Star Weekly - Wyndham - 21st June 2023

FREE DIGITAL EDITION

Dogs with a story to tell

Two Wyndham primary schools will welcome four-legged friends next term after signing up to the Story Dogs program.

Saltwater P-9 College in Point Cook and Tarneit Rise Primary School in Tarneit are the first Wyndham schools to participate in the Story Dogs program, where dogs act as reading assistants for students struggling with literacy.

The program encourages children to read to dogs, removing the pressure for them to perform.

The national non-profit program has been running since 2009 and operates in primary schools, mostly with students in year two.

Dangerous driving alarm

By Cade Lucas

Emergency services have expressed alarm over the number of serious road accidents in Wyndham.

The Werribee CFA rescue team say the situation has become so bad that for the first time they’re attending more vehicle crashes than fires in the municipality.

Werribee Fire Brigade spokesman and member for 60 years, Darryl Wells, said a spate of crashes late last month highlighted the depth of the problem.

“In a recent 48-hour period, 15 calls were

responded to by brigade members and 11 of those calls were to motor car accidents, two of those required the road crash rescue crew to cut free seriously injured patients.”

A pedestrian at Hoppers Crossing was killed when hit by an SUV on Thursday, June 15, while on Sunday, June 11, a single vehicle accident on Werribee Street bridge required rescue crews to free a seriously injured driver.

Mr Wells urged drivers to show more caution.

“Brigade members ask that drivers take care on our local roads,” he said.

“It is not the freeways and highways where

the accidents happen, it is the local streets and roads where more people are injured and die.”

Victoria’s road toll currently stands at 146, which is 36 per cent higher than at this point last year.

Across the western suburbs there have been five fatalities this year, up from two in 2022.

Westgate Highway Patrol Senior Sergeant Andrew Whelan, said while road safety in Wyndham wasn’t any worse than the rest of the state, it was still a high priority.

“Wehavededicatedpatrolsandoperationsto target road safety in Wyndham, and this work will not stop,” Senior Sergeant Whelan said.

The extent of that work was made clear during Operation Regal over the King’s Birthday long weekend, where Wyndham recorded97speedingoffences,25unregistered vehicles and nine drink drivers, far higher figures than neighbouring areas.

“This is really disappointing as it indicates that many motorists are continuing to take risks on our roads,” said Senior Sergeant Whelan who warned motorists of the grave consequences.

“We implore drivers to do the right thing – it only takes one poor decision and a split second to cause a tragedy.”

■ Story: Page 11

Year 2 student Lois with volunteer Kelly Marshall and Spike. (Damjan Janevski) 341599_01

As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’ve removed 15 level crossings in Melbourne’s west and finished tunnelling for the West Gate Tunnel. As works continue to build better connections across our city there will be road and rail disruptions.

West Gate Tunnel Project

Nearly nine hectares of new parks and wetlands and 17,000 new trees

Works progress in the west

Major works are progressing on the West Gate Tunnel Project. The vital alternative to the West Gate Bridge will give drivers a choice – the tunnel or the bridge – and provide direct port access for the freight industry, taking thousands of trucks off local roads.

Footscray Road has reopened on 16 June after more than 400 massive concrete segments, each weighing 100 tonnes, were lifted into place to build the new elevated road.

To make it easier to get to and from the west, the bridge over the rail lines at Dynon Road will be widened and strengthened to join a new exit ramp from the West Gate Tunnel. To get this done safely, Dynon Road will be closed over the rail lines near CityLink from 16 June for 11 weeks. The bridge is above major train lines meaning some trains will be disrupted during these works.

Dynon Road closed

Train disruptions: Buses/coaches replace trains in both directions

20 to 22 JuneFlagstaff to Newport

8.30pm 23 June to last train 9 July

Williamstown Line 8.30pm to last train, 20 to 22 JuneFlagstaff to Williamstown

23 June to last train 9 July Craigieburn

Road disruptions: Closed road and ramp

While we work, road and rail disruptions could affect your travel

Major train lines run underneath the Dynon Road Bridge, so to complete works safely trains will be disrupted.

Crime reaches post-COVID high

By Cade Lucas

Crime in Wyndham is up by 14 per cent compared to this time last year, one of the highest increases in Melbourne according to new data. Crime Statistics Agency data released on Thursday, show that for the year ending March 2023, 18,155 offences were recorded in Wyndham compared to 15,926 in the 12 months to March 2022.

The 14 per cent increase in Wyndham is the seventh highest in metropolitan Melbourne and by far the highest in the western suburbs.

TheneighbouringcouncilareasofBrimbank and Melton recorded modest increases of 2.9 and 0.6 per cent respectively, while crime in Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong fell.

Westgate Police Divisional Commander Superintendent Craig Peel said that while the increase was concerning, it had to be seen in context.

“While crime in Wyndham has risen approximately 14 per cent when compared year-on-year, the increase is much smaller when compared with pre-COVID levels (approximately five per cent),” he said.

Vote one for Werribee

Werribee’s transformation from unfashionable outer-suburb to one of Victoria’s top destinations is almost complete, after being named one of 17 finalists for the 2023 Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards.

Werribee will vie with the likes of Ballarat, Bendigo,Echuca,Frankston,LakesEntrance, Mildura and Warrnambool in the category for towns with a population over 5000.

Publicvotingfortheawardisnowopenand with it worth 25 per cent of each town’s total score, Wyndham councillor and long-time Werribee resident, Heather Marcus, wants the rest of the municipality to show their support.

“I encourage everyone in Wyndham to vote for Werribee to get recognition for our amazing visitor experiences and tourist attractions,” Cr Marcus said.

“It’s absolutely fabulous that Werribee is a finalist.”

The awards presented by Victoria Tourism

Industry Council (VTIC), recognise towns for the quality of their visitor experience and commitment to attracting more tourists.

Whilebeingnamedafinalistisrecognition for the work put into developing Werribee and Wyndham’s tourism industry, Cr Marcus said winning the award would take it to a whole new level.

“The Top Tourism Town Award helps build awareness and support for Wyndham’s visitor economy, and ultimately helps raise the profile of Werribee as a tourism destination of choice,“ she said.

Winners will progress to the national awardsforachancetobecrownedAustralia’s Top Tourism Town.”

Voting is open until June 22 and each voter goes into the draw to win a ‘one perfect Melbourne weekend’ for two.

To vote, visit: www.vtic.com.au/ toptourismtown

“The increase with pre-COVID levels in Wyndham can be in part be attributed to the steady rise in car theft and items stolen from cars, which is a big focus for local police.”

Stealing from a vehicle was the most common offence in Wyndham, with 2172 recorded, up from 1756 the previous year.

Superintendent Peel said vehicle crime was a particularly focus for police.

“There is undoubtedly a small cohort of offenders who are looking to enter unlocked homes to steal car keys,“ he said.

“Police are out patrolling the community

every night, recovering stolen vehicles and arresting offenders, but we also ask the community take some simple measures to help prevent their vehicle from being stolen or broken into.”

Werribee recorded the most offences of any suburb in Wyndham, with 5120, 2000 more than second placed Hoppers Crossing and an increase of 700 on the previous 12 months.

Houseswerebyfarthemostcommoncrime location, accounting for 7251 offences, more thandoublestreets,lanesandfootpathswhich were the next highest at 2357.

Cade Lucas

Wyndham councillor Heather Marcus at the Werribee River, one of the attractions that has Werribee in the running to be the state’s top tourist town. (Damjan Janevski). 341714_02

School’s golden week

St Peter Apostle Primary School is celebrating 50 years in Hoppers Crossing with a golden jubilee exhibition running until the end of this week.

Past students, staff members and members of the public are invited to view the exhibition which principal Karen Wilson said marked a significant milestone.

“It’s important to celebrate our story and our history and to recognise the contribution that the parish has made to our school since they started it 50 years ago.”

On display are a variety of memorabilia and artefacts as well as some famous alumni.

“It has all of the photos, trophies, sporting recognitionsandinterviewswithpaststudents including ex-bulldogs star Brad Johnson,” said Ms Wilson who added that among the ex-pupils who had returned for the exhibition were those involved in marking the school’s

quarter-century in 1998.

“We also had a time capsule which was created on the 25th anniversary and as part of our celebrations we opened that and invited back the school leaders who wrote letters in that time capsule.

“A lot of their reflections were on what life at St Peters would be like now and they were excited about how many had come true.”

Ms Wilson said the school’s current students were doing the same thing.

“We’re really excited to make our own time capsule now and showcase what our school is like for students in the future to see”

The exhibition is in the St Peter Apostle school hall and is free of charge and open to the public.

It closes at 5pm on Thursday, June 22.

Briefs

Hoppers Crossing arrest

A man has been held down by members of the public after he jumped the counter of a store in an attempt to steal money in Hoppers Crossing on Monday. Police were called to a shopping centre on Heaths and Derrimut roads following reports the man made the grab for cash just after 2.30pm. He made off with a small amount of money after he jumped the counter and fled. It is believed a quick-thinking shopper nearby tripped the man causing him to fall before a number of other shoppers restrained the man until police arrived. The 27-year-old man from Tarneit was arrested and is currently assisting police with their inquiries. An employee, who was knocked over as the man jumped the counter, wasn’t seriously injured.

Election officials needed

Would-be election managers keen to work at the 2024 local government elections can apply now to join the Victorian Electoral Commission’s (VEC’s) pool of senior election officials. Senior election officials are responsible for coordinating elections for entire council areas and will work for almost four months during the council election period leading into and following October 2024. Applications are open until Friday, July 14. Details: vec.vic.gov.au/jobs FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au

Wyndham Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Cade Lucas

St Peter Apostle Primary School principal Karen Wilson with year-6 leaders, Bella, William, Isabella, Jasmyn, Willow and Aiden at the school’s golden jubilee exhibition. (Damjan Janevski). 341612_01

Tailored living solutions

Empowered Liveability was founded to create tailored living solutions for people with complex requirements, including young people forced into aged care. With a plethora of lived and vocational experience in complex care provision, including direct care, support coordination,trainingandcounsellingwithin disability, mental health, and aged care, the team is made up of passionate advocates that believe in people with disabilities living life on their own terms.

Combining expert disability knowledge with property expertise, the Empowered Liveability team supports participants to choose where, how, and who they live with and who they are supported by.

With over 40 SDA funded properties on large blocks throughout Australia, Empowered homes are considered equivalent to large luxury homes. Working with ethical

and heart centred investors, who often have a connection to the disability or mental health sectors supports the Empowered Liveability purpose of empowering people to thrive through independent living options.

The Empowered team are also able to facilitate complete choice and control in aiding participants and families to build their very own dream home. With a view to create many options for disabled people to choose from, the team is adamant that co-creation of Specialist Disability Accommodation is the way of the future, working hand in hand with participants to encompass every possibility of creating life-long homes, not workplaces.

Empowered Liveability ensures the process of finding or creating your forever home, is enjoyable and an empowering process end to end.

Support is key to learning

A learning disability, according to British charity Mencap, is a reduced intellectual ability and difficulty with everyday activities – for example household tasks, socialising or managing money – which affects someone for their whole life.

People with a learning disability tend to take longer to learn and may need support to develop new skills, understand complicated information and interact with other people.

The level of support someone needs depends on the individual.

For example, someone with a mild learning disability may only need support with things like getting a job. However, someone with a severe or profound learning disability may need fulltime care and support with every aspect of their life – they may also have physical disabilities.

People with certain specific conditions can have a learning disability too. For example, people with Down’s syndrome and some people with autism have a learning disability.

There are different types of learning disability, which can be mild, moderate,

severe or profound. In all cases a learning disability is lifelong.

It can be difficult to diagnose a mild learning disability as the individual will often mix well with others and will be able to cope with most everyday tasks. However, they may need support in other areas of their life such as filling out forms.

People with a severe learning disability or profound and multiple learning disability (PMLD), will need more care and support with areas such as mobility, personal care and communication. People with a moderate learning disability may also need support in these areas, but not definitely.

For any parent, the greatest concern will be your child’s wellbeing and their future. As a parent, you can help your child by encouraging their strengths and getting the right support to help them overcome the things they find difficult. Every child is an individual with their own needs, but with the right support children with a learning disability can lead fulfilling lives in the way they choose.

Empowered homes are considered equivalent to large luxury homes.

Support from Carer Gateway helps Jess find ‘me time’

Jess and Blake are proud parents to two young daughters. Their oldest, Sadie, has GNB1 syndrome, epilepsy and autism. Jess is Sadie’s main carer and has been inspired to launch a range of planners and stationery for carers.

GNB1 Syndrome is a rare genetic mutation that was discovered in 2016. In four-year-old Sadie’s case, having GNB1 syndrome means global developmental delay, and hundreds of epilepsy seizures a day.

As a full-time mum to Sadie and almost two-year-oldPacie(whoisneurotypical)anda full-time disability carer to Sadie, Jess doesn’t get much time out. Life is full of the busyness of primary parenting two preschoolers and Sadie’s additional care needs and medical appointments.

Finding ways to get a bit of “me time” is one of the outcomes Jess values from her experience of Carer Gateway (carergateway. gov.au) after learning about the free support service especially for carers.

“I’ve really grown into my role of mum and carer. I’ve learned to let go of the pressure of the high standards I set myself as a mum and relaxed into utilising things like television, snacks and easy meals so that I can get a little break – things that previously would’ve had me feeling guilty,” Jess explained.

Jess has also found purpose in creating her own small business, At Sadie’s Pace

(atsadiespace.com.au), that she hopes will help other carers and people with disability to stay on top of the admin of caring.

“I had so much paperwork and so many different planners, and I just wanted it all in one place. It’s come from my experience but

hopefully it helps others. I’ll definitely use it myself!” said Jess.

Jess had the idea for the planners in March 2022 and works on them whenever she can.

Having the time to be a mum, carer and entrepreneur has been supported by Jess

reaching out to Carer Gateway for help. If you would like support and you care for a family member or friend with disability, mental illness, age or health issues, contact Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737.

Jess and her daughter Sadie. (Supplied)

‘‘ I’ve really grown into my role of mum and carer. I’ve learned to let go of the pressure of the high standards ’’ - Jess

Let’s talk about incontinence

One in four Australians aged over 15 suffer from incontinence. This statistic may come as a surprise to many as incontinence is one of Australia’s great taboos. But as Hannah Hammoud discovered, the team at the National Continence Foundation is on a mission to change that.

Affecting over five million Australians, incontinence can range in severity from a small leak to complete loss of bladder or bowel control.

Celebrations for World Continence Week have kicked off, running from June 19 to June 25, with an aim to raise awareness of incontinence related issues.

Programs and projects manager at the Continence Foundation of Australia Daniyela Rob said one of the biggest challenges surrounding incontinence is simply having the conversation.

“It’s something that people don’t want to talk about, but the more people that do talk about it, the more they will realise just how many people it affects,” she said.

“Because people don’t talk about it, often someone who is experiencing incontinence is thinking, ‘oh it’s only happening to me, and I don’t want to share that’.”

Data from the Continence Foundation reveals that 46 per cent of people who experience incontinence are under the age of 50. Ms Rob said a common misconception surroundingincontinenceisthatitisanatural part of ageing.

“People might think that their incontinence is an inevitable part of ageing, or after giving birth assume that it is bound to happen,” she said. “It becomes normal for them and so they don’t seek help, but there is help available. The Continence Foundation champions people finding the right assistance, and speaking to a health professional about what the right way to manage their continence might be.”

MsRobsaidthatformanyAussiessuffering from incontinence their quality of life is significantly impacted. For those living with incontinence, leaving their home for everyday activities can be a difficult task due to the fear of not having access to appropriate facilities.

This year, the Continence Foundation ran theGreatDunnyHuntcampaignencouraging Australians to take pictures of their favourite public toilet and upload them to the National Public Toilet Map (NPTM) website or app.

Submissions to the hunt closed on the first day of World Continence Week on Monday, June 19 with more than 600 photos uploaded across the nation.

Ms Rob said the Continence Foundation continues to garner huge support and gratitude from people with lived experience of incontinence.

“It helps raise awareness and opens up the conversation about bladder and bowel incontinence” she said.

“It also means more people know where to seek support and that’s always a good thing.

“It is really important that people seek help and talk to their GP or ring our National

Continence Helpline because there is help available for people.”

The continence services offered at Western Health include help to treat, better manage and even cure incontinence related issues.

Sunshine Hospital continence clinic managerSusanCroninsaiditisimportantthat people living with incontinence understand that there are many treatments and strategies available to them.

“Part of our service once people do reach out, is to say that it’s okay to talk about it and it’s okat that you’ve sought assistance,” she said.

“We’re here to help you and you’re not alone in this.”

The Western Continence Service offers assessment and management of urinary and faecal continence issues, with a goal of promoting self-management whenever possible.

For those wishing to seek help, it is important to have a referral from a medical doctor, which includes GPs, specialists and hospital departments.

Ms Cronin said Western Health offers a multidisciplinary service to assess and treat adults experiencing both bowel and bladder continence issues.

“Often we will contact people by phone to ascertain what their challenges or issues are and also plan how we can help them achieve their goals. We then make a clinical decision with them as to what pathway they’ll take, such as seeing a nurse or physio or having

diagnostic testing,“ she said.

“Once we gather everything we need, we put a plan in place to help them, and we then work with patients on how we can achieve their continence aims.”

Ms Cronin said it is important to open up the continence conversation and remove the taboo that has long accompanied it.

“Where I think the shift needs to occur is people not feeling embarrassed to say that they have continence issues,” she said.

As part of World Continence Week, the ContinenceFoundationwillbehostingalived experience panel webinar on Wednesday, June 21. The webinar will feature a group of panellists discussing their lived experience of incontinence, barriers to seeking help, common misconceptions about incontinence and how to change the narratives around this common condition.

Australians can reach the National Continence Helpline for free, confidential advice from Nurse Continence Specialists on 1800 33 00 66, from Monday to Friday from 8am-8pm.

1 in 4 Australians are incontinent

Sunshine Hospital continence clinic manager Susan Cronin. (Damjan Janevski) 341459_01 Inset: Continence Foundation of Australia programs and projects manager Daniyela Rob. (Supplied)

Dust up over crushing pollution

By Cade Lucas

When Werribee’s Joe Camilleri complained about dust coming from the nearby Harpley estate development owned by construction giant Lendlease, he got a response he wasn’t expecting.

“Lendlease offered me a goodwill gesture of $300 to wash our unit down,“ he said.

“They offered me 15 vouchers so I could wash my car.”

The 73-year-old lives with his wife Margaret in the Ison Village retirement community in Bulban Road, just to the east of the Harpley development on McGrath Road.

While his home and car certainly need a wash thanks to the dust caused by rock crushing at the site, Mr Camilleri wasn’t

interested in a Band-Aid solution. “I don’t want money, I want the dust stopped,“ he said.

He’s not alone.

Star Weekly spoke to number of nearby residents and businesses about dust from the site, who say the problem has grown progressively worse over the past 18 months as Harpley has moved operations closer to Bulban Road and nearby homes. The rocks are excavated and crushed to prepare the site for construction, but when the wind blows, which is often, the dust coats the houses and buildings adjacent. “There’s dust everywhere,” said fellow Ison Village resident, Joe Shelly.

“It’s all over the cars and the dust is that thick on the window screens that you got to change the windscreen wiper rubbers.”

The Casaccio Egg Farm on the corner

Dogs are ready to read

Students at two Wyndham primary schools will have some unusual new classmates when term three begins next month.

Saltwater P-9 College in Point Cook and Tarneit Rise Primary School in Tarneit are the first Wyndham schools to participate in the Story Dogs program, where four-legged friends act as reading assistants for students struggling with literacy.

“Children are encouraged to read to the dogs, thus removing pressure to perform,” explained Story Dogs co-ordinator for Geelong and Wyndham, Karen Knuckey.

“The dogs provide a calm, non judgemental audience and children can relax and have fun while reading. These children are often below level and don’t particularly want to

read – until they read to the dogs.”

The national non-profit program has been running since 2009 and operates in primary schools, mostly with students in year two.

“It’s been identified as the optimal time to bring in additional assistance,” said Ms Knuckey.

“We introduced it to Wyndham schools and they have responded positively and can see the benefit it will bring to their students.”

The dogs belong to volunteers and all but restricted breeds are accepted, though temperament and behaviour tests are required.

Ms Knuckey said she was hopeful of expanding the program beyond the two initial schools.

of Bulban and McGrath Road have also complained about the dust, but stress that it has not affected their birds or the safety of their products.

For Mr Camilleri though, the possible health effects of breathing in the dust is his biggest concern. “I used to do health and safety in construction. We’re gonna end up with silicosis here or emphysema,” he said, pointing out he gets regular nosebleeds, while neighbours have reported coughing and tight chests.”

Mr Shelly, 77, is also worried about where the rocks causing the dust come from.

“This is all coming out of digging deep in mud. What’s in the bottom of there?” said Mr Shelly who made to a complaint to the Environmental Protection Authority last

week was dismissed.

StarWeeklyunderstandsbasaltrockisbeing crushed at the site and was tested to ensure it was safe before crushing commenced.

In a statement, a spokesman for Lendlease said: “The health and safety of our residents, contractorsandthecommunityisournumber one priority.

“All works on site adhere to strict council and regulatory requirements for monitoring and managing dust impacts.”

The EPA and Wyndham council have inspected the site.

The EPA said Mr Shelly’s complaint had been received and was being investigated. Council was contacted for comment. It is estimated the works will continue for the next 12 to 18 months.

HEALTHCARE CAREERS at Cherry Creek Youth Justice Precinct

Assistant principal Hayley Mann, volunteer Kelly Marshall, Spike. year 2 student Lois and volunteer Jen Williamson with Hunter. (Photo by Damjan Janevski). 341599_04

An exciting partnership

“We’re in the midst of painting Melbourne red.”

Liverpool Football Club’s Kevin Kalinko is up front about why the English Premier League giant has entered into partnership with Emmanuel College in Point Cook and Altona North.

Having established similar partnerships with schools across the rest of Melbourne, Liverpool scoured the western suburbs to complete the set.

“We were looking a for a school in Melbourne’s west that shared the same set of values with Liverpool Football Club, those being ambition, commitment, dignity and unity” said Kalinko, the club’s international academies Australia director.

ThatsearchtookthemtoEmmanuelCollege inPointCookandAltonaNorth,traditionally one of the west’s school soccer powerhouses.

“In our first meeting it had become evident thatourselectionhadbeentherightselection” said Kalinko, who was on hand for the launch at Emmauel’s Notre Dame campus in Point Cook on Wednesday.

Former Matildas goalkeeper and long time Emmanuel College coach Melissa Barbieri was also present, while school alumni such as Socceroos debutant Jordon Bos – in China preparing to play World Cup winners Argentina in a friendly – sent video messages.

Bos is among a host of professional players who’ve come through Emmanuel under the tutelageofitslongtimeheadofsoccerMichael Pincher.

“They saw the program we had running at the college for nearly 15 years was aligned with what they wanted to do,” said Pincher of what attracted Liverpool.

“It’s literally just transferring what we’re doing and combing the two together now,” he said.

Under the partnership, Liverpool’s high-performance school soccer program will be based at the school, but made available to to young people across the west, not just Emmanuel students.

Citizenship catch-up

As the fastest growing local government area in the country and one of its most multicultural, Wyndham is used to welcoming new arrivals, but now many are becoming Australian citizens too.

Nearly 7000 residents became citizens between January and April this year, after Wyndham council increased citizenship ceremonies to clear a backlog created during Covid. Twenty-five citizenship ceremonies were held over the period including threeso-called‘SuperCeremonyDays’ which granted 500 citizenships each.

Wyndham Mayor Susan McIntyre said by the end of last year more than 5000 people were waiting to become citizens.

“We understand how important citizenship is to our community and we recognised that the wait time was a significant issue. So, we responded to that need to ensure that citizenship ceremonies happen promptly,” Cr McIntyre said.

Ceremonies were held on weekdays andweekendsatthreedifferentvenues, the Wyndham Civic Centre, Encore Events Centre and the Wyndham Cultural Centre.

Wyndham council plans to have held 32 ceremonies and conferred more than 8000 new citizens by the end of this month.

Coaching,holidayprogramsandvocational training will also be offered.

Details: http://www.lfcacademy.com.au

ONEWyndham

The latest ceremony day was held duringRefugeeWeekatEncoreEvents Centre on June 19.

Young Person of the Month

Anjali Sharma Murad Mamiyo Meesha GunawardenaPujitha

Raidah Parvez

February WinnerMarch WinnerApril WinnerMay Winner Akesh Surujpal

June Winner

Cade Lucas

Emmanuel and Liverpool have signed a partnership.

Emmanuel students will have the chance to join the Liverpool academy.

Calls grow to ease rates burden

By Cade Lucas

Wyndham council is being urged to step in and help struggling mortgage holders in the municipality by reducing or suspending their rates.

Mortgage Stress Victoria legal director Matthew Martin said households struggling with mortgage repayments were ratepayers too, and after repeated interest rate rises, councils were one of the few organisations that could offer them relief.

“Any mortgage holder has to pay council rates as well and if you fall in arrears on your council rates your property is at risk of being repossessed,” said Mr Martin who is based

in Wyndham as part of Mortgage Stress Victoria’s parent company, non-profit legal service, West Justice.

He urged councils and banks to make special arrangements for ratepayers and customers in mortgage stress.

Wyndham is one of the country’s largest mortgage belts, with more than 43,000 households paying off loans.

Mr Martin said the latest rate hike on June 6, which lifted them to an 11 year high of 4.10 per cent, had tipped many over the edge.

“There’s been a particular spike since the most recent interest rate rise. “Our service is now booked out a month in advance whereas it used to only be a week or two.”

Glimspe of Pasifika life

The reality of Pasifika immigrant life in Melbourne’s west will be portrayed when Lele is performed at the Wyndham Cultural Centre on June 22 and 23.

Directed by Samoan-Australian creatives

Michael Logo, Chanella Macri and Rexson Pelman and featuring an all Pasifika cast, Lele is a fictional story set around a Samoan-Australian family torn apart by a brutal killing that sets off a tragic series of events.

An adaptation of Sophocles’ Greek tragedy, Antigone, Lele is a story of a family grappling with pride, violence, and grief and co-director Chanella Macri said it would resonate with pasifika communities in Wyndham and Melbourne’s west.

“Lele is a conversation with the Polynesian diasporasandtheimmigrantdiasporasherein

Australia about the identity crisis that occurs for a lot of us – and the depth of experiences that are part of that,” Ms Macri said.

Starring Ioane Ale Brown, the play is a production by not-for-profit theatre company Western Edge, which aims to give young peopleinthewesternsuburbstheopportunity to tell their own stories their own way.

Details: https://www.wyncc.com.au/whats_ on/lele_by_western_edge.

Mr Martin said the real difference compared to previous increases, wasn’t in the amount of people seeking help, but the type.

“We’re seeing a new cohort of people in financial hardship,” he said.

“People who haven’t had another life event happen to them, family violence, loss of employment, injury or mental health issues.

“Interest rate rises have just got unaffordable for them even though they work full time.”

Mortgage stress is defined as total household expenses outweighing income while having a mortgage and Mr Martin said growing suburbs like Tarneit and Point Cook were particularly exposed.

Along with crisis services like Mortage StressVictoria,hesaidstrugglinghouseholds should contact their council, bank, energy provider and other creditors to ask for assistance.

Wyndham corporate services director Mark Stoermer said residents facing financial hardship were encouraged to apply for help under council’s hardship policy which is available to owner occupier homeowners and offersarangeofassistanceincludingwaiverof penaltyinterest,waiveroflegalcosts,payment arrangements,andinsomecases,todeferpart of the rates.

Details: https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/ form/application-for-hardship-conside

...startshere

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

EXECUTIVE EXECUTIVE EXECUTIVE

REQUIRED REQUIRED REQUIRED

Cade Lucas

Ioane Ale Brown stars in Lele, playing at the Wyndham Cultural Centre on June 22 and 23. (supplied)

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

WANT YOUR

Wyndham Rotary

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

Diabetes Support Group

The Werribee Diabetes support group has been active in our community for over 18 years providing advice, information and support for members of the group. The support group provides an opportunity to hear from experts on how to manage your diabetes, to share information on diabetes and to engage with other diabetics. It meets at the old council shire buildings at 10 am every second Friday of the month.

■ Bob, 0409 252 872

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

Book sale

Friends of Altona Library hold a monthly book sale on the first Tuesday, Friday and Saturday of each month at the rear of Altona Library 123 Queen Street Altona, access via Coles carpark, from 10am to 1pm. https://libraries.hobsonsbay.

Yarraville Mouth Organ Band.

Practice is held on Fridays at 8.10pm in the band hall at 203 Williamstown Road, Yarraville. The band plays a wide range of songs from waltzes to lively tangos or polkas. Beginners or experienced players are welcome.

■ Heather, 9399 2190, or ymob1933@ yahoo.com.au

Altona Girl Guides

Altona Girl Guides currently have vacancies for girls aged 5-plus who would like to learn new skills, gain confidence,and expand their friendship circle while having fun. ■ hobsonsbay@guidesvic.org.au

Computers, crafts, conversation

Whatever your learning interests and needs, Outlets Newport Community Education Centre has hands-on, face-to-face classes for you or a friend. Contact the centre today to find something for you!

■ 9391 8504, or outlets@outletsco-op. com.au

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 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

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

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Dean Formosa celebrating his 500th WRFL match. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

SUDOKU

No. 61 7 48 1 35 4

1 Swallows liquid (6)

4 Extreme anger (8)

10 Row of columns and arches (9)

61 8 97 3 92 4

easy 54 478 71

45 89 18 3 59 7

61 9 29 7 92 84

75 9 2685 14 9

medium 67 3 13 98 2

3

hard

38 4 5164 97 2

DECODER WORDFIT 9-LETTER WORD

Today’s Aim:

16 words: Good

24 words: Very good

32 words: Excellent

A U A

A E

B

G E E K R

aerobe, bake, baker, bare, barer, barge, bargee, bark, barker, beak, beaker, bear, bearer, beer, berg, boar, borage, bore, borer, brae, brag, brake, break, breaker, broke, broker, BROKERAGE, garb, grab, grebe, kerb, robe

No. 138

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”. R O C A S

D E S C L A P S A U R A L S N O R E E A S E D D R E S S

1 What is the capital of Tahiti?

3 Whose first novel was AnOpen Swimmer, published in 1981?

4 The vibraphone belongs to which family of musical instruments?

5 Suryavarman II was a 12thcentury king of what empire?

6 And in what country is the empire now located?

7 In what year did the Sydney Harbour Bridge open?

8 Independent senator Lidia Thorpe (pictured) won which electoral district in the 2017 by-election?

9 In a game of marbles, what is it to phernudge?

10 Molochhorridus is the Latin name for which Australian lizard?

LETTERS ALE AMP ATE BOA CAP DUD EGO EKE EVE EWE FEE GOO IRE KEG KEN MEN NEE NOD NOR PAT PEA PEG SAC TIE 4 LETTERS ANEW ARTS DABS DADS ERAS GAPS INTO NEST PEAR SCAB SEWN SUBS TREK WEAR 5 LETTERS ACUTE AFTOS AGAIN ALIEN ALIVE ALTAR APING APRIL AROMA AWAIT BAGEL BELLY CARGO CHINA CIRCA CREPT DEEDS DIRGE DOING DUNGS EAGER EATEN HOVER IMAGE INEPT MANIA METRO NANAS NEARS NOSES OCCUR PACES PASSE PEACE PENCE PERCH POUCH RODEO SAGER SANER SCENT SEDAN SHEDS SNIDE SONGS STONY STOOL STREW TRADE TRUED 6 LETTERS APPEAR DAMNED KENNEL MAKERS 7 LETTERS ATONING CONTAIN DUSTMEN EVASION IMITATE TORPEDO 8 LETTERS CHAIRING CREDENCE ECONOMIC ROMANTIC 12 345678910111213 1415 1617181920212223242526 W V S A L K Z T J Y R P B I M G X E U F D N O H C Q 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 23-06-23 Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com 895432617 469173528 582347196 326719854 253864971 971286345 147658239 718925463 634591782 easy medium hard 842791356 316875924 634958271 593246817 478329165 187632549 761583492 259164783 925417638 198426573 419652837 987263145 632875419 853197624 364519782 745931268 276348951 521784396 1 14 7 20 2 15 8 21 3 16 9 22 4 17 10 23 5 18 11 24 6 19 12 25 13 26 HQ ANSWERS: 1. Papeete 2. Roof 3. Tim Winton 4. Percussion 5. The Khmer Empire 6. Cambodia 7. 1932 8. Northcote 9. To play one's shot improperly by edging one's shooter over the line 10. Thorny dragon

No. 138

No. 138

No.

Derrimut Road

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

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

• Hoppers Crossing APCO Service Station 178 Morris Road

• Hoppers Crossing Hoppers Crossing Shopping Centre24-48

Old Geelong Road

• Hoppers Crossing Woodville Park Shopping CentreShop 20/70

Warringa Drive

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

• Hoppers Crossing Aqua Pulse Café 82 Derrimut Road

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

• Hoppers Crossing The Grange

Community Centre 260-280

Hogans Road

• Hoppers Crossing Hoppers Crossing

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

• Hoppers Crossing Super Lotto News

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

• Hoppers Crossing Woolworths

Supermarket

• Hoppers Crossing (Hogans Corner)

Corner Hogans Road & Derrimut Road

• Hoppers Crossing Tigers Club House

70 Old Geelong Road

• Hoppers Crossing Popeyes Kebabs

255 Old Geelong Road

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

• Laverton Ray White Real Estate 6/161 Railway Avenue

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

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

• Point Cook Featherbrook Shopping Centre 238 Boardwalk Boulevard

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

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

• Point Cook Jamieson Way Community Centre 59 Jamieson Way

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

• Point Cook Stockland Point Cook Shopping Centre Murnong Street

• Point Cook Saltwater Community Centre 153 Saltwater Promenade

• Point Cook Saltwater Coast Sales

Office 261 Saltwater Promenade

• Point Cook The Brooks 215S neydes Road

• Point Cook YPA Real Estate Shop

10/46-56 Tom Roberts Parade

• Point Cook Wyn City 36 Wallace Avenue

• Sanctuary Lakes Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club 70 Greg Norman Drive

• Sanctuary Lakes Sanctuary Lakes Resort 72 Greg Norman Drive

• Sanctuary Lakes Waterstone CaféSanctuary Lakes 72 Greg Norman Drive

• Sanctuary Lakes Sanctuary Lakes Real Estate 300 Point Cook Road

• Sanctuary Lakes Sanctuary Lakes Shopping Centre 300 Point Cook Road

• Tarneit Tarneit Central Shopping Centre 540 Derrimut Road

• Tarneit NewsXpress - Riverdale Village SC 200 Hummingbird Boulevard

• Tarneit Penrose Promenade Community Centre 83 Penrose Promenade

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

• Tarneit Wyndham Village Shopping Centre 380 Sayers Road

• Tarneit Shell Service Station 380 Sayers Road (Wyndham Village

‘soap opera’

Shopping Centre)

• Tarneit Barry Plant Real Estate Shop

9, 380 Sayers Road (Wyndham Village Shopping Centre)

• Tarneit Community Centre - Tarneit 150 Sunset Views Boulevard

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

• Truganina Koomail Tardy Community Centre 117 Alcock Road

• Truganina Palm Lakes Resort 7 Taronga Road

• Truganina Arndell Park Community Centre 29-49 Federation Boulevard

• Werribee Eagles Stadium Café 35

Ballan Road

• Werribee Ison Village 150-168 Bulban Road

• Werribee Casaccio Egg Farm 170-198 Bulban Road

• Werribee IGA Supermarket 92-94 Cottrell Street

• Werribee Mercy Place Wyndham 39 Deutgam Street

• Werribee Werribee Park Motor Inn 112-124Duncans Road

• Werribee Italian Sports Club 601 Heaths Road

• Werribee The Woman’s Hub 236 Hoppers Lane

• Werribee St Vincent’s Private Hospital 240 Hoppers Lane

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

• Werribee Wyndham City Council 45 Princes Highway

• Werribee Werribee Mercy Hospital Coffee Shop300Princes Highway

• Werribee SIMS IGAWerribee Village Cnr Shaws & Tarneit Rd

• Werribee Tatts Lotto16Station Place

• Werribee Westwoods First National1Synnot Street

• Werribee Werribee RSL2A Synnot Street (Kelly Park)

• Werribee Werribee Fersh Market2/57Synnot Street

• Werribee OBrien Real EstateShop 2/85Synnot Street

• Werribee Cellarbrations 52-54 Vincent Crescent

• Werribee Professionals Triwest 6a Watton Street

• Werribee Bendigo Bank 42 Watton Street

• Werribee P. Di Natale Real Estate 44

Watton Street

• Werribee Coles Supermarket 143 Watton Street

• Werribee Wyndham Cultural Centre 177

Watton Street

• Werribee Hodges Werribee Level 1/1 Watton Street

• Werribee Raine and HorneShop 4, 1-13

Watton Street

• Werribee Barry Plant Real Estate 21

Watton Street

• Werribee YPA Real Estate 1 Werribee Street

• Werribee Wyndham Private Medical Centre 242 Hoppers Lane

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

• Werribee South Werribee South General Store 785 Duncans Road

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

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

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

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

• Wyndham Vale BP Service Station 210 Ballan Road

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

• Wyndham Vale IGA Wyndham Vale 50 Honour Avenue

• Wyndham Vale Iramoo Community Centre 84 Honour Avenue

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

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

RELIGIOUS NoticeDear heartofJesus,inthepast Ihaveaskedformany favours.ThistimeIask you,thisveryspecialone (mentionfavour).Takeit, thedearheartofJesus, andplaceitwithyourown brokenheart,whereyour fatherseesit.Theninhis mercifuleyes,itwill becomeyourfavour,not mine.Amen.Sayforthree days,promisepublication, andyourfavourwillbe granted.

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.

Genesis GV60 ‘goes like crazy’

By Ewan Kennedy and Julie Saville

TheGenesisGV60isthesmallestofthreeSUVs from Hyundai’s luxury sub-brand behind the mid-sized GV70 and large GV80.

Each of the three models get different powertrain choices, the GV80 comes with turbo-petrol or diesel, as does the GV70 but with an EV option added. Our test vehicle, the GV60, is electric only.

Genesis GV60 sits on the same platform as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 with potential buyers sure to line up the three siblings alongside each other.

Firstly, while the Ioniq 5 and EV6 comes with the option of front-wheel drive, that is with single motor on the front axle, the GV60 is AWD only with a second motor on the rear axle.

Power and torque when comparing the GV60 with the AWD Ioniq 5 and EV6, is almost identical at around 234 kW and 605 Nm with the GV60’s range of 454 km slightly less than the Hyundai (470 km) and Kia (484 km). The GV60 EV Performance variant lifts power to 320 kW but with no change in torque.

The most noticeable difference is price, with the GV60 EV selling for $107,700 compared with the Ioniq 5 AWD Techniq ($77,500) and the EV6 GT-Line ($87,590). All are before on-road costs.

Styling

Though it’s called an SUV by Genesis, the GV60 is very coupe-like in its appearance. It’s streamlined from the bonnet to the rear spoiler, has a short front overhang and sits on a long wheelbase at 2900 mm.

The Genesis signature Crest Grille is in a lower position than in other GV models that have internal combustion engines. This is to make for the different cooling requirements specific to the dedicated high-performance EV platform.

Julie says, “This is a beautiful car. It has this gorgeous feminine rounded shape with a beautiful bottom. It is sort of half way between SUV and sedan.

“By far the most beautiful thing about the GV60 EV we road tested is the colour aqua green sea glass. It is beautiful and light and jewel-like. Almost like an opal.”

Interior

The interior design of the GV60 has what Genesis says “the ethos of the Beauty of White Space’ while seeking to create a spacious and comfortable interior.”

Julie says, “Combine this gorgeous exterior withacreamandseagreenleatherinteriorand this vehicle is just a delight to be in. It brings a smile to your face. With the super sleek remote you are set to drive off into the wild blue yonder.”

Passengers in the rear seat have plenty of legroom although the floor is slightly higher because the battery pack is under the floor. Also, the sloping rear window may make it a little tight for those travelling there. We suggest you take anyone who will be travelling in the back seats to come along when you’re considering a GV60 and see how they find the seats.

To make the GV60 more sustainable, various parts are created with eco-friendly and recycled materials. The seats, door armrests, console armrests, and crash pads are made with plant-based leather.

The seat covers and door centre trims have fabrics made with yarns extracted from recycled PET bottles and fishing nets.

Infotainment

TheGV60isthefirstGenesismodeltocombine the instrument clusters and navigation into a panoramic display where the content is connected throughout in clusters, navigation and head up display.

Sound is through a premium 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen with a sound control interface to provide a choice different sound mixes including Relax, Energetic, Bright and Warm.

Powertrain

GV60 has combined power of 234 kW, 74 kW from the front motor and 160 kW from the rear. The GV60 Performance steps that up to 360 kW, 180W at both front and rear.

Both variants feature a 77.4kWh battery which provide a driving range of 470km (WLTP) per charge for the base model and 466km (WLTP) per charge for the Performance variant.

Transmission in our test car is to all four wheels through what you could call a single-speed automatic transmission.

Safety

Standard safety features start with 10 airbags including a rollover-resistant curtain ‘bags and advanced ABS brakes.

Other features include Lane Keeping Assist, High Beam Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Advance Rear Occupant Alert, and Multi-Collision Braking System.

Driving

Julie says, “The GV60 has space. It feels very comfortable getting into the driver’s seat. There is plenty of leg space and the seat is not toolow.Ihavesatinalltheseatsinthecarand

theyareallverycomfortablewithsufficientleg room. In the driver’s seat the feeling of space is increased by the sweep of the dashboard and the uncluttered instrument panel. Wait until you see the gear control at night!”

The door mirrors aren’t mirrors! Rather the view to the side-rear of the GV60 is provided by cameras that take a picture of the what is happening and transmits it to small TV screens inside the doors.

While this works well, we found it distracting at times because the screen on the driver’s door is too close. On motorways things are flashing past very quickly, particularly when in the fast lane.

Perhaps if I owned and drove a GV60 driving the car all the time I would learn to tune out from this. Maybe we should borrow a test car for at least a month and find out…

Anyhowlet’sgetawayfromthedoormirrors and talk about driving this fascinating car. This is a fascinating car in many ways, the door handles pop up when the driver approaches the car with their smart key.

The GV60 can recognise two faces, then adjust the settings for the driver’s seat, steering wheel and door mirrors.

There are three drive modes to choose from, Eco, Normal and Sport. The Eco setting makes the GV60 accelerate relatively gently. The Normal mode is the one we used for most our driving as we feel that’s what most

$114,700

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

owners would do.

The Sport mode makes it go like a rocket and provide instant grunt to help you overtake in a short space when you see a chance to get past a slower car during country driving. Or you can simply use it just for the fun it provides!

The i-PEDAL regenerative braking mode enables a single-pedal driving strategy that allowsacceleration,decelerationandstopping of the vehicle using only the accelerator

Step into the back seats and the car’s nearly 2950 mm wheelbase affords rear passengers a huge amount of legroom, but as I noted above, the higher floor (due to the battery pack) and sloping rear window line may make the back seat a little less pleasant for taller occupant. Try before you buy…

Summing up

The Genesis GV60 EV is a most impressive piece of automotive engineering. It goes like crazy when you give it a boot full yet is happy to run quietly and gently around town. Would I buy one? Not at this time, it’s very expensive and while the range is pretty good it still takes time to charge it up and that can be a pain at times.

It has a five-year unlimited distance warranty on everything with the exception of the high-voltage battery which is warranted for eight years and 160,000 kilometres.

The Genesis GV60 is a stylish and efficient electric vehicle. (Pictures: Supplied)

New name reflects club’s Point Cook location

Sanctuary Lakes Cricket Club has a new name, more reflective of the club’s location and the direction it is heading going forward.

The club announced that after consultation with members, the club would be known as the Point Cook Centrals Cricket Club.

Club vice-president Brett Talbot said it was an exciting time for the club.

“We aren’t located in Sanctuary Lakes,” he said. “We’re located in Point Cook.

“We’ve aligned a little bit with the footy club as well and this ticks the boxes and makes sense with the direction and where we are heading.

“It made sense and it represents who we are.”

Talbot said part of the reason for changing the name was that when people searched the internet for cricket club’s in Point Cook, the club’s details were hard to find.

With the name change such a big decision, thecommitteespokewiththeclubcommunity to make sure they were behind the decision and to understand why they were doing it.

He said they were supportive of the

committee’s decision.

The Point Cook Centrals Football Club changed its name from Sanctuary Lakes to Point Cook Centrals in late 2017.

Talbot said the name change was the latest change at the club, with a lot of hard work being put in the last 12 to 24 months.

“We’re creating more opportunities and pathways,” he said. ‘There was more positive news and getting a little bit of traction out of the Cricket Victoria award and finishing second in Australia.

“It’s a good thing and the next part of the plan is to continue that growth.”

The club has two junior programs running through the off season, the Shark Academy for six to 11-year-olds and the extensive program for kids aged between 13 and 18.

The Sharks have also been busy preparing forthenextVictorianTurfCricketAssociation division 5 season.

The club made finals last season.

Talbot said they would start announcing recruits in the coming weeks.

Suns are back on track

By Tara Murray

TheSunsarebackontrackafterarealitycheck

before a couple of weeks off in the Western Region Football League division 3.

AfteracomprehensivelossagainstSunshine Heights, their first for the season, the Suns then had the bye and the weekend off with the King’s Birthday weekend.

They were back in action on Saturday against Tarneit.

Suns coach Dean Cachia said the loss was a big wake up call for them.

“Theycamewithaplanwhichtheyexecuted perfectly and they completely outplayed us.

“We needed to get back to work. It was a kick in the arse, which we needed.”

Cachia said they had a week off to freshen up over their break before two hard weeks of training.

He said that it had paid off.

“Things are going well, we had a couple of weeks off,” he said. “It was a good three week block. The boys have come back reinvigorated for the second half of the season. We’ve got our spark back but there’s still a lot of work ahead of us.”

OnSaturday,theSunsaccountedforTarneit in tricky conditions.

The Suns jumped out of the blocks with 19 scoring shots in the opening term to blow the game open.

The Suns were able to extend the lead throughout the rest of the match, but missed an opportunity to have a really big win.

The Suns took home the points, winning 13.27 (105)-5.5 (35).

Cachia said they came with a better attitude and it reflected in the result.

“It was a really windy day,” he said. “We didn’t execute in front of goals kicking 13.27. A lot of those points were in front, 15-20 metres out directly in front.

“We should be kicking those goals. It was a good game for quarters, we just didn’t execute in front of goal.

“I was happy how we bounced back.”

Daniel Hovey kicked four goals for the Suns in the win.

Cachia said Paul Tomelty, Christopher Lear andBrendanWilsonwerethethreestandouts.

The Suns this week face North Sunshine in a battle between top and bottom and then play Albanvale the following week.

“There are three teams leading out front, us and Albanvale and Sunshine Heights in the other,” he said.

“It’s a massive game in two weeks time. We still respect North Sunshine this week but looking at results it could be a pretty tough game for them.”

United locks in keepers

Western United has locked in its goalkeepers for the next A-League Men’s season.

United has gone with youth, with Tom Heward-Belle and Matt Sutton joining the green and black.

Both keepers have signed for the club after their teams had participated in the finals series this year, with Heward-Belle arriving from Sydney FC and Sutton departing defeated grand finalists Melbourne City.

Ahead of their arrival in the west, Heward-Belle and Sutton each expressed their excitement ahead of a new challenge in the A-League.

Heward-Belle said, “I’m super excited to join Western United and I am honoured to be given an opportunity at the club.

“I’m keen to start pre-season, hit the ground running, apply myself and get to know my new teammates.

“I’mlookingforwardtothechallenge ahead and I’m proud to be adding to an already successful team culture.”

Sutton added,” “I’m absolutely stoked to be joining Western United, it’s a fantastic club with so much potential –I can’t wait to be part of it.

“I’m as keen to be involved on the pitch as I am off it, helping to grow the club in the west – I want to contribute in every way possible to help the club achieve greatness.”

United coach John Aloisi spoke of his delight at securing the signatures of two top goalkeepers for the upcoming campaign.

“We are extremely pleased to have Tom and Matt joining our club,” he said. “Both are top quality goalkeepers and people who will fit perfectly into our group.

“Both players have experience in top environments, being part of championship-winning teams and knowing what it takes to be successful even at such an early stage in their careers.

“Tom and Matt have a mixture of exciting qualities in goal and are eager to continue to learn and develop. We are looking forward to seeing them compete with each other throughout the season.”

Tara Murray

(Supplied)

In other games, Sunshine Heights snuck home against West Footscray, while Laverton beat North Sunshine. In division 1, Point Cook won the local battle against Point Cook Centrals in a

thriller for the second time this season, while Hoppers Crossing lost to Caroline Springs and Werribee Districts beat Spotswood. In division 2, Wyndhamvale lost to Sunshine.

Adam Moscatiello 333182_10

Logarzo named in provisional World Cup squad

WesternUnitedstarChloeLogarzo’sWomen’s World Cup dream remains alive after being named in Australia’s provisional squad for the cup.

Football Australia on Monday announced a 29 player squad which will participate in the final preparations for the cup which is being held in Australia and New Zealand.

Matildas’ coach Tony Gustavsson said the provisional squad reflects a significant commitment and hard work from players and staff over the past two and half years.

“From the first day of our first training session in 2021, we said it would take 23 in 23 for the FIFA Women’s World Cup and everyone would have a role to play in that journey,” he said.

“What we have seen is that it has actually taken more than 23 players to bring us to this moment and for that reason I am thrilled

to work with the players named in this provisional squad during the final phase of our preparation.

“I have been impressed by their full commitment at every step, and now we have the chance to fine-tune and solidify our game plan ahead of a phenomenally exciting couple of weeks.”

For Logarzo, the selection comes after a tough couple of years.

After an ACL injury, Logarzo joined Western United on a loan deal for the start of the season, coming off the bench as she regained her fitness.

She then returned to America, but was let go and she returned to United signing a deal until the end of the 2023-24 season.

A foot injury meant she didn’t get to play in thebackpartoftheA-LeagueWomen’sseason which included a grand final appearance for

United in its first season.

Logarzo has played 49 games for Australia netting eight goals.

Members of the provisional squad and staff will assemble on the Gold Coast, Queensland, to complete the final preparations for the tournament in a closed high-performance environment.

Australia will then move to Melbourne where they will host world number five France in its final pre-World Cup tune-up at Marvel Stadium on July 14.

Six players will be cut following the camp in Queensland.

Australia will commence its campaign against the Republic of Ireland on July 20 at Stadium Australia in Sydney before meeting Nigeria on July 27 at Brisbane Stadium, and completing their group play against Canada on July 31 at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.

400 milestone for Wood

By Tara Murray

Wyndhamvale’s Jayden Wood may have played 399 heading into the weekend, but it didn’t stop a few nerves ahead of game 400.

Wood, a two-time premiership player at the Falcons, a life member and senior captain, became the first player to play 400 games for the club in the Falcons reserves match against Sunshine on Saturday.

Speaking before the match, the man known as ‘Ducky’ said he was proud to have reached the milestone.

“I’m pretty nervous, it’s a weird feeling having played nearly 400 games,” he said.

“I didn’t think I would still be having a kick at 37. When you look at the number put on people it’s a long time.

“It’s a great feeling and I’m proud to be the first to play 400 at Wyndhamvale. It’s exciting.”

Wood has played his whole career at the Falcons having started with juniors. With his dad heavily invested in the club, it’s no surprise he was out on the field.

“My old man got me into under-9s when I was seven or eight, so it was a earlish start.

“My dad was a past president and he helped on the committee for a long time. He didn’t play a lot of footy, but did a lot off field.”

Wood said the 2015 senior premiership and then a reserves premiership last year were the two biggest highlights in his career.

He said the reserves flag last season was so unexpected, with him not thinking he would get another chance to win one.

“It was a really enjoyable year,” he said. “After so much time off with COVID, it was nice to play footy.

“I then thought I would keep going.”

While the premierships were special, the friendships is the biggest thing he will take away from his playing career.

“They are a big part of why I have kept playing at the club,” he said.

“There’s guys I played with for 10 years who are still some of my best mates. I might not see them as much, but you still cherish it and I still consider them my best mates.”

Wood said the biggest change he had seen

since he started was the younger players coming through the ranks.

Hesaidhefeltlikeakidwhenhefirststarted playing seniors, but many coming out of 18s these days weren’t.

“The younger guys have come through bigger and fitter,” he said. “I don’t feel like I was that when I first started.

“Maybe I’m just getting older.”

Wood wasn’t sure what the club had planned for the day, but said he was expecting a presentation and a number of friends and family in attendance.

TheFalconsreserveswereabletocomeaway with the win in a low scoring game. Wood was named in the best.

The milestone could be one of the last for Wood in Falcons colours, with him saying that this will be it.

“This year will be my last year, I live an hour away from the club,” he said.

“The travel with a young family, so I’ll finish up this year and look to get a kick in the supers with the old fellows and keep my body moving and a bit of fitness.”

Sports shorts

Soccer

Western United duo Jaclyn Sawicki and Angala Beard have been named in the Philippine squad for the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Sawicki has long been a member of the team, while Beard has been selected for the first time having previously played for the Matildas. She is eligible to represent the Philippines through her mother, who is from Cebu.The squad will be cut to 23 players for the tournament.

GDFL

Werribee Centrals had a solid win against the GW Giants in the Geelong and District Football League on Saturday. The Centurions opened up a 20 point lead at the first break and increased the lead by three points at the main break. The match was all but over when the Centurions kicked the only goal of the third quarter. The Giants won the last quarter but it was too late with the Centurions winning, 10.11 (71)-6.9 (45). Daryl Chesterman and Joshua MacDonald kicked three goals each.

WRFL

Werribee Centrals had a big win against the Yarraville Seddon Eagles on Friday night in the Western Region Football League women’s division 1 competition. The Centurions jumped out of the blocks and led by 21 points at half time. The second half was when they did most of the damage, kicking eight goals to none to win, 12/10 (82)-1.2 (8). Giselle Lambley kicked four goals in the win. In other matches, Point Cook Centrals lost to the Parkside Spurs, 5.5 (35)-3.1 (9).

NPL

Werribee City continued its good form with a good win against Northcote City on Friday night in the National Premier League 2. The Bees opened the scoring in the 13th minute and led by that margin at the main break. Northcote levelled the scores in the 53rd minute before the Bees found a second goal in the 73rd minute which would prove to be the winner. The

FOR MORE SPORT, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au

Wyndham Star Weekly @starweeklynews

@star_weekly

Chloe Logarzo has been named in the provisional Matildas squad. (Supplied)

Jayden Wood is carried from the ground after game 400. (Supplied)

WERRIBEE FOOTBALL CLUB

Werribee continues to impress its opponents

By Tara Murray

Werribee’s winning streak remains intact, but it wasn’t without a fright in the Victorian Football League on Saturday.

Having won its last seven games, Werribee faced another test against Carlton in windy conditions at Avalon Airport Oval.

Like so many of Werribee’s games this season, the game wasn’t a complete four quarter performance, but Werribee came out on top.

The Tigers had to come from 17 points behind at three quarter time, to get the win, kicking the winning goal in the 24th minute.

The Tigers claimed the points, 11.10 (76)-10.10 (70).

Coach Michael Barlow said the match was actually what they had expected going into the match.

“They are a good team, they have won three on the bounce,” he said.

“They were the strongest they had been all year with players like Jack Silvagni, Lewis Young and George Hewett in the team.

“We knew it would be a hard game. The best thing was we are still winning with having areas and gaps in our game.

“Particularly in the second and third quarters. They opened up some gaps and we were able to rectify that in the last quarter.”

Barlowsaidwhilemanygameswereaffected by wind on Saturday, with Avalon Airport Oval partly covered in, it wasn’t as bad as some other grounds.

He said the wind still played an impact in the game with a scoring end.

“We were going into the wind in the first quarter and the scores were level,” he said.

“The second quarter challenged us in terms of their ball use. Both teams were probably better into the wind in the first half.

“We turned that around in the second half, with the conditions improving in the second half.”

Barlow said the Blues had the better of the game in the middle two quarters, but they were able to respond in a seesawing game.

Despite trailing at the final break, Barlow said they had no hesitation that they couldn’t get the job done.

“We’ve got a fair bit of belief in what we can do in the last quarters,” he said.

“Gold Coast we come from behind. Casey we were even at three quarter time break and ran away with it.

“Southport earlier in the year too. It wasn’t about the result, wit was more about playing how we know we can.

“We stepped up in areas they were letting us down at three quarter time.”

Werribee started to win the contested ball and clearances and with it turned the game in its favour.

Barlow said they put the pressure on for the first 10-15 minutes before running away with it after that.

Barlow said the way that the group continued to respond was something that he was proud of.

“I’m full of admiration for the players,” he said. “The connected nature of the team of the players and the personnel and the believing in each other.

“Not everyone is a match winner. There are real moments in close games that add up and we’ll look at that during the week.”

Shaun Mannagh kicked three goals for Werribee including the last two of the match which sealed the victory.

Barlow said they had challenged Mannagh as three quarter time with his ball use not up to scratch in the first three quarters.

He also highlighted the role of Noah Lever in the final quarter, who played a role in both of those last two goals.

Tom Gribble led the way with 35 disposals while Mannagh had 28 and Kye Declase had 26 possessions.

Barlow said it was Gribble that led the way.

“It’s a bit of groundhog day,” he said. “Tom was definitely a four quarter performance and we didn’t have a huge amount on them on the day.

“The last six weeks have been as good as he has played since 2019 when I returned to the club and that says a lot.”

Nick Coughlan, Nathan Cooper and Jesse Clark were the other standouts.

The win now has Werribee in third spot and a game ahead of the chasing pack.

Barlow said they now start to look at the ladder and where they are.

“We planned out a block of seven weeks,” he said.

“Wehavealookandacknowledgethatwe’ve given ourselves a chance in the season.

“We chat about that fact and then we go straight back into the process.”

Werribee has a bye this week, with Barlow saying how they went about things this week was the first part of the next block of the season.

Tom Gribble continued to lead the way. (Belinda Vitacca Photography)

Shaun Mannagh celebrates kicking the winning goal. (Belinda Vitacca Photography)