Star Weekly - Wyndham - 17th May 2023

Low cost cat de-sexing

Not-profits and charities perform a wide range of roles in the community, but offering veterinary services hasn’t traditionally been one of them.

But for Wyndham pet owners that has changed, with the Wyndham Community Vet now operating in Hoppers Crossing.

The not-profit clinic is the brainchild of Teresa Minniti who said the idea came to while running her cat rescue service Give a Kitty a Home Rescue.

“I thought if we start where the problem begins with people not de-sexing their animals then it would reduce the number of animals be euthanised unnecessarily,” she said.

Ms Minniti said operating as a charity meant she could offer de-sexing and other services such as vaccinations and mircochipping, far below normal prices.

“We’re not for profit so we do it at absolutely minimal cost. As long as we can cover our vet and the rent and utilities, there’s zero profit being made.”

The clinic is the first of its type in the municipality and one of only three not-profit vets in Melbourne.

Arrests at neo-Nazi rally

By Mibenge Nsenduluka and Adrian Black, AAP

A Werribee man was one of two arrested after a group of neo-Nazis clashed with police and counter-protesters at an anti-immigration rally on the streets of Melbourne on Saturday.

Wild scenes erupted as police wrangled crowds outside Parliament House, where a group of masked men dressed in black performed the Nazi salute, sparking a bitter war of words that escalated into shoving and bottles being thrown. Members of a CampaignAgainstRacismandFascismgroup chanted “refugees welcome, Nazis are not“ as they faced off with a group holding a banner for the far-right National Socialist Network.

Police arrested a 30-year-old Doreen man fortheftofapolicebodycameraandassaulting police, while a 20-year-old Werribee man was arrested for discharging a missile and assaulting police. Federal Labor MP Chris Bowen condemned the protests.

“It’s unspeakably un-Australian,”he said.

“It’s unacceptable. It is not on.”

A spokeswoman said police had been appalled at the acts displayed in Melbourne on Saturday.

“Everyone has the right to feel safe in our community regardless of who they are,” she said.

“We understand incidents of anti-Semitism can leave communities feeling targeted, threatened and vulnerable.

“Hate and prejudice has no place in our society.”

Victorian Opposition Leader John Pesutto slammed the protest and thanked the police for their work.

“The Victorian Liberals and Nationals condemn neo-Nazi thugs and their toxic bigotry and hate,” Mr Pesutto wrote in a joint statement with deputy Liberal leader David Southwick.

The Liberal Party renewed its offer to work with the Labor government on plans to ban theNazisalute,announcedbythegovernment following its use at an anti-transgender rally in March.

Earlier on Saturday, police declared the CBD a “designated area” from 7 am to 7pm

in response to the planned “stop immigration rally”.

The designation empowered officers to search a person or their vehicle for weapons.

Greens deputy leader Mehreen Faruqi condemned the Nazi salute display.

“Disgraceful to see Neo-Nazis on the streets of Melbourne again, this time rallying against immigration,” she tweeted.

“Fascism & racism have no place in our multicultural society & must be destroyed.”

Most states and territories have enacted bans or are in the process of outlawing the display of Nazi symbols, with the salute covered in some jurisdictions.

Victoria has banned Nazi symbols in public and is moving to include the Nazi salute.

Dr Stefanie Smith at registered not-for-profit Wyndham Community Vet located in Hoppers Crossing. (Damjan Janevski). 333301_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

CCTV may hold clues to murders

By Cade Lucas

Police have released CCTV footage as part of their investigation into a double murder in Wyndham Vale in February.

Two men were killed and one seriously injured at a home in Carmichael Drive on the morning of February 11.

The CCTV footage shows three vehicles stopped in a nearby street moments before the fatal incident occurred.

A number of people got out of the vehicles and appeared to hold a discussion on the street before driving off again.

Police believe the three cars then drove

- Detective Acting Inspector Nigel L’Estrange

to the home in Carmichael Drive, where they arrived shortly after 2.45am and the occupants got out and approached five males in the garage of the property.

Following a short verbal altercation, shots

were fired and the victims assaulted with sharp edged weapons, before the occupants returnedtothethreevehiclesandleftthearea.

Emergency services found 29-year-old Atem Atem and 22-year-old Ayuel Akuei, both from Wyndham Vale, dead at the scene.

A 23-year-old Wyndham Vale man was found with life-threatening injuries and taken to hospital, while two other occupants of the garage were uninjured.

A pet dog was also discovered with fatal gunshot wounds.

DetectiveActingInspectorNigelL’Estrange said the incident could’ve been much worse.

“This was a deliberately violent attack that

United puts out call for Lil’ Westies

After recently announcing the departure of a number of senior players, Western United are turning their attention to the other end of the age spectrum by launching its Lil’ Westies pre-school program.

Open to children from two and a half through to four years old, the pilot program offers four free classes running from May 15 to June 5.

The 45-minute sessions use fun and engaging activities to develop motor-skills through football.

Children from two and a half to three are in onesessionfrom9.15amto10.00amandthose aged three to four are in the following session from 10.00am to 10.55am.

Sessions are conducted by trained Western United staff, but a parent or guardian is

required to be present throughout.

All sessions are held at Arndell Park in Truganina.

Cade Lucas

resulted in the loss of two lives, however it is likely only through sheer luck that more people weren’t killed or seriously injured,” he said.

“We believe that the group is likely to have attended the address as the result of some kind of dispute between street gangs, however those who were killed and injured were either not gang members or had only very loose links.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Video help on health

Wyndham’s non-English speaking residents will now have extra help in navigating the health system, with a new video series launched in Werribee.

The health promotion videos were created as part of the Walk Through Health program that ran from March 2021 to September 2022 and will target Wyndham’s culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.

The videos provide information on a range of health topics delivered by both state and federal authorities.

Also featured are participants in the Walk through Health program which was a two-way learning initiative aimed at informing diverse communities about health and health authorities about how best to reach these communities.

Walk through Health was delivered in partnership by the Wyndham Community and Education Centre and Mercy Health.

Mercy Health multicultural services manager Natalija Nesvadba, said both the program and the videos address a clear need.

“CALD communities in Wyndham are often at higher risk of poor health due to barriers in accessing and understanding health information and receiving appropriate care.”

The videos will be promoted through local community and health services and publicly available via YouTube.

Young Western United supporters at a recent game. (supplied)

‘‘ This was a deliberately violent attack that resulted in the loss of two lives.... ’’

By Cade Lucas

The timing couldn’t be much better. Saturday was World Migratory Bird Day and one of the world’s rarest migratory birds has turned up at the Western Treatment Plant in Werribee to mark the occasion.

Unlike many other species which travel across the globe to roost at the renowned bird haven, the Orange-bellied Parrot has only crossed Bass Strait from Tasmania. However, with fewer than 100 remaining in the wild, its appearance, particularly at this time of year, has thrilled Western Treatment Plant conservation and land officer Cody McCormack.

“It is incredibly special to be visited by the Orange-bellied Parrot at this time of year.

“Unlike other places in Victoria they may visit, they will stay here for the entire winter, before returning to south-west Tasmania in summer to breed.”

Classed as critically endangered, the Orange-bellied Parrot’s arrival ahead of World Migratory Bird Day is especially appropriate given this year’s theme: Water: Sustaining Bird Life.

The theme is to highlight the role aquatic ecosystems play is preserving bird life amid the growing threat of climate change and population growth.

Along with treating waste water from Melbourne’s kitchens, bathrooms laundries and toilets, Mr McCormack said conserving bird life was one of the plant’s key functions.

“We are one of the only wetlands in Australia which actively manages artificial ponds for migratory birds and other species,” Mr McCormack said.

melbournewater.com.au/services/licences-

Day can be found at:

https://www.worldmigratorybirdday.org/

Borrowing goes digital

Book borrowing at Wyndham libraries is going digital. Digital membership cards for both Apple and Google wallets are being introduced for new and existing library members.

“This is a positive step forward as it replacestheneedforaphysicalhardcopy card and is more convenient and better for the environment,” said Wyndham councillor, Jasmine Hill.

“These new digital memberships will enable customers to fully onboard themselvestothelibraryservicesandwill be more efficient, reducing the chance of a lost library card and will make it easier to borrow library items.”

Despite the introduction of digital cards, customers can still use physical cards which can be stored on a digital wallet or on the Libraries Victoria App.

Customers seeking books not availablewithinWyndhamlibrariescan again search further afield too, with the resumption of inter-library loans.

“This will allow Wyndham residents to once again access items held at other library services across Victoria through their local library and allow greater use of the Wyndham collection by residents of other local government areas, ” said Cr Hill of the loan system which resumed on May 1. Inter-library loans involve books being couriered between different library services, a role that Australia Post has taken on through its subsidiaries, Star Track and Decipha.

The courier service is funded by Public Libraries Victoria at no cost to council or customers.

Traffic changes in the area

Rare bird touches down

Help spread the warmth

For many of us, the cooler weather signals the need to bring out our winter doonas, turn up the heating or buy a new jacket to stay warm and dry. Sadly for many people, these simple comforts are out of reach.

That’s why Uniting Vic.Tas is again calling for the support of people across Victoria to help bring some much-needed warmth to the most vulnerable in our community.

As part of this year’s Wyndham Winter Local Appeal, Uniting Vic.Tas is calling on people to dig deep and donate – just $30 is enough to buy a new blanket or jacket for someone doing it tough.

Crippling cost of living pressures are contributing to a growing number of people becoming homeless, with many more at risk of becoming in the coming months. Uniting Vic.Tas said that this winter they want to keep as many people as they can rugged up and sheltered.

Uniting Vic.Tas appeal co-ordinator Deborah Gorsuch said the appeal would not only help people sleeping rough, but also support children and families living in poverty and in need.

“This is a time of great uncertainty. Costs arerising,peoplearestruggling,andweknow it’s always the most disadvantaged people in ourcommunitywhoarehardesthit,especially during the colder months,” Ms Gorsuch said.

“There are more people living on the streets, in cars and in poverty having to make impossible choices between the basics such as paying the rent and putting food on the table.

“We’re asking people to contribute what they can. Your donations will make a real difference to children and families that are really struggling.”

Donations of new blankets, swags, tents, bedding including pillows, doonas, winter clothes, thermal flasks and non-perishable

food can be made to during business hours at Uniting Wyndham, 1-3 Duncans Road, Werribee.

You can also buy an e-gift card and email

Police look at WRFL incident

Police are investigating an alleged assault during a Western Region Football League reserves match between Wyndhamvale and Parkside at Wyndham Vale on Saturday, May 6.

Police said a man was punched in the headduringthegameatWyndhamVale South Reserve shortly after 1.30pm.

He was taken to hospital with nonlife-threatening injuries.

Investigations into the incident remain ongoing. The game was called off with Wyndhamvale leading by a point at the time.

Both clubs have released statements condemning violence.

“Parkside Football Club will work with Victoria Police and WRFL as they conductinvestigationsintotheincidents thattookplaceduringthereservesgame at Wyndhamvale on Saturday,” the club said on social media.

“Weareunabletomakeanycomments on the incidents at this point in time.

“We do not condone violence and player safety is paramount at our club.”

ittodeborah.gorsuch@vt.uniting.org.Details: unitingvictas.org.au/local-winter

Wyndhamvale released a similar statement: “In light of the weekend’s events, the Wyndhamvale Football Club would like to be clear that we are abhorred by violence and do not condone it on any level,” the club said on social media. “We are unable to comment on the incidents during this stage, but we reiterate our strong stance against violence and will continue to educate our club on this stance.”

The WRFL was contacted for comment.

BY RCA VILLAGES

Uniting’s Deb Gorsuch Kate Rose, Sharada Ragothaman and Kris Smythe. (Damjan Janevski) 334307_01

Program to empower

Education, employment opportunities, career advice, domestic violence and mental health support are among services on offer when the next session of the Migrant Women’s Support Program starts on June 20.

Open to migrant women across Wyndham, the free program is run by the Australian Multicultural Women’s Association.

AMWA chief exexutive Geet Garba said the aim of the program is simple.

“My whole agenda is to empower and uplift women,” said Ms Garba, a migrant herself who lives in Tarneit

She began the program after noticing the challenges migrant women in Wyndham faced and decided to use her background as a trainer, career counsellor and small business owner to help.

Those issues were mostly related to domestic violence, with supporting victims originally the program’s focus.

“My main agenda was to encourage

women to stand on their own feet,” Ms Garba said, pointing out that victims from diverse communities often didn’t know how to access support services and struggled from a lack of English and confidence.

Nearly three years on, Ms Garba said the program had transformed lives.

“We have women who are now working and are stress free who were once victims of violence and under family pressure.”

While supporting victims of domestic violence is still a priority, the program has now broadened to include courses in First Aid, child care and aged care, as well as advice on starting a business, preparing for job interviews and networking.

Sessions are ongoing and offered at venues across Wyndham and online.

Details: pdesk.amwagroup@gmail.com or https://bit.ly/3IaImFK

Cade

Lucas

Briefs

New reserve open

Truganina’s Alcock Rd Reserve is officially open. Turf on the reserve’s soccer pitches has now been established, marking the completion of the $15 million project. Wyndham Mayor Susan McIntyre said reserves like Alcock Rd were crucial pieces of community infrastructure. “Active open spaces play a vital role in the life of a community – they provide a space for exercising, playing and watching outdoor sports, meeting, socialising with friends and family or relaxing and unwinding,” Cr McIntyre said. Wyndham council funded the bulk of the project, contributing $12 million while the state government added $3 million.

Digital licences

Wyndham motorists may be able to carry their licences on their phone by next year following a digital driver licence trial in Ballarat, before a statewide roll-out by 2024. The new technology will give motorists the choice to store a secure digital version of their driver licence in the popular Service Victoria app or soon-to-be-launched my VicRoads app.

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

Wyndham Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Participants in a recent session of the migrant women’s support project. (Supplied).

Jerry necks it to hospital

By Cade Lucas

Werribee Open Range Zoo is normally the place to find giraffes in Wyndham, but for the past week St Vincent’s Private Hospital in Werribee has been home to one too.

Jerry the giraffe, the creation of an anonymous Wyndham resident who built him during COVID to cheer people up, has been greeting patients in the hospital foyer all week.

“He’s been at the zoo, in people’s yards, and now he’s been with us,” said St Vincent’s assistant director perioperative and clinical services, Rachel Cassar, of the various places Jerry has been known to pop up.

Jerry normally appears at random, his movements a mystery, but Ms Cassar said St Vincent’s had been able to track him down and secure his services for the whole week.

“Our marketing team contacted Jerry’s Instagram page and said ‘would you like to come to the hospital’ and he said ‘yes’.”

“He came to the hospital on Monday and he leaves tomorrow after international nurses day,” Ms Cassar said.

While Jerry will help nurses celebrate on Friday, Ms Cassar said his presence had been especially valuable to those they care for.

“He’s been great for all our patients.

“It Gives them something to focus on other than their surgery.

“When we think about our patients coming into hospital, they’re quite vulnerable and it can be quite daunting and overwhelming, so thishasbeengreatjustasaconversationpiece.”

MsCassarsaidseeingagiraffewhenentering the hospital was particularly comforting for kids.

“We do a lot of paediatric patients, 12 months and above and where we have Jjerry at themomentisatthefrontofthehospitalwhere the kids are admitted for their surgery, so he’s

Jerry the giraffe with staff at St Vincent’s Private Hospital Werribee. (Supplied)

been great in that respect.”

Jerry has also adapted to being in a high risk environment, regularly wearing a face mask to stay COVID safe.

“We made it fit,” laughed Ms Cassar.

Tullamarine jobs bonanza

Airlines, ground handlers, retailers and other providers at Melbourne Airport are on a hiring blitz and are hoping to fill hundreds of roles at its Jobs Fair on Thursday, May 18.

The airport is Victoria’s largest employment precinct outside of the Melbourne CBD, and the positions on offer range from cabin crew, front of house hospitality and retail, through to lawenforcement,transport,andsecurity.

Morethan40airport-basedbusinesses are on the lookout for staff, welcoming resumes from entry-level applicants through to senior management.

Melbourne Airport chief executive Lorie Argus said it’s the perfect time to start a career in aviation, with passenger numbers on the rise.

“Not only are we seeing more people travelling, but we’re also renovating parts of the terminal, such as adding 11 new restaurants in Terminal 1, creating newretailandhospitalityopportunities,” shesaid.“Qantas,Jetstar,Rex,Bonzaand Virgin all have vacancies to fill, and a couple of our international carriers are also recruiting.

“This is the first time we’ve held a careers fair on-airport, and it’s a great opportunity to get a feel for the environment and speak directly with employers.”

Where he’ll poke his long neck next is a mystery, but Ms Casser said Jerry will always be welcome at St Vincent’s.

“He’sgonnaleaveabitofaholesowehopehe comes back to visit.”

Melbourne Airport’s Jobs Fair will be held in front of Terminal 4 and will operate over two separate sessions from 2-4pm and 4-6pm. Complimentary car parking in the Terminal 4 Car Park will be available to guests at the event.

Liberals expel Moira Deeming

By Callum Godde, AAP

Banished Western Metropolitan Region

Liberal MP Moira Deeming has been expelled from the parliamentary party for good after threatening to sue state leader John Pesutto.

Liberal MPs voted on a motion to expel Ms Deeming for “bringing discredit” to the party, at state parliament on Friday morning.

Ms Deeming was a no-show after lawyers served Mr Pesutto a defamation concerns notice, threatening court action if he did not immediately withdraw the motion, publish an apology to her on his website and pay her compensation and legal costs.

Mr Pesutto entered the party room flanked by Cindy McLeish, Roma Britnell, Georgie Crozier, Michael O’Brien, David Southwick and Matt Bach.

“The party needs to move forward,” Mr Pesutto told reporters.

Ms Crozier, the opposition’s upper house leader, said Ms Deeming’s threat to Mr Pesutto was “extremely disappointing” and wouldn’t be drawn on whether she should be booted from the party altogether.

“There is enormous disappointment from the parliamentary MPs, my colleagues ... and many many Liberal Party members who have contacted me,” she said.

West talent on display

Wyndham’s young photographers again have the opportunity to showcase their skills, with the eighth annual Way Out West Photography competition open for entries.

Run by Wyndham Libraries and Youth Services, the competition offers prizes in six categories, including best portrait, best landscape, best use of technology and the ‘Grand Prize’ for overall winner.

Wyndham council’s learning city portfolio holder, councillor Jasmine Hill, urged the municipality’s young people to enter.

“If you are a young person aged between 12 and 25 years who reside, toil, study or socialise in Wyndham, and are looking for a way to express your creative impulses, then this competition is tailor-made for you!”

Creative city portfolio holder, councillor Marcel Mahfoud, said entrants get to explore both their own artistic talents and their local surroundings.

“This is a great opportunity for budding photographers and local creatives to make a mark and gain recognition for their creativity, andatthesametimeexplorethemanywonders of Wyndham.”

Prizes include $500 for the overall winner andwillbeannouncedonJuly13onWyndham council’s website and social media pages.

Entries are open until the end of the month and entrants are encouraged to submit photos in keeping with their chosen category.

For entries and more information visit: https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/services/ libraries/youth/about-way-out-west-youthphotography-competition.

Backbencher Beverley McArthur, a conservative factional ally of Ms Deeming, was one of the only Liberal MPs willing to publicly say she would vote against the motion.

Upper house MP Renee Heath was also removed as party secretary Ms Deeming last week demanded the Victorian Liberal leader agree to issue a media statement exonerating her of being a Nazi or Nazi sympathiser or face legal action. She appeared to back down from the ultimatum on Saturday, saying she never considered suing the Liberal Party and insteadcontemplatedlegalmediationasaway

to settle on the conditions of her suspension. It is the second time the Liberal party room has considered expelling Ms Deeming after she attended an anti-transgender rights rally earlier this year in Melbourne where neo-Nazis performed the “heil Hitler” salute.

A compromise was struck when the first Mr Pesutto-led motion, supported by a 15-pagedossieraccusingtheMPofprotesting alongside people who were “known to be publicly associated with far right-wing extremist groups including neo-Nazi activists”, failed to garner enough support.

The upper house MP will remain on the crossbench as an independent.

Tyre & Auto Service

2022 Way Out West Grand Prize winner, Into the Void by Jade Jones. (Jade Jones)

Cade Lucas

Elderly urged to get vaccinated

By Jennifer Pittorino

Western suburbs residents are being urged to doge the upcoming flu and COVID season.

Western Public Health Unit director Dr Finn Romanes said Victorians are currently experiencing another COVID wave.

Evidenced by increased cases, hospitalisations and antiviral medication dispensed, dispensed, in addition, immunity to flu amongst Victorians is likely to be lower than before the COVID pandemic, due to fewer flu infections, Western Health said.

“Most young, healthy people can manage COVID and flu infections at home but we

know that older or immunocompromised people are at greater risk of severe illness,” Dr Romanes said.

Dr Romanes says while everyone over the age of 18 is eligible for the COVID booster it is particularly important that people aged

Funds a game changer

Point Cook FC has had a successful start to 2023 on the field and that has now extended off the field too.

The WRFL club was recently selected as a recipient of the 2023 Change Our Game grants program aimed at fostering women’s community sport.

Point Cook was one of 104 community clubs across Victoria awarded the grants, whichofferupto$10,000per-clubfromatotal funding pool of $500,000.

Junior vice president Sam Fragapane said the funding will go a long way.

“It will have a huge impact on our women’s and junior program” he said

“When you’re a not-for-profit and you start talking about revenue streams it becomes very tight and difficult.”

Point Cook’s grant is for $5000 and comes through the capability and leadership stream.

Fragapane said the club is still to decide what it will be spent on, but that it gives them the freedom to invest where needed.

“One of our focusses since the start of the season has been the women’s side and how we can attract new talent to our club and make it sustainable.

“Whether it’s sporting icons coming down to the club and giving their story or mental health initiatives and injury and recovery management, when you get a grant for $5000 itcanhelpyouimplementchangesyouwanted to make” Fragapane said.

Point Cook was one of two Wyndham clubs selected, with the Western African Cultural Association Incorporated successful in securing a grant under the attract and participate stream.

65 and over, those with immune compromise and adults with chronic conditions, disability or complex health needs get vaccinated.

According to recent analysis, Victorians’ chances of being hospitalised or dying with COVID increase dramatically with age and according to how few COVID vaccines you have received.

“As we head into winter, we’re urging people aged 65 and over or people with an illness or disability that puts them at greater risk to prioritise getting their COVID booster and annual flu vaccine,” Dr Romanes said.

Provided it has been at least six months

since their last vaccine or COVID infection, people can book their next free vaccination.

The annual flu vaccine is free through the National Immunisation Program for population groups at higher risk of severe illness and COVID boosters remain free and available through GPs or pharmacies.

“I’d also encourage people aged 65 and over to discuss a COVID treatment plan with their GP now, before they get infected, so that if they do come down with COVID, they can quickly access antiviral medication that will reduce their chances of becoming severely unwell,” Dr Romanes said.

Second win for rescue team

The CFA Werribee road crash rescue team has confirmed its reputation as one of the top units in the country by winning the recent NSW championships for the second year in a row.

The seven man team from the CFA’s Werribee and Wyndham Vale brigades, triumphed over competitors at the NSW road crash rescue competitions in Coffs Harbour from May 5 to 7.

The team claimed overall honours after competing in the controlled, entrapped and CPR categories, as well as fire-fighter and industrial rescues.

Each rescue scenario is a simulated version of a real-life accident.

CFA Werribee were the only interstate team invited to the competitions and defeated

teams from NSW fire rescue, NSW SES and NSW volunteer rescue association.

Team member Scott Green said it was an honourtowinsuchahighqualitycompetition.

“We’re extremely proud to be able to represent the CFA on that stage and demonstrate our rescue capability as a fire service to other emergency services at home and interstate.”

He attributed their success to hard work and dedication.

“Every member of the team has a passion for road accident rescue road safety and that passion drives our training.”

The CFA Werribee team are hoping to compete for the Australian title in Adelaide in July.

Our

‘‘ Older or immunocompromised people are at greater risk of severe illness ’’ - Finn Romanes

team at Sayers Dental Aesthetics & Implants comprises of highly-trained, experienced and friendly dental professionals, committed to ensuring you receive the most appropriate dental health.

Cade Lucas

CFA Werribee team members competing in the recent NSW road crash rescue competitions in Coffs Harbour. (Supplied)

Point Cook FC celebrate receiving a grant for women’s sport. Front, from left, Charlotte, 11, Harper, 9, and Charlize, 10. Back, Yasmen Roe, Samuel Frangepane, Lourdes Piscopo, and Jadanna Barba. (Damjan Janevski) 333007_01

Cade Lucas

Facebook tradie fined $10,000

By Liam McNally

An unlicenced and unregistered worker who installed air conditioners in Wyndham Vale and across Melbourne after advertising his services on Facebook Marketplace has been convicted following an Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) investigation.

Keenan Blair Grobler was convicted and fined $10,000 in the Werribee Magistrates Court on Monday, May 8 after being found guilty of 10 charges under the Electricity Safety Act 1998 and nine charges under the Building Act 1993.

Mr Grobler, who now lives in Scarborough, Western Australia, carried out works in Cobblebank, Wyndham Vale, Berwick, Tarneit and Clyde North between June and November 2020.

During that six-month period, Mr Grobler advertised his services on Facebook Marketplace, before installing nine split system air conditioners across five properties. He also installed two light fittings at one property.

An ESV investigation found the works did not comply with the relevant safety standards and posed a safety risk to the properties, one

Raidah’s work valued

Cultural diversity and social justice advocate, Raidah Parvez, has been named Wyndham’s young person of the month for May.

The 19-year-old student from Truganina was selected for her work raising awareness about the inequities faced by culturally and linguistically diverse youth.

Raidah has volunteered on Wyndham’s Multicultural Youth Committee since 2018 and has helped plan cultural celebrations and hosted Harmony Week and Refugee Week events.

She was a member of the 2022 Western Youth Forum where advocated for more access to sport for CALD youth.

Later this year Raidah will represent Wyndham in Youth Parliament.

“Raidah has contributed to creating an inclusive and accepting Wyndham,” said Wyndham mayor Susan McIntyre, in announcing the award.

Connecting our communities

“Wyndham City thanks and appreciates the contribution Raidah has made and continues to make to the Wyndham community.

When not campaigning for social justice, Raidah is studying it at university where she is in the second year of a social work and psychology degree.

Her hobbies include art and sewing, with her Bangladeshi background often coming through in her work.

The $300 gift voucher of her choice that she receives with the award will no doubt help Raidahpursuethesehobbiesevenfurther,just as she has helped others pursue theirs.

Cade Lucas

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

of which was a family day-care facility.

Fortunately, the works did not result in injury.

The investigation was prompted by complaints made to Energy Safe between June 2020 and January 2021.

Energy Safe chief executive Leanne Hughson urged the community to ensure people carrying out electrical and plumbing works carried the appropriate licences and registrations before starting work.

“We advise everyone to check that the peopleworkingontheirpropertyarequalified and accredited to carry out the work, before

the work starts,” she said.

“Please also be wary when searching for electricians and plumbers on websites like Facebook Marketplace as it is common for unlicensed and unregistered tradespeople to promote themselves on these platforms.

“Energy Safe will always work to ensure people are caught and convicted when breachingtheseveryimportantrequirements.”

Mr Grobler did not appear in court.

Electrical and plumbing work needs to be carried out by licenced and qualified workers to ensure it is done safely and in line with regulations.

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

Celebrating those volunteers who make a difference

Meet three Melbourne volunteers who may think they’re leading ordinary retirements but are making an extra-ordinary difference to the lives of older people. And at the same time adding a new level of joy to their own.

Graeme and Joy Thompson love spending their days ladling out hot shared meals and happiness as they help staff organise exercise and activities for older people at one of the many Uniting AgeWell social connections centres in Melbourne.

“I feel I’m really contributing and I get so much personal satisfaction from it,” says Joy.

“We are helping older people really enjoy themselves.”

Franca Goodwin spends one-on-one time with residents at one of Uniting AgeWell’s 12 aged care facilities in Victoria; chatting with residents, listening to stories of their lives and sharing her own.

“I know they look forward to my visits,” she says.

“This makes me feel valued and appreciated and so happy to be brightening up their days.”

AndduringNationalVolunteerWeek,(May 15-21) it’s time to give a huge shout out to all those volunteers, like Franca, Graeme and Joy, for their endless work and tireless energy in enriching the lives of older people in our community.

The theme for this year is The Change Makers which celebrates the power to drive change and ensure volunteering is inclusive of all members of the Australian community.

Uniting AgeWell CEO Andrew Kinnersly says, “This theme rings true for us, where inclusion is a core value underpinning everything we do. With a long history of volunteer support, Uniting AgeWell’s services

havegrownandflourished;avitalcontribution we recognise and appreciate each and every day”.

Volunteers Graeme and Joy Thompson. (Supplied)

Making the most of the valuable early learning years

While every home is different (some families are Team Disney, others love Nickelodeon), there is one thing they all have in common: the desire to give their children the best possible start in early education.

As children grow, they become more curious about the world around them and are driven to learn and explore.

At Milestones Early Learning centres across Australia, including those in Point Cook, Wyndham, Wyndham Vale, Hoppers Crossing and Tarneit, instilling a love of learning in your child sits at the heart of everything staff do.

Theteamispassionateaboutearlychildhood education, and the important role it plays in the lives of young children and their families.

What makes a Milestones Centre different?

Milestones educators and early childhood teachers are trained in the Lifelong Learning Curriculum designed and implemented by one of Australia’s largest providers of early education and childcare, Affinity Education Group.

The Lifelong Learning Curriculum is Australia’s most progressive approach to early education for children from birth to five. It focuses on what children learn, how children learn and where children learn and is distilled into specifically designed for three key age groups; babies, toddlers and older three-tofive-year-olds, which enable early childhood educators to meet children’s individual needs.

Dr Lesley Jones, head of pedagogy at Affinity Education Group, said “Our Lifelong Learning Curriculum is Australia’s most progressive approach to delivering the Early Years Learning Framework for children aged birth to five years“.

“Our Lifelong Learning Curriculum has emerged from a philosophy established by Affinity in 2015 and is based on what children

learn, where children learn and how children learn. The feedback from our educators is that this really supports them as they undertake their observations of children and respond with thoughtful programming to deliver the Early Years Learning Framework,” explained Dr Jones.

The curriculum draws on current research, evidence informed practices and specific programsineachagegroupssuchasTheCircle

of Security in the babies’ rooms, Abecedarian Language Priority for toddlers and Inquiry Based Learning Projects for older children.

Furthermore, children at Milestones Early Learning benefit from a variety of extracurricular activities which help round out their social, emotional and physical development. These may include nutritional cooking classes, creating magic in the art studios, and exploring and experimenting

through the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, math) program.

The goal is always to provide the highest quality early education and care possible, and to deepen partnerships with families and wider community.

To learn more about the rich learning opportunities available at Milestones Early Learninggetbookafamilytouratyourclosest Milestones Early Learning Centre today!

Milestones Early Learning

Lifelong Learning Curriculum is Australia’s most progressive approach to early education for children from birth to five. (Picture courtesy Affinity Education Group)

Thomas Carr offers students a world of opportunities

Thomas Carr College is a Catholic Secondary School providing education for students in the western suburbs of Melbourne since 1997.

A proud and welcoming multicultural community, the college prides itselves on being a place of learning, striving to motivate the current generation of young people to embrace all the opportunities it provides as a Catholic college.

The college is situated on over 10 hectares of spacious grounds incorporating modern, state-of-the-art facilities including a performing arts centre, gymnasium, trade trading centre and a first class oval.

The Bruce Runnalls Middle Years Centre accommodates year 7 and 8 students and provides the necessary infrastructure and facilities to ensure a smooth transition from primary to secondary school. Twenty general purpose learning areas, two science laboratories and an information technology centreformpartofthisbuilding’sdesignwhich enables flexible and innovating approaches to learning. An extensive range of offerings is delivered at all year levels, including a focus on STEM through a partnership with the Wyndham Tech School.

The Good Samaritan Campus is located in Coragulac, 11km northwest of Colac, and approximately two hours drive from Thomas Carr College. The campus hosts a two-week year 9 country experience and other personal development programs. Living away from home over the two-week country experience at theGoodSamaritanCampusprovidesstudents with opportunities for personal growth, particularly the development of independence, resilience, community awareness and the development of skills for life and the world of work.

The Luminosity Program encourages students to participate in an array of

co-curricular activities across academics, community, performing arts, service and sport. This awards system is based on excellence and commitment to recognise the great achievements of students.

At the college, staff are committed to supportingstudent’spursuitoftheirindividual passions ,to ensure that ‘They Will Shine’.

You are welcome to join a College Tour on Wednesday, May 24 at 9am. These sessions are

an opportunity for families to view facilities and ask any questions about your child’s transition into secondary school. Please scan theQRcodeorvisitthewebsiteforregistration. For more phone 8734 2444.

Year 12 vice school captain, Oliver Pond, in the Thomas Carr College Information Centre.

Hoppers Crossing College is one of Wyndham’s best

Hoppers Crossing College principal Keith Halge is very proud of the students and staff at his school.

The graduating class of 2022 achieved the best VCE results from all mainstream government schools in Wyndham. Furthermore, an analysis of year 7 to 9 NAPALAN growth showed that the college had the second-best growth over the last five years from all government, Catholic and independent schools in Wyndham.

The students also indicated in the annual student survey, collected by the Department of Education, that they rated the college above the state average, all schools in Wyndham and like schools to the college in 29 of 33 indicators. Areas such as simulated learning, high expectations, classroom behaviour and experiencing bullying were just some of the indicators that were above other schools.

With a school enrolment of 1500 students, the college is one of the largest in Wyndham meaning that the breadth of subjects allows for a great deal of student choice.

Mr Halge also said that the College School Improvement Policy, where students had been able to redo major assessment pieces after receiving feedback, had been a major factor in the wonderful academic performances of students as they were able to build on their knowledge and confidence in all subject areas.

Outside the classroom, students are offered a range of opportunities including, but not limited to, performing arts where students havebeennationallypraisedfortheirskilland professionalism. Winning countess awards at the Wakakirri Performing Arts event is testament to the dedication and talent of college staff and students.

Leadership qualities, evident in Hoppers Crossing Secondary College students, are cultivated with successful contributions to

many events from local youth forums and public speaking programs to interschool debating and State Youth Parliament events.

The vibrant sporting program offers the chance for students to compete in a wide

range of sports, with individuals and teams representingthecollegeandachievingsuccess at regional and state levels.

As the school concludes a $10 million building program, where an additional

gymnasium and performing arts complex is being built and all science and food technology classrooms are being refurbished, he said that the students would have some of the best facilities in Wyndham.

Principal Keith Halge with college captains Claire Price and Jade Wolski. (Supplied)

In celebration of education – a MacKillop reflection

In the year 2023 we stand in an era where education has been a staple and expectation; something we almost take for granted. We know from current global perspectives that this is a privilege not accessible to everyone. We also know from historical and sociological perspectives that education can be the difference between accepting social inequities, and progressive critical thinking. Education can give individuals opportunities and allow people hope. It can inspire positive change within communities and inform pathways to healing.

At MacKillop College, how we teach is ever evolving in honour of educational research and societal change. Learning, and the love of learning, is the benchmark we model, embrace, and aim to impart. Our yearly calendar is filled with events that give students opportunities in whatever area they might wish to explore, including sport, performing arts, hospitality, trade, outdoor education, and debate. Complementary to the calendared events, students are able to pursue activities more niche in nature, by joining existing clubs, such as our Anime Club, Fan Fiction Club, HarMacK (harmony in diversity at MacKillop), EcoMacK (sustainability), etc., or by forming their own.

Stemmingfromtheeffortsofournamesake, St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, education is a privilege we do not take for granted. We work to give our students the tools, facilities and motivated inspiration needed to learn and grow holistically. And while we know these efforts start with the individual, we work to give our students a more globalised perspective with our focus on Intercultural Capability, languages and international programs, intrinsically aware of the role we play in global health and responsibility. OurthemeforthisyearisUnitedinService,

and it is the educational beacon by which we are steering our students and staff. Alongside this,thefocusisfinding‘happinessinmaking others happy’ (Mary MacKillop, 1889), and education is a dedicated avenue through

which we work to do so. MacKillop College – Celebrating all life, Challenging all people, Dreaming the new day. For more go to www.mackillop.vic.edu.au,

email enquiries@mackillop.vic.edu.au or phone 9734 5200.

Rory Kennedy, principal

Students learn animal husbandry at MacKillop College. (Picture courtesy National Photography)

Sharing a cuppa to cure cancer

Australians have been sharing a cuppa and cake to help fight cancer for 30 years thanks to Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea. Hannah Hammoud spoke to two hosts determined to do their bit for a cancer-free future.

Last year, Bethany Riebl was sat on her couchplanningherfirstBiggestMorning Tea with her husband Max who she was caring for during the final stages of his illness.

Inthebusinessoforganisingtheevent,Max took a quiet moment to share with Bethany that he hoped her first morning tea would be a good one.

“Yes of course, it’s going to be really great. Whatareyoutalkingabout?”Bethanyreplied.

“Well,” Max said, “I don’t think I’m going to be here and I really hope that doesn’t overshadow the morning tea.”

Bethany’s husband, Max was in palliative care at home with a rare form of brain cancer. He had an incurable brain tumour called diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma.

“As always, he was right,” Bethany said. “He wasn’t there for the morning tea. He passed away about a week and a half before, and so our first morning tea ended up being in his memory.

“It was bittersweet.”

This year, Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea (ABMT) will mark 30 years of the initiative across Australia. During the months of May or June, Australians are encouraged to make a cup of tea to support the Cancer Council’s missionofacancer-freefuture.Researchfrom the Cancer Council reveals that one in two Australian men and women will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85.

Bethany said she was proud to fulfil her husband’s wishes to be cared for at their home in Brooklyn during his palliative care.

“The decision to do that and to be with him every step of the way was the easiest decision I’ve ever made. In saying that, it was also the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” she said.

“Emotionallyitwasextraordinarilydifficult during the time period of caring for him and looking after him. Seeing the person that you love and the father of your children die was extraordinarily emotionally difficult.

“ … I was just doing everything I could to really try and save him. I still held onto hope until the very last second.

“At the time I had been so busy, I was

looking after two kids. I was still working, I was caring for him full-time, I was up around the clock looking after him.

“It wasn’t until after he passed away and looking back on that time period that I realised how emotionally hard that was.

and prevention. This year the national fundraising goal is $13 million.

“It’s just been amazing to see the number of hosts getting behind Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea each year. We’ve had over 500,000 hosts in those 30 years,” she said.

other little kids at home that were all under five,” she said.

Ahead of their first morning tea, Danielle said that she and her husband hope to host every year for as long as they are able to.

“

… However, in saying that, I would go through that time a million times over if I could just to have time with him again.”

Last year Bethany raised $20,000 for ABMT. She said that she will continue to host a fundraiser every year as a tribute to her late husband.

“As soon as Max died the most important thing for me was to keep going with his legacy,” she said.

While the day rehashes difficult memories, Bethany hopes that by sharing their story she can help others experiencing something similar know that they’re not alone.

“The reality is that I think about him every second of every day,” she said,

“If I can use the pain that we’ve been through as a family, whether it be raising vital funds for cancer research or just letting another family know … that they will be OK in a different way of being OK than what they’re used to, then it’s worth it for me.”

Cancer Council Victoria fundraising manager Natalie Gibbs said that ABMT fundraising goes toward supporting people with cancer as well as research

“What we do know sadly is that all of us will be affected by cancer at some point in our lives, and as a result of that I think hosts and guests really do feel that personal reason to get involved and be part of it.

“We get to celebrate those that have managed to fight off cancer, we also get to remember those that sadly haven’t at this event, whilst at the same time bringing everyone together.

Danielle Calvi and her husband Robert will be hosting their first morning tea this May at their work place in Keilor Downs, to givebacktotheCancerCouncilandcelebrate Robert’s recovery from cancer.

In 2021, a routine colonoscopy discovered that Robert had a large tumour in his colon. Within a month he was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer.

Danielle, who at the time was five months pregnant, said that on the way to the appointment she and Robert joked that everything would be fine as long as it wasn’t stage 4.

“Then just hearing that he had stage 4, we were very scared. At the time we had three

“Every day is a celebration for us now,” she said.

Danielle said that for families dealing with cancer, the information available to them from the Cancer Council is a vital resource in their journey.

“When you go into this you’re completely blind, it’s not something that you deal with day to day.

“Being told that you have cancer is gut wrenching, you don’t know what to ask when you go in for your oncology appointments, you go blank at the doctors, they throw words at you that you don’t understand.

“When you get to go home and reassess everything and you’re still sitting there with questions you’re able to get that extra bit of information. You can call or visit the [Cancer Council] website.

“The website is very informative especially considering my husband was given a 16 per cent chance of living. We were thinking, well, where do we go? What do we do?”

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea will officially be held on Thursday, May 25 however, people can register to host an event any time throughout May or June.

Bethany and Max Riebl with their children. (Supplied)

‘‘ To be with him every step of the way was the easiest decision I’ve ever made ... it was also the hardest thing I’ve ever done ’’ - Bethany Riebl

Left: Cancer Council Victoria fundraising manager Natalie Gibbs. Centre and right: Danielle and Robert Calvi with their four children, and Robert during his treatment. (Pictures: Supplied)

Fragrance firm Brandscent has the smell of success

By Cade Lucas

When asked what his company does, Brandscent managing director Jeeva Sanjeevan described it this way – “We create customer experience through sensory marketing.”

Sensory marketing? Huh?

“If you walk into a hotel, the first thing you noticeisasmellsothat’swhatwedo,”clarified MrSanjeevanoftheTruganina-basedbusiness he co-founded with his wife Suji in 2019. Creating smells might seem an unusual industry to enter, but Mr Sanjeevan said that was part of the attraction.

“We always wanted to do something different.”

The Sanjeevans have certainly done that. Not only have they branched into the fledgling industry of sensory marketing, where smells are used to sell, but both gave up decorated careers to do so.

“Me and my wife are medical doctors, so we actually bring the science back into the fragrant industry.

“From the medical background we know different scents trigger different hormones and because of the hormones your behaviour changes,sothere’sbehaviouralsciencebehind it,” Mr Sanjevan said of how their careers in medicine helped them transition to producing fragrances.

It’s a transition which has proved to be very successful.

FromitswarehouseinTruganina,Branscent now creates fragrances for clients ranging from credit card giant American Express, throughtopropertyandrealestatecompanies and exports across the entire Asia-Pacific region, with the Middle East and Europe soon to follow.

Mr Sanjeevan attributed some of this

success to winning the small service category at last year’s Wyndham Business Awards, the latest in a series of victories for he and his wife over the years.

“Obviously the award helped us take our name, not just across Wyndham, but outside as well, and it’s helped with brand credibility and brand awareness.

“Once you have that people will start to trust you and you’ll be able to grow at a faster pace.”

As for this year’s awards, Mr Sanjeevan urgedotherWyndhambusinessestonominate but was unsure whether he and his wife would be among them.

“I haven’t thought about it because we’ve

already won four times,” he laughed. Entries for the 2023 Wyndham Business AwardscloseonJune13andwillbeannounced at a gala dinner on September 1.

To enter visit: https://www.wyndham. vic.gov.au/services/business-investment/ business-awards-special-events/2023wyndham-business-awards

Suji and Jeeva Sanjeevan from Brandscent won the service small category in the 2022 Wyndham Business Awards. (Damian Janevski). 334359_04

Mother’s Day connects families at GenWest

By Jennifer Pittorino

GenWest’s “Let’s Reconnect” event was held at Maribyrnong community centre on Saturday, May 6, bringing together families living in Maribyrnong to celebrate Mother’s Day.

Throughout the day, over 30 parents and children dropped in to participate in the activities arranged for the day.

These included making paper flowers, face painting and creating special Mother’s Day cards. While the children had their fun, their parents had the opportunity to reconnect with their neighbours.

COMMENT STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

New help for dementia patients

By Christopher Carter, Chief Executive, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network

There is a well known saying about how it takes a village to raise a child.

We could suggest that it also takes a village to properly care for people affected by dementia, but while everyone is happy to talk about looking after the young, the realities of taking care of older people are all too often spoken of, if at all, in a whisper.

Dementia is a progressively devastating condition that affects more than 400,000 Australians.LatestfiguresfromtheAustralian Institute of Health and Welfare reveal that it is the leading cause of death for women and the second leading cause for men (after heart disease).

As the condition develops, people with dementia need many different types of care and support to ensure that their lives continue to be comfortable and dignified.

Only about one-third of people with the condition are looked after in an aged care facility, or by professional carers in their own home. The remainder rely almost totally on the support and help of family members and friends.

These are acts of love – of course they are – but they can also be exhausting, frustrating and saddening, extracting a huge toll on the carers as well as the cared.

Help, for people with dementia and those who love them, is available from many different organisations, in many different ways – but finding it, even knowing where to look, is often difficult.

Recognising this, North Western Melbourne PrimaryHealthNetworkhasbuiltMelbourne’s

first Dementia Directory – an easy-to-use online resource with which carers can find all sorts of help and local community support.

The directory is designed to complement information available through My Aged Care and the NDIS.

This might be social groups or outings for people with dementia, support groups from particular faiths or among communities united by common languages. It contains information translated into Italian, Greek, Vietnamese and Simplified Chinese.

Importantly too the Dementia Directory lists organisations that provide help, respite and support for carers – so the people who spend so much time looking after people they love can get a short break, find some help or even just swap stories with others doing the same thing.

The Dementia Directory covers almost all of Melbourne. It is a joint venture between us and our colleagues over at Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network. Over the next while, we hope to see it grow to cover services

and supports in even more areas.

The directory can be found at dementiadirectory.org.au

Andmoreresourcesandinformationcanbe foundonPreciousTime,ourwebsitededicated to people with life-limiting conditions, their families, friends, and carers. You can find it at precioustime.org.au

Because, indeed, it takes a village to care for people with dementia – and now it’s just a bit easier to find some of those villagers.

Maribyrnong Community Centre hosted a GenWest Mother’s Day celebration on Saturday, May 6. (Supplied)

There were lots of activities on the day to celebrate Mothers Day.

The day was filled with snacks and music to honour the hardworking mums.

Little participants had their faces painted.

Activities on the day included making paper flowers out of arts and crafts materials.

Dementia Directory is an online resource where carers cna find help and local community support. (iStock)

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors

40 years ago

May 18, 1983

Tenders have been called by the Minister of Lands, Mr Mackenzie, for the development of a major boating facility at Werribee South.

30 years ago

May 19, 1993

A plumber fell from the roof of the new Werribee Hospital in Hoppers Lane on Monday.

20 years ago

May 14, 2003

It is shaping as a crippling year for Werribee growers after Southern Rural Water (SRW) stated that current low water levels would only permit Werribee growers zero to 5 per cent of their water entitlements from July 1.

9 years ago

May 14, 2014

A Wyndham councillor has warned that residents could be slugged with rate rises of up to 10 per cent if the council’s debt is raised to a record $55 million.

YOURNEWCAREER ...startshere

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

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED?

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, 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

Soroptimist International

Would you like an opportunity to support women and children in your local community? Then, come along to come along to a community information session. Soroptimist International of Wyndham is a global service club for women and a multicultural organisation. It meets once a month to plan and carry out service projects in the local community. All its projects support women and children. Women of all ages are welcome. On Saturday, June 3, Point Cook Community Learning Centre, room 1, 1-21 Cheetham Street, Point Cook (same building as the Point Cook Library) 9.45am to 11.15am

■ 0419 426 27, or karentn@optusnet.com.au

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

Wyndham Rotary

Got a great idea to solve an issue in the

community? Share this with Wyndham Rotary as they are problem solvers. Come to the Italian Sports Club on a Wednesday night at 6.30 pm.

■ Julie, 0406 196 630

Carers’walk and talk

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. 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

Flower workshops

Want to learn how to do professional flower arrangements in a fun and relaxed program? Flowers, vase and snacks included. Joan Kirner House, 14 Thompson Street, Williamstown.

■ Liza, 0416 268 959

Seeking stories

Award-winning local author Dr Dominique Hes is writing a book on Newport Lakes, tracing its history, its impact and its contribution. The book will outline the story of its development, highlighting the role of consensus, courage, vision and working with nature to create a beautiful ecological and social place. Weaving in theories of biophilia, regenerative development and placemaking with local stories, it aims to provide inspiration for other communities looking at what they can do in their neighbourhoods. Locals are asked to come forward with any stories, photos, memories to be included in the book.

■ NPLbook22@gmail.com

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 the 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.

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

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

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

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Nick Athanasiou from ‘Studio Skunk Control’. (Damjan Janevski) 333472_01

PUZZLES

SUDOKU

No. 133 2153 9 369 43 2

QUICK CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Melodious (7)

5 From Stockholm, say (7)

9 Herald (9)

10 Donated (5)

3 Yardsticks (8)

4 Records (4)

5 Image taken of an electronic display (10)

6 Octave (6)

73 5 739 5 6784

11 Amazement (6)

12 Oral doctors (8)

14 Creations (6)

15 Scottish island (4)

19 Idly lounge (4)

20 – scholar (6)

24 Clouded eye (8)

25 Immune system organ (6)

27 Get to (5)

28 Incapable of being seen (9)

29 Territory ruled by an Islamic monarch (7)

30 Settle (7)

DOWN

1 Native American hairstyle (6)

2 Thread (6)

7 Backer (8)

8 Large Australian spider (8)

13 Alluring (10)

16 From the menu (1,2,5)

17 Seasoned smoked beef (8)

18 Fierce storms (8)

21 Chicken breed (6)

22 Small rodent (6)

23 Sternutation (6)

26 Confirm (4)

easy 19 53 1347 78 26

2 514 8 9 97 3

78 6 5 2 395 7

hard

36 52 7 21 3

medium 6 512 37 529 1

65 9 91 8 97

1 14

2 15

3 16

4 17

5 18

6 19

7 20

8 21

9 22

10 23

11 24

12 25

DECODER WORDFIT 9-LETTER

183694527

957182463

378421695 215367849

649758132 736849251

462573918

894215376

12 345678910111213

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783452961 397528614

142639587 265143879

easy medium hard

978215436

814976253

21

216738495

427913586

361584927

958627314

745296831 184362759

893145672 532479168

words: Good HORSE HOTEL INANE IVORY MATHS MATTE NOTES OPERA PANEL REVEL RIVET RULED SEEDS SLEEP SPREE STAVE STREW TRILL TRITE TROUT

words: Very good TWEET TYING VENUE WIRES YELLS 6 LETTERS DEATHS DEEPER EASIER GENTRY 7 LETTERS CAPSULE COMFORT CREMATE

Excellent OVERATE SAUSAGE VIEWING 8 LETTERS ARMOURED DISALLOW SERENEST TETHERED 11 LETTERS COMMISERATE VACATIONING

germ, german, gnome, gone, goober, gore, grab, gram, groan, groom, mange, manger, mango, monger, moorage, ogre, omega, orange, oregano, organ, rage, ragmen, rang, range

BOOMERANG, borage, brag, brogan, embargo, ergo, game, garb, gear,

1415 1617181920212223242526 Y J E I C N R S M O P F V U B T A Z W G D X L H Q K Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down. NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

among, anger, argon, bagmen, bang, barge, began, berg, bongo,

19-05-23 Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

No. 133

C A S A I A O E I G S E R C L A S S H A B I T A T O N E R I D G E S N E E R G O O

1 How many teeth does a crocodile typically have: 66, 77 or 88?

2 An Aussiedor is a hybrid of what two dog breeds?

3 By what names are Saudi Arabia’s Makkah and al-Madinah better known in Australia?

4 In which ocean would you find the Mariana Trench, the deepest place on Earth?

5 In 1935, cane toads (pictured) were introduced to Australia to control what insect?

6 Traditionally, on which day during Easter would pancakes be made?

7 According to the song My FavouriteThings, what comes next: 'Cream coloured ponies and crisp apple strudels, Door bells and sleigh bells and ...'?

8 Beefsteak, cherry and dwarf are all varieties of what?

9 What name is given to someone who studies reptiles and amphibians?

10 Who wrote TheShockDoctrine: TheRiseofDisasterCapitalism?

13 26 HK ANSWERS: 1. 66 2. Labrador and Australian Shepherd 3. Mecca and Medina 4. Pacific Ocean 5. Scarab beetles 6. Shrove Tuesday 7. Schnitzel with noodles 8. Tomatoes 9. Herpetologist 10. Naomi Klein

No. 133

No. 133

No. 133

General Classifieds Real

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.

Isuzu genie delivers to the Max

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

It seems that like the Genie of the Lamp a customer’s wish is Isuzu Ute’s command, for a new model has elbowed its way into the top echelons of its rugged pick-up truck ranks.

The Japanese manufacturer has slotted the D-Max LS-U+ in between the well-presented LS-Udoublecablifestyleuteandflagshipofthe updated third generation for those who want a touch of luxury without the ‘shouty’ styling of the X-Terrain.

The new D-Max LS-U+ Crew Cab 4x4 Ute features similar equipment to the MY22 LS-U variant,butwiththeadditionofpremiumblack leather-accented upholstery and interior trims.

Convenience is also enhanced by the addition of a Smart Key, providing keyless entry, push button start, welcome light, and walk away door lock. Similar to the system in theX-Terrain,thewelcomelightilluminatesthe cabin when it detects the key is within 2 metres of the vehicle and the latter automatically locks thevehiclewhenthesmartkeyisdetectedmore than 3m away.

Also available is a genuine canopy, which adds a combination of convenient lockable pop-outorslidingwindows,makingtheLS-U+ a versatile load carrier.

Pricing reflects the added creature comforts and convenience, with the LS-U+ priced at $61,900 plus on-road costs, $2500 more than the regular LS-U, but considerably $4000 cheaper than the range-topping X-Terrain.

Warranty is six years or 150,000 kilometres; seven years roadside assistance, provided servicing is with an Isuzu Ute dealer, and seven years capped price servicing.

Styling

The LS-U+ comes exclusively with a double cab and style-side high tensile steel body on a ladder-frame chassis.

The front is lifted from X-Terrain extremes with a dark coloured grille broken up by dual chrome cross pieces, the latter considered a badgeofpremiumquality,especiallyinEurope.

Flanking this are automatic bi-LED headlights, incorporating LED daytime running lights, with auto-levelling and automatic high beam control. Below are LED fog lights.

LEDs sign off the rear with combination taillights. On a sad note, large heated door mirrors are poorly positioned up front to produce a niggling blind spot.

A versatile factory-fitted tub liner is installed inside the 1570 mm long, 1530 mm wide, 490 mm deep tray. A selection of tonneaus and canopies is available from the Isuzu Ute GenuineAccessoriescatalogue.Thetestvehicle was fitted with a manually operated lockable roller tonneau cover (see Summary below).

The D-Max LS-U+ rolls on 18 inch machined-face alloy wheels with 265/60R18 Bridgestone 684II HT tyres. There’s a full-size spare.

Interior

The cabin is modern and comfortable, with black leather-accented upholstery, eight-way power assisted driver’s seat with power lumbar support and a premium-leather bound steering wheel with reach and rake adjustment. Dual zone air-conditioning allows driver and front passenger singly to control the temperature. Rearpassengersalsobenefitfromrearairvents.

Infotainment

High on the central dash is a 9-inch high-definition infotainment system, featuring voice recognition, in-built satellite navigation, DAB+ radio, and the latest in smartphone mirroring, with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. Occupants can take advantage of a premium eight-speaker surround sound system.

Engines / transmissions

The LS-U+ is powered by Isuzu’s 3.0-litre, turbo-diesel engine, developing 140 kW of power and 450 Nm of torque, mated with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Safety

InlinewithallMY22D-Maxmodels,theLS-U+ takes up a five-star ANCAP safety rating and comes standard with Isuzu’s Intelligent Driver Assistance System, a suite of advanced driver safety and assistance technologies, including a state-of-the-art 3-D stereo camera that detects other motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. .

Standard with IDAS are autonomous emergency braking with turn assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist, plus eight airbags including a knee and centre-airbag.

Driving

Sharing its engine and chassis with the Mazda BT-50, there is considerable clatter from under the D-Max LSU+ bonnet. There’s little excuse these days for this amount of diesel rattle and here the motor shows its age.

The six-speed transmission handles most situations but can be a tad tardy in dropping down a cog under hard acceleration.

Isuzuclaimsacombinedurban/highwayfuel consumption of 8.0 litres per 100 kilometres.

The test LS-U+ used as much as 10 litres per 100 kilometres of diesel in city working and 6.6 litresper100kilometresonmotorwaycruising, so there’s little to complain about here.

I am not alone in having a love-hate relationship with vehicle lane intervention. As part of the IDAS suite, the LS-U+ features the new Lane Support System switch, located

on the steering wheel, allowing the driver to toggle all Lane Support Systems on or off, by a single push of the button for two seconds.

Going off road? Switch to Isuzu’s Terrain Command 4x4 with 2-High, 4-High and 4-Low drive modes, an electromagnetic rear differential lock and ground clearance of 240 mm.

Measuring up among the best in the range, approach, departure and ramp-over angles weigh in at 30.5 deg, 19.0 deg and 23.8 deg, respectively. A water wading depth of up to 800 mm is also up there with the best in class.

With customer surveys detailing that close to half of all Isuzu owners tow with their vehicle, the D-Max LS-U+ has a 3.5 tonne braked towing capacity and is equipped with a factory-fitted tow bar receiver as standard.

Customers can thus tailor their vehicle to specific towing needs, with an optional seven or 12 pin plug, electronic brake controller, tow tongue insert with 50 mm ball and a weight distribution hitch. All are available through Isuzu Ute’s Genuine Accessories catalogue.

Summary

Isuzu’s third-generation D-Max range has successfully muscled in on the highly competitive pick-up truck range in Australia with close to 22,000 examples sold in 2021. Proving popular among families, however, it’s worthrememberingtubcapacityandversatility are seriously limited by the solid roller cover - a bit like comparing a briefcase to a travel trunk.

SPECIFICATIONS

Isuzu LS-U+ 3.0L 4-cylinder turbodiesel, 6sp automatic, 4x4 Utility

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

The D-Max LS-U+ . . . Isuzu slips in a spot of luxury. (Pictures: Supplied)

The Centurions are gaining respect

Werribee Centrals aren’t getting ahead of themselves despite a strong start to the Geelong and District Football League season.

The Centurions have four wins from their first six matches, just one less than what they had for all of last season.

Centurions president Chris Kopelke said the focus of the side this season was to build the foundations for the future.

“We’regettingrespectfromtheopposition,” he said. “We’re playing a different brand of football.

“The depth is there and the quality has strengthened up in all of our sides. The skills have improved and we’re playing some good football.

“It’s fantastic the way we are going about it.”

Kopelke was quick to praise their coaching group saying there was so much respect for the coaches and they had lifted the standards.

On Saturday, the Centurions knocked off

East Geelong. Kopelke said the side was one of the premiership favourites heading into the season. There was not much between the two sides all day, with less than two goals separating the teams at the breaks.

Two goals to one in the final quarter sealed a 16.6 (102)-14.12 (96).

Kopelke said it was a perfect day to play footy, with not much wind around.

“The pressure was on from us,” he said. “ It was a beautiful day to play footy and they are a skilful side.

“We put a lot of pressure on them and we had quite a good day.”

Josh MacDonald and Ryan Young kicked three goals each for the Centurions

Daryl Chesterman, Bradley Carlton and Josh Sutton were named their best. ItwasagooddayfortheCenturionswithall three men’s football sides getting wins.

Their reserves knocked off East Geelong, which had won 31 games straight leading into the match.

The Centurions have a bye this week.

Sitting 4-2 and fourth and with players still to come back in, there’s plenty of upside for the side.

Kopelke said they wanted to continue to build throughout the season.

“The level of competition across the competition has gone up,” he said.

“Our boys never give up.

“We’re 4-2 and very happy. The games we’ve lost we know how we lost them and we know how we can improve.

“The crowds are up and we’re getting more people to home games which is really good.”

On the netball courts, the Centurions A-grade side suffered a 28-26 loss to East Geelong.

Tara Murray

Bulldogs beat Brookers again

Point Cook got its second win of the Western Region Football League women’s division 2 season in empathic style on Saturday.

Having already got a win against Braybrook earlier in the season, the two teams did battle again on Saturday.

The Bulldogs showed they had plenty of options up forward, as they scored more points for the game than they had for the whole season up until that point.

The Bulldogs got the win 16.11 (107)-0.1 (1).

Emily Laidlaw kicked seven goals for the Bulldogs, with Emily Allan getting two goals.

AngelPokorawasnamedtheBulldogs best.

It was one of two division 2 matches played on the first weekend of the split round for the women’s competition. In the other match, Spotswood beat West Footscray by one point for a second time this season.

The Wolves got out to an early lead and managed to get out to a 19 point lead at half time.

The Roosters started to get going in the third quarter and reduced the margin to six points at the final break.

Drysdale takes the lead

By Tara Murray

New Wyndham Basketball Association

general manager David Drysdale is keen to help the association remain a leader in the sport.

Drysdale started at the association last week, having previously held senior roles at Tennis Tasmania and Tennis Australia, including managing Lleyton and Bec Hewitt.

Drysdale said the potential growth of the association and the area itself was a massive pull for him.

“Basketball is such a popular sport, especially in Victoria… we’ve got more people playing basketball than football these days,” he said.

“The association is doing really well at the moment, with competition numbers and a lot of the programs.

“It’s quite fantastic what they do. You look at the young kids with the Aussie Hoops, it’s one of the top four programs in Australia, for the amount of numbers that they have which is brilliant,

“At the other end of where they operate,

player development and the Wyndham way and developing local talent which is fantastic.

“Once I applied and went through the discussionsandpresentationsandrealisedthe enthusiasm, the way everyone wanted to put in to grow and continue to grow, it was really refreshing.”

Drysdale started playing basketball when he was in high school and continued to play when he lived in Tasmania and when he moved back to Melbourne.

He even managed to get Lleyton Hewitt and some other former Australian tennis stars to play alongside him in the over-35s competition.

He has also coached and been an executive of a domestic club.

Drysdale said the growth of the Wyndham area was one of the things that really excited him about the role.

“Having a drive around the area road and seeing what has been planned here is mind boggling,” he said.

“Then looking at the numbers that we have already in the association, it’s really pleasing and many people sit back and say that we are

doing a pretty good job.

“We have to ensure that we have plans, programs, and everything and the resources ready to go. We can tap into that and continue to make it even bigger and bigger, come the key to the west, in regards to basketball.

“We’ve got to think ahead and we’ve got to be ahead of the pack. I’m very much about being proactive, not reactive.”

Drysdale said the conversation on where the club heads in the future and the possibility of joining the National Basketball League 1 South competition would be among the topics that would eventually be discussed.

Drysdale said his first role was sitting down with coaches, staff, the board and other stakeholders to ensure they are ready for the growth of the association in the future.

“It’s about putting those bits and pieces together, all working together to make sure we have everything in place the best we can,” he said.

“It’s going to require extra resources, smart with the way we deal with things, evaluating the with the way we approach things.

“We want to appeal to everybody.”

The Wolves were able to do enough in the last quarter to get a 5.9 (39)-5.8 (38) win.

In division 1, there was only one matchinthefirstweekofthesplitround with Point Cook Centrals hosting the Parkside Spurs.

The Spurs led by 12 points at quarter time, but failed to make the most of their opportunities.

The margin increased the second quarter with the lead out to 20 points at half time.

The second half was closer, but the Spurs were able to do enough, winning 5.9 (39)-2.4 (16).

Emily Evans was named the Sharks best.

Emily Laidlaw (Jacob Pattison) 334543_07

Werribee Centrals’ Patrick Daley,(Joe Mastroianni). 284226_07

David Drysdale (Supplied)

Falcons survive a tough challenge

The City West Falcons got a much needed test intheVictorianNetballLeaguechampionship division on Wednesday night.

BackinfrontoftheirhomecrowdatAltona, the Falcons were pushed all the way by the Southern Saints.

The Falcons were able to hold on to win 61-54.

Falcons coach Marg Lind said they had beenexpectingatoughmatchfromtheSaints.

“They were playing to get back into the top four,” she said.

“They had a really hard loss the week before.

I saw them at the end of the game and they were massively disappointed and knew they would play fired up.”

Lind said after a number of big wins, having a match that was a lot closer was what they needed.

She said they were pleased to have gotten

over the line and seeing who would stand up under pressure.

“We didn’t connect well defensively,” she said. “We weren’t as connected as we have been and were caught at times doing a couple of different strategies.

“We kept getting out to 10 goal leads and had lapses of concentration, our passing was all over the court.”

She said it gave them a number of things to work on as they approach the second half of the season.

Lind said the biggest difference for then was the game of Jane Cook back in shooter. Cook, who shot 44 goals, has returned to form in recent weeks.

The Falcons welcomed back Uneeq Palavi, who had missed the last few games with national duties.

Lucia Fauonuku, who had also been on

national duties, missed another match.

“Lucia has a bit of a niggling injury,” Lind said.“Wecouldhavetriedtoforcehertocome back, but we had Molly Kennedy available.

“She would have been handy as the Saints had some small aggressive midcourters, but it will be good for her in the long run.

“Uneeq’s last quarter was quite solid.”

The Falcons remain in top spot, with a 7-1 record. Their division 1 and under-19 sides both had wins and sit second and third respectively on the ladder. Lind said they were happy at this point of the season as they wanted to try and get success in all grades in the final season of the current format.

The Falcons this week face Casey.

“They are a good side on paper,” Lind said.

“It’llbethehalfwaymarkofthecompetition and it’ll be good sign of where we’re at.”

Sharks break through

By Tara Murray

PointCookCentralsgotsomerewardforeffort with the side getting their first ever Western Region Football League division 1 win.

After going close a couple of times in the first four rounds, the Sharks were able to show composure in the last quarter to beat Hoppers Crossing.

SharkscoachDeanChamberswasarelieved man to finally have some points on the board.

“It’s fantastic for the whole club,” he said.

“It’s a big step up into division 1 and it’s a reward for the group and the reward for the effort.

“We’ve been in every game and lost two of the four games by under a kick, it’s nice to finish the good work.”

After not finishing off the job against Spotswood last week, the Sharks were keen to make sure it didn’t happen again.

The Warriors led at the first two breaks, before taking control of the game in the third quarter.

Itdidn’tlastforlongwiththeSharkskicking late goals to lead at the last break.

Four goals to one in the final term, sealed the 12.12 (84)-9.8 (62) win.

Chamber said they were able to keep their composure when it was needed.

“We had some of their former players playing for us, they’re a bit of a cross town rival,” he said.

“It was close all day and they got out to a 22 point lead half way through the third quarter.

“We rallied as a group and there was a will to win in the last quarter. We didn’t run out the game against Spotswood, but this week we were able to create turnovers and get the game on our terms.

“It was a great game of football.”

Daniel Rosenzweig, Daniel Strnak and Lachlan Grant kicked two goals each for Sharks.

For the Warriors, Riley and Ryan Kitchen kicked two goals apiece.

Mitchell Palma, Haidyn Shade, Aaron Law and Kieran Corrigan were the Sharks best, while Chambers highlighted the work of the back seven.

The win moves Point Cook up to sixth on the ladder.

Chambers said all the signs so far had shown they are heading in the right direction.

“It’s all about belief,” he said. “Of the teams outside the top four, we have the best percentage and that is a good indicator that while we haven’t been getting the points, we’re not getting blown away.

“We need to stay strong for longer in games and keep knocking on the door.”

Sports shorts

Big V

Wyndham had no issues at all on Saturday night against the Camberwell Dragons in the Big V men’s state championship competition. Wyndham jumped out of the blocks in the first quarter to lead by 15 points and extended the margin to 21 at the main break.

The dominance continued through the second half with Wyndham winning 112-73. Maurice Howard top scored with 31 points.

Wyndham’s women’s side also had a good win, beating Sherbrooke, 99-80.

NPL

Werribee City had a day out against Pascoe Vale on Saturday in the National Premier League 2 competition. The Bees put out of their best performances to get a massive win.The Bees led 3-0 at half time, before continuing to put pressure on in the second half to win 5-1. The win was the Bees fifth for the season and they sit in ninth spot.

FV

The Truganina Hornets conceded an early lead in its loss to the Surf Coast in the FV state league 4 west. The Hornets hit the lead in the 12th minute, before a converted penalty by Surf Coast levelled the scores. Surf Coast scored twice in the second half to win 3-1.

In state league 2 north-west, Hoppers Crossing lost to Altona East Phoenix, 2-0, while in state league 3 north-west Point Cook beat Williamstown.

A-League

International star Leo Lacroix and goalkeeper Jamie Young will depart Western United this off season. United announced changes to its squad with a number of players moving on after the club failed to make finals in the recently completed season. Neil Kilkenny, Ryan Scott, Ben Collins, Adisu Bayew, Ajak Deu, Tongo Doumbia and James Troisi are the others who are departing the club.

In

The Bulldogs were wasteful early on and allowed the Tigers to lead at quarter time. The Tigers were able to stay in front at each of the breaks, but were never able to blow the Bulldogs away.

The Tigers won, 9.11 (65)-7.15 (57). The Tigers remain undefeated.

FOR MORE SPORT, VISIT

Web: starweekly.com.au

Wyndham Star Weekly @starweeklynews

@star_weekly

Tara Murray Zoe Davies is focused in defence.

(Robbab Photography)

The Sharks this week face Yarraville Seddon Eagles, the only team without a win at this stage. Chambers said they won’t be taking them lightly.

other results, Werribee Districts snuck home against Point Cook.

Josh Gerolimou (Jacob Pattison) 330728_10

WERRIBEE FOOTBALL CLUB

By Tara Murray

The growth of Werribee was on show in its Victorian Football League win against the Footscray Bulldogs on Sunday.

Werribee showed it had learned lessons from earlier in the season, to capitalise on its dominance of the game.

Despite a good late patch from the Bulldogs late, Werribee managed to hold on to win, 13.13 (91)-8.9 (57).

Werribee coach Michael Barlow walked away pretty happy with the result.

“I thought we played well in the first half and everything points to the fact that we controlled the game,” he said.

“The contest and clearance side was good and we were limiting what they were good at. We were able to take away their uncontested game, which was important.”

The only thing that let Werribee down in the first half, was its goal kicking with the side kicking 4.11 for the half.

The second half, Werribee fixed that up and kicked 9.2. Barlow said they didn’t do that earlier in the season.

“Ourradarinfrontofgoalswasoff,”hesaid. “We continued to se the growth of the group.

“Three or four weeks against Geelong they made the most of the opportunities after we were inaccurate.

“To kick 9.2 in the second half and one of them right on the siren, showed the ability of the group to regroup in games is really strong.

“We need that to continue.”

The Bulldogs did make one last attack late in the game, but Werribee was able to steady to come away with the solid win.

Barlow said they spoke about that patch after the game.

“Sometimes we have to acknowledge the other side when they play well,” he said.

“They have some pretty strong good players and are a good team.

“We would have liked to have restricted that and not allow it to be as significant. It showed when we shift away from what we are doing and leave the door open for other teams, they will take it.”

Hudson Garoni kicked three goals for Werribee,whileMichaelSodomaco,SamPaea and Logan Morris kicked two goals each.

Barlow said it was a really good team performance.

“Doing the best players we could have had a dozen players to put in there,” he said.

“I’ll acknowledge the guys that have been doing it week in, week out for a while.

“Some of the more experienced guys like Dom Brew and Nick Coughlan. Coughlan came back into the side for the Williamstown game and has been in the best handful of players every game.

“Shaun Mannagh up around the ball and in the forward half was good. Tom Gribble had a good game after a week out with illness.

“The usual suspects, who I’m really lucky to have.”

Barlow also highlighted the games of Sam Clohesy and Bailey Henderson. He said both play a number of roles for them within games and are playing to a high level.

“Sam has played a number of different roles and it keeps getting it done,” he said.

“Bailey Henderson has played a multitude of roles and had great impact at both ends.

“He was one of our leading intercept players and one of the players involved most

Bailey Henderson lays a strong tackle. (Belinda Vitacca Photography)

in score involvements.”

Another promising sign for Werribee was the debut of Logan Morris. Morris is part of the Western Jets squad.

Barlow said he deserved the opportunity.

“It’s really important to continue to have a connectionwiththeWesternJetsandGeelong Falcons, they’re areas that we work closely with,” he said.

“Only once before in my time a guy from the under-18 age competition has played for us.

“Once they come into the club they train

and learn our systems and structures.

“For us to be going okay and getting some results and him being given a genuine opportunity on merits in our best side, is exciting.

“He did some really nice things and showed that potential. If he gets another opportunity, we’re confident he would replicate that and build on that.”

Werribee is now seventh on the ladder with four wins from its six matches.

Werribee this week face the Gold Coast Suns at home.

While Werribee has three wins on the trot, Barlow said they would get a good understanding of where they are at.

“The Gold Coast are sitting 7-0 and have 18 to 22 AFL players every week,” he said.

“We have our first six day break.

“We’reinthemiddleofthreegamesathome in a row. We play Footscray, Gold Coast and then Casey.

“Two games against top four sides in the competition.”

Werribee against Gold Coast will be played at 12pm on Saturday at Avalon Airport Oval.

Logan Morris takes a set shot in his Werribee debut. (Belinda Vitacca Photography)

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