Issuu

Established in 2003

proudly serving the Northern Suburbs

14 MARCH, 2023

12496404-AV22-21

FREE DIGITAL EDITION

SIG N U P N O W!

A pawsome celebration

Second Chance Animal Rescue founder and chief executive, Marisa Debattista with dog Charlie. (Damjan Janevski) 322676_01

Craigieburn’s Second Chance Animal Rescue (SCAR) organisation is inviting the community to join in on its 15th birthday celebrations. SCAR is a not-for-profit organisation that helps rescue, rehome and rehabilitate displaced and abandoned pets, and to support vulnerable pet owners through tough times by keeping their pets happy, healthy and at home. To help celebrate the milestone, SCAR chief executive Marisa Debattista is inviting the community to the shelter on Saturday, March 18. “We wouldn’t be here today without the support of our community,” she said. “It has been 15 years of rescuing and rehabilitating animals … we want to celebrate with everyone who has helped us over the years.” The event will run from 10am to 4pm and will include entertainment for the whole family at 23 Grasslands Avenue, Craigieburn. Marisa opened up SCAR in 2008, with the community-based charity run by vet professionals, animal-loving volunteers and foster carers. “It’s fantastic to look back and see the difference we’ve been able to make for people and their pets.”

Cricket cost blow out By Zoe Moffatt Hume council has narrowly decided to proceed with an indoor cricket centre in Greenvale amid a $4 million increase in project proposal. During the Monday February 27 council meeting, councillors were divided on the issue of whether to proceed with the project at Greenvale Recreation Centre due to the 40 per cent cost increase. Cr Naim Kurt said he understood the concern about the cost increase. “I understand the concern from some of

the chamber tonight that the cost increase is significantly above what was originally budgeted, but under grant agreements with the state government, council is liable for any costs above a budget,” Cr Kurt said. “It’s an issue which is happening across the sector and across local government with rising costs of material.” Council said the increased costs are due to current market conditions as the original budget was set in early 2020. This increased cost is in line with estimations by an independent quantity surveyor, council said. Council initially committed $4.5 million to

the centre, with the state government providing $1.5 million in grant funding. council will now be providing $8.5 million for the centre. Cr Kurt said despite this increase in cost he believes that the project remains as a good value project for ratepayers. “I think with the development of this centre, it will be another jewel added to the crown of our sporting facilities,” he said. Cr Jodi Jackson disagreed the proposal should go ahead and cited other ways the council could use the money. “In 2021 council published a report … [which] stated that Forest Red Gum drive

needs to be upgraded in order to accommodate the higher than anticipated volumes of traffic,” Cr Jackson said. “The volume of money that council is being asked to provide in order to deliver this cricket facility over and above its anticipated costs is equal to the money required to upgrade an important arterial road that serves thousands of residents every single day. In my opinion, this project does not pass the pub test.” Despite these differing views, council decided to proceed with the project with seven councillors voting for the project and four voting against.

The Y Leisure City 24/7 Health Club 41-53 Miller St, Epping VIC 3076 leisurecity.ymca.org.au / 9401 2222

12594401-FC11-23

from $9.95 per week

SECTION STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

FREE

Established in 2003

proudly serving the

Northern Suburbs 14 DECEMBER, 2021

12496404-AV22-21

FORTNIGHTLY!

FREE DIGITAL EDITIO

Hopes for a pet ‘miracle’

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

260172_02 (Damjan Janevski)

Pick up your favourite local newspaper, the Northern Star Weekly from local outlets listed below or subscribe to our digital edition and have it sent to your device every fortnight.

SIG N U P N O W !

MARISA DEBATT

ISTA WITH LEXINGT

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.”

Find us on Faceboo k www.westgartht own.org.au

12523923-JW49-21

ZIEBELL’S FARM HOUSE MUSEUM & HERIT AGE GARDENS

This local gem tells the story of the establish 1850s, now Thomast ment of Westgar own and Lalor. See thtown in the along with 70 more, our ﬁrst rose planted many other plants, in the 1860s heritage buildings and exhibitions. Cnr Gardenia Drive & Ainwick Cres, Thomastown Sunday 11.30 am–3 pm Tuesday 11:30 am–2 pm Adults $3 Children 50 cents

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 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

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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 - now Ampol 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

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Doreen Doreen General Store 920 Yan Yean Road Epping Foodworks 10/351 Dalton Road Epping Pacific Epping Shopping Centre 571-583 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

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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 Coles @ Roxburgh Village SC 250 Somerton Rd Roxburgh Park 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 12-23 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

Scan this QR code to Subscribe for FREE now! Or visit: northern.starweekly.com.au/subscribe 12551978-HC22-22

2 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 14 March, 2023

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS

lay Ride to remember David Police firearm charges By Hannah Hammoud

The inaugural ‘Guts It Out’ (GIO) Memorial Bike Ride will honour the former Whittlesea chief executive David Turnbull later this month. The three-word motto is remembered as a staple in the vocabulary of Mr Turnbull who died from cancer aged 61 in March 2020. Friends and colleagues have organised the ride to celebrate Mr Turnbull’s life and his immense contribution to the community through a local government career spanning more than 40 years. Riders will take off at 10am on Sunday, March 26 from the Whittlesea Community Centre with options to complete either a 20 km or 40 km circuit. The 40km circuit will stretch across both the Whittlesea and Mitchell municipalities, which Mr Turnbull served for 21 years and four years respectively.

Mr Turnbull served as Whittlesea’s planning and development director from 1994 to 2007 and was chief executive from 2007 to 2016. Both circuits will finish at the Whittlesea Fire Brigade, with all proceeds going to the Country Fire Authority. Whittlesea council chief executive Craig Lloyd described Mr Turnbull as a true humanitarian who he had worked closely with for a number of years. “He was greatly respected by staff and community alike for his calm and considered approach to leadership and his genuine interest and care for all,” he said. The memorial ride comes just weeks after Mr Turnbull was honoured on Australia Day with a posthumous Medal of the Order of Australia for service to local government administration. The ride’s entry fee is $35 and includes a barbecue lunch and commemorative T-shirt, or $10 for just lunch. Details: Bruce Manison, 0448 944 000.

Former Whittlesea chief executive, David Turnbull. (Supplied)

Big Group Hug marketing co-ordinator Emina Mesinovic and project co-ordinator Katherine Freiberg. (Damjan Janevski) 322141_01

Sock and jock drive to help children A Bundoora children’s charity has launched its annual campaign to collect new pyjamas, socks, jocks and singlets for kids who are going without. The campaign runs for throughout March and there are a number of ways for the community to get involved. Whether it be holding your own goods drive, ordering items online to be delivered to the warehouse or making a donation to support families in need, Big Group Hug is urging the community to come together to provide new

underwear and sleepwear for children facing disadvantage. Last year the not-for-profit Big Group Hug received 6400 items that have all been handed out to vulnerable children and their families. Katherine Freiberg, who is co-ordinating the PJs Jocks and Socks campaign, said that this year the charity is looking to top that amount with a goal to collect 10,000 items. “Only one week into the campaign and we already have 20 goods drive registrations, from individuals and families to workplaces small

Discover Sherwin Rise retirement community in Wollert

and large, schools and local councils,” she said. “Of these, nine organisations have generously volunteered to be public donation drop off points and we’ve already made a great start to the 10,000 item goal with over 400 singlets coming in from one donor alone. “But the need is great, so we’re calling upon the community to get on board, because every child deserves love and dignity.” Details: https://pjjs.biggrouphug.org/

Police have charged three men as part of an investigation into two alleged firearms incidents in the northern suburbs which police believe to be linked. The first incident allegedly occurred when shots were fired into a property on Barry Road at about 5am on January 23. A 40-year-old Thomastown man received a gunshot wound to his arm. On February 10, a 27-year-old Greenvale man self-presented to hospital with a gunshot wound to the leg. This second incident allegedly occurred at approximately 11pm in the vicinity of Guildford Avenue in Coolaroo. Police charged a 21-year-old Mickleham man, who was arrested yesterday at an address on Salisbury Terrace. Police executed a search warrant and allegedly located ammunition, an imitation firearm, and various mobile phones. Police also seized a vehicle which allegedly had a bullet hole through the door. The Mickleham man was charged with intentionally cause serious injury (gross violence), intentionally cause serious injury, prohibited person use firearm, fail to stop vehicle on police direction, prohibited person possess imitation firearm, fail to surrender on service, possess cartridge ammunition, deal with proceeds of crime and fail to comply with direction to assist. He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court. The charges come after a 23-year-old Craigieburn man was arrested Friday, March 3. Police allegedly located a firearm, a large quantity of ammunition, a grenade, a machete and drugs following searches of a property on Kangaroo Road in Craigieburn and a vehicle. The Craigieburn man was charged with possess firearm, possess cartridge ammunition, possess drug of dependence (methylamphetamine) and fail to comply with direction to assist. He was bailed to appear at Broadmeadows Magistrates Court on August 15. Warrants were also executed on February 22 in Greenvale, Coolaroo and Craigieburn. Police allegedly located a firearm, a quantity of ammunition, allegedly stolen credit cards and mobile phones. A 22-year-old Craigieburn man was arrested and charged with reckless conduct endangering life, prohibited person possess firearm, drive in a manner dangerous, and bail offences.

Hannah Hammoud

TWO BEDROOM HOMES NOW SELLING FROM $476,500*

New Clubhouse & Wellness Hub now open Visit our village or call us on 1800 550 550 to book a personalised appointment. Sherwin Rise

*Whilst Lendlease endeavours to ensure that the information in this advertisement is correct, no warranty, express, implied is given to its accuracy. Price is correct as at 1 February 2023. Published by Lendlease RL Realty (VIC) Pty Ltd ABN 55 124 646 484. 12576116-JC11-23

Tuesday, 14 March, 2023 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY 3

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU Briefs

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Share the Dignity Whittlesea council will be participating in Share the Dignity’s, Dignity Drive for the month of March in the bid to end period poverty. Whittlesea council is encouraging residents to donate period products such as pads, tampons, maternity pads, period undies, menstrual cups, and incontinence products that are in their original packaging. Residents can drop off period products at designated collection points across Whittlesea. Details: https://www.sharethedignity. org.au/

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

ADVERTISING GENERAL SALES INQUIRIES westads@starweekly.com.au CLASSIFIEDS \ 1300 666 808 EMAIL \ sales@networkclassifieds.com.au

Drink driver

GENERAL REAL ESTATE INQUIRIES reads@starweekly.com.au

EDITORIAL GENERAL EDITORIAL INQUIRIES westeditorial@starweekly.com.au COMMUNITY CALENDAR ENTRIES communitycalendar@starweekly.com.au

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

Bikes built and funded by Rokon. (Supplied)

School’s bicycle boost Variety Australia children’s charity has paid a visit to Wayi School in Craigieburn presenting students with 40 bikes and six adaptive bikes. Wayi School is the first specialist school in the Craigieburn and Mickleham area which is in its inaugural year after opening in term one of 2023. Wayi assistant principal Hannah Virmani said these bikes will make a huge impact on meeting the students’ need for movement in a positive, practical and appropriate way. “Students will benefit physically by increasing their strength and stamina,” she said. “Bike riding is a positive strategy to support self-confidence, depression, anxiety, and stress. “Allowing the students to move during the day is vital to increase engagement and encourage academic success.” The co-educational school, from prep-12

provides a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for children with disability in the Hume area. The Variety Bikes for Kids program has delivered almost 13,000 new bikes for kids who are living with disability, illness or experiencing disadvantage. Variety chief executive Mandy Burns said that the charity is thrilled to be able to provide bikes for kids at Wayi School. “For children, a bike is freedom, a bike is exhilarating, a bike and learning to ride is a sense of achievement,” she said. “We also know that learning to ride a bike can mean connection to friends and regular exercise.” Information: https://www. varietybikesforkids.org/ Hannah Hammoud

Police intercepted a 28-year-old Craigieburn man in Laverton on Sunday, March 5. The man was detected travelling more than twice the speed limit and with twice the blood alcohol limit. Police pursued the vehicle and detected it travelling at 175 km/h in a 60 km/h zone. The man returned a positive breath test and then furnished an evidentiary breath test result of .118. Police expected to charge the man on summons in relation to drink driving, speeding and traffic-related offences.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Northern Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Some people ‘retire’ others choose life. Apartments now selling! We’re creating a new retirement community in Bundoora for people who love life. Callisto Place is for go-getters who love the outdoors and being amongst it all. Shops and eateries are an easy walk away and we’re surrounded by parklands and green spaces. Why ‘retire’ when you can choose to live here?

Artist Impression

1300 001 537 callistoplace.com.au Corner Plenty Road and Galileo Gateway, Bundoora

12574436-JB11-23

4 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 14 March, 2023

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS

Work ramps up on new hospital Construction of the new Northern Private Hospital at New Epping has reached a significant milestone, with the facility now watertight and ready for internal works to ramp up. The first stage of the $133 million greenfield private hospital, from Ramsay Health Care, is on track to open in early 2024. Northern Private Hospital chief executive Shaune Gillespie said construction of the landmark facility in the booming growth corridor north of Melbourne followed an environmentally conscious design.

“The building incorporates recycled materials, chilled beams for enhanced thermal comfort, solar power and energy efficient lighting,” Mr Gillespie said. “This focus on sustainability will continue as we now look to the internal features of the hospital, with fixtures, fittings and appliances chosen for their water conservation and energy efficiency. Northern Private Hospital has been designed to help patients while also protecting our planet for future generations.” The first stage of the hospital will feature 70 inpatient beds including four for high

dependency patients and six in the critical care unit. Stage one also includes 10 oncology chairs, four state-of-the-art operating theatres, a cardiac catheterisation laboratory and an innovative super-theatre featuring both a hybrid and general theatre for flexibility of use. The second stage of the new Northern Private is forecast to open in 2027. “Northern Private Hospital will offer world-class patient care and extensive medical, surgical and mental health services,” Mr Gillespie said.

“We’re in talks with some of Melbourne’s best clinicians, who will be supported by a dedicated team of nurses and support staff committed to the Ramsay values.” Northern Private Hospital will offer specialties including general medicine, cardiology, vascular, orthopaedics, plastic surgery, ENT, general surgery, gynaecology, urology, oncology, haematology, ophthalmology and gastroenterology. The Northern Private Hospital will be co-located with the public Northern Hospital with direct connection via a link bridge

Students ready to ride Epping Views Primary School (EPVS) will take part in National Ride2School Day alongside 3000 other active schools who have registered. Over 350,000 students across the nation will walk, ride or skate to school on Friday, March 24. Epping Views Primary School has participated in Ride2School Day each year pre-covid since the school opened in 2008. EPVS education support staff member Branka Petrovic said a couple of hundred of the school’s 900 pupils were expected to participate this year. “The students at EVPS are looking forward to Ride2School Day as it gives them the opportunity to ride, scoot, or walk with their friends to school,” she said. “It promotes the importance of road and bike safety awareness and it encourages students’ physical activity. “Ride2School Day reduces traffic and our

carbon footprint, and also gives parents the opportunity to talk about road and bike safety.” The nationwide program is delivered by Bicycle Network which has been running nationally since 2006. Hannah Hammoud

Epping Views Primary pupils Isaac (front), Meghraj, Angelo and Rohan, are taking part in Ride2School Day. (Damjan Janevski) 322007_01

CIVIC CENTRE LAWNS SOUTH MORANG

City of Whittlesea presents the

Community Festival SUNDAY 19 MARCH 11am-5pm

ar t s .whittles ea .vic.gov. au T h e C i t y o f W h i t t l e s e a ’s b e l ove d C o m m u n i t y Fe s t i va l i s b a c k w i t h a n exc i t i n g l i n e - u p o f l i ve m u s i c , f o o d t r u c ks , t h e a t r e p e r f o r m a n c e s , v i s u a l a r t s , c r e a t i ve wo r ks h o p s a n d f a m i l y- f r i e n d l y a c t i v i t i e s . 12587973-ET11-23

Tuesday, 14 March, 2023 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY 5

FEATURING ... CATHOLIC EDUCATION

Advertising feature

Excitment builds for Marymede’s new Doreen campus There is a buzz of excitement in Doreen and surrounding communities as building works for Marymede Catholic College’s Doreen year 7 to 12 campus are well under way. The year 7 foundational cohort will commence in 2024. One of the foundational students, Jagger Carnovale, had his name drawn to officially ‘turn the sod’ with McEwen MP Rob Mitchell and principal Timothy Newcomb at a ceremony held on the site at the end of 2022. “I was so surprised when they called my name” Jagger said. “I wasn’t expecting it, I’m looking forward to making new friends, but I am really excited about the new science classrooms because I love science.” The Doreen campus of Marymede Catholic College is aimed at providing high-quality, Catholic and accessible secondary co-education option for families in Melbourne’s north-east. “We’re thrilled to see the vision for this new secondary campus come to life. While we will be two campuses, we are still one school. The engaging and contemporary building project is a big part of this vision, but we are also highly committed to bringing our Marymede culture and our vibrant and established curriculum to this new campus community,” Mr Newcomb said. Deputy principal and head of campus Doreen Julie Plymin has already commenced her new role in 2023 as part of the college’s commitment to realising this vision. “As we are working away on key components – staffing, policy development, and the planning of stage four of the project, we are also working towards building an engaged school community,” she said. Ms Plymin, who has a particular interest and experience in building community and

Turning of the Sod at the Doreen Campus site deputy principal Julie Plymin, acting executive director MACS Dr Edward Simons, McEwen MP Rob Mitchell, future student Jagger Carnovale and principal Timothy Newcomb. (Supplied)

partnerships between school, students and families, added, “Effective learning requires a positive educational environment. For learning to take place, everyone must feel safe,

respected, supported, curious and joyful”. To meet Timothy and Julie, and to hear more about the new Doreen campus, head to the open day at Marymede’s South Morang

campus, this Sunday, March 19, 11am to 2pm. For more information, visit marymede.edu.vic.au

OPEN DAY SUNDAY 19 MARCH 11.00am - 2.00pm South Morang Campus We are a Catholic co-educational, K-12 college located in the northern suburb of South Morang, with a new Year 7-12 campus opening in Doreen in 2024. Explore our learning spaces and facilities, chat with our students and key teaching staff and discover our College in person. Our Student Tour Guides will be conducting tours of our primary and secondary areas, with lots to see and do, including: •

YEAR 7-12 DOREEN CAMPUS OPENING 2024 YEAR 7 2024 and 2025 APPLY NOW FOR DOREEN and SOUTH MORANG

Faculty and Classroom displays and activities

•

Live Music performances from students

•

Free BBQ – visitors can chat with our Parents and Friends Committee at the BBQ!

•

Free Face painting

BOOK ONLINE: marymede.vic.edu.au

Marymede Catholic College is a young and vibrant school community. We aspire, In the way of Mary, to give students a passion for life, a love of learning and a determination to be of service to others.

To discover more, or to apply online, visit our website. 60 Williamsons Road, South Morang VIC 3752 | T: +61 3 9407 9000 | marymede.vic.edu.au 6 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 14 March, 2023

12594415-JW11-23

The Doreen campus, set on an expansive seven-hectare site, and providing state-of-the-art facilities, will offer a comprehensive curriculum and high academic standards, coupled with an extensive co-curricular program, catering for the interests and talents of students.

FEATURING ... CATHOLIC EDUCATION

Advertising feature

No student left behind at St Monica’s College, Epping St Monica’s College, Epping, is a Catholic co-educational college based in the northern suburbs of Melbourne. The college was established in 1964 and has two campuses in Epping for students in years 7 to 12. There is also a country campus Ostia at Strath Creek. The college facilities are first class and continue to be upgraded. This includes a new science and technology building to better serve STEM students, the Cooinda Building which provides modern teaching and learning areas for students, as well as a complete rebuild of the Beehive, the college’s technology centre based on Davisson Street campus. The college strongly endorses co-education. Co-education reflects the real-life realities your child will face. In the coeducational classroom, both female and male perspectives are explored, creating greater understanding between the sexes, more consideration of points of view, and increased development of individuals both intellectually and socially. The college offers one of the broadest curriculum choices of any school. Subject choices will meet the needs of almost any student. The college is also renowned for an excellent sporting program. The choice of sports is extensive and coaching utilises experts in their sports. The college’s Sporting Academies ensure athletes have whatever they need to excel in their chosen sport with gymnasiums on campus as well as a high-performance centre for advanced training. The college also offers an accelerated learning program for students. HORIZONScaters for highly able students through a program that meets their advanced educational needs. Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder are well supported by the Arrunga Inclusion Program.

The college strongly endorses co-education. (Supplied)

The Performing Arts Faculty is also well regarded. Whether it be dance, drama or music, students have the opportunity to develop and showcase their talents. The college regularly has performances and showcases for

our performing arts students. St Monica’s College, Epping, welcomes a diverse cohort of students with the assurance that staff will ensure that each and every one has the best opportunity to be their best. At St

Monica’s, no student is left behind. For more information, visit www.stmonicas-epping.com or contact 9409 8800.

St Monica's College, Epping

APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR YEAR 7, 2025 Apply online today!

www.stmonicas-epping.com.apply 12593022-SM11-23

Tuesday, 14 March, 2023 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY 7

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Plea to help save birds By Fatima Halloum In the six years that Melissa Doherty has walked around McIvor Lake in Roxburgh Park, she’s witnessed numerous birds become trapped in the stormwater outflow pit. She estimates the ditch is about three metres deep, making it difficult for the birds to fly out of the vertical shaft. A metal cage rests atop the pit, and because of the wide space between the bars, animals often slip between the cracks where the birds end up stuck. “You can hear the calls echoing out of the pit,” she said.

‘‘

It’s really distressing to think of how many of them have died here

’’

- Melissa Doherty

“It’s just a death trap for these birds, and it’s really distressing to think of how many of them have died here.” Ms Doherty says that two birds have died in the pit since the beginning of the year, and while she often reports incidents to Wildlife Victoria, and the Marine Rescue Unit from Zoos Victoria, the frightened birds run up the pipes before they can be caught despite best efforts to rescue them. Hours upon hours have been spent at the ditch, while Ms Doherty uses sheets, builds wooden ramps, and does anything else she can think of to free the birds. “There’s a really simple solution,” she said. “If they could just build a ramp up two of the walls, at least you’re giving the birds a chance to climb out. “[Or] fix the cage on top of the pit, so birds

Melissa Doherty has been trying to get Melbourne Water the pit so birds can’t slip through anymore. (Damjan Janevski) 320769_01

can’t keep falling in.” Melbourne Water head of waterway and catchments north west Victoria Penko said that Melbourne Water has heard the community’s concerns. “Melbourne Water has been working to find a solution to this issue and has already

modified the outlet twice to try and prevent birds from becoming trapped,” Ms Penko said. “We will continue to investigate other options, but any changes made need to ensure localise flooding doesn’t occur. “Melbourne Water hears the community’s concerns and will keep them updated.”

Whittlesea’s weekend of festival fun The Whittlesea community is set to enjoy a bumper weekend of back-to-back events with the Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre (PRACC) hosting the Otto & Astrid – Joint Solo Project and the return of the Whittlesea Community Festival. On Saturday, March 18, Berlin’s Prince and Princess of art rock and Europop, Otto and Astrid will take to the stage at PRACC. On tour for their Joint Solo Project, the utterly dysfunctional siblings are set to bring their riotous and razor-sharp satire of culture wars to South Morang. The next day, Whittlesea will welcome back its community festival which will feature theatre, music, circus, dance, workshops and more. There will be lots of free entertainment and activities for the whole family. The salon tent has been highlighted as a very special destination for the festival in celebration of Cultural Diversity Week. The Salon features a number of free activities including detailed African braiding, hand painted henna, saree clothing workshop and a high energy Arabic drumming workshop on darbuka drums. Details: http://ow.ly/QmOh50NaqSM or http://ow.ly/lW8B50NaqSs Hannah Hammoud

Subscribe to the

Northern Star Weekly

Digital Edition

FREE JANUARY 26, 2021 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

JANUARY 26, 2021 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

12477073-SG03-21

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.

School journey starts (Damjan Janevski) 225262_01

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 Laura Michell mark the opening of three new By primary

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

Scan this QR code to subscribe Or visit northern.starweekly.com.au/subscribe 12593781-FC11-23

8 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 14 March, 2023

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.”

12481470-NG07-21

Airport bid for more power

ENTERTAINMENT

Advertising feature

Get ready for monster truck mayhem at Calder Park An action packed day full of chaos and carnage is coming to Calder Park when the monster truck grand final arrives, featuring special guests and unbelievable stunts. Gravity defying Crusty Demons legends, Bubba and Seth, are back down under for the mammoth monster truck display and they’re stoked to be heading to Calder Park for a day not to be missed. ‘O.G.’ Crusty Demon and action sports icon Bubba said he is keen to be here, reminiscing about the last time he was at Calder Park, when he left the arena with a green whistle in hand, nursing a very sore body after a crash landing. It’ll be a day jam-packed full of pre-show entertainment, with dodgem cars, amusement rides and even the opportunity to ride in a monster truck with Bubba behind the wheel. Monster truck driver and co-organiser Troy Garcia said the show is led by the monster trucks, but there’s so much more to enjoy. There’ll be jet cars lighting up the night sky, burnout cars, freestyle motocross performances to bring that Crusty Demons feel, and the crowd favourite demolition derby set to wreak havoc. “There really is just so much in this show that each person will like a different part of it,” Troy said. “People can bring their own chairs and blankets and with plenty of stuff happening beforehand, this show is about meeting the fans, with Crusty Demons mingling and meeting people around the grounds.” With a lot of gratitude for Australian fans, Bubba said, “We have so much love for them, they made us go to the next level and get us to come back year after year, it gives you a lot of gumption to create more”. Tickets will be available at the gate on the day with plenty of parking available.

Crusty Demons legend Bubba and one of the mammoth monster trucks set to tear up at Calder Park. (Joe Mastroianni) 322705_03

Alternatively, tickets can be pre purchased online at www.monstertrucks.net.au Don’t miss the action on Saturday, March

18 at Calder Park. Gates open at noon giving you plenty of time to enjoy the pre-show entertainment and pick out a great spot to

watch it all unfold. Holly McGuinness

GRAND FINAL MARCH 18TH

FMX LEGENDS SETH & BUBBA JET CARS

DEMO DERBY

STUNTS

12592795-AI11-23

CALDER PARK

DRIFT CARS

GET YOUR TICKETS AT MONSTERTRUCKS.NET.AU Tuesday, 14 March, 2023 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY 9

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Celebrating all women By Hannah Hammoud Equal access to healthcare was front of mind during the Northern Health Foundation’s International Women’s Day celebration on Wednesday, March 8. One hundred and forty-five Northern Health staff, board members and guests gathered at Mantra Epping for the celebration, with executive director Pina Di Donato addressing the crowd. “Northern Health is always working towards fixing the gaps in the care provided to women in our region. Equality isn’t a ‘nice to have’ – it’s a ‘must have’,” she said. Among those in attendance was Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas who reiterated the importance of access to high-quality healthcare for women and the Victorian state government’s commitment to delivering a comprehensive health package. “We’ve come a long way in women’s health, but there is more to do. That’s why we will deliver new women’s health clinics, more sexual and reproductive health hubs and double the number of endometriosis surgeries,” she said. Northern Health operations director Kathryn Bartho shared her personal cancer survival story, recounting her diagnosis in 2020 and the journey of receiving treatment at her own workplace. Ms Bartho acknowledged the care she received at Northern Health, and how she was able to receive chemotherapy in the comfort of her own home and was able to work from home throughout her treatment. “I think it’s important to acknowledge that, in a global comparison, my cancer experience is unique, and that not all women have what I have,” she said. “I’ve been very lucky to be surrounded by strong women all my life and encouraged to achieve, grow and learn at every opportunity.”

Attendees at the Northern Health Foundation International Women’s Day event.

Above: Northern Health acting chief executive Debra Bourne, Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas and Northern Health board director Dr Andrea Kattula. Right: Mary-Anne Thomas speaks to guests. (Pictures: Supplied)

Seven Sisters Park. (Supplied)

Light and fire celebration Whittlesea’s Aurora community will be hosting the Light and Fire Music Celebration on Friday, March 24. The event is available for all ages and will run from 4pm to 6pm at the Seven Sisters Park at Gem Parade, Wollert. The event is free and includes a range of exciting celebrations for families to enjoy. Lendlease, head of Victorian communities, Alicia Davidge, said Aurora Lendlease is excited to host the first ever Light and Fire Music Celebration which has been inspired by the First Nations story of the Seven Sisters. “Our new Seven Sisters Park is one of the many elements woven into our Aurora community to honour and reflect the rich heritage and culture of First Nation peoples,“ she said. “Our communities are designed to encourage families to gather and enjoy time together, particularly outdoors. “This has come from years of observing our diverse local community which has shown us that they love places where they can gather, stay and learn about our community.”

BACK IN STOCK - be quick!

Paddington Bear with boots, coat and suitcase Large plush toy 34cm

$89.

Paddington Bear with boots and jacket Medium plush toy 22cm

$39.00

All prices exclude delivery costs

Order now on aussietoysonline.com.au 12586305-FC03-23

10 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 14 March, 2023

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS

Councillors split on waste levy By Zoe Moffatt A decision on Hume council’s waste service charge has been pushed to the next council meeting after proposed methodology was overturned in a vote on Monday night. Hume council was split over a proposal to implement a waste service charge in the next financial year in its meeting on February 27. The proposed waste service charges include a flat-fee for kerbside waste and a capital improved value fee for public waste services. The proposal also includes a $50 rebate for pensioners, and veterans with a gold card. Jacksons Creek Ward councillor Jack

Medcraft said he was frustrated with the decision and the councillors who withdrew their support for the charge. “If we don’t have a waste charge, we’re going to have to cut back on essential services,” he said. “I’d thought we agreed on it, then bang bang.” Hume council is currently one of three councils out of 79 in Victoria that does not have a waste service charge. Cr Medcraft said this is costing the council $2 million. Aitken Ward councillor Carly Moore said she disagreed with the proposed methodology for calculating the service charge. “I take issue with the way the public waste

service fee is being calculated,” she said at the council meeting. “The proposal is based on the value of your property … it assumes that the value of your property translates to your capacity to pay.” “It doesn’t consider how big your mortgage might be or how many dependants you might have living in your home. “The service provided for public waste is also equal but we are proposing that the cost will not be, I don’t accept that this is fair.” Support for the proposal was voted by Cr Naim Kurt, Cr Karen Sherry, Cr Jarrod Bell, Cr Medcraft and mayor Joseph Haweil. While councillors who voted against the proposal

include Cr Chris Hollow, Cr Trevor Dance, Cr Jodi Jackson, Cr Sam Misho, Cr Moore and Cr Jim Overend. Cr Medcraft said he was frustrated councillors voted against the proposal but did not offer an amendment. “The frustrating thing was … if you’re going to knock it back you need to have an amendment, but no one did. That’s what frustrated me.” The proposal and possible amendments is set to be discussed at the next council meeting. Cr Medcraft said he is “hoping to see some common sense” at this meeting.

Student art on show Local students are set to showcase their art works at the ‘Train of Thought’ art exhibition featured at the Gee Lee-Wik Doleen Gallery in Craigieburn. Students from Hume Anglican Grammar, across year 7 to VCE, will have their art displayed at the Hume Global Learning Centre until Saturday, April 23. The exhibition celebrates work from students such as Hume Anglican Grammar’s 2022 visual Arts leader, Shraddha. “Art should not be perceived as singular collections of strokes that build a masterpiece, but as a practice and behavior of creativity and innovation that conceives into the world glorious and revolutionary ideas,” Shraddha said. Featuring works from 22 current and former students in the studies of art, media, and visual communication design, the exhibition has

collaborated across both the Donnybrook and Mt Ridley campuses. The artworks explore a range of themes including identity. culture, diversity, health, the environment and sustainability. Visual arts subject co-ordinator Sarah Lang said the school is extremely grateful to Hume council and Gee-Lee Wik Gallery for this opportunity. “Exhibiting at the Gee-Lee Wik gallery is a wonderful opportunity for our secondary art, media and visual communication students to exhibit in a professional gallery space and share their creative works with the local community,” she said. Hannah Hammoud Hume Anglican Grammar students attend their art exhibition.

YOUR NEW CAREER ... starts here PRINT AND ONLINE SALES EXECUTIVE

REQUIRED

Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic sales executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms. Star Weekly is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future. 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. 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: Advertising Sales Manager, Mandy Clark salescareers@starnewsgroup.com.au

12570945-JC40-22

Tuesday, 14 March, 2023 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY 11

BEHIND THE NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Women making it work their way International Women’s Day was marked on March 8. Fatima Halloum hears from women working in male-dominated industries.

hen Jennifer Horgan confided in her mother that she wanted to change careers, she was met with deep

concern. Ms Horgan had completed a law degree and was working as a court registrar, when she decided to make the switch. “I remember seeing the police bring in all their cases, and listening to the interesting work that they were doing, so I decided to join the police after seeing that,” she said. “[My mum] was very happy with my nice, safe job, it was a bit of a shock to [her] because I didn’t grow up wanting to be a police officer.” The young woman who graduated from the police academy in 2001, worked in the surveillance unit, and the prosecutions division, is now the station commander at Bacchus Marsh police station. “I’m at my happiest … I like being in charge of eight sergeants and 40 other ranks,” she said. “And being able to support them to do the front-line policing work that they do. “Community safety is my priority, I want people to feel like … if they come to the police with a problem, they will be heard.”

‘‘

We have to learn for ourselves that we can do things that we were told are - Edel Doyle not for us

’’

Ms Horgan said she would like to see a day when it isn’t remarkable that a woman is in charge of a police station. “I’d like it to be normal, not a big deal,” she said. “There are a lot of women in leadership roles in Victoria Police and we are more visible now, so I think that’s really positive.” While Ms Horgan never expected to become a police officer, she said 20 years on, she still loves her job. “Unfortunately we do spend time with people who have been having a really hard day,” she said. “But the flip side is that there is nothing better than driving past a little kid, waving at them, and just seeing their face light up.” THere’s about 3300 kilometres between Vanautu and Melbourne, and edel Doyle has sailed all of them. After moving from Dublin, Ireland, to Australia in 2013, Ms Doyle joined the Wyndham Yacht Club to learn to sail. “I love being on the water,” she said. “I am proactive … about getting more and more women involved cause we have to learn for ourselves that we can do things that we were told are not for us.” Ms Doyle said she often encounters men who aren’t even aware of the bias’ towards women that they carry. “Were expected to work in the galley or in the kitchen, we’re expected to work on the floor deck, cause you’re smaller and lighter usually than the men,” she said. “I navigate, because I don’t want to be on the floor deck you get wet up there, and it’s safer for everyone if I’m not cooking.” Ms Doyle spent six weeks sailing around the islands near Vanuatu, delivering school supplies like blackboard paint, chalk, and paper to remote islands. she and another companion sailed to Brisbane, and along the east coast back to Melbourne. “[Being on the ocean is] it’s amazing, it’s quiet, it’s calm, it’s peaceful just listening to the water, it’s mesmerising,” she said. It was through being a sailor that Ms Doyle heard about the Werribee Coast Guard a while out on the water doing rescues, Ms Doyle said she “doesn’t personally think” gender is ever an issue. “sometimes there’s a physical difference, 12 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 14 March, 2023

Senior Sergeant Jennifer Horgan. (Damjan Janevski) 321809_03

Left: Edel Doyle loves being on the water. (Supplied) Right: Safa Hablas runs her own gardening business. (Louise Beaumont)

where the men are stronger, [but] because we know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, you just do it and nobody and bats an eyelid,“ she said. In honour of International Women’s Day, the Werribee Coast Guard will lead an all women’s boat crew in March. “The people in that flotilla are just amazing,” she said. IT WAs using her father in-law’s trailer, her brother in-law’s lawn mower and her husband’s four-wheel-drive that safa Hablas brought her gardening business to life. The Tarneit resident said the years dragged on while working in the childcare industry, especially being cooped indoors as someone who enjoys being outside. “I just became really tired of it,” she said. “My husband is a police officer, so I had to

think of a business where I could work my own hours because my son didn’t want to go to childcare. “I took six months off to decide what I wanted to do and I thought, ‘what can I do?’.” Growing up, Ms Hablas spent lots of her time in the garden with her dad. “I know a lot about the garden, trees, grass and weeds,” she said. Ms Hablas said that although there isn’t a lot of women in the industry, her experience has been relatively good. “If I’m at a job site, [people aren’t] going to be looking at me first to get a job done, [but] don’t think a woman isn’t up to a job because of her gender, give them a go and see how it goes,” she said. “There’s never been a time, especially as a covered woman, where someone asks me what I do and I’ll be like ‘I’m a gardener’ and they’ll

be like, ‘oh I like gardening too,’. “Then I’ll say, ‘no, no, I’m a gardener’ and they’re like, ‘what, you?’, they freak out, and think that it’s awesome.” While it can be tiring, Ms Hablas said she loves her job. “It is an amazing feeling going into someone’s house, cleaning it all up, and then getting the client outside and saying ‘what do you think?’ and seeing their face, it’s just leaves you speechless,” she said. “Going from four years ago, and fast forwarding until now, I bought my first four wheel drive, with my own work trailer and all brand new gear that I owned debt free, just from a year of work. “The lawnmower I was borrowing I gave it back to my brother in law, the trailer I gave it back to my father in law, and the four wheel drive, I gave it back to my husband.”

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

COMMUNITY

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

Creative arts and fitness Banksia Gardens Community Services is running yoga and jewellery making classes every Tuesday. ■ 9309 8531

Craft and Conversation Craigieburn library is hosting a Wednesday weekly craft group from 1-3pm and everyone is welcome. Join the craft and conversation group and share your love of all things crafty. Bring your current project and make new friends. ■ humelibraries.vic.gov.au

Tai Chi for health Come along to Homestead Community and Learning Centre in Roxburgh Park for a lesson in tai chi, a low impact exercise program to build strength. Everyone is welcome. It’ll be held every Monday from 10.30-11.30am. ■ https://www.hume.vic.gov.au/Eventbrite/ Tai-Chi-for-Health-317365848797

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is Kidist Solomon Bekele who will host a vegetarian cooking workshop. (Damjan Janevski) 322382_01

Adult education Banksia Gardens Community Services is running adult education courses including an introduction to computers and brushing up on English skills. ■ 9309 8531

Senior citizens meet The Gladstone Park Senior Citizens Club regularly meets for games of bingo, carpet bowls and a chat over a cuppa, at the coroner of Carrick and Elmhurst drives, Gladstone Park. ■ Beulah, 0411 422 398

Homestead Walking Group Enjoy some fresh air, beautiful gardens and meet other locals. Volunteer leaders will meet at the Homestead Community and Learning Centre at 9.30am on Wednesday’s for a 30–45 minute walk. ■ https://www.hume.vic.gov.au/ Eventbrite/Homestead-WalkingGroup-493400784027

Women’s Only Swimming Women only swimming program provides a place where women can feel comfortable and relaxed while enjoying the benefits of the pools, spa, steam room and sauna. Sessions are held on Sundays. ■ https://www.hume.vic.gov.au/Eventbrite/ Womens-Only-Swimming-BroadmeadowsAquatic-and-Leisure-Centre

Community lunch in Roxburgh Park Join the Homestead Team, along with members of the community for a free lunch and make some new friends whilst you’re at it. Lunch will be prepared by the Turkish Women’s Association. The lunch will be held every Wednesday from 11.30am-1pm at Homestead Community and Learning Centre, 30 Whiltshire Road, Roxburgh Park. ■ www.hume.vic.gov.au/Eventbrite/ Roxburgh-Park-Homestead-Communityand-Learning-CentreWeekly-CommunityLunch-317411976767

Comedy Festival For one-night only, Town Hall Broadmeadows will play host to some of the biggest names in comedy, alongside illustrious festival favourites and some of the country’s best new talent. The session will take place on Saturday, March 18 from 8-10pm and tickets cost $29-35.

■ https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/ comedy-fests-neighbourhood-sessiontickets-534926578797

■ https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/ricottafestival-2023-tickets-522237164417

David Turnbull Memorial Bike Ride Whittlesea Community Festival The City of Whittlesea Community Festival is back in 2023 and will feature theatre, music, circus, dance, workshops and more! The festival returns on Sunday, March 19 from 11am-5pm at Civic Centre Lawns and Plenty Ranges Art & Convention Centre. ■ https://arts.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/ what-s-on/festivals-and-events/2023community-festival

Celebrate the immense contribution of the late former City of Whittlesea CEO David Turnbull OAM by taking part in the inaugural GIO David Turnbull Memorial Bike Ride on Sunday, March 26 from 10am-2pm. Tickets are $35 and the ride will start at the Whittlesea Community Centre, 57 Laurel Street, Whittlesea. ■ Bruce Manison, 0448 944 000

Bulla Garden Club Hume Harmony Week celebration The Hume Interfaith Network invites the Hume community to celebrate harmony through sport. This is a free community event. All ages and abilities are welcome. The event will be held on Saturday, April 1, at Arena Recreation Reserve, 175 James Mirams Drive, Roxburgh Park. ■ Celia Chang, celiach@hume.vic.gov.au

Whittlesea Monday Market Located at the Whittlesea Showgrounds and open from 8am to 1pm every Monday from March 20, the community run Whittlesea Monday Market is your destination for delicious food and great shopping that supports local farmers, craftspeople and stallholders. ■ https://www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/artsevents-recreation/things-to-see-and-do/ events/whittlesea-monday-market-20march/

Ricotta Festival 2023 Join us for an Italian Sunday Festa, celebrating all things ricotta on Sunday, March 26. The Festival runs from 10.00am-4pm at That’s Amore Cheese 66 Latitude Boulevard, Thomastown. Tickets for early bird general admission are $8 (until 28 February), general admission: $10 (from 1 March), free entry for kids under 12 years

The Bulla Garden Club is meeting on Monday, March 20, at 10am at the Old Shire Offices. Go along and join a small group of happy gardeners. 10am at the corner of Green Street and Bulla Road, Bulla. ■ Heather, 0417 510 558

Music and singalong Bring your instrument or your voice to a social group for adults. Songs with lyrics and chords can be viewed on the big screen, all skill sets welcome. Wednesdays, 9am-noon, at Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury. ■ www.sunburyhouse.com.au

Repair Café Sunbury The Repair Cafe Sunbury is back for 2023. Head along for a cuppa and some skill sharing on how to repair broken household items, preventing landfill and promoting kindness. Starting Saturday, March 18, the cafe will run every third Saturday of the month. 10am to 12.30pm at the Sunbury Neighbourhood House. 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury.

Local camera club Are you into photography, just starting out or fully fledged professional? The Macedon Ranges Photographic Society is your local camera club for friendship, photographic outings, workshops, guest presenters,

competitions and more. Come along to a meeting on the first Tuesday of the month, followed by the next Monday. Doors open at 7pm, meeting starts at 7.30pm. Dromkeen 1012 Kilmore Road, Riddells Creek. ■ www.macedon-ranges-photography.org.au

Breast cancer support group On the first and third Tuesday of the month breast cancer survivors are invited to head along to the Gisborne Golf Club at 10.30am to take part in a breast cancer support group. There they discuss experiences, find connections and improve mental health. ■ Lesley, 0484 691 226

Village connect A new service for older people and carers provided by Macedon Ranges council for residents over 55 years old to stay socially connected, chat with others in the community and enjoy some free coffee and cake. Happening on Tuesdays and Thursday at cafes across the municipality, there’s sure to be one near you. ■ https://bit.ly/3AMUrxm, or 5422 0262

Arts and games night Get creative at the Sunbury Youth Centre as part of an art and games night each Wednesday at the Sunbury Youth Centre, 3.30- 5.30pm. There’s a range of arts and crafts to try, and if art isn’t your thing, there’s a wide variety of games. The program is for people aged 12 to 18 years old and is free. It’s at 51-53 Evans Street, Sunbury.

Carer connect chat Are you caring for someone close to you? Go and connect with other carers in your local area, share a light lunch, have a chat at noon on the first Wednesday of the month. Head to Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health, 1 Caroline Chisholm Drive, Kyneton. ■ 0491 174 550, or rebecca.lees@scchc.org.au Tuesday, 14 March, 2023 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY 13

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

easy

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

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

QUICK CROSSWORD US intelligence agency (1,1,1) Exercises (10) Gauge (7) Winning streak (2,1,4) Elusively (9) Simple (4) Online metropolitan guide (10) Common dog name (4) Subtle emanation (4) Involving an affair (10) Leave out (4) Reflects upon (9) Pensioner (7) Japanese warrior (7) Chutzpah (10) Prompt (3)

17 19 20 23 25 27 28 29 30

3 2 4 8 1 4 8 9

6 7 8 9 14 16 18 21 22 24 25 26

DOWN Of trade (10) Fine white stone used for statues and vases (9) City in Ohio, US (9)

1 2 4

medium

Substance in the tusk of an elephant (5) Representations (6) False gods (5) Old sailor (coll) (4) Obligations (6) Desiring ownership (10) Settler (9) Exercises involving muscular contraction (9) Conundrum (6) Form of sound reproduction (6) Theme (5) Summit (5) Tall plant (4)

ACROSS 1 3 10 11 12 13 15

No. 124

DECODER

No. 124

5 1 6 7 2 5 2 8 7 9 3

6 4 5 6

2 hard

7 3

3 4 9 1

7 2 3 5 1

10 11 12 13

Today’s Aim: 11 words: Good 17 words: Very good

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

O U S

R O S S A D E N Z O N E

14 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 14 March, 2023

No. 124

O R E R

AGENT ALIBI ALLAH ALLOT ATONE BALLS BASTE BESET CABLE CANOE CARTS CHANT EERIE ERRED FALLS GROWL HURTS LEAVE LLAMA LOVES LOWED LYRES

4 LETTERS ALES BALD BASS BATS FEED HISS HOPE MEAN PASS PEON SASH SAVE SCUM SOON 5 LETTERS ABOVE AGAIN

NOVEL OBOES OCTAL OPALS POETS PRONG PROWL RATES RESET RESIN SANER SEARS SEEDS SHEDS SHOVE SKITE SPICY STEWS STINK SWISH THOSE TREAD

ULTRA VENTS WHERE YEARN 6 LETTERS BEHALF ENTREE REIGNS STEREO

7 LETTERS EYESORE HOLSTER INTERNS NONSTOP OYSTERS PONTOON 8 LETTERS CORRODES ENTWINES SCRATCHY SMOOTHER

17-03-23

anti, arrant, atria, gait, giant, girt, gnat, grant, gratin, grit, intra, NARRATING, rant, ranting, rata, rating, taiga, tang, tarn, tarring, tiara, train, trig

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

C L O

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

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

No. 124

6 & 5 $ 7 & + <

S E

O A

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

23 words: Excellent

hard

medium

easy

4 9

3 LETTERS ALE ARE ASH ATE BED BOA EBB EGG ELK END FBI GOO LIE MEW PAL ROE ROT RPM RYE SKY TNT VIA YEN YOU

DQ X B CWN U F T Y L G

5 3 8 1 5

V A I K S Z OMH P R E J

6 3 7

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

5x5

WORDFIT

QUICK QUIZ

Who (pictured) provided the voice of Tiana in the 2009 Disney film The Princess and the Frog?

During daylight saving time, how many hours behind Canberra is Perth?

What is ethology?

What is the men’s equivalent of the women’s Fed Cup in tennis?

Touareg tea, a type of mint tea, originates in which part of the world?

The Benelux is a union of which three countries?

To which religion does the set of ideas and practices known as dianetics belong?

Name Pink Floyd’s eighth studio album released in 1973.

What does VOIP stand for?

10 What is the name of the German loaf-shaped fruitcake powdered with icing sugar? ANSWERS 1. Anika Noni Rose 2. Three hours 3. The study of the behaviour of animals in relation to their normal environments 4. Davis Cup 5. Northern Africa 6. Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg 7. Scientology 8. The Dark Side of the Moon 9. Voice over Internet Protocol 10. Stollen

No. 124

& $ 5 7 6 6 $ 1 ( 5 6 ( $ 5 6 $ * ( 1 7 $ 7 2 1 ( $ / / $ + % $ 6 7 ( 9 ( 1 7 6 6 . , 7 ( / , ( 5 < ( 6 : , 6 + % ( ' ( 1 7 5 ( ( 6 7 , 1 . + , 6 6 3 2 1 7 2 2 1 < 2 8 6 & 8 0 + 2 3 ( 3 5 2: / 3 ( 2 1 6 & 5 $ 7 & + < 3 $ / + 2 / 6 7 ( 5 , 1 7 ( 5 1 6 & 2 5 5 2 ' ( 6 % $ 7 6 $ 5 ( < ( $ 5 1 0 ( $ 1 $ / ( 6 ( * * 2 < 6 7 ( 5 6 % $ / ' 2 % 2 ( 6 % ( + $ / ) $ / ( 3 2 ( 7 6 ) % , % 2 $ / / $ 0 $ 6 + 2 9 ( * 5 2: / ( ( 5 , ( 1 2 9 ( / / 2 9 ( 6 7 5 ( $ ' 6 ( ( ' 6 6 7 ( : 6

SUDOKU

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

SECTION

networkclassifieds.com.au

V Deadline

V Television/Video/Audio

V Massage Therapists

ANTENNA MAN

Placing your classified advert is so easy... Online: networkclassifieds.com.au (24/7) Phone: 1300 666 808 (Open 8.30-5pm Mon-Fri) Email: sales@networkclassifieds.com.au

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

Find it in the

We accept payment by: VISA/MASTERCARD/EFTPOS

Professional Services

DIGITAL ANTENNAS AMPLIFIERS TV OUTLETS

0409 888 228 12469374-CG46-20

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

section of Network Classiﬁeds.

12423634-SN31-19

HIGHLY EXPERIENCED TECHNICIANS ANTENNA SERVICE ALL AREAS

V Tiling

Motoring

• Bathroom, Kitchen, Toilet Renovation • Small Extension • Carpentry / Plastering • 20yrs. Plus Building Experience ** call Hill now for a free quote **

Tel 0427 963 906

12587929-FC05-23

Deadline for all classiﬁcations is 3:00pm Friday.

12435711-SG04-20

ASAP.E TILING

V Car/Truck Rentals

Employment

V Guttering

section of Network Classiﬁeds.

GUTTER CLEANING

฀

฀ ฀

฀

฀ ฀

฀

1232632-ACM26-16

฀

฀ ฀

FREE QUOTES ★ New & Existing ★ 0421 421 640 Homes

LOCAL DRAIN CLEARING • Blocked Drain & Emergency Plumber • Drains Reline

0423 288 893

12543772-HC15-22

V Plumbing

Lic 49728

V Reblocking/Underpinning

ALL AROUND REBLOCKING & UNDERPINNING 977914

ABN 44 021 708 152 Tel: 9309 2351 CDB-L 60362

David: 0425 811 882 Ash: 0403 619 333

Free Quote All Suburbs Insurance Elevation

17 Years Guarantee 10% Pensioner Discount Council Permit Supplied Computer Levelling

12532110-SG03-22

177646

V Public Notices and Event

www.crowncabs.com.au Bookings: 1300 12 13 14

0434 666 040

RJ GUTTERS ฀

Download the Crown Cabs app for your next ride

General Notices

1. The scope of the proposal consists of: r The installation of nine (9) new 4G & 5G panel antenna on a new headframe on existing telstra tower r The installation of six (6) Remote Radio Units (RRU’s) r The installation of four (4) bay Outdoor Units r The installation of ancillary equipment such as cable trays, feeders, cabling and other associated equipment necessary for the proper function of the facility 2. Optus regards the proposed installation as a Low-impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”) based on the description above. 3. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to Ventia. Name: David Hodgkinson, Town Planner Phone: 0437015282 Email: community.consultation@ventia.com Web: www.rfnsa.com.au/3074007 Address: Ventia Pty Ltd, 9/137-145 Rooks Road, Nunawading, VIC, 3131 Submission due by COB on Wed 5th April 2023

ADVERTISE with us and get better results CALL 1300 666 808

Hoist Mechanic or Gear Box Builder required for busy work shop in Thomastown area. Family run business, good working conditions.

Contact Kevin or Peter

9462 2077 Craigieburn Secondary College is looking for teachers for the 2023 school year. Full and part time work is available in the following method areas: English • Humanities • Maths Science • Vocational and applied learning

V Caravans & Trailers

Please contact Gina McDiarmid if you would like further information on 9308 1144 Website: Craigieburn Secondary College - Home (craigieburnsc.vic.edu.au)

CRAIGIEBURN SECONDARY COLLEGE

TRAILER Steel 6' x 4' Lights/Jockey wheel,clean. Roxburgh Park. $600. Phone 8339 2900

Find it in the

Buy, Rent & Sell in our

Real Estate section of Network Classiﬁeds.

Celebrations

section of Network Classiﬁeds.

Employment

PROPOSAL TO INSTALL A NEW MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AND 5G ON AN EXISTING FACILITY AT 39-49 LONGVIEW CT, THOMASTOWN VIC 3074.

V Positions Vacant

Director of Clinical Services Yea & District Memorial Hospital Yea & District Memorial Hospital (YDMH) operates as a highly integrated small rural health service providing acute, residential aged care and community health services, to people of all ages from the Yea & surrounding western Murrindindi district communities. This role will offer the successful applicant both a career challenge and an enviable rural lifestyle in one of Victoria’s most welcoming towns. 12592779-JC11-23

12589138-JC06-23

• We Take The Mess • All Downpipes Cleared • Before & After Photos • Fully Insured www.spoutsuckers.com.au

HOIST MECHANIC OR GEAR BOX BUILDER

Applicants must have a current VIT registration

12584197-JC51-22

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

V Positions Vacant

V Pets & Services

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

SAME DAY SERVICE

(include your name, address and phone number)

CALL FOR A QUOTE

Employment

General Classiﬁeds

12587472-KJ05-23

Trades & Services

As a key member of YDMH’s executive team, the Director of Clinical Services (DCS) role is central to the delivery of safe, high quality care to our community and the achievement of key strategic and operational objectives. The DCS position holds accountability for clinical leadership and proactive engagement of the clinical staff on behalf of the Hospital. Reporting to the Chief Executive Ofﬁcer and working alongside the General Manager Support Services and the Director of Performance Improvement, the position is critical to promotion of an organisational culture of clinical excellence, service quality and patient safety. To be considered for this role, you will hold current registration as a Registered Nurse with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency and have Postgraduate qualiﬁcation in health, business or management. You will have extensive experience in a senior management position in healthcare with demonstrated success in nursing leadership; as well as proven ability to align teams with the organisational values and goals through effective people management and modelling. If you have the background and skills for this exciting role then we would like to hear from you. For more information please visit our website at: www.hrsa.com.au or contact Jo Lowday on: 0400 158 155. To make an application you will be required to submit: a Cover Letter incorporating a response to the Key Selection Criteria, your full CV and a completed HRS Application Form available on the HRS web site. Applications can be made online or sent by email to: hrsa@hrsa.com.au This is an open vacancy with no closing date. Suitable candidates will be considered and interviewed as applications are received. 12593387-JC11-23

Tuesday, 14 March, 2023 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY 15

COMMENT STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Big future for tiny golden chick

12544962-AV15-22

An adorable, critically endangered chick is taking its first wobbly steps at Werribee Open Range Zoo, marking a significant milestone in threatened species conservation. The newly hatched plains-wanderer chick, affectionately referred to by the zoo’s threatened species keepers as a “pompom on stilts”, weighs just five grams at hatching and is one of the rarest birds in the world with only 1000 remaining in the wild. Werribee Open Range Zoo natives life sciences manager Yvette Pauligk said the golden-spotted chick with exceptionally long legs is thriving in the zoo’s conservation space while being closely observed by threatened species keepers working to save the species from extinction. “The chick is progressing really well and is absolutely beautiful, it looks like a pom-pom on stilts as their legs are already adult-size when they’re born,” Ms Pauligk said. “This little one is extremely valuable to the plains-wanderer breeding program and is a candidate to be released into the wild in the future.” In evolutionary terms, plains-wanderers are genetically distinct from any other species on the planet and are the last family on their evolutionary line. Werribee Open Range Zoo has successfully bred a total of 38 plains-wanderers since the zoo’s threatened species centre opened in 2017. While plains-wanderers are typically born in clutches of four or five eggs, this miracle-chick

16 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 14 March, 2023

Six-day-old plain-wanderers chick. (Werribee Open Range Zoo)

is the only one that hatched in January. Ms Pauligk said threatened species conservation work is an ever-evolving field and the team is taking the opportunity to learn from the new chick.

“Things don’t always go to plan in threatened species conservation and there’s still so much we’re learning about this quirky bird species. This chick is so precious precisely because it helps us to better understand how best to breed

plains-wanderers,“ she said. The fluffy Australian-native chick is growing more independent each day and beginning to move away from its father who is tasked with protecting his offspring in their first few weeks of life. “The dad’s responsibility is to keep that little chick warm for the first three weeks, but now the chick is starting to become more confident and explore on its own, which are positive behaviours that we’re thrilled to see,” Ms Pauligk said. The plains-wanderer was once widespread throughout the grasslands of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. Habitat destruction, impacts from over grazing, introduced predators, and extreme weather events resulted in the species’ population plummeting 85 per cent during the past 20 years, driving them to the brink of extinction. Today, they live in two remaining strongholds in Victoria’s Northern Plains and the New South Wales Riverina. Ms Pauligk said Werribee Open Range Zoo’s breeding programs and wild release trials are two of many important conservation techniques helping to re-establish a self-sufficient and thriving wild plains-wanderer population. “It’s essential that we and other organisations around Australia breed these birds to have an insurance population in case something happens in the wild, such as the recent floods we had in Victoria. But it’s also important that we do have a healthy population of birds that we can release into the wild when those conditions are right,“ Ms Pauligk said. The plains-wanderer is one of 27 Australian priority threatened species that Zoos Victoria is committed to saving from extinction. Every visit to Werribee Open Range Zoo contributes to this fighting extinction work.

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

MOTOR

The latest Forester SUV has not wandered far from the well-worn wagon trail. (Pictures: Supplied)

Forester follows well worn trail By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring The Subaru Forester came to life in1997 as a bare-bones, no-nonsense cross-over vehicle ready to take on the likes of the Toyota RAV4 and Suzuki Grand Vitara. Using the Impreza platform, but built in the style of a station wagon, with a taller stance, higher hip-point seating and all-wheel drive, over the years it has gained in size, sophistication and popularity, becoming a top seller. Indeed, Subaru recently celebrated 300,000 Forester sales in Australia. A late addition to the small SUV segment a quarter of a century ago, the Forester, along the way, has boasted some of the Japanese automobile manufacturer’s most advanced driving aids and safety systems. It still does. The subject of some minor design upgrades in 2022, the MY23 range opens at $37,890, plus on-road costs for the 2.5i petrol and peaks with the Hybrid S at $49,340. Price increases range from $1900 to $2150, which Subaru Australia claims are due to production and logistic costs. The MY23 model stays much the same except for minor specification changes, with the high-spec Forester 2.5i Sport, 2.5i-S (the test vehicle) and Hybrid S all getting an auto-dimming rear-view mirror as standard. The outgoing Dark Blue Pearl exterior paint option has been replaced by Sapphire Blue Pearl. All Forester variants now include Lane Centring Function, Lane Departure Prevention and Autonomous Emergency Steering, designed to avoid frontal collisions, lane drifting and low speed impacts. It can ‘lock on’ to vehicles directly in front and, when used together with Adaptive Cruise Control, can slow, stop and accelerate to maintain a safe driving distance. It also recognises pedestrians, motorcycles and cyclists within its field of vision. Depending on conditions, the Pre-Collision Braking System can help to minimise impact and damage. If the speed is less than 30 km/h, the car can be brought to a complete stop before impact. Then there’s the Driver Monitoring System that uses a camera to monitor the driver for signs of fatigue or distraction and warns them

AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE Forester 2.5i: $37,890 Forester 2.5i-L: $40,290 Forester 2.5i Premium: $43,090

if it detects that the driver is not focused or keeping eyes on the road ahead. It also features advanced temperature adjustment, allowing the driver to have complete control of the temperature through simple hand gestures.

Interior The Forester is a spacious five-seater with the 2.5i-S perches clad in quality leather upholstery. Seating height and a good expanse of glass all round make for good visibility. Twin cup holders are centred between driver and front seat passenger. A large comfortable armrest is home to a storage area with USB ports. Door pockets are generous.

Infotainment The MY23 model has maintained a full house of information displaying fixtures and fittings of former Foresters. With three sets of screens, it does veer on the side of overcapitalisation. Main centre of infotainment focuses on a centre-dash mounted 8-inch screen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, integrated satellite navigation, and AM / FM / DAB+ radio, the last from an eight-speaker harman / kardon sound system.

Engines / transmissions The MY23 non-hybrid models are powered by the same naturally aspirated 2.5-litre horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine putting out 136 kW peak power and 239 Nm of torque.

Mated with a continuously variable automatic transmission, power is distributed permanently through all four wheels.

Forester Hybrid L: $43,290

Safety

Forester Hybrid S: $49,340

ANCAP awarded the Subaru Forester a five-star safety score in 2019, with the latest list of standard safety equipment on all models including autonomous emergency braking and steering, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane centring and adaptive cruise control. As mentioned above, all but the base 2.5i come standard with a facial recognition camera to detect driver drowsiness or distraction, as well as rear autonomous emergency braking.

SPECIFICATIONS

Driving Fire up the engine and the cabin is filled with the signature sound of the 2.5 Subaru horizontally opposed unit – some might find it intrusive – Boxer fans not so. There’s no mistaking the note through the whole rev range, with responsive action to the accelerator pedal. All Foresters run on 91RON regular unleaded fuel, with non-hybrid combined consumption of 7.4 litres per 100 kilometres. The test car recorded 11.9 litres per 100 kilometres in the daily city commute and 6.1 litres per 100 kilometres when cut free on the open road. All-wheel drive has the Forester steady and reliable on bitumen business, while ventilated discs all round maintain a high level of

Forester 2.5i Sport: $44,840 Forester 2.5i-S: $46,340

Subaru Forester 2.5i-S 4-cylinder petrol, CVT automatic, AWD SUV

Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Subaru dealer for drive-away prices.

efficiency when called on in spirited driving. Off road going can be tamed by X-Mode, a system that has two modes – Snow / Dirt and Deep Snow / Mud – each yielding improved grip and traction in low-speed and slippery conditions, and gear selection to suit the terrain. The 220 mm of ground clearance puts the Forester up with more hardened 4x4s, tackling low-range off-roading without worries for driver or passengers. Braked towing is rated at 1800 kg.

Summary Subaru Australia claims 97 per cent of Foresters sold in the past 10 years are still on the road today, so that says a lot about the pedigree of the vehicle. The addition of hybrid technology, plus the promise of turbo power, are bound to keep Forester to the forefront of responsible driving. Tuesday, 14 March, 2023 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY 17

SPORT STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Ranges ready to rebound after tough few years Whittlesea Ranges are hoping this is the start of something new in the FV state league 1 north-west competition. It’s been a tough few seasons, which has seen the club drop down from the National Premier League into the state league. New coach Safi Ayoush said the club was keen to turn things around not only on field, but also off field. “We want to be fighting for promotion,” he said. “We’re putting in the hard work and want to do something this year. “There’s an opportunity for a lot of boys who were waiting for the older players to retire, to get their opportunities. “The most important thing though is bringing back the culture to the club.” Early signs have been good for the Ranges with 300-400 people turning up for their Australia Cup match. Ayoush said they had 40-50 kids singing the song with them after the game which was really exciting.

“The last three to four years we’ve been struggling and we’ve been changing coaches,” he said. “We wanted to try and start the year positive and seeing these young kids getting to the seniors is exciting. “They are looking up to them and they will be the senior players of the future.” Ayoush said they had kept 70 per cent of last season’s list. He said they wanted to build a squad for the long term with the young group of players that they have. “We’re working on strategy not just to win games, but for the long term,” he said. “Most of our players are under 22. Our oldest is 25-26 and that is our captain Dylan Bresolin. “We wanted to be able to play our own players. We got some young boys from outside the NPL and we’ve given the opportunity to four visa players, who are young as well. “The team is looking good.”

The Ranges had their first official match in the third round of the Australia Cup. The Ranges put out a strong performance, beating Endeavour United 9-0. Sedat Abdullah scored five goals in the win. Ayoush said the most pleasing thing about the result was how the side went about it. He said they played some good team football for 90 minutes. Sixteen-year-old Stefano Giusti had his senior debut for the side, in good signs for the future. Ayoush said they were aiming high in both the state league and Australia Cup competitions. “Anything is possible when you work together.” Tara Murray Whittlesea Ranges first Australia Cup match. (Supplied)

Demons add experience

18 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 14 March, 2023

Weekend sport Due to Monday’s public holiday, this publication is on early deadlines and went to print before the weekend. This means no weekend sport was able to be covered in this edition. For all the latest cricket and bowls finals news, head to our website, www.starweekly. com.au.

By Tara Murray Mernda has added some more experience as it aims to close the gap in the Northern Football League division 3. After finishing sixth last season with a very young list, the Demons were competitive for large chunks of the season without getting the results. Coach Robert Fletcher said they had achieved what they wanted to in the off season. “We lost a couple of players, but we picked up seven or eight players, which has been really good,” he said. “We got some older blokes. We had a very young side and we added some more experience. We targeted four or five players who we ended up getting, which was really good.” Many of those new faces are familiar to Fletcher from his time in the Essendon District Football League. Billy Morrison and Shannon Bennett were both premiership players at Craigieburn and Jacana when Fletcher was involved. Morrison, a club best and fairest winner, won two best on ground medals. Bennett has most recently been playing with Tullamarine. Michael Evans, who played at Jacana with both players, returns to the Demons after having a season off. Mathew Siciliano and Joshua Young, who have put in clearances, are others to have played with either or both Jacana or Craigieburn. The Demons will be boosted by the return of Daniel Smith, who played just one game last year due to a knee injury. Fletcher said he was flying on the track. Former captain Josh Delaney has put in a clearance and appears to be on the move. Fletcher said they hoped with a bit more depth it would make a difference on the scoreboard. “We were in a lot of games, but we couldn’t get across the line,” he said. “We had a lot of games where we were in front at three quarter time or within a couple of kicks and we didn’t win many of those games. “We feel like we’re better placed to run out games and get a few more wins on the board.” Fletcher said finals was the aim again this year, with the side having not played them for a few years. The club will play three practice matches in the lead up to the start of the season. Fletcher said the third of them will be really special. The Demons will play Epping in their annual Patrick Chow Cup, which is more special than in previous years. Elsewhere in the club, Fletcher said things were tracking well. “Our twos were beaten in the grand final last year and we’ve added a few more players,” he said.

Sports shorts

EDFL Good Friday football will return to the Essendon District Football League women’s competition this year. The league released the fixture for the three women’s divisions last week, with the league having the same amount of women’s teams as last season. Strathmore earned promotion to the top flight after winning last season’s division 1 grand final. Burnside Heights has been relegated to division 1. Tullamarine is the other new team in that division, after winning the division 2 premiership. Moonee Valley 2 has dropped down to division 2. Division 2 will be a seven team competition.

VFL Former Essendon rookie Tom Wallis is back at the Bombers having signed for this year’s Victorian Football League season. Wallis, the son of two-time premiership player Dean Wallis, returns to the club having moved back from Western Australia. Former Western Bulldogs defender Brad Lynch has also signed with the side after training with the Bombers AFL side while trialling during the supplemental selection period.

AFLW Essendon has signed North Melbourne defender Brooke Brown during the AFLW’s priority signing period. Brown, who played 24 games for the Kangaroos, is a former basketballer, touch rugby players and track and field athlete. AFLW list and recruiting manager Georgia Harvey said Brown is a rebounding defender who has great game sense and athletic ability, which will make her a key asset for them and their defensive structure.

FOR MORE SPORT, VISIT Billy Morrison has joined Mernda. (Joe Mastroianni) 289080_10

“The 19s are looking pretty good number wise and the women’s side that made the grand final are looking like they’ll go alright.

“We’re on the right track.” The Demons start their season on April 15 against Old Eltham Collegians.

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

Drinkwell stands aside By Tara Murray Laurimar is seeking a new head coach with premiership winning coach Adam Drinkwell standing down from the Diamond Valley Cricket Association club. Drinkwell was the Power’s head coach the last two seasons, leading the club to a Mash Shield premiership in 2021-22, after the club had previously gone so close. “The Laurimar Cricket Club is incredibly grateful to Adam for all the time and effort that he has put in over the past two seasons that included the first XI winning Mash Shield in season 2021-22 and getting promoted to Money Shield this season,” the club said on social media. “Third XI and sixth XI premierships in season 2021-22 in season 2021-22 with fingers crossed for some more senior grade premierships next month, and also the introduction of the Laurimar Junior Academy which has seen a large number of junior cricketers improve their cricket and also start their senior cricket journey. “On behalf of the committee and all players we would like to thank Adam for his huge contribution to the club and hope to see him in the black and teal as a player for season 2023-24.” The Power’s first XI finished its season last Saturday in a one-dayer against Plenty. Lower Plenty made 7-212 before Laurimar was restricted to 8-109. The Power finished ninth, meaning they will stay up in the Money Shield for at least another season having avoided relegation. The club has advertised the role, saying it is open to playing or non-playing coaches.

Adam Drinkwell. (Supplied)

Exiciting talent on the Cannons’ list The Calder Cannons have a spread of talent across the ages for the Coates Talent League girl’s season. The Cannons released their list ahead of their season kicking off on April 1, with a mix of 16, 17 and 18-year-olds. There are also two 19-year-olds on the list. Cannons coach Ross Smith said it was good to see some familiar faces back on the list along with some new ones. “The 16s get better and better every year with more girls playing Australian rules,” he said. ”We’ve got some new girls in the 17s and a few in the 18 bracket. It’s always nice to see girls who have been in the system and missed out and come back. “There’s a couple of fresh faces across the board.” Smith, who coached both the boys and girls teams the last couple of seasons, said it was more enjoyable focusing on just one program. “I haven’t done either job justice the last couple of years,” he said. “We had one coach doing the two under-18s, two under-16s and metro, it was diluting everything.” The Cannons future’s side had three matches in the coming weeks, before their season is done. The futures players will train all season, with some to get opportunities in the under-18 throughout the season. Smith said they had some high expectations on some of the girls in this season’s squad. The Cannons have two players in the initial Vic Metro squad in Amy Gaylor and Kylah Forbes. Smith said Gaylor is a phenomenal inside mid who has developed her outside game and is really professional. Forbe, who is still 17, has an enormous kick. Kayley Kavanagh, who comes from a basketball background, is another player to

Amy Gaylor (second from right) is one of watch this season for the Calder Cannons. (AFL Photos/ Morgan Hancock)

watch according to Smith. Sarah Grunden has come back to the Cannons after stepping away after doing the pre-season last year. Amy Trindale, Ava Gerada, Maddison Albrecht, Stephanie Mitchell are others of the 17-years-old, who have showed a lot. Smith said they had a couple of really good 16-year-olds, who are in their best under-18 teams. Chloe Baker-West had a really strong under-16 Vic Metro carnival last year, while Jade McClay is another to watch. The Coates Talent League season kicks off on March 18. The Cannons first match though isn’t until April 1 against the Sandringham Dragons. The Cannons boys side starts their season on March 26 against the Gold Coast Suns.

Meanwhile, the Northern Knights have also revealed their squad for this year. Whilttlesea’s Zane Anderson, Matthew Ryan and Aleksandr D’Arro, Bundoora’s Nate Caddy and Christian Mardini, South Morang’s Davin Cameron and Adam De Propertis, Epping’s Jude Georgievski, and Yarrambat’s Levi McCormack have been named in the boys squad. Laurimar’s Mia Caruso, and Ashley Fitzpatrick, Yarrambat’s Matilda Fitzgerald, Mernda’s Tianah Te’o and Whittlesea’s Emily Wunderlich were named in the girls squad. The Knights boys start their season on March 25 against the Greater Western Giants, while the girls start their season on April 1 against the Murray Bushrangers.

Big boost for City Broncos Hume City Broncos have looked to strengthen its squad with a couple of big signings for the Big V state championship men’s season. After making finals last season, the Broncos have added two more imports to the side, joining Chris Elder, who returns from last season. Coach Matt Foster said they were hoping that it would be a good season for them. “It came along quickly,” he said. “We’re looking good with a couple of new players. “We only had one import last season, so two big ins should be massive for us. “Anthony Dell’Orso grew into a key player and carried part of the load. The calibre of these guys once they settle in and gel, gives us another option. “It’s pretty exciting with some new teams coming up into the division and a few teams stocking up and adding some good players. Troyce Manassa makes the cross from fellow state championship side Western Port Steelers. Chris Kaba has played for a number of Big V clubs including Whittlesea, Knox, Keilor and Sherbrooke. Foster said they had looked to bring in imports that had Big V experience, with many players taking time to adjust to the competition and umpiring in Australia. As well as imports, the Broncos have added some Broncos juniors to the squad. Elijah-Taye Saifale and Hayden Mcintosh, who both played games last season, have come into the squad full time. Foster said this season they had a bit more depth in the squad and would have a bit more of an experienced side with a few younger players surrounding them. One big out for the side is Dell’Orso, who is in America playing college. Foster said what Dell’Orso did last season was quite phenomenal. The Broncos start their season on Saturday against Keysborough Cougars. Foster said they were confident of having another strong season. “We want to get into finals and from there, anything can happen at that time of year with health and injuries,” he said. “We hope to be in finals contention having added two big pieces. It’ll take a little bit of time to gel at the start but hopefully towards the end of the year we will be in contention.” The Broncos women’s side starts their season against Wyndham on March 18. In division 1 women’s, Craigieburn Eagles will face Altona Gators. In division 2 men’s Craigieburn will start their season on March 19 against Sherbrooke, while the Whittlesea Pacers start their season against Surf Coast. Tara Murray

Chris Elder has returned this season. (Supplied)

Tara Murray Tuesday, 14 March, 2023 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY 19

NORTHERN SUBURBS

INSPECT NEW DESIGN

Escape To Your New Life

Vibrant, social and secure environment

Be one of the first to preview our latest design

Luxury Living for Over 55s melbavale.com.au

Resort style facilities & onsite management Free standing quality homes

NEW HOMES FROM $474,000 NO STAMP DUTY FINAL STAGE RELEASE

RSE TWO COU TARY N E M I L P COM

n o e h c n lu

Tour our Country Club and homes for sale Meet our residents and receive latest updates Friday March 24th at 12pm LIMITED PLACES RSVP ESSENTIAL BY 22/03/2023 melbavale.com.au or Contact Gregory Nicholls 0488 908 501

Talk to Gregory Nicholls Melba Vale Country Club Manager 1390 Pascoe Vale Rd, Coolaroo 0488 908 501 Sole agents for Country Club Living

FREECALL 1800 503 225 12584901-KG09-23