Star Weekly - Wyndham - 24th May 2023

Wyndham art prize

New and emerging artists from all over Australia are being encouraged to enter this year’s Wyndham art prize.

Entries are now open for the prize which was established by the Wyndham Art Gallery in 2015 and covers a broad range of artworks including sculpture, painting, drawing, textiles and digital and visual sound.

The winner of the main prize will receive $15,000, while a prize for local emerging artists is worth $5000.

Wyndham councillor Marcel Mahfoud said while the prize is open to artists from all over Australia, it was a great opportunity for local artists too.

“We have a wonderful culturally and linguistically diverse community in Wyndham and we want to reflect that in the gallery programming. We encourage local artists in Wyndham to enter.”

Finalists and prizes will be announced on August 16 and an exhibition showcasing the entries will run at the Wyndham Art Gallery from August 17 to October 22.

Details: https://www.wyndham.vic. gov.au/whats-on/2023-wyndham-artprize

Concern at Allura plans

By Cade Lucas

Premier Daniel Andrews has flagged the prospect of government intervention following claims by residents of a Truganina estate that they were deceived by developers.

Residents of Allura Estate say a town centre promised when they bought their properties a decade ago, still hasn’t been delivered.

The approved precinct structure plan( PSP) of Allura estate included a town centre and shopping precinct that residents claim they paid a premium for.

Mr Andrews said he was very concerned by the matter and said the government would

look at it closely.

“Those developers say one thing to guarantee the sale and then deliver something very different to guarantee profits, that’s fundamentally wrong,” Mr Andrews told a press conference on Thursday.

His comments follow calls from both the Property Council and Consumer Action Law Centreforthe governmenttostepintoprotect consumers and ensure developers fulfil plans outlined in PSP’s.

Truganina Residents Action Committee spokesman and former Allura resident Jazeer Nijamudeen welcomed the support from the premier and lobby groups but wanted to see it

followed by action.

“You need proper disclaimers on all your visual material when selling off the plan,” said Mr Nijamudeen who bought a property at the estate a decade ago and whose parents and brother still live there.

“And those disclaimers should have a time frame. “If they can’t provide a timeframe of any sort, they shouldn’t be able to advertise it.”

Mr Nijamudeen said Allura isn’t the only estate in Wyndham that doesn’t live up to the advertising.

“I know there are other estates where this is a live issue,” he said.

“They are we were five years ago.”

The town centre is still included in Allura estate’s PSP and a scaled down version is advertised to open in 2024.

Empire Property took over Allura from original developers Stockland in 2021 and applied for a new permit to add more residential properties to the town centre site.

Wyndhamcouncilapprovedthenewpermit despite opposition from residents, including Mr Nijamudeen.

“Going forward we’re hoping to work with the current developer to ensure the shopping centremeetstheneedsofthecurrentresidents, to make Allura the best it can be,” he said.

Empire Property declined to comment.

Winner of the 2022 Wyndham art prize Lilah Benetti. (Damjan Janevski). 283973_04

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Jumping castle arsonist jailed

By Cameron Lucado-Wells

An “obsessed” jumping-castle company owner who hired arsonists to burn rival businesses “to the ground” has been jailed for up to 11 years.

James Balcombe, 58, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to 11 counts of conspiring to commit arson.

He ordered hits on competitors’ industrial premises in Tullamarine, Werribee, Hoppers Crossing,Hallam,KeysboroughandWarragul – and even his own shed - to varying effect in late 2016-early 2017.

At the time, the Awesome Party Hire owner was growing a successful business for the first time.

But he became “fixated” and “obsessed” with out-doing his rivals, sentencing judge

Stewart Bayles noted on May 18.

Hiredfor$2000ajob,thearsonistssmashed factory windows, poured petrol and threw Molotov cocktails inside. Many of the fires didn’t take hold, including at Hallam and Keysborough.

Incontrast,acompetitor’sHoppersCrossing factory, its contents and a truck – in effect the entire business – were completely destroyed, causing a devastating $1.48 million loss. Among the destroyed items were 110 jumping castles worth $80,000 as well as children’s petrol Jeeps, racing go-karts, a stock racing car, a mechanical bull and a forklift.

The uninsured husband-and-wife couple tried but failed to rebuild their business using their savings. They are now working part-time in child-care.

The damage extended beyond physical

property but caused “enormous” loss, suffering and emotional trauma, Judge Bayles noted.

After that job, Balcombe told the arsonist he wanted all jobs done like that.

In Tullamarine, a party-hire van was set alight with fuel and destroyed. Balcombe told his co-offenders he was not happy and unwilling to pay them, due to not burning the factory.

Balcombe ordered his hitmen to re-do failed attempts – up to another two times at some premises.

Finally, Balcombe ordered a fire which destroyed his own business shed in Kangaroo Ground to deflect suspicion. He filed a fraudulent insurance claim for $1.1 million.

After his arrest, Balcombe absconded while on bail to Western Australia. He was located

Rhino no longer averse to eye-drops

Eye-drops can be difficult to administer to anyone, but when the patient is a two tonne rthinoceros, the degree of difficulty sky-rockets.

Thankfully for staff at the Werribee Open Range Zoo, their resident Southern white rhino Letaba has begun receiving them voluntarily.

The zoo’s savannah keeper Linda Gardiner said it’s the result of months of training and enticement.

“During the training, we encourage Letaba into the training yard with her favourite foods so that we can get a good look at her eye before we apply any treatment, ” said Ms Gardiner of the process involved in applying eye-drops and antihistamine cream to treat seasonal

allergies.

She said the new approach had not only madelifeeasierforstaff,butmoreimportantly, for Letaba herself.

“While we administer the drops and cream, Letaba has complete choice and control about when to leave, which is the philosophy behind all our healthcare training at the zoo.

The treatment has prevented her from getting sore eyes and she appears much more comfortable, which is fantastic to see.”

Like many humans, Letaba suffers from seasonal allergies which over summer required eye care every day.

Since then her condition has improved, meaning daily treatment is no longer needed, but Ms Gardiner said this could quickly

change depending on the weather.

“We’re not sure if her eye dryness is caused by dust, pollen or grasses, so we will continue to work with Letaba to ensure she remains in peak health year-round,” Ms Gardiner said.

As well as eye-drops, Letaba’s training makes it easier for staff to conduct blood draws, skin checks and weight monitoring, part of the zoo’s ongoing attempt to make care as nonintrusive as possible.

Southern white rhinos are endangered, with illegal poaching and habitat destruction resulting in less than 20,000 remaining in the wild.

by Australian Federal Police two years later, sporting a long beard and wig as well as false IDs.

Two of the three co-offenders have been jailed. They were given reduced sentences after undertaking to testify against Balcombe.

Judge Bayles said Balcombe as the “apex” or instigator was the most culpable.

He noted Balcombe had never been diagnosed or treated for his long-standing mental health conditions, as well as his guilty plea. The accused’s rehabilitation prospects were “difficult to assess”.

Balcombe’s jail term includes 938 days already served in pre-sentence detention.

He will be eligible for parole after serving seven years and 10 months.

Animal cruelty investigation

The conservation regulator is investigating a possible case of animal cruelty in Hoppers Crossing where a number of magpies have been found with chains around their necks and caged legs.

Five to 10 birds have been affected, with several found dead and another having to be euthanised after dehydration and malnourishment left it unable to fly.

The birds were found with metal and plastic tags which inhibit their ability to fly, escape predators and feed.

The magpies were not all found together, but the conservation regulator is investigating if the cases are related and is calling on the public to come forward with any information.

Tagging native birds is illegal in Victoria unless authorised and only specific types of tag can be used. Thesizeandlocationofthetagsfound on the magpies were not legal.

Those found guilty of aggravated animal cruelty in Victoria can face up to two years in jail or a fine of $92,460.

Body corporates can be fined a maximum of $221,900.

Anyone with information about these incidentsorothercasesofwildlifecrime is urged to contact Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000.

Government announces crackdown on domestic builders

Victoria’s domestic building industry is facing a major regulatory crackdown following the collapse of Porter Davis sparking chaos for hundreds of home buyers.

The state government will reform the Domestic Building Contracts Act and beef up insurance requirements, Premier Daniel Andrews announced on Tuesday, May 16.

Under the changes, a new offence will be created for companies who fail to take out domestic building insurance with the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority on behalf of paid-up customers.

Mr Andrews said Victoria’s regulatory systems are no longer fit for the modern housing market, with the Porter Davis saga exposing “gaps” in the current laws.

“We want people to be protected,” he said. About 1700 homes across Victoria and

Queensland were left in limbo when Porter Davis suddenly collapsed in late March.

Some 560 clients were not covered by insurance despite paying the company a premium before it went into liquidation, forcing the state government to set up a $15 million bail-out scheme.

Exact penalties for the new offence are yet to be determined but Mr Andrews flagged they would be significant.

“We want to make sure that the way it’s structured is an active disincentive,“ he said.

“You’d like to think that people will behave and do the right thing without having to have a specific offence but clearly there are some in this industry who are intent to do the wrong thing.”

The incoming offence won’t be applied retroactively.

Mr Andrews said the Domestic Building Contracts Act will be analysed line by line, with the aim of progressing the reforms later in the year.

The Victorian Building Authority and Consumer Affairs Victoria will also be reviewed.

Victoria’s inaugural Commissioner for Better Regulation, Anna Cronin, has been appointed as the building authority’s chief executive after Sue Eddy resigned on Thursday, effective immediately.

Ms Cronin has accepted a two-year contract to oversee the massive reform project, Mr Andrews said.

No reason was given for Ms Eddy’s sudden departure after it was revealed last week some plumbing inspections were still carried out virtually, in addition to physical audits.

The measure was introduced at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic but continued despite advice they should stop.

The authority was also investigated over allegations of a toxic workplace culture after along-termemployeediedbysuicidein2022.

Victorian Greens Leader Samantha Ratnam offered in-principle support for the proposed sector overhaul but said the Andrews government was partly to blame for its troubles.

“This is what happens when you privatise the system,” she said.

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Southern white rhino, Letaba, at Werribee Open Range Zoo (Zoos Victoria)

CadeLucas

Club scores funding ace

Truganina Tennis Club has scored a funding ace from the state government.

The club is one of three in the Laverton electorate to receive a state government grant as part of the Sporting Club Grants program. The $842 grant will be used to provide the new club with equipment.

Laverton MP Sarah Connolly said the grant program helped make community sport more accessible.

“We’re helping local clubs grow their ranks, so more people than ever can get out and enjoy the sport they love,” she said.

Community Sport Minister Ros Spence said: “Congratulations to our latest batch of Sporting Club grant recipients. I look forward to seeing a new generation of local champions get their chance to take their sports to a whole new level thanks to this support.”

The other recipients were Western Suburbs Soccer Club in Sunshine West, which received $2000 for soccer coaching courses and skill development, and Sunshine Football Club which received $4998 for planning workshops to increase junior participation.

Briefs

Intersection works complete

Commuters travelling between Melton and Wyndham will have a smoother drive with the upgrade of the Boundary Road and Davis Road intersection now complete. The $1 million upgrade to the intersection in Mt Cottrell was jointly funded by Melton and Wyndham council’s and includes resurfacing, pavement widening, new signage and improved drainage and line markings.

Non-voters urged to explain The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) is urging Victorians to respond if they have been asked to explain why they failed to vote in the last November’s state election. The VEC issued close to 300,000 ‘Apparent failure to vote notices’ earlier this month and recipients must respond by the 28-day deadline with a detailed explanation. The notice is an opportunity to avoid a fine if non-voters provide a detailed response with supporting documentation. The VEC is required to automatically fine non-respondents or those who do not provide a valid reason for failing to vote; the penalty is $92.

Free Kinder: Enrol for 2024

Free Kinder is available for three and four-year-old children in Victoria at participating services.

Free Kinder is available in sessional (standalone) and long day care (childcare) settings, saving families up to $2,500 each year, per child.

At kindergarten, your child will:

• learn language, literacy and numeracy skills through play, art, music and dance

• learn to express themself and make friends in a safe and caring environment

• build skills and confidence before primary school.

Contact your preferred kinder service or local council to learn about how to enrol for 2024.

Visit: vic.gov.au/kinder

Laverton MP Sarah Connolly with the Truganina Tennis Club members. (Supplied)

Spotlight on Watton St

The people behind the businesses on Werribee’s Watton Street were in the spotlight last week as part of Main Streets of Australia Week.

Residents walking along Watton Street would have noticed local stories displayed in shop windows. While usually a space for advertising goods, the shop windows were converted into a portal to learn about local business people’s unique personal stories.

Wyndham mayor Susan McIntyre, said: “Local businesses infuse our community with a sense of identity and pride while also contributing to the local economy and providing personalised services and products that reflect the distinct needs and desires of our residents.

“Pleasejoinusincelebratingthelivelyenergy our local traders bring to our city. Choose to shop local, check out these wonderful stories and use the hashtag #WhyWatton to share your love of Watton Street.”

Local traders have shared their motivation for making Watton Street the home for their business:

“When we decided to open Christian and Roy there was never any doubt that Watton Street would be the perfect location for our new store. Our family has had a long-standing association with retail on Watton Street, going back as far as 50 years ago when our grandmother opened a ladies shoe boutique,” Renee and Danielle, Christian and Roy said.

The Social Sutra’s Abhishek Sood said: “My wife and I have always worked in hospitality, and we were inspired to open Social Sutra back in 2016 as we had a nice feeling about the country and city style of life. But over the years we have seen a dramatic increase in population and also the popularity of which Werribee has gained”.

“I say why not? The opportunity was there,

thespacewasthere,itwaspartofacommunity

I grew up in. It was also at the time the fastest growing corridor in Victoria if not Australia.

is the

New creative arts space

A dedicated free creative space for local creatives of all disciplines to show, develop, exhibit and present new and experimental works has opened in Wyndham.

The Annex space, located next to Wyndham Art Gallery, offers artists a space to present visual and digital art exhibitions, installations and performing arts presentation including music, workshops, spoken word, poetry and sound design.

Wyndhamcity’screativecityportfolio holder, Cr Marcel Mahfoud, said: “Interested creatives are encouraged to apply through an expression of interest process with applications assessed by a panel including arts workers, local artists and council officers.

“This is the first-time Wyndham City is offering a free, supported multi-arts space specifically for early and mid-career artists, that focuses on work that is experimental and in a testing phase. This demonstrates our commitment to invest in and build the capacity of local creatives.”

Council will provide the space for aagreed period with a supported exhibition opening event, curatorial support,installationsupport,marketing and promotion support. Creatives will be assessed and receive feedback to support their project’s development and artistic growth.

So as business it was tick, tick, tick, tick. There was a lot of opportunities,” said Nick, from The Park Werribee

Applications for The Annex are open until Thursday, June 15 for exhibition or presentation in the space between July 2023 and February 2024.

BY RCA VILLAGES

Social Sutra Cafe owners Abhishek and Kanika Sood. (Damjan Janevski) 335622_01

Headspace on campus

By Cade Lucas

Youth mental health is among the biggest challenges facing the nation, both in terms of the numbers needing help and the amount of professionals required to treat them.

Addressing both aspects the problem is aim ofthenewOrygenHeadspaceclinicopeningat Victoria University’s (VU) Werribee campus later this year.

The VU clinic will provide treatment to young people in Wyndham, while training more mental health professionals required to provide that treatment.

VU Institute for Health and Sport executive director,ProfessorAlexParker,saidWyndham was a logical site for the new centre.

“Headspace centres are located in areas of great need with high numbers of young people and VU is really committed to young people in the west of Melbourne,” Professor Parker said.

The VU clinic will replace Headspace’s smaller existing facility in Werribee and Professor Parker said it would fit well with the Werribee campus’ existing courses.

“It’s going to give our students involved in our allied health courses such as psychology, nursing, social work, dietetics, nutrition and youth work, quality placements as they’re training in their courses.”

She said the student work placements would boost mental health services in Wyndham even before they graduate.

“These students doing their masters or other professional training can treat young people and increase the amount of support on offer for young people in Wyndham.”

Headspace provides mental health support to people aged 12 to 25 and Professor Parker said the pandemic had caused waiting lists for psychologists and other clinicians blow out by months and even years.

She said the new clinic would help young people at any stage of mental illness.

“From people just noticing some mental health problems through to young people who have diagnosed mental health conditions and need treatment for these.”

The clinic will be run by lead agency Orygen

who already operate five Headspace centres in the north and west of Melbourne.

The existing Werribee Headspace clinic will continue operating until the VU facility opens. Online support can be found at: https://bit. ly/3onp0qc

Wyndham writing awards

Prizes and publication are on offer for emerging writers across Victoria in this year’s Wyndham writing awards.

Entries for the awards are now open to aspiring adult writers, with $3600 in prizes and publication in the Wyndham Writing Awards Anthology up for grabs.

Short stories between 1500 and 3000 words, poetry with a maximum of 60 lines and flash stories between 60 and 100 words are the award’s three categories, with all to be judged by true crime author Vickie Petraitis.

Cashprizeswillbeawardedtofirstand second getters in each category, while all shortlisted entries will be published in the anthology.

Wyndham councillor Jasmine Hill said the awards provide the ideal stepping stone to a literary career.

“These awards offer a chance for novice and unseasoned writers to challenge themselves and blossom and flourish,” Cr Hill said.

Free online writing workshops are also held on every fourth Tuesday of the month from 7.30 to 8.30pm. Bookings are essential.

Writing entries close on June 30.

Cade Lucas

A new Orygen Headspace clinic opening at Victoria University’s Werribee campus. (Supplied)

Workers pay high price

Tarneit building supervisor John’s life changed forever in 2006 when he fell through a floor on the second-storey of a building, rupturing his lower spine and fracturing his neck.

John’s wife Pat knows that he is lucky to be able to walk, but the trauma and resulting mentalinjuryhasmeanthecannolongerwork.

“John’s accident turned our whole world upsidedown.Itabsolutelydestroyedhimandit wasn’t long after that he actually had a mental breakdown. The person that John is today, is not the person he was before the accident,” Pat said.

WorkSafe is putting employers on notice to addressworkplacefallhazardsafter41workers were killed and 7395 seriously injured in workplace falls in the past five years.

Alreadythisyearthreepeoplehavediedafter work-related falls, including a worker who died fromheadinjuriesafterfallingfromtheroofof a van and a jockey who died after falling from a horse, both in April, as well as a worker who died after falling three metres at a school in March.

Another 380 people have been seriously injured in workplace falls this year – including a toddler who fell from a second-storey office window and a contractor who fell 5.5 metres whilerepairingafactoryroofinCampbellfield.

Since 2018, WorkSafe has accepted 927 claims from workers seriously injured in falls in the western metro region. This includes 58 claims since the start of 2023.

WorkSafe health and safety executive director Narelle Beer reminded employers that it doesn’t matter whether a project involves a day’s work or five minutes – it’s never OK to take short-cuts when working at heights.

“A fall can happen in just seconds but the consequences can last a lifetime, including devastating injuries and loss of life,” Dr Beer said. “Yet despite the well-known risks, we still

see things like workers on a roof without fall protection,harnessesnotattachedtoananchor point, poorly installed scaffolding, platforms without guard rails, unprotected voids and unsafe ladders.”

Since January, WorkSafe has prosecuted 17 employers for failing to take reasonable safety precautions while working at heights, leading to $1.1 million in court fines, costs and enforceable undertakings.

Last month WorkSafe charged garlic

bread manufacturer Risham Nominees Pty Ltd, trading as Centenary Bakehouse, with workplace manslaughter for multiple health and safety breaches after a worker fell to their death in August 2021.

In March, electrical services company Sentenal Technologies Pty Ltd was convicted and fined $32,000 after a WorkSafe inspector saw five workers on the roof of a Corio warehouse without harnesses or edge protection.

Times Square Park upgrade

Times Square Park in Sanctuary Lakes is getting an upgrade.

Construction is now under way on the $544,000 Wyndham council project, which will include a new playground and swing set, nature play, a table tennis table, sheltered seating area, additional bench seating and new bike loops.

Therewillalsobeanaccessibleramped path connecting the play space to the existingpramcrossingandpathnetwork, expanded car park, a new rubberised surface added to the existing exercise equipment and pet-friendly features, includingadrinkfountainwithdogbowl and bin with dog-bag dispenser.

The existing large open lawn space will remain, with community feedback showing that the space is popular for kick-to-kick and other games.

Work is expected to be complete in mid-2023.

Wyndham active city portfolio holder, councillor Peter Maynard, said the upgrade would provide Sanctuary Lakes residents with a local park that better meets their needs.

“These works will deliver better play equipment – for pre-school kids especially – and will make Times Square Park more accessible and pram-friendly for young families,” Cr Maynard said.

“Our community engagement process helped us understand what elements nearby residents would like to see introduced, and I am excited to see these plans come to life.”

Pat, from Tarneit, says her husband hasn’t been the same since a workplace fall in 2006.

John fell through a second storey floor.

Job fair takes off at Tullamarine

By Zoe Moffatt

Melbourne Airport held its job fair on May 18, with thousands of residents across Victoria attending to learn about the businesses and positions on offer.

With more than 40 airport-based businesses on the lookout for staff, approximately 1500 job seekers flooded to the airport with their sights set on employment in customer service, cabin crew, transport, security, hospitality and retail.

Nikki Ala lives in Bacchus Marsh and attended the job fair with her father, who is also on the hunt for work.

“I worked in the ground crew at the Avalon Airshow … [and] I’m training to be a commercial pilot,” Ms Ala said.

“I’m looking to expand my aviation career.”

Not-for-profit organisation Settlement Services International (SSI) attended the event to gather information and job opportunities for refugees.

SSI employment solutions officer Frank Genel said he found the fair helpful.

“I am here to listen to the employers and wherever they need help … and ask all the right questions,” Mr Genel said.

“I will take all this information to the office and find the right employees for them and the right services.

“We have clients in the west and the north [of Melbourne] as well … [with experience in] food handling, packaging [for example].”

Two siblings from the northern suburbs attended the job fair together to see what positions were available.

Hirdesh Chand said he recently finished his degree, while his sister Shiveshni Chand said she was looking for part-time work while she completed her studies.

“I just finished a bachelor of space science [and] I want to see what’s out there,”

Mr Chand said. “[I want to] find opportunities and see where I want to land.”

Craigieburn local Tristen Kaman also came to the job fair with his father and said the

airport was in a convenient location from his house.

“[I am] looking for a career change and …

Dad dragged me along,” Mr Kaman said. “I’m open to anything … [and] there’s lots of

different opportunities here.”

As the second largest employment precinct in the state, Melbourne Airport lists ongoing jobs on its joblink website.

Details: https://bit.ly/3MiVsCd

The phone call comes in at the break of dawn. The boats have docked with our fish, and we know it’s just been caught. More than using what’s in season, we get the freshest produce at their best. We serve East Gippsland on a plate, inspired by the amazing ingredients at our doorstep.

Main: Qantas employees Maddie Psaila, Ben Hallam and Christina Michelin at the Melbourne Airport Job Fair. Right top: AFP Inspector Judy Goldsmith. Right centre: Frank Genel works with the not-for-profit organisation Settlement Services International. Above, left to right: Programmed Skilled Workforce staff member Lili Pham; Nikki Ala attended the job fair with her father; Client Yashika Khattar chats with Rex Airlines airport manager Joanne Fletcher; Delaware North Operations Manager Nicole Child talking with client Henry Chan. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski and Zoe Moffatt) 335676

Mark Briggs Sardine Eatery & Bar Paynesville, Gippsland

Healthcare experiences wanted

ResidentsofMelbourne’snorth-westarebeing

urged to help improve health services in their areas by taking part in a new survey.

The anonymous survey, conducted by North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN), asks locals to share their experiences of accessing health care services.

“We’d like to hear about what’s working and what’s not,” NWMPHN chief executive Christopher Carter said.

“We want to know about when the health care system isn’t functioning as well as it

should. Are some things too costly? Are some services too far away, or too difficult to reach? If you have a chronic condition such as diabetes, can you get the help and advice you need?”

The survey is a key part of a major project being conducted by the West Metro Health Service Partnership. Health Service Partnerships (HSPs) were established by the state government in 2021 to support enduring collaboration in the Victorian health system beyond the pandemic.

Three HSPs cover metropolitan Melbourne

Kits for safer birthing

Giving birth can be a stressful experience, with everything from the health of mother andbaby,throughtogettingtothehospitalon time, weighing on the minds of all involved.

But at least in countries like Australia expectant mothers know that all equipment needed to ensure a safe birth is waiting for them at the maternity ward.

In many other parts of the world this isn’t the case, which is why the Wyndham Harbour RotaryClubrecentlysteppedintohelpwithits annual birth kit assembly day.

Held on May 13 to coincide with Mother’s Day and in conjunction with Birthing Kit Foundation Australia, club members assembled 400 birthing kits, each containing a plastic sheet, gauze, scalpel blades, a cloth cord and soap.

Project leader Mamode Osikoya explained why these kits were needed.

“In some of these countries they expect you to come with these things to have your baby.”

The kits are now in the process of being shipped to where they’re needed.

“Sometimes to some countries in Africa, sometimes to Pakistan or the Philippines, it depends where the request comes from,” said Ms Osikoya of where the kits often end up, something they usually don’t find out until afterwards.

“One we organised last year was sent to Uganda and we have photos of them being handed to mothers during antenatal,” she said.

Wyndham Harbour Rotary is fundraising to provide more birthing kits and donations can be made at :https://gofund.me/a0950c95

with five across rural and regional Victoria.

The West Metro HSP is made up of NWMPHN, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital, the Royal Women’s Hospital, Western Health, Mercy Health and the Royal Children’s Hospital.

“By gathering this information, we and our partners will be able to see where new services are needed, or where existing services need to work more closely together,” Mr Carter said.

“By working together and with input from

the community, we can can take real steps to improve the quality of care and service for everyone in the region – making us all healthier and happier.”

Responses to the survey will add valuable local-level detail to data already provided by organisations such as the Australian Bureau of Statistics and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

The survey takes about 20 minutes to complete, and can be found at nwmphn.org. au/west-metrocommunity-hna until June 9.

Wyndham Harbour Rotary Club members at the birthing kit assembly day on May 13. (supplied)

Cade Lucas

Terra tears up Hoppers Crossing

Ears will be ringing in across Wyndham this week after Melbourne rockers Terra finished a run of shows with a headline gig in Hoppers Crossing on Saturday night.

The five piece headlined the Freeza concert at the Wyndham Youth Resource Centre with support from fellow Melbourne bands Ultravlt and Cordiform and locals 3AM Already and Flywire.

Terra had earlier played a series of free lunchtime concerts at high schools around Wyndham as part of live music month organised by Wyndham Freeza.

Wyndham Freeza is part of the Paradox Freeza program which helps young people developcareersinthemusicandentertainment industries.

As part of the program all sound and lighting for Saturday night’s show was run by a committee of young people and no external hires.

The next Freeza event to be held in Wyndham is a battle of the bands competition. Terra headlined the

Freeza concert at the Wyndham Youth Resource Centre.

Students display their diversity

Wyndham Central College participated in its annual multicultural week celebrations from May 15 to 19.

Thevibrantspectacleshowcasedthediverse communityandconnectedtheiryoungpeople to the cultures that makes up the school’s DNA.

Wyndham Central College has over 1400 students, 40 per cent of whom come from families with have English as their second language.

Multicultural week kicked off with a whole school assembly where Wathaurong elder Aunty Judith Dalton-Walsh delivered an Acknowledgement to Country alongside the schools Young Mob students. After a mentoring session with alumni student Samuel M Deng Malual, a smoking ceremony was performed by Troy West, the schools Marrung Leader alongside other Young Mob students.

Throughout the week there were student lead dance groups.

Indian, Karen, Burmese, Samoan, Tongan, M?ori, Pacific Islands, K-Pop, Somalian, Ethiopian and Main African dancing told traditional stories, demonstrated their connection to ancestors and taught the practice of ceremonies across the globe.

Assistant principal Ashley Rowe worked with the student representative group to coordinate the week’s activities which asked an essential question– ‘Why is it important to acknowledge culture and tradition, and how can we celebrate it as a group?’

The event raised a cross cultural bond for staff and students with a sense of community connectedness that promotes lifelong and life wide learning for all participants.

We’re building big near you and there will be transport disruptions

Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions

Werribee and Williamstown lines 8.30pm to last train, 25 May North Melbourne to Newport

Sunbury Line 8.30pm 25 May to 4.30am 28 May North Melbourne to Sunshine 8.30pm to last train each night, 28 May to 1 Jun

Road disruptions: Closed roads and lanes

Footscray Road, West Melbourne Until 7am 27 May

From 9pm 26 May until mid-Jun

As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re building an alternative to the West Gate Bridge. The West Gate Tunnel will create better connections across our city and take thousands of trucks off local roads. We’re also building the Metro Tunnel, taking our busiest train lines through a new tunnel under the city. Check

Westbound between Appleton Dock Road and Dock Link Road

Citybound between Appleton Dock Road and Dock Link Road

Wurundjeri Way, Docklands Until OctReduced lanes in both directions between Bourke and Collins streets

A display of flags from different nations. (Chris Walter)

Students with the Vietnamese flag. (Chris Walter)

Wyndham Central College students perform the haka as part of multicultural week. (Chris Walter)

Whistle blows on ump shortage

Sporting contests from the grassroots to the elite can’t happen with umpires and referees. But with both in short supply across many sporting codes, Cade Lucas took a closer look at what is turning people off officiating matches .

Like many migrant families who arrive in Melbourne looking to meet people and make friends, the Lush family were recommended to give the local religion of Aussie rules football a try.

“My daughter and son started doing it and then after a month or so my wife started and thenmaybeacoupleofweekstoamonthlater, I got in and started doing it,” said Wayne Lush of how his family became hooked on the sport soon after relocating from New Zealand at the beginning of 2022.

“It started last year and then by the end of last season we were all doing it.”

This rapid conversion of rugby mad Kiwi’s to Australia’s Indigenous code is even more remarkable considering Wayne, wife Jacinda and children Chaise and Ezabella don’t actually play footy.

They umpire it.

AllfourLushfamilymembersareboundary umpires in the Western Region Football League, the result of a Facebook post asking for recommendations on nearby sports clubs and activities.

‘‘ If someone does six games a weekend and in every one of those games the players have a go at the ref, are they going to wanna come back the next weekend ’’ - Tony Peart

“They’re fantastic for us,” said WRFL umpiring director Steve Keating of the Lush family before adding this telling observation:

“We’d love to have more of them.”

While grateful for the unexpected boost, Keating knows it doesn’t change the reality that he has less whistle-blowers than he needs.

“It’s not getting worse but still at a critical stage,” Keating said.

“We haven’t reached critical mass to fill all our games,” said Keating of the shortage which is particularly prevalent among field umpires, resulting in many reserves games being officiated by club volunteers.

A minor consolation for the WRFL is that it is hardly Robinson Crusoe in this regard. The entiresportisaffected,withtheAFLreporting a shortage of 5000 umpires nationwide and outgoing chief executive Gil McLachlan admitting the issue had ‘gotten away from us.’

And while AFL’s popularity in Victoria and the sheer number of umpires it requires for each game (anywhere from six to 10 depending on level) makes it the most notable example, finding people to officiate any sport has become a problem whether they’re called umpires, referees or whatever else.

“Numbers were around 500 which was leaving a lot of games without a referee,” said Football Victoria’s referring director Tony Peart of the situation he inherited when he took on the role two years ago.

Numbers have since doubled to more than 1200, with Peart hopeful of reaching 2000 in the near future.

While a vast improvement, it’s still well short of the ideal amount for the state’s largest participation sport.

“We’d like it to be around the 5000 figure, that’s the dream figure,” Peart said.

Proving cold weather isn’t the reason, cricket is also affected.

Mercantile Cricket Association Umpires president Paul Grant said the shortage had increased the burden on existing umpires.

“Some older umpires are finding it challenging to double up on Saturday and Sunday,” said Grant, who also umpires Aussie Rules.

The reasons are many and varied and as

Keating points out, aren’t new.

“It’s always been a challenge attracting senior field umpires,” he said of a role where the reward for a good performance is being ignored, but a bad one can bring torrents of abuse and worse.

As with most issues in 2023 though, the spectre of COVID-19 looms large.

Grant said the flow on effects of border closures were still being felt in cricket umpiring.

“We rely on international students and while they’re filtering back, there’s still not as many as before,” said Grant of students from the Indian subcontinent whose passion for cricket leads them to officiate it as well as play.

He said a broader problem though was the way the pandemic had altered people’s interests and outlook..

“The overriding issue is people have moved on post-COVID.

People have just thought “I’ve had enough of umpiring, I’m onto something else.”

“I think we lead busier lives as well” added Steve Keating, pointing to issues of work life-balance that saw people walk away from umpiring pre-pandemic but which have been exacerbated since.

For Peart, the post-COVID environment had exacerbated the other long-time scourges of umpires and referees: abuse and even

violence.

“That’s what the overall global studies show,” said Peart of what refereeing bodies overseas had found and what is considered a societal problem not just a sporting one.

Recent months have seen a number of ugly incidents involving umpires and referees make the news, with last month’s assault on a football referee in Sydney that left him with a broken jaw and the perpetrator remanded in custody, the nadir.

While concerning, Peart said the problem wasn’t so much the isolated incidents of violence, but the long-term build up of abuse and disrespect.

“If someone does six games a weekend and in every one of those games the players have a go at the ref, are they going to wanna come back the next weekend?” he said.

Football Victoria is trying to counteract this by investing in welfare and support for referees, including an app where they can rate their interactions with both teams and identify those more likely to cause problems.

“It (the app) allows us to target the problem and work positively with the club,” Peart said.

Keating said while violence and misbehaviourmakesithardtoretainumpires, on odd occasions it can aid recruitment too.

He said after recently witnessing an assault onaplayerinareservesgame,anex-footballer

contacted the WRFL and has since become an umpire.

“Through all the chaos, we got a recruit out of that,” Keating said.

As for long-term solutions, all point to something that in the short-term has been considered a problem: the rise of women’s sport.

While the extra fixtures have stretched resources even further, women’s sport also presents a huge source of new umpires and referees for both female and male sport.

Keating said 50 female women umpires had joined the WRFL, while for Football Victoria, the upcoming FiFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand presents an unprecedented recruiting tool, with two Victorians Kate Jacewicz and Joanna Charaktis among those officiating.

It’sachancePeartisdeterminednottomiss.

“We’re looking forward to building on their legacy.”

To become a football referee visit: https:// www.footballvictoria.com.au/resources/ referees/become-a-referee

To become a WRFL umpire visit:https:// www.wrfl.com.au/umpires/

To become a cricket umpire with the Mercantile Cricket Association go to: http://www.mca.asn.au/content. aspx?file=2%7C10094v

Main: A young Football Victoria referee being mentored. Above: WRFL boundary umpires Jacinda Lush and daughter Ezabella. (Pictures: Supplied)

Right: WRFL umpires training at Hamner Reserve in Seddon (top), and the WRFL umpire club rooms at Hamner Reserve. (Pictures: Cade Lucas)

From prison to fruitful work helping get lives on track

By Cade Lucas

When asked if it was worth entering the Wyndham Business Awards past winner Rob Brown didn’t mince words .

“Enteringanawardforthesakeofitiskinda pointless,” said the owner and founder of Fruit 2 Work, a Laverton North-based social enterprise that took out the not for profit prize last year.

“You’ve got to be clear about what the endgameisandwhatyouwanttogetoutofit.”

Being clear and frank comes naturally to Scottish-born Brown, who founded Fruit 2 Work after retiring from the mining industry seven years ago.

The company supplies fruit, milk and pantry items to other workplaces, so as a business that serves other businesses, entering the awards was a no brainer.

But as a social enterprise, Fruit 2 Work serves more than just customers.

“We’re a non for profit business creating chances for those with lived experience of the justice system.

“People who’ve been in prison or their partners have been in prison.”

Nearly half the inmates released from Victorian prisons return within two years, with difficultygainingemploymentoneofthe main reasons why.

Brown said Fruit 2 Work does more than just get them back into the workplace.

“Giving them a job helps but how we run the business helps too” he said of an approach he dubbs the ‘secret sauce’ which has seen not one employee return to jail since the business started.

“A lot of it is to do with the authenticity and credibility of the people who run the organisation and the values we have.

“We suspend judgment, we remove stigma,

we do what we say we’re going to do and we drive the business based on customer satisfaction.”

Brown knows the importance of these values having had his own brushes with the law while growing up on the streets of Glasgow in the 1960’s.

“Someone gave me a chance and that’s

allowed me to live a pretty charmed life” he said.

A second chance is something Brown wants from judges of the Wyndham Business Awards too.

While Fruit 2 Work won the not for profit category last year, it finished runner up in two others, something he is keen to rectify.

“We plan to win the overall award this year.

“If you don’t think you can you never will.”

Entries for the 2023 awards are now open:https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/ services/business-investment/businessawards-special-events/2023-wyndhambusiness-awards

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

REQUIRED REQUIRED REQUIRED

Rob Brown from Fruit 2 Work, a 2022 winner of the Wyndham Business Awards. (Damjan Janevski). 335628_01

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors

40 years ago

May 25, 1983

Werribee Council hopes to enlist the assistance of the Port Phillip Authority to prepare a development strategy for the municipality’s coastline.

30 years ago

May 26, 1993

The Werribee Police and Community Consultative Committee (PCCC) has shifted its focus from illegal trailbike riding to drug and alcohol abuse.

20 years ago

May 21, 2003

A Werribee man was abducted from the front yard of his home last week by two men who threatened to kill him.

9 years ago

May 21, 2014

Wyndham council’s draft budget has been dealt a major blow, with the council set to lose about $10 million in federal funding over the next three years.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

WANT YOUR EVENT

LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication

Wyndham Rotary

Wyndham Rotary welcomes people interested in helping people in need in the community. Interested in finding out more, come to the Italian Sports Club each Wednesday 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, 0407207801

Friends of Presidents Park

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

■ admin@werribeeriver.org.au

Seniors House of Fun

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

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

Seniors club

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

■ 0403 041 499

Soroptimist International

Would you like an opportunity to support women and children in your local community?

Then, come along to come along to our community information session. Soroptimist International of Wyndham is a global service club for women & a multicultural organisation.We meet once a month to plan and carry out service projects in the local community. All our projects support women and children. Women of all ages are welcome. Details about the Community Information Session are: Saturday 3 June 2023 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

Werribee Craft Destash

Craft fair selling excess supplies such as fabric, wool, knitting needles, buttons, ribbons etc..

It is on Saturday 27th May 10am til 2pm at the Masonic Hall Werribee - 22 Watton St Werribee (across from the pool) Gold coin entry. If you need any more information please let me know.

■ https://www.facebook.com/CraftDestash or Michelle 0417 370 218.

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

Free walking group

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

■ Tahlia, 9397 6168

Free community morning tea

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

■ Tahlia, 9397 6168

Computer classes for beginners

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

■ Lynne, 9397 6168

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

■ 9313 5700 or MPCVolunteerCoordinators@mercy.com.au

Musicians Wanted

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

■ westgateconcertband@gmail.com

Free English conversation class

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

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

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Steven Szrenko who found a “rare and unique” (round) chicken egg. (Damjan Janevski) 334759_01

PUZZLES

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

QUICK CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Husks of corn (5)

4 Workers

9 Support (7)

10 Of sufficient quality (2,2,3)

11 Those sharing a house (9)

12 Edgar – Poe (5)

13 Exclamation of surprise (3)

14 Body of water to the East of Italy (8,3)

16 Not belonging to a time period (11)

19 Male sheep or goat (3)

20 Follow as consequence (5)

22 Speed of pulse (9)

25 Avoiding contact with others (7)

26 Print process

27 Complementary item (9)

28 Mystics (5)

DOWN

1 Understandable (5)

2 Closest galaxy (9)

3 Public assembly (5)

4 Voter (7)

5 Former German state (7)

6 Social exclusion (9)

in disgrace (5)

DECODER WORDFIT

1 14

2 15

3 16

4 17

5 18

6 19

7 20

8 21

9 22

10 23

11 24

12 25

12 345678910111213

893614275

561872394

147596832 786925143

638241957 354168729

472359618

219437586

269735481

817952643

623874519

354128976 482397165

178469352 591246738

easy medium hard

945613827

736581294

3 STEPS SWEAT TONIC TYING VENUE 6 LETTERS CEDARS DETACH EDGIER STEREO 7 LETTERS COMFORT DECLINE ROOMIER

653214978

539642781

127389546

925783461 318427695

491768352 964531827

782953164 275896413

846175239

T D S G D 19 words: Good 29 words: Very good 39 words: Excellent HEAVE HOSTS INANE INLET ISLES IVORY MATTE MOTHS NOTES OOZED OPTIC OZONE RIVET SCOPE SEEDS SLATE SNORE SOAKS SPEAR SPEED

E ABOVE AHEAD ALIVE AMONG AROMA ASIDE AURAL AVOWS BOATS CLOVE COMET COWED DICES DONOR DROLL EDGES EERIE FONTS GOUGE GREEK

disgust, DISGUSTED, disuse, disused, duet, dust, dusted, dusts, etui, guess, guest, guide, guided, guides, guise, guises, gusset, gust, gusted, gusts, guts, issue, issued, situs, stud, studied, studies, studs, sued, sues, suet, suit, suite, suited, suits, tissue, tugs, used, uses

1415 1617181920212223242526 M Y W D V P C B K Z X N O H I E S U J L G T F Q A R 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

No. 134

SEARING SEASIDE TROOPER 8 LETTERS ARMOURED DISALLOW DISEASED HAMPERED 11 LETTERS COMMISERATE VACATIONING

26-05-23 Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

1 Was US athlete Mickey Mantle a famous a) basketball player, b) baseball player or c) football player?

2 What was the debut album of UK band Arctic Monkeys?

3 Joan of Arc lived in which century?

4 Which Chinese city is further north: Beijing or Shanghai?

5 In what year did the West Coast Eagles play their first AFL match?

6 What is the most abundant metallic element found on Earth?

7 The name of which Adelaide suburb is a palindrome?

8 Scampi is a dish prepared from the tails of what?

9 What is the world's driest continent after Antarctica?

10 Jada Pinkett Smith (pictured) provides the voice of which character in the Madagascar film franchise?

13 26 QR ANSWERS: 1. b) baseball player 2. Whatever NotI’mWhatThat’sAm,ISayPeople 3. 15th 4. Beijing 5. 1987 6. Aluminium 7. Glenelg 8. Langoustine (lobster) 9. Australia 10. Gloria

No. 134

No. 134

No. 134

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Motoring

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)

‘soap opera’

• 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

308 GT 1.2-litre turbo-petrol five-door hatch: $43,990

308 GT Premium 1.2-litre turbo-petrol five-door hatch: $48,990

308 GT Premium 1.2-litre turbo-petrol five-door wagon: $48,990

308 GT Sport PHEV: 1.6-litre turbo-petrol/ electric hybrid five-door hatch: $64,990

SPECIFICATIONS

Peugeot 308 GT Sport PHEV: 1.6-litre turbo-petrol/electric hybrid five-door hatch

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

Plug-in for a sharp performance

By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring

Peugeot’s GT Sport Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) hatchback has become the fourth model to join the French carmaker’s 308 compact range. It joinstheGThatch,GTPremiumhatchandGT

Premium wagon petrol variants.

First sold here in 2008, the 308 has never seriously challenged comparable models from Japan or South Korea for sales, but those loyal to the French brand have always loved it for its style, comfort and handling.

Thenew308PHEVisPeugeot’sthirdplug-in petrol-electric hybrid, joining the 3008 GT SportSUVand508FastbackGTwithtwomore settoarrivelaterthisyear-the2008smallSUV and 508 Sportwagon.

Also coming later in 2023 will be Peugeot’s first fully electric vehicles, the e-Partner small van and e-2008 compact SUV.

Styling

We love the looks of the latest 308 starting at the front where a large, intricate grille flanked by LED Matrix headlights and claw-shaped daytime running lights.

The 308 is the first Peugeot model to feature the latest iteration of the iconic Peugeot lion badge sitting in the centre of the grille as well as on the front side panels, boot lid and in the centre of the eye-catching black alloy 18-inch wheels.

The rear has also been given a serious makeover with tri-segment tail lights on either side and the lion-claw in the centre of each.

The battery charging socket is at the rear of the passenger side.

Powertrain

308 GT Sport PHEV combines a 1.6-litre 132 kW/250Nm 1.6-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine with an 81kW electric motor for combined power and torque outputs of 165kW and 360Nm.

Itisintegratedwithane-EAT8transmission,

which for this application has the traditional torqueconverterreplacedwithawet,multi-disc clutch.

As with the other 308 variants the GT Sport PHEV is front-wheel-drive.

The 12.4kWh Li-ion battery with 100kW of battery power and 3.7 kW onboard charger provides a WLTP test range of 60km in electric-only driving. Fuel tank capacity is 40 litres.

Three driving modes are available: Electric, Hybrid and Sport.

The 308 GT Sport PHEV comes as standard with a mode two charging cable, supplied with the vehicle at time of delivery. The on-board charger unit restricts the accepted charger to a capacity of 3.7kW.

Using a domestic power socket with a 2.3kW single-phase 10A charger, the battery will be charged in around 5.5 hours. With a home

charging station such as a Wallbox this will reduce to about 3.5 hours.

Safety

There’s a comprehensive list of safety features across the entire 308 range. Highlights include autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, active cruise control with Stop & Go function, forward collision warning, long-range blind spot detection,rearcrosstrafficalert,lanedeparture warning with unmarked road edge detection, advanceddriverinattentionalert,speedlimiter function, tyre pressure warning and two Isofix child seat mounts.

GT Premium and GT Sport PHEV add active lane positioning assist while the PHEV gets Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) which generates sound when the car is travelling at low speed to alert pedestrians.

When tested by ANCAP in November 2022 the absence of a front centre airbag, which is a relatively new feature, led to 308 getting a four-star rating.

Infotainment

The infotainment system features satellite navigation, wireless smartphone charging, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, two front and two rear USB sockets, wireless phone mirroring, voice recognition, with Peugeot iConnect and the myPeugeot app.

Like so many recent new vehicles, far too many features, including climate control, need to be accessed through the touchscreen with the driver’s attention inevitably being taken away from the road ahead.

There is a power and volume knob for the audio system and there are short-cuts through a smaller horizontal screen called i-Toggles - but drivers will need to spend a lot of time learning how to access the various features.

Driving Peugeos have always been among our favourite

drivingcarsandtheinstanttorquefromthe308 PHEV further enhances that enjoyment. It’s great fun to drive both around town and in the hilly terrain segment of our rural drive route while it cruises effortlessly on the motorway.

While the PHEV’s battery adds around 230kg to overall weight over its petrol-only siblings it can still get from zero to 100km/h more than two seconds faster at 7.5 seconds. The ride is relatively firm but not uncomfortable while steering is light and direct.

Using the outdated NEDC test procedure Peugeot lists fuel consumption at 1.3L/100km forthe308PHEV.Theresultisbasedonstarting with the battery fully charged, travelling the claimed maximum distance in EV mode (60km) before automatically switching to hybrid mode for the remainder of the 100km trip.

The anomaly in the system is that, after travelling 100km the only way to repeat such low fuel usage would be to stop and fully recharge the battery before continuing.

During three separate tests the best battery-only distance we could achieve was 52km.

With the battery fully-charged we covered 100km using 3.4L/100km. Although that’s nearly double the listed figure it’s still pretty good. However, once the battery is flat, and running in normal hybrid mode including battery regeneration, we averaged a less-impressive 5.6L/100km.

Summing up

As enjoyable as the Peugeot 308 PHEV is to drivethebiggestproblemisitsprice.At$64,990 plus on-roads it’s between $16,000 and $23,000 dearer than its petrol-only siblings.

Do the sums and it’s very hard to financially justify spending that sort of money, but no doubt dyed-in-the wool environmentallyfocused Peugeot enthusiasts will be willing to do so.

Peugeot 308 PHEV combines great looks with sharp performance. (Pictures: Supplied)

Academy students making their mark in jiu jitsu

It was a successful Victorian Jiu Jitsu ChampionshipsforHoppersCrossing’sGracie Barra academy.

There were 30 athletes from the academy competing at the championships on May 13 and14withseveralofthemcominghomewith medals at one of Australia’s longest-running jiu jitsu competitions.

Overall the academy won two gold medals, seven silver medals and 12 bronze medals. The academy’s junior program finished third overall in that category.

Kerrie Marshall and Appollonyah Loane both came away with gold medals in their respective adult categories in the No Gi.

JJ Neho, Lee Yen Leung, Moin Elhouli and Byron Theron won silver in the GBKids Gi, while Rachel Sarkis and Sana Kamal won silver in the adults Gi and Sana Kamal won silver in the adults No Gi.

Lincoln Jowett,Adam Haddara, Ryder

Stonehouse, Thomas Power, Skyler Polandaya, Justin Paulo Camandang and Lucky Trufilo won bronze in the GBKids Gi, while Tiago Dalfior Baltar, Millane Raymond, Kerrie Marshall and Appollonyah Ioane won bronze in the adults Gi.

Keith Lilburne won bronze in the adults No Gi category.

Gi is when both players wear cotton kimonoswhichtheycangriptohelpsubmitor control each other. No Gi is when both players wear rashguards and boardshorts, which they cannot grab during a match.

The academy’s Roan Theron said they were happy with those results.

“We normally have 20-30 people at these sorts of competitions,” he said “This year we had 30 athletes.

“We won two gold for adults, three silver and five bronze and for the kids five silver medals and six bronze.

“We won third place in the junior team. It was pretty much what we were hoping for. We’re really satisfied.”

Having competed at the Victorian championships, the next major event is the national championships.

Theron said he expected many of the athletes to put their hands up to compete at that competition,

The Pan Pacs are being held in Melbourne this year, so it’s another big competition that the athletes could look to compete at as well.

Theron said many of them had another focus this season.

“You collect points throughout the year to find out who is best in each category,” he said.

“You accumulate them throughout the year. The top three competitors get acknowledged.

“Most are trying to achieve that, we haven’t had that before.”

Tennis star is rising fast

By Peter Howe

There is an old saying, it is always the quiet ones you have to watch. This typifies Bridget Mihulk, this month’s Don Deeble Sports Star nominee, Bridget Mihulka.

The 16-year-old has a WTA singles ranking about 900 and a junior ranking of 400, but she still classifies herself as pretty average, with always more to do.

Her coach and mentor Marc Sophoulis sums it up more succinctly, “Eleven million people around the world play tennis,” he said. “Bridget is in the top 20 in her age group.”

Mihulka however is very quiet and self-effacingwholetshertennisdothetalking.

She started playing competitive tennis aged 10havingbeenonthecourtsinceshewasfour.

“Mum played when she was young and while I tried all sports I was drawn to tennis,” she said.

“It brings out the best in me. I’m very competitive and love the challenge of working out my opponent and how to win.”

Mihulka brings height, natural power and endurance to the court.

She is at school at 5.45am every day, where shehaslessonsbetween 6-7amwithSophoulis,

then school training from 7-8.30am before the rigour of VCE classes sets in.

“We will hit hundreds of balls to develop rhythm and then go into match play scenarios and pressure points,” she said.

“We’ll play short point games to ensure we start fast; or we might play points from deuce or play tie break points.”

Mihuka also spends time with a sports dietician and sport psychologist, who are both readily available for students at Maribyrnong Sports Academy.

During the summer months, Mihulka plays Premier League and State Grade Pennant with the Royal South Yarra Tennis Club.

She’s using that to help build up her career.

“I have played with the club for about three years,” she said. “I love playing there because it provides a team focused environment which is different to my tournament play.

“My tournament play has gradually improved and so has my ranking.

“I play mostly in Australia but have played Junior ITF tournaments in New Zealand, Singapore and Thailand. I’ve had some good results.”

Sophoulis, however, has a slightly different view. He said that Mihulka shows amazing resilience.

Sports shorts

A-League

Western United has announced the signing of Angus Thurgate for the next three A-League Men’s seasons. The talented young midfielder arrives from Newcastle Jets where he has spent the last six seasons, debuting as a 17-year-old in 2018. Thurgate said he was buzzing to start a new challenge with Western United and was looking forward to creating some history.

VSDCA

Noble Park’s Janaka Liyanabadalge has won the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association Val Holten Medal. Liyanabadalge finished on 20 votes to beat Hoppers Crossing’s Simon Lambert by three votes. Lambert was named in the team of the year, but despite making the grand final there were no Werribee players named in the team. Melton’s Ben MacRae was named captain of the team of the year.

NPL

“Let’s take two weeks ago at a junior ITF in Canberra, “B” saved 10 match points in the first round and dug deep to come back and win the match.

“She then went on to make the semi-finals. Weneedtocelebratethoseamazingsuccesses.”

Sophoulis goes on to say that we must remember she is only able to train a few hours a day when her opponents have generally left school and are training 6 to 7 hours a day.

Mihulka is very much school focused and wants a career in science or medicine.

“I would love to earn a tennis scholarship to a college in America where I can pursue both my tennis and school.”

“As for her tennis, her response is simple, “I want to go as far as I can go. Playing on the tour and winning a grand slam tournament would be amazing.”

The Don Deeble Sports Star Award is sponsored by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club, Strathmore Community Bank, the Deer Park Club, Ascot Vale Sports and Trophies and StarWeekly

If you would like to nominate a monthly winner or attend a dinner at the Medway Golf Club, contact swrsportsclub@gmail.com or 0408 556 631.

A late goal resulted in Werribee City coming home with a point in the National Premier League 2 on Saturday against Brunswick Juventus. Brunswick hit the front through a penalty in the 63rd minute. Brunswick went a man down in the 83rd through a red card, but appeared to have done enough to get the win. A penalty in the fourth minute of extra time though gave the Bees the chance to level and they did, with the match finishing 1-1. The Bees sit eighth on the table.

FV

Point Cook had a tough day out against Uni Hill Eagles in the FV state league 3 north-west competition on Saturday. The Eagles, who are among the top sides in the competition, took a 1-0 lead into half time before extending that to 3-0. The Jets scored a late consolation goal to finish the game 3-1. In state league 5 west, Wyndham lost to Deakin University 4-0.

FOR MORE SPORT, VISIT

Bridget Mihulka with her coach Marc Sophoulis (Supplied)

Kerrie Marshall won gold (Supplied)

Wyndham gets one back against the Broncos

Wyndham ticked the first box in the first of three challenging matches in the Big V men’s state championship on Saturday night.

Facing the Hume City Broncos, who have been on top all season, Wyndham showed some good signs to come away with a 98-85 win.

Wyndham coach Lucas Allen said it was good to get this tough period off to a winning start.

“It was good,” he said. “It’s one of three weeks of really competitive games.

“We started off with a good win against a team that we rate very highly.

“It’s good to get going on.”

On Saturday night, Wyndham got out to an early lead, before the Broncos took over in the second quarter to lead by five points at the main break.

Wyndham regained the lead in the third quarter and were able to maintain that momentum in the last quarter to extend the lead.

Allen said the group had done a good job of shutting the Broncos down late. He said having lost to them earlier in the season, they needed to make some adjustments.

“We spoke before the game, it’s not what we want to do, but it was what we needed to do to win and we were able to do that,” he said.

“Both teams had runs and displayed their strengths throughout.

“Our players did a good job in the second half especially in the fourth quarter executing the scout and defending really well.”

Maurice Howard top scored with 27 points as four of the five starters reached double figures.

The win moves Wyndham to the top of the ladder.

Allen said with teams having played different numbers of games, he didn’t take too much notice of being on top.

“Beingaroundthetopisthemainthing,”he said. “It is really tight this year.”

After a slow start to the season, Allen said

he was happier with how things were starting to come together as the side tries to defend its title.

“The group has made some adjustments and added some other bits and pieces,” he said.

“They’re learning and growing. Things are coming along nicely, but slowly.”

Wyndham faces Melbourne University at home this Saturday and the Keysborough Cougars the following week.

Allen said both sides will be in the finals mix.

“MelbourneUniversitybeatusinroundone and we’ll learn from that experience,” he said.

“Keysborough we beat by a point. We’ll make more adjustments and hopefully improve that result.”

Wyndham’s women’s side beat the Camberwell Dragons, 103-69, on Saturday night.

Dyani Ananiev top scored with 33 points.

Tigers’ strong showing

By Tara Murray

Werribee Districts has stamped itself as the early premiership favourites in the Western Region Football League division 1 after beating Altona in the grand final rematch.

ThetwosidesenteredSaturday’sgameasthe two undefeated teams left in the competition and it was the Tigers, who put on a show.

It took until the second half for the Tigers to get some reward for effort after some poor goal kicking early.

The Tigers kicked 10 goals to two in the second half to get a 13.15 (93)-6.5 (41) win.

Tigers coach Chris Gilham said it was a good solid performance.

“They beat us in the grand final last year and have been one of the top two teams for the last four to five years.

“They are one of the benchmarks of the competition and it’s a good indication of where we sit.

“We started really strong without putting that early dominance on the scoreboard as we kicked 2.7 for the first quarter.

“The second half we got more in control and we were able to get some more scoreboard pressure. It was a dominant performance in the second half.”

Gilham said one of the most pleasing things was being able to put out a strong four quarter performance.

He said it helps set them up for the next few games.

Daniel Schibeci and Christopher Molivas kicked three goals each for the Tigers.

As for the best, Gilham said that was a hard decision.

“The hallmark of our season so far has been the evenness,” he said. “We’ve relied on getting something from everyone and we got that yesterday [Saturday].

“We could have put 12 to 15 players in the best it was that even.”

Gilham highlighted the performances of JoshKellett,DillonViojo-Rainbow,Alexander Alabakis and James Allan, who came in and played his first game in a different position.

The win cements the Tigers spot at the top of the ladder.

Gilham said they were pretty happy with how they are placed.

“Six and zero is a great start to the season, but the biggest challenges are to come this year,” he said.

“Altona had a few players out, but we had to look after it from our end. Our first quarters have been really dominant and it sets us up as it’s much easier to play from in front.”

The Tigers have another challenge this Saturday, facing Caroline Springs. The Lakers suffered a shock loss to Spotswood on Saturday.

Gilham said it would be another strong test for them.

In other results, Point Cook Centrals fell just short against Yarraville Seddon Eagles.

The Eagles got their first win of the season in a 12.9 (81)-11.9 (75) win.

Point Cook and Hoppers Crossing both had byes.

In division 2, Wyndhamvale was too good for Braybrook, while in division 3 the Suns beat Laverton, while Tarneit lost to Sunshine Heights.

Bos headed to Europe

The dream continues for Jordan Bos withtheformerPointCooklocalheaded overseas to continue his soccer dream.

Lastweek,MelbourneCityannounced that Bos was moving to join Belgian Pro League side KVC Westerlo in what is a record Australian transfer

Melbourne City football director Michael Petrillo said that it was immediately evident that Bos has what it takes to perform at the highest level:

“Born and raised in Melbourne, Jordan is a product of our City Youth Academy where he developed his game with the help of our talented coaches and support staff,” he said.

“His natural abilities were evident from the outset, and it has been a privilege to see him grow into the elite player he is today.

“We are incredibly proud of Jordan and his achievements at the club. His development as a player and as a person is testament to the quality of our academy program and we are excited to see him take on his next challenge.”

The move to KVC Westerlo marks a significant milestone for Bos, who at just 20 years of age has claimed three A-League Men’s premierships and a championship with City in 50 appearances for the club.

City chief executive Brad Rowse said they’re incredibly proud of our track record in developing young Australian talent.

“The transfer fee for Jordan is a record for any Australian club and is a testament to his talent and to the strength of our academy program,” he said.

“I have known Jordan since he first joined the club as a 13-year-old, and I am thrilled to see him take this exciting step in his career.”

It caps off a big year for Bos, who made his Socceroos debut in March.

Speaking to Star Weekly before making his debut, Bos said he was keen to head overseas to ply his trade.

Tara Murray Hume City Broncos’ Mackuei Puondak and Wyndham’s Adetomi Ayilara (Ljubica Vrankovic) 335897_15

James Allan stood up in the ruck (Ljubica Vrankovic) 335892_31

WERRIBEE FOOTBALL CLUB

Werribee shows grit to pull off big comeback

By Tara Murray

Twelve months ago a late comeback by Werribee against the Gold Coast Suns in the Victorian Football League fell short.

On Saturday, Werribee found themselves down by 42 points at half time against the undefeated Suns.

This time a second half comeback would prove successful with Werribee winning, 14.7 (91)-13.11 (89).

Werribee coach Michael Barlow said it was nice to finally come away with a win in a close match.

“It feels nice to be on the right end of one of those close ones,” he said.

“We played Gold Coast 12 months ago and were down by a similar margin at half time and came back and should have won it.

“The game followed the same trend, but this time we were able to win it 12 months on. This has been brewing and it’s nice to get the result in a really close game.”

Heading into the game, Barlow and his coaching staff felt this was a good opportunity to see where the side sat.

They saw some positive and negative signs in the first half.

“The first quarter we played really well in key areas in the game but we were doing it without executing,” he said.

“We knew what Gold Coast could do given some rope and in the second quarter in particular they took us apart pretty significantly.

“Going into the game… We didn’t know our maximum and all our deficiencies. Playing Gold Coast we were going to get a good level of that and where the side was.”

Werribee made some changes at half time to try and get back into the game. Barlow also touched on the situation they found themselves in last time against Gold Coast.

“We changed some things around at half time and the players were still in a positive mindset,” he said.

“The message was we were in this situation 12 months ago with a similar margin and lost by three points.

“Draw on the past experiences, but we made it clear that it wasn’t going to happen in five minutes, it would take a while.”

Fourgoalstooneinthethirdquarterreduced the margin to 29 points at the last break. When the goals continued early in the last quarter, the margin was back to within two goals, 10 minutes into the last quarter.

“We got the message out to the boys and told them not to go into overload,” Barlow said. “It was always going to go deep from there.

“We’ve been in enough situations the last couple of years not getting the result. That feeling of coming back late, there was a bit of euphoria.

“The siren came at the right time.”

Agoalinthe32ndminutebyHudsonGaroni would seal the win for Werribee.

Barlow said the most pleasing thing from the coaching point of reviewing the game was seeing the players take leadership of the situation on the ground and aware of what they needed to do.

Garoni finished with three goals, while Sam Paea, Shaun Mannagh, Matthew Hanson and Jack Boyd kicked two goals apiece.

Barlow said it was their leaders that stood up when it really mattered.

“Kye Declase was really good and Tom

Gribble had his best game of the season,” he said.

“Dom Brew continued his good form, team of the year sort of form. Matt Hanson returned after only one full training session with the group. He comes in and compliments the midfield and he kicked a couple of goals as well.”

Werribee now sits seventh on the ladder with

five wins from seven games.

Barlow said they would take a lot out of the game.

“It was a really good game to review,” he said. “If we are not on our game in patches, good side’s can get away from us pretty quickly, like they did in the second quarter.

“There’s some acknowledgement and the belief, that is really important and you have to

have those experiences in games.”

Werribee is again at home this Saturday, hosting Casey from 2.05pm at Avalon Airport Oval. Barlow said it would be another big challenge for them.

“They are the reigning premiers and a bloody good side,” he said. “We’ll look to give ourselves every chance during the week and on game day.”

Werribee celebrate the winning goal (Belinda Vitacca Photography)

Kye Declase takes a mark. (Belinda Vitacca Photography)

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