Issuu

12476501-JW03-21

JANUARY 12, 2021 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

A year to never forget YEAR IN REVIEW ... STORY OF THE YEAR 2020 was a year like no other. It’s the year that “staying apart, kept us together”, that words such as ‘rona’, ‘iso’ and ‘lockdown’ found their way into everyday language, strangers fought over toilet paper in supermarket aisles and we were shut off not only from the world, but our families, our friends, our neighbours. The coronavirus pandemic dominated headlines as it swept across the world, both dividing and uniting us. It has brought with it undeniable hardship and heartbreak, social and economical ramifications that will be felt for years to come. But it has also highlighted our fighting spirit, our compassion and an inspiring ability to adapt. Australia’s first confirmed case of coronavirus was identified in Victoria on January 25, 2020. At it’s peak, Victoria had 7000 active cases. We look back on how COVID-19 unfolded across the northern and western suburbs. On March 10 Northern Health had contingency plans in place to ensure it could continue to provide “safe care” to the community in the event of a local coronavirus outbreak. Northern Health chief medical officer, Dr John Ferguson confirmed there had been no cases of COVID-19 identified at the health service, which operates the Northern and Broadmeadows hospitals and the Bundoora and Craigieburn centres. “Northern Health … is closely monitoring the situation and providing regular updates for staff and the community,” he said. By March 24, schools closed and all pubs, clubs, casinos, cinemas, gyms and places of worship shut as the state battled the pandemic. The state government announced that essential services would continue to operate, including banks, supermarkets and chemists. Council-run events, libraries, community houses and theatre shows were suspended across Whittlesea and Hume. A fever clinic to screen for potential COVID-19 cases opened at Northern Hospital. On April 7, hundreds of Hume council

A COVID-19 testing clinic. (Damjan Janevski) 210340_01

employees were stood down as the pandemic continued to impact council services. Council chief executive Domenic Isola confirmed to Star Weekly that 300 casual staff were temporarily stood down. Mr Isola said it was a “difficult decision”, which was the result of state and federal government restrictions. “The coronavirus is having a devastating impact on our community, and Hume City Council as an organisation is not immune,” he said. Also in April, Whittlesea council announced that residents could apply for payment plans, and in serious cases, defer their rates payments under the council’s COVID-19 Financial Hardship Policy. The council also tripled the number of business mentoring sessions on offer to help local businesses navigate the pandemic, and provided $50,000 to Whittlesea

Community Connections to support its work. Council administrator Lydia Wilson said the plan was the first stage of support for residents and businesses. In June, after more than two months of closures forced by the pandemic, some libraries, leisure centres and community centres reopened to the public and dining-in was back on the menu. The joy was short-lived. On June 16 parts of the northern and western suburbs were labeled as hot spots for ‘low level’ community transmission of COVID-19. The number of cases in parts of Hume continued to worry health officials throughout July. The state’s chief health officer Brett Sutton warned of an “uptick” in cases despite the suburbs being under lockdown for two weeks. Hume led the state’s coronavirus count,

recording 398 cases. On July 28 as the state battled a second wave, three residents at Arcare Aged Care in Craigieburn died and two others were hospitalised with a coronavirus outbreak spreading to 45 people. On August 25 an outbreak at Epping Gardens aged care had grown to 210 cases as families launched a class action against the home. Premier Daniel Andrews announced at least another two weeks of lockdown from September 13 as part of a “steady and safe” plan toward “COVID normal”. Meanwhile, Whittlesea council announced an additional $800,000 in pandemic relief measures. In September, metropolitan Melbourne prepared to take its first step on the state’s reopening roadmap.

12473232-FA03-21

Safer than houses. Never have any of us been through such a tumultuous time. The restrictions, the isolation, the feelings of helplessness of not being able to change what is going on in the outside world and not being able to do anything to help those most in need.

How have you gotten through this time? In our two Northern Retirement Estates our residents continue to tell us that they are so happy to feel safe and secure within the community and that we have kept them very well informed of what is safe, what is not and what restrictions we have to work with. In fact, many have said they are so glad to be in the village at this time rather than living in isolation in their original family home. Arguably, Safer than Houses.

Why? What have they been able to do that they couldn’t do if they lived in a traditional suburban home? The answer lies in how they have been able to manage and be involved in the little things. It started back in March with Communication to all Residents and Staff - constant, reassuring, encouraging everyone to follow the guidelines and respect the rules that the Health Authorities and The State Government asked us to follow. Ongoing it has involved encouraging people to write down their stories so we could produce a book of life stories. Our Community Our Story is the outcome now published on our village websites. It involved ensuring people had adequate sanitiser and facemasks so that they didn’t have to worry about access to those essentials. It was about making sure that they had essential food and medical supplies and a someone who could deliver these things. It involved making sure that their homes and gardens were still maintained without compromise. Ongoing it involves making sure those that are not lonely, have games to play, puzzles to access, people to talk with on the phone. It has involved encouraging people to get outside and walk and talk to their neighbours at appropriate distance and yet to feel safe doing so within the confines of the retirement estate. In fact, at both our Northern villages there is access to many kilometres of walking trails around the region without having to cross a road. Did we mention our picturesque gardens that people have been able to enjoy during this time? In fact, many people have been gardening, painting and continuing their card marking. The feedback we are constantly hearing is that older Australians want a safe haven from the dangers of living on their own. This is especially the case in these uncertain and challenging times. We have new websites for both our villages and have a limited number of homes to sell now that restrictions are easing. So come and discover what life is like at either The Elms at Kilmore or Bridgewater Lake at Roxburgh Park. Come also and look at our extensive Community facilities and take your pick of what you would like to do, swim in the pool, lawn bowls, cinema. You name it – Freedom to choose, Freedom to enjoy retirement the way you want to.

bridgewaterlake.com.au

elmsestate.com.au

P: 03 9308 8335 ROXBURGH PARK, VICTORIA

P: 03 5734 2800 KILMORE, VICTORIA 12473823-SN03-21

2 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 12 January, 2021

YEAR IN REVIEW ... NEWS

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Poison runs deep: Monitor MARCH 24 Whittlesea council has been described as a “broken council” in which “poisons run deep” by municipal monitor Yehudi Blacher. In a scathing report on the council, Mr Blacher said the governance of the council had collapsed, “along with its reputation”. He criticised the behaviour of some councillors, noting that the council was broken by years of internal division, factionalism, personality conflicts and bitter legacies of perceived betrayals. Mr Blacher also revealed there are more

than 20 investigations into the council, mainly by the Local Government Inspectorate. He has referred the council to the Independent Broad-Based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC) and the Chief Municipal Inspector. Mr Blacher’s report revealed the council has spent $500,000 over the past two years on legal matters relating to a councillor’s working relationship with former council chief executive Simon Overland and other councillors, as well as legal action taken by Mr Overland regarding his dismissal while on WorkCover. “The fact that some councillors are prepared to spend these funds on personal and governance

disputes rather than on much-needed services to the community is unacceptable,” the report stated. “Council’s governance failings are acknowledged by most councillors although some prefer to blame other councillors or lay primary responsibility at the feet of council staff.” Mr Blacher noted that several staff members reported being bullied by councillors. “A number of councillors seemed either not to understand or chose to ignore that … abusive behaviours towards staff and each other were an unacceptable breach of the Councillor Code of Conduct and normal civil behaviour.”

Local Government Minister Adem Somyurek said the government had not taken the decision to sack the council lightly. He said the councillors would be replaced by an interim administrator within days. Administrators will oversee the council until the October 2024 local government elections. Council’s acting chief executive Joe Carbone said the council was pleased the state government had acted on Mr Blacher’s recommendations, noting that the past three months had been “unsettling” for staff and the community.

Australia Day axed DECEMBER 15

Rosanna Baini and John Kinley Dewar. (Pictures: Joe Mastroianni)

Honours for our finest JANUARY 28 Two Whittlesea residents have been recognised in this year’s Australia Day honours for their services to the community and education. Mernda’s Rosanna Baini was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for her work with Victoria’s Lebanese community. Whittlesea’s John Kinley Dewar was made an officer of the Order of Australia for his services to education. Ms Baini said she was very excited about the honour. “I am stoked … looking back, I think where did I fit it all in between having five children

and being a widow,” she said. “I am all about people and the support you can give to others.” Ms Baini is the vice president of the Australian Lebanon Chamber of Commerce and Industry and director of its Miss Lebanon Charity Pageant, which raises money for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal. She served as a commissioner in the Victorian Multicultural Commission from 1997-2001 and has also been heavily involved in the Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Parish since moving to Melbourne from Sydney in 1984. She said her work with the multicultural commission centred around teaching

communities to take part in Australian life. Mr Dewar, who is the Vice Chancellor and President of La Trobe University said he was “absolutely delighted” by the honour. “As someone who was not born in Australia, I’m just incredibly excited about being recognised by Australia in this way,” he said. Mr Dewar was Provost at the University of Melbourne from 2009-12 and was at Griffith University for 14 years, where he was Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic, from 2005-09. “I am just passionate about higher education and the good it does for providing opportunities for individuals,” he said.

Whittlesea council has pulled the pin on Australia Day celebrations in 2021. The council’s administrators voted in favour of changes to the city’s celebrations on January 26 as part of a broader review of all festivals and events to ensure they are inclusive, safe and offer the best value. Council normally holds an event on January 26, which includes music, entertainment, food and fireworks. It also holds a citizenship ceremony and announces the Whittlesea Australia Day Awards winners. Just 1500 people attended this year’s event, which cost $83,740 to run, more than $8000 over budget. Whittlesea chair of administrators Lydia Wilson said the decision to take a different approach to January 26 was multifaceted. It includes complexities around the date, particularly for the local Aboriginal community, summer risks with fireworks, rising event costs and evolving restrictions around gatherings due to COVID-19. “We want to ensure [our festivals and events] are aligned with our community’s expectations around cultural appropriateness, value for money, seasonal risks and community health.” Whittlesea has the second-highest Aboriginal population in Melbourne. In February 2019, the Whittlesea Reconciliation Group submitted a joint letter to council calling for the date of Australia Day to be changed.

SPECIAL OFFER Full UPPER & LOWER DENTURES

FREE

CONSULTATION & ADVICE

Call GORAN SABOTKOSKI (Dental Prosthetist)

Specialising in full dentures & partial dentures (2 Week Turnaround) Same day express repairs and relines Sporting mouthguards in all assorted colours Home visits available

12477720-SG03-21

Normally $2500 Now $1799 Savings $701

PH 9497 9666 • 145 HIGH ST THOMASTOWN • www.primedentlab.com.au 3 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 12 January, 2021

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU Briefs

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Craigieburn Road update

GENERAL SALES INQUIRIES westads@starweekly.com.au

The next major step in the Craigieburn Road upgrade has started. Initial works and field investigations kicked off on Monday. The investigation will include geotechnical work across 35 properties that will inform major construction. The upgrade to Craigieburn Road will result in an extra lane each way between Mickleham Road and the Hume Highway and upgrades and changes to several intersections.

CLASSIFIEDS \ 1300 666 808 EMAIL \ sales@networkclassifieds.com.au

Speakers stolen

PHONE \ 03 8318 5777 LOCATION \ Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042 DISTRIBUTION \ 1300 656 678 distribution@fermax.com.au

ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR \ BEN SUTTON ben.sutton@starweekly.com.au

Police are investigating the theft of PA speakers from a northern suburbs primary school last month. Investigators have been told two unknown males attended the Lalor East Primary School on Cleveland Street, Thomastown about 8pm on December 22.

REAL ESTATE SALES DIRECTOR \ JACK GILLESPIE jack.gillespie@starweekly.com.au SENIOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER \ JONATHAN BAKER jonathan.baker@starweekly.com.au Mobile \ 0421 841 321 Office \ 03 8318 5763

EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF \ LISA KORYCKI lisa.korycki@starweekly.com.au GENERAL EDITORIAL INQUIRIES westeditorial@starweekly.com.au COMMUNITY CALENDAR ENTRIES communitycalendar@starweekly.com.au

Published by MMP Star Pty Ltd ACN 168 220 399 Head Office Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042 Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas All material is copyright to MMP Star Pty Ltd. Responsibility for election comment is accepted by Paul Thomas. All significant errors will be corrected as quickly as possible. Distribution numbers, areas and coverage are estimates only. For our terms and conditions please visit starweekly.com.au

Kmart in Craigieburn Craigieburn shoppers are in for a change with Target in Craigieburn Central to be converted to a Kmart. Last year, Target announced plans to convert a number of stores into Kmarts, including at Pacific Epping. Recently, Target added a number of new stores – including Craigieburn – to the list. The store is set to be converted early this year. In an online update, the company said it understood the closures would affect a lot of people. As part of the overall changes, 10 to 25 large format Target stores and 50 Target Country stores will be closed with a number of others converted to Kmarts. “We are proud to have a rich history as an

Celebrating community

Australian company and we are committed to serving you, our valued customers, now and into the future,” a company statement read. “We have many Target stores which remain unaffected by today’s announcement and you can continue to shop with us online with the same ease and convenience.” All Target team members from stores scheduled for conversion to Kmart will receive an offer of employment from Kmart. Target team members who are unable to be redeployed, will be given consideration for new roles created in Kmart and Catch. The Epping Target store will be converted from early to mid-2021.

Star Weekly is launching a new community page to celebrate all that is great about the people that call Melbourne’s northern and western suburbs home. If you’ve got an event you would like to promote, a milestone to celebrate or an achievement you want to share, please send an email with your photos (be sure to include first names of everyone pictured) or event details by 9am each Wednesday to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Northern Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Tara Murray

Support Local Notice of Intention to Make Amendments to the Road Management Plan. City of Whittlesea proposes to make amendments to the Road Management Plan in accordance with Section 54 of the Road Management Act 2004. The amendments improve on the existing Road Management Plan that established a management system for Council for the discharge of its duty to inspect, maintain and repair its public roads based on policy and operational objectives as well as available resources. It also sets the relevant standard in relation to discharge of duties in the performance of those road management functions. A copy of Council’s proposed Draft Road Management Plan may be inspected at or obtained from: • Council’s Offices at, 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang. • Council’s Website www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au. Any person who wishes to comment on the proposed amendments to the Road Management Plan may make a submission. Submissions should be sent to the Manager City Presentation, City of Whittlesea, Locked Bag 1, Bundoora MDC, 3083 or via email at depot.support@whittlesea.vic.gov.au. Submissions will close on Monday 22 February 2021. Craig Lloyd Chief Executive Officer 12477664-SG03-21

4 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 12 January, 2021

Need to let your customers know?

12449138-FA20-20

ROAD MANAGEMENT PLAN

Doing things differently during covid-19?

Contact retail@starweekly.com.au to see how Star Weekly can help. #InThisTogether

YEAR IN REVIEW ... BUSINESS

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Top Shelf’s top drop APRIL 7 A Campbellfield distillery has started brewing hand sanitiser to help keep its factory open. Top Shelf International’s NED Whisky came up with the idea late last month as it looked for ways to soften the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its business. Top Shelf International executive chairman

Adem Karafili said the switch to hand sanitiser had not only been good for the business but had also improved the mental wellbeing of staff. “It has kept a lot of people employed who otherwise would have been stood down. We wanted to ensure we kept our doors open and utilise the assets we have,” he said. The distillery is producing hand sanitiser that is 65 per cent ethanol and is available in

100ml and 750ml bottles. Mr Karafilli said the distillery was aiming to have produced 100,000 bottles of hand sanitiser by the end of the week. Bottles of hand sanitiser have already been dropped off to first responders, GPs, refugee agencies and health workers. Top Shelf International general manager Jayden Pertzel and executive chairman Adem Karafili.

Facing up to challenges MAY 19

Main: PACKQUEEN owner Monique Samara. (Damjan Janevski) Above: Ford Australia and New Zealand chief executive Kay Hart; Staff at Ford in Broadmeadows are producing face shields for frontline healthcare workers. (Pictures: Supplied)

Two northern suburbs companies have switched up their manufacturing processes to make much-needed plastic face shields for frontline workers. Workers at Ford’s Broadmeadows plant have been putting their design and engineering skills to use to create 100,000 face shields which will be donated to frontline healthcare workers. The company is also liaising with the federal government to supply the shields to hospitals across the country. Ford Australia and New Zealand chief executive Kay Hart said prototype face shields were recently tested in five Victorian hospitals, paving the way for Ford to begin the manufacturing of the first 50,000 shields. The shields are being produced by a core team and are assembled in production cells at Broadmeadows. “We said from the beginning of COVID-19 that any way we could help, we would help,” Ms Hart said. “Producing face shields is certainly

something new for us, but our innovation team and engineers were able to test a number of different designs in hospitals and with their input, we have been able to get the face shield right for the people who will be wearing them.” She said Ford was working with local suppliers to procure the materials for the shields. Meanwhile, Thomastown packing company PACKQUEEN recently received approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for its plastic face shield, which is designed to be worn with a P2 mask. Owner Monique Samara said she felt compelled to help after hearing that essential workers were struggling to get personal protective equipment. She said the switch to manufacturing face shields had helped PACKQUEEN, which usually makes postage, gift and food packaging, stay afloat and employ two extra people. “The primary focus of this project has been to help the community by producing an affordable face shield and keeping manufacturing jobs within Australia,” Ms Samara said.

12476500-LB03-21

5 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 12 January, 2021

YEAR IN REVIEW ... HEALTH

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Meal plan pays thanks MAY 5 A new initiative is striving to help Melbourne’s struggling hospitality businesses stay afloat while also providing meals for hardworking frontline medical staff. Operation thank you: Frontline meals launched two weeks ago as a way for people to show their gratitude to the healthcare and emergency services workers helping keep us

safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Founder Natasha Oommen said the idea behind Operation thank you: Frontline meals was that people donated money to pay for meals for frontline workers. The meals are then made and delivered by struggling hospitality businesses, helping them keep their businesses going. The initiative has established a pilot program at Northern Hospital, providing meals to the

fever, respiratory and emergency departments. A number of businesses including North Fitzroy’s Moroccan Soup Bar, Atlantic Group, Edge Hospitality, Dolce Gusto in Niddrie and Heart Attack and Vine in Carlton have already signed up to make and deliver meals. Ms Oommen hopes to expand the program to other frontline services in the coming weeks. She said doctors, nurses, healthcare workers,

police and paramedics were putting themselves at risk of infection daily to protect the community from COVID-19 and would need “good food” to sustain their efforts. “I just wanted to do something to help and do something positive,” Ms Oommen said. “Food is such an integral part of our lives and this marriage of hospitality and frontline care seemed like a simple way to help our community.”

Hospital rallies for nurses MAY 19 Nurses arriving for work at Northern Hospital last Tuesday were greeted by a guard of honour to mark International Nurses Day. The day, which is held annually on the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth, recognises the contribution of nurses in caring for the community. Northern Health’s chief nursing and midwifery officer, Debra Bourne said this year’s International Nurses Day was more important than ever given the COVID-19 pandemic. The World Health Organisation also declared 2020 as the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife. “I am very proud of our nurses. This pandemic has demonstrated that nurses have the ability to step up, step into areas they don’t usually work in and develop new models of care, while keeping the humanity of patient care,” Ms Bourne said.

“Many of our nurses are undertaking additional training and education to provide the best possible care for our patients.” Northern Health staff at the Bundoora, Broadmeadows and Craigieburn sites also took time to honour their nursing colleagues by presenting gifts and organising live music. Among the nurses recognised last week was emergency department and neonatal unit nurse Stephanie Grey, who was delivered by Ms Bourne 24 years ago. Ms Grey started working at Northern Hospital in 2016 and was noticed by Ms Bourne during graduate orientation.

Northern Hospital staff formed a guard of honour. (Supplied)

Over 50s Resort Living

Get in now to secure your new home at the lowest price

See what you could save!

With prices set to increase, now could be the perfect time to find the home that’s right for you. Secure your brand new home with a fully refundable $500 holding deposit and start looking forward to a life full of luxury, fun and financial freedom. Compare the prices and see what you could save by getting in early.

Scan me with your camera to download the current price list Walk in or call us today on 1300 50 55 60 12470162-SN03-21

6 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 12 January, 2021

YEAR IN REVIEW ... HEALTH

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Virtual ED an ‘Australian first’ DECEMBER 1 Northern Health is making it easier for people to seek medical help with the launch of a virtual emergency department. Launched in October for people living in Northern Health’s catchment area, the virtual ED enables patients to self-present to the hospital by using their phone or laptop. Emergency physician, Dr Loren Sher, said the virtual ED enables patients to talk to emergency nurses and doctors from their home, work or even their car. Northern Health

said it is the first public health service in Australia to launch this technology. “If a patient has a non-life-threatening emergency, they can connect virtually with our ED staff, who will be able to provide medical advice,” Dr Sher said. “Patients will need to have a valid Medicare card and be comfortable speaking in English, as interpreting isn’t currently available for this particular service.” Patients register their details online and are then placed in a virtual waiting room. When it’s their turn, the triage nurse

conducts an online consultation with them and advises the best course of action. Depending on the patient’s condition, this could be a telehealth consultation with an emergency doctor or advanced practice physiotherapist. In many cases, the team will be able to help patients completely virtually, and can organise tests and prescriptions close to their home. In some cases, they may ask the patient to come into the ED for required treatment. Doreen resident, Valerie Patragoulas, whose son Jake fell off his bike, used the service on the recommendation of a family member.

“We did the teleconference call, and as it was late in the afternoon, and our closest X-ray centre was closed, we were advised to come into Northern’s ED and get the X-ray done,” she said. “It was a great experience as we were an expected case when we arrived and after a very short wait, we were taken to do an X-ray.” Dr Sher said the new service would also work with GPs and acute care centres to identify patients that traditionally would have been referred to ED, but may be suitable for ongoing management in the community.

COVID fight, side-by-side JULY 28 A mother and daughter duo are working on the front line at Northern Health’s COVID-19 fever clinic. Parneet Kaur joined Northern Health as a ward clerk in March, joining her mum Jatinder, who began working at the hospital as a Personal Service Assistance (PSA) three years ago and is now also ward clerk. Parneet, who is in her final year of her international business studies degree, said working in the fever clinic was rewarding. “I find it really rewarding to be able to help people, especially in the current situation. Patients are appreciative of what we are doing and understand the challenges of our eight-hour shift,” she said. “It is also not as daunting as it looks. When everyone is wearing their personal protective

equipment (PPE) it looks very intimidating, but once you understand the process and how it works, it is not as daunting. “The staff are very supportive and very nice … the teamwork and camaraderie is special.” Jatinder said working in the fever clinic made her feel like she was helping the community. “According to my religion, we have to help the community. As our gurudwara’s [temples] are closed, I feel like working in the fever clinic is like going to the temple because I’m doing something for the community. “I love Australia. This country has given me a lot of opportunities and as an Australian, I’m happy to help. “This is the time to stand with the community and I’m proud I get an opportunity to do so.” Parneet and Jatinder Kaur work together at Northern Health’s fever clinic. (Supplied)

EVERY TEST HELPS US KEEP DOING THE THINGS WE LOVE Every test keeps us on top of this virus. And keeps us doing the things we love. So even if your symptoms are mild, or you’ve been tested before, every test helps.

For testing locations visit CORONAVIRUS.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

7 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 12 January, 2021

YEAR IN REVIEW ... HEALTH

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Unmasking new business MAY 5

Health team needs help APRIL 21 The Northern Health Foundation is calling on the Whittlesea and Hume communities to dig deep to help ensure Northern Hospital can provide the best possible care for COVID-19 patients. The foundation has launched a COVID-19 rapid response fund, designed to “accelerate

and increase” Northern Health’s capacity to care for COVID-19 patients. Northern Health said it was playing a central role in responding to coronavirus across the northern suburbs. “We are preparing for a significant increase in patients needing support and treatment in our fever clinic, respiratory unit and intensive care unit over the coming weeks and months.

“Our dedicated staff are working hard to keep our community safe, and they need your help.” The foundation said donations would support Northern Health fund 27 high-flow oxygen machines for COVID-19 patients who require higher than normal volume of oxygen and buy two additional ultrasound machines to support the monitoring of lung changes in patients.

A Northern Health employee’s search for a business to make plastic face shields for frontline healthcare workers has helped keep an Epping business afloat. Northern Health respiratory department lab manager and head scientist Nicholas Romeo began searching for a local face mask manufacturer after hearing about a potential need for large quantities of personal protective equipment. Mr Romeo cold-called a few local plastic folder manufacturers and came across Victor Stoyanaski. Mr Stoyanaski, who has run Norbind Plastics for 28 years and already supplies Northern Hospital with the plastic folders used at the end of beds, said he was initially sceptical of Mr Romeo’s proposal, but decided he had nothing to lose. He said at the time Mr Romeo called, he had already stood down the majority of his staff, working them in rotation. After just a few days, Mr Stoyanaski had developed a prototype to show stakeholders, including emergency department and theatre physicians. He was able to deliver his first order of face shields within the week and is now in the process of delivering another 10,000 to Northern Health.

We’re building big near you and there will be transport disruptions As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re continuing early works to prepare for major construction on North East Link. We’re also easing congestion by building better roads and bridges across our suburbs. Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions Craigieburn Line

8 to 16 Jan

Newmarket to Craigieburn

Road disruptions: Closed lanes Greensborough Road

In Jan

Lanes closed between Lower Plenty Road and Watsonia Road

Bulleen Road

In Jan

Lanes closed overnight

Plenty Road, Mernda

Until mid-2021 Lanes closed and restricted access in some locations, with cycling and pedestrian detours in place

Keep in mind, there are other disruptions over summer. Find a detailed list at bigbuild.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne 12477535-SN03-21

8 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 12 January, 2021

YEAR IN REVIEW ... COMMUNITY

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Community spirit shines through APRIL 7 Community-minded Whittlesea and Hume residents are doing what they can to help others during the COVID-19 pandemic. Grocery swap pages, shopping groups and meal services have popped up in the community as people look to lend a hand to their neighbours. Kalkallo’s Marina Trninic is hoping her Angel Shoppers Facebook group will help make life a bit easier for anyone who doesn’t have family or friends to call on for support.

The Angel Shoppers will pick up groceries and medicine for people in need in their local area and deliver to their doorsteps, for free. “There’s nothing like communities banding together and helping the vulnerable people of their community. It is good for mental health and a sense of belonging,” she said. Epping’s Tracey Jardim is also helping to create some positivity in the community with her grocery swap group on Facebook. The group allows northern suburbs residents to offer up items they have too many of in exchange for things they need. Ms Jardim

said the most frequently swapped items were nappies and toilet paper. In Craigieburn, the Sikh community is running a free mobile food service for people in isolation. The service delivers to Craigieburn, Roxburgh Park, Broadmeadows, Donnybrook, Kalkallo, Epping, Lalor, Thomastown and Wollert. Gurdwara Sahib Craigieburn secretary Gurdeep Singh said volunteers have been cooking, packing and distributing the meals since March 14. He said the temple was receiving about 150 calls for meals each day.

Marina Tninic and her sons.

(Damjan Janevski)

Video boosts police morale MAY 19

Joy at the end of rainbow APRIL 7 Families across Doreen and Mernda are going on bear hunts and following rainbow trails as the community looks for ways to spread cheer amid new social distancing regulations. Members of a new community Facebook group, called Doreen Community Spirit, are encouraging locals to add colour to the streets by creating rainbows, and to take part in the bear hunt by putting teddy bears in their front

windows for children to find. Doreen Community Spirit founders Lauryn Bahen and Yvonne Vuillermin said the rainbow trail was an inclusive community art project. “Rainbows are bright, positive and for many, are a sign of hope. We wanted to brighten up our community and remind others that after the greatest of storms there is always a rainbow,” they said. “Many in our community are struggling due to the current coronavirus crisis and those

vulnerable are facing even harder times ahead. We want to remind people that they are not alone and that we are all in this together.” Doreen’s Cassie Burrows, who started the bear hunt locally, said the simple act of putting bears in windows and creating rainbows had brought the community together. Ms Burrows said there were about 400 or 500 people in Doreen and Mernda who were taking part in the bear hunt. Details: https://bit.ly/3axmqBE

Students from Mernda Primary School and Ivanhoe Grammar’s Plenty campus have put their time in lockdown to good use, creating a video to say thanks to emergency services. About 25 students from all year levels took part in the video to recognise the work the emergency services are doing to keep the community safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mernda Primary School chaplain Chantelle Olafsen came up with the idea for the video after reaching out to Mernda police station to ask if there was any way the school community could assist police during the pandemic. “I think [the students] were really pleased to have the opportunity to thank the police and the emergency services as well, having the connection with the local police makes it more personal.” Mernda police Senior Sergeant Daniel Jamison said the video had boosted morale at the station and throughout the wider police network after being shared on the Eyewatch Whittlesea Police Service Area Facebook page. “Our members are out there every day in the community and they do have concerns, they have families, they are worried they might contract the virus and pass it on … something as small as this video has actually had a great impact on the morale within the station,” he said. To view the thank you video, visit: www.facebook.com/ eyewatchwhittlesea/

Students honour heroes AUGUST 25 When their school production was cancelled due to COVID-19, Thomastown Secondary College students came up with another way to showcase their talents and say thank you. The students, led by head of music Jimi Lundy, put together a video to the Bette Midler song Wind Beneath My Wings, to thank all the healthcare workers. School principal Leonie White said there had been a massive response to the video, which they started during the first lockdown. “We were hearing things … young people are not tuned in,” she said. “Our kids were incredibly focused on doing the right thing and we just needed to get the message out. They looked for a song,felt the Bette Midler song was

going to get that across and started working on it. “They were doing all their rehearsals on Zoom and places like that, with the music teachers working with them. “We didn’t know whether we were going to pull it together or not, but we did.” A grant from Schools Plus allowed the school to pay for the production of the final product. The video has more than 22,000 hits on Youtube and was picked up by TV stations. Ms White said the feedback had made the whole school community proud and the students had been blown away with the response. “We got one from a woman on a train. She said, ‘I’m a frontline worker and I’ve seen your video and it’s made me feel so much more appreciated’.” 9 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 12 January, 2021

YEAR IN REVIEW ... PEOPLE

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Class action launched AUGUST 25 Nicole McGuinness is angry and furious, but most of all heartbroken, following the death of her mother Kathleen Gribble from COVID-19. Mrs Gribble was a resident at Epping Gardens nursing home where she caught coronavirus. She died 16 days after being transferred to hospital. Mrs McGuinness and her family have joined a class action lawsuit against Epping Gardens as they seek answers to why their beloved mother and grandmother died. The aged care home has been linked to 210 COVID-19 cases, making it Victoria’s largest aged care outbreak. “I’m angry, I’m furious, heartbroken and I’m so angry,” Mrs McGuinness said. “The owners, the aged care system and the government, someone has to be stepping up and saying ’we’re going to fix this’.” Mrs Gribble, who was 75, first went to Epping Gardens for transitional and respite care late

last year before becoming a permanent resident in April. Mrs McGuinness said her mum was happy. “When the doctors came to us and told us there was no way she could go back to independent living, my mum turned around and said ‘if I can stay at Epping Gardens permanently, I’m happy here and this is where I want to live’.” When the first COVID-19 lockdown restrictions hit, the nursing home told families they couldn’t visit for the residents’ safety. Mrs McGuinness abided by this and stayed away for 11 weeks before getting permission to visit for one hour each week. The family managed to get three visits in, the last on Mrs Gribble’s birthday, before visits were again cancelled as COVID-19 cases rose across the state. “It was hard, but we were protecting mum and all the residents and [thought] that if we can stay away, there was no way corona can get in there,” Mrs McGuinness said.

Kathleen Gribble. (Supplied)

Mrs McGuinness said once the first case of COVID-19 was detected at Epping Gardens things started to snowball. She said families were notified of the case on a Sunday and just two days later, Mrs Gribble was showing symptoms. “My mum started to get unwell, we could tell on the phone. She … had a sore throat, had

a really bad cough, she was very raspy when she spoke, I knew then she had all the classic symptoms.” Mrs McGuinness said she was told her mum was positive on a Sunday but staff couldn’t tell her if her mum was going to hospital. She had no contact for the rest of the day. Mrs McGuinness said Epping Gardens made contact the next day, saying her mum wasn’t critical and she was doing OK. Twenty minutes later a doctor called to say they needed to discuss her mum’s advanced care plan. Mrs Gribble was taken to hospital the next day. She spent 16 days in hospital and died on August 16. Mrs McGuinness said no one from Epping Gardens or the managing company, Heritage Care, had contacted her since her mother’s death. Carbone Lawyers is handling a class action case for the families of residents in Epping Gardens. Managing partner Tony Carbone said as of last week, 25 families had indicated they would be part of the class action.

Family farewells ‘our rock’ APRIL 21

Judy Ingram has been house-bound since March 12.

Life in hard lockdown JULY 28 At 3pm on March 12, St Albans resident Judy Ingram went to her doctor to receive her annual flu shot. It was the last time she left her house. Ms Ingram has a number of medical conditions and a low immune system. She’s been told by doctors that if she leaves her house and contracts COVID-19, she’d be at “great risk”. Patiently, Ms Ingram has pottered around her house as days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months. “My doctors told me to go home and they’d tell me when it was safe to leave again, so I’m sitting here waiting for it all to pass … I’m hoping to be out in October, but it looks like now it’ll be next year,” she said. “I have my good days and my bad days … early on I’d have family members come up to the window to say hello, but as the weather 10 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 12 January, 2021

has turned cold and miserable, those have dried up a bit too.” Each cupboard in Ms Ingram’s house has been cleaned … several times, books passed on to her by friends over the years and stored away for a rainy day have been read and she’s become a master of the jigsaw puzzle. But you won’t hear her complain. “Even in that period where restrictions eased, I was advised to stay in a hard lockdown … I haven’t even been able to go for a drive around the block,” she said. “I’m lucky in a way, my husband Ian is here with me. He’s in the same boat as me, unable to leave the house. “At least we’re in here together … there’s a lot of seniors like us living by themselves who have been told to stay home. “Those people have no one to talk to and don’t have that constant support.” The IGA in Delahey and a butcher in Keilor deliver the couple’s essentials, leaving

deliveries at the door, and council support staff regularly check up on their welfare. Much of the state was thrust back in to stage three restrictions earlier this month and while it’s been an adjustment for many, Ms Ingram said it’s hardly a lockdown. “People are complaining that they’re in lockdown … they’re not in a lockdown. “They ride their bikes, they go shopping, they do the four things they’re allowed to do every single day … it’s a more restricted life, but not lockdown. “How can people be so petty about not being able to go to the pub for tea … I’m not even allowed to go for a drive around the block.” Ms Ingram has a doctor’s appointment in August. If it goes ahead it will be the first time she’s stepped foot outside her home since that day on March 12. Through it all she remains positive. “This too shall pass,” she said.

The family of the 15th Victorian to succumb to COVID-19 has issued a plea for people to take the virus threat seriously after they had to watch the “larger than life” grandfather take his last breath via a video call. Hillside man Giuseppe Franzoni, 84, died at the Sunshine Hospital on Friday. His son Frank Franzoni said the family was struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss of their “rock”. “It was quite sudden … he fainted one day, but he didn’t tell anyone about it,” Mr Franzoni said. “We’re a close family and are always in contact but I hadn’t seen him since restrictions came in. The day he got sick I hadn’t seen him for maybe four weeks, but touched base daily, even if just for 60 seconds. I just needed to know he was safe. After receiving a worried call from his brother on April 4, Mr Franzoni called his father. “I asked if he needed me to call an ambulance and he said he didn’t. But he didn’t sound 100 per cent, so I called back an hour later and he asked me to call for [an ambulance] … that was the last time I ever got to speak to my father.” An ambulance arrived at Mr Franzoni’s home and rushed him to hospital a short time later. He was heavily sedated and unable to communicate with his family. He was diagnosed with COVID-19 two days later. His family, unable to see him, was given information on his condition by telephone. Giuseppe Franzoni died three days later, his family watching through a video stream set up by hospital staff. “I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.” The family must now decide who won’t be able to attend the funeral. “There are only 12 of us, but only 10 can attend the funeral,’’ Mr Franzoni said. “How on earth do you decide on two people who can’t say goodbye to their grandfather? “I just want everyone to know this is a serious threat. I’ve seen what it can do, so please … respect the restrictions.”

YEAR IN REVIEW ... PEOPLE

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

When home is no longer home Star Weekly reporter Esther Lauaki had to return to New Zealand for a family emergency. She is now in strict quarantine. This is her story.

Home doesn’t feel like home anywhere any more. I’ve travelled to New Zealand so many times in the past eight years that I could walk the length of Auckland Airport with my eyes closed. But COVID-19 has turned our world upside down and governments implore everyone to “embrace a new normal”. Stay home, save lives. It’s a simple message – but what happens when your dad is in the final stages of leukaemia and you live overseas? My family in New Zealand was told by doctors on New Year’s day that dad had months to live.

‘‘

Warm smiles are hidden behind surgical masks

’’

Any plans to make the Trans-Tasman trip home as often as possible were shut down in March when COVID-19 sent the nation into lockdown and, for the most part, closed Australia’s borders to the world. Travel is reserved for healthcare aid workers, diplomats, “urgent personal business” and compassionate reasons. Living, working and building a future in Australia, like my parents did when they migrated from Samoa to New Zealand, is no easy feat. Doing that while my dad fights a rare and brutal blood cancer is a burden too heavy for me. Leaving Australia last week in the thick of a pandemic required a few calls to the Health and Human Services Department, the New Zealand consulate and the airline, as well as a letter from the hospital stating my dad’s critical condition. Melbourne airport is an empty, dark and cold place now. About 10 border force officers crowd the check-in desk ensuring everyone has filled out a form agreeing to self-isolate in a government managed hotel for 14 days in New Zealand. Customs officers are relaxed, discussing their favourite pork recipes while processing just 40 passengers for the day. Duty Free and the retail stores are all closed and only the sound of suitcase wheels on linoleum and murmurs in the distance echo

Main: Auckland at dusk. (Chris-McLennan/newzealand.com) Left: Esther Lauaki and her dad Iakopo. Above: The room at a government-managed hotel where Esther Lauaki is quarantined for 14 days. Below: Melbourne Airport is a different place these days. (Pictures: Esther Lauaki)

through the staff bypass corridor you have to walk through to get to your gate. The flight was a speedy three and a half hours with no air traffic and good flying conditions into Auckland where I was born and raised. An idyllic Kiwi childhood of breakfasts at the beach, jandals, walking to the corner dairy with a dozen cousins, Jelly-Tips and kina (sea urchin) fishing. But in this post COVID world, warm smiles

are hidden behind surgical masks, there are no handshakes or hugs – just a health check and a sterile, “Welcome home Ma’am”. Green crosses taped on the floor are two metres apart and the assumption is that everyone is infected. We are ushered onto a tour bus bound for a hotel that nobody will tell us the name of. The New Zealand Army, Police, Navy, border patrol and health department are on site at the

hotel to help enforce strict isolation, social distance and hygiene measures. Home for the next two weeks is a compact hotel room with an en suite and a queen-sized bed. Three meals a day are delivered to your door with one hour of supervised exercise allowed each day. Time is what I have on my hands right now before I can see my dad and, more than anything, that’s all I want. 11 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 12 January, 2021

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Telehealth here to stay We often underestimate people’s ability to change or adapt. ‘Telehealth’ is a good example. Telehealth is consulting with your health professional in a video call or over the phone, rather than in person. This time last year, it was something few of us had ever done. Then suddenly, the spread of COVID-19 meant we had to come up with ways to ensure everyone could still access health care safely. Telehealth was an obvious solution, but there were fears that many people wouldn’t use it – either because they didn’t have the skills or equipment needed, or because they wouldn’t feel comfortable talking to their doctor through a screen. But local GPs have told us this has not really been the case. Many older people can manage an iPad and interact via video call – it’s how they’ve been keeping in touch with far-flung friends and family even before the pandemic. Those who speak languages other than English have also been able to have a video conference with both their doctor and an interpreter. People from all walks of life have adapted quickly, relieved to have an option that meant they didn’t need to leave home and risk catching the virus. But now that risk has shrunk, what have we learned about the benefits of telehealth? The doctors we support say it helps more people to access health care. This includes people whose work hours make it hard to get a regular appointment, people who might struggle to transport themselves to and from the doctors, and people who are unwilling or reluctant to go to an appointment in-person. It’s not just for GPs. Some of the mental health and alcohol and other drug services we fund say more clients turn up for their

(iStock)

Christopher Carter CEO, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network

appointments by video or phone, and speak more freely than they would in person. Having a telehealth option can also mean people are more likely to continue seeing their doctor, meaning they will be cared for in a more regular, consistent way. This is especially important if you have a chronic condition such as diabetes, or a mental health condition. Finally, for doctors, telehealth has helped to streamline many things, such as pushing back appointments if running late. It can also reduce

costs, freeing them up to offer more services and appointments, and to spend more time following up with patients. Yet telehealth is not always the best way to consult with your doctor. Much can be picked up by sight in a video call, but in many cases your doctor will still need to physically examine you. Fortunately, GPs and practice staff quickly brought in strict cleaning and infection control at the start of the pandemic, making

sure visiting a general practice was as safe as possible. It is always OK to see your GP, whether it is in person or via telehealth. COVID-19 made telehealth a sudden necessity, but it certainly won’t disappear once the virus does. The federal government has announced it will be a permanent part of the health system. We’ll be here to support doctors and other health professionals, so more people in our community can keep getting the best quality care.

FROM THE ARCHIVES Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors

10 years ago Hume councillor and former mayor Burhan Yigit is the first person to publicly raise his hand to contest the seat of Broadmeadows after former premier and long-serving Broadmeadows MP John Brumby announced he was stepping away from politics.

12 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 12 January, 2021

7 years ago

1 year ago

January 21, 2014

January 21, 2020

Campaigners for a police station at Mernda intensify their efforts as supporter numbers on social media rise.

The Whittlesea community is rallying behind a young South Morang woman who has been told she has just 12 months to live. Paige Rowe, 24, was diagnosed with brain cancer at 18-years-old after receiving a knock to the head while playing football.

PUZZLES SUDOKU

No. 011

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.

easy

7 1 9

8 2 5

7 9

3 1 7 4

3 8 1 6

4 5 7 1 8 6 1 3 9 6

2 5 2 6 8 7 medium

1 5 4

Stubborn (10) Unpleasant (7) Consulate (7) Finishes (4) Habitat (11) Wasteful (10) Large bird (7) Infested (7) Nation on the Baltic Sea (7) 23 Book ID (1,1,1,1) 26 Reverb (4) 28 Hotel (3) 6 7 8 11 14 15 18 20 22

ACROSS Achieving (13) Type of fruit (5) Chatty (9) Dry (4) Comprehended (10) Japanese warrior (7) Diverse (6) Pathetic (6) Forest workers (7) Identifying (9) Celebrity (4) Story (9) Pessimist (5) Global (13)

1 9 10 12 13 16 17 19 21 24 25 27 29 30

No. 011

DOWN Element with atomic symbol Ca (7) Possesses (4) Possibly (11) Unwell (3)

2 3 4 5

DECODER

No. 011

3 9 1 4 3 6 1 9 3

8 5 8

QUICK CROSSWORD

6 7 3 9 6

7 2 8 9

8 hard

8 3 5

9 2 7 4

6 4

10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

J 17

1 4

O A F V B MW L Q N K Z X 3

9-LETTER WORD

easy

medium

4 7 1 6 2 3 8 5 9

3 9 7 4 1 5 8 6 2

4 6 2 7 8 3 1 9 5

1 8 5 9 2 6 3 4 7

5 4 8 2 6 7 9 1 3

2 1 3 5 9 8 6 7 4

6 7 9 3 4 1 5 2 8

8 5 1 6 7 2 4 3 9

9 2 6 8 3 4 7 5 1

7 3 4 1 5 9 2 8 6

5 3 9 8 4 7 6 1 2

8 2 6 9 5 1 3 7 4

1 5 8 2 7 9 4 3 6

6 4 2 1 3 5 7 9 8

7 9 3 4 8 6 1 2 5

2 8 5 3 1 4 9 6 7

9 1 7 5 6 8 2 4 3

3 6 4 7 9 2 5 8 1

hard 1 9 5 6 2 3 8 7 4

7 8 2 4 9 5 1 3 6

6 4 3 1 7 8 2 9 5

8 5 7 9 1 6 3 4 2

3 1 9 5 4 2 6 8 7

2 6 4 3 8 7 5 1 9

4 2 6 8 3 9 7 5 1

9 7 8 2 5 1 4 6 3

5 3 1 7 6 4 9 2 8

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

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 words ending in “s”.

Today’s Aim: 20 words: Good 30 words: Very good 40 words: Excellent

L M

3 LETTERS ALE APE ARE ARM ART CAT DID EAT ELM ERR FOG GET GIN HES ILL KIT LSD MOB PAL PEN RAM REV TEE TIE TWO WAR 4 LETTERS AIMS ARIA AVOS BASK CHAT CYST EGGS FOES IONS KNEW KNIT LETS NINE PAPA PATE

PUCK TEST WIVE 5 LETTERS ADMIT ADULT ALONE BASIS BASKS BEGUN CROSS DAMPS DREAD DRESS EAVES EDGES EERIE ELOPE ERRED FOAMY

No. 011

GOODO GRAFT HASTE IVORY LEAVE LIARS NEEDS OCEAN OILED PIANO SEDAN SEWED SHAPE SLEDS SMEAR SMILE SMITE SMOTE SOBER SPARE STREW

SUITE SYRUP TACOS TENET UNTIE WHALE YACHT 6 LETTERS LASSES STEEPS 7 LETTERS AERIALS ASTUTER

COWGIRL CRADLED RELYING STEEPER 8 LETTERS OPERATES PREPARES SCANTIER SCRAMMED 10 LETTERS CRITICISED DISGRUNTLE

ghoul, glen, glom, glue, glum, gluon, gulp, helm, help, hole, holm, lemon, loge, lone, long, lope, lough, lounge, loupe, lumen, lump, lung, lunge, melon, mogul, mole, mule, ogle, phenol, phlegm, phloem, plenum, plough, PLOUGHMEN, plug, plum, plume, plunge, pole, pule

1 7 9

3 9 6

C GUD S P H Y T E I J R

WORDFIT

15-01-21

12477687-CG03-21

13 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 12 January, 2021

FEATURING ... AUSTRALIA DAY

We all call Australia home For some, Australia Day is a great reason to don some fun patriotic clothing, throw some snags on the barbie, catch up with family and friends and enjoy the summer vibe. For others, it’s a deeply emotional day, reflecting on the history and significance of what it means to be an Australian. And for many, it marks the day they officially became an Australian citizen. COVID-19 may have rained on our parade this year, but no matter what your reasons are for celebrating on January 26, have fun, be safe and look after one another – it’s the Aussie way. Here are some of the ways we recognise Australia Day …

Australia Day Ambassadors Recruited from a range of fields, ambassadors have demonstrated hard work, talent and a strong sense of patriotism in their achievements. The volunteer role includes attending community events to present awards and take part in local activities as well as delivering a speech of what being Australian means to them.

(iStock)

Australian of the Year awards These awards recognise leading citizens who are role models, inspire through their achievements and community participation and challenge others to make their own contribution to the community. Award categories include Local Hero, Young Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year and Australian of the Year. The 2021 Victorian Australian of the Year Award recipients were announced in October last year at an online ceremony due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Citizenship ceremonies These are run by Victorian councils each year on Australia Day and people wanting to participate are welcome to take part by pledging the Australian citizenship affirmation statement.

Double celebrations Is your birthday on January 26? If so, you can join the Victorian 26er club! Members are sent a lapel pin and birthday card on this day each year. It’s free to join by emailing austday@dpc.vic.gov.au.

Babies born on Australia Day are eligible to receive a commemorative spoon as a special addition to their memory box. Email Australia Day Council (Victoria) via australiadaycouncilvictoriainc@iinet.net.au for more information.

STOCK UP NOW FOR YOUR AUSTRALIA DAY BBQ’S. Highest in Quality and Service and great prices on Bulk sales! Visit our new factory store for the finest quality cuts of beef meat and lamb meat...

73 High St, Thomastown. PH 9308 7288 Open Monday to Friday 7.00am till 3.00pm I Closed Sat and Sun I Online orders 14 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 12 January, 2021

12476226-NG03-21

WHOLESALE PRICES AND DIRECT TO THE PUBLIC

FEATURING ... AUSTRALIA DAY

Get your game face on Get into the spirit this Australia Day and have some fun! Here are some games Aussies of all ages can enjoy.

Thong toss Each player takes a thong off their foot and throws it as far as they can. The person who throws the thong the furthest is the winner.

Bite the biscuit Each player has to bite around a plain biscuit to create a particular shape in one minute (good ones are the shape of Australia and the Aussie flag). The biscuit that most resembles the chosen shape wins. Best dressed Aussie You can either give participants a heads-up on this one so they can raid the Australia Day merchandise at their local store in preparation, or you can spring it on them and see what they find around the house – the most patriotic outfit wins.

Esky freeze Two players stick both hands into an ice-cold esky and see who lasts the longest.

Lamington eating competition Set a timer and the player who eats the most lamingtons before time runs out is the winner. Vegemite sandwiches also work well. Throw some Aussie tunes or movie quotes at a group and see who can name them the fastest, or keep things relaxed with a quiz. If you’re looking for something a bit more active, don’t forget about the classic games of backyard cricket, beach frisbee, a water fight, slip ’n’ slide or the always-fun egg and spoon race.

There are plenty of fun games with an Australia Day twist to keep the family entertained. (Pictures: iStock)

Traditionally Italian, Proudly Australian

327 Settlement Road, Thomastown | 9464 2600 | info@floridiacheese.com.au Factory Outlet Hours: Mon to Fri 7.30am - 4.00pm • Sat Closed Sun 8.00am - 1.00pm | Follow us on Instagram & facebook

12477437-NG03-21

From our family to yours – Our obsession for making traditional Italian style cheese is only matched by your obsession for delicious tasting cheese, making us the perfect match for Australia Day celebrations.

15 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 12 January, 2021

networkclassifieds.com.au

Trades & Services V Deadline

Online: networkclassiﬁeds.com.au (24/7) Phone: 1300 666 808 (Open 8.30-5pm Mon-Fri) Email: sales@networkclassiﬁeds.com.au

Switchboard upgrades ŽǁŶůŝŐŚƚ ŝŶƐƚĂůůĂƟŽŶƐ Split system service ĂŶĚ ŝŶƐƚĂůůĂƟŽŶƐ All electrical service and repairs

Call Us Today For our FAST FRIENDLY SERVICE!

g All Pricin t Up-Fron

Lighting Power Points Phone & Data Hot Water And more...

(include your name, address and phone number)

We accept payment by:

yes we can

VISA/MASTERCARD/EFTPOS (1.5% credit card processing fee applies. Cheques and money orders can be posted in or hand delivered to our local ofﬁce)

PLEASE CALL JESSE ON 0412827875

SERVICING SOUTH MORANG AREA FOR OVER TEN YEARS

Ask about our discounted ongoing advertising rates and how choosing more newspapers gives your advertising more impact and saves you money...

Deadline for all classifications is 3:00pm Friday.

ALL SIZES, MANY COLOURS, CONCRETE OR TIMBER SLEEPERS

FENCING

We NEVER Lic No. REC 30504

REC 17959

South Morang Plumbers Call Us Today... For our FAST

V Air Conditioning

South Morang Air Conditioning Call Us Today... For our FAST, FRIENDLY SERVICE!

ALL SEASON BIN HIRE

Service Sales All Brands Finance Available Senior Discounts

g All Pricin t Up-Fron

Emergency Plumbing Hot Water Blocked Drains Taps and Toilets Water Leaks And more...

12461685-DL41-20

WEB www.instylefencingmelbourne.com.au ฀฀฀ EMAIL quotesinstyle@gmail.com

yes we can

SERVICING SOUTH MORANG AREA FOR OVER TEN YEARS

9998 3725

Close Lic No. AU 51273

www.ServiceToday.com.au

We NEVER

Lic No. 116785

12478176-SN03-21

4m3 from $200 6m3 from $250 8m3 from $300 10m3 from $400 12m3 from $450

9998-2905

We NEVER

w w w. S e r v i c e To d a y. c o m . a u

- Mix and Heavy accepted - Walk in Bins - Bob Cat Hire -

V Trades Business Profile

*Same Day Service *Conditions Apply

0437 770 077

Grow your business with

TRADES & SERVICES From plumbers to pest control, carpet cleaning to building services, dry cleaning to computer repairs, lawn mowing and more, Network Classifieds has been connecting local businesses with the local community with our Trades and Services each week.

Family owned since 1992 At Happy Faces Childcare we believe that happiness evolves through an environment that is fun, secure, respectful and reassuring.

ODAY LECTRICS T CALL ANE ERVICES INCLUDE OUR SE upgrades Switchboard ƐƚĂůůĂƟŽŶƐ ŝŶ Śƚ ŝŐ Ŷů ǁ Ž ƐƚĂůůĂƟŽŶƐ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞ ͬ ŝŶ ^Ɖůŝƚ ƐǇƐƚĞŵal service and repairs All electric LL JESSE ON

ENROL NOW. 2 weeks free for all new enrolments! Offer ends 26/02/21

PLEASE CA 7 875 0412 82

REC 17959

12477774-DL03-21

Call 1300 666 808 12457963-SN34-20

16 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 12 January, 2021

C09-19 12411802-R

Speak to our classified team and find out how easy it is to advertise. Start building your brand today and be seen every week in Network Classifieds Trades and Services.

“I have been advertising with Network Classifieds since 2018 in the North West Suburbs of Melbourne. It’s a great way to build your business and people like supporting local businesses.” - Jesse

12450622-RC25-20

FRIENDLY SERVICE!

✆ PHONE 0400 199 213 (IVAN) ฀

PLEASE CALL JESSE ON 0412 827 875

V Plumbing

g All Pricinnt Up-Fro

section of Network Classifieds.

IN STYLE

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE Switchboard upgrades ŽǁŶůŝŐŚƚ ŝŶƐƚĂůůĂƟŽŶƐ ^Ɖůŝƚ ƐǇƐƚĞŵ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞ ͬ ŝŶƐƚĂůůĂƟŽŶƐ All electrical service and repairs

Employment

ALL TYPES OF FENCING AVAILABLE Tubular, Picket, Decking Timber, Custom Designs, Automatic Sliding/Swinging Gates, Single/Double Gates

9999-8193 w w w . S e r v i c e To d a y. c o m . a u

CALL ANE ELECTRICS TODAY

12435711-SG04-20

REC 17959

RETAINING WALLS

FENCING, PERGOLAS, RETAINING WALLS & DECKING

South Morang Electricians

12411802-RC09-19

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE

12451921-SG25-20

12450403-AM23-20

Placing your classified advert is so easy...

CALL ANE ELECTRICS TODAY

12453688-SG28-20

V Electricians

Trades & Services

General Notices

V Rubbish Removal

General Classifieds V For Sale

V Public Notices and Event

ALL SEASON BIN HIRE ฀ ฀

฀ Walk in Bins

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀ 3 ฀

FREE CLASSIFIEDS PUBLIC NOTICE HUME CITY COUNCIL NOTICE OF INTENTION TO SELL LAND

฀ ฀

฀ ฀ Mix and Heavy accepted. 3

• Available in the For Sale or Wanted Classiﬁcations only. • 4 lines of copy • Ad will run for 2 weeks • 1 item per advertisement • Item must be priced under $100 • Private party only – household and personal items • No animals, automotive or plants • Ads must be submitted via email to sales@networkclassiﬁeds.com.au

Hume City Council (“Council”), acting under clause 3 of Schedule 10 to the Local Government Act 1989 (“Act”), gives notice under section 189 of the Act that it proposes to do the following (Proposal):

Call 0437 770 077 12418035-SN21-19

V Television/Video/Audio

• discontinue the road known as R1 on LP74713 which is circled on the plan below, being the land contained in certiﬁcate of title volume 11402 folio 435 (Land); and • sell the Land by private treaty to the owner of the adjoining property at 650 Hume Highway, Craigieburn (Purchaser).

ANTENNA MAN SAME DAY SERVICE

AIRLINE BAGGAGE HANDLING AGENTS Ready for take-off? Our industry is commencing its recovery from its longest ever shut-down, so there has never been a better time to start your career in aviation. Swissport, the world’s leader in airport ground handling services, some of the biggest names in aviation. If you have dreamed of working on the airport, working with Swissport is the opportunity you have been waiting for. From working in the baggage sorting room to driving baggage tractors, from pushing back aircraft to supervising teams, Swissport will provide you with comprehensive training to do these roles and more.

12477681-CG03-21

V Massage Therapists

DIGITAL ANTENNAS AMPLIFIERS TV OUTLETS

ADVERTISERS, in this section are qualified practitioners and offer nonsexual services.

12469374-CG46-20

The principal terms of the contract of sale for the Land will be: • any rights, powers or interest held by Council or any other public authority in the Land in connection with any sewers, drain pipes, wires or cables under the control of the authority in or near the Land are saved pursuant to section 207C of the Act;

Celebrations

Find it in the

General

• the Purchaser will be required to submit detailed design plans to Council for approval. The plans must outline all pavement, kerb, and footpath connections (Assets) to the existing Hume Highway which are to be removed by the Purchaser. Following the removal of the Assets, the remaining existing pavement edge and verge is to be reinstated to Council’s and VicRoads satisfaction at the Purchasers cost;

section of Network Classifieds.

General Notices

section of Network Classifieds.

• the purchase price for the Land is the current market value;

V Public Notices and Event

• the Purchaser must consolidate the title to the Land with the title to the adjoining land at 650 Hume Highway, Craigieburn; and

3. Further information can be obtained from Mel Tuangthong, 0414 166 870, melt@cpsglobal.com, and at www.rfnsa.com.au, RFNSA reference number 3064002.

All submissions will be considered in accordance with section 223 of the Act.

4. Written submissions should be sent to: Level 9 – 256 Queen Street Melbourne VIC 3000 by 5.00pm on Wednesday 27 January 2021.

Chief Executive Officer Hume City Council PO Box 119 Dallas VIC 3047 Any person requesting to appear in person or to be represented by a person specified in his or her submission is entitled to be heard before Council (or a Committee established by Council for this purpose) to be held (if required) at 7pm on Monday 1 March 2021. Submitters will be contacted closer to the time on how/where the meeting will proceed. A person must clearly state in their submission whether they, or their representatives wish to speak at the meeting. Further information regarding the proposal may be obtained from Fadi Srour, Chief Financial Officer on (03) 9205 2200.

CLASSIFIEDS EARLY DEADLINES Australia Day 26th January Tuesday, 26th January issue of the Northern Star Weekly as follows:

FRIDAY 22ND JANUARY at 2.30pm

Buy, Rent & Sell in the 12477941-NG03-21

Classified deadlines for

DOMENIC ISOLA CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Real Estate section of Network Classifieds.

If this sounds like you, and you’re looking for a new challenge, rewarding new career, lots of training and development opportunities, then don’t miss out APPLY NOW!

NEED NEW STAFF?

Submissions should be addressed to the Chief Executive Ofﬁcer, and can be hand delivered to Council’s Broadmeadows Ofﬁce at 1079 Pascoe Vale Road, Broadmeadows or posted to the following address:

Get 10% Discount Use code: EMPDISC

Fill your position online ZZZ QHWZRUNFODVVL´HGV FRP DX

12477327-JW03-21

2. Optus regard the proposed installations as Low Impact in accordance with the Telecommunications (Low-Impact Facilities) Determination 2018 based on the description above.

Looking for an exciting new challenge?

www.swissport.com.au/work-with-us/

12400498-CG38-18

Any person making a submission is entitled to request in the submission that the person wishes to appear in person, or to be represented by a person speciﬁed in the submission, at a meeting to be heard in support of that submission.

12477775-SN03-21

1. The proposed work includes the replacement of one (1) panel antenna (not more than 2.8 metres long), eight (8) radio remote units (not more than 400 x 300 x 100mm each) and associated cabling; the installation of one (1) headframe; eight (8) new antennas (not more than 2.8 metres long each); nine (9) combiners (not more than 220 x 230 x 110mm each); associated new cabling (internal and external); and removal or relocation of existing equipment; works within existing shelter; and any other associated works necessary including tower strengthening and re-orientation of antennas for the operation of the facility.

Swissport has been committed to delivering safe and high-quality services in Australia since 1992. If you want to be part of Swissport’s growth in Australia and take part in the nation’s recovery from COVID, as our border restrictions are removed and the industry ramps up, there has never been a better time to join the Swissport team.

PLACE YOUR

A person may make a submission on the Proposal. Submissions must be submitted by no later than 5pm on 11 February 2021.

Optus plans to upgrade the telecommunication facility on an existing lattice tower at the address above:

Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identiﬁcation number. It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identiﬁcation number is included in the advertisement or notice. For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au

V Garage Sales

• the Purchaser will be required to pay all Council’s costs in relation to the Proposal.

5G PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT 1327 HUME FREEWAY MICKLEHAM VIC 3064

ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE

12423634-SN31-19

0409 888 228

We are looking for people from a range of backgrounds, particularly people with experience in operating vehicles and supervising teams and offering accelerated advancement opportunities for people with the aptitude and the drive to fast-track their career in aviation.

V Pets & Services

12400545-LB38-19

HIGHLY EXPERIENCED TECHNICIANS ANTENNA SERVICE ALL AREAS

12477089-JW03-21

฀ 3 ฀ 3

V Positions Vacant

Employment

ZZZ QHWZRUNFODVVL´HGV FRP DX

Motoring

V Positions Vacant V Car/Truck Rentals

TRUCK DRIVER MR, HR or HC LICENCE

Full-time position available located in Somerton, Vic. Contact Bob or Larry on 9305 3557 or srgardensupplies @hotmail.com

Buy & Sell in our

Motoring section of Network Classifieds.

V Caravans & Trailers

12476519-JW03-21

฀ ฀

Employment

DOWNLOAD THE CROWN CABS APP FOR YOUR NEXT RIDE www.crowncabs.com.au Bookings: 1300 12 13 14

EVERNEW Caravan 7 mt, 2010. Excellent condition. Many features inc full annex, 2 single beds (sleeps 4), Hydraulic corner jacks. Garage stored. Bargain! $38,500 Phone: 9302 2458 / 0427 416 726

ADVERTISE with us and get better results CALL 1300 666 808 17 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 12 January, 2021

MOTOR STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Lexus Coupe, long and low By Ewan Kennedy, Marque Motoring

AT A GLANCE

Lexus recently provided us with details of its LC Coupe and Convertible. Now they’ve just given us a Coupe to road test for a week. As a team we thoroughly enjoyed it.

MODEL RANGE

Styling Long and low with a shape which is definitely coupe, not lowered sedan in appearance, the very definite narrowing at the waist is a real feature. The grille is very positive and the headlights lead well back into the guards. The air scoops ahead of the rear wheels are beautifully integrated into the lower side panels and follow the shape of the doors. Altogether, the Lexus LC 500 Coupe is well-presented and executed.

Interior The dash area is neat and simple with large sporting instruments in a binnacle, a wide infotainment horizontal central screen, and there’s an elegant way the dash area is integrated with the far side of the car. A steering-wheel heater is now standard along with an ‘easy access’ front seat slide function to further aid front and rear seat ingress and egress.

Infotainment The LC 500 has a 10.3-inch display, enhanced voice recognition, satellite navigation with SUNA Live Traffic information, Lexus Enform connected mobility works with compatible Apple and Android smartphones. Setting that all off is Siri Eyes Free and Miracast. A bespoke Mark Levinson 13-speaker premium sound system was developed specially for the LC 500.

Engines / transmissions The 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine in 18 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 12 January, 2021

LC 500 Luxury Coupe: $194,757 LC 500h Luxury Coupe: $195,165

Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Lexus

the LC 500 mates with a revised transmission set-up to maximise responsiveness. Enhanced logic patterns for the LC 500’s 10-speed Direct Shift automatic means it upshifts at higher engine speed when 60 to 70 per cent throttle is applied. The LC 500h’s is now able to downshift to second gear (previously third) when braking in Sport S and Sport S+ modes to give more immediate acceleration.

Safety Lexus LC Lexus Safety System+ includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision safety system, lane keeping assist and sway warning. There’s also blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic aler and reversing camera.

Driving For 2021 the front and rear coil springs have been strengthened and the shock-absorber lengthened. The standard Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) has been modified to improve linear response and control. Rear roll rigidity distribution has been revised, making it easier for the driver to feel the LC’s posture through corners and assist with more accurate line-tracing capability. The LC 500 now has Yamaha-developed performance dampers. Newly standard on LC is Active Cornering Assist (ACA), which utilises the vehicle stability control to provide subtle braking of the inside

wheels during high-G cornering, helping to create a natural and neutral cornering feel for the driver. The front seats are well shaped and provide support during cornering, but not to an excessive extent. This is after all a high-speed cruiser, not an out-and-out sportscar. Rear seats are a reasonable size but unless those in front are willing to power their seats a fair way forward there’s very little legroom. The 5.0-litre V8 is a real delight to sit behind. It has virtually instantaneous response. An exhaust sound-control valves gives it a healthy growl and a racecar like fast idle at start-up. We spent most of our time in the Sport and

Sports+ plus modes as otherwise the LC feels too refined for our tastes. Handling is tenacious, with more grip than most owners are ever likely to want. There’s 52 / 48 per cent weight distribution for excellent balance. The feel through the steering is pretty good, though we have felt better in this class. Again, this might be because it’s a quick cruiser not a quick bruiser.

Summing up The first ever Lexus LC Convertible will come to Australia within the next few months and we’ve already got our name on the list to borrow one – can’t wait.

YEAR IN REVIEW ... SPORT

Ezi’s on top of the world OCTOBER 19 Craigieburn’s Ezi Magbegor has capped off a stunning debut Women’s National Basketball Association season, with a championship as the Seattle Storm had a clean sweep of the grand final series. In a season of unknowns, with the whole competition being played in a bubble in Orlando, Magbegor made an instant impact with her new team. The 21-year-old, who was the youngest player in the bubble, managed to get court time in every game, averaging 13 minutes and 6.5 points per game for the Storm. The Storm finished the regular season in second in their conference and overall before winning through to the grand final series against Las Vegas Aces.

The Storm won the first game 93-80, before backing it up with a 104-91 win in game two. They claimed the title with a 92-59 win in game three. Magbegor took to the court in all three games, including seven minutes in the final game of the season. Magbegor joins some of the biggest names in Australian basketball like Lauren Jackson, Penny Taylor and Belinda Snell in wining a WNBA title. She is the second-youngest player ever to be part of a championship-winning side. Magbegor doesn’t have long to rest with the Women’s National Basketball League season starting next month. She will line up for the Melbourne Boomers. Like the WNBA, it will be held in a bubble, with the season condensed and running for six weeks in North East Queensland.

Day lands Stars contract

EDFL clubs band together for bushfires

SEPTEMBER 21 Plenty Valley star Sophie Day’s hard work has paid off securing a state and a WBBL contract for this summer. The top order batter and spinner was named in the Victorian squad in June, before earlier this month being named in the Melbourne Stars squad for the upcoming WBBL season. She said it was pretty exciting to have earned both contracts. Being part of the Victorian set up has allowed Day to continue training during the COVID pandemic and has given her an insight into a new world. “Cricket Victoria has worked really hard, alongside the government, to get us an exemption so we are able to keep on training,” she said. “I was a nervous wreck at the start as I’ve only ever watched these girls on TV and I’m coming in the same dressing room as them, which is a pretty cool experience. “I’ve been so lucky being in Victoria. They’ve got players who have played international cricket. “I’ve been able to grow as a player and see where I want to be in the future and I kind of look up to them.” Day said the likes of Meg Lanning, Ellyse Perry, Elyse Villani and Sophie Molineux had really shown her the way. There was one familiar face among the group, with her Plenty Valley teammate Tayla Vlaeminck also part of the squad. “She has been really supportive and she sent me a few messages before I came in on my first day and has shown me the ropes,” Day said. “It’s been great to have her around. She’s a very determined person and one of the most hard-working players there.” Having secured a state contract, Day was still shocked when she got the call to offer her a Melbourne Stars contract. The competition which starts October 25 will be played entirely in a hub in Sydney due to COVID. It’s a long way from Warrandyte where she started playing cricket with her dad in a father-sons [daughters] team. “It’s pretty unreal for me to get this opportunity to be amongst a group of girls with such high playing standards and a really high competition. “I think for me I’ve just got to come in and give it everything and make sure that I take in the experience and learn and take every opportunity I can. “The Stars are definitely a side that has a really great mix of experienced players and up and coming players. “Everything is new for me, but this experience

JANUARY 13

is new for everybody. I think it’s excitement among everybody and a bit of nerves to see what comes of it.” While Day will be busy with her cricket commitments, she’s hopeful to get the chance to turn out for Plenty Valley in the Victorian Premier Cricket competition. She’s been part of a core group of players that has seen the side make finals the past two seasons. “I have loved playing at Plenty Valley and it’s

a great group of girls and close to home for me. “We started a few years ago working hard and we’ve been able to work as a group and we’re starting to see the rewards now, it’s really exciting.” While many cricketers would dream of that next level of playing for Australia, Day isn’t looking too far ahead. “I’m just trying to get a game now for Victoria and the Stars … take one step at a time and so far everything has fallen into place.”

Clubs from across the Essendon District Football League are uniting together to help raise funds for those affected by the bushfires. Two football matches, one men’s and one women’s, will be held on February 16 made up of players from across the league in what is expected to be a big day to raise money for bushfire victims. It’s hoped that players from every EDFL club will be part of the day. The day is the idea of Roxburgh Park coach Michael Farrelly. The EDFL also quickly jumped on board and is helping organise the day. The plan had originally been to hold the event on January 27, but it had been put back to allow more time to organise. Farrelly said this was the perfect way that they could help those who had been affected. “Footy is a big thing for us,” he said. “The best way we can help is to put on a jumper and raise some money for the guys that are suffering. “If we can get together and raise some money, it will be a massive help.” Farrelly said they had been blown away from the support from other clubs wanting to be involved. Farrelly said within three days, 27 clubs had already committed to be involved. Several others have indicated on social media that they were keen to have some players part of the day. Farrelly said some clubs, including his own, would have trouble deciding who would be part of it, with so many players interested. Not only were players interested in being part of it, coaches from across the league were also keen to help out. Aberfeldie’s Adam Potter, Tullamarine’s David Connell, Coburg Districts’ Tom Gleeson, Westmeadows’ Mo Kaakour and Craigieburn’s Lance Whitnall along with Farrelly have committed to be part of the men’s coaching panels. “It will be a normal game of football and [we’ll] have a lot of fun with it.” Farrelly said there had been a number of local companies wanting to get involved. Anyone interested in getting involved can contact Roxburgh Park or the EDFL. 19 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 12 January, 2021

A U S T R A L I A N I N T E R N AT I O N A L A C A D E M Y

Journey to Excellence “Getting through such a year was an achievement in itself, and excelling required motivation and hustle, working even when you didn’t want to.”

“Getting through this year, let alone excell in it, was a great feat. And in the end, this achievement came down to four things: hard yet smart work; belief in oneself; support from family, friends, and teachers; and absolute determination to make myself proud.”

- JABRAEL ABBOUCHIE -

- SOHALIA ELNAHRAWY -

JIBRAEL ABBOUCHIE

SOHAI LA ELNAHRAWY

HASSAN ALETHAN

YUSRA KALIF

IKRAM ABDULKENI 88.15

EMAN SANAD 86.4

AYESHA FANHAM

YAREN ALTUNTAS 88.15

MOHAMED HASHIM 84.9

BEYA DAR

HUSSAIN NASSAR

ALBARAA AL SAYDAOUI

SALMA MOELADAWILAH 88.15

LARA EL HAYEK 84.3

HAYLA RAFEI 88.15

SESANGA KAKEMBO 84.3

ISRAA AL-KANTAR 81.9

HIND EL HAWLI 86.4

RAYAN HAMAD 81.9

RAYHAN ABOU-EID

KHALED MERHI 86.4

OSMAN JEWHAR-DAUD 81.9

MAHMOUD NASSIF 86.4

MO USSA MOUSSA 81.9

- LIMITED PLACES FOR 2021 The Australian International Academy of Education is dedicated to the provision of high-quality education for students from Foundation to Year 12. Australian International Academy is an International Baccalaureate school offering the (IB) programmes at all three campuses in Melbourne as well as the local Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE). The programmes allows AIA to enhance its local curriculum and to achieve its mission of developing productive Australian Muslim citizens who will help to create a better and

more humane world through intercultural understanding and respect. At the Australian International Academy of Education we believe that each child is a unique individual. AIA strives to deliver a quality education to students in a nurturing, enriching, comfortable and safe learning environment in pursuit of academic and spiritual. The Academy offers a broad and a well-balanced curriculum with global perspectives to students in primary, secondary and post-secondary schooling.

The Academy enjoins its students to cultivate a global perspective and a universalist outlook on life. We encourage our students to constantly seek to broaden their horizons in a spirit of tolerance, compassion and co-operation with one another – and with others outside the school. AIA provides a wide range of cocurricular activities that extend and complement the core curriculum, enrich student lives and develop their skills. 12473348-NG03-21