Star Weekly - Wyndham - 26th April 2023

Life in acts

Providing opportunities in performing arts is the goal of Wyndham council’s inaugural one-act play festival, WOMPA. Held at the Wyndham Cultural Centre in Werribee on Sunday, May 7, WOMPA will feature nine one-act plays of less than 10 minutes.

Festival facilitator Alaine Beek said the format provides an ideal entry point.

“A one-act festival is good way of for people interested in performing arts to get involved without being too overwhelming,” she said.

Selected from entries from within Wyndham and elsewhere, the nine plays are all based on the theme of life in the western suburbs.

Beek said the range of stories was impressive.

“There’s everything from light comedies to quite dark contemplative and quite out there stories and some quite poignant. It’s a wonderful mix.”

Prizes such as Best Written, Best Production and Most Potential will be awarded by a judging panel, while a People’s Choice award will be voted on by the audience.

Tickets and details are available at https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/ whats-on/wompa-new-one-act-playfestival.

Rail link delay confirmed

By Cade Lucas

The decision to pause construction on a rail link to Melbourne Airport could result in travellers from Wyndham turning to Avalon Airport, according to the Committee for Wyndham.

Committee for Wyndham chief executive Barbara McLure said another delay in the long -awaited project could benefit Avalon, which is situated just over Wyndham’s western boundary in Lara.

“Avalon Airport is really important to our region and they’re actively working on more services into that airport which is very exciting, ” Ms McLure said.

Avalon sits within the City of Greater Geelong, but is considered Melbourne’s second airport. It currently only offers flights to Sydney and the Gold Coast, but has operated international routes in the past.

While it has no rail link either, Ms McLure said Avalon’s close proximity to Wyndham makes it much easier to access than Tullamarine.

“It’s a great journey (to Avalon), somewhere around about a 30 minute drive, but if you’re going peak hour out to Tullamarine you have to allow at least an hour.”

The amount of companies in Wyndham withoverseasinterestswasanotherreasonthat easy access to the airport was so important.

“We’ve got a lot of leading edge businesses in Wyndham, with suppliers coming in to sell product and producers going overseas to trade fairs and to sell their product,” she said.

AvalonAirportwascontactedforcomment.

On Monday, April 17, deputy premier and Transport Minister Jacinta Allan told ABC radio the Melbourne Airport Rail project won’t be completed by 2029.

Even though the airport rail link wouldn’t come to Wyndham directly, Ms McLure said delays to the project would still deny the area much-needed public transport infrastructure.

The state government is also reportedly set to delay the Geelong Fast Rail service, which would enable faster services

through Melbourne’s west.

“Part of this decision was about the Geelong fast rail as well, so here we are in the west missing out again,” Ms McLure said, The government has previously said that a Geelong rail link has to be completed before the electrification of rail lines to Wyndham Vale and Melton can take place.

Ms McLure said Wyndham badly needed better rail infrastructure.

“Sixty per cent of our employed residents leave Wyndham to go to work and you only have to drive on the freeway in the morning to see how many are in cars and we need that PT infrastructure to move around and rail is part of that.”

WOMPA facilitator Alaine Beek. (Damjan Janevski) 330507_01

A final salute for Viet veterans

By Cade Lucas

Anzac Day is a time of reflection for all veterans, but for members of the Melbourne West Sub-branch of the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia, yesterday was especially poignant.

ItwasthefinalAnzacDayforthesub-branch, which is closing down after 25 years serving Vietnam veterans across Wyndham, Hobson’s Bay and Maribyrnong.

“We were unable to form a committee at our annual general meeting and because of that and under the constitution, we can no longer

continue as a viable sub-branch and we have to close” explained sub-branch president, Glen Smith.

He expects the closure to be the first of many.

“This will happen to every VVAA sub-branch in Victoria over the next few years under our constitution.”

The VVAA state constitution prevents it from broadening its membership to include other conflicts, and with most Vietnam veterans now in their 70’s and 80’s, the end is nigh. Mr Smith became president of the Melbourne west sub-branch in 2018 and isn’t

thrilled at being the last to hold the role.

“It’s a legacy I don’t want.” he said.

But while sad at the impending closure, Mr Smith said the VVAA wasn’t designed to be an ongoing organisation.

“It was only formed to get the DVA (Department of Veterans Affairs) and federal government to accept PTSD and agent orange,“ he said. “It had a lifetime limit and now many of us are reaching that lifetime limit.”

Despite the advancing age of Vietnam veterans, Melbourne’s west still boasts 130 members, down from a peak of 161 in 2016.

Don’t miss this uncanny exhibition

Wyndham Art Gallery is hosting an art exhibition ‘The uncanny and the magnificent’ by artist wãni toaishara in collaboration with Wominjeka Djeembana research lab at Monash University.

‘The uncanny and the magnificent’ is a solo exhibition featuring prominent works of the artist’s career to date and provides a glimpse into his vision for the first time.

The artist says his work is about “confronting the realisation that a mundane life is a privilege only available to those who are not under constant threat”.

The artist explores and challenges conventional representations of black life

through poetry, photography and moving image. wãni’s career has blossomed in the Wyndham Art Gallery said Wyndham City’s Creative City portfolio holder, Marcel Mahfoud.

“From his early participation in exhibitions such as WAR 2015 and RACE 2016, he went on to win the Wyndham Art Prize in 2019 followed by many other accolades across the nation such as the 2022 Josephine Ulrick and Win Schubert Photography Award,” Mr Mahfoud said.

“Our program at Wyndham Art Gallery has a unique role to play in story telling and celebrating perspectives that support the

ongoing creation of an inclusive and diverse community.

“Art exhibitions are collaborative initiatives which help to make Wyndham a more vibrant and liveable place.”

To compliment ‘The uncanny and the magnificent’ exhibiton, wani will be performing GARCON a unique solo at the Wyndham Cultural Centre on Friday 15 May and Saturday 16 May at 7.30pm. For more info and to book tickets visit: www.wyncc.com.au/ whats_on/garcon

‘The uncanny and the magnificent’ runs until May 28.

The sub-branch’s banner was displayed for the final time at a march in Werribee on Sunday and will be sent to the Vietnam Veterans Museum at Phillip Island. The final function is set to be on Vietnam Veterans Day onAugust18,afterwhichremainingmembers will transition to a new club under a different name.

“When we close the VVAA sub-branch we will become Melbourne West Defence Veterans and we’ll still be a sub-club of the Hoppers Club and continue as a social club” said Mr Smith, who hopes the change of name will help to attract younger members.

Life-saving grant for ASRC

Asylum seekers in Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay will continue to receive vital support at the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) thanks to a $500,000 state government grant.

On Friday, April 21, Multicultural AffairsMinisterColinBrooksannounced the one-off grant with the support of Footscray MP Katie Hall, Preston MP Nathan Lambert and Albert Park MP Nina Taylor. The grant will allow for the ASRC to continue its support by providing essential services including delivering food bank support, as well as funding the many roles of frontline legal services, bicultural and social workers.

Mr Brooks said he is proud of the important work being done at the ASRC.

“We know there have been some tough times financially for so many organisations making things very challengingatthemoment,”hesaid.“We knowthismoneywillbeputtosuchgood use.”

ASRC chief executive Kon Karapanagiotidis said the ongoing support from the state government has led them through challenging times.

“We are an organisation that relies on the kindness and the goodwill of a community,wearesohonouredtohavea state government that continues to stand for the marginalised refugees, and who understands their role is about looking after local Victorians,” he said.

“The people that walk through these doors are not asylum seekers, they are local Victorians and future Australian citizens, and you’re setting them up for a life where they can thrive and not simply survive.”

Mr Karapanagiotidis said without the grant, the ASRC would not be able to continue operating.

“We would not be able to keep housing people, and be their supermarket, their pharmacy and the roof over their heads.”

Good news for parents with new school slated for 2025

Parents in Wyndham will soon have more choice for their child’s education, with Good News Lutheran College to open a new school near Wyndham Vale in 2025.

The co-ed christian school will build its new campus on a 6.8 hectare site recently purchased from Fraser’s Property as part of its Mambourin Town Centre development.

It will be the second campus for Good News Lutheran College to go with its prep to year 12 school in Tarneit, which opened in 1997 and now boasts over 1000 students.

Principal Fiona McAuliffe said the new campus will meet the growing demand for religious education in Wyndham.

“The Mambourin campus will enable more students from Melbourne’s fast-growing west to experience a Good News education, grounded in faith, purpose and our values of grace, integrity, courage and respect,” she said.

Three junior classes have already begun at Tarneit in preparation for Mambourin’s opening in 2025. Despite the different location, McAuliffe says the beginnings of the new school can already be seen.

“We have watched these Mambourin families form great connections at what will be their school all the way to year 12.”

The Mambourin campus will initially only

go from prep to Year 6, but hopes to gradually add classes with the goal of eventually emulating Tarneit and catering for all year levels.

The new school will feature purpose-built classrooms, sports fields, play areas and specialist facilities.

A community arts centre, library, shopping precinct and train station are among the amenities planned for nearby, with Mambourin Town Centre expected to have 4000 residents when completed in 2026.

Construction on the new school will begin later this year.

Cade Lucas Good News Lutheran College students Advik, Anika, Priya and Aryun. (Supplied)

Artist wani toaishara. (Damjan Janevski) 326023_04

The pride of the Lions

A Werribee youth has made significant achievements during a nationwide program encouragingthenextgenerationofoutstanding and inspirational young leaders.

Aanchal Sharma, 17, represented the Werribee Lions Club and reached the Lions Youth of the Year program’s district finals after successfully competing in the local and regional rounds.

Aanchal said she won several awards during the competition, which included the Finalist Winner and Public Speaking awards, and that she applied for the program to challenge herself.

“I believe that the Lions program opportunity, was a way to put myself out there and see where I stand out,” she said.

“I’m involved in extracurricular activities, other clubs, volunteering opportunities and public speaking with impromptu speeches and prepared speeches.

“Thiscompetitionwasagreatwaytonotonly put myself up there, but also see how I stand

in terms of my public speaking skills, general knowledge and interviews.”

Aanchal said she was “really happy” with her performance during the competition’s speeches and interviews and was recognised by the judges for her public speaking and interview skills.

“I really took on the feedback the judges gave,” she said.

“I loved the interview, because they asked about what I do, and they also gave me ideas on how I can improve on what I’ve done.”

Aanchal said she loved meeting people from different schools, and she had gained valuable experience from the competition.

“I think I learned a lot about different opportunities from them (participants), but I also learned from their speeches and presentations,” she said. “I loved talking to them about what they’ve done in the community, what initiatives they’ve taken, the involvement inside and outside of school, and why they joined the programme as well.”

Briefs

Correction

A story in the April 19 edition of StarWeekly listed the incorrect date for the Werribee Dance Stars on the Floor show at the Wyndham Cultural Centre. The show will be on Friday, May 19, not Friday August 5. The show features eight local stars and raises money for Wyndham Health Foundation and Story Dogs.

Police chase

An extended police pursuit through the western suburbs on April 19 ended with a man’s arrest. A 24-year-old man from Lara was arrested at a home in Hoppers Crossing where he fled after dumping an allegedly stolen vehicle. The pursuit began when the police airwing spotted a Toyota Camry driving at high speed along the Princess Freeway at Hoppers Crossing at 11pm. An attempted intercept in Laverton failed when a passenger jumped out of the Camry and the driver evaded police at high speed. The police airwing then followed the Camry through Point Cook and Hoppers Crossing before it was dumped by the driver who then ran into the home in Baden Drive. The man was found in a rear room of the property and taken into custody. He is expected to be charged with motor vehicle theft, dangerous driving, conduct endangering serious injury and other driving offences.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au

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Aanchal Sharma made it to the district finals in the Lions Youth of the Year competition. (Supplied)

Werribee waterway win

By Cade Lucas

Litter in Wyndham will halve when Victoria’s long-awaited container deposit scheme begins later this year.

That’s according to the Werribee River Association which is celebrating the announcement by Environment Minister, Ingrid Stitt, that the scheme will officially begin on November 1.

The commencement of the CDS will see Victoria finally join all other states and territories in offering refunds for drink containers.

Ten cents will be offered for every approved glass, aluminum and plastic container delivered to one of the 600 collection sites across the state.

The CDS is expected to particularly benefit Wyndham,oneofthecountry’sfastestgrowing localgovernmentareaswithextensivecoastline and waterways.

The Werribee River Association estimated it had removed 15000 containers from beaches, waterways and public areas in Wyndham since 2015.

TheWRA’sLisaField,saidtherefundscheme is long overdue.

“We have done everything we can to advocate for it. We have been counting bottles, plastic and glass for many, many years and providing that data to government to say ‘look at how many containers are out there on the landscape,” she said.

After years of resistance, the Andrews Government committed to a CDS in 2020 and has since undertaken public consultation and established a legislative and regulatory framework.

MsFieldsaidtheCDSwouldnotonlyreduce the amount of litter, but provide revenue for charities and community organisations.

“The container deposit scheme is expected to halve the litter problem, which will be a much-welcomed outcome for our volunteers and for the environment.

“Plus, we are looking forward to working with the network provider to become a charity, in receipt of container donations.”

At 10c each, 10 000 containers will need to be collected to earn a $1000, hardly a get rich quick scheme.

However, Ms Field said it will still act as an incentive for people to pick up litter, which has become a problem around Wyndham’s shopping centers and business districts, driven by rapid population growth.

Let’s talk about toilets

Wyndham council wants feedback on public loos. The council’s Draft Public Toilet Policy, which provides a framework for toilet provision across the city, is now open for consultation.

Community feedback is invited on the direction of the policy and the location of proposed public toilets in open spaces.

According to council, the policy promotes a standard for design that is accessible to all. It recommends co-locating toilets within safe spaces such as sporting pavilions and key destinations where the community gather.

Wyndham mayor Susan McIntyre said the vision for the Draft Public Toilet Policy included placing toilets at key destinations.

“Wewantthosewhouseourwonderful open spaces to have clean, safe, and accessible public toilets,” she said.

“With all this growth and new estates, communities have popped up quite quickly andfastfoodshopshavepoppedupandthey’re often where we find litter.”

The state’s recycling body, VicReturn, will coordinate the scheme, while waste and packaging companies, Visy, TOMORA Cleanaway and Return-It will be network operators.

Information on eligible containers and how charities and community groups can register with the scheme, is available on the Victorian Government website: https://www.vic.gov.au/ container-deposit-scheme

“We often receive inquiries from the community about whether we can install a public toilet in their preferred park or reserve. This policy outlines the decision makingofwheretoiletsshouldbelocated – this is most often at district level parks that attract substantial numbers of community members, it takes into consideration the cost of installation and continued maintenance over the years.

Drop in sessions will be held on Saturday, April 29 at Tom Roberts Reserve, Point Cook 11-12pm and Ashcroft Park, Williams Landing at 12pmandSaturday, May6atFarfallaWay Park, Tarneit at 11am - 12pm and Loyola Drive Reserve, Werribee at 1 - 2pm.

We would love the opportunity to spoil you by offering free personalised treatments from students at the Tamarua Beauty Academy in Altona, who specialise in making people feel good and look fabulous.

Come along and get your hair, nails or make-up done after a short tour of Point Cook Village where you can meet the vibrant community, view the spacious apartments and villas, and see all there is on offer.

If you are planning your retirement and considering your next move, your search begins here!

Bookings essential.

RSVP by calling the team on 9394 6799 today.

BY RCA VILLAGES

Road, Point Cook

“Living in Point Cook Village was not something I had planned for myself, but it is the best move I have ever made.” Point Cook Resident

Members of the Werribee River Association collecting litter from waterways in Wyndham. (Supplied)

Lifeline for Porter Davis buyers

By Rachael Ward, AAP

Some 560 families impacted by the collapse of builder Porter Davis will be able to get their deposits back.

TheVictoriangovernmentbail-outappliesto customers who paid deposits before the builder went into liquidation last month but were left without insurance coverage.

Premier Daniel Andrews said he believed the scheme would cost about $15 million, with insurance capped at a five per cent deposit and averaging about $25,000 per customer.

“They didn’t do anything wrong. They have actedingoodfaith,”MrAndrewstoldreporters on Thursday.

“Porter Davis for some inexplicable reason havenotforwardedontheinsurancepremiums that have been paid.

“So those people will get, just like any other insured person, they will get that five per cent deposit back.”

About 1700 homes across Victoria and Queensland were left in limbo when Porter Davis went into liquidation last month.

The Victorian Building Authority is investigating whether Porter Davis has breachedanylawsaftercustomersclaimedthey were left without domestic building insurance despite paying their deposits.

PorterDaviscustomerRichardWilliamstold AAP he was relieved by the announcement.

“The messages in the group’s WhatsApp chats show tears of joy and relief, with people hugging their families,” Mr Williams said.

“We will be able to sleep tonight for the first time in three weeks.”

The state government is working with liquidator Grant Thornton to understand exactlyhowmanycustomerswithoutinsurance had already started building.

Mr Andrews signalled those customers would also be eligible for support in the future and it would make sense if incomplete projects could be sold on to other builders.

We’re building the West Gate Tunnel

“We just need a little bit more time to firm that up, to have a better sense (of how many are impacted),” he said.

On Wednesday it was revealed the company

collapsed owing close to $33 million to the Commonwealth Bank on top of other debts. The liquidator is still trying to determine Porter Davis’s overall financial position.

The state government has announced support for Porter Davis customers. (AAP Image/Jono Searle)

‘‘ We will be able to sleep tonight for the first time in three weeks ’’

- Richard Williams

Big build taking shape

By Cade Lucas

Construction can be a frustrating business, just ask former Wyndham councillor and property developer, Intaj Khan.

“We encountered a lot of rocks and we’ve had to change the plans” Mr Khan said.

“We’ve changed our outdoor swimming plan and we’ve dropped the helipad and we’ve also reduced from 16 to 15 rooms and made one of the rooms a hair salon and wellbeing centre.”

Mr Khan isn’t talking about a luxury hotel or apartment complex.

This is his home.

Situated near the corner of Mt Derrimut Road and Doherty’s Road in Tarneit, it is set to be the largest mansion in Victoria when complete.

After years of planning delays, construction beganinMaylastyearandMrKhanestimated it’ll be May next year before it’s finished.

Two years, $10 million, 20 builders and a floor area of 311 squares; these are dizzying numbers and Mr Khan anticipates more to come.

“A mansion that is close to our design was sold for $42 million on the Gold Coast three weeks ago ” Mr Khan said of the largest price ever paid for a mansion in Australia, one he thinks his property will surpass.

“Our mansion is more modern and way bigger than that one.”

Tarneit isn’t the Gold Coast, but Mr Khan said this was why he wanted to build such a large home there.

“It will uplift the entire area’s profile and shows the west is on the move,” Mr Khan said.

“I would say (Tarneit) is a suburb where people can see how people work hard can achieve their dreams.”

Regardless of the size, the son of Indian

migrants knows that in building his own home, he has certainly achieved his. “As a migrant it’s the Australian dream,” he said. While a proud Australian, Mr Khan is also paying homage to his Indian heritage, using marble imported from the same quarry that supplied the Taj Mahal.

But such extravagance is in stark contrast to many others whose dreams of home ownership or even affording rent, are

New rec centre

Easy Healthcare has launched its new Disability Recreational Centre in Laverton.

The grand opening of the activity centre, which is the first of its kind in Victoria, was held at 11am on Sunday, April 23 at 2/32 Westside Drive, Laverton North. The opening included a tour of facilities, demonstrations of the centre’s available services and speeches from NDIS Minister Bill Shorten and other key stakeholder. The centre is intended to be a safe, enjoyable environment where people with disabilities can engage in recreational activities. Support coordinator Tony Allen said Easy Healthcare is excited to provide the facility and its services to the community.

“This is a first for Victoria, so we’re very proud that we’re able to offer this to NDIS participants,“ he said.

“It’s been about finding what participants wanted as far as activities.

“We found that they wanted things like gym access, so we’ve included a gym area and are employing a personal trainer.“

Mr Allen said there are a number of other activities planned.

increasingly unachievable.

Mr Khan is unrepentant and argues that quicker and more efficient planning approvals will allow more homes to be built.

He also encouraged others to follow him by dreaming big and investing in the west..

“People just have to plan and work smarter and pay attention to savings and don’t be afraid to buy properties in Tarneit and the west.”

“We’re going to provide art and craft classes, we’re currently trying to resource a dance teacher, we have games like snooker and table tennis and air hockey,“ he said.

“We’re providing our service to NDIS participants regardless of whether they are signed up with us or other providers,” he said.

Details: easyhealthcare.com.au/ opening-new-recreational-activitycentre-april-2023

Intaj Khan has started construction of his mansion in Tarneit, which he says is the largest in the state. It has been in the planning since 2016. (Damjan Janevski) 330591_02

House prices settle across state

Wyndham Vale is Melbourne’s top suburb for annual growth according to the Real Estate Institute of Victoria.

House prices in Wyndham Vale dropped 4.7 per cent to settle at a median of $552,500 this quarter - but, recorded 9 per cent growth over 12 months, taking the spot as Melbourne’s top suburb for annual growth.

Overvall the Victorian property market is showing signs of stabilisation this quarter according to the REIV.

The Metropolitan Melbourne median house price recorded a marginal drop of 1 per cent

to $955,500 in the March quarter while units recorded a 1.8 per cent drop to $611,000.

Houses in regional Victoria once again held strong, nudging down to $602,000 (from $603,000) this quarter, but growing 2.2 per cent to $608,000 annually. While units and apartments grew 3.7 per cent to $425,000.

Morwell took first place for annual growth in the regional suburbs, with a 21.5 per cent jump to $371,250, followed by the border town of West Wodonga (up 21.1 per cent) ringing in at $539,000. Other outer suburbs showing strong growth,butwellwithinreachforhousehunters,

Kids can sing out loud

Wyndham boys and girls are encouraged to warm up their singing voices, as the Australian Boys Choir launches a number of training programs.

The Australian Boys Choir’s non-auditioned Early Learners program for both boys and girls aged four to seven is now up and running, with expressions of interest now open for boys aged seven to nin to join the Probationer level of the formal training program from the third term.

Early Learner classes for girls and boys are running on Mondays during school terms at the Koomail Tardy Community Centre at 117 Alcock Road in Truganina.

Australian Boys Choir artistic director said they are “thrilled” to be offering the Early Learners program in Truganina and the Probationer program in the western suburbs for the first time in the choir’s 84-year history.

“Early Learners commenced at Koomail Tardy Community Centre in Truganina in Term 1 and have been so well received that we

are now in a position to consider offering our auditioned Probationer program as well,” he said.

“It is tremendous to potentially be able to provide access to this training for boys in the western suburbs.”

Early Learners teacher Rachael Joyce said the classes focus on teaching a number of skills through exploration and play.

“Our students learn music-specific skills, such as keeping time, matching pitch, and melody recognition, and on top of this, pick up countless other transferable skills,” she said.

“Theyexpandtheirmemorycapabilitieswith remembered songs; develop fine motor skills through playing different instruments each week; improve their language and subsequent reading competence; and build confidence in connecting with their peers through singing together.”

Details: www.australianboyschoir.com.au/ our-programs/join-us

were Tarneit with 3.4 per cent annual growth (to $650,000) and Pakenham recording a 4 per cent jump to $645,500.

Moving into middle Melbourne, Brighton was a standout suburb and dominated as Melbourne’s most expensive for the March 2023 report. As one of the few to bolster its median price both quarterly (up 23.2 per cent) to $3,951,000 and annually with a 0.3 per cent increase on houses.

REIV president Andrew Meehan noted that the property market is still stabilising after the price boom the pandemic instigated, and

while there’s still uncertainty around the future impact of interest rate rises in the market, there is positive activity.

The REIV Residential Market Index (RMX) which measures the price movement on weekly basis, has rebounded by 8.9 per cent since the start of this year. Currently the RMX sits at 154.9, close to levels recorded in mid-2022.

“Despite pressures from the interest rate increases, the market remains robust, particularly in outer ring suburbs, strong demand for housing is likely to continue throughout the rest of the year,” he said.

Australian Boys Choir Early Learners teacher Rachael Joyce is excited to offer the program for singers in the western suburbs. (Supplied)

Reclaiming the balance when you feel exhausted

Whether it’s responsibilities piling up, the housework never getting done, or people in your life who need your attention, it can feel like you never have enough time.

When you’re putting the needs of others before your own it can be challenging to take time for yourself, or even realise that you need to.

Those who help out a family member or friend with disability, mental illness, age or health issues can sometimes struggle to look after their own care needs. If this sounds like you, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and exhausted. Finding enough time to keep on top of the housework can be tough, let alone finding any time for your own self-care or social needs.

- young carer

But it can be different – Carer Gateway can help. It’s a free support service especially for

Where carers can find support

Do you care for a family member or friend with disability, mental illness, age or health issues? Contact Carer Gateway for support.

needs back in the picture? Don’t wait until you break – call Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 for help with information, advice, peer support,

‘‘ If I don’t look after myself who is going to look after the people I care for? ’’

Great news for the country that won’t cost a cent

An open letter to Treasurer Jim Chalmers regarding the Budget

Dear Dr Chalmers,

There’s a crisis in our country you can fix in your first budget, at no extra cost. With the stroke of a pen you could help secure the future of critical regional news services, using money already allocated in the budget.

All you need to do is allocate a fairer percentage of the federal government’s advertising budget to local and regional news services, rather than spending almost all of it with corporate capital city media and foreign-owned digital platforms (which don’t produce any content or employ any journalists).

This can be achieved by simply adopting the Victorian Govt policy that mandates a weekly full page government advertisement in every regional and community paper.

Local and regional newspapers connect more than 80% of the country, but they get almost 0% of the government advertising spend. In an era where false news spreads faster on social media than the truth does, trusted local news services reach more regional Australians than any other medium. And unlike other media, every government dollar spent with a local newspaper is also an investment in regional journalism jobs. This shouldn’t be controversial.

A recent parliamentary inquiry recommended that a minimum of 20% of government print advertising should be placed with regional news services. A recent study conducted by Deakin University recommended the same thing. In fact, the Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland, has been advocating for more regional newspaper advertising for many years.

We know there may be bigger budget issues, but this small policy change would be a simple and fair solution to a growing problem for regional Australia. A policy that ensures weekly federal government advertising is placed in regional newspapers would be great news for the country.

And it won’t cost you a cent.

Yours sincerely,

You TonyKendall

Tony Kendall President Managing Director Country Press Australia Australian Community Media

Andrew Manuel

Authorised by A Manuel, 9 Howe Street Balaklava SA 5461

More trees to help cool the west

More trees will be planted across Melbourne’s west during the next phase of the state government’s More Trees for a Cooler, Greener West program.

On Friday, April 21, Environment Minister

Ingrid Stitt announced the next round of grants and locations for 131,504 new trees that will be planted by mid-2024.

This will add to the 192,000 already planted since the beginning of the program, the state government said.

This round is investing over $2 million

to plant both mature and young trees at 76 locations across Melton, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Brimbank, Moonee Valley and Wyndham local government areas.

Thenewtreeswillbeplantedoutsideschools, along trails, in parks and on residential streets, creating more shaded, cooler spaces for local communities, according to the state government.

An urban forest is also being delivered in Brooklyn, with 3000 tubestock trees being planted in an area of underutilised public

Corso bounces back

Sunshine-born singer Daniela Corso is back on stage, with her batteries fully charged, after a 10 year break.

Westernsuburbssinger-songwriterCorsois firing up for her first live comeback show at The Palace Hotel in Camberwell on May 6.

After an extended break to look after her special needs son, the Sunshine-bred singer who now resides in Werribee is raring to hit the stages.

Backed by the Screaming Jets’ Paul Woseen, Mark McLeod and former Catwitch guitarist Lawrence Rhoads, Corso will showcase new songs including Part Of Us.

“This song has a country feel to it,” says Corso, who recorded it with longtime collaborator Michael Zammit in his Altona studio. She hopes new track will land her a spot at Tamworth’s famous country music festival.

But that doesn’t mean she’ll abandon her love of full-on rock and roll, as her audience will discover in the Palace gig.

“I wrote this song (Part Of Us) because we all have a part of us that keeps us going. It’s about the things in life that lift us and ignite our fire,” she says.

Corso also does charity work when she is not behind the mike.

After breast cancer claimed the life of a relative, she wrote and recorded a song to raise money for breast cancer research and awareness.

She also persuaded Monique Brumby and Rob Farnham, John’son, to join her in a big fund-raising concert in Williamstown for the Les Twentyman Foundation and kids at risk a few years ago.

land with guidance from the Friends of Lower Kororoit Creek.

Western Melbourne has the lowest tree canopy cover in metropolitan Victoria, with just 5.5 per cent of urban tree cover in Melbourne in 2018, compared to 17.4 per cent in the inner south-east and 25.9 per cent in the east, the government said.

“We’re planting more trees for a cooler and greener west. Together with our investment in parks, we’re boosting liveability, improving air quality and tackling climate change to reach

net zero emissions by 2045,” Ms Stitt said.

“We’re partnering with councils, land managersandschoolstoinvestincommunities in the west and understand the needs of locals in an effort to increase tree canopy coverage where it is needed most.”

Laverton MP Sarah Connolly said the government was creating green spaces for residents of the west for generations to come.

“Hundreds of thousands of trees will enhance biodiversity, create more open green space and improve air quality across the west,”

Daniela Corso is back with a bang. (Supplied)

Fans get behind Western United

Western United’s women’s side might only be in their first season, but the side has started to get a dedicated fan base. With the team playing in the A-League Women’s grand final this Sunday, many fans are planning to head to Sydney to watch the side in action and hopefully claim the championship. Star Weekly caught up with some of the dedicated fans ahead of the big game.

Western Core

Brooke Muscat has been a member of Western United since day one.

Part of the men’s active supporter group, Muscat was one of those who put her hand up to help run the club’s women’s active supporter group when the club finally got a women’s side this season.

Muscat and the group have had a season full of highs so far and they’re hoping a championship will cap it off this Sunday.

“A group of us run it, a little group of about eight of us run it behind the scenes and helped create it” she said.

“I’m a supporter of the men’s team and an inaugural member. With the commitment factorsomeonehadtostepupwiththewomen’s teamandwe’vebeensupportingthemeachand every week.

“The boys do a lot of work with the men’s side, so we’re sharing the load and each of the partiessupporteachotherasmuchaspossible.”

Muscat has made several interstate trips this season to watch United, including being at the club’s semi final win in Sydney.

She said it was an incredible experience.

“It was an awesome experience and how the game transpired was incredible to watch.

“Seeing all that hard work and the tight knit community they’ve put together was such a great experience.

“To watch it live, there were only about 10 of us, it was really cool to have played a little part in it.”

While many people have been surprised by United’s success in its first season, Muscat said she didn’t think that it was such a big surprise, with so much belief in the team.

“I’m so proud of them.”

Muscat has already booked her flights, accommodation and tickets for the grand final. She’shopingthattherewillbeaheapofother United fans making the trip.

“There’s been a fair bit of interest in a few of the Western United supporter groups,” she said.

“The club is looking to put a bus on if there’s enough support. There should be a decent amount of people there.

“We want people to come and join us in the

active supporter bay.”

Muscat said the only disappointing aspect was that many supporters will miss out on coming to the match, with it being held in Sydney after Football Australia decided both A-League grand finals would be held in the Harbour City.

The Woollam family

Western United fans Jenni Woollam and her family from Hoppers Crossing are flying up to Sydney to watch the game and support their team.

“As soon as we heard we booked flights up to Sydney,” Ms Woollam said. “We were just in Adelaide for the men’s [game].”

“My husband and two of my kids are coming … [we] leave at 6am and get back at 10pm … and there’s about 12 [friends] going as well.”

Ms Woollam said the family have been following Western United for a few years now and said it’s been a really exciting season.

Western United men’s active group Western United men’s active support are ramping up to get out and show their support for the women’s team in the upcoming A-League Women’s final.

One of the men’s active support leaders Mason Ahumada said he’s enjoyed watching the women’s success throughout their first season.

“It’s been very good,” he said.

“Because I’ve been such a big part of the men’s support, I’ve been able to see a lot of the women come up through Calder United, who they merged [formed a partnership] with last season.

“Just seeing the passion they’ve instilled in the first season has been great to see.”

Now, he’s preparing to head up to Sydney to show support during the final.

“I’m very excited, who would’ve thought that we’d come this far,” he said.

“Throughout the season a lot of the players have showed a lot of heart and they keep continuing to prove all the doubters wrong, and here we are with the biggest game next weekend.

“To lift the trophy, and following the success of the men’s last season, to lift two trophies, would be awesome.”

He said many members of the men’s support will be joining on the Sydney trip

Ahumada said it’s normal for the club’s men and women’s support groups to all come together and support each other.

“We all chat as a collective and try our best to support each other … The club try and instil that. It’s mostly just us trying to have a good outcome for the club,” he said.

“I’m bringing some of the boys with me, so there’ll be a lot of hometown support at the game, so we’re all gonna be there in numbers for sure.

“The club try to instil that. It’s mostly just us trying to have a good outcome for the club.”

Western United fans will be in full voice on Sunday. (Supplied)

Active support group the Western Core. (Supplied)

The Western Core at the semi final (Supplied)

The Woollam family on their way to a Western United game. (Supplied)

Bigotry can be a health hazard

By Christopher Carter, chief executive, North Western Melbourne Primary HealthNetwork

Love it or loathe it, the classic Australian soap opera Neighbours has notched up many firsts in its long life. One of these was making a star oftransgenderactorGeorgieStone,whoplayed the role of Mackenzie Hargreaves.

And Georgie herself marked her own first recentlywhenshebecamethefirsttransperson to give a speech at the National Press Club in Canberra.

“Thislastmonthhasbeenincrediblydifficult for us,” she said. “I am holding the hearts of fellow trans Australians in my mind and acknowledge the collective trauma and pain caused by recent events.”

She was referring to some small but noisy gatherings that targeted trans people. When these sort of things happen, they are not just ugly expressions of bigotry – they are genuine and serious health hazards.

The trans community, especially its younger members, is one of the most at-risk groups in Australia. Research has found that among trans and gender diverse people aged between 14 and 25, almost half have attempted suicide and 80 per cent have self-harmed.

In the general population, the proportion who attempt suicide is 3.6 per cent.

In the US, LGBTIQ+ people under 29 make up a quarter of all suicides. Several studies suggestthatthisisbecauseLGBTIQ+peoplein general, and especially trans people, face high levels of discrimination and harassment. As it would for anybody, this leads to mental health distress.

It’s fair to say that many people don’t understand the particular challenges faced by trans, non-binary and other gender diverse members of our community.

Because of this, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network works hard with some wonderful organisations to make sure that they can access mental and physical health care geared to their needs, delivered by people who know what they are going through.

One of these, for instance, is Queerspace, an organisation that provides all kinds of counsellingandadviceforthebroadLGBTIQ+ community, aimed at improving health and wellbeing. Queerspace is part of the amazing community health organisation Drummond Street Services, which in our region has centres in Brimbank, Wyndham, and North

Melbourne.

Another valuable organisation is Switchboard, which provides peer-driven support services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, gender diverse, intersex, queer and asexual people, their families, allies and communities.

Younger trans people in need of help for mental health or substance use can find it with the Youth Support and Advocacy Service, or YSAS. This mob have an office in Carlton, but operate across the city and beyond.

Finally, there is Thorne Harbour Health, Victoria’s largest provider of health care for LGBTIQ+ residents. We work with them a

lot. Among other services, the organisation runs a dedicated, bulk-billing medical and counselling clinic for trans and gender diverse people. It’s called Equinox, and is located in Abbotsford.

So if you’re trans, don’t hesitate to get in touch with any of these organisations. If you’re not, but you know someone who is, maybe reach out and give them a smile. As Georgie Stone said, it’s been a tough month.

• Queerspace: ds.org.au

• Switchboard: switchboard.org.au

• YSAS: ysas.org.au

• Thorne Harbour Health: thorneharbour.org

NWMPHN works with a number of groups to support transgender people. (iStock)

Youths look to a greener future

Young people concerned about the environment gathered at Wyndham Vale at the start of April to discuss action on climate changeandhowtocreateasustainablefuture.

Wyndham council, in collaboration with the Climate Futures Youth Leaders volunteers, held a Youth Summit to empower and educate young people to take action on climate change.

The summit, attended by 28 young people, was led by the Climate Futures Youth Leaders volunteers and brought together like-minded young people to work towards creating a sustainable future.

The summit aimed to raise awareness of the impacts of climate change and provide young people with some practical ways they can engage in the conversation.

Speakers on the summit panel included the managingdirectorofVelishaFarmsCatherine Velisha, sustainable energy engineer Amber Troung, senior healthy country project officer Greg Robinson and youth representative Dylan Wishart.

The day included a panel discussion,

workshops and lunch and afternoon tea. At the conclusion of the summit, young attendees made several commitments including undertakings to plant more native plantsintheirbackyards,recycleproperlyand

moreoftenandgrowmorevegetablesathome.

The Climate Futures Youth Leaders are a group of young people aged between 1626 advocating for the environment and climate change. They provide support in the

planning and delivery of environmental and sustainability events, programs, forums and workshops coordinated by council’s Climate and Resilience, Waste and Youth Services teams.

YOURNEWCAREER ...startshere

PRINT AND PRINT AND PRINT AND ONLINE SALES ONLINE SALES ONLINE SALES

EXECUTIVE EXECUTIVE EXECUTIVE

REQUIRED REQUIRED REQUIRED

Young environmental leaders with Cr Szatkowski. (supplied)

A gardening workshop focused on growing vegetables. (supplied)

Suhani Poddar and Phy Mei Liu with Cr Jasmine Hill. (supplied)

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

Wyndham Rotary

Wyndham Rotary welcomes people interested in helping people in need in the community. Interested in finding out more, come to the Italian Sports Club each Wednesday at 6.30pm to join Rotary for a meal, share ideas and work for a common cause.

■ Julie, 0406 196 630.

CWA Werribee Branch

The Country Women’s Association

Werribee Branch meets on the third Wednesday of every month at the Wyndham Park Community Centre at 1pm. Afternoon tea is provided. The branch also has various social outings and fundraising events. Visitors who would like to learn a little of what the CWA do are welcome. You do not have to be a keen cook or crafty person, just someone looking for friendship.

■ Michelle, 0407 207 801

Friends of Presidents Park

The Friends of Presidents Park meets from 10am to noon on the first Thursday of the month, to undertake Landcare activities along the Werribee River through the park and surrounding areas. Bring your own gloves and water. Morning tea provided. Meeting at the carpark near the Shaws Road Bridge, Heaths Road, near the fenced dog park.

■ admin@werribeeriver.org.au

Seniors House of Fun

The Grange Community Centre would like to invite the seniors of Wyndham to its weekly Seniors House of Fun. This is a free program running every Friday 11am-12.30pm, at The Grange Community Centre, 260-280 Hogans Road, Hoppers Crossing.

■ Vanessa, 8742 8000, or enquires@grangecommunity.org.au

Seniors club

The Werribee Senior Citizens Club Inc meets at 80 Lonsdale Circuit, Hoppers Crossing. The group is open to all people 55-plus , and it runs on Wednesdays, 10am- noon. Entry: $2, includes morning tea.

■ 0403 041 499

Hoppers Crossing Ladies Probus

The friendly and vibrant group meet at Hotel 520 on the second Wednesday of each month from 10am. They have a guest speaker each month as well as social lunches, outings and theatre trips.

■ 0407 856 519

Sunrise Social Groups

GenWest Sunrise Social Groups are currently seeking new members for their Melton, Brimbank and Wyndham programs. The free groups are organised by Genwest and provide a social space for women, gender diverse and nonbinary people, who have a disability, chronic health issues and/or mental health challenges.

■ https://genwest.org.au/what-we-do/ health-wellbeing-programs/

U3A Werribee

The group is a not-for-profit community organisation for semi-retired and retired Wyndham residents. They hold a variety of classes/activities specifically designed for Seniors, including, light physical and mental wellbeing sessions, arts, games and craft, and general classes such as current affairs, history and lunch groups. Most classes/activities are held at Wyndham Community Centres.

■ Rick, 0402 299 220.

Lions Club

Lions Club of Werribee meets at the RSL Club 2a Synnot Street Werribee on the first and third Wednesday of the month 6.30pm for a 7pm dinner meeting.

■ Lou, 0409 331 271

Bingo for all

The Werribee RSL hosts Bingo every Monday, except public holidays. Eyes down from 12.30-2.30pm.

■ 9741 5525

Western Budgerigar Club

The Western Suburbs Budgerigar Club meets at 7.30pm on the third Thursday of each month at Masonic Hall, 223 Watton Street, Werribee. Meet other members who are also passionate about breeding Budgerigars.

■ Don, 0414 975 862

Wyndham Ladies Probus

Are you recently retired or semi-retired? Looking for fun, fellowship and to increase your social networks. The Ladies Probus Club of Wyndham meets on the first Wednesday of each month at Hotel520, Sayers Road, Tarneit, and normally has an outing or event on the third Wednesday of each month.

■ Rosa Sanderson, 0410 303 046

Free community morning tea

Every Wednesday at 11.00am in Joan Kirner House foyer, 14 Thompson St, Williamstown.

■ Tahlia, 9397 6168

Computer classes for beginners

A wide range of times and days, at both Altona North Community Centre, and Joan Kirner House in Williamstown.

■ Lynne, 9397 6168

Palliative volunteers needed

Mercy Palliative Care is looking for volunteers to visit palliative care patients in their homes to offer social support.

■ 9313 5700 or

MPCVolunteerCoordinators@mercy.com.au

Musicians Wanted

Established in 1979, the Westgate Concert Band is seeking new members. Do you play woodwind, brass or percussion and are looking for a welcoming place to play enjoyable and challenging music? Rehearsals are held Saturdays during school terms, 9am to noon at Braybrook College.

■ westgateconcertband@gmail.com

Free English conversation class

Is English your second language? Do you want to improve your English skills and meet new people? Practise English conversation in informal interactive group sessions. Light refreshments provided. Mondays during school terms from 1pm to 3pm at the Altona Library meeting room at Queen Street, Altona.

■ Joe Pellone, 0431 915 970, or joepellone@gmail.com, or Jill Mackenzie, 0439 994 705, or jill.mackenzie111@ gmail.com

Drop in chess, cards and Scrabble

If you love playing chess, cards or a game of Scrabble in an informal and fun setting, visit Braybrook Community Centre on Tuesdays, from noon to 2.30pm.

Woodcarving workshop

Aimed at all levels of ability in the ancient and international craft of woodcarving. Women are welcome. Bring your own tools and projects if possible. Or do you have Grandpa’s old gouges to donate? On Tuesdays, 9.30am to noon, at 280 Queen Street, Altona.

■ jah2802rot@gmail.com

Alcoholics Anonymous –Williamstown

Regular meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous are held at St Andrew’s Church Hall, Williamstown, Wednesday at 7pm and Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Newport, Thursday 6.30pm and Saturday 8.30am.

All welcome including friends and family of people with drinking problems.

■ 1300 22 22 22, or www.aatimes.org.au

Heritage walks

Enjoy a leisurely walk around historic Williamstown and nearby suburbs with guide John. Walks start at 9.20 am each Tuesday outside the Visitor Information Centre, Nelson Place.

■ John, 0418 377 336

Wednesday walking group

The Williamstown Community Centre offers a regular Wednesday walking group that walks the local area, 10.15-11am. New members are warmly welcome. This activity is free and includes morning tea.

■ 9397 6168

Altona book sale

Friends of Altona Library hold a monthly book sale on the first Tuesday, Friday and Saturday of each month at the rear of Altona Library, 123 Queen Street, Altona, access via Coles carpark, 10am to 1pm. ■ libraries.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/ community/friends-of-the-libraries

Williamstown Craft Market Commonwealth Reserve comes alive on the third Sunday of the month for the Williamstown Craft Market. The market boasts more than 50 stalls showcasing everything from handmade craft, homegrown produce and food vendors. There will also be live music. From 10am to 4pm.

■ www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Community/ Whats-On/Williamstown-Craft-Market

Musicians welcome

Do you play trumpet, flute or lower brass instruments? The Hobsons Bay City Band is seeking musicians to join its community band. Rehearsals are held Mondays from 7.30pm at the Newport Lakes Primary School, Elizabeth Street, Newport.

■ Roger Lewis, hbcityband@gmail.com, or www.hbcb.org.au

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of kids having fun at Albanvale primary school’s cultural diversity day. (Damjan Janevski) 329177_01

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

QUICK CROSSWORD

1 Region of South Africa (9)

6 Just (4)

10 Atmosphere (3)

11 Donated (11)

12 Before chapter one (9)

13 Grower of crops (6)

14 – Von Bismarck (4)

DECODER

WORDFIT

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”.

cere, cheer, chore, coerce, cohere, COHERENCE, cone, core, creche, crone, echo, encore, erne, hence, here, hereon, hero, heron, hone, ochre, once

No. 130

1 Which footballer famously scored off an unpenalised handling foul that became known as the 'Hand of God’ in the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal?

2 The Río de la Plata forms the border between which two South American countries?

3 Which revolutionary figure was known as El Libertador?

4 Which country gifted the Statue of Liberty to the US?

5 And in what style is the statue?

6 In which region of Italy is the city of Naples?

7 In which country is the endangered eastern lowland gorilla (pictured) found?

8 Which African capital city is found on the opposite shore of the Congo River from Kinshasa?

9 What is the primary ingredient of the Iranian dish pilaf?

10 Who directed the 2012 film Argo?

No. 130

No. 130

Derrimut Road

• Hoppers Crossing Werribee Plaza Tavern Heaths Road, Cnr Derrimut Road

• Hoppers Crossing Coles Supermarket 250 Heaths Road, Cnr Derrimut Road

• Hoppers Crossing APCO Service Station 178 Morris Road

• Hoppers Crossing Hoppers Crossing Shopping Centre24-48

Old Geelong Road

• Hoppers Crossing Woodville Park Shopping CentreShop 20/70

Warringa Drive

• Hoppers Crossing IGA Plus Liquor Shop 4, 2-6 Deloraine Drive

• Hoppers Crossing Aqua Pulse Café 82 Derrimut Road

• Hoppers Crossing Coles Express 260 Derrimut Road (Cnr Hogans Road)

• Hoppers Crossing The Grange

Community Centre 260-280

Hogans Road

• Hoppers Crossing Hoppers Crossing

Cricket Club Hogans Road - Hogans Road Reserve (Club House)

• Hoppers Crossing Super Lotto News

agency Shop 8/166 Hogans Road (Hogans Corner Shopping Centre)

• Hoppers Crossing Woolworths

Supermarket

• Hoppers Crossing (Hogans Corner)

Corner Hogans Road & Derrimut Road

• Hoppers Crossing Tigers Club House

70 Old Geelong Road

• Hoppers Crossing Popeyes Kebabs

255 Old Geelong Road

• Keilor Park Star Weekly Office Unit 6/19 Thomson Road (Cnr Keilor Park Drive)

• Laverton Ray White Real Estate 6/161 Railway Avenue

• Manor Lakes Manor Lakes News & Lotto Shop 14, 455 Ballan Road (Manor Lakes Central Shopping Centre)

• Manor Lakes Manor Lakes Shopping Centre 455 Ballan Road (Manor Lakes Central Shopping Centre)

• Point Cook Featherbrook Shopping Centre 238 Boardwalk Boulevard

• Point Cook Wyndham Library Service Unit 1-21 Cheetham Street

• Point Cook Point Cook Pharmacy Shop 1-11 Dunnings Road

• Point Cook Jamieson Way Community Centre 59 Jamieson Way

• Point Cook Direct Chemist Outlet Shop 13, 15 Kenswick Street

• Point Cook Stockland Point Cook Shopping Centre Murnong Street

• Point Cook Saltwater Community Centre 153 Saltwater Promenade

• Point Cook Saltwater Coast Sales

Office 261 Saltwater Promenade

• Point Cook The Brooks 215S neydes Road

• Point Cook YPA Real Estate Shop

10/46-56 Tom Roberts Parade

• Point Cook Wyn City 36 Wallace Avenue

• Sanctuary Lakes Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club 70 Greg Norman Drive

• Sanctuary Lakes Sanctuary Lakes Resort 72 Greg Norman Drive

• Sanctuary Lakes Waterstone CaféSanctuary Lakes 72 Greg Norman Drive

• Sanctuary Lakes Sanctuary Lakes Real Estate 300 Point Cook Road

• Sanctuary Lakes Sanctuary Lakes Shopping Centre 300 Point Cook Road

• Tarneit Tarneit Central Shopping Centre 540 Derrimut Road

• Tarneit NewsXpress - Riverdale Village SC 200 Hummingbird Boulevard

• Tarneit Penrose Promenade Community Centre 83 Penrose Promenade

• Tarneit Brian Mark Real Estate Shop 18, 380 Sayers Road

• Tarneit Wyndham Village Shopping Centre 380 Sayers Road

• Tarneit Shell Service Station 380 Sayers Road (Wyndham Village

‘soap opera’

Shopping Centre)

• Tarneit Barry Plant Real Estate Shop

9, 380 Sayers Road (Wyndham Village Shopping Centre)

• Tarneit Community Centre - Tarneit 150 Sunset Views Boulevard

• Tarneit Serranos Cafe 747 Tarneit Road ( Tarneit Gardens SC )

• Truganina Koomail Tardy Community Centre 117 Alcock Road

• Truganina Palm Lakes Resort 7 Taronga Road

• Truganina Arndell Park Community Centre 29-49 Federation Boulevard

• Werribee Eagles Stadium Café 35

Ballan Road

• Werribee Ison Village 150-168 Bulban Road

• Werribee Casaccio Egg Farm 170-198 Bulban Road

• Werribee IGA Supermarket 92-94 Cottrell Street

• Werribee Mercy Place Wyndham 39 Deutgam Street

• Werribee Werribee Park Motor Inn 112-124Duncans Road

• Werribee Italian Sports Club 601 Heaths Road

• Werribee The Woman’s Hub 236 Hoppers Lane

• Werribee St Vincent’s Private Hospital 240 Hoppers Lane

• Werribee St Vincent’s Care Services Werribee 240 Hoppers Lane

• Werribee Wyndham City Council 45 Princes Highway

• Werribee Werribee Mercy Hospital Coffee Shop300Princes Highway

• Werribee SIMS IGAWerribee Village Cnr Shaws & Tarneit Rd

• Werribee Tatts Lotto16Station Place

• Werribee Westwoods First National1Synnot Street

• Werribee Werribee RSL2A Synnot Street (Kelly Park)

• Werribee Werribee Fersh Market2/57Synnot Street

• Werribee OBrien Real EstateShop 2/85Synnot Street

• Werribee Cellarbrations 52-54 Vincent Crescent

• Werribee Professionals Triwest 6a Watton Street

• Werribee Bendigo Bank 42 Watton Street

• Werribee P. Di Natale Real Estate 44

Watton Street

• Werribee Coles Supermarket 143 Watton Street

• Werribee Wyndham Cultural Centre 177

Watton Street

• Werribee Hodges Werribee Level 1/1 Watton Street

• Werribee Raine and HorneShop 4, 1-13

Watton Street

• Werribee Barry Plant Real Estate 21

Watton Street

• Werribee YPA Real Estate 1 Werribee Street

• Werribee Wyndham Private Medical Centre 242 Hoppers Lane

• Werribee IPEP Clinic University Werribee Campsus Gate 1, Building 12 - 235 Hoppers Lane

• Werribee South Werribee South General Store 785 Duncans Road

• Werribee South Wyndham Cache (LT’s Egg Farm)1K Ave

• Werribee South Anglers Anchorage Take Away 67 O’Connors Road

• Williams Landing Williams Landing News, Lotto & Tobacco Shop T10, 100 Overton Road (Williams Landing Shopping Centre)

• Williams Landing Woolworths Supermarket 100 Overton Road (Williams Landing Shopping Centre)

• Wyndham Vale BP Service Station 210 Ballan Road

• Wyndham Vale Woolworths 205 Greens Road (Wyndham Vale Square Shopping Centre)

• Wyndham Vale IGA Wyndham Vale 50 Honour Avenue

• Wyndham Vale Iramoo Community Centre 84 Honour Avenue

• Wyndham Vale Manor Lakes Community Learning Centre 86 Manor Lakes Boulevard

• Wyndham Vale 7 Eleven Wyndham Vale Corner McGrath Road & Ballan Road

General Notices

V Public Notices and Event

PROPOSED 5G UPGRADE TO EXISTING MOBILE

PHONE BASE STATION

Address:Monopole - 1-5 Saltwater Promenade, Point Cook 3030 (PC372233)

Reference:340051 Point Cook South East - V

1. The proposed works include the addition of new 4G & 5G equipment and associated works including the replacement of 6 4G antennas (less than 2.8m long); the installation of 6 new 5G active antenna units (AAU) (less than 1m long); the replacement of 33 existing remote radio units (RRUs) with 27 new RRUs with the provision of 15 future RRUs; and ancillary equipment including but not limited to GPS antenna, mast head amplifiers, deplixers, combiners, antenna mounts, cable trays, fibre and electrical cabling necessary for the operation or proper functioning of the low-impact facility.

2. Vodafone & Optus regard the proposed installation as a Low-impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 based on the description above.

3. The proposed infrastructure will comply with the ACMA EME regulatory arrangements. An EME Report and further information can be obtained at www.rfnsa.com.au/3030045.

4. 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: Reinier Hanekom (Plan Consult Town Planning), 07 5430 6632, Suit 6-10 28 Eenie Crk Road, Noosaville, 4566 or info@planconsult.com.au by 5 pm on 12/05/23. 12601847-AV17-23

PUBLIC NOTICE

PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT ACT 1987Form 2 Planning and Environment Regulations 2015

The land affected by the Application is located at:

The Application is for a permit to:

38B Nantilla Crescent WERRIBEE VIC 3030

1: Removal of Restrictive Covenant N759411A from Lots 1 & 2 on PS717744C

2: Removal of “hatched” Restriction on Plan of Subdivision PS717744C.

The Application Reference Number is: WYP13868/22

The applicant for the permit is: PM Kennedy Land Surveyor

Planning Officer Details:

Contact: Luke Sexton Telephone: 8742 8387

Application documents are available to view via Council's website or at the Civic Centre: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/advertising

Wyndham City Council Civic Centre, 45 Princes Highway, Werribee, VIC 3030 between 9am and 4pm Monday to Friday

Any person who may be affected by the granting of the permit may object or make a submission to the Responsible Authority by post or in person or;

Online: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/planningobjection Email:mail@wyndham.vic.gov.au

An objection must be made to the Responsible Authority in writing, include the reasons for the objection and how the objector would be affected.

If you object, the Responsible Authority will tell you of its decision.

Council must make a copy of every objection available at its office for any person to inspect during office hours free of charge until the end of the period during which an application may be made for review of a decision on the application.

The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before:

ADVERTISERS,

NOTICE ofanApplicationtoVCATAnapplicationhasbeenmadeto VCATaboutthisland.If youwishtocontestthis applicationorbeheard inrelationtothisapplication,youmustgivea StatementofGrounds toVCATandservea copyontheApplication andResponsible Authoritybynolater thanthedatespecified below.TheStatement ofGrounds(Planning) forisavailableon VCAT'swebsite.Please visitvcat.vic.gov.au

Iftheapplicationconcernsapermitapplication,thepermitapplication,plansandother supportingdocuments canbeinspectedatthe officeoftheResponsibleAuthority.Ifthe applicationistoamend orcancelapermit,you mayneedtocontact theapplicanttoobtain thismaterial.

CaseDetails

DatethattheStatement ofGroundsmustbe receivedbyVCAT11 May2023

VCATReference NumberP360/2023 SiteAddress62The Strand,NEWPORTVIC, 3015

ApplicationType Reviewfailuretogrant apermitundersection 79PlanningandEnvironmentAct1987 ApplicationDetails

NameofApplicant DuvouxPtyLtd ContactDetailsfor ApplicantRoryO'Connor C/-Hall&Wilcox Rory.OConnor@halland wilcox.com.au 0400436175

NameofResponsible AuthorityHobsonsBay CityCouncil

PermitApplication NumberPA220447

Truck&dogdrivers andplantoperators required BasedatTrentham,VIC. Variousfull-time,parttimeandcasualroles available.Ratesabove awardandnegotiable. Musthaveexperience. Emailyourresumeto office@griffithsgroup.co orcall(03)54141433or 0437900995(Sharon).

- Handyperson

This

MERCY HEALTH: CARING FOR A LIVING Aged Care

Administration Assistant

Permanent Part time

Werribee Mercy Hospital

Funeral service to celebrate the life of Phillip will be held at Le Pine Werribee Chapel, 11-13 Greaves St, Werribee on 2nd May 2023 at 10:30am. A private cremation will follow.

- 15.04.2023

With a heavy heart Nuccia Sanza and family announce the passing of our sister and aunty Clarra. She passed away peacefully. Our hearts are crying. You will be terribly missed by us.

V Garage Sales

WERRIBEE 25 Missouri

Place. Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th April. 8:30am-4:30pm. Moving House Sale. TV unit, coffee tables, fashion handbags, fashion shoes, jewelry, dresses, chairs, lamps and lots more.

BriefDescriptionofProposal Subdivision DemolitionofSeaGates dwellingandgarageat rear,removaloflandscaping Buildingsandworksfor thedeconstruction, relocationandreconstructionofDachet dwellingandconstructionofadditions

HearingDetails PracticeDayHearingN/ A PreliminaryHearingN/A CompulsoryConference 6June202310.00am1.00pm

Hearing(ifcasenotfully settledbyconsentorat anyCompulsoryConference)2,3&4October 202310.00am-4.30pm

The Administrative Assistant is responsible for the daily co-ordination of the Engineering & Maintenance Services, ensuring that all administration tasks are completed to the required standard. This includes supporting the flow of works requests through to completion within the Tech One system. As part of the wider Engineering and Facilities admin team there are a variety of other shared responsibilities such as generating the relevant reports, supporting the on boarding of new WMH staff with ID photos, name badges and swipe cards etc.

•Werribee Mercy Hospital, Engineering & Maintenance Services

•Permanent part time 4 days per week 7.30 am - 4.00 pm, hours/days may change on occasion to cover leave

•Providing valuable support to the Werribee Mercy Hospital (WMH) site Engineering & Maintenance Supervisor and team

•Be part of the small dynamic team supporting our vital health service

Enquiries to: Myrica Lynn Gribben

Quote Ref No: 19779

Applications close: 28/4/23

For more information and to apply, please visit mercyhealth.mercury.com.au

Doin’ the Triton utility two-step

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

The Triton tapped danced up and down the concrete ‘boards’ of the motorway, leaving occupantsshakin’allover.Thankfully,thiswas no polka: ‘three-sixties’ here would have been well out of order.

On minor-road bitumen the terpsichorean bobbing up and down stepped aside for the GSR dual cab ute to settle for the odd bounce when encountering surface blemishes. Let’s face it, most utes exhibit some degree of rodeoriding.However,thereisworktobedone here.

The new Triton is a relative late comer to the dual cab ute segment dominated by the Toyota HiLuxandFordRanger,theMitsubishirelying onvalueformoneyinitsappeal.Unfortunately, this has resulted in Triton being seriously challenged by the likes of the Mazda BT-50 and Isuzu D-Max, not to mention Chinese and Korean offerings.

Mitsubishi Australia offers the MY22 Triton in six variants, with the GLX from a bargain basement $44,240 drive away. The range is rounded out by the GSR from $65,740 drive away. The latter was on test.

Accessories across the range are designed to suit most needs. Select from a Work Pack, Tradie Essential Pack, Starter Pack, Polished Pack or Black Pack.

Out in front with its 10-year 200,000-kilometre Diamond Advantage warranty, the maker offers Triton cover, provided all scheduled servicing is done on time and by an authorised Mitsubishi dealer.

Styling

The all-over black GSR test vehicle sported 18-inch alloy wheels and blacked-out grille. clamshell-style doors, platform side steps and grab handles made for easy access.

Efficient LED headlamps and daytime runninglightsareinlinewiththelatestlookin pick-up truck design.

On the smaller side of the segment, the ‘tucked in’ Triton’s less than 12 metre turning circle does make for easier parking than many of its segment rivals.

Interior

The cabin décor certainly makes a statement with orange leather appointed seats, black leather door trims with orange stitching, the latter repeated on the steering wheel, gear shift knob and park brake lever.

The luxe look is let down somewhat by black plastic surrounds, which are present in abundance.

Front seats are heated, while two rear seat passengers are well catered for with generous legroomandareclinedseatbackangleallowing ample, head and shoulder room - three across not so.

The bench seat back folds to expose a slim storage space across the width of the cabin. Storage, in general, is well covered with cup holdersallround,acubbyupfront,deepcentre console and big-bottle door slots.

Out back, the tub dimensions - 1520 mm long, 1470 mm wide, 475 mm deep – are some of the smallest in the segment, while four integrated cargo hooks can safely secure a variety of loads.

Infotainment

In these days of tablet-style technology, a small(ish)touchscreen,coveringAppleCarPlay, Android Auto and DAB+ digital radio, dwells in the past, while a head-up display on the windscreen, covering speed and legal speed limits, catches up with present-day standards.

Analogue instruments literally dial up memories of the old workhorse, the layout relating to modern times only by a digital display between the two gauges.

Engines / transmissions

The MY22 Triton relies on the tried and tested (ageing) 2.4-litre Mitsubishi MIVEC common-rail, intercooled turbodiesel engine putting out 133 kW of power at 3500 rpm and 430 Nm of torque at 2500 revs.

Safety

The five-star ANCAP safety grade won in 2015 would not be up to today’s five-star standards.

However, Mitsubishi Intuitive Technology (MITEC) does incorporate such technical advantages as antilock braking with electronic brakeforce distribution; forward collision mitigation; ultrasonic misacceleration mitigation; blind spot and lane departure warning; lane change assist; hill descent control; all-round monitor; hill start assist; reverse parking camera and sensors; and rear cross-traffic alert.

Passivesafetyiscoveredbysevenairbagsand an audible warning to pedestrians when the vehicle is reversing.

Driving

Constructed in lightweight materials, including an aluminium block, it’s fuel efficiency over performance with the Triton 2.4-litre turbodiesel powerplant. Ponderous off the mark but relaxed and co-operative at cruising speeds.

Note: leave the steering wheel-mounted metal shift paddles alone. They add little to

the driving experience. It’s definitely a case of engine management knows best.

Mitsubishi puts fuel consumption in the combined urban / highway cycle at 8.6 litres per 100 kilometres. On test the GSR recorded 11 litres per 100 kilometres city commuting and 6.7 litres per 100 kilometres on the open road.

As mentioned above, a rigid ladder chassis; up front, double wishbones with coil springs and stabiliser bar; and above-axle leaf spring rear suspension had their moments.

Super Select II 4x4 system incorporates four modes - 2H, rear-wheel drive; 4H, full-time power to all wheels; 4HLC, 4WD high range with locked centre differential, minimises wheel spin with low grip; 4LCC, 4WD low range with locked centre diff, maximum traction at low speed. The switch between two andfour-wheeldrivecanbemadesafelyonthe fly at speeds up to 100 km/h.

Tow rating is 3100 kg braked and 750 kg unbraked. The test vehicle tonneau cover provided a test of strength to clip it down until it finally surrendered to perseverance. The high-set lined tub (aren’t they all, these days) also offered up a few loading challenges during the test.

Rear seat occupants commented on the efficiencyoftheclimatecontrolbacktherewith its dual air vents in the roof.

AT A GLANCE

MODEL RANGE

Mitsubishi Triton GLX from $44,240 (Drive away)

Mitsubishi Triton GLX-R from $47,490 (Drive away)

Mitsubishi Triton GLX+ from $48,490 (Drive away)

Mitsubishi Triton GLS from $53,240 (Drive away)

Mitsubishi Triton Sport Edition from $60,926 (Drive away)

Mitsubishi Triton GSR from $65,740 (Drive away)

SPECIFICATIONS

Triton GSR 2.4L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel, sixspeed automatic, selectable 4x4 dual cab ute

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

Summary

While lacking in some of the niceties of the modern pick-up truck work-and-play combination, the Triton GSR does not carry the load of premium pricing of some of its opposition.

A six-speed automatic transmission and Super Select II 4x4 system cover the spectrum of on- and off-road capability.

The latest generation Triton GSR is no wallflower when it comes to the practicalities of a dual cab ute. (PIctures: Supplied)

Positive signs for Tarneit after battle with Suns

Tarneit got a bit of an early reality check against the Suns in Western Region Football League division 2.

After a big win first up against North Sunshine, the match against the Suns presented a much tougher opposition.

Last season’s grand finalists showed they mean business, with a big 16.14 (110)-2.4 (16) win.

The Suns were wasteful early on, before finding momentum and were able to build throughout.

Speaking before the match, Tarneit coach Brent Sheean said this would give them a bit of an idea how they were tracking.

“North Sunshine is having a really challenging time right now,” he said. “It was how we went about the win and everything that we implemented in the off season.

“We ticked a lot of boxes, but we now have to do it against the stronger sides.

“The Suns are the winning benchmark. We’ll have a really good gauge about things.”

Sheean had been happy with how things had been tracking heading into the match

after a really strong pre-season.

He said while they had looked to bring in some players, others had come down seeing that they were building something special.

“There’s been some positive signs so far,” he said.

“There’sbeengreatnumbersonthetrack.At times last year we struggled a bit for numbers throughout the year.

“We’ve been able to build and we’ve got

some numbers with a number of blokes coming down to training and we’re building that depth.”

Sheean said there’s seven or eight additions to their senior side from last season, while they did lose three or four players.

He said they’ve also got a couple of players whoaresettoreturnfromlongterminjuriesin the next few weeks including Michael Scolaro

Michael Naawl is one new recruit having

Emily runs on ambition

By Peter Howe

A love for long distance running sets the April Don Deeble Sports Star, Emily Mifsud apart from her peers.

“From a very early age I just loved to run around, run everywhere, whenever I got a chance to get outside, I ran,” said an effervescent Mifsud.

Mifsud has turned that love into a blossoming career having started when she wasyoungfollowinginhermother’sfootsteps.

She started at Little Athletics, where she found her love of running.

“I competed in every event when I was in little aths including the discus and shot put, but running was all I really wanted to do,” reflected Mifsud with some satisfaction.

“I was never a winner of championships, I just loved to compete.”

Mifsud graduated to running at Aberfeldie with Athletics Essendon.

She started running 1500 metre events and graduated to 3000m as she got older and developed more strength. Mifsud puts her success to joining the Maribyrnong Sports Academy and training under Gregor Gojrzewski, and combining her athletic ambitions with her studies.

A typical week for Mifsud involves a training and competing program of six days a week with only Friday away from any athletic pursuit.

A typical Monday is a slow, eight kilometre run, Tuesday’s work is a threshold session including four six-minute repetition runs.

There’s another eight to 10 kilometre easy run on a Wednesday, followed by a speed endurance session on Thursday, that caps off her week.

Add three gym sessions early morning with a focus on core and leg strength and you can see she is a driven young person.

Misfud results resulted in her representing Victoria at the 2022 Australian Cross Country Championships and competing at the 2022 Australian Track and Field Championships.

Mifsud was then selected to represent Australia at the annual Simplot Games held in Salt Lake City in February.

Athletes from the USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia competed in the largest indoor high school track and field event of more than 2000 athletes competing in the carnival.

Mifsud made the final of the 3200 metres, an event she had never run before.

Following a third place in her heat, she finished fourth in the final only 0.6 seconds behind third.

“It was the best thing I have ever done,” reflected a very excited Mifsud, “I had never run on an indoor track before, it is steep and only 200 metres long.

“I improved 20 seconds from my heat to the final. It was an amazing experience.”

Misfud said her hero is Australian champion, Jessica Hull.

Hullfinished11thinthe1500mattheTokyo Olympics and more recently finished third at the World Cross Country Championships at Bathurst in February.

Mifsud is hoping to emulate her career.

So what does the future hold for Mifsud?

“I am currently completing my VCE this

year,” she said. “Post year 12, I’m considering going to college in America, my schoolwork is very important to me.

“I want a high ATAR to get into a physiotherapy course. Naturally I’d love to represent Australia at the Olympics.”

The Don Deeble Sports Star Award is sponsored by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club, Strathmore Community Bank, the Deer Park Club, Ascot Vale Sports and Trophies and StarWeekly If you would like to nominate a monthly winner or attend a dinner at the Medway Golf Club, contact swrsportsclub@gmail.com or 0408 556 631.

previously played Air force football.

Jason Sedulkis is one of the players to come across from Glen Orden, who will fill roles in the senior side.

Sheean said there had been some growth from within, with some different players pushing for senior spots.

After just missing finals last year, Sheehan said they were hoping to finish in the top four this year.

Sheean said overall the club is going really well.

“It’s a good place to be.”

In the other division 3 matches, Laverton beat North Sunshine and Sunshine Heights was too strong for West Footscray.

In division 1, Point Cook made it three from three with victory against the Yarraville Seddon Eagles, 12.11 (83)-7.9 (51).

Point Cook Centrals lost to Caroline Springs, 16.1 (107)-9.8 (62).

Werribee Districts hosts Hoppers Crossing on Anzac Day.

In division 2, Wyndhamvale beat Sunshine by a point, 11.11 (77)-11.10 (76).

Sports shorts

A-League

Angie Beard has been ruled out for the A-League Women’s grand final. Beard was substituted in the 78th minute of United’s 1-0 win in Sunday’s Semi-Final against Sydney FC after hunting her foot. Scans have revealed that Beard has sustained an injury to her foot, which will unfortunately rule her out for the grand final on April 30.

VNL

An under strength City West Falcons still came away with the win in the Victorian Netball League championship on Friday night. The Falcons were missing two players from their usual squad, but it meant little with the Falcons beating the Boroondara Express, 76-56. The Falcons under-19s and division 1 sides both also had wins. The Falcons sit top after five rounds, one of three teams with four wins and a loss.

GDNL Werribee Centrals remains undefeated in the Geelong and District Netball League after a big win on Saturday. Facing Bell Post Hill, the Centurions had control throughout the game on the way to a 64-24 win. Ellie Tubbs scored 42 goals for the Centurions. The Centurions this week face the Belmont Lions.

GDFL

Werribee Centrals snuck home in a thriller against Bell Post Hill in the Geelong and District Football League on Saturday. It was a low scoring affair, with the Centurions making the most of their opportunities in the 7.5 (47)-5.14 (44) win. Bryce Linehan-Cunningham kicked three goals for the winners. Harley Kilby, Jack Stephenson and Linehan-Cunningham were named the Centurions best. The Centurions now have two wins from their three matches. The Centurions this week face the Belmont Lions.

FOR MORE SPORT, VISIT Web:

Emily Misfud and her coach Gregor Gojrzewski. (Supplied)

Tarneit’s leadership groups. (Supplied)

Switch working for budding netball star Cachia

A position change hasn’t halted the career of young Wyndham netball star Blake Cachia.

Having started playing netball when he was 11 at the Wyndham Netball Association as a fill in, Cachia found a home at goal attack.

Having played well enough to make the Victorian under-17 team for the Australian Men’s and Mixed Netball Association last season, Cachia was then selected to represent the Australia under-17 team.

It was there that his transition from goaler to midcourter began.

“Last year I moved into the midcourt,” he said. “I’m a bit short for goals.

“I ended up being the starting wing attack for Australia. I had only played four quarters of wing attack before being picked for Australia at that position,

“I was shocked as I didn’t know anything about the position.

The transition has been hard, I’m still learning.”

Cachia said while he still enjoys goaling, he has started to enjoy playing in the midcourt.

He said the experience of playing for Australia was incredible. The team played

-

in the New Zealand under-23 championship and played a match against the New Zealand under-20 team.

“It’s very different to here,” he said.“The setup and the defensive side of things. They go for every ball.”

Cachia was again selected in the Victorian Men’s and Mixed Netball Association under-17teamforthenationalchampionships this year.

The Victorian team was undefeated for a second straight year.

“It feels really good to be able to go and not lose for that whole time,” Cachia said.

Cachia is hoping his form at the championships will lead to selection in the Australia under-17 team, which will hopefully be announced next month.

With the rise of men’s netball in Australia, Cachia knows that he is coming through the pathways at the right time.

There’s a push for the sport to be in the Olympics, while the Australian team has had opportunities in recent years to play in front of big crowds.

It’s a long way from the courts in Werribee where he started as a fill in for his sister’s team that his dad was coaching.

“I love it,” he said. “I played basketball and footy as well as netball.

“When it started to clash I stopped playing footy and basketball.”

Cachia, who also gives back by helping with coaching the next generation, is hoping to be part of the Victorian under-20 team next season.

Long term he wants to make the open men’s team for Victorian and hopefully get the opportunity to pull on the green and gold.

Tara Murray

Cachia

Bees buzz back on the winners list

Werribee City returned to the winners list in the National Premier League 2 competition on Friday night.

Having only come away with one point from their previous two matches, a win was vital for the Bees against Melbourne City.

Melbourne City opened the scoring in the 34th minute through an own goal to Roy Anderson.

The Bees soon levelled the scores through Daniel Petrov just before half time, with scores locked at 1-1 at the half.

The match seemed headed for a draw, before Petrov gave the Bees the lead in the 87th minute.

The result was made certain when Lars Kinnander converted a penalty in injury time.

The Bees won 3-2.

Sydney Cummings (GAZiPHOTO)

United is ready to strike

By Tara Murray

It’s business as usual for Sydney Cummings andherWesternUnitedteammatesinthelead up to the A-League Women’s grand final.

In what has been an incredible season so far, the United girls are just now one win away from the fairy tale of a championship in their first season.

For Cummings, it’s a pretty exciting place to be in ahead of Sunday’s grand final.

“It’s everything that the team is fighting for,” she said.

“You want to be rewarded for the sacrifices that you have made as a team and as individuals.

“We were all really excited and there was a bit relief as soon as the whistle blew.

“We are stoked to achieve what we set out to do. It’s nice to be there.”

Cummings, one of four internationals at United this season, said from hearing about the stories of the core group of players, who have played together previously, she said they’re not shocked how far they’ve come from.

She said many had played against talented

A-League players in the National Premier Leaguepreviouslyandweremorethancapable of holding their own.

For Cummings, the opportunity to come to Australia was one that was too good to refuse. She said it was her first time having the chance and didn’t hesitate.

“I thought it was a great opportunity,” she said.

“Australia had been a league before COVID that players would flip flop from the NWSL [National Women’s Soccer League] and the A-League.

“It was a reputable league back home. I was excited for the opportunity to come and play and the idea of a new team and the expansion really excited me.

“It’s one of the best leagues and anyone can beat anyone.”

Cummings said playing for a new team meant they could help form things and build from the beginning.

She said while nothing surprised her about the league, having done her research, but she was pleasantly surprised about how United went about things.

“People want to make things work,” she

said. “You can have an opinion or problem even when things are going well and the likes of Mark [Torcaso] Amanda [Stella], Chris [Pehlivanis] and Mal [Impiombato] are listening to you.

“They’re treating us like people which can get lost in the transition. At the end of the day we are still people.”

Cummings said the other thing that stood about United was the culture that had been set up. She said that it was intimidating coming into the club at first.

“This group of girls is like a family,” she said “The way they accepted me with open arms, not only the internationals but the girls from interstate.... We were accepted from the start.

“It’s a privilege to be part of.”

Cummings said for the group they had no choice to continue to take things as normal with the majority of the group having never played in an A-League grand final.

She said they were just preparing for another game.

“There is a good vibe there,” she said. “It’s a privilege to still be training and playing. We’ve raised the intensity at price, the vice is still the same.”

It was the Bees third win of the season and brings them up to 10th on the table.

This week the Bees face Brunswick City on Friday night.

In the FV state league competitions, Hoppers Crossing got a much needed win against Epping City in state league 2 north-west.

The Reds were down 2-0 before Rashidi Edward converted a penalty in the 52nd minute to reduce the margin.

The scores were soon level when Akos Surjan scored in the 63rd.

Lucas Muscat gave the Reds the lead in the 85th minute and the side went on to win their first game of the season, 3-2.

In state league 4 west, Truganina Hornets fell short against the Moonee Valley Knights.

Scores were locked at 2-2 at half time, before two goals in the dying minutes gave the Knights the win.

The Hornets sit bottom without a win after five rounds.

In state league 5, West Point had a 5-0 win against the Surfside Waves, while Tarneit United’s and Wyndham’s match scheduled for Monday night after deadline.

West Point sits top of the table undefeated.

Tara Murray

Blake

(Supplied)

‘‘ It feels really good to be able to go and not lose for that whole time,’’

Blake Cachia

Werribee bounces back to beat Williamstown

By Tara Murray

Werribee’s ability to focus on the moment proved the spark to help the side to its biggest ever Victorian Football League win against Williamstown on Sunday.

After a disappointing result the previous round, Werribee stepped it up on Sunday to come away with a 24.10 (154)-9.7 (61) win.

Werribee coach Michael Barlow said he was pleased with how the group bounced back during the week.

“It was a good result,” he said. “We rightly acknowledge the good start to the year they’ve had as well.

“It’soneofthosematchesupagainstanother standalone side and you get a bit of gauge.

This doesn’t take away from what they do as a team.

“Some teams are up for a while and it can be hard to keep that ability to stay at that level.”

For Barlow, the biggest thing heading into the game was the work that the group had doneduringtheweektoprepareforthematch.

He said they went back to the motto that they had looked at during the pre-season and it worked.

“There was a lot of work done during the week,” he said. “Individual players and individual plans improve from one week to the next.

“There’s the level of commitment to take that challenge each week and the leadership drove that during the week.

“While in the pre-season it was about staying in the moment and not looking too far ahead negatively or positively that has really come to the fore in the result yesterday.

“That is how we have to be.”

On field, Werribee started the game well and led four goals to nil at quarter time. They were able to build throughout the game and finished with 10 goals in the final quarter.

OnepositiveforWerribeewasitsgoalkicking which has been an issue this season.

“Goal kicking is a pretty fickle part of the game,” he said.

“Hudson [Garoni] had kicked 3.6 this year heading into the game and he was able to connect and kick 6.1

“Our goal kicking and field kicking effectiveness has been where we want it for a long while. We’ve just got to keep on working on it.”

Barlow said the group was able to win key moments throughout the match, on the ground,thecontestedballandholdingtackles.

While Garoni kicked six goals for Werribee, Connor Thar chipped in with four and Nicholas Hayes and Shaun Mannagh with three goals each.

Tom Gribble led the way with possessions with 30, while Louis Pinnuck had 28 disposals

Barlow said Garoni was best on ground.

“He had a strong week,” he said. “He was realistic with himself on where his game is at, he’s a really important player for us.

“He benefited from some more predictable ball movement.

“Tom Gribble had his best game for the year. He was our key midfielder and he was the driver we were looking forward to.He had a challenging week with illness.”

In a big boost for Werribee, skipper Nick Coughlan ran out on the field for the first time this season. Barlow said it was massive to have him back out on the field a couple of weeks earlier than expected.

“He helps a fair bit,” he said.

“The backs are going well and have been our best line for us this year, but we will always find a way to get him back into the side.

“He’s a valuable player for us in an established line at the moment. He played his role and got himself going as well.

The vision for a vibrant Tarneit is outlined in the draft Tarneit Major Town Centre Urban Design Framework which Wyndham City has released for community feedback.

The Tarneit Major Town Centre is designed to be a hub of economic prosperity, that is beautifully designed with green corridors, and has the capacity to accommodate a centre for art, health and education.

put the pressure on Williamstown.

It offers quality recreational and retail opportunities and housing while celebrating the area’s Indigenous and cultural heritage – making it a dynamic destination of choice.

“Therewasgenuinejoyfromhispointofview to be able to lead the team for the first time.”

The framework will be a guide for staged development in the area and for attracting investment over the next 30 years.

week before getting on the track later in the week.

The return of Coughlan leaves just Matt Hanson of the key guys on the injury list.

Werribee now sits 3-2 and sits percentage outside the top eight.

It will help to ensure the town centre meets the needs of the growing population in Tarneit with the centre ultimately providing a capacity of 8,000 jobs and a home to more than 10,000 people.

“We’ll have a circuit breaker early in the week, before the back of the week we’ll review the next game.

Please register for an information session to find out more:

Barlow said they would have it easier in the

“We’re playing Essendon, which is coming off the bye as well.”

• • Questions can be emailed to tarneitudf@wyndham.vic.gov.au and feedback shared on the Loop by 20 March on https://theloop.wyndham.vic.gov.au/tarneitudf

Nick Coughlan leads the side out for the first time. (Belinda Vitacca Photography)

Sam Paea celebrates one of his two goals. (Belinda Vitacca Photography) Werribee

(Belinda Vitacca Photography)

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