfully (10)

20 Devoted followers (4)

21 Step-by-step guide (3,2)

23 Relating to cultivated land (8)

26 Of that (7)

27 Continuing (7)

28 Black and white (10)

29 Just (4)

DOWN

1 Senior barrister (coll) (4)

2 Said or done so often as to become tiresome (2,7)

4 Partner; colleague (9)

5 Shine (5)

6 City in southern France (7)

7 Tests (5)

8 Front-page stories (9)

9 Perfect condition (4)

14 Indifferent (9)

16 Mirthful (9)

17 Subtle change by degrees (9)

19 US writer (1817–62), Henry David – (7)

22 Revolver (5)

23 Horrible (5)

24 Carpets (4)

25 Unsightly (4)

3

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.

Today’s Aim:

20 words: Good

30 words: Very good 40 words: Excellent

tied, tier, tiered, tired, tried, trip, tripe

Shandong is a coastal province in which country? 2 The SVNS is a series of tournaments in what sport?

Brutalist architecture first emerged in what decade? 4 Which Australian author wrote Tenderfoot, Nine Days and Addition?

5 What is the only five-star rank in the Australian Army? 6 The High Altitude Medal is given to armed forces members of which country?

7 Name the highest-selling song released by Roy Orbison.

8 The Rebecca Yarros books FourthWing, Iron Flame and OnyxStorm are part of which fantasy series?

9 In golf, what is an albatross?

10 What nationality is Hamnet star Jessie Buckley (pictured)?

Tiggo 4 is cheap, but beware

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

It’scheapandit’sahybrid–that’swhatitis.

In fact, Chery reckons the Tiggo 4 is Australia’s cheapest hybrid SUV as well as itsbest-sellingSUV.

It’s powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine together with the help of an electric motor, that combine to offer budget-friendly fuel consumption of 5.4L/100km.

TheTiggofeelscheap,butlet’sfindout.

Styling Tiggo 4 Hybrid is available in two grades: Urbanandtop-of-the-rangeUltimate.

Urban is priced from $29,990 driveaway, the Ultimate from $34,990 – both prices are driveaway. Metallic paint adds $500 to the price.

Be aware there’s a big $6000 difference between the regular Tiggo 4 Ultimate and theTiggo4HybridUltimate.

Competitors include the Honda HR-V, HavalJolionandMGZS.

Although billed as Australia’s cheapest hybrid SUV, Urban offers quite a few standard features, that range from dual 10.25-inch LCD instrument cluster and multimedia touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus innovative ‘Hello Chery’voicecontrolsystem.

Standard equipment includes cloth trim and dual zone climate air-conditioning, with rear air vents, height adjustable driver’s seat, remote start and walk-away locking.

There are also 17-inch alloys, adaptive cruise control, speed limit information, LED lights all-round, auto high beam, auto lights and wipers, and front and rear parkingsensors.

Ultimate ups the ante with artificial leather seats, heated front pews, power adjustment for the driver’s seat, electric sunroof, colour-select ambient interior lighting and a 360-degree surround view camera.

Tiggo 4 is covered by a seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty, seven-year capped price servicing and up to seven yearsofroadsideassistance.

Infotainment

Infotainment consists of a 12.5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, steering wheel mounted controls, Hello Chery voice control, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto,plusfour-speakersound.

Another 12.5-inch screen supplies the instrument cluster, both incorporated into thesamesweepingdisplaypanel.

There’s no built-in satellite navigation in either variant, so for that you will have to useyourphone.

USB-A and -C ports are located in the front with another USB-A port in the back, aswellasa12-voltoutletupfront.

Ultimate adds six-speaker sound and a 15Wwirelessphonecharger.

Safety

The Tiggo 4 scores a full five stars for crash safetyfromANCAP.

A reversing camera, stability control and seven airbags are fitted including a centre airbag which provides added protection to front seat occupants in side impact crashes isalsostandard.

Autonomous emergency braking (Car-to-Car,VulnerableRoadUser,Junction & Crossing, Backover and Head-On) as well as a lane support system with lane keep assist (LKA), lane departure warning (LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK), and an advanced speed assistance system (SAS)arestandard.

Two ISOFix and three top-tether child seatsanchorpointsareoffered.

Engines/transmissions

Under the bonnet is Chery’s new hybrid system, that operates in series and parallel mode as required, combining a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, together with a 1.83 kWh battery.

The petrol engine produces 71kW of power and 120Nm of torque, while the electricmotorprovides150kW/310Nm.

Combined power and torque outputs are not supplied, but the petrol engine should add something to the equation when both areoperatingtogetherinparallelmode.

The graphic displayed in the driver information panel suggests this to be the case.

There are no gears or gear changed paddles, with drive to the front wheels through a one-speed dedicated hybrid transmission(DHT).

Driving

At 4330mm long, with a 2604mm wheelbase, the Tiggo 4 Hybrid seats five occupants.

Front legroom is adequate, but there’s limitedroomtostretchyourlegsifyou’rein theback.

There is however a rear air outlet for rear seatpassengers,butonlyone.

The touchscreen is relatively easy to operate, with plenty of options to play around with and three different themes for theinstrumentcluster.

But try finding out how much fuel it averages for anything more than the last 50km–nocandoamigo.

A row of buttons provides easy access to oft-used features such as volume, driving modes and the around-view camera which getsinthewaysometimes.

The two centre cupholders will not accommodatesportsdrinkbottles,norwill thecupholdersinthefrontdoors.

A small centre console box is provided as wellasastoragetraybelowtheconsole.

Rather inconveniently the phone charger istobefoundsomewheredowntheretoo.

But, and it’s a big but, a lot of space has beensecondedtoflashyRangeRover-esque glass climate control panel and the gloss blacktrimthatrunsthelengthofthecentre –waytoomuch.

With a largish 51-litre tank, fuel consumption, using standard 91 unleaded, isaclaimed5.4L/100km.

That’s27percentlessthantheequivalent non-hybridmodel.

Therearetwodrivemodes,EcoandSport. In Eco mode the petrol engine remains dormantmostofthetime.

In terms of the overall drive experience, the Tiggo presents two different personalities, just like the proverbial Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. It goes okay, or so we thought,untilweencounteredourfirsthill.

Even the ride quality is pretty good for an import, with adjustment for steering weight and some tyre squeal and tendency to oversteer when pushed hard through corners.

But point it at a long, steep hill such as the big one heading up the M1 north out of Sydney and it soon becomes apparent that thingsaren’tquite right.

As the petrol engine cuts in, things becomeverynoisy,veryquickly–andyou’d be forgiven for thinking the thing is going toblowup.Mywifethoughtso.

Although CVT and one-speed dedicated hybrid transmissions are mechanically and fundamentally different, the seamless drive ratio transition is much the same –as the engine revs rise to keep pace with demandsfromthethrottle.

This is what produces the escalating

cabin noise and zoom-like acceleration (or lackthereof).

The majority of time, however, the Tiggo is a pussycat, operating on electric power alone, and as such surprisingly quick and responsive off the line – thanks to the instanttorquefromtheelectricmotor. It stays this way up to 80km/h or so, dependingonsystemload,deliveringavery EV-likedrivingexperiencearoundtown. Hillshoweverremainitsweakpoint. Then there’s the incessant warnings and interventions from the driver assistance systems, especially the lane-centring function.

Even with everything we could find turned off, the steering wheel continued to tugthiswayandthatsoonbecametiring. And what about the requirement to clip your driver seatbelt before the car will move?

It’sagoodideafromasafetypointofview, but damned annoying in practical terms, whenyousimplyneedtomovethecaraside toletsomeoneout.

Or move to another bowser at the petrol station because the one you have pulled up atisoutoforder–thescenarioscontinueto cropup.

The boot offers a reasonable amount of space, but an odd bump in the floor hides thestandard12-voltbattery.

Of note Urban gets a puncture repair kit while the higher priced Ultimate scores a spacesaverspare.

Weclockedup450kminourweekwiththe Tiggo4Hybrid.Wecantellyououraverage speedoverthisperiodwas50.2km/hwhich included motorways, suburban routes and countryroads.

Alas the Tiggo would not disclose the average fuel used over this same distance, producing only a figure for the last 50km (notworthmentioning).

We did however have 390km of range remaining.

Whataboutsometransparency?

Summing up

Yeah, nah – it might be cheap, but it needs some refinement. The raucous powertrain and intrusive driver assistance systems springtomind.

The non-hybrid Tiggo 4 is an award winner, but we can’t see this one receiving any gongs until these problems are sorted out.

A wintry day for sport

Drinkwell returns to Bats

By Tara Murray

Adam Drinkwell is returning to Plenty Valley but this time as the club’s Victorian SubDistrict Cricket Association coach.

Drinkwell spent several years at the Bats as their women’s Victorian Premier Cricket coach, including taking the side to finals two seasons in a row, having not played finals in about eight years before that.

He then coached Laurimar in the Diamond Valley Cricket Association including taking the club to a premiership.

More recently, Drinkwell has been an assistant coach with the Victorian under-12 team and working in pathways.

Drinkwell said it was exciting to get

back into senior coaching.

“It’s one out of left field,” he said. “I’m looking forward to it.

“Things have changed since I was there, it was about six years ago I finished up.

“I’m excited to put my influence on the men’s program and hopefully lead the club to success.

“It’s a fresh start for everyone at the club and there’s a lot of optimism where we could go.”

Drinkwell, who played a couple of games with the men’s team in his previous stint, said if he was going to get back into senior coaching it was either going to be at Subbies or Victorian Premier Cricket.

He was keen to have that high level

competition to sink his teeth into.

“I was after the challenge and Plenty Valley came inquiring about my services to lead the program and club from where it is near the bottom end of the ladder,” he said.

“We want to grow the club and all the sides. I love a challenge and wanted to get back into it again

“There’s the challenge to do and it appeals to me.”

The Bats finished the north-south in 15th spot last season.

Drinkwell said adding some experience to the talented young group that they have was a focus.

“We have to be in the market now,” he

Tigers happy with strong start to season

By Tara Murray

Westmeadows has set more expectations this season in the Essendon District Football League women’s division 1 competition.

After last season was about resetting the culture and getting fun back into the game, the Tigers are keen to build this year.

Early signs have shown that the Tigers are on the right track, with four wins from as many matches.

Coach Gemma Wright said they were really happy with the season so far.

“The team is really happy,” she said.

“Over the pre-season there was a little bit more expectation. We had a really good pre-season and we’ve had good numbers at training with 20 to 25 each night.

“We’re a lot fitter this season.”

The Tigers kept the core group together which was one of the main things for them. On top of that, they’ve added a few more players.

The biggest name is Sarah Wright.

Sarah retired from AFLW at the end of last season, having been a key in North Melbourne’s first AFLW premiership.

Before joining the AFLW, she started her football career with Keilor and won the league best and fairest in the combined Essendon District and Western football leagues competition in 2017.

“It’s been really good,” Gemma said of playing with her sister again.

“It’s been about seven years since the two of us have played together.

“It had been a couple of years since she had played a competitive game. It’s just good to see her back playing and to be playing with her even better.”

Sarah, who is helping with coaching of the back line, has moved into playing in the midfield after originally planning to play in defence..

With a good coaching group on the sidelines, Gemma said she was also looking to use the AFLW experience of her sister and Courteney Munn on field.

Munn has started the season in fine form with 14 goals so far.

Wright said they had looked to use Munn a bit deeper.

“That was something we had been looking at,” she said. “With having Sarah and Ella Guest from the Western Victoria Female Football League in the midfield we don’t need to use Courteney as far up the ground.

“We can really use her forward and the hard work of the likes of Danielle Linton and the other players up forward are setting her up.

“We’ve worked a lot on that.”

Weight said they were creating a lot of scoring opportunities, but just needed to be a bit better with their connection, She said with the group they have there wasabigopportunitytohavesomesuccess.

“Last year we didn’t win as many games as we would have liked, but we had fun on and off the field and it was about building the culture,” she said.

“It was important for us and we managed togetbacktowherewewereafewyearsago.

said. “It’s very competitive in the topgrade, there’s no doubt about it.

“We’re looking as local as possible and trying to bring in local players, but we know that can be hard.

“We’re the only turf club offering this level of cricket in the region. We want to build on the talent that we have.”

Drinkwell said a recent come and try day saw 90-odd kids between 13 and 17 attend which shows there real positive signs of young players wanting to come and play at the club.

”We need to add some leadership at the top and improve across grades,” he said.

“Any local cricketers can get in touch with us as we have a home for everyone.”

Eagles to honour greats

Some of Craigieburn Football Club’s greatest players and administrators will be honoured in July.

The club which is marking 60 years this season, will host its inaugural hall of fame dinner on 18 July.

The landmark event will recognise and formally honour 10 former players and administrators whose contributions have played a significant role in shaping the proud history of the club.

In addition, one former player will be elevated to legend status, acknowledging an individual whose impact on Craigieburn Football Club is considered truly exceptional.

“The establishment of the hall of fame, along with the introduction of legend status, is an important step in preserving the club’s history and recognising the people who have demonstrated outstanding service, leadership and excellence across generations,” past players committee member Gerard Laffan said.

“Help us celebrate this night on July 18 2026 as we honour 60 seasons of football and recognise those who have given so much to Craigieburn Football Club,”

The club said the hall of fame will serve as a lasting tribute to the people who helped build the foundations of the club, while inspiring future players, officials and volunteers to uphold the values that define Craigieburn Football Club.

The club started playing in the Northern Football League after being founded by Craigieburn resident Jim McKessy before playing in the Riddell District Football League.

The Eagles moved to the EDFL in 2001.

A special criteria has been put in place for those selected which includes how many years players have been retired.

The hall of fame function will be a dinner at the Craigieburn Sporting Club on 18 July with the evening expected to bring together past and present players, administrators, members, sponsors and supporters for a memorable night of reflection, recognition and celebration.

“There’s an opportunity to play in finals and we would like to play off in a grand final.”

The Tigers continued their good start on Saturday with a 14.5 (89)-0.0 (0) win against Roxburgh Park.

“We come together to honour the people who didn’t just wear the jumper- they built the club, bled for it and left it better than they found it,” the club’s flyer said.

Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/DJRET

Hume City is on a roll

By Tara Murray

Hume City has continued its good run of form to make it three in a row in the National Premier League after an early goal scoring feast against Caroline Springs George Cross.

Five goals were scored in the first 30 minutes of the game in a high tempo start on Saturday night.

Things settled after that with Hume able to score a late goal to score a 4-2 win.

Hume coach Nick Hegarty said while it was a great match to watch early on, it wasn’t so good for the coaches.

“We fell on the right side of it,” he said. “It’s a difficult place to play and they had a different structure.

“We had to match their intensity and determination.

“It’s now three wins on the trot and after

a down part of the season, we were able to respond well.”

Hegarty said early on there were some moments of brilliance from both sides, while small errors proved costly.

“We were able to take the moments and get in front with a bit of quality,” Hegarty said.

“The game then settled a little bit.

“In this league it’s about taking the moments and bit of quality and the smallest mistakes. That was the difference in this game.”

The Georgies had a good chance to level the scores in second half, but a Chris Oldfield save allowed Hume to keep its lead.

A goal to Adisu Bayew, his second, 10 minutes later allowed Hume to seal the win, with both teams then looking to bring some players off the bench.

The win was Hume’s seventh of the season and has it sitting third spot with 23 points.

Hegarty said things were tracking in the right direction.

“We’re happy with how we are playing,” he said. “It’s a new group and with a normal squad it is going to take time to be competing for titles.

Cannons’ big response to up and down season

By Tara Murray

An honest chat for the Calder Cannons during the week was the catalyst for the side’s Talent League win on Saturday.

The Cannons boys’ side has had an up and down season so far and after the last bye came back and had a disappointing match against the Western Jets.

On Saturday, they put that behind them as they came away with a 15.14 (104)12.10 (82) against the Geelong Falcons. Cannons’ coach Sam Willatt was much happier on Saturday with the performance of the group.

“It was good to get away with the result,” he said.

“It was a good response after last week. We were really disappointed with the group after Sunday.

“We had an honest and open conversation on Tuesday night and the players had some with us.

“We backed it up, which was pleasing.” Willatt said early against the Falcons, they were thinking jeez that it could be a tough day as the Falcons kicked the first five goals of the game.

The Cannons had been playing some

good football, but the Falcons were making the most of their opportunities in the first quarter.

After quarter time, it was 14 to six goals as the Cannons came away with a solid win.

“We had a new midfield and we got a look at a couple of new players,” Willatt said.

“We had two debutants fit in at this level, We were happy as we almost put four full quarters together.”

Willatt said they looked to throw some players around, as they get further knowledge of what they can do.

That included Sam Harris playing forward of the ball and kicking three goals.

Nate Jenkins finished with four goals for the Cannons, while Ben Taylor had three goals.

Charlie Robbins, who returned to the side from injury, was named their best along with Jenkins and Taylor.

For the Cannons, they won’t have a chance to continue that momentum as they have another bye this week.

Willatt said there had been one way to describe their season so far.

After eight rounds, the Cannons sit

“We use every week as a new experience for us.

“We take all the info and put it in practice the week after.

“We’re in a good place, have a good squad and a good attitude.”

Hume will face fourth placed Avondale this weekend.

Hegarty said it would be two quality teams doing battle.

“Both are in good form and it will be good to watch as a neutral.”

Meanwhile in the Victorian Premier League 2 competition, Whittlesea United had a 1-1 draw with Moreland City.

Moreland City scored just before half time to take the lead, before Brayden Portelli levelled the scores in the 57th minute.

Whittlesea sits in 13th spot with two wins and five draws amongst its results.

Sports shorts

NWMCA

Merrifield Panthers have locked in a star for the next North West Metropolitan Cricket Association George Luscombe Shield season. Rubal Singh Dhillon is crossing from Bundoora to join the Panthers. Last season in the Diamond Valley Cricket Association Barclay Shield, Singh Dhillon made 529 runs at an average of 6.7. “Rubal brings a wealth of experience, consistency, and match-winning ability to our squad. His performances speak for themselves, and we’re excited to see him in Panthers colours this season,” the Panthers said.

VTCA

Tullamarine has announced the signing of James Nugent for the Victorian Turf Cricket Association McNamara Shield season. The Demons said he is a fast bowling all-rounder with a proven track record of success. “James brings a strong winning mentality, leadership, and consistency across all facets of the game,” the club said. “James is a solid and consistent contributor with the ball, bat, and in the field, bringing energy, discipline, and impact in every game. Nugent is a five-time premiership player with Pine Lodge, having captained the club at junior and senior level.”

Big V

ninth on the ladder with a 3-3 record.

“We have been consistently inconsistent,” he said.

“We have gone loss-win-loss each week so far.

“Consitney in terms of Talent League is hard being teenagers and the competition being so stop-start.

“We’ve got some strong education points for the rest of the year.”

The Cannons girls also got the win against the Falcons on Sunday.

After quarter time it was all the Cannons on the scoreboard as they came away with a 12.11 (83)-2.4 (16) win.

Four players kicked two goals each for the Cannons.

Renee Ford, Holly Clough and Coco Balmain were named their best.

The Cannons now sit 2-2 after the first five rounds.

Meanwhile the Northern Knights boys continued their good start to the season as they beat the GWV Rebels, 17.17 (119)9.2 (56).

The Knights sit 6-0 and at the top of the table.

The Knights girls lost to the Gold Coast Suns Academy, 15.13 (103)-7.3 (45)

Hume City Broncos and men’s import Cedric Anderson have mutually agreed to part ways. “CJ has been a fantastic presence around the Broncos program during his time with the club,” the Broncos said in a statement. “He brought great energy and personality to the group, while making a positive contribution to our Big V Men’s program, helping them to an undefeated 7-0 start. We thank CJ for his contribution to the Broncos and support his decision to explore further playing opportunities overseas.”

FV

Upfield came away with the points on Friday night, while Lalor United suffered a defeat in the FV state league 1 north-west competition. Upfield was at thome to Altona East Phoenix and scored two late goals to come away with the 2-1 win. Lalor United lost to Pascoe Vale, 2-1 with the winner coming in injury time.

FOR MORE SPORT VISIT

Web: starweekly.com.au Northern Star Weekly @starweeklynews

Whittlesea’s smooth start

Whittlesea couldn’t be much happier as the hurt of last year drives it in the Northern Football League women’s division 3 season.

The Eagles, who had the bye on the weekend, sit 4-0 to start the season.

Coach Chris Hoysted things had been tracking along really well.

“I couldn’t be happier,” he said. “We’ve been playing some good footy and it’s pretty pleasing to be in the position that we are.

“We have a couple of harder games coming up and we will approach them when they come.”

Hoysted said the group was pretty driven after losing in the preliminary final last season, after what had been a strong season.

He said they’ve had a taste of finals and it was something they would like to get back to.

“It’s driven them,” Hoysted said. “They had a big summer and last year has fueled them to get back there.

“It is pushing them and they are keen to go there again.

“Last year, hit hard as they went out in those two games. It’s driven the pre-season and put them in the position they are in now.”

Hoysted said while the group was really driven, the focus was on looking who they faced next, not looking too far ahead.

He said they had been able to keep the core group of players together this season

and add two or three players.

Those who have come in, have had an impact.

With the core group continuing to stick together, the program has been able to grow.

“We’ve been pretty sustainable and we have to keep it going,” Hoysted said.

“The 18s have struggled but they’ve been able to get a side up. You need to have a feeder side unless you go out and recruit really well.

“A lot of the younger girls are stepping up and it’s working well.”

Hoysted said with a few niggles that it was a good time for them to have a bye.

The Eagles now face Wallan in round

Eagles inflict more pain on Avondale Heights

By Tara Murray

Craigieburn continues to show its depth as it accounted for Avondale Heights in the Essendon District Football League division 1.

The Eagles were able to bounce back after a disappointing result the week before to beat Avondale Heights on Saturday.

The Eagles ended Avondale Heights’ season last year in an elimination final.

Eagles’ co-coach Jack Carlyon said they knew that it would be a tricky test.

“It was a good win with a couple of injuries to some of our leadership group,” he said.

“We had a tough loss last week at home and we were able to bounce back.

“We knew that we finished their season last year and had it on our whiteboard that they would come out firing.”

The Eagles narrowly trailed at quarter time before leading by 17 points at half time.

The margin stayed steady in the third quarter before the Eagles kicked five

goals to four in the final quarter to get a 17.8 (110)-13.6 (84) win.

Carlyon said it was a pretty even game in the first half.

“There were a couple of times I thought we looked like we would put them away and they kept fighting,” he said.

“It was not an easy win, but we were rapt to get the win in the end.”

Brodie White kicked four goals for the Eagles and was named their best.

He has been one of the pickups of the season in division 1.

Carlyon said he was so professional in how he goes about it.

“He has already won a best and fairest for us in 2022 and then went and played in the Northern Football League,” he said.

“I didn’t realise his size and he’s quite tall. He wants to win and he comes to a club that played finals last year.

“He’s a bit of icing on the top.”

Benjamin Fynch and Joshua Collins were other standouts for the Eagles.

The win moves the Eagles to 4-1, with the top four teams all on that record.

Carlyon said it was a close competition

six.

“The girls just love playing footy,” Hoysted said. “We’re looking forward to it.”

While the Eagles had the bye on the weekend, there was still plenty of women’s action.

Laurimar, Epping and Thomastown all suffered losses in other division 3 matches.

The Power were at home against Diamond Creek 2 on Friday night.

It was a low scoring affair with Diamond Creek winning, 2.7 (19)-0.1 (1).

Thomastown lost to Eltham, 6.9 (45)-0.1 (1), while Epping lost to Macleod, 6.6 (42)1.2 (8).

Tahlia Simper was the goalkicker for Epping.

Power remains undefeated

Laurimar had little trouble in keeping its unbeaten start to the Northern Football League division 3 season alive on Saturday.

The Power have been the team to beat early in the season and on Saturday, accounted for Heidelberg West, 17.13 (115)-7.6 (48).

Heidelberg West was able to stay with the Power for the first half, with the margin just 12 points at the main break.

The Power kicked six goals in the third quarter to open the game up before finishing strongly to seal the big win.

Patrick Fitzgerald continued his good form as he kicked eight goals in a best on ground performance for the Power.

Hayden Trim and Jesse Donaldson were other standouts.

The Power is the only team without a loss after five rounds.

In other matches, Mernda also came away with a big win as it accounted for Kinglake, 18.24 (132)-8.4 (52).

After leading by 23 points at half time, the Demons kicked 13 goals to five after half time to seal the win.

James Sekulovski kicked four goals for the Demons, while Christian Evans kicked three goals.

Playing coach Brent Marshall was named their best.

The Demons sit 3-1, having also had a bye.

and was still quite open.

The Eagles this week face Taylors Lakes, which has just one win for the season.

He said skipper Jamie Gorgievski and star Harry Albon would be week by week propositions with knee and shoulder injuries respectively.

Carlyon said both were close to playing against Avondale Heights.

The absence of the pair opened the door for under-18, Xavier Herft, to come in and make his senior debut.

He kicked a goal in the win.

“It’s good to blood the young guys,” Carlyon said. “We were missing some stars and we still had guys to come in.”

In other results, Tullamarine was too good for Taylors Lakes, winning 11.16 (82)-8.5 (53).

Tom Jackson and Salvatore Melilli kicked three goals each for the Demons, with Melilli being named their best.

The win moves the Demons to 3-2 on the ladder.

In division 2, both Roxburgh Park and Westmeadows suffered losses to Northern Saints and Hadfield respectively.

Meanwhile, Epping and Lalor both suffered big losses.

The Pingers proved no match for Ivanhoe, losing 20.16 (136)-5.6 (36).

Daniel Rakhlin kicked four of the Pingers five goals. Corey Middleton was named the Pingers best.

Lalor suffered a 19.21 (135)-5.6 (36) loss to Watsonia.

Heath Patton and Josh Tribuzio were named the Bloods best.

Meanwhile in division 1, Bundoora lost to Hurstbridge, 11.10 (76)-9.9 (63).

Liam Kolar, Peter McEvoy and Michael Fitz-Gerald were named the Bulls best.

In division 2, South Morang continued its good form with an 11.14 (80)-8.7 (55) win.

Whittlesea snuck home against Panton Hill, 9.15 (69)-8.13 (61), while Old Paradians beat St Mary’s, 9.15 (69)-6.8 (44).

CONNECTED LIVING AT CALLISTO PLACE

THE JOY OF LIVING WELL

Situated in Melbourne’s leafy northern corridor, Callisto

Place by Bolton Clarke offers a vibrant lifestyle for over-55s, blending the best of city life with a strong sense of community

and belonging, with easy access to shops, transport, and services. Just moments from lush parklands, vibrant cafés, and Melbourne’s cultural heartbeat, Callisto Place is where

every day feels effortlessly connected and full of possibility.

Relax and recharge in the modern clubhouse, connect with neighbours in the welcoming coffee lounge, or take in a movie

in the gold class style cinema

Book a private tour today

1300 001 537 | callistoplace.com.au

35 Galileo Gateway, Bundoora

NOW SELLING FROM

$629K

With dedicated spaces for health, wellness, and socialising,

with the peace of mind that comes from a professional

management team and a secure, carefree environment

Discover the difference at Callisto Place, a community that celebrates independence, connection, and the joy of living well.