Star Weekly - Wyndham - 3rd May 2023

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Happiness is a slow drive for Michael and his Morry

Werribee’s Michael Crawcour looks and sounds a lot younger than he is.

“I’ve gotta pull my wallet out to show people when I was born because they don’t believe that I’m getting on 90” said the remarkably spritley 87 year old.

Fittingly, his car does too.

“We bought it 35-36 years ago at least,” Mr Crawcour said of the blue 1956 Morris Minor, which at 67 years old, is only 20 years his junior.

Unsurprisingly, neither travel too far these days, the result of a crash both were in years ago.

“I was in a car accident in the Morry and I’ve got bone on bone on one leg and an ACL on the other leg,” said Mr Crawcour of the injuries he suffered, which makes household tasks like putting out the rubbish that much more difficult.

Thankfully, he still has the car on hand to help.

“If the bins are full I put them on the back of the car and off I go” he said with unerring optimism he credits for his longevity.

When not towing wheelie bins down his driveway in a car built the year of the Melbourne Olympics, Mr Crawcour cares for ailing his wife, Phyllis, who sadly hasn’t aged as well.

“She’s 83 and 80 per cent bed-ridden ,heart problem, kidney problem, diabetic and now fighting blood cancer,” he said, managing to remain upbeat while describing her grim prognosis.

“I’m one of those very fortunate people who unless it’s a matter of life and death they don’t worry.”

When it’s pointed out that this is maybe one of those moments, Mr Crawcour is undeterred.

“She’s gonna be with us for a while yet,” he said.

Michael and Phyllis’ ability to overcome adversity is what brought them to Werribee 15 years ago, after losing their

home in a failed investment.

Forced onto the aged-pension and in need of cheap rent, the parents of three sons and two grandkids moved west and

haven’t looked back.

“I love it, absolutely love it,” said Mr Crawcour of Werribee.

As for any tips or rituals, he assured

me he wasn’t religious, but said he started everyday the same way.

“I wake up every morning and thank God that I’m awake.”

Rates, spending, debt rise

By Cade Lucas

Wyndham ratepayers will be hit with an average rate hike of 3.5 per cent – the largest amount allowable – in the next financial year to cover the impact of inflation, rising interest rates and population growth on the council’s bottom line.

The rate rise was included in Wyndham 2023-2024 draft budget plan which passed a meeting of council on Wednesday, April 26.

The draft budget, which shows an operating surplus of $239 million, was adopted despite councillors Josh Gilligan and Heather Marcus

abstaining over increased debt.

Wyndham joins other western suburbs councils including Brimbank and Hobson’s Bay, in imposing a 3.5 per cent rate rise, the largest permitted under the state government’s rate cap.

Rises in municipal and waste management charges will mean a total revenue from rates and charges rise to $289 million, a rise of seven per cent from the previous year.

Along with the tough economic climate, population growth was identified as a reason for the rate rise, with Wyndham growing faster than any other municipality in the nation and

projected to have more than half a million residents by 2041.

To meet demand, the capital works budget will grow by 12 per cent, to $168 million, before set to top $210 million in 2024-2025.

Of the capital works budget, $33 million is allocated for roads, while $11 million for the Tarneit North master plan, $10 million for Truganina Community Centre and $8 million for Werribee’s Alfred Road Reserve.

Community services receive $432 million, with $20 million for kindergartens and child services, $11 million for child immunisation and $10 million for libraries.

To help fund these commitments, debt will jump from $15 million to $67.5 million by the end of next financial year, and is projected to reach $155 million by 2027.

Cr Josh Gilligan criticised the increased borrowing, warning Wyndham could end up likethestategovernmentandneedtoslashjobs and services in order to reign in debt.

Mayor Susan McIntyre said the borrowings would only be drawn upon if needed and were within council’s prudential limits.

The draft budget is now open for public consultation at pop-up sites. Details: https:// theloop.wyndham.vic.gov.au/

Michael Crawcour is 87, puts out the bins in his 67-year-old Morris Minor and looks after his elderly wife. (Picture: Damjan Janevski). 331674_01

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

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

Pharmacists fear script changes

By Cade Lucas

“Devastated, crying, shocked.”

That was how Werribee pharmacist, Minha, reacted to the federal government doubling the amount of medicine patients could receive per script.

“On the 21st [of April] we got the pharmacy guild webinar and that’s where we were informed,” said Ms Nguyen of how she found out, on what was also her birthday.

Doubling the script dispensing period from 30 to 60 days has been lauded by doctors and consumers who argue it will save patients money.

But pharmacists such as Ms Nguyen, who

hasownedherpharmacyinWerribee’sStation Place since 2001, said it would ruin her.

“Instead of $10 per script it’s now $10 per two scripts, but everything else, staff, rent, is all the same,” she said.

“If I lose 40-50 per cent of my income with the same amount of work, I will give up my career.“

Her concerns extended to patient safety as well.

“Wedealwithalotofmentalhealthpatients and we often see them end up in hospital becauseofoverdose”saidMsNguyen,warning that dispensing more medicine could lead to more deaths, both accidental and deliberate.

“If people want to commit suicide they find

a way to accumulate medication.”

In a statement, Lalor MP Joanne Ryan said patients would still need the approval of their doctor to get more medication.

The decision to write a script for a two-month supply will be made by the patient’s doctor, based on their professional clinical judgement.

“It’s good for locals’ hip pockets, and most importantly good for their health” she added.

Owner of Werribee Discount Chemist, Hien Phan, criticised Ms Ryan for not being available to discuss the issue.

“She’s not listening to our concerns” said Ms Phan, who argued the changes would exacerbate existing drug shortages and force

The pretty face of cultural diversity

‘World peace’: it’s the cliche offered by beauty pageant contestants when asked what’s important to them.

Fortunately, Point Cook’s, Shreya Pradhan, finalistinthe2023MissTeenGalaxyAustralia pageant, has a better answer: ‘cultural diversity’.

For the daughter of Nepali immigrants representing one of the most multicultural regions in the country, it’s an appropriate cause.

“I feel like in my role representing Wyndham I’d like to advocate for cultural diversity,” said the 17-year-old Suzanne Cory High School student who grew up dreaming of competing in beauty pageants and entered Miss Teen Galaxy after seeing an ad on social media.

If she wins the Australian title on May 3 in Sydney, Shreya won’t just be promoting cultural diversity, she’ll get to experience plenty of it too.

“After this round whoever does win Miss Teen will end up competing internationally” she said.

Findingthetimecouldbeaproblemthough.

Shreya is also model, dancer, representative athlete, VCE student and even a business owner.

“I started a jewellery business and now it’s expanded into a party hire business,“ Shreya said of the business she started at 15. And the future?

“I’m thinking of studying medicine or architecture,” she said.

A high achiever aiming even higher.

Cade Lucas

Shreya Pradhan, Wyndham representative in the Australian Miss Teen Galaxy Final (supplied).

more people into the health system.

“It will cut staff, cut hours and cut the services that we offer, like health advice, free screening, free blood pressure and diabetes checks, free delivery services,“

Ms Phan said the government could cut co-payments to save patients money, while Ha pointed out many patients already got free medication after reaching the 40 script threshold.

Ms Phan denied pharmacists were being greedy.

“We want patients to save money and have cheaper medication.“

New term, new bus route

Werribee Secondary College students have returned from school holidays in style, with a new school bus route beginning on Monday.

Students living in Werribee’s Riverwalk estate were able to travel directly to Werribee Secondary College and back thanks to the new service, funded by the state government’s $25 million investment in school bus services in growth areas.

Departing from a new bus stop at Arthur Crescent, the 8.10am service travels via stops at Coldstream Avenue, District Avenue, Newmarket Road, Westleigh Drive, Lyall Drive, Anne Street, Princes Highway, Werribee Street and Princes Hwy, before reaching Werribee Secondary College on Duncans Road at 8.40am.

The afternoon service departs the school at 3.15pm and retraces the same 30 minute journey back to Riverwalk estate.

Treasurer and Werribee MP Tim Pallas said by making it easier for students to get to and from school, the new service would address an area of need in Wyndham.

“We’re delivering better school bus services for Victorian students in growth areas like Werribee where there is high demand, and they are needed most,“ Mr Pallas said.

A total of 14 schools across the state will benefit from new bus services, with most expected to be operating by the start of the 2024 school year.

Parents with inquiries about the new service should contact Werribee Secondary College.

WIN WIN TICKETS to the 46th Historic Winton Races...

Australia’s longest-running and most popular all-historic motorsport event, Historic Winton, will be held on 27th and 28th May 2023 at Winton Motor Raceway, near Benalla. Spectators will see more than 40 historic car, motorcycle and sidecar races and the traditional Sunday Parade Lap of selected display vehicles.

The 46th Historic Winton invites spectators to bring their historic cars, bikes, trucks, buses, caravans and other vehicles for a massive car park display.

Organiser, Austin 7 Club President, Len Kerwood said that visitors will be amazed by the impressive array of vehicles celebrating anniversaries as old as 120 years, alongside the two-days of historic motorsport action that people travel far and wide to see.

Tickets are now available online from ticketebo.com.au/historicwinton

Wehave20weekend doublepassesupforgrabs!

Search for social housing land

By Cade Lucas

Land and property owned by Wyndham council could be used for affordable housing, with councillors agreeing to explore the possibility.

The motion from Chaffy Ward councillor Robert Szatkowski called on council to investigate whether its assets could be used to provide social and affordable housing and crisis accommodation.

Developing council-owned land, repurposing existing property and building partnerships with state government, private

sector and community housing organisations, are among the options that will now be explored.

The use of air-rights, or the right to develop unused airspace directly above existing property, will also be assessed.

Cr Szatkowski said the idea came after attending the opening of the Wyndham Orange Door, a facility that provides crisis accommodation to victims of domestic violence.

He said a shortage of other such facilities in Wyndham forced those needing support to leave the municipality and combined with the

‘Proud’ Rotary donation

The Rotary Club of Werribee has donated $25,000 towards the Victoria University Immunology and Translational Research Lab towards its cancer research from proceeds raised during the club’s annual charity golf day held in March.

More than 125 players from the club and local businesses took to the Werribee Park Golf Course as part of its annual charity golf day on Friday, March 10, with more than 140 thenenjoyingaformallunchandpresentation.

Victoria University Werribee campus lead medical research scientist Professor Vasso Apostolopoulos received the money during the club’s meeting on Tuesday, April 11.

“This is amazing and I thank Werribee Rotary and all sponsors involved to make the charity golf day a success,” she said.

“Improving and understanding markers expressed on cancer cells and the cancer micro-environment is important to develop

Connecting our communities

more effective drugs and treatments against cancer, as well as be used as markers for prevention/early detection of cancer. We have identified several novel markers expressed by pre-cancerous cells and cancer cells.

“The funds will progress our research considerably which will be used to develop new therapeutics against cancer.”

Professor Apostolopoulos has been the driving force behind the creation of various vaccines and drugs to tackle a health issues, including breast, ovarian, prostate and pancreatic cancer.

Club president Ian Hovey said the club was “proud” to donate funds to the cause.

“As a way of thanking the club, Professor Apostolopoulos will return on a regular basis to deliver a series of health-related talks which will include cancer, diabetes, MS and dementia,” he said.

Melbourne’s western suburbs are on the road to smarter technology

housing crisis and population growth, meant council had a responsibility act.

“The housing crisis isn’t elsewhere, it’s here in Wyndham,” Cr Szatkowski said.

Speaking in opposition, Cr Mia Shaw said she wouldn’t be ‘emotionally blackmailed’ intosupportingaproposalwhichwentbeyond council’s remit.

CrShawsaidWyndhamhadalreadyadopted a housing affordability strategy that focussed on advocacy rather than construction.

While supporting the need for more affordable and crisis accommodation and referring to her background working in the

sector, she said housing was a state and federal responsibility.

“If this motion is adopted it could change council’s role. Contributing to the provision of social housing and crisis accommodation is not the role of local government and not the adopted council position,” said Cr Shaw, who also warned that air-rights could make “infrastructure even more expensive.

Her arguments failed to deter a majority of councillors, who backed Cr Szatkowski’s motion, eight to four.

A progress report will be presented to council in September.

New 24-hour festival coming

Get ready for 24 hours of live music, movies, art and more at Wyndham’s newest festival –24.

Presented by Wyndham council, Chirnside Park in Werribee will be transformed into a 24-hour free festival wonderland, with a live music stage, outdoor cinema, roving performances, light installations, live art and more on May 6-7.

The festival kicks off at 6pm on the Saturday with music and activities to go through the night and all through Sunday.

Wyndham mayor Susan McIntyre, said 24 would mark an exciting first for Melbourne’s west.

“The new festival 24 will provide a unique opportunity to experience our city in a whole new way, where every hour brings something new to enjoy,“ she said.

“As we’ve seen with the success of LIT, there’s a real appetite for these kinds of events in Wyndham.

“This fresh addition to our major events calendar will feature an incredible program of free, high-quality arts and cultural experiences that residents can enjoy right here in their own backyard, without needing to travel into the city.“

Councillor Marcel Mahfoud encouraged residents to experience the fun and wonder of 24 saying there was a fantastic fantastic line-up of music from around the world.

“During the day and early evening you’ll be able to enjoy high energy sets on the Riverside Stage, while at night, 24 will transition into something a little more magical with glowing light installations and other quiet, ambient experiences to enjoy between 11pm – 9am,“ he said.

Visitors will also be able to enjoy a bite to eat from onsite food trucks, with picnics also welcome.

Details: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/24

Busy main roads in the west are experiencing smoother traffic flow with smarter technology.

Our cutting-edge technology allows us to monitor and manage congestion to allow traffic to flow as efficiently as possible so you can travel to your next planned event with ease.

Our boosted team of specialists have made improvements from Werribee to Tarneit to Williamstown.

These include:

∞ installing 179 traffic cameras to help monitor and respond to incidents

∞ installing 16 dynamic pedestrian crossings that allow people enough time to cross safely and avoid holding up traffic unnecessarily

∞ undertaking the biggest traffic light review to give you a better run at the lights

∞ clearing more than 400 incidents to help keep traffic flowing.

When something goes wrong, we’ll see it, tell you how to avoid it, and clear it to provide you with smarter, smoother journeys and travel times you can count on Find out more at smarterroads.vic.gov.au

Rotary Club of Werribee president Ian Hovey presented a $25,000 cheque to Victoria University research assistant Narges Dargahi and Professor of Immunology Vasso Apostolopoulos for their work in cancer research at the Victoria University Immunology and Translational Research Lab. (Supplied)

Briefs

More trees

Wyndham is set to become greener with almost 30,000 trees to be planted at sites around Werribee. Victoria University, President’s Park, Lollypop Creek, Gordon O’Keefe Reserve and Werribee River Park are among the locations to receive the 28,150 new trees, as part of the state government’s More Trees for a Cooler Greener West program. The program will see 131,000 trees planted across Wyndham, Hobsons Bay, Brimbank, Moonee Valley and Melton by 2024.

Landcare grants

Artistic talent on show

The artistic talents of residents at Wyndham Lodge Aged Care Community were recently on display at its ‘Artists in Residence’ exhibition.

Both old and new works from Wyndham Lodge residents were exhibited, as was art from staff, volunteers and family members.

Residents were also involved in designing, planning and staging the exhibition, while some even wore berets and scarves to look the part.

Wyndham Lodge was one of 16 Baptcare

facilities across Victoria and Tasmania to hold exhibitions in April. Baptcare chief executive Geraldine Lannon attended the ‘Artists in Residence’ exhibition and said it was a special occasion.

“It was a joy to see so many families and friends joining our residents to celebrate.” Ms Lannon said.

The artworks are currently being photographed for a digital exhibition which will be open to the public.

Cade Lucas

Planting Indigenous gardens, building habitats to attract native birds and wildlife excursions are among the activities young people in Wyndham could experience though the 2023 Landcare Grants program. The Victorian Landcare Grants and Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants are now open, with $4.4 million in funding available. Volunteer conservation groups such as Landcare, Coastcare, Indigenous organisations and even groups of friends can apply for Victorian Landcare Grants, which offer up to $20,000 to support environmental protection projects. To apply, visit: environment.vic.gov.au/grants.

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Questions to ask when making decisions on aged care

MovingintoaCareHomecanseemadaunting proposition, there are certainly a lot of horror stories out there, which even those who work in the sector are horrified by. Positive stories and experiences are much less newsworthy, but for many living in a care home, that is their reality as they have a fulfilling and comfortable life.

Places like Manor Court in Werribee think of themselves as a caring community where people are supported in their health needs but also provide opportunities for residents to socialise and participate in a variety of activities.

So how do you choose a good home for yourself or a loved one?

There are a few things to consider such as location, registered nurse coverage (24-7), the feel of the place and individual preferences – for example do you prefera large hotel like experience or one which has a homely-vibe?

What activities are available? What additional costs are there? Are you allowed to bring in your own furniture and hang pictures on the wall? Are GPs available etc.

There is a lot of very helpful resources available for home care as well as residential care on the My Aged Care website Find a Provider (myagedcare.gov.au) where you can also find the star ratings for any care home that you are considering. These ratings consider compliance with regulations, resident feedback, quality indicators and staffing levels. But most importantly, it really is a case of going in, having a look, and talking to staff and observing residents. If you can, try and prepare prior to any medical event that potentially leads to a residential admission from a hospital stay. Probably most people want to stay a home, but having a plan B and an Aged Care Home lined up just in case won’t hurt.

Resident Michael Hannah going for a spin. (Supplied)

Idelma Cogo and Pauline Nicol on a lovely day out. (Supplied)

Lesley Verity and a dazzling bouquet to match her cardigan. (Supplied)

TriCare is redesigning the aged care experience

Australia’sageingpopulationisadouble-edged sword that means a higher life expectancy for the average Australian and the consequence of age-related health conditions and reliance on aged care services.

For those needing care on the earlier side of the spectrum at 65, it could mean 20 to 30 years living in an aged care residence. This adds even more weight to the responsibility of providers, not just regarding care, but quality of life and the experience of a home-awayfrom-home.

Gone are the days of hospital-style residences, with providers such as TriCare redesigning the aged care experience.

“Our residents were front of mind throughout the entire design process of our most recent build, TriCare Williams Landing. From selecting the site at the very beginning, all the way through to the décor choices,” explains TriCare Property and Planning Manager Simon Dwyer.

Looking at TriCare Williams Landing, it’s evident that residents will thrive in their new home. Floor-to-ceiling windows yield natural light-filled spaces, proven to improve cognition and mood. An unpretentious layout and wide halls facilitate mobility and assist navigation for those with cognitive impairments. Plentiful communal areas encourage social interaction, and amenities such as the beauty salon promote independent activities for residents.

Wellbeing objectives have driven all TriCare’s residential aged care built in the last decade, with each new facility capitalising on the location of the residence and bringing the outside in.

“One of our primary considerations is how we canconnect residents to the community and their natural surroundings,” said Mr Dwyer.

In addition to a planted conservatory central to the layout and ample safe places to feel the sun or a breeze, TriCare Williams Landing is located adjacent to a protected nature reserve, meaning residents will have

undisrupted views of this reserve, in addition to views of Melbourne city and Altona Bay for many years to come.

And just as TriCare’s design process has been developed over the last 54 years of

operation, the organisation is adamant it will continue to be refined in every new build.

“Our residents’ needs and expectations change over time, and that’s where our design eyes are continuously focused.”

Werribee’s BMX Master

At 32, Werribee’s Jordan Morgan seems a little young to be a finalist in the Master’s Athlete of the Year category at the Victorian Sports Awards on June 7.

That is until you realise what sport he competes in.

“30-plus equals masters in BMX” said Morgan of the bikes he races that most people start riding as kids.

But while BMX is a young person’s sport, Morgan seems to be getting better as he gets older.

“Since becoming Masters I won the 2022 national champs and have won two state championships” he said of the wins that earnt him the nomination and came after a long injury lay-off.

“From 2019 to 2022 I was off for a wrist fracture I had to have surgery on.”

“I had three different surgeries to finally get it right” said Morgan who’s suffered numerous fractures, knock-outs and a suppressed vertebra since he and his father founded the Wyndham Warriors BMX Club at Werribee’s Heathdale Reserve in 2003. His list of titles is almost as extensive as the injuries.

“I’ve won 7 state championships, 4 national championships and I’ve made 7 world championship finals.”

Missing from that resume is the Olympics, but Morgan’s recent masters championship provided some solace.

“The guy I beat, Laylin Young, raced for Australia at the 2012 Olympics” he said.

A plumber by trade, Morgan is unsure how much longer he’ll continue, but said success is no longer what drives him.

“I dunno if I’ll go a couple more years or 10 more years.”

“Nowadays I just try to inspire other people.”

Cade Lucas

Werribee BMX racer, Jordan Morgan, is nominated for Masters Athlete of the Year in the Victoria Sports Awards on June 7. (Supplied).

Floor-to-ceiling windows yield natural light-filled spaces.

Frost and football on Anzac Day

By Cade Lucas

A bumper crowd of over 8000 braved frosty conditions to attend the Anzac Day dawn service in Werribee on Tuesday, April 25.

The early morning service at the Watton Street Cenotaph was the main Anzac Day gathering in Wyndham and is thought to be one of the biggest on record.

Werribee RSL president Daryl Ryan, addressed the service, while local students and defense force cadets also featured.

Some of the crowd then made their way over the aptly named, Soldier Reserve, where WerribeeDistrictshostedlocalrivalsHoppers Crossing in the WRFL Anzac Day game.

Remembrance services were held prior to the under -8’s, reserves and seniors, with the Tigers posting emphatic victories in all three.

Despite not playing on Anzac Day, another WRFL club, Point Cook, held its own dawn service.

An estimated 800 people attended the service at Saltwater Reserve, which has become the biggest in the area since COVID restricted attendances at the nearby RAAF base.

Milestones Early Learning

Senior players line up for the Anzac service ahead of the match between Werribee Districts and Hoppers Crossing at Soldiers Reserve. Wreaths laid below the Watton Street cenotaph. (Pictures: Supplied).

Former army Sergeant Paul Butler, who is the Tigers under-18 coach, paid his repects at the Werribee dawn service.

Point Cook players Isla Iannacone and Thomas Burton lay wreaths at the club’s dawn service at Saltwater Reserve.

Wyndham mayor Susan McIntyre lays a wreath on Anzac Day.

Werribee mum’s ADHD mission

By Cade Lucas

Werribee’s Rebecca Challoner is one of Australia’s foremost ADHD activists. She has a popular website (myspiritedchild. com) and runs conferences around the country, including last weekend’s Victorian ADHD Conference at the Plenary.

Ms Challoner has been diagnosed with the condition along with her two boys and husband. She has done as much as anyone in the country to spread awareness of the neurodevelopmental disorder which can

cause inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness among many other symptoms.

Yet a recent parent teacher evening underscored just how much work she still has to do, with a teacher advising that her needs to pay attention. Ms Challoner informed the teacher her son has ADHD, believing it would explain his lack of attention. It didn’t.

“He said I don’t mean with ADHD things and I said yeah, still ADHD,” Ms Challoner said of the exchange which underlined why she began campaigning in the first place.

“That’s why I put so much effort into these conferences and focussing on ADHD above all else because the basic level of awareness and understanding is so poor across the board and how are we supposed to help people who have it, if the people who support them don’t understand.”

Ms Challoner said a lack of understanding andsupportforADHDiswhat’sdrivingpeople to conferences like hers.

“Theneedisreallyhighandpeoplehavebeen supporting themselves for so long and now they’re saying I do deserve this support and I

do need to get out there and get information.”

ADHD has come from the traditional stereotype hyperactive in young boys.

Today,lowself-esteemanddifficultymaking and maintaining friendships are known to be common traits of people with ADHD.

For Ms Challoner, this makes holding the conferences especially rewarding.

“ForparentsandadultADHA-ersespecially, the great thing about the conference is it gives everyone a great sense of community and empowerment and they realise they’re not alone.”

Robot partnership to help engineering students

On Wednesday, April 19, Victoria University (VU) announced a new partnership with start-up Company Bugbox.

Based in Melbourne’s west, Bugbox is an innovativeroboticscompany,recentlylaunched by aeronautical engineer Dylan Nguyen.

VU has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), with Bugbox to provide real-life projects for engineering students with companies that face technology gaps in their businesses.

The partnership will provide opportunities for VU Electrical and Electronic Engineering students to work on larger projects such as final-year capstone assignments, which are designed to give students real world problems tosolvetoexpandtheirprofessionalknowledge and skills.

Head of VU electrical and electronic engineering, Associate Professor Daniel Lai, said this opportunity will allow students to engage in the field of robots and artificial

intelligence .

“Thesefieldsarenowincreasinglyindemand in almost all industry sectors, from advanced manufacturing to health and sports,” he said.

“We aim to expand our engineering student

experience by collaborating with industry clients who have real industry problems, allowing our students to drive innovation in science and technology as they emerge as the next generation of engineers,” he said.

Two VU students have already been given the lucky opportunity to begin working on projects with Bugbox.

RashiniThathsaraniisworkingonadvancing the functions of one of Bugbox’s existing robots, which is used in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) outreach programs in primary schools.

The second student Rishik Tiwari, is developing a robot prototype for a plumbing business , which will help with pipe and sewer inspections.

Future opportunities for Bugbox and VU may include VU Masters or PhD students in Engineering or Business undertaking more advanced projects in the program.

While Bugbox is now based at SPARK, Wyndham’s innovation hub, the organisation is exploring opportunities to set up on a VU campus.

Jennifer Pittorino

Rishik Tiwari, Rashini Thathsarani, Associate Professor Daniel Lai, Professor Vasso Apostolopoulos, Louise Robinson, Dylan Nguyen at the Footscray VU campus. (Supplied)

MY PLACE

Heather

Tell me about your ‘quirky’ garden?

My garden is a magic place where children and residents can enjoy.

It is wonderful to see the joy on the faces of the children as they run around the garden counting the gnomes and discovering the different animals that are peeping out of the bushes.

It is quirky, exciting but lots of fun.

I get a lot of enjoyment watching our young children enjoy a magic place to be. How did the garden come to have so many gnomes?

I have been collecting garden ornaments now for a few years.

I repair and then paint them, and it is amazinghowbeautifultheycometolifeagain. Where do you find them?

I love the environment and I am concerned about the waste of clothing, garden ornaments, gnomes and many other items that are discarded and end up in landfill.

My project is to stop the waste of garden ornaments and gnomes going to council’s waste landfill.

You’re a long-time Wyndham councillor and waste disposal is one of local government’s biggest responsibilities. You’ve also got a background in the fashion industry, so is stopping clothing and fashion waste another of your priorities?

Sadly Australia is the second worst in the world so I set up the STITCH don’t DITCH Competition which has been successful, and this competition will be held again in October this year.

So Heather, I suppose my final question is, why?

I have lived in Werribee for many years and have been very active in our community. I love organising events for our residents.

Ramp and lane changes at the M80 interchange

From May 2023

Upcoming ramp and lane closures

What this means

From 10 pm Friday 5 May - 5am Monday 5 June :

• One lane will be closed on the Princes Freeway inbound at the interchange. Please follow signs and allow extra travel time.

From 10 pm Friday 5 May5am Monday 5 J une

• During this time, we will also close the Princes Freeway citybound ramp to Geelong Road and Princes Freeway citybound ramp to the West Gate Freeway overnight. Detours will be in place. For exact dates and times, go to bigbuild.vic.gov.au/disruptions

As we continue to build new ramps and re-build lanes along the West Gate Freeway and at the M80 interchange, we need to close some ramps and lanes at the interchange to make room for ongoing works.

Marcus is a Wyndham stalwart and a long-serving councillor. She chats with Cade Lucas

Cr Heather Marcus with her garden gnomes. 331669_07 (Picture: Damjan Janevski)

Renters left feeling ‘let down’

Sharon Garrity said she was already living on just $10 a fortnight after rent and bills when her landlord increased the rent for her West Melton unit by $90 a fortnight.

Unable to pay the extra rent, Ms Garrity decided she needed to move but was unable to find any rentals she could afford on her disability pension.

“I suffer with bipolar, and there was many a night when I’d just cry myself to sleep at night wondering how the hell I’m going to get through life,” she said.

Ms Garrity’s story is not isolated, according to Anglicare’s Rental Affordability Snapshot, median weekly rents in Metropolitan Melbourne have increased $75 per week since 2019.

The report showed on March 18 there was only one rental in Victoria considered suitable for a single person on the disability pension to rent out of the 11,687 rentals listed, and the figure dropped to zero for people on Jobseeker or Youth Allowance payments.

In Melbourne’s west, CoreLogic data reveals rental prices in Melbourne’s west have increased 8.6 per cent in the year to March.

CoreLogiceconomistKaytlinEzzypredicted an imbalance of supply and demand will increase rents further.

“The reacceleration of Australia’s rental market won’t be welcome news for those tenants already struggling to find affordable accommodation in our capital cities,” she said.

“There’s already a chronic undersupply of advertised rental stock in many parts of the country that’s translated into record low vacancy rates across most capitals.”

Ms Garrity said she was on the priority wait list for government housing, but was told the wait time is 20 years.

She found herself relying on private charities for help, utilising local food banks,

and eventually getting into a new rental with support from the Salvation Army.

“If it wasn’t for the Salvation Army, I don’t know where I’d be today … I’d probably be homeless now,” she said.

“The rents are just ridiculous, people can’t survive with the rents going up and up all the time.

“There’s a couple down the road sleeping in the park. There were about three different families there at one stage.”

Salvation Army western metro private rental assistance program senior case manager Jessica Grace said has noticed the effect of rent increases in the western suburbs.

“In particular, more ‘affordable’ suburbs like Werribee and Melton have seen rental prices change quite rapidly … more households are presenting to our service seeking assistance to findalternativeor’cheaper’propertieswith$50 per week increases becoming the new normal,” she said.

“Low-income earners have always struggled to make ends meet in the private market and it’s common for clients to tell me that they have skipped meals or went without medicine to pay bills or rent.

“The current economic challenges and lack of affordable housing means there has been an increased number of people on the disability and aged pensions seeking support to sustain and establish tenancies.”

From Wednesday, April 22, Community Housing Industry Association Victoria (CHIA Vic) held a two-day conference in Melbourne to unpack the housing demand in Victoria.

Analysis by CHIA Vic shows by early next year, tenants in Melbourne could be spending an extra $64 per week, or $3800 extra in a year.

CHIA Vic acting chief executive Jason Perdriau said social and affordable housing should be central to the state government’s

planning reforms.

“It’sclearVictorianrentersarebeingletdown by the private market. Right now, Victorians have limited affordable housing options with the state having the lowest proportion of social housing in the country. This is unacceptable,” Mr Perdriau said.

A state government spokesperson said there is high demand for social and affordable housing options across Victoria and Australia and “we are using all the levers within our control to house as many people as possible as quickly as possible”.

“The Andrews Labor Government is investing record amounts to increase the supplyofsocialhousingacrossthestate–under the historic $5.3 billion Big Housing Build, we are on track to deliver more than 12,000 new social and affordable homes for Victorians to house applicants from the Victorian Housing Register,” they said.

“Melbourne’s west is a key area for the Big Housing Build, with a combined $386 million in funding for homes across Melton, Maribyrnong, Wyndham, Brimbank, and Hobsons Bay local government areas. This will fund a total 865 new homes, of which 225 are already complete.”

Mr Perdriau said that while he is supportive of the Big Housing Build, more work is needed.

“TheBigHousingBuildhasandwillcontinue to be life changing for many Victorians but funding is drying up,” he said.

“The Victorian Government can continue the momentum of this historic investment by investing $6 billion in a Social Housing Investment Fund to deliver 20,000 social homes over the next decade.”

Along with more affordable and government housing,Anglicareareadvocatingforincreases to income support payments, including for Jobseeker to be raised above the poverty line.

Federal social services Minister Amanda Rishworth said the government is assessing income payment supports before the budget, which will be made public on May 9.

“We know that people are doing it tough. Inflation has driven up costs for a range of reasons and people are feeling it at the supermarket and in their bills and services,” she said.

“We will ensure that every budget we hand down is developed in consideration of the measures we can take to support people in Australia who are doing it tough. This will include energy bill price relief that prioritises those on payments and pensions.

“IntheMaybudgetandbeyond,theAlbanese Government will continue its work to build a stronger, fairer and more inclusive society where more Australians have the chance to contribute and share in our economic success.”

With the rental market tightening across Australia, Liam McNally spoke to residents and community groups in Melbourne’s west to see how it is affecting people on the ground and what is being done to address the issue.

Sharon Garrity reached out to the Salvation Army when her rent increased by 90 dollars a fortnight. (Jacob Pattison) 329706_01

‘‘ If it wasn’t for the Salvation Army, I don’t know where I’d be today … I’d probably be homeless now ’’

- Sharon Garrity

CHIA Vic acting chief executive Jason Perdriau at the organisations housing conference on Wednesday, April 26. (CHIA Vic)

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors

40 years ago

Date May 4, 1983

“The shame of it is that we have been lumbered by the bad operators of other plants – people have no other way of judging us”, said Mr Dave Cocks, Victorian manager of A.J Bush and Co, who are applying for a permit to establish a rendering works at Fitzgerald’s Road, Laverton North.

30 years ago

Date May 5, 1993

Monkeys bred at Werribee are used for medicalresearch.Theirbrainsandbodies help us understand human diseases.

20 years ago

Date April 30, 2003

A new unit at Laverton North’s Port Phillip Prison has the capacity to remotely deliver tear gas en masse – a firstforAustraliancorrectionalfacilities.

9 years ago

Date April 30, 2014

Eritrean artist Michael Adonai is holding a solo exhibition titled I did not choose to be a refugee. The Werribee artist’s confronting images were inspired by last year’s sinking of a boat carrying about 500 asylum seekers off the Italian island of Lampedusa.

YOURNEWCAREER ...startshere

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

EXECUTIVE EXECUTIVE EXECUTIVE

REQUIRED REQUIRED REQUIRED

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

WANT

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 night at 6.30pm to join us for a meal, share ideas and work for a common cause.

■ Julie, 0406196630.

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, 0407207801

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

Carers’ walk and talk

Pathways for Carers is running free walking events in Footscray.

A collaboration between the state government, Interchange Outer East and Brotherhood of St. Laurence (BSL), the Pathways for Carers program is launching a monthly walk in Footscray on the third Thursday of each month. Participants are encouraged to arrive at 9.15am for a 9.30am start, with a complimentary morning tea available at Myrtle Wine Cafe in Footscray from 10.15am. The goal of each group is to provide carers with peer-based support, information, services and resources, opportunities to be active and connect with other carers, connect with nature and connect with their local community.

■ lauren.mcalpine@bsl.org.au or www. pathwaysforcarers.com.au

Choir leader needed

The Laverton Community Choir is seeking a relaxed, fun and community minded musical director volunteer to guide the choir in song. The not for profit, non-audition all-abilities choir has been singing for many years and enjoy a handful of performances a year within the local and surrounding community areas. With full support from the committee and members, the successful applicant will have sound musical experience (competent pianist, ability to read, interpret and arrange music), an inclusive and open leadership style, with a commitment to having a positive relationship with all members and a desire to work with the committee to develop and implement a long-term plan for the choir. The choir rehearses on Thursday evenings from 7pm to 9pm (with a 15-minute supper break at 8pm) during the school terms. The position will be effective from term 3, 2023. However, earlier involvement from June with the outgoing musical director would be encouraged.

■ samgerc@bigpond.net.au

Food relief markets

Yarraville Community Centre will be hosting a food relief market for those in need of assistance with food and essentials. The market will be held in the car park located at 59 Francis Street in Yarraville between 10am and 12.30pm on Wednesday, May 17. Visitors can select their own food including fresh fruit and vegetables as well as pantry staples, use family and individual support services, select clothing, toys and homewares from West Welcome Wagon, access health advice.

Children’s activities are also on offer.

■ Bettina, 0411 954 774 or btwyman@ ycc.net.au.

Williamstown book sale

Friends of Williamstown and Newport Libraries hold a book sale every second Saturday of each month 9.30am to 12.30pm. The book sale is held in Friends’ Room – entrance from deck on

Ferguson Street. Cash only sales.

■ libraries.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au

Heritage walks

Enjoy a leisurely one-and-a-half hour walk around historic Williamstown and nearby suburbs with guide John. Walks start at 9.20 am each Tuesday outside the Visitor Information Centre in Nelson Place. Each week is a different week and a printed sheet with the route and points of interest provided each week. Walks are leisurely and we usually end at a cafe for a tea/ coffee.

■ John, 0418 377 336

Walking group

The Altona Meadows and Newport Heart Foundation Walking Group is a local community of men and women committed to walking together, socialising together with a post-walk coffee and chat and enjoying the natural beauty and birdlife that is to be found throughout Hobsons Bay together. Anyone is welcome to join the group on Mondays 10am at Altona Beach, Wednesdays 10am at Altona Meadows (Jolly Miller Cafe) or on Fridays 10am, at Newport Lakes. The group walks for 60 minutes and enjoys the physical and psychological benefits of walking together in clean, fresh air rain, hail or shine, at its own pace and according to individual abilities. Members are required to register with the Heart Foundation in order to join. Hobsons Bay resident Ian Watson established the walking group four years ago under the Heart Foundation’s umbrella, and, in 2021, was awarded the Heart Foundation’s Australia wide Golden Shoe Award for Courage and Commitment.

? Ian Watson, 0411 566 862 or www. hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Community/ Whats-On/Altona-Meadows-and-NewportHeart-Foundation-Walking-Groups

Free walking group

Every Wednesday (during term dates) at 10.15am from Joan Kirner House, 14 Thompson St, Williamstown.

■ Tahlia, 9397 6168

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

Joyce and Douglas Wood celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary. Photo by Damjan Janevski. 330779_01

SUDOKU

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 Hand-held curved blade for reaping (6)

DECODER WORDFIT 9-LETTER WORD

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”.

axing, dean, deign, dine, ding, ending, expand, EXPANDING, gain, gained, ginned, inane, index, nape, neap, nine, pain, pained, pane, pang, panned, pend, pending, pine, pined, ping, pinged, pinned

No. 131

1 Is a monteith a type of bowl, cape or curtain?

2 The tangelo is a hybrid of which two fruits?

3 Who played Susan in the 1980s film Desperately SeekingSusan?

4 In which country would you find the Hôtel de Glace?

5 What does the Latin phrase caveatemptor mean?

6 What is the capital of Saudi Arabia?

7 What is a farthingale?

8 The emblem of which Australian state or territory belongs to the same genus as cotton?

9 In which year did the Berlin Wall (pictured) fall?

10 In terms of carbon dating, what does BP stand for?

No. 131

No. 131

No.

annex, aping,

CRAIG, Beverley Lesley

19.01.1949 - 19.04.2023

Beloved wife to husband Barry for over 50 years.

Loved mother to Leeanne, Donna, Sandra, Carrie and partners. Adored “Little Nan” to her many grand and great - grandchildren

A little woman with a large heart Will always remember you

Our busy Physiotherapy practice in Hoppers

Crossing is looking for an experienced Receptionist to join our busy team. Good computer knowledge (Nookal an advantage), excellent customer service, communication and ability to multi task well is essential. Flexibility to cover other shifts, early mornings, late evenings and Saturdays a must.

Please forward your application and resume to info@hoppersphysio.com.au

12603533-RR18-23

Truck&dogdrivers andplantoperators required

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

General Classifieds DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL

The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful for an advertiser to show any intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception under the Act. As Network Classifieds could be legally liable if an unlawful advertisement is printed, Network Classifieds will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. For more information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Which Rugby Union coach announced he was stepping down, citing the culture at his club to be ‘like Shawshank’?

2. And which Super Rugby team did he coach for?

3. Which NFL team won the 2008 Superbowl?

4. Aussie tennis player Chris O’Connell accomplished an upset against which veteran tennis player?

5. Australian athlete Jay Vine is best known for which sport?

6. The daughter of St Kilda great Danny Frawley, Danielle Frawley recently announced her engagement to which Melbourne star?

Which AFL star recently became the sixth North Melbourne player to reach 300 games?

Which AFL teams play annually at the ANZAC Day game?

What team does NRL forward Tom Burgess play for?

How many NRL clubs have yet to win a premiership?

What is the nickname given to the annual Essendon and Geelong game played at the MCG each AFL season?

12. What is the name of the award given to the NBA’s best player to come off the bench each season?

13. Which American golfer was the individual winner at the recent LIV Golf event in Adelaide?

14. What two NHL teams will be playing exhibition games in Melbourne in September?

15. What is the name of the Welsh soccer team owned by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney?

16. Leah Williamson is captain of which women’s national soccer team?

17. Ivan Cleary currently coaches which NRL team?

18. The NBL team Melbourne United were previous known by what name?

19. The annual horse race known as The Everest has a purse of how many millions of dollars?

20. Australian soccer player Sam Kerr played her first game for Chelsea in which year?

21. Which club did Sam Mitchell play for after Hawthorn?

22.Demi Bennett plays under what ring name in the WWE?

23. In what year did the first annual ANZAC Day AFL game occur?

24. And which team won?

25. Former Wallabies captain David Pocock is now in which profession?

26. When was curling officially added to the Winter Olympics program?

27. What sport was once known as Kitten Ball?

28. What is the highest number you can finish a game of darts on?

29. Former Australian tennis player Ash Barty once played for which WBBL team?

30.Who is the captain of the Queensland Firebirds?

Ash Barty

Farewell tour for Mazda’s CX-9

By Alistair Kennedy

A luxury seven-seat family SUV, the CX-9 has been Mazda’s flagship model since it arrived here in 2007.

With seven seats standard across its range, vehicles such as the CX-9 have effectively replaced people movers especially when they come, as the CX-9 does, with the choice of front- or all-wheel drive.

The former contributes to better performance, lower fuel consumption and reducedemissions--thelatterprovidingextra tractionfortowingormildoff-roadcapability.

The current, second generation CX-9 has been around since 2016 and is due to be replaced in August by the all-new and significantly more expensive, CX-90.

Mazda Australia has indicated that the CX-9 will remain on sale until at least the end of this year. As such, we thought a final review worthwhile.

CX-9 is offered in Sport, Touring, GT, GT SP, Azami and Azami LE variants. All but the Azami LE are available with the choice of front- or all-wheel drive – LE is AWD only. Our test vehicle was the entry-level Sport FWD.

Interior

Mazda CX-9 is just over five metres in length and even third row legroom is almost okay for adultswithaccessviaawitchonthesideofthe seat cushion that tilts the seat forward.

The front seats are soft and wide, while the second row of a double bench layout has generous head and leg room.

The window line is quite high and could restrict the vision of young children.

Cargo capacity is better than many in the seven-seat class, with a reasonable 230 litres available with all seven seats in use or 810 litres with the third-row seats folded. The loading height of the floor is a comfortable 805mm.

Engines / transmissions

In contrast to the wide range of grades, there’s just the one powertrain. The Skyactiv-G2.5T turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 170kWofpeakpowerat5000rpmand420Nm of maximum torque from a low 2000 revs.

The engine is mated to Mazda’s SkyActiv-Drive six-speed automatic transmission.

The powertrain features Mazda’s stop-and-go function, designed to maximise fuel efficiency. It works by cutting the motor when the vehicle comes to rest, restarting it once brake pedal pressure is relaxed.

Safety

Mazdahasneverbeenacompanytocutcorners on safety equipment and all CX-9 variants come with a wide range of driver support systems, including Mazda’s i-Activsense that usesradarsandcamerastorecognisepotential hazards. There is pre-crash safety technology to prevent or reduce the severity of impacts.

There’s also smart city forward and rear brake support, autonomous emergency braking including night time pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, driver inattention alert and radar cruise control with stop/go function.

Lane departure warning is also fitted, with lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition, high beam headlight control, Isofix child seat anchors in the outer second-row seats, and head-up display.

The only safety features missing from the CX-9Sportarefrontparkingsensors(Touring and above) and a 360-degree camera (Azami and Azami LE).

Italmostgoeswithoutsayingthesedays,but the big Mazda cruiser has a five-star ANCAP rating.

Infotainment

The 7.0-inch screen in the Sport lookstiny inside the CX-9’s large front console. Touring stepsuptoa9.0-inchscreenwhileallfromGT upwards expand the screen to 10.25 inches.

The Mazda MZD Connect system provides access to the internet, social media, email, Pandora, Stitcher and Aha as well as hands-free voice and text messaging through Bluetooth.

Although it is a touchscreen, we quickly switched over to using the traditional Mazda Command Control knob and buttons on the centre console which are much easier to reach and use.

Satellite navigation is standard across the range as is wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A wireless smartphone charging pad is located at the bottom of the front console in GT and higher variants.

Driving

The large dimensions of the CX-9 make for easy access. The front seats are relatively narrow but supportive and comfortable. In the entry-level Sport that we tested they lack power adjustment.

Sport does have a reversing camera, but not front parking sensors or 360-degree camera which are available in higher-spec variants.

This Mazda has good low-down torque that makes it pleasant to drive on a day-to-day basis,thoughit’sobviouslynosportsmachine. An 11.8 metre turning circle can make parking a hassle in tight spaces, particularly in underground carparks.

Out of town it’s like a luxury cruising sedan

AT A GLANCE

MODEL RANGE

Sport FWD: $47,600

Touring FWD: $55,200

GT FWD: $64,700

GT SP FWD: $65,200

Azami FWD: $67,900

Sport AWD: $51,600

Touring AWD: $59,200

GT AWD: $68,700

GT SP AWD: $69,200

Azami AWD: $71,915

Azami LE AWD: $75,165

SPECIFICATIONS

with sound deadening material added as part of upgrades, meaning the cabin is lovely and quiet.

Steering is relatively light, but responsive and predicable. The ride is smooth with low levels of noise, vibration and harshness.

Sport Mode can be activated through a switch on the centre console. This increases throttle response, while moving auto transmission shift points for improved acceleration, for example when looking to overtake, or filtering on to a motorway.

Fuel consumption is listed at a combined 8.4L/100km. We were initially sceptical about what is a low number for such a large vehicle, but were pleasantly surprised when we averaged an 8.6L/100 km during our week-long test, albeit predominantly in motorway and rural conditions.

Summing up

The CX-9’s spacious and comfortable cabin, refinedrideandhandlingandverycompetitive pricing combine to make for a very attractive package.It’sanexcellentlong-distancecruiser and almost falls into the luxury saloon class. But … it’s nearly seven years old and that shows mainly in the tech features that lag behind most competitors as well as its upcoming CX-90 successor which also brings new petrol and diesel engines.

We’ll be testing the CX-90 when it arrives around August and let you know whether the significant price increases (at least 25 percent) are justified.

All Mazdas come with a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty. Service intervals are 12 months or 10,000km.

The Mazda CX-9 is an attractive, comfortable and affordable family SUV. (Pictures: Supplied)

Mazda CX-9 Sport 2.5-litre five-speed wagon

Not quite a fairy tale for United

By Tara Murray

Western United’s amazing debut A-League Women’s season didn’t get the fairy tale ending the club and its supporters had hoped for.

After exceeding all expectations and making a grand final in its first season, United’s first grand final appearance ended in tears on Sunday.

Sydney FC, a side that had suffered grand final heartache the previous three seasons, scored twice early on from set pieces to put the pressure back on United.

United then had its chances, but weren’t able to convert.

A controversial penalty in the 63rd minute was the dagger in the heart for United fans and players.

While United played out the game well, Sydney found a fourth goal in the first minute of injury time to seal a 4-0 win.

United coach Mark Torcaso said he was so proud of the group and what they had been able to do.

“I spoke to them right after and literally said this has been a remarkable season,” he said in the post game press conference.

“In our first year to be in a grand final, you should be extremely proud to be out there, your families should be proud and the whole club should be proud of them. Their spirits are quite high and they’ve said they’ll be back and back even better.

“We’ve already signed up 13 of that group which is really good. We’ll look at bringing in oneortwomoreifthere’sothergirlslookingto move onto other clubs or situations overseas.

“We’re happy and satisfied with our group of players and we’ve got a pathway and we’ve got some good players coming through in our feeder as well.”

Torcaso said going down 2-0 wasn’t ideal and meant they were always on the back foot. He said after being so good at defending set pieces, it was disappointing to let two go through in the decider.

He said the group continued to have belief in what they were doing in front of a record A-League Women’s grand final crowd.

“We actually came into half time and girls absolutely believed we could get something out of it, especially the last 20 minutes,” he said.

“The way we played in that first half, we gave a little bit of hope in the way that we approached that last little bit and the girls worked really hard.

“We showed some fight and showed some character and I guess that is what we’ve pretty much done all season, really proud of the girls, can’t fault them.”

Torcaso said the third goal via the penalty was a bit tight and in other games that

wouldn’t have been called.

He said it was the final straw for them.

Torcaso said the playing group was okay after the result, with the likes of Jess McDonald, Chloe Logarzo and Angie Beard consoling them.

McDonald, who played for United early in the season, flew out from America to watch the game.

Torcaso said not having those three out there wasn’t ideal, but said the rest of the group had stood up.

He admits Logarzo was close to getting picked.

“Chloe trained yesterday [Saturday], she has a World Cup to play for,” he said.

“Idon’t’thinkit’sfairtoputherinaposition that might jeopardise that. We had a really long discussion about that, just proud to have her part of our change room, be involved

“Yesterday and this morning I thought I was going to push her, but thought I probably shouldn’t.”

While United didn’t come away with the trophy, the group are still winners in a lot of ways this season.

Torcaso said the United program was more than just about the group of players on the pitch.

“It’s been unbelievable,” he said. “It’s been a brilliant ride, some girls up there had never been exposed to an A-League environment.

“I take a huge amount of enthusiasm going into next season, some of these girls outshone what I believed that they could do they’ve been amazing,

“It’s something quite emotional for me, I’ve had an attachment to some of these girls for many, many years, ever since some of them were 14.

“One message from the start [for us] was to set the tone for the next player that wants to play the game or wants to wear a Western United top. I think we’ve done that.

“Being located out in the west, it’s a growing area and there’s a lot of young people for us.

It’s about creating the next young girl who wants to put on a Western United shirt or a Matildas shirt and that’s the exciting part for us.”

Torcaso said he would have a break now, after he and many of the group came straight out of a National Premier League Women’s season into the A-League season.

He said some of the girls would play some NPLW in the off season and he would spend plenty of time watching that competition.

Then it would be time to go again next season.

“I think they’ve got enough belief in each other to come back next year and have a really good year,” he said.

“I don’t want to be the team that comes out in the following season after having a good season and not performing. That is my expectation and my players will also feel that way, we’ll make sure we put the right belief in them to come out in the right way next year.”

Hannah Keane and Natalie Tobin fight for the ball in the A-League Women’s grand final. (AAP Image/James Gourley)

Western United’s starting line up (AAP Image/James Gourley)

Alana Cerne and Madison Haley during the A-League Women’s grand final (AAP Image/James Gourley)

Diamanti to hang up his Western United boots

Western United skipper Alessandro Diamanti’sprofessionalcareerwillcometoan end at the end of the A-League Men’s season. The mercurial attacking midfielder will call time on a decorated career spanning four countries, 23 years and more than 550 professional matches for club and country.

Diamant paid tribute to his fans, teammates and coaches over the years in the announcement.

“I am a happy man,” he said. “I have always tried to be a footballer of the people, for the people. I have always followed the true values of football.

“Ihaven’tbeena100trophyplayer,butIhave been a player who felt loved, by my loved ones first and by all the thousands of people who havebeenfollowingmeformorethan20years. The love that you fans have constantly always given me has been and is my greatest victory.”

DiamantiarrivedatWesternUnitedin2019,

becoming the club’s inaugural captain and immediately endearing himself to Australian football.

His magical displays earned him a clean sweep of individual awards in the club’s inauguralseason,winningtheJohnnyWarren Medal, the Alex Tobin Medal and the Western United player of the season.

He was nominated for the Johnny Warren Medal again in season two before his third season was cruelly ended early due to a knee injury.

Diamanti’s leadership and influence remained pivotal, though, as Western United went on to win its first ever A-League Men championship, with the captain raising the trophy aloft alongside Josh Risdon.

In total, Diamanti has played 81 times for Western United, scoring 11 goals and registering 18 assists over that time.

Western United football general manager

Mal Impiombato hailed the impact Diamanti had on the Club and celebrated the Italian’s remarkable career.

“Alessandro has had an incredible career as a footballer and will be deserving of all the applause and recognition that he receives,” he said. “For us as a football club, Dia has been thecatalystforsomuchofourgrowthbothon and off the pitch and has contributed to each of our most special memories.

“As the inaugural captain of our club, Dia helped create the successful foundations here and will go down as a Western United legend and one of the greatest players to grace the A-Leagues.”

Diamanti was a fan favourite just about everywhere he went, particularly endearing himself to the West Ham United faithful after one spectacular season in the English Premier League.

Centrals close in on win

By Tara Murray

It’s been a positive start for the Point Cook Centrals in the Western Region Football League division 1, with the next step to get a win on the board.

The Sharks have had a tough start to the season, playing a much improved Point Cook, last season’s grand finalists Werribee Districts and last season’s minor premiers Caroline Springs.

Sharks coach Dean Chambers said they wouldtakeplentyofpositivesoutoftheirstart to life in the higher division.

“We’ve shown some really good signs,” he said.

“We’re competitive for patches in games. Against Point Cook we just feel short, bad kicking was the difference.

“Werribee Districts and Caroline Springs will be thereabouts at the end of the year.

“We would rather be thrown to the wolves early so we can get stuck in and move forward.”

Chambers said the key for the side was to be competitive for longer in games.

He said while they could have got away with it last season, they couldn’t this time round.

“We have to be competitive for the whole four quarters,” he said.

“They have greater depth than us, so we can’t afford to have those lapses.

“We’re really competitive compared to other teams that have come up and we haven’t been blown out of the water.

“We’ll build on those things in the back half of the year.”

On Saturday, the Sharks faced Werribee Districts.

The Tigers were able to continue their undefeated season so far, winning 15.12 (102)-6.8 (44).

The Tigers won all four quarters on the way to the win,

Chambers said the Tigers were better in some areas of the game.

“Their contested ball use was a lot cleaner than ours,” he said.

“They hurt us on the turnover which is what good sides do. We have to stop that quick transition the other way.”

Chambers said the first quarter was really positive and they were competitive in most areas.

They had just two less insides 50s, but Chambers said they are a key forward short to

capitalise on them.

Daniel Rosenzweig was the only multiple goal kicker for the Sharks with two goals. Chambers said Brent Turner was good down back, while Kyle Galloway was hard at it all day in the ruck.

He said their midfield also broke even.

For the Tigers, Jack Fletcher and Lachlan Rainbowkickedfourgoalseach.SeanGregory was named their best.

TheSharksthisweekfaceSpotswood,which is also winless after the first three rounds.

Chambers said the next few weeks were really important for their season.

“We’re pretty keen to get the four points on the board, but they don’t just hand them out.

“We play Spotswood, Hoppers Crossing, Yarraville Seddon. We’re all in the bottom part of the ladder.

“A win would be good to have for all the hard work that they’ve put in.”

Meanwhile, Hoppers Crossing is on the board after beating Spotswood, 18.6 (114)-6.8 (44).

Point Cook suffered its first loss of the season, with Altona kicking a goal after the siren to win 9.6 (60)-8.7 (55).

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A-League

Western United finished its season on a winning note in the A-League Men’s competition on Saturday night. On the road against Perth Glory, United took an early lead when Ben Garuccio scored in the 25th minute. Glory got one back just on half time. Noah Botic gave United the lead back and United were soon a man up when Mark Beevers received a red card. United had done enough to get a 2-1 win. United finished the season in seventh spot.

Big V

Wyndham returned to the winners list in the Big V men’s state championship men’s competition on Saturday night. After dropping their last two matches, Wyndham was way too strong for the Bellarine Storm, winning 107-71. Maurice Howard top scored with 27 points, with every player hitting the scoreboard. Wyndham’s women’s side remains undefeated after beating the Bulleen Boomers, 76-61. Amanda Paschal top scored with 23 points for Wyndham.

FV

Hoppers Crossing had a tough night against Albion Rovers on Friday night in the FV state league 2 north-west competition. Coming off their first win of the season, the Reds suffered a 6-1 loss to the Rovers. In state league 3 north-west, Point Cook suffered a 2-0 loss to the Western Eagles, who scored twice in the first half. In state league 4 west, Truganina Hornets lost to Spring Hills 1-0, while in state league 5 west, West Point beat Deakin University 4-1, Tarneit United lost to Ballarat 3-0 and Wyndham lost to Melton Phoenix, 7-0.

GDFL

Werribee Centrals continued their good form in the Geelong and District Football League on Saturday with a big against the Belmont Lions. The Centurions started the game well and were able to build on the lead in every quarter, on the way to a 19.13 (127)-7.13 (55). Mitchell Alush kicked six goals in a best on ground performance.

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Web: starweekly.com.au

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Tara Murray Alessandro Diamanti. (Supplied)

Nathan Williams (Jacob Pattison) 330728_12

The Bees on a high after winning two in a row

Werribee City may have got two wins in a row intheNationalPremierLeague2competition, but the Bees aren’t getting carried away. For a second straight week, the Bees had to come from behind to get the three points, this time beating Brunswick City, 2-1 on Friday night.

Bees coach Domenic Barba said they had some really good moments in the match.

“We had a lull for about 20 minutes in the first half and they scored a goal in that period,” he said.

“I could see it coming and we were lucky not to get two goals against us. We made some alterations in the last 15 minutes of the half and we were lucky not to score.

“At half time we had a really positive mindset and some really good momentum. We made some more off field changes and were able to score.

“We did give them some opportunities to hurt us, but we kept going at them.

“The young boys came on and did a good job and we took our chances to win the game. We got a second goal late, we don’t want to leave it that late all the time.”

Barba said fitness was one area they had really worked on, so it didn’t matter who was

on the field they didn’t lose anything.

Barba said while happy to finally see the hard work converting on the scoreboard, they still had plenty of work to do.

“We’re not getting carried away,” he said.

“Wehadagoodconversationwiththegroup and they all understand they can do better and that’s proven the last couple of weeks.

“Wewillnotbetakinganythingforgranted. We will take it week by week, every team is beating every other team.”

Barba said the key for them going forward is ensuring they’re consistent every game and within games.

He said they want to be a hard team to play against every week.

“Some of the players that we havebrought in have got some good pedigree about them, but it’s remembering that it can come back and bite you when you least expect,” he said.

“We’ve got some good balance and the culture is good. We have all the right ingredients.

The Bees sit in 10th spot with four wins and three draws among their 11 matches.

The Bees will this week travel to face Langwarrin.

Barba said the next few weeks will test the mental strength of the side.

“We’re away from home for the first time since the Brunswick Juventus game,” he said.

“It’ll be really interesting. They had a good run and have gone sidewards and dropped a few points in recent weeks.

“It’s the start of the next 14 rounds when we’re primarily away from home. It’s a different mindset and mentality.

“The entire club is away from home and hoping to have some success. We have to roll up the sleeves.”

Werribee aims to build

By Tara Murray

Werribee is getting a good idea where it sits early in the Hockey Victoria Vic league 1 competition.

The Tigers have faced several of the top teams in the first three rounds and have one win and two losses to show for it.

Coach Jayden Street said playing the top sides was a good way to start the season.

“With the draw it seems like we have drawn a lot of the top teams,” he said.

“I don’t see it as a bad thing to see the benchmarks early and see where we sit for the rest of the season and see what we have to do.’”

Street said across their three women’s teams they were looking to build as the season progresses.

He said it was a bit different for the group having a new coach this season.

“It’s been pretty good, we’re slowly building

into the season,” he said. “Our thirds team is undefeated and our second team has had a bit of a harder challenge with the opposition.

“Our top team beat the team that came down last season and we had a close loss to the team that won the flag. Mornington got the better of us.”

While new to the women’s role, Street has been a familiar face around Werribee hockey having coached the men’s team.

He said he was excited for a new challenge.

“I’m a new coach and I’m assessing where all the girls are at,” he said.

“I’ve coached the men the last four years and I stepped down to give the men a fresh look and a fresh set of eyes.

“The women’s coach of the last four years was ready to just play and not coach, so the opportunity came to step in and give the girls a bit of a boost.

“I’ll pass on a few things from the men’s side

Hovey kicks a mammoth 26

Daniel Hovey put on a show as the Suns easily accounted for North Sunshine in the Western Region Football League division 3.

In a battle between last season’s minor premiers and wooden spooners, the result showed there was still a large gap between the two teams.

The game was over by quarter time, with the Suns kicking 13.2 to nothing.

The Roadrunners got on the scoreboard in the second quarter with three goals, but the lead continued to grow with the Suns kicking 15 goals.

After half time it was all the Suns, who kicked 19 goals to nil to seal the 47.14 (296)-3.3 (21).

Hovey had a day out in front of goals, kicking 26 and was named best on ground.

Suns playing coach Dean Cachia kicked 10 of his own as the two proved a potent one-two punch up forward.

The Suns are one of two undefeated teams so far, the other is their opponent this week, Albanvale.

In other division 3 matches, Tarneit proved no match for Albanvale.

The Cobras opened up an early lead of 19 points at the first break.

and see if it translates to the women’s side.”

Street had previously coached a mixed junior side and was caretaker of the women’s side for half a season 10 years ago, so this is a new challenge for him.

He said they had an experienced side with a couple of new additions this season.

In a promising sign a couple of younger players have made their debuts this season.

Street said they were hoping to play finals this year.

“We’re aiming for finals across the board ideally,” he said.

“We’ve come into the league the last few years trying to survive in the league. I want to put a level of expectation on the girls to be aiming higher than that.”

The Tigers men’s side had a 32 loss to the Melbourne Sikhs United on Saturday in their match.

They sit seventh on the ladder with one win.

Fivegoalstooneinthesecondquarter extended the lead to 46 points at the main break.

The Titans won the third quarter, but didn’t put much of a dent into the margin.

The last quarter was all the Cobras, as they won 16.14 (110)-5.7 (37).

Michael Naawi was named the Titans best.

Sunshine Heights was too strong for Laverton.

The game was all but over at quarter time with the Dragons kicking eight goals to one to open up a big lead.

The Dragons won every quarter on the way to a 27.18 (180)-5.11 (41).

Jeremy Angleowitsch was named best on ground for the Dragons.

Tara Murray

Werribee City made it two in a row on Friday night. (GEM Photography)

Tara Murray

Werribee has had a solid start to the season. (Chris Tivendale)

Thar is thankful to be back enjoying football

Tara Murray

Werribee’s Connor Thar thought about giving away footy in the Victorian Football League off season.

Having struggled to put games together since the 2018 NAB League season, Thar started to think that football wasn’t for him.

In 2019, he was playing with his local club Werribee Districts when he ruptured his kidney, with doctors at one stage talking about removing it.

After a lot of hard work, Thar was keen to return to the field, but COVID-19 hit meaning he didn’t play a game in 2020.

He finally made his VFL debut in 2021 before an ankle injury wiped out his 2022 season before it even started.

“COVID and injuries, I nearly sort of gave it up,” Thar said.

“I thought I would have one last crack at it and throw everything at it and take some risks. I’m very happy that I did it.”

A broken ankle in a practice match in 2022 meant that Thar’s hopes of building on his momentum of 2021 was ended.

He finally made it back to play local football, but it hadn’t fully healed, so he pulled the pin on the season.

It meant missing a grand final appearance with Werribee Districts.

Thar said everyone at the club had been keen to go onto bigger and better things, but it wasn’t to be.

He said it would have been special to have the opportunity to win a flag with them.

Thar said in the end his love of football was behind the decision to continue playing on.

“It’s been a tough five years,” he said. “I kept getting injured and I was thinking why is this happening to me.

“I still love playing footy and I’m enjoying it. When I was injured last year, I thought about footy and started to understand that being injured isn’t the worst thing in the world.

“It is part of footy and I now have a different mindset with footy and life. It’s a positive thing to have come out of it.”

Thar said he would have been happy playing local football or in the VFL this season, as long as he was out there playing.

He said having struggled to play more than three games in a row the last five years, he was in new ground.

Thar said one thing he had been keen on doing was repaying the faith that those at Werribee had him.

He said walking into the club each night there are 40 to 50 good mates, while there was plenty of support from the likes of coach Michael Barlow, assistant coach Nick Daffy and chief executive Mark Penaluna.

The hard work in the off season had paid off, with Thar having played three matches for Werribee so far this season.

“They have been really persistent with me,” he said. “It’s a little embarrassing talking about form when I’ve only played three matches.

“I’m really enjoying it, week in, week out. There’s a lot of good players and I’m doing my job and role for the team and trying to help us win and have a chance to

play finals and win a flag.”

Thar has kicked seven goals so far this season, as part of the side’s small forward brigade.

It’s a role that has taken a little while to get used to.

“The small ford role, I’ve been grasping

celebrating the area’s Indigenous and cultural heritage – making it a dynamic destination of choice.

for the last couple of years,” he said.

“In the TAC Cup I was in the midfield. Nick Daffy has worked with me the last two years and I’ve been able to grasp it better.

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

said he doesn’t look too far ahead, just taking it a week at a time.

He’s keen to consolidate his spot in the side.

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.

“I just love stepping out on the field with the other guys.”

Please register for an information session to find out more:

While happy with his season so far, Thar

•

Werribee had the bye on the weekend and is back in action this week against Essendon.

• 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

Connor Thar. (Belinda Vitacca Photography)

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