JANUARY 29, 2019 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
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Whittlesea fights on By Laura Michell For many in the Whittlesea community, February 2009 will never be forgotten. The devastating fires on February, 7, 2009 – now known as Black Saturday – caused catastrophic destruction and claimed the lives of many people across the region. But the fires also sparked a remarkable community response and desire to lend a hand that is still evident today. The fire which threatened Whittlesea started in Kilmore. It spread across the Great Dividing Range, reaching Humevale, before a wind change forced the fire front away from the township. People living on the edge of town spent the day preparing to defend their properties from the fire which appeared to be heading straight for them.
‘‘
People who live on the edge of town, wouldn’t stay - Ivan Peterson again
’’
Larry Challis and Ivan Peterson were at the centre of the fire relief effort. (Shawn Smits)
lunch has morphed into a weekly brunch for the town’s men. A memorial was established at the corner of Coombs, Yea and Humevale roads in Kinglake West, honouring the 12 people who lost their lives in the area, with another memorial created at Toorourrong Reservoir Park, honouring 35
people with strong connections to Whittlesea who died in the fires. Mr Challis said some in the community were still distressed by the fires. “It is quite raw for people, particularly if they lost a family member,” he said. A remembrance service will be held at
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the garden on February 7 at 6.45pm. There will also be a community gathering at Toorourrong Reservoir Park on Saturday, February 9 at 9am and art created by the community in response to the fires will be exhibited at the council offices in South Morang throughout February.
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Among them was Ivan Peterson who said the events of February 7, 2009 changed the way he – and many others in the community – thought about fires. “We weren’t as aware as we are now … people who live on the edge of town, like me, wouldn’t stay again,” he said. With the fire moving away from the town, Whittlesea residents quickly turned their attention to lending a hand. Among those were Mr Peterson and Larry Challis. The pair recall that in the days following the fires, the relief effort overtook every community building in town as donations came flooding in. The Whittlesea post office was filled with donations that were posted to the area, while local police reported queues back to Donnybrook Road of people wanting to donate items. Mr Challis said many in the community did whatever they could to help out, whether it be listening to people who needed to share their story, handing out clothes, or arranging for cars to be repaired. He said one of the positives from the fires was the creation of a community garden in Laurel Street, and the expansion of the Whittlesea Community Activity Centre. A drop-in centre operated in Church Street for two years after the fires, while a weekly
2 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY \ JANUARY 29, 2019
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Whittlesea, Hume champion citizens honoured Dedicated volunteers have been hailed as community champions at this year’s Australia Day awards celebrations in Whittlesea and Hume. Mernda historian Gillian Borrack is Whittlesea’s Citizen of the Year, recognised for her work with the Friends of Westgarthtown for more than 20 years. Ms Borrack was the driving force behind Ziebell’s Farmhouse and Garden in Westgarthtown receiving museum
accreditation from Museums Australia Victoria last year. She has also run a number of events in the wider community including German Fest and the council’s annual cultural heritage program. Epping CFA volunteer Liam Gallagher is Whittlesea’s Young Citizen of the Year. He has been a CFA volunteer since 2016 and was named Epping’s 2018 firefighter of the year. Whittlesea’s Senior Citizen of the Year is South Morang model aeroplane teacher Brian
Crowley who has been teaching students for more than a decade. Mill Park primary school teacher Joshua Beare received the Access and Inclusion Citizen of the Year award for his work at The Lakes Primary School assisting students from different cultural backgrounds who have become disengaged with school. Hume’s Citizen of the Year is Craigieburn volunteer Val Price. Ms Price has lived in Craigieburn since 1974 and has been
involved with community groups including Craigieburn Primary School, Hume Relay for Life, Craigieburn Netball Association and Craigieburn Little Athletics. Sunbury’s Stephanie Challis is Hume’s Young Citizen of the Year for her advocacy work for people with mobility difficulties, while the Sunbury Agricultural Show is the Community Event of the Year. Laura Michell
Medals for service and passion By Laura Michell A passionate indigenous rights campaigner, a long-serving Hume councillor and a passionate volunteer have been included in this year’s Australia Day honour’s list. The late Lorraine Patten, of Mill Park, Craigieburn resident and Hume councillor Drew Jessop and Mernda’s Valentine Simpson were awarded Order of Australia medals on Saturday. Ms Patten, who was known as Aunty Bunta, was recognised for her service to the indigenous community. For more than 45 years, she worked in a range of roles with indigenous organisations including the Victorian Aboriginal Community Service Association, for which she was a board member for 20 years.
‘‘
I just really like living in the community and being a part of it
’’
- Drew Jessop
A Gunditjmara elder, Ms Patten was also chair of the Weerona Aboriginal Cemetery in Greenvale for 10 years. She helped secure land for the cemetery in honour of her, Aunty Edna Brown, who spent years campaigning for an indigenous cemetery. Ms Patten was also among the inaugural inductees to the Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll in 2011. Her son, Joel Wright, said his family would have loved for his mum to have received the award before she died in 2017. “She contributed so much to the awareness of Aboriginal community rights across Victoria,” he said. “To have it recognised is a huge accolade that is extremely special to us.” Mr Wright said that while his mum was a “strong advocate and activist” for indigenous rights, she was also a great supporter of reconciliation. Cr Jessop, a Hume councillor since 1997, received an OAM for service to the community. Cr Jessop has twice served as Hume mayor and is a member of various other Craigieburn
Order of Australia medal recipients (clockwise from above) the late Lorraine Patten, Hume councillor Drew Jessop and volunteer Valentine Simpson. (Pictures: Supplied, Damjan Janevski and Shawn Smits)
groups. He began volunteering at St Thomas Uniting Church before joining the Craigieburn Primary School council and then Hume council. “It just became part of the community and it has gone from there,” Cr Jessop said.
“I just really like living in the community and being a part of it.” Mr Simpson, who moved to Mernda four years ago to be closer to family and better health care, was also recognised for service to the community.
Mr Simpson has volunteered with groups such as Diamond Valley Little Athletics, Bellarine Community Health and Vision Australia. “I have always wanted to help make life better for someone else,” he said.
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Burglary figures continue to fall By Laura Michell
Wetland a frog fairyland
(Shawn Smits)
Residential burglaries in Whittlesea are at their lowest level in more than a decade, police say. Whittlesea police data shows that in December 2018 there were 69 residential burglaries in the municipality. In 2015, an average 175 burglaries were recorded in Whittlesea each month. Inspector Craig Spencer said the residential burglary rate had reached an 11-year low. Inspector Spencer said the decline in burglaries was driven by an increase in the number of uniformed officers on the street and the opening of the Mernda police station. Whittlesea also recorded a drop in thefts of and from motor vehicles in recent months. According to the Crime Statistics Agency, there were 749 motor vehicle thefts in the municipality in the 12 months to September 2018, down from 875 in September 2017. Thefts from motor vehicles fell from 2011 in September 2017 to 1874 in September 2018. “Many of those crimes are mainly tradies tools being taken off the back of cars,” Inspector Spencer said. “The message is, secure your loads and lock up your gear in the garage at night.” Inspector Spencer said one concern was the increase in assault-related offences, which is being driven by family violence. Crime Statistics Agency data shows there were 1607 assault-related offences reported in September 2018, up from 1374 in September 2017. Family violence common assault offences rose 10 per cent from 585 in September 2017 to 642 in September 2018. In Hume, residential burglaries fell in the 12 months to September, while thefts of and from motor vehicles rose.
Growling grass frogs will soon be leaping into a new home in Craigieburn. Yarra Valley Water has donated water to Hume council, allowing it to fill the previously barren Frog Court Wetland. The 2500-metre-sqaure wetland will be revitalised and turned unto a flourishing frog habitat, in a bid to help boost the growling grass frog’s population at the wetland. The wetland will also become a habitat and breeding ground for the southern brown tree frog, the spotted marsh frog, the eastern long-necked turtle and small mammals such as water rats. Yarra Valley Water distribution services general manager Donna Tantirimudalige said the water would enhance the wetland’s ecosystem. “It will also help to reduce pollutants flowing into Merri Creek which is really important,” she said. Frog Court Wetlands helps to treat stormwater from the nearby industrial precinct before it flows into Merri Creek. Hume mayor Carly Moore said the wetland was previously choked by reeds and rushes, hindering its ability to filter stormwater. DONNA TANTIRIMUDALIGE AND CARLY MOORE
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Market strong in outer suburbs By Laura Michell Four Hume suburbs have bucked a statewide trend, with house prices rising over the three months to December. While the median house price in Melbourne fell 3.7 per cent in the December quarter, prices in Greenvale, Craigieburn, Mickleham and Westmeadows all rose. Latest Real Estate Institute of Victoria data shows that median prices increased 3.8 per cent to $778,750 in Greenvale between September
and December, while Craigieburn’s median price rose 2.3 per cent to $571,500 during the same period. In Mickleham, the median price rose 5.5 per cent to $570,000, while Westmeadows recorded a 5 per cent increase to $682,000. Greenvale, Craigieburn and Westmeadows are also the only Hume suburbs to have recorded price rises throughout 2018, with most suburbs recording falls of between 3 and 10 per cent. In Whittlesea, median prices fell between
September and December, with Epping and Lalor recording the greatest drops. In Epping, the median price fell 10 per cent to $568,000, while in Lalor the median price fell 8 per cent to $570,000. Median prices were also down over the year in all Whittlesea suburbs expect for the Whittlesea township, which recorded a price rise of 3.6 per cent to $623,000. REIV president Robyn Waters said the housing market in the outer suburbs was strong and would continue to increase throughout 2019 as buyers searched for affordable options.
“There is no doubt that the banks’ tighter lending conditions are contributing to this trend as are incentives for first homebuyers which encourage the purchase of affordable properties, more likely to be found in outer Melbourne,� she said. “The REIV expects Victoria’s property market to remain steady in the first half of 2019 as we await the outcome of the royal commission into banking and the federal election but things should begin to look up again in the second half of the year.�
Double delight for Lalor twins
Laura Michell
(Marco De Luca)
Lalor twins Willow and Harper have been counting down the days to January 31. The excited five-year-olds will be among the many preps starting school at St Catherine’s Primary School this Thursday. Mum Andrea Martchenko said the girls can’t wait to start. “They thought they were starting the minute they graduated from kindergarten,� she said. Ms Martchenko said she had mixed emotions about Thursday. “I’m so happy that they are starting a new chapter and ready to take on the world, but also sad that the twins are no longer our babies,� she said. “Those last five years really flew by.� Three new schools will open in Whittlesea and Hume this week – Ashley Park Primary School, Doreen; Glowrey Catholic Primary School, Wollert; and Aitken Hill Primary School, Craigieburn. HARPER AND WILLOW
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Police are appealing for witnesses following alleged erratic driving in Lalor on January 16. Investigators believe two vehicles were travelling at a fast speed on Dalton Road when they were spotted by police about 3.20am. It is believed the vehicles continued along Dalton Road and allegedly entered the intersection with The Boulevard on a red light. Two other vehicles were stationary at the lights at the time and police believe they would have seen the cars pass them. A white VW Golf hatchback was stopped by police soon after on the Metropolitan Ring Road. The driver, a 20-year-old Greenvale man, was arrested the following day and is expected to be charged on summons.
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Lalor shed fire
Troy Cassar-Daley will headline the festival. (Supplied)
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Country festival feast Some of Australia’s finest country music singers and songwriters will be out in force in Whittlesea next weekend for the annual country music festival. This year’s Whittlesea Country Music Festival line-up will be headlined by one of Australia’s most awarded country music singers, Troy Cassar-Daley. He will be joined by Tania Kernaghan, Paul Costa and Jetty Road. Local performers Yolanda and Yasmin Absolom from Flaxxon and Caitlin Thomas will also take to the stage throughout the weekend. The festival will kick-off on Friday, February 8 with a free opening party at the Whittlesea Bowls Club featuring Kernaghan. The fun will continue on Saturday at 10am
with a street festival featuring buskers, horse and cart rides and face-painting. A free twilight concert will be held at the Whittlesea cricket grounds from 4pm, with Cassar-Daley taking to the stage. The night will conclude with a fireworks display. Festival vice president David Watson said the Whittlesea Country Music Festival was the perfect summer event. “Securing outstanding Australian country music talent like Troy Cassar-Daley and Tania Kernaghan has been a big achievement for our festival. There was plenty of buzz and excitement on social media by music fans when we announced Troy and Tania would be performing,” he said. Laura Michell
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The cause of a suspicious shed fire in Lalor is being investigated by police. Firefighters were called to a house on East Court soon after 4am on January 21, finding the shed engulfed and the fire spreading rapidly to the house. It took more than 20 firefighters 30 minutes to control the blaze.
Craigieburn traffic
Craigieburn residents are being reminded to have their say on local roads and traffic as part of Hume’s council’s traffic study. Details: hume. vic.gov.au FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Northern Star Weekly @nstarweekly @star_weekly
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Factory fire fuels resident fears By Laura Michell Broadmeadows residents want tougher regulations for recyclers following a fire at a Campbellfield factory. The Colbert Road factory caught fire about 8pm on January 18 and took more than 80 firefighters six hours to bring under control. A watch and act message was issued for Campbellfield, Lalor, Somerton, Thomastown, Dallas, Coolaroo and Roxburgh Park as thick black smoke from the fire moved over the
northern suburbs. It is believed the factory was being used to store batteries and machinery. The cause of the fire is under investigation, while the Environment Protection Agency is set to investigate whether the factory was breaching the Environment Protection Act. EPA metro region manager Daniel Hunt said the operator of the factory had organised for the contaminated water to be pumped out of Merri Creek. “EPA recommends that people and pets avoid direct contact with Merri Creek until further
notice,” he said. “EPA officers have taken water samples along the creek and are organising for longer-term sampling as part of assessing the environmental impacts of the fire.” As reported by Star Weekly Weekly, the Broadmeadows Progress Association wants tougher regulations for recyclers, fearing it was only a matter of time before there was another fire in the area. The association has questioned why Hume residents are “constantly” being exposed to such risks.
The group will hold a meeting on Thursday, February 7, to discuss the risk posed by recyclers in the area and a possible community campaign. “From the increasing occurrence of the these incidents, the question is, are the state government, Hume council, EPA and WorkSafe effectively monitoring these sites? Do regular, unannounced spot checks occur? Are the laws that govern these industries adequate? Are penalties adequate? Enough is enough,” the association said.
Teaching mind matters Pupils at Roxburgh Rise Primary School will soon be taking part in meditation and mindfulness activities as part of a program to improve mental health. The school is one of 90 schools across the country to sign up to the Smiling Mind program which aims to teach pupils about looking after their mental health. Smiling Mind chief executive Addie Wootten said one in seven primary school pupils and one in four secondary students suffered from a diagnosed mental illness each year. “It’s vital that we as a community do everything we can to take a proactive approach to preventing this health issue into the future,” Dr Wootten said. “We are really excited to start working with the Roxburgh Rise Primary School community and help give these children the tools they will need to build preventative mental health approaches for the future.” Dr Wootten said the meditation and
mindfulness activities were tailored to each year level and will help pupils manage stress. She said teachers and parents should also benefit from the program, with plans for parents workshops as well. Roxburgh Rise principal Chris Bozikas hopes the entire school community will get behind the program. “Our school has a strong focus on student and staff wellbeing and we are aware that mindfulness can play a beneficial role in supporting wellbeing,” she said. Laura Michell
Pupil Christina meditates as part of the Smiling Mind program (Damjan Janevski)
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On your bike for Phil’s fundraiser By Laura Michell
Ahmed Safi with Burgies’ biggest – the Lava Burger. (Damjan Janevski)
PHIL BRAMICH
(Supplied)
Craigieburn firefighter Dave Stewart, who held his head steady while paramedics arrived. “I am hoping to meet him and say thanks. For all I know, I could have been a quadriplegic without him. I can breathe and I can feel the pain I am in because of him,” he said. “I really owe so much gratitude to him.” Mr Bramich said he was humbled by the fundraiser. Club secretary Tony Gherxi said the club was keen to support their long-time member and ease the burden on his family. Details: www.gofundme.com/phil-bramichfundraiser
Bros bring it home Giving young people an opportunity to shine is a big part of the philosophy behind Burgies. Brothers Ahmed and Ibo Safi own the burger business, which has outlets in Hoppers Crossing and Campbellfield. “Mine and Ibo’s core belief is always about building up young people and giving back to the community,” Ahmed Safi said. Between the two eateries, they employ about 25 people, many of whom start aged 15 or 16. Before starting out at Burgies, some of the young employees have previously struggled to find jobs, experienced mental health issues or dealt with alcohol or drug addiction. “We have so many youngsters who people have not given an opportunity to,” Mr Safi said. He said that when setting up the business,
many people had urged him to establish Burgies in a trendy, inner-city suburb. But Mr Safi said that he and Ibo wanted to base their business in suburbs doing it a bit tougher. “We grew up in these sorts of areas and we want to help out youngsters,” he said. Burgies, at 226 Old Geelong Road, Hoppers Crossing, will host a family event on Friday, February 1, from 7pm. The event will include a burger-eating contest at 9pm, with entrants consuming ‘The Lava’ burger, which weighs in at a kilogram. Entrants must be aged 18 or above. Details: burgies.com.au Alesha Capone 12407789-SN51-18 10072969-01
A Campbellfield cycling club is digging deep to help a member who suffered serious spinal injuries after coming off his bike during a social ride in late December. Phil Bramich was riding on the Wallan-Wandong Road, heading for Broadford with a group of friends on December 27 when a D-lock from a trailer became caught up in the wheel of his bike. The lock jammed his wheel, sending Mr Bramich head first over the bike. The incident left Mr Bramich with an unstable break of his C2 vertebra, hand fractures and cuts to his head. He had surgery at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and was placed in a halo neck brace, which he will need to wear for three months. The accident means Mr Bramich – a teacher at Melbourne Polytechnic at Heidelberg – does not know when he will be able to return to work, with a long road of rehabilitation ahead of him. Northern Cycling has set up a GoFundMe page, as well as rides in honour of Phil. They have raised close to $10,000, with a goal of collecting $15,000. Mr Bramich said his injuries had left him with “intense” pain and he was learning to adjust to life with the halo. He credits a motorist who was travelling in the opposite direction at the time of the accident with preventing him from becoming a quadriplegic. Mr Bramich has since learnt the man was
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MY PLACE Mernda artist Jarrod Grech can often be found creating paintings of some of Whittlesea’s most eye-catching landscapes. He speaks with Laura Michell. How long have you lived in Whittlesea? I have lived in Whittlesea for four years. What do you like about where you live? The thing I like most about Whittlesea is there are plenty of great landscapes within walking distance or short drive from my home. What, if anything, would you like to change?
How long have you been painting landscapes and what inspired you to do it?
(Marco De Luca)
If I could change anything it would be adding a hospital [closer to Mernda].
I started painting around 12 months ago after one of my closest friends passed away in early 2017. It was a wake-up call for me not to waste my talent and to turn a negative into a positive. It was always my intention to find some skill with portraits and move into painting landscapes when I felt I was ready. I drive past amazing landscapes every day in Whittlesea that I envision painting so it made sense.
I look for eye-catching landscapes that have lots of detail, great lighting and are recognisable.
Wollert/Epping quarry – I have completed three landscapes.
What has been your favourite place to paint?
Are you planning on exhibiting your work?
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
How do you choose what to paint?
So far my favourite place I have painted is
I plan on exhibiting my work locally after I complete 12 landscapes and then approaching
My favourite local place to spend time is the Growling Frog Golf Course.
a gallery to also exhibit my work.
G N I N E P O D N A GRdnesday 6th February at 9am We
Mernda Junction Cnr Plenty & Bridge Inn Rds
9 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY \ JANUARY 29, 2019
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to communitycalendar@starweekly.com.au. Deadline for copy and announcements is noon Tuesday.
Free tennis sessions
Grasslands for a walk along Edgars Creek on Wednesday, January 3, 5.30-7pm. Bring your kids for environmental art and science activities such as waterbug skin art and plant printing, and keep an eye out for birds, frogs and waterbugs. Meet at the pergola next to Edgars Creeks at Lehmans Park in Epping North. ■ 9380 8199
Epping Tennis Club is hosting free tennis sessions for women and girls aged 8-80 on Mondays throughout February from 7-9pm and on Thursday, February 7 and 14, 10am-noon. Racquets and balls provided, or you can bring your own racquet. Be sure to wear rubber-soled shoes. At Epping Reserve, corner High and Park streets. ■ 0407 610 656
Business mentoring
Trivia night
Head to Broadmeadows library on Thursday, January 31, for a fun-filled trivia night. Get a team together and battle it out for the top prize. At 1093 Pascoe Vale Road, 7-10pm. Bookings required. ■ 9356 6900
Foster caring
A night with Narelle Fraser
Detective Narelle Fraser will share stories from her 15 years with the homicide and other police squads during a visit to Broadmeadows library on Thursday, February 21, 7-8pm, at 1093 Pascoe Vale Road. Bookings essential.
(iStock)
Mini golf
Put your mini golf skills to the test at Craigieburn’s new mini golf course in the middle of the Stockland Highland display village. The course is open daily from 10am-5pm, with balls, putters and scorecards provided. To play, visit the Highlands sales pod on Whitfield Crescent or the land sales centre at 1 North Shore Drive. ■ stockland.com.au/highlands
Register to take part in Whittlesea council’s business mentoring session on Monday, February 4, 9am-4.30pm. The sessions will provide help assessing ideas, business planning, growth strategies, addressing challenges and more. At the council offices, 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang. ■ 9217 2278
Learn more about becoming a foster carer at Anglicare Victoria’s information session on Tuesday, February 12 at Mill Park library, 394 Plenty Road, 6.30-7.30pm. ■ 9301 5200
■ 9356
6900
Movie night
Grab a picnic blanket and head to Highlands Lake Reserve, Craigieburn for an outdoor movie night with the family on Saturday, February 9 from 7pm. The Highlands Community Residents’ Group and 1st Craigieburn Scout Group will be screening the family-friendly movie, Coco. The movie will start after sunset. ■ trybooking.com/BAEHK
Crowdfunding workshop
Open day
Explore West Lalor Tennis Club at its open day on Sunday, February 3, 11am-2pm at 11 Kingsway Drive, Lalor. Free coaching for all ages and abilities, free court use, cardio tennis and a barbecue lunch. ■ westlalortec@yahoo.com.au
Explore Edgars Creek
Join the Merri Creek Management Committee and Friends of Growlers
Learn how to use crowdfunding to kick-start your start-up into operation and expose you to thousands of potential customers at a workshop at Whittlesea Tech School, 33 Coopers Street, Epping on Tuesday, February 12, 6-8pm. ■ 9217 2492
Family history
Find out how to use databases such as Ancestry and Find My Past to learn more about your family history at the Hume U3A Genealogy Group’s meeting at Broadmeadows library on Monday, February 4, 9am-noon, at 1093 Pascoe Vale Road. ■ 9356 6900
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Hume City puts in heavy prep By Tara Murray Hume City has had a jam-packed pre-season ahead of this year’s National Premier League soccer season. Hume has played eight pre-season matches in the past few months, including four games in seven days in recent weeks. The last two of those games were on the Gold Coast as the side went on a pre-season trip for a third straight year. Coach Nick Hegarty said that while it had been a tiring few weeks, seeing the side in action had been good. “It was good to get the boys together and play some different opposition,” Hegarty said. “Over pre-season, the aim is to get everybody fit and the best way of doing that is playing games, in my opinion. “We had four games in seven days and it got everyone some minutes.” Hume’s most recent game, against the Gold Coast Knights, was its first loss of the pre-season. Hegarty said he wasn’t too concerned, as the focus was more on the way the side had been playing. “We’re seeing that natural progression as we go,” he said. “We’ve going through different situations, like being in front and being behind and focusing on still playing the way we want to be playing. It helps to play in those situations now before they happen in the season.” Hegarty, who has retired from playing and will be just coaching this year, said the club had
kept about 60 per cent of the squad that played in the back end of last year. Michael Weier, James Kapuranovski, Gidi Sweet, Hayden Tennant, Theo Markelis, Harry Monaghan, James Brown, Brad Blumenthal, Will Hendon, Ersin Kaya and Umut Bozdugan are among those who have returned. Marko Delic, Steven Hewitt, Ben Bowler, Paul Wilson, Matthew Lazarides and Mitch Cooper have joined the club. Hegarty said some of the new players were already having an impact. “Mitch comes over from Green Gully and he has a fair bit of A-League experience,” he said. “Steven is over from the UK – he used to play for Burnley. A young player from Adelaide, Paul Wilson looks like he will fit the mould of a talented NPL footballer. “They’ve fitted in quite well.” After an up-and-down season last year, when the team just missed playing off in a relegation match, Hegarty said everyone involved was hoping for a much smoother season. He said the club as whole, juniors and seniors, was in the best place it had been for a long time. “We’ve worked hard for the juniors to have the right facilities and the coaches,” he said. “And how they are being taught and being given opportunities to come through. “We’re building the club, not just the team.” Hume will kick off its season on February 16 away against Dandenong Thunder. Hegarty said that like most teams, Hume City was aiming for finals. “Anything less than that will be a failure,” he said.
Mitch Cooper will bring a lot of experience to Hume City. (Shawn Smits)
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SPORT Lalor United holds lofty ambitions for new season Lalor United isn’t going to rest on its laurels and is hoping to have an immediate impact in FFV state league 3 north-west. After winning its first senior championship in 25 years, Lalor has been promoted from state league 4 north into state league 3. While many sides are keen to cement their spot in the higher division when promoted, Lalor coach Tony Sterjovski said they had bigger ambitions. “We want to have a good crack at it,” he said. “The players have returned eager and ready to go. Last year is done and dusted and we’re focused on 2019. “We’ve got one goal in mind and that is to be promoted again. We want to finish top two and I’ll do everything I can to get us there.” Sterjovski said there was a real confidence around the playing group and the club as a whole. He said they were focused on improving both on and off the field. On field, Lalor has kept most of last year’s playing group, added six players while releasing
five. Sterjovski said the new signings should add more strike power up forward. The first signing announced was that of last year’s state league 3 north-west leading goalscorer Jayden Mercieca. At just 20, Mercieca, a former Sunbury United player, has plenty of room for development. He’ll be joined up front by Zoran Petrevski, who comes across from state league 1 north west team Sydenham Park. Petrevski previously played with Preston Lions, Altona Magic, Melbourne Knights and Hume City. Sterjovski said has was excited to have both players join the club. “Zoran will add experience to our current attacking stocks. “He is naturally fit, powerful and can score goals, together with 2018 State League 3 top goalscorer Jayden Mercieca we believe they will be a handful for any defence in the league.” Another former Sydenham Park player,
Aleksandar Koltovski has also joined Lalor and will help at the defensive end. Jayden Veljanovski and Andrej Georgioski have returned to the club after playing elsewhere, while Filip Dimovski has also joined the club. Sterjovski said the club feels they have a good mix of youth and experience. The team, which started pre-season in December, will have its first taste of game play in the Macedonian Cup this weekend. It will then head to Shepparton to play in a fundraiser match. They’ll kick off preparations with some friendlies against teams in higher leagues. Tara Murray
Last year’s state league 3 north-west leading goalscorer Jayden Mercieca has joined Lalor United. (Shawn Smits)
Warriors contest result
14 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY \ JANUARY 29, 2019
Premier Cricket
Greenvale Kangaroos are in control after day one of their match with Kingston Hawthorn in Victorian Premier Cricket. The Kangaroos won the toss and elected to bat, making 232. Fill-in skipper Anthony Barton top-scored with 28. Kingston Hawthorn faced 20 overs before stumps and the Kangaroos pounced, taking three wickets to have the Hawks in trouble at 3-36. In women’s premier cricket, Plenty Valley saw Australian skipper Meg Lanning put on a show. Lanning made 244 as Box Hill scored 2-384 from its overs. The Bats finished 9-192 in reply.
By Tara Murray Westmeadows will appeal the result of a thrilling Victorian Turf Cricket Association Women’s match with St Andrews on Sunday. In a match that went down to the wire, St Andrews came away with a two-run win, finishing 6-105 in reply to Westmeadows’ 7-103. But controversy surrounded the final ball, and Westmeadows co-coach Matty Walker claims the match should have been a draw. “We got to the fourth ball of the final over and scores were tied,” he said. “We checked with the scorer that there was two balls remaining. “There was two dot balls and the St Andrews player hit the ground in disappointment [at not getting the runs] and then stumps were pulled. “The scorer then said that there was one ball remaining. They ended up getting two byes and they won.” Walker said in their eyes the match should have been a draw, as they thought the game was over when the stumps were pulled. “It’s not really about who is right or wrong, or really even about the points, it’s more about the game being over when the stumps are pulled.” Outside of the result, Walker said it had been a good game which always looked to play out to the end. He said St Andrews played out of their skins and both sides had periods of the game where they looked like they would win. Walker said they entered the match missing a few players because of the long weekend, but other players had stepped up and taken their chances. “Pam Clendenning made her debut in the top side and batted and bowled really well,” he said. “It was good to see someone come up. It shows the girls are developing and coming through the program.” Walker said skipper and co-coach Danielle Linton had a good game, as did Nicole Cutajar who bowled the final over, and 14-year-old Kailey O’Donnell. Despite the loss, the Warriors remain second on the ladder, nine points clear of third-placed Glenroy. The top two teams will play the grand final and at this stage, it looks set to be a replay of last year’s grand final. Inaugural premiers Sydenham-Hillside sit clear on top of the ladder as they have lost just one game. Walker said they would love to make it back into the grand final this year. “It would be a little bit disappointing to not
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Plenty Valley fell just short of an outright win against St Bernards in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association north-east competition. Having made 276 on day one, the Bats then bowled St Bernards out for 123, with Dayne Smith taking 4-54. Made to follow on, St Bernards finished 8-157 in its second innings.
Cricket
Cricket is changing in Melbourne’s north-west. Five cricket associations have come to a heads of agreement with Cricket Victoria to further explore establishing a single governing structure for cricket administration in the area. The associations, including the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association, will now sit down with Cricket Victoria and discuss the terms, with the plan to introduce the new structure for the 2019-2020 season.
NWMCA
Gladstone Park has set its sights on an outright victory against the Northern Lions in the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association George Luscombe Shield. The Burras bowled the Lions out for 87, before going on to make 8-212. Keen to have another bowl at the Lions, the Burras declared leaving the Lions 16 overs to bat. They finished at 3-67. Pam Clendenning stepped into Westmeadows VTCA side on Sunday. (Shawn Smits)
make finals,” he said. “That would be at least a pass mark. “We’re aiming to sustain our program and be successful for the next couple of years and into the future. Hopefully we make the grand final
and can knock off Sydenham.” The Warriors’ North West Metropolitan Cricket Association women’s T20 side had the weekend off with a competition-wide bye. The Warriors are seventh in that competition.
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Ladder leaders lay foundation for a double chance
Matt Kiely finished unbeaten on 104 on Saturday. (Shawn Smits)
Reigning premier Rivergum is headed for another North Metro Cricket Association Jika Shield finals series. After a slow start, the Kookas have won their past six games to sit 10 points clear on top of the ladder. They need just three points from their final three matches to seal a top four spot. But the Kookas won’t be taking it easy, as they look to secure a top two spot and second chance. Kookas captain-coach Gary Bell said while their bowling had been really strong this season, their batting had been just OK. He said some players hadn’t had the time at the crease they would have liked. “We’ve been relying on Matt Perri to make the runs,” he said. “There’s nothing dramatic about it and it hasn’t been poor, but we can do a bit better. “A lot of the time has been the circumstances, with a lot of one-day games, or there’s been
situations in the game when we’ve needed to lift the run rate.” Bell was happy with what he saw on Saturday on day one of the Kookas’ clash with Preston YCW District. The Kooks made 7-298 to put themselves in a strong position. Matt Kiely was the star with 104 not out. What pleased Bell the most was the spread of scorers. Perri, who leads the competition’s batting, scored just eight. “I put it on the boys to take the opportunity to make runs,” Bell said. “There was a little bit of an opportunity to score off the short balls. “We were 45 off 10 overs and it was a good start and we cashed in. “The top four laid the foundations and the middle and lower order could be aggressive. “To post a score of nearly 300 is a really good score.” Matt Kiely was the standout, making 104 not
out. Alex Jesensek made 62 while Scott Morely made 30, as did James Bonnici, who has returned to the side in the past two weeks. With the runs on the board, Bell said they were confident their bowlers could get the job done, but weren’t counting their chickens. “They are very aggressive and you’re never safe,” he said. “I’m looking forward to seeing how the bowlers go.” A win would ensure the Kookas will play finals. Bell said they were going to continue to focus on what they were doing and let everything else take care of itself. “To get top two and the double chance and the home final would be good.” In other matches, Preston Baseballers made 9-272 against Bundoora Park. Tara Murray
Themi Tilkeridis was the shining light with the ball for Old Paradians. (Dennis Manktelow)
Stars keen to get back on winners’ list Josh Eaton took four wickets for Craigieburn on Saturday. (Shawn Smits)
Eagles back in control By Tara Murray Craigieburn is hoping Saturday’s performance is the start of a turnaround in its Victorian Turf Cricket Association Tony Isaacs Shield Division 1 North competition. Having lost six straight games, the Eagles have slipped to second bottom on the ladder. Facing bottom side Royal Park/Brunswick in a two-day match, the Eagles are in control after day one. Eagles’ playing coach Chris Laffan said it didn’t look like it would be that way early-on. “A few things didn’t go our way early on,” he said. “It was a flat deck and they were 2-90. After the drinks break and tea, we bowled really well and got into our line and lengths.” The Eagles bowled Royal Park/Brunswick for 161. Mick Bury and Josh Eaton took four wickets each for the Eagles. Having to face 17 overs with the bat, the Eagles were 1-38 at stumps.
Laffan said they were happy with where they were sitting heading into day two. He said they were hopeful a win would give the side some much needed momentum heading into the final few rounds. Despite their losing run, the Eagles remain just a game outside the top four. “It’s unbelievable how close it is,” Laffan said. “It’s quite an even contest. We’re sitting second bottom. [but] we knocked off West Coburg earlier in the season and they are comfortably on top. Anyone can beat anyone. “We hit the ground running, but have struggled since then. “Hopefully we can continue on next week and get that momentum.” Laffan said they were clearly a better two-day side, than one-day team. “It’s not ideal to lose six games in a row, but we know where our strengths lie,” he said. “We’ve been a victim of the one-day game with the scheduling and wet weather. “A couple of games we were clearly beaten, but in others we would normally back our
bowling in but a few things didn’t go our way. “With an inexperienced side it took its toll. Most weeks we’re going in with an average age of 25. “We can spread the lot a bit more in the two-dayers and the younger players are playing more of a role and we’re not relying on them so much. “Hopefully we can regain some of that momentum.” In other division 1 north matches, Westmeadows will have a tough chase on its hands against PEGS. Having elected to bat, PEGS made 242, bowled out in the third last over. In division 1 west, Tullamarine and Greenvale Kangaroos both have 200-plus totals to chase down. The second-placed Demons need 257 against Laverton, while the Kangaroos need 207 against Altona North. In division 5, Jacana claimed victory against Barkly Street Uniting. Jacana finished 6-97 in reply to Uniting’s 93.
Lalor Stars put in a solid performance with the bat against Old Paradians in the Diamond Valley Cricket Association Money Shield on Saturday. Coming off successive losses, the Stars were keen to put in a strong performance with the bat against a side also coming off two losses. At 1-119 Stars were on track for a big total, but lost 6-42 to slip to 7-161. The Stars were able to put on a small partnership, before losing their last three wickets cheaply, to be all out for 204. Themi Tilkeridis was the pick of the bowlers for Old Paradians taking 6-35. In other matches, Bundoora United made 9-205 from its overs, while Mill Park is 1-33 in reply to Heidelberg’s 5-347. Mernda made 191 and got two early wickets to have Greensborough at 2-30 at stumps. In the Barclay Shield, Epping has some work to do against North Eltham Wanderers. The Pingers did the damage with the ball, bowling the Wanderers out for 93. John Lever took 4-17 for the Pingers. The Pingers batsmen failed to fire and are in trouble at 4-45. Bundoora made 170 against Macleod on the back of 75 from Narinder Sharma. Macleod started its innings well, and will resume at 0-29. Tara Murray 15 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY \ JANUARY 29, 2019