Star Weekly - Northern - 8th February 2022 by Star Weekly

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8 FEBRUARY, 2022

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Get ready to rev up Motoring enthusiasts are putting extra shine on their prized cars, trucks and bikes ahead of an annual fundraiser in Craigieburn later this month. The Craigieburn Car, Truck and Bike Show will be held at Craigieburn Central on Sunday, February 27, bringing together motoring enthusiasts to raise money for the Isabella and Marcus Paediatric Brainstem Tumour Fund. Organiser Jim Overend said the show, which is in its seventh year, was born out of his love of cars, bikes and helping the community. The Hume councillor said he started the event as a way of bringing the Craigieburn community together. “It’s been great for the community,” he said. “It draws quite a crowd. “There will be plenty of cars and trucks on show.” Trophies and doors prizes will be presented throughout the day. The Craigieburn Car, Truck and Bike Show will be on 10am to 2pm. Entry is $20 per car and truck, $10 per bike and free for the general public. Details: https://bit.ly/3GhnyIN Rocco Di Battista and Jim Overend are gearing up for the Craigieburn Car, Bike and Truck Show.

(Damjan Janevski) 266434_01

Airport vision takes off By Oliver Lees Melbourne Airport has laid out its plan for the future, with a third runway anticipated to bring more noise, traffic and employment opportunities for those living in its surrounding areas. The airport released its draft Master Plan and preliminary Major Development Plan on January 31, which elaborates on a long held ambition to construct another runway for domestic and international flights. The draft Master Plan states that this will cost $1.9 billion and will take between four and five

years to build. But with a number of steps in the way before works commence, including a community consultation period and approval from federal Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Minister Barnaby Joyce, the airport is anticipating the runway to be open “in the latter part of the decade”. The airport expects the development to create an additional 37,000 jobs statewide, including 3200 onsite positions. “Most of this increase in jobs will support employment in the local community,” the document stated.

The new runway will be constructed with a north-south orientation and will change the existing predominant flight paths that run around the clock. An airport spokesperson explained that the direction was chosen to maximise flight availability and to capitalise on prevailing wind conditions. However the design will also see greater noise interference across Hume, particularly in Bulla, as the township lies just north of the new runway. The airport’s noise forecast maps in the draft Master Plan indicate that Bulla may experience

20 or more daily instances of aircraft noise greater than 70 decibels. In a statement, the Hume Residents Airport Action Group encouraged the community to engage in the consultation process. “Residents of neighbouring communities agree that aviation impact should be more broadly distributed and not concentrated to selected areas to achieve economic outcomes,” the statement read. Community consultation will continue until May 16. Details: www.melbourneairport.com.au/ runway

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Intersection construction blitz By Laura Michell Traffic light sequences will be adjusted at key intersections along Aitken Boulevard and the Hume Highway during the two-month closure of the intersection of Craigieburn and Mickleham roads. Major Road Projects Victoria (MRPV) confirmed to Star Weekly that changes would be made to traffic light sequencing on the detour routes, including at Craigieburn Road and Aitken Boulevard, Hume Highway and Craigieburn Road, Aitken Boulevard and

Somerton Road/Kirkham Drive, and the Hume Highway and Somerton Road/Cooper Street. Real time traffic performance will be closely monitored during the early phases of thesworks, allowing further adjustments to traffic light sequences as they are needed, MRPV said. As reported by Star Weekly, the Craigieburn and Mickleham roads intersection will be closed from 11pm on Sunday, February 13 until 5am on Monday, April 11 as part of works on the Craigieburn Road upgrade. MRPV says the closure will allow crews

to remove the existing roundabout. The intersection will reopen with temporary traffic lights. MRPV project director Dipal Sorathia said the works would ease congestion and create a safer journey for motorists. “We’ll be completing 11 months of work over eight weeks during the closure of the Mickleham Road intersection, and we’ll also be adjusting traffic light sequencing at major intersections along our key detour routes – so that all road users can continue getting to where they need to go,” he said.

Westbound traffic heading towards Greenvale will need to use Aitken Boulevard before heading onto Somerton Road, while northbound traffic can use two main alternative routes via Aitken Boulevard or Oaklands Road and onto Somerton Road. Southbound traffic will have two main alternative route options, either via Mt Ridley Road and Aitken Boulevard or Donnybrook Road and Hume Highway. Eastbound traffic can use two main alternative routes by using Somerton Road and taking either Aitken Boulevard or the Hume Highway.

Work starts on road extension

Curator Carmel Reid and arts and culture officer Feyza Yazar.

(Damjan Janevski) 266872_02

Pop festival history in the frame Fifty years on from the arrival of global rock stars such as Deep Purple and Queen, the Sunbury Pop Festival is being commemorated for its revolutionary impact on the Australian music scene. Held annually from 1972 to 1975, the festival attracted tens of thousands of music fans to a nondescript farmland location in Diggers Rest to catch a glimpse of their musical heroes. The festival put Australian musical talent in the spotlight, and acted as a springboard for a generation. Music icon Michael Gudinski produced his first release for Mushroom Records the year after the festival kicked off. He was also in attendance at the inaugural event in 1972, but instead of organising the musical talent, year his entrepreneurial energy was focused on selling watermelon to

overheated festival-goers. Hume council curator Carmen Reid and arts and culture officer Feyza Yazar, with the devoted assistance of festival attendee Deborah Sweeney, have been hard at work collecting an array of memorabilia to bring back the magic of those historic events. ‘The Barefoot in the Grass’ exhibit is now open and free for anyone to visit at the Hume Global Learning Centre in Sunbury until Sunday, March 27. Having spent months pouring through photographs, signage and other assorted items from the festival, Ms Reid said she understands why the event holds such a special place in Australian music history. “This work has helped me appreciate that if [the Sunbury Pop Festival] wasn’t the first outdoor Australian festival, it was definitely

the biggest, and first one organised by industry the best industry pros at the time,” she said. “It was an evolution of youth culture, moving from a more formal indoor setting, to something outdoor and more casual.” Mayor Carly Moore said the festival was an important element of Sunbury’s culture. “For those who weren’t lucky enough to attend the events, this exhibition will make you feel like you were there by capturing the festivals’ celebratory and festive atmosphere,” Cr Moore said. Hume council will later hold a panel discussion with author Peter Evans, to discuss his book ‘Sunbury, Australia’s Greatest Rock Festival’. Details: www.hume.vic.gov.au/

Construction has started on the extension of Aitken Boulevard from Craigieburn to Mickleham, while work is set to begin on the duplication of an existing section of the road later this year. MAB Corporation, the developer of Mickleham’s Merrifield estate, recently announced it had started work on the extension of the road between Donnybrook and Mt Ridley roads. The road is expected to be completed in mid-2023. In a statement on Merrifield’s social media, the developer said the extension of Aitken Boulevard would provide Merrifield residents with a direct connection into the heart of Craigieburn within six minutes. It anticipates the road will reduce congestion on the Hume Freeway and Mickleham Road. “It’s important that Merrifield residents are easily connected not just within their own community, but also to surrounding area and other local destinations,” MAB Corporation communities general manager Matthew Planner said. “The Aitken Boulevard extension means less time commuting and more time with family and friends.” Meanwhile Hume council has confirmed it hopes to begin the duplication of Aitken Boulevard between Marathon and Grand boulevards in the middle of the year. Council committed $9.4 million to the project in its 2020-21 budget. Mayor Carly Moore said the project has been tendered and that council expects to award a contract in the first half of this year. “Hume City Council is pleased that MAB has commenced works to construct Aitken Boulevard between Mt Ridley and Donnybrook roads,” she said.

Oliver Lees

Smile Squad is on its way The Victorian Government is making it easier for our kids to get the dental care they need. Find out more at smilesquad.vic.gov.au

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Shopping precinct upgrade New car park lighting and landscaping will feature into the plans for an upgrade of the Westmeadows Village Shopping Precinct. The state government allocated $189,750 to the project as part of the Growing Suburbs Fund. The government also committed $1 million towards the Valley Park Community Centre in Westmeadows, and $650,000 towards stage one of the redevelopment of Progress Reserve in Coolaroo.

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Greenvale woman charged A Greenvale woman has been charged over a collision between a white Mitsubishi ASX and a motorcycle near the intersection of Cooper Street and Greystone Court, Epping, about 5.25pm on January 25. The 24-year-old was charged with reckless conduct endangering life, failure to render assistance after an accident, driving in a manner dangerous and failing to stop a vehicle after an accident.

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Thomastown Tennis Club president Paul Bezzina and Top Tennis’ Jesse Laino.

(Damjan Janevski)

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Motorcycle impounded

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Thomastown Tennis Club will open its courts to the public this weekend as part of a ‘welcome day’. The club, which changed its name from St Luke’s Thomastown Tennis Club last year to align with its “diverse multicultural membership”, is hoping the day will encourage more people to give tennis a go. President Paul Bezzina said the club had seen a rise in interest in the sport following the Australian Open. He said Australian Open women’s champion

A motorcycle was impounded by police after it was allegedly detected travelling at 163km/h in an 80km/h zone on the Tullamarine Freeway in Gladstone Park about 9.40pm on February 4. The rider, a 19-year-old Flemington man, is expected to be charged on summons.

Ash Barty was “a great role model” who would hopefully inspire more girls to pick up a racquet. Coaching academy Top Tennis ran a girl’s program during the school holidays which Mr Bezzina said was very successful. The welcome day will be held on Sunday, February 13, 10.30am-1pm at Thomastown East Reserve, Rowen Street, Thomastown. Activities on the day will include free coaching sessions and social play. There will also be a free barbecue, giveaways and membership specials. Details: 0492 962 923

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Long school wait ends By Laura Michell Greenvale residents have spent more than 26 years lobbying for a secondary school to be built in their suburb. Their dedication to the cause paid off last week as Greenvale Secondary College welcomed its first students. The community began lobbying for the school in the mid-1990s. Land on the corner of Barrymore Road and Glencairn Drive was set aside for the school more than 10 years ago but a commitment to building the school wasn’t delivered until 2018. Education Minister James Merlino visited the school on Wednesday, February 2 to officially open it. School principal Mark Natoli said staff and students were all “super excited to be part of a new school”. “It is such an opportunity for [students] to not only have brand new school facilities but to also work with us to get the culture of the school. That is something not every student … gets the opportunity to do.” The school only welcomed year 7 students this year and will add to its student cohort in the coming years. Mr Natoli said the teachers were focused on helping the students settle into secondary school after two years of interrupted learning. “We have thought about it from the perspective that this cohort of students has had two years of remote learning,” he said. “Some will be nervous … some will be excited to be back in school. “We want to make it as positive an experience as possible.” Mr Natoli said interest in the school had exceeded the Department of Education’s expectations. “There has been a really good level of interest from families in terms of enrolments,” he said.

Education Minister James Merlino talks to students during the opening of Greenvale Secondary College. (Damjan Janevski) 266381

“We are looking forward to getting to know the community.” In a social media post ahead of the school’s official opening, Yuroke MP Ros Spence paid tribute to the Greenvale community for its

tireless lobbying to have the school built. “A big thank you to all the local residents who have worked with me and helped ensure this important new facility will finally serve Greenvale families,” she said.

NEWS

Bells ring at new schools Thousands of students across Whittlesea and Hume have started the new school year at a newly-opened school. Wollert Primary School, Gilgai Plains Primary School in Kalkallo, Greenvale Secondary College, and Holy Cross Catholic Primary School in Mickleham, all welcomed students for the first time. Students had their first day at Wollert and Gilgai Plains primary schools and Greenvale Secondary College on Tuesday, February 1, while Holy Cross welcomed its preps on Friday, February 4, before the remaining pupils started school on Monday, February 7. Thomastown MP Bronwyn Halfpenny and Mill Park MP Lily D’Ambrosio were on hand to welcome pupils and staff to Wollert Primary School. The school has an administration building, including, a library, and art, food and science learning spaces; a performing arts and physical education building; two learning neighbourhoods; two outdoor hardcourts, a sports field, a bike shed and playgrounds. The school will have a capacity for about 525 students and is a Supported Inclusion School – a mainstream school with additional professional capabilities and facilities designed to cater for higher than usual proportion of students with disability. “Wollert families deserve to have access to a great local school, and we are delivering that with Wollert primary to ensure children receive a world-class education close to home,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.

What’s on

Artwork by Liz Kennedy, Family Tree

Art exhibition to showcase talented local artists

Glass recycling bins coming to City of Whittlesea

The City of Whittlesea’s annual art exhibition is now open at the Council Offices in South Morang.

Council is currently planning for a new household glass recycling service to be rolled out in the second half of 2022.

The free exhibition features over 90 works by 70 talented local artists.

To help us plan and prepare for the introduction, we’re asking for community feedback.

This year’s exhibition theme, Connections, will explore our community links, after a year of separation due to the pandemic. This exhibition is open weekdays from 10am - 4pm until Friday 4 March.

This feedback will help us ensure that the information we provide you as we roll out the new household glass recycling service answers all your questions.

Artworks are also available to view online at arts.whittlesea.vic.gov.au

For more information and to provide feedback visit engage.whittlesea.vic.gov.au

whittlesea.vic.gov.au 12533535-AV06-22

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We’re building big in Melbourne’s north east As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re investing in major road and rail projects including the North East Link, M80 Ring Road Upgrade, Fitzsimons Lane Upgrade, Hurstbridge Line Duplication and level crossing removals. These projects will reduce congestion, cut travel times, and provide more trains more often, making getting to work, school and health services quicker and easier. The North East Link is the biggest ever investment in Melbourne’s north east, changing the way people move around and boosting community facilities. Victoria’s longest road tunnels will fix the missing link in our city’s freeway network taking 15,000 trucks off local roads a day, slashing travel times by up to 35 minutes and creating more space for parklands and wetlands. More than just Victoria’s biggest road project, North East Link will deliver a dedicated busway and 34 kilometres of new and upgraded walking and cycling paths. The M80 Ring Road and Eastern Freeway will be improved with extra lanes and smart on-road technology, connecting seamlessly with North East Link. Construction is continuing on the M80 Ring Road between Sydney Road and Edgars Road where we’re adding new lanes, upgrading key interchanges

and building new on and off-ramps. The Fitzsimons Lane Upgrade will improve safety and traffic flow for the 60,000 people who drive through it daily, with construction expected to be complete by 2023. The Hurstbridge Line Duplication is doubling the track along the line so more trains can run, with less crowding in peak times and better connections to public transport. As part of the upgrade, we’re also building new stations at Greensborough and Montmorency.

Bulleen Road

At times in Feb

Lanes closed

Greensborough Road

At times in Feb

Lanes closed

M80 Ring Road

18 to 21 Feb

Closed Altona-bound between Edgars Road and Sydney Road

M80 Ring Road

25 to 28 Feb

Closed Greensborough-bound between Sydney Road and Edgars Road

Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions Mernda Line

To find out more about disruptions in the north east, scan the QR code or vist bigbuild.vic.gov.au/disruptions

7.40pm 11 Feb to last train 13 Feb

Clifton Hill to Mernda

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Tullamarine

Level crossing removals are underway in Preston, with Bell Street, Murray Road, Oakover Road and Cramer Street being removed and new stations being delivered at Preston and Bell. The Keon Parade level crossing at Keon Park is also being removed. A new elevated station will replace Keon Park station. These works will make it easier and safer to get to the station, and ease congestion on the Mernda Line.

While we work, road and rail disruptions could affect your travel Road disruptions: Closed roads and lanes

Melbourne Airport

Cancel

Level Crossing Removal Project

15 Level crossings to be removed in the north and north east

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North East Link Program’s Elder Street bridge - artist impression

Craigieburn

Mernda Bridge Inn Road

Major Road Projects Victoria

Hurstbridge O'Herns Road

Road upgrades across the north and north east

Childs Road

Diamond Creek Plenty Road Yan Yean Road

Upfield

Hurstbridge Line Duplication

M80 Ring Road

Doubling around

La Trobe University

3.5 km

Did you know?

of track to allow more trains to run

Bell Street, one of Melbourne’s busiest arterial roads, will be free of level crossings by 2022

Tullamarine Freeway

Warrandyte Eltham Viewbank

North East Link Bell Street Essendon

Montsalvat

Connecting the M80 Ring Road at Greensborough with the Eastern Freeway at Bulleen Road

Tunnel

Heide Museum of Modern Art

Fitzsimons Lane

Melbourne Zoo CityLink

Doncaster

Did you know?

Melbourne International Gateway

Eastern Freeway Hoddle Street

EastLink

Kew

CBD

We are removing 14 level crossings in the east, with the Lilydale Line to be level crossing free

Bolte Bridge Box Hill

Ringwood

Monash Freeway

1. Visit bigbuild.vic.gov.au/calendar 2. Select your train line

3. Click Subscribe to calendar 4. Select your calendar type Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

Tuesday, 8 February, 2022 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY 7

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Bus network gets a revamp A revamped bus network across Craigieburn and Mickleham will provide better access, coverage and more convenient services for residents, according to Yuroke MP Ros Spence. Ms Spence said bus routes and timetables will be expanded across three key routes from April, as part of “one of the biggest-ever improvements to public transport access in Melbourne’s outer north”. She said the revamped bus network had been designed to keep pace with residential growth and provide better transport options.

As part of the changes, routes 525, 528 and 529 will be realigned to better meet passenger demands, with new bus stops to be built and more services provided. Route 525 (Donnybrook Station to Craigieburn Station via Mickleham) is being realigned to improve access to schools and community facilities in Mickleham, with services to cover to Gaayip-Yagila and Holy Cross primary schools, as well as the Botanical and Trijena estates and new communities along Highlander Drive. Two additional services will be added on Sundays.

Extending route 528 (Craigieburn Station to Craigieburn Central) will provide additional coverage across the Aston estate and direct access to Elevation Secondary College and the Aston Village Shopping Centre. Route 529 (Craigieburn Station to Craigieburn North via Craigieburn Central) will be extended along Brookfield Boulevard and Grand Boulevard towards the Trillium estate. The improvements to the Craigieburn and Mickleham bus network are an initiative of

Victoria’s Bus Plan, improving the state’s bus network to better meet demand, improve accessibility and performance, and deliver value for money, Ms Spence said. “Our community is growing – so we’re delivering a better bus network that improves coverage, access and provides more services. “These changes will make it easier to access local schools, workplaces, shops and services across Craigieburn and Mickleham.” Timetables and further information will be released in the coming months via ptv.vic.gov.au

New respiratory clinics are ready for patients Two GP Respiratory Clinics have opened in Broadmeadows and Mill Park to help people suffering from respiratory symptoms to seek testing and treatment close to home. DPV Health and Victorian Primary Health Networks have collaborated with the state government to help people access assessment for respiratory symptoms, symptomatic testing and treatment of condition such as asthma, pneumonia, COPD, sore throat, shortness of breath, cough or runny nose. It is hoped the initiative will help ease the load on hospitals by reducing emergency department presentations and avoidable visits to hospital. The services are available to those with or without a Medicare card, at no cost to the client and operate after hours.

DPV Health chief executive Don Tidbury said the clinics would help people to stay safe during the pandemic. “Staffed by nurses and GPs, people can attend our services in the evening or weekends at a time that suits them either through a pre-booked appointment or walk up,” he said. The clinics do not provide COVID-19 testing for asymptomatic patients. Online or phone bookings can be made and walk-ins are also available without a referral. Details: 1300 234 263 or www.dpvhealth. org.au/all-services/respiratory-clinic/ Respiratory clinics have opened in Broadmeadows and Mill Park. (Supplied)

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Push on social housing mandate By Laura Michell Whittlesea council has called on the state government to mandate affordable and social housing provisions in new developments. In a submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry into the Adequacy of the Planning and Environment Act and the Victorian planning framework, the council called on the state government to do more to ensure affordable and social housing options are delivered as part of new Precinct Structure Plans (PSPs) in growth areas. The council said the inability to mandate

social and affordable housing delivery as part of the PSP process is “a major missed opportunity”. Council also wants the government to help raise community awareness of social and affordable housing. Council’s chair administrator Lydia Wilson said this would ensure greater consistency across municipalities and build community acceptance of these types of housing. The submission also called for greater protection of the Green Wedge and for the state government to act on its promise to create the 1200-hectare Grassy Eucalypt

Woodland in the Whittlesea Green Wedge. In 2010, the state and federal governments agreed to protect areas of environmental significance that were potentially impacted by the expansion of the urban growth boundary around Melbourne that year. Under the agreement, the state government was required to acquire land for the woodland. To date no land has been secured. “As a matter of priority, the state government should make good on their commitment to secure/purchase this land not only for the City of Whittlesea, but also the

adjoining councils and their communities,” the submission stated. Council also raised concerns about the current cap on developer contributions for community infrastructure in growth areas, such as Whittlesea. “[The cap] has proven to be very problematic for councils such as our own. It has resulted in funding gaps for community infrastructure,” Ms Wilson said. She called for the government to allow councils to introduce supplementary levies in circumstances where additional contributions are warranted.

Young star’s final role If 11-year-old Joel was nervous when he stepped out onto Rod Laver Arena to toss the coin at the Australian Open men’s final on Sunday, January 30, he wasn’t showing it. The Mill Park Tennis Club player – who was the number one ranked Victorian under-11s boy as of December 2021 – was grinning from ear-to-ear as he greeted Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev before tossing the coin. Joel’s father, Roney, said the youngster was so excited to be playing a role in the final. “I thought he would be nervous but he was smiling and very confident. I think he was very excited,” he said. Roney said Joel, whose favourite tennis player is Nick Kyrgios, started playing tennis at age five and started competing at seven. He is trained by Vasallo Tennis’ Julian William Cree. Mill Park Tennis Club took to its Facebook page on the night of the final to congratulate

Joel. What a great night for Joel,” the post said. “Joel plays competition for Mill Park and he has been a lifetime student of the club’s coaching team. “Congrats Joel on tonight and your continued hard work.” Meanwhile, Epping’s Mia, 11, was chosen to toss the coin at women’s doubles finals. Laura Michell

Joel with Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev. (Tennis Australia)

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Tuesday, 8 February, 2022 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY 9

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Unis ready to welcome students La Trobe University and RMIT are preparing to welcome back students to their Bundoora campuses this month as semester one gets under way. Across the state, university students have largely been learning from home over the past two years in a bid to stop the spread of COVID-19. A RMIT spokesperson said all of the university’s Victorian campuses are open. “RMIT is prepared and ready to bring connection, collaboration and life back to our campuses,” the spokesperson said.

“The pandemic fast-tracked an education evolution in blended learning for our students and hybrid working for our people and we’re excited about the possibilities this brings. “We know what activities thrive face-to-face and look forward to providing a rich on-campus learning experience for our students. “To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our RMIT community and to minimise the risk of COVID-19, all students and staff attending campus are required to be double vaccinated or provide evidence of a valid medical exemption.” La Trobe University said it is preparing

to welcome back students for “the majority of classes which are normally delivered on campus”. Like RMIT, the university requires students to be fully vaccinated to attend face-to-face learning. “We look forward to welcoming our new and returning students to our campuses for semester one, including those international students who are now able to return as borders open,” the university said in a statement. “Some learning activities may be in hybrid mode or online to support students who are unable to attend campus and to mitigate risk.

“We will continue to provide a mix of online and face-to-face support services for our students such as counselling.” Meanwhile Broadmeadow’s Kangan Institute is planning to continue online and on-campus classes this semester. The TAFE’s staff have also been strongly recommended to work from home where possible to “minimise campus attendance”. Bendigo Kangan Institute chief executive Sally Curtain said the wellbeing of staff and students is at the top of Kangan Institute’s priorities.

Nations cup kicks off Footballers from all backgrounds will join forces for the Nations Footy Cup this month. Nations Footy Cup (NFC) is an international competition based in Melbourne giving everyone the opportunity to come together and represent different countries around the world in AFL. This year there will be 12 teams across the men’s and women’s competition. Co-founder Beejay Johnson said they were excited about the event and the level of football that will be on show. “This year we will have the men’s competition during the day and the women’s competition at night,” she said. “We’ve got an extra bunch of teams and there’s a good calibre of coaches and players across the competition.” The men’s competition will consist of nine teams. Among those involved is Westmeadows coach Mo Kaakour, who will coach Team

Lebanon, and Richmond AFL premiership player Noah Bolta, who will coach Team Croatia. In the women’s, former AFLW assistant Shannon McFerran will coach Team World and Ron Sikora will be hoping to go back-to-back with Team Australia. The event will be held on February 20 at La Trobe University in Bundoora. Details: https://www.facebook.com/ nationsfootycup/. Tara Murray

Team New Zealand’s Cooper Ellis, Team World’s Kaitlyn O’Keefe and Team Fiji’s Rusi Komaitai. (Supplied)

A single ember can spread bushfires as far as 30km. Burning embers from bushﬁres can travel up to 30km, starting new fires in seconds, destroying homes and making escape impossible. If the Fire Danger Rating is ever extreme or above, don’t hesitate. Leave early.

Plan. Act. Survive. Go to emergency.vic.gov.au

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10 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 8 February, 2022

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Honour for lifelong Whittlesea resident Silvio Pitruzzello was recognised for his service to the dairy and primary industries. (Damjan Janevski) 265947_02

Cheesemaker’s delicious award By Laura Michell Silvio Pitruzello began helping out at his family’s cheesemaking business when he was nine years old. Forty years later, his dedication to the dairy and primary industries was recognised in the Australia Day Honours List. The Greenvale resident, who is now general manager of Pantalica Cheese in Thomastown – the company started by his father in 1973 – said he felt “very privileged” to have been awarded a medal of the Order of Australia on January 26. Mr Pitruzello started out helping to make cheese as a nine-year-old, before taking on a marketing role after completing university. “I have been in the industry for 40 years. I started from the ground up,” he said.

“I am very passionate about the industry. “[Pantalica] is still here and we want to continue on as a second generation.” Mr Pitruzello said Pantalica predominantly made Italian-style cheeses such as Ricotta, Parmesan and Mascarpone. The company exports its products as well as supplying major supermarkets in Australia. He said while the COVID-19 pandemic had put pressure on the company and the industry as a whole, he was certain they would bounce back. Mr Pitruzello is also the current vice president of the Italian Chamber of Commerce Melbourne. “It’s a passion of mine,” he said. “I like to help the Italian community.”

Postcode 3757 was Leslie Russell’s “treasured place”. The lifelong Whittlesea resident’s tireless dedication to the town was recognised on January 26 as part of the Australia Day Honour’s List. Mr Russell was posthumously awarded a medal of the Order of Australia for his service to the community of Whittlesea. Daughter Vivienne Davis said her father loved Whittlesea and would have been “thrilled” by the honour. The timing of the honour is bittersweet for Mr Russell’s family, who marked the first anniversary of his death on January 23. Ms Davis said her dad “loved Whittlesea so much”. “He loved being involved … just trying to improve the town. “He was just really happy … [postcode] 3757 was his treasured place.” Ms Davis said her dad was the local butcher and was a member of many community groups. “He was Santa at the kinder for years and years,” she said. “Everybody knew dad.” Mr Russell was a member of the Whittlesea Bowls Club serving as president in 1985-86. He coached for nine years, was head of catering for 10 years and was awarded a life membership in 1994. He was also a member of the Whittlesea Agricultural Society committee for 10 years, volunteered with the Yan Yean Cemetery Trust from 1965-2020 and was president of the Whittlesea and District Development Association. Mr Russell was also a former player,

Leslie Russell loved Whittlesea. (Supplied)

committee member and life member of Whittlesea Tennis Club and served as premiership captain, coach, secretary and president of the Whittlesea Football Club. He was also a founding member of the Whittlesea Fire Brigade, a member of the Whittlesea Primary School Council, founding member of the Whittlesea Kindergarten committee and the City of Whittlesea’s Citizen of the Year in 1998. Ms Davis said her son Ryan initiated her dad’s nomination for a medal of the Order of Australia. “Dad knew Ryan had submitted it but he didn’t know it had been approved. He was so happy,” she said. “It is validation for his love of the community and his dedication to try and make Whittlesea a bit better. He believed in it so much. “We are just so proud of his dedication to the community.” Laura Michell

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Hospital works start A new private hospital in Epping is a step closer, with construction officially under way. Northern Private Hospital, which is being built at Ramsay Health Care at the New Epping development on Cooper Street. The hospital will be co-located with the Northern Hospital and will deliver medical, surgical and mental health services. Ramsay Health Care Australia chief executive Carmel Monaghan said Northern Private Hospital was designed to provide world-class patient care and offer an extensive range of health care services. “Northern Private Hospital will offer a broad range of treatments to ensure the community has easy access to all the health services they need, complementing the existing offerings available at the nearby Northern Hospital,” Ms Monaghan said. “Specialties available at Northern Private Hospital will include general medicine, vascular surgery, cardiology, orthopaedics, plastics, ENT, gynaecology, oncology, haematology, ophthalmology and more. “The first stage of Northern Private Hospital will feature 75 beds, including four beds for high-dependency patients and six in the critical care unit, four theatres and a cardiac catheter laboratory. “Importantly, Northern Private will offer a dedicated mental health ward to address the growing number of Victorians seeking access to vital mental health services. We know that the pandemic has exacerbated the mental health burden in Australia, creating a ‘shadow pandemic’, and our hope is that this new mental health ward will play a meaningful role in addressing this issue.” Northern Private Hospital chief executive Kieron Martin said the hospital will also embody Ramsay Health Care’s sustainability strategy to help create stronger communities,

Northern Private Hospital chief executive Kieron Martin and Ramsay Health Care Australia chief executive Carmel Monaghan and chief operating officer Greg Hall. (Supplied)

healthier people and a thriving planet. “We’ve engaged an independent consultant to manage the sustainability design of Northern Private Hospital,” Mr Martin said. “The structure of the hospital will include recycled materials and chilled beams for enhanced thermal comfort. It will

incorporate solar power, energy efficient lighting, and fixtures, fittings and appliances designed for water conservation and energy efficiency.” The hospital will open in two stages, with stage one to be completed in 2024 and the second stage expected to open in 2027.

Lane closures The speed limit will be lowered to 40km/h and there will be rolling lane closures on sections of Epping Road over the coming weeks as part upgrade works. Major Road Projects Victoria (MRPV) will begin upgrading Epping Road between Craigieburn Road East and Memorial Avenue later this year. Traffic lights will also be installed at Park Street, intersections improved and better walking and cycling connections built as part of the upgrade. To help prepare for the upgrade, crews will be completing site investigations until late February to help MRPV gain a better understanding of the area so that the detailed design plans can be finalised before construction commences. Until late February, crews will be working Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 2.30pm on Epping Road, between Craigieburn Road East and Memorial Avenue. They will also be working during the night on Saturdays until Saturday, February 26, 8pm to 6am. The works include excavating the centre median or back of kerb to locate critical services, completing service location, geotechnical and road surface investigations, backfilling and reinstating the area of works. During the works, residents can expect low to medium levels of noise and vibration at times, rolling lane closures with traffic travelling on shuttle flow and speeds will be reduced to 40km/h. Details: https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/ projects/mrpv/epping-road-upgrade

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The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business. Sales skills/experience: • Ability to maintain existing professional relationships and to create new ones • Ability to meet defined sales and activity targets • Excellent listening skills • Accuracy and attention to detail • Effective time management to meet deadlines • Ability to operate in a team • Demonstrates initiative and flexibility • Effective oral and written communication Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance. The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme. Send your application letter and resume to: Mandy Clark Group Advertising Sales Manager mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au

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School journey starts Twins Avinoor and Parinoor are eagerly counting down the days until school starts. The sisters are among 168 preps starting at Hume Anglican Grammar next week, with 84 enrolled at each of the school’s two campuses at Mt Ridley and Donnybrook. Schools across Hume and Whittlesea will begin welcoming their 2021 prep pupils from Thursday. This week will also mark the opening of three new primary schools in Hume and Whittlesea. Mickleham’s Gaayip-Yagila Primary School, Greenvale’s Keelonith Primary School and Wollert’s Edgars Creek Primary School will all open their doors for the first time. They are among eight new schools to open in Hume and Whittlesea over the next four years, with Kalkallo Commons Primary School, Greenvale Secondary College, Wollert East Primary School and a Catholic primary school in Mickleham scheduled to open in 2022. A Catholic primary school in Greenvale is expected to open in 2023.

Laura Michell

Melbourne Airport has asked the state government to give it more power to intervene in developments which could impact aircraft operations or lead to noise complaints. Airport operators Australia Pacific Airports (Melbourne) has made a submission to the state government’s Melbourne Airport Environs Safeguarding Committee, which was set up to advise the planning minister on improvements to the planning provisions safeguarding the airport. In its submission, Melbourne Airport called for the government to designate it as a referral authority, meaning applicants would formally be required to consult with the airport on any 12473232-FA03-21

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developments in the surrounding area. The submission stated that the airport is currently notified of planning permit applications as though it were a “third-party objector”. “Unlike a determining or even recommending referral authority, its position on any application has no statutory significance,” the submission stated. The submission cited recent applications and approvals which had the potential to generate a large number of noise complaints or impact on aircraft operations, including housing development in Phillip Street, Dallas, and a waste to energy facility proposed for Craigieburn. It stated the airport receives about 20 noise complaints per month – a figure the airport says will rise in the coming years given the

number of people now living in areas impacted by aircraft noise. Operators fear that if they are not granted a greater say in nearby developments, the airport could face constraints on its operations, such as a curfew or a reduction in airspace. “Constraints such as restrictions on flight paths, aircraft volumes (even during daylight hours) and aircraft types are all potential risks to the flexibility that Melbourne Airport’s operations presently enjoy,” the submission states. “The introduction of any such restrictions would have significant and far-reaching consequences for both Melbourne Airport, and its contribution to the state economy.” Melbourne Airport chief financial officer Grant Devonport said that if approved, referral

authority status would ensure the airport is consulted from the outset on developments subject to noise impacts, and those that have the potential to impact on aircraft operations. A Hume council submission to the inquiry stated the council “remains committed to protecting Melbourne Airport’s 24-hour curfew free operation”. It said meeting the needs of the general population growth of Melbourne, Hume and other aircraft noise-affected municipalities, has been a source of tension at the planning permit stage. “How to strike an appropriate balance between facilitating community needs and expectations against protecting the operations of Melbourne Airport is a difficult question that needs to be given very careful consideration.”

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Our furry friends take the lead Jack Russell Terriers, Labradors, Staffordshire Terriers and German Shepherds are among the most popular dog breeds in Melbourne’s north and west. Alesha Capone takes a closer look at the region’s canine paw-pulation.

rom Maribyrnong to Moorabool, many residents of area are fur-tunate enough to own a dog, with councils in region having a combined total of more than 102,000 canines registered with them. In Wyndham municipality, there were 21,002 dogs registered in the 2020-21 year. Wyndham council’s city operations director, Stephen Thorpe, said the municipality’s top five breeds are Jack Russells (1486 dogs), Staffordshire Bull Terriers (1398), Labradors (1319), Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (990) and German Shepherds (876). “Wyndham city encourages all owners to register their animals with council,” Mr Thorpe said. “Three months ago, Wyndham city council formally adopted a four-year Domestic Animal Management Plan that outlines council’s commitment to animal management relating to cats and dogs from 2021 through to 2025.

‘‘

We encourage people to look into what is the right breed for them and their families - Craig Lloyd

’’

“The plan promotes responsible pet ownership, encourages pet registration and aims to minimise the risk of attack by dogs and nuisance caused by animals.” Wyndham resident Lyndall Mione is the proud owner of a Jack Russell named Milo. Milo has lived with Ms Mione’s family, including three teenage daughters, since November 2020 when he was aged eight weeks old. Ms Mione said that Jack Russells are a good dog for an active family. “Milo is also great company for me when I am working from home,” she said. “He is full of personality and he has a fear of missing out on things, he loves going for walks to the dog park and playing.” In Melton, there are almost 16,200 dogs registered with the council, while Hobsons Bay council has 11,014 dogs registered. The most common breeds in Hobsons Bay are Labradors (526 dogs), Jack Russell Terriers (475), Staffordshire Terriers (262), Cavoodles (395) and Border Collies (310). Hobsons Bay mayor Peter Hemphill said that the area was blessed “to have enviable open spaces from dog beaches to dog parks”. He said the council was continuing to invest in infrastructure for dogs and their owners to enjoy, such as the Brooklyn Dog Park and the recently-redeveloped PA Burns Reserve in Altona, which has a fenced dog off-lead area. At Brimbank council, there are 9454 dogs registered, with the top five breeds being Jack Russell Terriers, Maltese Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, German Shepherds and Labradors. Nearby Maribyrnong has 7081 dogs registered, with Jack Russells, Labradors, Maltese Terriers, Kelpies and Staffordshire Terriers making up the top five most popular breeds. Maribyrnong council’s infrastructure services director, Pat Jess, said that pets could have significant health and wellbeing benefits for people, including increased physical activity and improving social connectedness. “This is one of the reasons why council invests in its open space infrastructure to create a variety of recreation opportunities for both our residents and their pets,” Ms Jess said. “Every year we encourage residents to support responsible pet ownership, which includes registering their cats and dogs, ensuring they are microchipped and registered

Siblings Harvey, Summer and Levi with their family’s Labrador Kobe.

(Joe Mastroianni) 266110_01

Lyndall Mione and her Jack Russell, Milo; Christiana with her Staffordshire Terrier April; Arden, whose owner is a member of the German Shepherd Dog Club of Victoria, western branch, which is based in Keilor. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski and supplied) 266114

from three months of age.” Jack Russells – once again – took out the top spot in Moorabool, where there are 5994 are dogs registered – including 435 Jack Russells, 353 Labradors, 337 Border Collies, 307 Kelpies and 301 Staffordshire Terriers. Across to the northern suburbs, Whittlesea’s chief executive Craig Lloyd said there were 19,586 dogs registered with the council. Maltese Terriers are the most popular with 1889 registered, followed byJack Russell Terriers (1520 dogs), Staffordshire Terriers (1433), Labrador Retrievers (1184) and Cavoodles (840). “As part of the city of Whittlesea’s Domestic Animal Management Plan, we have a range of initiatives to encourage responsible pet ownership and we will be engaging further with the community over the coming months,” Mr Lloyd said.’ “We encourage people to look into what is the right breed for them and their families and ensure that they undertake dog obedience training.”

Hume council has 18,840 dogs registered – 816 German Shepherds, 806 Jack Russells, 646 Labradors, 633 Cavoodles and 569 Maltese Terrier/Shitzu crosses. With Labradors being such a popular dog across all municipalities, Werribee Obedience Dog Club secretary Noelene Jordan – who has two pure-bred Labradors named Cassie and Flynn – said the breed is “very smart and trainable”. “They’re always there for you and they never stop being a puppy,” she said. “They are good family pets, they are great with everyone.” However, Ms Jordan said it was important for dog owners to train their pets and not just expect automatic obedience from them. “If you can get to puppy school, they are so good, even then it’s good if you can keep doing basic obedience training,” she said. Ms Jordan added that it is important for anyone wanting to a dog to do their research into various breeds’ temperaments and activity levels, and ensure any animal they

buy is healthy. “Do your homework and find out what’s going to suit you,” she said. Labrador owner Kim said that before purchasing her family’s dog Kobe, she spent about 12 months talking to different breeders and doing research on the best breed to fit in with their lifestyle. Kobe, now 18 months old, is a beloved part of the family. “He’s our best friend, he’s loyal, he’s fun and good with everyone, he is great with the kids and is very clever,” she said. Kobe is named after the basketball player Kobe Bryant, as both of Kim’s sons love the sport. “He’s the kids’ best friend and now they are back at school, he’s walking around the house looking for them,” she said. Kim said that Kobe also loves to “eat everything” and sits with herself and her husband every day, while they work from home. Details: https://bit.ly/3ASr9fj Tuesday, 8 February, 2022 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY 13

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Driving stories of hope Two men from Hume and Whittlesea who have turned their lives around are now the faces of Yarra Trams on two routes. Saute Sapoli, from Whittlesea, and Rory Billows, from Hume, are two of four men who have worked with YMCA ReBuild who were selected to have their faces featured on route 48 and 109 trams this summer. YMCA’s ReBuild is a social enterprise that engages and trains young people in custody before providing them with the support of employment in the commercial arm of the business upon release.

‘‘

I want to show others what is possible and that there is support - Saute Sapoli

’’

Over the past decade the enterprise has employed over 300 participants and has provided training to more than 100 young people in custody. Less than five per cent of participants have re-offended compared to more than 50 per cent of those who have not engaged with ReBuild, according to YMCA. Mr Sapoli, who is now a YMCA ReBuild crew leader, is a mentor for other young men who are in and out of the justice system. “It feels amazing seeing my face on a tram. I would never have imagined that the decision to work for ReBuild straight after my release from prison would transform my life the way it has. I want to show others what is possible and that there is support,” he said. YMCA ReBuild executive manager Mick Cronin said each face on the trams represented a story of hope and reslience. The tram is also promoting the ‘Time to rebuild’ podcast, which is hosted by Mr Cronin and shares the story of Mr Sapoli, Mr Billows

Julien Dehornoy, Saute Sapoli, Mick Cronin and Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll with one of the trams. (Supplied)

and others who have benefited from the Rebuild program. Yarra Trams chief executive Julien Dehornoy said: “Yarra Trams is proud to support the efforts of YMCA ReBuild though our community partnerships program, and I’m blown away by the incredible work being done by Mick and his

team that has helped turn around the lives of hundreds of young offenders. “I hope this wrapped tram and the podcast it’s promoting will tell our passengers the stories of young people rebuilding their lives with the support of the community and encourage them to get involved.”

Craigieburn Festival returns on March 5 Craigieburn Anzac Park will be a hive of activity on March 5 when the Craigieburn Festival returns to the park after the pandemic resulted in the cancellation of last year’s event. The popular festival will kick-off at noon and will feature live entertainment, food trucks, free interactive play spaces and activities, children’s carnival rides, and performances from local and acclaimed artists and musicians. Festival-goers will also be able to try their hand at a range of sports and games in the active zone, visit the petting zoo or the fun reptile encounter, and explore artwork as part of the Craigieburn Art Show at the Hume Global Learning Centre. The festival will finish with a big bang, with fireworks set to conclude the event at 9pm. Hume mayor Carly Moore said: “As a lifetime Craigieburn resident, I know how much this festival means to the community and we are so excited to be able to bring it back this year. “The past two years have been difficult for our community and the Craigieburn Festival at Anzac Park is the perfect place to reconnect with neighbours and friends. “Anyone attending the Craigieburn Festival this year can expect an amazing day, jam-packed with fun festivities.” Council will be releasing more details in the lead up to the festival. Details: www.hume.vic.gov.au/events

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication

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Learn about solar Confused about solar? John Edwards from City of Whittlesea’s sustainable projects team will answer all of your questions about solar energy, energy efficency and getting the best value from a solar system of your own during an information session at Whittlesea Community House, Friday, February 11, 11am-1pm, at 92a Church Street, Whittlesea. Bookings required. ■ 9716 3361

■

Garden club The Sunbury Garden Club meets on the first Tuesday of the month. There is a guest speaker at each meeting, which starts at 7.30pm at the Sunbury Football Club. ■ Cheryl, 9744 1663

Senior citizens club Senior citizens are welcome to visit the Sunbury Senior Citizens’ Club on Mondays and Fridays, from 10am-3pm at 8 O’Shannassy Street. A variety of activities offered – carpet bowls, cards, snooker, darts, board games or just a cup of coffee and a chat. Lunch subsidised. If you’re over 55 years of age and would like to meet new people, come along. ■ Frank, 0423 392 884

Art in Hume Help create great places and spaces for the arts in Hume by having your say on council’s Arts Infrastructure Plan on Thursday, February 10, 6-7pm, at Hume Global Learning Centre, 1096 Pascoe Vale Road, Broadmeadows. ■ hume.vic.gov.au

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of eight-month-old Maverick at Williamstown beach. (Damjan Janevski) 266532_01

Summer series The City of Whittlesea Summer Series arrives at Laurimar Park on Friday, February 18, 5-8pm. There will be a new Makers Market for Doreen including stalls to browse and food outlets to eat from. Bring a picnic or buy something onsite from the food trucks for an evening out with family and friends. At corner of Hazel Glen Drive and Flaxen Hills Road. ■ https://whittlesea.vic.gov.au/

Vaccine certificate help Tutors will be on hand at Craigieburn library on Friday, February 11, 1.30-3.30pm to help with proof of vaccination certificates. At Hume Global Learning Centre, 75-95 Central Park Avenue, Craigieburn.

Hanging Rock night walks AL-ANON meets

Sunbury Combined Probus Club

AL-ANON provides support for families and loved ones living with alcoholics and problem drinkers. The group meets Mondays at St Thomas Anglican Church foyer, 117 Synnot Street, Werribee, from 7.30pm, and on Tuesdays at the St Mary’s Tennis Club rooms, 204 Grimshaw Street, Greensborough.

The Sunbury Combined Probus Club meets every fourth Thursday of the month at the Sunbury Football Social Club at 10am. Visitors and new Members are welcome. ■ Carmel 0416 477 271

Let the scent of eucalypt and the calls of native wildlife captivate you on a night time walk at Hanging Rock. The walks are suitable for all ages, but spaces are limited and booking is essential. Cost: $25 per adult or $12 per child. On Friday, February 18 and Friday, March 25. ■ 5422 0387

Toastmasters

Keilor probus

Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Toastmasters helps its members develop their public speaking, communication and leadership skills. The group meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month, from 7.20-9.30pm, at the Sunbury Senior

The Keilor Combined Probus Club is back in business following the lockdowns. The group meets the third Monday of every month at Keilor Pub. New members are welcome. ■ Steve, 0408 193 793

■

hume.vic.gov.au

Rotary club The Sunbury Rotary Club meets every Tuesday at the Sunbury Bowling Club at 7pm.

■

sunburyrotary@gmail.com

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EYES at the Y are on the benefits of early learning Providing inclusive, educational and supportive programs for all children is a key priority for the Y as it operates a number of Early Learning Centres and Kindergartens throughout Whittlesea. The Profit-for-Purpose organisation, a registered National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provider, has been in the early learning and disability sectors for over 25 years, running early learning centres, kindergartens and providing one-on-one home and community support, group programs, holiday programs, camps and support coordination for people of all abilities. The Y has recently introduced the Early Years Engagement Support (EYES) program to assist children and families from their early learning centres and kindergartens, who may be eligible to receive early intervention or NDIS support. “Providing support to our families in our early learning centres is critical, not only for the child and their families but also for all of our children and educators,” says Y Whittlesea chief executive Michele Rowse. “We could see how confusing and daunting it was for our families to navigate the supports available to them and wanted to be there to hold their hand. “It was really important for us as experts in the early learning and disability sectors, to utilise the knowledge and skills we have to assist our families and help develop and support children by providing them with the best possible opportunities.”

In partnership with families, educators and agencies, the inclusion support staff provide a holistic approach to education and care for each child and deliver tailored inclusion support plans. They guide educators and families with strategies for the best interest of the child’s individual needs and help create environments that foster inclusion, creativity and learning for all. “Our support doesn’t just stop with the families – we also guide our educators in the process to create supportive learning environments to meet each child’s individual needs, with a view of bridging the gap between agencies, services, families and educators,” explains early childhood and family inclusion support co-ordinator, Funda Aygun. “We aim to create a welcoming, safe, stimulating environment for children where they can explore, make friends, help their peers and just be themselves.” Located in Doreen, Mill Park, Epping, Wollert East and Donnybrook, the Y Early Learning Centres and Kindergartens provides education and care for children from six weeks to five years of age. As Kinder Tick facilities, they are approved providers of the Victorian government funded kindergarten programs with both long day-care, three and four year-old kindergarten and sessional kindergarten programs available. To find a centre closest to you, visit www. childrensprograms.whittlesea.ymca.org.au. The variety of inclusive programs at the Y will suit any and every child. (Supplied)

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MARISA DEBATT

ISTA WITH LEXINGT

Second Chance Animal is appealing for support Rescue (SCAR) House for Pets program to keep its Safe The program provides running. for the pets of owners temporary care as victims of domesti facing challenges c and family violence. SCAR chief executiv Debattista said the e Marisa program allowed owners to find safe, permanent housing without worrying about their animals. “We safely house the escaping violent situationpets of people s and look after these animals while their owners seek safe refuge,” she said. “Once they have secured permane nt safe housing we reunite “The tears and look them. owners’ faces when of pure joy on they are reunited with their pets again time is just incredib after a traumatic le.” Ms Debattista said SCAR received calls daily asking for struggling to make help, but that it was ends the program’s continua meet, putting She said SCAR was tion at risk. “looking for a miracle” to keep the refuge Details: secondchancean open. imarescue. com.au

50-metre pool a reality

Michaela Meade

By Michaela Meade

issue in the commun ity, with plans presente The Whittlesea to the former council community will Financial forecasti multiple times in 2019. d be able to dive into a ng at the time revealed Councillors initially 50-metr god-awful political opted to develop the centre would cost $80.3 million, with Whittlesea council e pool from 2025, business nonsense, it’s glorious including see our cases for a centre a $55.7 million 50-metr finally endorsing to with and without group of competition-leng th e pool, compared a 25-metre pool. a $75.6 million, pool to inside two years appointed administrators – including a $51 million for the Mernda Sports as its preferred option – do exactly what the The decision resulted 25-metre elected pool. Hub. previous council couldn’t in in community After numerous reports backlash, with residents 10 years.” A report tabled at council Mr Hogan said calling for a 50-metr last two years, Whittles to council over the pool to be last Tuesday stated e the overall leisure, included. ea’s administrators development” to have it was an “amazing voted last Tuesday aquatics and sports At the time, the the night to include a facility court would cost over $113 council said it couldn’t Chair administrator project promised. 50-metre afford pool in the new sports million. Lydia Wilson said a 50-metre pool. Extend the Pool in precinct. it was the “most Mernda The Mernda Sports significa campaig Then, in Decemb nt” infrastructure n leader project Ryan Hogan said Hub on Plenty Road the administrators he would “believe will house leisure, council’s administratorser, 2020, Whittlesea can swim it when I upon. would ever resolve aquatics and sports it”. resolved to investiga facilities. court two new te designs for “Build it and they “It is a legacy will swim,” he said. The aquatic centre 25-metre pool and the centre – one with a “After years upon has been a contenti the other with a 50-metr importance to the project of paramount ous pool. Whittlesea commun e Whittlesea demand years of the people of Ms ity,” Wilson said. “This proposal … will be and being told ‘we’ll ing this development benefit a to children, families look into it’ and and older people some of all backgro unds.”

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Pick up your FREE newspaper from these local outlets... • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Broadmeadows Country Supermarket 7 Olsen Place Broadmeadows IGA Friendly Supermarket 10 Olsen Place Broadmeadows Broadmeadows Newsagency 21 Olsen Place Broadmeadows Milk Bar - Broadmeadows 23 Olsen Place Broadmeadows Broadmeadows Central SC 1099 Pascoe Vale Road Broadmeadows Coles Supermarket 1099-1169 Pascoe Vale Road Broadmeadows Woolworths Supermarket 1099-1169 Pascoe Vale Road Broadmeadows Nextra Lotto & News 10991169 Pascoe Vale Road Broadmeadows Phil - Asian Grocery Business 16 Railway Crescent Bundoora Foodworks Bundoora 1 Andrew Place Bundoora Andrews Place Milk Bar 4 Andrew Place Bundoora Frank Milk Bar 19 Balaka Place Bundoora Good & More Asian Grocery 6/42 Copernicus Crescent Bundoora Bundoora Fruit Market, Uni Hill Town Centre, Janefield Drive Bundoora Mr Asian Grocer 1 Janefield Drive Bundoora Uni Factory Outlets 2 Janefield Drive Bundoora Uni Hill Town Centre 5 Janefield Drive Bundoora RMIT Campus Store Building 202 Level 2, Plenty Road Bundoora Gugu Asian Grocery 3803/43 Plenty Road Bundoora Woolworths Supermarket 69-85 Plenty Road Bunndora Shell Service Station 127-133 Plenty Road Bundoora Coles Supermarket Summerhill 850 Plenty Road Bundoora Caltex Woolworths Service Station 959-969 Plenty Road Bundoora BP Service Station 1050 Plenty Road Bundoora Polaris 3083 Shopping Centre 1056 Plenty Road Bundoora Woolworths Polaris Cnr Plenty Rd & Nain Drive Bundoora Coles Supermarket Bundoora Sq SC Settlement Rd

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Campbellfield Chris and Marie’s 1477 Sydney Road Campbellfield Barry Road Milk Bar 331 Barry Road Coolaroo Meadow Heights Newsagency Shop 16, 55 Paringa Boulevard Coolaroo Melba Vale Country Club 1390 Pascoe Vale Road Craigieburn Craigieburn Convenience Store 19 Bank Street Craigieburn Hume City Council 75-95 Central Park Avenue Craigieburn Coles Service Station 42-44 Craigieburn Road Craigieburn Connections - Craigieburn 59 Craigieburn Road Craigieburn Craigieburn Central Shopping Centre 340 Craigieburn Road Craigieburn Harry Brown Liquor G03/420-440 Craigieburn Road Craigieburn The Foodary Caltex 420-440 Craigieburn Road Craigieburn Freshplus Craigieburn 420-440 Craigieburn Road Craigieburn Woolworths Supermarket 10 Craigieburn Road Craigieburn Coles Supermarket Cnr Craigieburn Rd & Windrock Craigieburn Woolworths Supermarket Cnr Craigieburn Rd & Aitken Rd Craigieburn Quality Food Store Cnr Craigieburn Rd & Aitken Rd Craigieburn Milk Bar Store 100 Fairways Boulevard Craigieburn Nanak Indian Grocery Highlands SC 300 Grand Boulevard Craigieburn Woolworths Supermarket 300 Highlands SC Grand Boulevard Craigieburn Highlands News & Lotto 300 HighlandsSC Grand Boulevard Craigieburn Hothlyn Drive Milk Bar Hothlyn Drive Craigieburn Foodworks 130-132 Hothlyn Drive Craigieburn Caltex 315 Hume Highway Craigieburn Metro Petroluem 330 Hume Highway Craigieburn IGA Xpress Grand Boulevard 27-29 Princes Circuit Craigieburn Moey’s Milk Bar 2 Smeaton Court Doreen TSG Riverstone Convenience Cafe Shop 1/121 Elation Boulevard Doreen Laurimar Centre Newsagency Shop 8, 95 Hazel Glen Drive Doreen Woolworths Supermarket 95 95 Hazel Glen Drive

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Doreen Doreen General Store 920 Yan Yean Road Epping Foodworks 10/351 Dalton Road Epping Pacific Epping Shopping Centre 571583 High Street Epping The Groove Train 571-583 High Street Epping IGA Plus Liquor 1/53 McDonalds Road Epping Greenbrook Milk Bar 2/53 McDonalds Road Gladstone Park Gladstone Park SC 8-34 Gladstone Park Drive Glenroy Pascoe Vale Road Market 815 Pascoe Vale Road Glenroy Glenroy Newsagency 773 Pascoe Vale Drive Greenvale Coles Supermarket 1-11 Greenvale Drive Greenvale Greenvale Newsagency Shop 4, 1 -11 Greenvale Drive Lalor Woolworths Supermarket Hurtle Street Lalor Lalor Library 2A May Road Lalor Dandy Mart 17-19 May Road Lalor No 1 Fruit Market 37 May Road Lalor Coles Supermarket 47-71 May Road Lalor Lalor Plaza Newsagency Shop 22, 17 McKimmies Road Lalor Lalor Plaza Shopping Centre McKimmies Road Lalor Coles Supermarket Lalor SC Cnr McKimmies Road & Darebin Drive Lalor Santino Continental Grocery 296 Station Street Lalor Afghan Supermarket 322 Station Street Lalor Everfresh Fruit Market 346 Station Street Mernda Coles Mernda Mernda Junction SC Cnr Plenty Rd & Bridge Inn Rd Mernda Riverdale General Store 33 Riverdale Boulevard Mernda Mernda Post Office 50 Mernda Village Drive & Galloway Drive Mernda Woolworths Supermarket Mernda Village Drive & Galloway Drive Mill Park Centenary Drive Milk Bar 147 Centenary Drive Mill Park 7 - Eleven Mill Park 252 Childs Rd & Morang Dr Mill Park The Stables Shopping Centre Childs Road Mill Park Grenda Milk Bar Grenda Drive Mill Park Coles Supermarket McDonalds Road Mill Park Westfield Plenty Valley 415 McDonalds Road Mill Park Shriji Supermarket 522 Plenty Road Mill Park Woolworths Shop 8/538 Plenty Road

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Mill Park Rivergum Village Shopping Centre 538 Plenty Road Mill Park Woolworths Supermarket Cnr Redleap Ave & Childs Rd Roxburgh Park Woolworths Supermarket Somerton Road Roxburgh Park Roxburgh Village Shopping Centre 250 Somerton Road South Morang South Morang Milk Bar 15 Gorge Road South Morang Westfield Plenty Valley SC 415 McDonalds Road South Morang North City Accountants 7/545 McDonalds Road South Morang Coles Supermarket Mill Park Lakes, The Lakes Boulevard Thomastown Foodworks 126 Alexander Ave Thomastown Caltex Thomastown Cnr Dalton Road & Wood St Thomastown Thomastown News & Lotto 223 High Street Thomastown Thomastown Library 52 Main Street Thomastown BP Service Station 72 Keon Parade Thomastown APCO Service Station 228-234 Settlement Road Thomastown Shell Service Station 27 Cnr Spencer St & Dalton Rd West Meadows Shell Petrol Station - West Meadows 36 Fawkner Street West Meadows The Old Broadie Milkbar 40 Fawkner Street West Meadows Claudio’s IGA Supermarket 1223 Fawkner Street West Meadows Caltex Petrol Station - West Meadows 227 Mickleham Road Whittlesea Whittlesea Bakery 34 Church Street Whittlesea NewsXpress Whittlesea 45 Church Street Whittlesea Whittlesea Courthouse Information Centre 74 Church Street Whittlesea IGA Supermarket - Whittlesea Shop 2, 22 Church Street University Hill Coles Supermarket Uni Hill 224 Plenty Road University Hill Wollert Wollert Post Office 491 Epping Road Also available from Real Estate Agents everywhere

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Tuesday, 8 February, 2022 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY 17

PUZZLES No. 067

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.

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS

easy 12

13 14 15

8 5 6 5 4 2 1 5 8 2 9 1 6

3 2 1 6 4 8 7 4 8 5 9 8 3 1 3 4 medium

7 3 6 8 9

DOWN

Well pleased (9) Japanese mountain (4) Disrespect (coll.) (3) Formal statement about another’s character (11) Former US first lady, — Obama (8) Counterreply (6) Bird’s home (4) Showing symptoms of a high temperature (7) Wariness (7) Festivity (4) Positive (6) Being admitted to a church (8) Prioritising material possessions (11) Prefix meaning new (3) Divine beings (4) People living together in communities (9)

1 6 10 11

20 21 25 26 28 29 30 31

No. 067

Lees (8) Case that sets a precedent (4,4) Person who looks after children (6) Bankrupt (9) Speaker’s platform (4) Accord (6) Water-surrounded land (6) Supervisors (7) Pathological self-admirer (9) Morbidly repellent (7) Capital of Finland (8) Useless person or thing (4,4) A spice (6) Subsided (6) Filibuster (6) God of war (4)

1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 16 17 18 19 22 23 24 27

DECODER

No. 067

6 8 4 8 7 6 3 7 2 9 3 2 5 9 4 6 8 6 1 7 6 2 hard

4 1 9 3 6 7 2 5 8

5 1 3 4 6 8 9 2 7

7 2 4 1 9 3 5 6 8

6 9 8 5 7 2 3 1 4

8 5 2 3 1 6 4 7 9

Today’s Aim: 21 words: Good 31 words: Very good

No. 067 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down. NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

R R O R

3 4 5 6 8 1 7 9 2

2 7 6 9 3 4 8 5 1

6 8 7 5 9 2 3 4 1

2 5 3 8 4 1 7 6 9

8 6 5 7 1 9 4 2 3

3 9 4 2 5 6 8 1 7

1 7 2 4 8 3 5 9 6

7 3 1 9 2 4 6 8 5

5 4 6 1 7 8 9 3 2

9 2 8 6 3 5 1 7 4

2 7 5 4 1 8 9 3 6

9 6 1 7 8 4 2 5 3

8 2 3 5 9 1 6 4 7

5 4 7 6 3 2 8 1 9

1 3 6 8 4 9 7 2 5

7 8 2 3 6 5 1 9 4

4 5 9 1 2 7 3 6 8

18 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 8 February, 2022

5 LETTERS ACRES AGREE ALIKE AMONG ARROW ARSON BROTH CRONY ELECT ENACT ENEMA ERECT ETHER ETHIC FLOWN GALAS GAMMA HAREM HOLES HOTLY

No. 067

HOVER ISLAM LANCE LEAST LOAFS NEARS ODOUR OLIVE OPERA PITHY PLATE PRIDE PROUD RESTS RICES RINSE ROBIN SEWED SNORT SORTA STEAL

STONE SWATS TESTS TORSO TWEET TYRES VICED WEANS WEARS 6 LETTERS GADGET MEDDLE RASHER RESULT

7 LETTERS ARMPITS COLOURS GONDOLA OUTGROW RESPITE ROASTED 8 LETTERS NOMINEES RECOURSE STRANGLE TURNOVER

11-02-22

6 1 8 9 5 3 4 7 2

E S S A Y A M P L E V I O L A

9 8 1 2 5 7 6 4 3

K E W S

3 9 4 2 7 6 5 8 1

4 6 7 8 2 9 1 3 5

4 LETTERS ACTS EGGS LEND OHMS PAST RIOT ROSE SLIT SLOT SOWN THEY UGLY URGE WAGE

amen, enema, mane, mans, manse, mast, mate, mates, mats, matt, matte, matts, mean, meanest, means, meant, meat, meet, meets, mesa, mesne, mete, metes, name, names, same, seam, seamen, seem, semen, stamen, STATEMENT, steam, stem, tame, tames, tamest, team, teams, teem, teems, TESTAMENT

1 3 9 7 4 5 2 8 6

10 11 12 13

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”.

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

9-LETTER WORD

42 words: Excellent

hard

5x5

medium

easy

Q T 22

4 7

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

8 9

3 2

1 2

7 6

7 8

6 8

8 2

3 LETTERS ARE DIE EKE ERA EVE EWE HER ICE ITS LEV LSD MES ODE OHS ONE REV RPM RUG TAP TAR UGH URN VCR WOT

M L Y X A H E Z I J S NW

G V U R D C F O P K BQ T

WORDFIT

QUICK QUIZ

1. Singer Ricky Martin (pictured) came to prominence with which 1999 song?

6. Which blood type is considered to be universal?

2. In what year did the Titanic sink?

8. What is the longest river in the world?

3. What is the capital of Morocco?

9. Which disgraced cyclist was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles?

4. What fruit is a hybrid of a pomelo and mandarin? 5. According to the Roman myth, twin boys Romulus and Remus were raised by a what?

7. Who is the author of the 1922 novel Ulysses?

10. What year did man first land on the moon? ANSWERS: 1. Livin’ la Vida Loca 2. 1912 3. Rabat 4. Orange 5. Wolf 6. O negative 7. James Joyce 8. Nile 9. Lance Armstrong 10. 1969

SUDOKU

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CALL 1300 666 808 Tuesday, 8 February, 2022 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY 19

SPORTS QUIZ 1. Which Twenty20 cricket team did the Perth Scorchers defeat to win the 2021-22 Big Bash League final? 2. Prior to Ash Barty's 2022 victory, who was the last Australian to win the Australian Open women's singles title? 3. Which two NFL teams are set to compete in Super Bowl LVI?

4. Which former South Sydney Rabbitohs captain will captain the Brisbane Broncos in his first year at the club? 5. What record-breaking number of men's singles Grand Slam titles has Rafael Nadal won? 6. Haneen Zreika last played for which AFLW club? 7. A 0-1 loss to which national team knocked Australia's women's national soccer team out of the 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup?

12. Bayley Fritsch kicked how many goals for Melbourne during the 2021 AFL Grand Final?

Eliud Kipchoge

13. Tahli Gill and Dean Hewitt are the first Australians to ever qualify for what event at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics? 14. What basketball legend recently announced a comeback in the NBL1 East competition? 15. Who coached the Australian Men’s Cricket team prior to Justin Langer?

8. Jack Darling last played for which AFL club?

16. In what year was the Fremantle Dockers first season in the AFL?

9. Which former Chelsea great was recently announced as manager of Premier League club Everton?

17. What number seed was Rafael Nadal at the 2022 Australian Open?

10. With which nowdefunct Melbournebased NBL team did Joe ingles begin his professional basketball career? 11. What two countries did Monica Seles represent during her playing career?

18. What NRL team was originally going to be nicknamed the Mavericks? 19. How many seasons did Tom Brady play with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers? 20. Which English player was named player of the match in the recently completed Women's Ashes Test Match?

21. What nationality is 2019 Wimbledon women’s singles champion Simona Halep? 22. Which marathon has Kenyan long-distance runner Eliud Kipchoge won a record four times? 23. What sport originated as a game played by Native American communities in the 12th century? 24. A penalty in soccer is taken how many yards away from the net? 25. What is the highest score you can get in a single round of darts?

27. Which retired weightlifter won the gold medal in the Super Heavyweight category at the 1984 Summer Olympics? 28. Which Australian Baseball League team is based in Western Australia? 29. In which golf tournament does the winner wear the green jacket? 30. In 1956, which English spin bowler famously took 19 wickets against Australia?

26. In which year did the VFL change its name to AFL?

Rafael Nadal 1. Sydney Sixers 2. Chris O'Neil (1978) 3. Los Angeles Rams, and Cincinnati Bengals 4. Adam Reynolds 5. 21 6. Greater Western Sydney Giants 7. South Korea 8. West Coast Eagles 9. Frank Lampard 10. South Dragons 11. Yugoslavia and USA 12. Six 13. Curling 14. Lauren Jackson 15. Darren Lehmann 16. 1995 17. Six 18. Melbourne Storm 19. Two 20. Heather Knight 21. Romanian 22. The London Marathon 23. Lacrosse 24. 12 yards 25. 180 26. 1990 27. Dean Lukin 28. Perth Heat 29. The Masters 30. Jim Laker

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STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

MOTOR

A light hatch with sporty flair By Ewan Kennedy, Marque Motoring The i20 N is Hyundai’s first light hot hatch. We are assured it can run with its N stablemates, “delivering its speed and performance with a fun personality that turns every trip into a Special Stage” according to Hyundai. At this stage the i20 N is offered in a single grade, we have queried the Australian importer about other grades, but were told that’s all they will divulge at this time. In any case the single grade is well specified and the major emphasis is on high performance - which is exactly what lovers of hot cars are looking for. Important features include Launch Control, an auto rev-matching function for the manual transmission, and a three-mode stability control system as is used in other Hyundai N cars. By the way the ’N’ designation indicates both Hyundai’s Namyang Research and Development Center in South Korea. It was also the famed Nurburgring in Germany where many cars are unofficially tested to their limit in a wide variety of road conditions. Note that the Nurburgring is a public road so if you happen to be in Germany you may care to have a fang there. Just keep an eye on your mirrors in case something very quick suddenly come up behind you…

Styling Hyundai i20 is a neat looking small car even in its standard format. Changes to upgrade it to the N include a different grille inspired by the WRC models, a rear spoiler, built-in rear diffuser and a large single exhaust. The lower areas are finished in red. The 18-inch alloys are in grey matte with N-branded centre caps. The i20 N is offered in a range of ten colours including two shades of red.

Interior Performance Blue highlights throughout the cabin make a statement. The interior plastics and surfaces are rather hard to the touch, but keep in mind this isn’t a luxury car. A variety of textures visually make it look more a little further upmarket. A leather/cloth combination upholstery that’s of a reasonable quality. Keep in mind that this is a budget priced car. But may we suggest you check this for yourself when doing your checks on which car you’re considering buying. A cubby under the centre stack is big enough for to hold a large phone. There are cupholders between the front seats and a small cubby under the front-centre armrest. There are bottle holders in the front and rear doors.

Infotainment There are twin 10.25 inch displays, one for instruments, the other for the infotainment touchscreen. The displays are excellent and can be read with a minimum of distraction for the driver. As seems to happen all too often, the DAB+ digital radio drops out more often than not. To the extent I found myself saying f### off and giving up. Instead listening to the Bose seven-speaker sound system which produces decent sound. More speakers would be welcome, but I guess this is a car built down to a relatively low price. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wired) and satellite navigation are standard. There’s a Qi wireless charger.

Engines / transmissions The Hyundai i20 N is powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol. Power is 150kW between 5500 and 6000rpm. Peak torque is 275Nm from 1750 to 4500rpm. An overboost function increases maximum torque to 304Nm under full throttle between 2000 and 4000rpm. The only transmission is a six-speed manual transmission - Yippee it’s set up for real drivers! It powers the front wheels by way of a sporting Torsen mechanical limited-slip diff. Upgrades to handle the extra power and torque of the ’N’ include a reinforced clutch, improved friction materials and redesigned synchros.

Safety As we went to press the latest Hyundai i20 range hadn’t been crash tested by either ANCAP or Euro NCAP. Standard safety equipment includes: • Front, front-side and curtain airbags • Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection • Driver inattention monitoring • Lane-keep assist • Lane following assist • Blind-spot monitoring • Rear cross-traffic alert • Automatic high-beam Assist • Rear occupant alert • Speed sign recognition • Intelligent speed limit assist

Driving It’s all about fun, and plenty of it. Though based on a standard city and suburban car, the guys and gals at Namyang and at Hyundai Australia have done an excellent job of giving the i20 N a genuinely sporting flair. The firmer ride and tyre noise on coarse-chip roads are certainly what you expect in a sporting car, which is fine for the driver but may not appeal to passenger, especially during long trips. The six-speed manual is easy to use. In our test car the clutch didn’t start to engage till the pedal was almost all the way up. After a while this was no longer an irritation. Gearing is low and at 110km/h in sixth in top gear the engine is at nearly 3000rpm. It doesn’t sound overly busy - even though it is. On typical European motorway speeds of 140 to 160km/h it’s going to sound very busy. And if you’re lucky enough to be driving on unrestricted sections of German autobahnen the engine is going to spend a lot of time at 6000rpm. Don’t know if that would be doing the fuel consumption at lot of good. But who cares, smile and enjoy the ride! The i20 N’s powertrain is Euro 6-certified and has fuel-saving idle stop/start technology. Fuel use is quoted as 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle. During our test period covering over 450 kilometres we used nine to eleven litres per hundred around town, dropping to six to seven litres on the open road. The 2022 Hyundai i20 N is covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. Servicing is required every 12 months or 10,000km, whichever comes first.

Take a family hatchback add sporting looks more power, and you get the Hyundai i20 N. (Pictures: Supplied)

Summing up You get a lot of sporting driving in this highly modified Hyundai i20 N and those who need/

want a family car with plenty of get up and go at a relatively modest price should certainly add it to their shopping list. Tuesday, 8 February, 2022 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY 21

SPORT STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Chaplin relishes AFLW call up for Melbourne One day Maeve Chaplin was training with Essendon’s Victorian Football League Women’s side, the next she was signing on with Melbourne’s AFLW list as a replacement player. It’s been a whirlwind few weeks for Chaplin, as she finally realised her dream of becoming an AFLW player. After being overlooked in two drafts, the former Northern Knights player put her head down and continued to work hard in pursuit of her dream. It all came together when the Demons decided to select her to fill the void on the list, with Isabella Simmons put on the inactive list due to injury. “It was pretty surreal,” Chaplin said. “I don’t think it has hit me yet. “I was training with Essendon VFL and really enjoying it there and working hard. Melbourne randomly gave me a call to come to

a training session. “The next day they signed me. I didn’t think they’d sign me, I was going there for the experience.” Chaplin said she had been trying to take in as much as possible during her time at Melbourne, one of the original women’s sides. She said while she would love to make her debut this season, she was still happy if she didn’t get the chance. “It has been awesome and I’m sucking up as much as I can,” she said. “I’ve embraced everything at the club. “Everything we do at training is done really well and the girls put in the hard work and everyone has a really high skill level. “If I could play a game that would be amazing.” Chaplin said the level had been a step up from what she had done before, but felt she would be ready if the opportunity arose.

“I feel really confident where I’m at.” She recently played in a practice match for the Demons against Essendon, to get some game time in case she was called upon. The excitement of being on an AFLW list is a long way from the last two drafts, when Chaplin has been left disappointed. She said missing out on 2020 was harder than missing out last year. “2020 was my first ever draft year and I felt confident,” she said. “You shouldn’t expect too much, so it was more of a let down. “I was happy with my season [last year]. I’d worked hard and I knew it was going to happen, it was a matter of when.” Chaplin said she hadn’t put too much thought into where she would play VFLW this year, with her focus firmly on making the most of her opportunity at the Demons. Tara Murray

Maeve Chaplin during her time at the Northern Knights (Shawn Smits) 204987_16

Netball co-ordinators Amber Middleton and Johanna Grant and president Tom Mason (centre). Supplied

Attention turns to netball

Rylie WIlcox handpasses away against the Calder Cannons. (Joe Mastroianni) 265355_25

Rylie Wilcox steps up By Tara Murray When Northern Knights’ Rylie Wilcox started playing football in 2018, it was because she was keen to try a new sport. Having played both soccer and hockey, Wilcox just wanted to play football for her local side. Fast forward to 2022, the forward has her eyes on playing for Vic Metro and being drafted later this year. Wilcox said taking up football turned into the best move for her. She said heading into her draft year she was just taking it day by day “I try not to think about it,” she said. “It’s nerve wracking as every week you have to go out there and give it your best with 120 per cent effort. “I want to play some good footy. If I don’t get drafted, I will go back and try again.” Wilcox said she had worked hard on her skills during the off season to get the best out of her game. Having played for Vic Metro under-17s team last year, Wilcox has been named in the 22 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 8 February, 2022

initial Vic Metro squad. The squad had a camp earlier this year. “We had three days with high performance coaches,” she said. “In the two training sessions, we learnt so much from them. “We were able to make some good bonds between the girls.” Wilcox said one of the biggest things she learned at the camp was the nutrition side of things and had incorporated that into her game. Making the final Vic Metro squad is one of Wilcox’s main aims this season. The 17-year-old said she moulds her game on Carlton forward Georgia Gee, playing as a small half forward, who can play tall. Wilcox is set to play a key role for the Knights this year, with a number of new players making their debuts. “I’m one of the top age players and I feel like a leader, even though I don’t have a leadership role. “The [new girls] have played really well in their positions and look like they’ve been

there forever.” Among the coaches at the Knights this year is current AFLW players and former Knights’ Gabby Newton and Maddy Guerin. Wilcox said they had been really good for the playing group. “I’ve been talking a bit with Gabby, but not in depth,” she said. “Having Maddy and Gabby there … Being through it and giving their experiences of what they have learned at the Northern Knights and in the AFL. They are inspiring to other players.” After the NAB League season, Wilcox is hoping to get the opportunity to play some Victorian Football League women’s games to test herself against the bigger bodies. “It’s another goal of mine,” she said. “I want to play metro and then hopefully get drafted after that.” The Knights were set to play the Western Jets on Saturday in round three of the NAB League. Both sides entered the game, after deadline, winless. For results, go to www.starweekly.com.au

There will be some new teams stepping out for the Roxburgh Park Football Club in the upcoming Essendon District Football League season. The club will turn its attention to netball, with the club to field netball teams for the first time. President Tom Mason said getting netball up and running at the club was about the club expanding within the community. “I came on as president late last year and we’ve had a real focus on how we can better connect with the community and be more inclusive,” he said. “We have a couple of women who are already netballers who are in our community. They were really interested in doing something last year, but it didn’t get off the ground.” Mason said the response in the community had been really good and they were likely to field multiple teams. The Magpies are still looking for more players and coaches. He said the club would look at renaming itself the Roxburgh Park Football Netball Club later this year. “We want to be more inclusive with a greater range of services in Roxburgh Park. Hopefully we are only getting started.” He said they would also look to partner with existing junior netball clubs in the area, to provide a pathway. The club had also aimed to try and bring back their women’s senior football program. The women’s football side last played in 2019. Mason said it didn’t look like that was going to happen, so they would focus on putting a lot of resources into their under-18.5 girls team. He said they were looking for players. Details: https://www.facebook.com/ groups/452089293245392; netball – Johanna: 0432 360 538, Amber: 0431 563 142; under 18.5 girls coach Scott: 0439 088 866; president Tom Mason: 0428 693 057

Sutton earns leadership role at Calder Cannons Reese Sutton has been named as co-captain of the Calder Cannons for the 2022 NAB League girls season. In what will be her third season at the Cannons, Sutton was selected for the leadership position alongside Olivia Manfre. The 17-year-old has developed as a promising prospect throughout her junior career with the Sunbury Lions, but she remains focused on improving her game. “I like the idea of stepping in and being able to take control and letting people know how they can improve. It’s really just about helping girls out so they can keep improving their skills,” she said. Moving forward she said she’s hoping to model her game on prolific AFLW Richmond midfielder Monique Conti. “She’s just a great player with fast hands and with her kicking,” Sutton said. “I’m looking to be able to get in more contests, stop my ball-watching, and improve

my disposal efficiency.” While still an under-15s player, Sutton filled in for back-to-back under-18s winning grand final teams. She was awarded best on ground in the 2019 division 1 grand final in which the Lions beat Westmeadows 39-13. Travis Hodgson, who coached those winning premiership teams, described Sutton as a natural footballer. “There are some people who seem like they spend all day chasing the ball, but Reese is one of those players that just always finds the footy,” he said. “She’s got a terrific attitude, which is so important once you get to [the NAB League]. Pretty much everyone has some talent, but if you don’t have the right attitude, it doesn’t matter.” Hodgson said Sutton’s performance in the 2019 division 1 grand final was a clear example of her potential. “Most people would feel they’re doing well

just getting a kick when they’re coming up … it just highlights her quality,” he said. Sutton has improved year-on-year in the Cannons system, playing as a underage player. She averaged six disposals along with two tackles in the 2020 season. The following year she improved to nine disposals and three tackles per game in nine matches. The Cannons finished seventh last year with five wins and three losses. After qualifying for finals the Cannons were bungled out in the first round by the Oakleigh Chargers, who would go on to win the premiership. The start date of this year’s NAB League season was brought forward to bring it closer to the AFLW and VFLW fixtures. The league has also modified its quarter lengths from from 17 minutes to 20 minutes. Oliver Lees

Reese Sutton and Olivia Manfre. (Supplied/Calder Cannons Facebook)

Cole bringing passion to Bundoora

Olivia Manfre during the Cannons win against the Northern Knights.

(Joe Mastroianni) 265355_14

Manfre keen to improve By Tara Murray Keilor’s Olivia Manfre jumped at the opportunity to return to the Calder Cannons and continue her football development this year. Having played some solid football in the last few years, Manfre is keen to take her game to the next level and press for higher honours. “I’m so grateful and honoured to be able to represent the Cannons for one more year as a 19-year-old,“ she said. “The opportunity presented itself and I was keen to come back. “I started the first half of last year well, but I don’t think I was consistent. Having had that experience under [coach] Ross Smith, I’m keen to come back for another year and improve my footy and have a solid season and see what comes of it.” Manfre’s leadership has been recognised, named co-captain of the side alongside Reese Sutton. Manfre said this year’s squad was a young one, but there was plenty of talent among the group.

“There are so many young girls this year, we’re quite a young group,” she said. “At the Cannons development is the main focus. We’ll work hard and hopefully the wins will come along with that and we’ll be able to show everything we have learned and see how it goes.” Manfre said the league was very different from when she first started. Having come into the sport as a teenager her game has grown with the sport. Manfre started with East Keilor before moving to Keilor, with both teams playing in the Essendon District Football League. “I came from a basketball background,” she said. “Team sports are in my blood. “It’s been a very long journey [at the Cannons]. It’s been so enjoyable to see the progress and it’s good to see the hard work is paying off. “We’ve started to see the girls who have been playing since they were really young. When we started that wasn’t there, having those players in the league the standard is really high and

hopefully that flows onto the AFLW.” Manfre is set for a big season on the field, as she also aims to play in the Victorian Football League Women’s competition with Essendon. She said her experiences playing in Keilor women’s side had really helped her adjust to training with the Bombers. Manfre won the EDFL premier division goal kicking in 2021, with 19 goals. “I’ve learnt so much throughout the pre-season,” she said of Essendon. “Hopefully I’ll be able to take everything back to the NAB League.” As well as aiming to play VFLW, Manfre has her eyes set on playing Vic Metro. Ultimately, she would love to play AFLW in the future. “Metro and getting drafted are the goals I’ve set for myself,” she said. “Hopefully I can play some consistent football and get there.” Manfre has started her season well at the Cannons. In the side’s round two win she had 21 possessions and kicked two goals. The Cannons had a bye at the weekend.

New Bundoora women’s coach Ian Cole has a passion for coaching and for the Northern Football League club. A life member at the club, he has been involved with helping out the women’s side the last couple of years. So when the coaching job became available, he put his hand up for it. “It’s very exciting,” she said. “I’ve been coaching with the AusKick elite program for 34 years. I’ve taught a number of girls I thought were pretty good at football but didn’t have the opportunities. “I said when the club was looking for someone, if they couldn’t find anyone from a higher level I would be happy to coach. “They are a terrific bunch of girls and it’s a real honour and privilege to coach them.” Cole, who has won numerous coaching awards, said the key was to get the basics right and then build from there. He said the time was right for the women’s game to go to the next level. “I just need to help the girls build up skills and work on set plays rather than going out and having a kick,” he said. “The girls didn’t have the opportunity to play properly growing up. It’s about teaching them the skills and teaching them how not to get hurt.” Cole said the club was still looking for more players to join the side. With no junior sides, they don’t have the younger players coming through like other clubs. “The minimum age is 16 and if they want to come and play for us, they’re welcome,“ he said. “We’ll give them a start and teach them the skills. We want young girls to come to the club and feel welcome. “I love teaching football and I’m happy to do extra sessions.” Cole said they were still unsure what grade they would be in, with grading to happen at the start of the season. Details: http://ow.ly/5lFR50HG9Q5 Tara Murray

Tuesday, 8 February, 2022 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY 23

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