Star Weekly - Wyndham - 12th July 2023

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Colour and creativity

Wyndham students might be returning to school this week, but one of the free school holiday programs is continuing.

Chromatica: Colour Play a free, interactive art exhibition will remain open at the Wyndham Cultural Centre until July 22. A joint initiative of Wyndham council and arts group Indirect Object, the exhibition includes installations, workshops and activities and is open from 11am to 3pm at the The Annex art space.

Wyndham councillor Marcel Mahfoud said Chromatica was about creating immersive, colourful experiences and art-based learning for children.

“The installations range from helping to create a glowing forest of 3D neon webs then seeing how it looks through a mirror prism to a large-scale modular kaleidoscope, where you can turn the wheels to create endlessly changing colour patterns.”

Chromatica is open from Wednesday to Saturday, but the workshops where children can learn how to recycle plastic and create mirror prisms from recycled cardboard, only run from Thursday to Saturday until July 15.

■ Pictures: Page 9

Time’s up for bingo club

By Cade Lucas

After more than 40 years, the Werribee Bingo Club has called ‘eyes down’ for possibly the final time.

Sunday’s meeting was the last at its Pacific Werribee home, with construction works and the end of its lease forcing the club to look elsewhere.

With no new venue found, the likes of Debbie Graham are have having to adjust to life without it.

“I’m 59 this year and I’ve been going there since I was 18,” said Ms Graham, an employee

of the club and one of many wondering how to fill the void it has left.

“Our bingo is a place where people come and meet up with friends and for some it’s all they’ve got.

“ For a lot of people, they mightn’t be able to get out to another bingo.”

Ms Graham is referring to the club’s mostly elderly membership, which while still sizeable, is increasingly immobile, complicating the search for a new home.

“With the elderly they can’t travel too far out, we’re trying to find a place in the near vicinity for our patrons,” she said.

“We need somewhere over 700 square metres with plenty of parking and hopefully near a bus stop.

“The parking is making it difficult.”

Werribee Bingo is among many tenants who’ve vacated Pacific Werribee since rectification works between Target and Myer began. However, unlike other tenants that have relocated elsewhere and plan to return upon completion, Pacific Werribee’s general manager Ryan Ling said the the bingo club and shopping centre had already decided to part ways.

“While this closure does coincide with broader works occurring in the same area as

Werribee Bingo, their departure is unrelated and follows a significant period of close and coordinated strategic planning,” Mr Ling said.

“We thank Werribee Bingo for the important social services they have provided the local community over the past 40 years, and we are very proud to have been able to partner with them over that journey.”

Werribee Bingo chairman Dominic Cichello confirmed the decision to leave Pacific Werribee was mutual.

“Whilst Werribee Bingo is taking a break, we look forward to announcing our new location when our plans are finalised,” he said.

Artist Michael Bevitt at the Chromatica art exhibition. (Damjan Janevski). 344396_01

New view of expedition

By Cade Lucas

It’s not often that people change the course of history, but Werribee’s Lance Pritchard may well have re-written it.

After a chance discovery at the State Library followed by years of research, the amateur historian believes the 1824 Hume and Hovell expedition, the first to travel overland from NSW to Victoria, ended in Point Cook rather than Corio Bay.

“I have absolutely no doubt the expedition terminated at the Werribee River,” said Mr Pritchard, who has detailed his case in a new book ‘Hume and Hovell Expedition Second Edition,’ launched earlier this year.

The bicentenary of the expedition is next year,butitwasn’tuntilattendinganexhibition at the State Library in 2018, that Mr Pritchard realised its recorded history might be wrong.

“There was this book from the Red Book Collection with a fallout map and I’ve never seen this map before,” said Mr Pritchard of how his investigation began.

“And I just sort of glanced at the map and I said to my wife, I said, ‘gee, this shows that they didn’t get down to Corio Bay and Geelong’ and that’s sort of what stood out to me.

I thought, ‘at some stage, I must see if I can find Hovell’s journal’.

Once he did, Mr Pritchard found a meticulous account that matched what he’d seen in the library.

Mr Pritchard said after crossing the Great Dividing Range at Wallan, Hovell’s directions led to Point Cook, not Geelong.

“Hovell does not mention traveling in a south-westerly direction and to get down to Geelong, you’ve got to put a huge amount of south-westerly travel.”

Mr Pritchard’s book also uses charts and

bearings recorded by Hovell on the first day of their return journey, to back his version of events.

They show the expedition had landed at Point Gellibrand in Williamstown, a distance that could be covered from Point Cook in a day, but not Geelong.

“One is north 76 east which lines up perfectly for Mount Dandenong.

“The other one lines up perfectly for Mount Beenak, which is north 85 east.

World Cup celebration

Football fans across the west are invited to celebrate the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Wyndham.

WyndhamcouncilwillhostaFootball Fever Celebration on Saturday, July 22, from 11am-2pm, at Wyndham Park.

The event will feature interactive football activities, lively roving entertainment, free face painting, captivating music, and an array of food trucks offering delicious snacks to indulge in.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet players from Western United and participate in free come-and-try sessions hosted by Wyndham’s football clubs.

Additionally, every participant will receive their very own Football Fever Kids Activity Passport to take home.

As part of the event, the USA versus Vietnam match, which is being played in Auckland, will be live-streamed, followed by free football gaming on the big screen, where you’ll be able to challenge your friends to a FIFA match.

Wyndham mayor Susan McIntyre invited football fans from across the west to be part of the celebrations.

Providing a helping foot

Unsurprisingly for a personal trainer, Point Cook’s Chevy Lowndes had a lot of spare sneakers lying around.

“I had like half a dozens pairs of sneakers that were sitting there gathering dust and I thought ‘I’m not gonna give them to an op-shop to make money.”

What she decided to do with them was surprising though.

“I thought I’m gonna give them to a charity or organisation that supports those less fortunate.”

That was two and half years ago.

Today, those half a dozen dusty sneakers havemorphedintothousandsofshoesthatMs Lowndes provides to those in need through her charity Sneaker Rescue.

“I collect people’s good condition retired sneakers and then they go directly to the services who provide for those less fortunate,” explained Ms Lowndes of how Sneaker Rescue distributes the shoes which is done with the assistance of another not-for-profit,

Anonymous X.

“I just rang them and asked if I could drop some sneakers off and ever since then they’ve been extremely helpful and I really appreciate their support,” said Ms Lowndes of AnonymousXwhoparkattheQueenVictoria Market and give away the sneakers as well as dropping them off at other locations.

The sneakers are provided to homeless people, women and children feeling domestic violence as well as the growing cohort struggling to pay bills.

Ms Lowndes said for these people, sneakers were more than just sports shoes.

“People don’t realise how important sneakers are.

“You see homeless people on the street and they’re wearing thongs in winter.

“It’s important to have good sneakers to take care of your feet and to give you a sense of dignity.”

For more information, search for Sneaker Rescue on Instagram.

“Now, you can’t reconcile those two angles and with anywhere else down the shore of Port Phillip Bay.”

So why the discrepancy?

Mr Pritchard puts it down to Hume’s account being written 30 years later to coincide with an anniversary celebrated in the Geelong media, along with dose of ego and dishonesty.

The Royal Historical Society Victoria declined to comment.

“Join us as we proudly celebrate Wyndham’s involvement in the World Cup! Galvin Park, serving as a training camp base for the Morocco women’s nationalfootballteamduringthisgrand tournament,” she said.

“Being part of the largest women’s sporting event is an incredible honour for Wyndham.”

Point Cook personal trainer Chevy Lowndes gives sneakers to people in need. (Damjan Janevski).

Werribee’s Lance Pritchard has published a history book that claims a famous expedition ended in Wyndham. (Damjan Janevski). 344552_01

Werribee rescues award

By Cade Lucas

TheWerribeeCFARescueTeamhasconfirmed its status as one of the country’s elite units, by winning two events and finishing third overall at the national titles in Adelaide earlier this month.

The six person Werribee crew took out both the time critical and entrapped events at the Australasian Rescue Challenge and were only beaten by first-placed Adelaide and second-placed Toowoomba.

Despite winning the NSW title earlier this year, Werribee team leader Daniel May said the results were above expectations.

“Well above, we didn’t anticipate winning those events,” said May.

“We’re up against some of the better teams in Australasia and there were teams from England and Hong Kong too.

“Twenty-five teams overall.”

MrMayexplainedthateachrescueisjudged against three criteria.

“There’s three disciplines, command, technical and medical and scenarios are drawn up at random to replicate road crashes that have happened.”

Along with the two categories they won, Werribee finished third in the industrial rescue event, fourth in the technical team category and Mr May was adjudged the fourth best team leader.

He said these results justified the amount of preparation the team had put in.

“There’s a huge amount of effort and training that goes into these competitions.

“Logistics, months of training, accessing cars.”

Given these competitions are all based on motor vehicle accidents, cars are needed in order to prepare.

Mr May called on anyone with old vehicles

to get in touch.

“Any cars that the community is willing to donate to the brigade, we’re always looking.” Serving the community is ultimately what emergency services are all about and mr May said competing in events like the one in Adelaide will help them do that.

Nine on art prize shortlist

Ninelocalartistswereamongthefinalists for the 2023 Wyndham Art Prize.

Seventy-one artists and creatives were shortlisted for the awards, selected from a record 550 entries.

WyndhamcouncillorMarcelMahfoud said submissions for the 2023 awards were not just greater in number, but also in ambition and complexity.

“This year’s entries saw an increase in sculptural forms including larger scale suspended works, various ceramic techniques and fibre practices.

“The artworks submitted explored current global themes such as the effects of war on global upheaval and the concerns of social inequity.”

Nowinitsninthyear,thecontemporary art prize attracts entries from across the country vying for awards including the $2500 People’s Choice Award, the $5000 Local Emerging Art Prize and the $15,000overallWyndhamArtPrize.The winnerswillbeannouncedatagalaevent on August 16 at the Wyndham Cultural Centre, where all shortlisted entries will be on display until October 22.

Both the gala opening and exhibition are free, and Cr Mafoud encouraged members of the public to come along.

“It’s a great opportunity to network with other teams across Australasia, refine our techniques and learn new things as well.

“We’ll bring those techniques back to the wider brigade and it assists in our rescue response capability to Wyndham.”

“The exhibition provides the community with a chance to experience both fabulous skill and conceptual thought that underpin contemporary art practices.”

Details:https://www.wyndham.vic. gov.au/whats-on/wyndham-art-prizegala-event.

Cade Lucas

BY RCA VILLAGES

The Werribee CFA Rescue Team competing at the national titles in Adelaide.

Dreaming of the AFL

Harper Sercombe finds out more about the key draft prospects from Melbourne’s northern and western suburbs who could work their way onto an AFL list come November.

As the boys’ under-18s championships come to end, it’s time to start working out who may work their way onto an AFL list.

The Calder Cannons, Western Jets and Northern Knights have long been touted as ‘footy factories’ producing some sensational AFL players such as Dane Swan, Eddie Betts, Marcus Bontempelli, Trent Cotchin, Matthew Lloyd and many, many others.

However, it’s been a long nine years since a first round boys’ selection has come from all three clubs, but that could change come November.

Of the 36 boys selected in this year’s Vic Metro squad, 11 came from the three Coates Talent League clubs. Five as bottom agers, six as draft candidates.

Of the eligible, three stand tall, the Knights’ Nate Caddy, the Jets’ Logan Morris and the Cannons’ Jordan Croft.

The trio are poised for early selections on draft night.

Caddy, the highest ranked of the three, is a powerful 192 centimetre forward-mid, with elite aerial prowess and goal nous.

The Knight had an interrupted start to his draft year, missing round one of the talent league season due to a hairline fracture in his leg.

Since then Caddy has gone from strength to strength, building upon the fitness that he says was lacking upon return from injury.

“[I] probably [came back] a bit too quick, but I was very eager to get back,” he said.

“It’snormallyaboutasixweekinjury,Ithink I only gave it about three and half, four weeks.

“I came in with not much fitness … but I used that time over the community break to really build on it.

“I think I’ve come back a better player and a lot more fit.”

This is evident in his performance. Caddy has only played the four games for the Knights this season. In rounds two and three he had a combined five goals, three behinds and 25 disposals.

That’s compared to his 10 goals, six behinds and an average of 23 disposals from his two most recent appearances.

The fitness Caddy gained has allowed him to be utilised as a burst midfield weapon for the Knights, being placed in the guts for the first five minutes of each quarter.

Vic Metro coach Rob Harding said Caddy is the complete package.

“Nate’s obviously a fantastic talent, his aerial power and his ability to follow up, and get after the ball on ground level, he’s smart around the goals, he just does everything well,” he said.

The dangerous forward also demonstrated his abilities in his Victorian Football League debut for Carlton where he scored two goals.

Caddy missed the first of Metro’s four carnival games to illness, but returned in its loss to the Allies on July 2.

Metro teammate of Caddy, the Jets’ Logan Morrisisanotherhighlyrankeddraftprospect.

Morrisisa191centimetrehybridplayerwho has been dominating up forward for the Jets booting 21 goals in his six outings for the club. However, he has been thrown down back for Vic Metro in an attempt by recruiters to test out his versatility.

Harding said the move was to try and fill a void within the AFL for key defenders.

“In our case at Metro this year we have Ollie Murphy (Sandringham Dragons) and Christian Mardini (Northern Knights) as genuinetalldefenders...there’sprobablyalack of key defenders at the moment,” he said.

“For Logan ... it’s about giving those guys an opportunity in a role where there’s

a clear need.”

Morris said he sees the change as a major positive for his football.

“It’s just great having that flexibility to be able to play both forward and back,” he said.

“I think I fit in pretty well, and I’m enjoying playing down back.”

Morris said he could see himself playing a more permanent role as a defender and enjoying the freedom that comes with it.

“It’s probably a bit easier to read the ball and I find it a bit easier to play back than play that forward role,” he said.

For Morris, fitness has also been a major focus point to get himself prepared for the year, with running sessions three times a week in the preseason trying to get really fit.

Western Bulldogs father-son prospect Jordan Croft from the Calder Cannons is another that has been turning heads.

Son of Matthew, who played 186 games for the Dogs, is 200 centimetres and has been in outstanding form.

Kicking 14.3 from his last four talent league matches as well as a four goal performance for Vic Metro against the Young Guns and a three goal display against South Australia in the champs.

“He’s got a fantastic work rate to get up the

ground and reset.. when he gets on the move he’s pretty hard to stop at the size that he is, I really like that part of his game,” Harding said.

With forwards such as Croft and Caddy, complemented by a whole host of other exciting players like the highly ranked Nick Watson from the Eastern Ranges, the Metro forward line looms as an extremely dangerous threat.

“I think we can be the most dominant forward line in the champs,” Caddy said.

Harding added, “our forward line has a lot of creativity and flair in it.

Mahmoud Taha (Cannons), William Green (Knights) and Christian Mardini (Knights) are also live chances to be selected on draft night after all contributing for Vic Metro.

Taha, a next generation academy prospect for Essendon, scored a goal in the clash against South Australia.

Green, a 202 centimetre ruckman, had 11 disposals and 30 hit outs against the Allies. WhileMardini“acquittedhimselfprettywell,” in his first game for Metro, Harding said.

Vic Metro played Western Australia on July 9 before facing the old foe Vic Country to round out the championships on July 16.

“I think we’ll finish the next two champs games off pretty well,” Caddy said.

Main: Northern Knights gun forward Nate Caddy celebrating a goal. (Chris Hyde/ AFL Photos) Left: Western Jets’ Logan Morris shrugging off a tackle against South Australia. (Sarah Reed, AFL Photos) Right: Calder Cannons’ Jordan Croft taking a huge pack mark. (Morgan Hancock, AFL Photos)

Jersey worn with pride

The irony wasn’t lost on Kirra Grimes.

To celebrate NAIDOC Week, the Bunuba, Naaguja Yamatji woman originally from Western Australia, designed an Indigenous guernsey for Tarneit Football Club to wear in its home game against West Footscray.

Grimes ended up designing the Titans’ guernsey because her partner, Torres Strait Island man Michael Naawi, plays for the team.

Naawi only joined the Western Region Football League division 3 club this season after he and Grimes moved to Point Cook and it’s fair to say Tarneit’s first ever Indigenous jumper wouldn’t have come about otherwise.

Yet when the Titans wore the design, the player most responsible was wearing it on the side lines.

“He’s injured his collar bone, he’s spewing, ” laughed Grimes of her partner’s misfortune ahead of the game, which Tarneit lost by 40 points.

Naawi’s uncle, a fellow Torres Strait Island man, was able to play in the jumper. Both men only learned of their Aboriginal ancestry after

attending Indigenous culture session at the club earlier this year.

“There’s a Torres Strait Dharii at the top whichrepresentsthetwoTorresStraitmenthat play for Tarneit, Michael and his uncle John Proud,” said Grimes, before explaining the different meaning at the bottom of the design.

“Andatthebasearesonglineswithfootprints that represent the players journey’s, whether that’s on the field or in their personal lives.”

It was that session that inspired Grimes to design the guernsey.

“It took about two weeks from the start which is a pretty good turn around” she said of the design that was done digitally on an iPad.

It’s a feat made all the more impressive given Grimes isn’t a trained artist and did it all while juggling full-time work.

“I don’t see myself as an artist. Our art is part of our culture and our storytelling rather than a profession,” she said.

“I think it comes naturally to all of us.”

Cade Lucas

Briefs

Vehicle thief charged

A man has been charged and remanded in custody over an alleged crime spree across Wyndham and western Victoria. The 27-year-old Bowenvale man was arrested at a home in Werribee South on Thursday, July 6 after being spotted by police driving a stolen vehicle between Geelong and Werribee. He is facing 25 charges, including aggravated burglary, burglaries, theft of motor vehicles, theft and conduct endangering persons. Police believe the alleged crimes occurred over the past three weeks in locations including Werribee, Geelong, Bacchus Marsh and Ballarat. He will appear in the Geelong Magistrates Court on August 7.

Teens charged with murder

Three teenagers have been charged with the murder of a 14-year-old Braybrook boy in St Albans last month. Search warrants were executed on Saturday, July 8, at properties in Wyndham Vale, Deer Park and Fitzroy, where an 18-year-old Tarneit man, a 17-year-old Wyndham Vale boy and a 17-year-old Deer Park boy were arrested. The three teenagers faced court on Monday, July 10.

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Kirra Grimes and partner Michael Naawi with the Indigenous jumper she designed. (supplied).

Solutions to food waste

By Blake Lee

A passionate team of six young adults from Melbourne’s south-west want to establish food wastage awareness and reduction procedures.

Asha Surujpal, Raidah Parvez, Krushnadevsinh Ravalji, Alexander Dalton, Hugo Somboonsin and Nicole Yaneza-Bagatsing participated in the YMCA’s Victorian Youth Parliament program from June 25-30, representing Wyndham council. Their bill aims to reduce food wastage across Victoria, which they debated in the Parliament of Victoria’s Legislative Assembly on Monday, June 26.

“We waste tons of food, and it costs our economy so much,” Hugo said.

“Food is a human right. In this country, we throw away 25 per cent of the food that we produce, there are people who have to decide between going hungry or going homeless.“

The team wants food wastage regulations within various businesses and organisations mandated to ensure the environmental and social wellbeing of Victorians.

According to the team, big corporations will not do anything unless food wastage laws are standardised legally.

“Weneedstronglegislationsinplacetomake sure we can enact change,” Krushnadevsinh said.

“It is unacceptable and embarrassing that in our so-called ‘first world society’ not everyone is able to access food,” Asha said on Monday.

Providing individuals with sustainable practices through the establishment of a central Food Bank system in each LGA is a key aspect of the bill.

“Setting up food banks in every Victorian LGA will create jobs all across Victoria,” Krushnadevsinh said.

The food bank will be responsible for

collecting surplus food from restaurants and businesses, and will sort these items to be given away, sold at a low price, or composted to individuals and organisations in need.

In 2021, FoodBank Victoria found more than 540,000 households went hungry due to the issue of food insecurity.

“This would reduce the stress and anxiety associated with not being able to afford sufficient quantities of food,” Raidah said.

“It’s important that we not only stop food waste, but make sure food is used more efficiently,” Hugo said.

“This bill is solely required in order to address many, many inefficiencies in food

Sexual assault in Eynesbury

Policeareinvestigatinganallegedsexual assault that occurred in Eynesbury in 2021.

A 12-year-old girl met up with an unknown man she had met online in the carpark of a general store on Eynesbury Road at about 10.30pm in December.

The pair walked to an abandoned building in the historical park, about 20 minutes away from the store.

It is understood the man sexually assaulted the child, before returning to the carpark.

A complaint regarding the incident was reported to police in May this year and an investigation commenced.

Police believe the man was driving a utility, described as having a white cab, an alloy tray and a ladder on top.

Police have released a computer-generated image of a man they believe may be able to assist them with their inquiries.

waste handling.“

If legislated, food wastage procedures will be implemented in schools and communities, with composting systems to be utilised by these groups to benefit the environment.

The team said that this composting system would be a joint effort between young people and adults with the purpose of allowing each community to grow and be more sustainable.

ThebillpassedYouthParliament,with27-10 votes, and has been handed to the minister for youth for consideration.

He is described as being in his mid to late-30s with dark orange hair, stubble, and being of medium build.

Hewaswearingadarkpink-burgundy t-shirt and told the victim he resided in the Tarneit area.

Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Last whistle for basketball coach and dad, Cecil Exum

The basketball community in Melbourne’s north-west is in mourning following the death on July 3 of longtime player and coach Cecil Exum aged 60.

Exum died in a Los Angeles hospital where he’d been in intensive care with lung complications.

His death came just days after his son, Dante Exum, returned to the NBA by signing with the Dallas Mavericks.

Following his son’s career overseas was one the reasons Exum brought an end to his career coaching local basketball which included stints in Werribee, Keilor and Broadmeadows.

The Wyndham Basketball Association released a statement offering condolences to his family.

“Cecil was an instrumental contributor in the development and growth of Wyndham’s (Werribee) basketball programs from 1997 to 2007 as director of coaching,” the statement read.

“Cecil always had time for everyone with an infectious smile and genuine passion for teaching and encouraging those who played or coached the great sport of basketball.”

Born in Dudley North Carolina, Exum played college basketball at the famed University of North Carolina, where his roommate and teammate was none other than Michael Jordan.

After helping the Tar Heels win the 1982 national championship together, Jordan went onto superstardom with the Chicago Bulls, while Exum’s NBA career with the Denver Nuggets was brief.

In 1986 he moved to Australia to play with the Bulleen Boomers in the NBL and never left.

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More recently he became better known as Dante’s dad, after his son was picked number five overall by the Utah Jazz in 2014 NBA draft.

Cecil Exum is survived by wife Desiree and children Jamaar, Dante and Tierra. Cade Lucas

Longtime basketball player and coach, Cecil Exum, has died aged 60. (Damian Visentini).

Blake Lee is a YMCA Youth Press Gallery journalist

Asha Surujpal, Krushnadevsinh Ravalji, Raidah Parvez, Nicole Yaneza-Bagatsing, Hugo Somboonsin. (Supplied)

A playful adventure in colour

StarWeekly photographer Damjan Janveski visited the Wyndham Cultural Centre on Friday, July 7 to check out Chromatica: Colour Play. The free, interactive art exhibition features colourful experiences and art-based learning for children of all ages. Chromatica is on until July 22. Details: www.wyndham. vic.gov.au/whats-on/chromatica-colour-play

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Thomas, 7. 344396_03

Chloe, 4. 344396_04

Lachlan, 6, and Hayley, 8, explore the exhibition. 344396_02

Lachlan, 6. 344396_05

Primates share treetop picnics

Werribee Open Range Zoo’s troop of Vervet monkeys are taking Melbourne’s chilly conditions in their stride, leaping into the treetops to dine on a picnic feast.

The nimble primates are masterfully scaling crossing-ladders and five-metre-tall trees in highwindstoreachhangingbasketsfilledwith an assortment of tasty treats.

WerribeeOpenRangeZooAfricanrivertrail keeper Kieralie Braasch said encouraging the monkeys to climb in challenging conditions replicates what the species experiences in the wild.

“Vervet monkeys are a semi-arboreal species, which means they do a lot of foraging both on the ground and in trees,” Ms Braasch said.

“Any opportunity to practise climbing in the wind is important as this helps the monkeys maintain and build their muscle and joint strength to safely navigate those high-reaching areas.”

Ms Braasch said the curious monkeys enthusiastically tuck into their treats.

“The baskets can be filled with a variety of grains, seeds, nuts and leafy branches,” Ms Braasch said.

“Onoccasion,wealsoprovideotherdelicious treats like rice bubbles. These simulate the texture of grains and seeds and the sweet taste of fruits they’d encounter in the wild.

“The Vervets also enjoy when we smear peanut butter on surfaces throughout their habitat too.”

The species’ habitat ranges across eastern Africa, from the Ethiopian Highlands and southern Somalia, to southern-most South Africa. While they are considered locally abundant in some regions, populations are

declining due to habitat destruction, with the monkeys now absent from large areas of their original geographic range.

Werribee Open Range Zoo’s nine Vervet monkeys are an ambassador species for

CHRISTMAS IN JULY

Zoos Victoria’s Coffee for Wildlife initiative providing caffeine-loving Melburnians with a delicious way to help save wildlife.

Visitors are able to see the troop of Vervet monkeys along the zoo’s African river trail.

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Enjoy cool July festivities

Christmas in July has become a popular celebration in Australia, allowing people to experiencethejoyandfestivitiesoftheholiday season during the winter months. While Christmas traditionally falls in December, the concept of celebrating it in July has gained traction as a way to enjoy a mid-year festive spirit.

Here are several ways people in Australia can celebrate Christmas in July:

• Decorations: Transforming homes and workplaces with Christmas decorations is an integral part of the celebration. Australians decorate their spaces with festive lights, wreaths, and ornaments, creating a winter wonderland ambiance. Even though it’s winter in July, the decorations bring warmth and cheer to the surroundings.

• Feast:JustlikeinDecember,agrandfeastlies attheheartofChristmasinJulycelebrations.

Australians indulge in traditional Christmas

foods like roasted turkey, glazed ham, roast vegetables, and plum pudding. Mulled wine, eggnog, and hot chocolate are popular beverages that help create a cozy and festive atmosphere.

• Charity and Giving: Christmas is a time for givingbacktothecommunity,andthisspirit extends to Christmas in July celebrations as well. Australians participate in charitable events,suchastoydrivesandfooddonations, to support those in need. Fundraisers and charity events are organized to spread the joy of the season to those less fortunate.

• Winter Fashion: Australians take the opportunity to embrace winter fashion during Christmas in July. Cosy sweaters, scarves, boots, and beanies make their appearance as people bundle up to combat the cooler temperatures. Ugly Christmas sweater parties are a fun and lighthearted way to celebrate the occasion.

Vervet Monkeys enjoying enrichment items. (Supplied)

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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

Wyndham Rotary

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

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/

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

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

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

Wyn FM

Wyn FM is Wyndham’s community radio station, broadcasting on 88.9 and online from its studios at the Victoria University campus in Werribee. It offers a wide range of programming including music, sport, news and lifestyle shows as well as broadcasts in languages other than English. New broadcasters, volunteers, members and sponsors are always welcome.

■ 9919 8089, or wynfm.org.au

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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 Café) or on Fridays 10am, at Newport Lakes.

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

Computer classes for beginners

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

■ Lynne, 9397 6168

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

■ 9313 5700 or MPCVolunteerCoordinators@mercy.com.au

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Matilda, 8, and Mia, 4, at the Werribee Ward set up at Pacific Werribee. (Damjan Janevski) 344882_01

No.

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 Recommence (6)

4 Region of southern Italy (8)

10 Destroy (9)

11 Nurslings (5)

12 Unpleasant to view (4)

13 Alcoholic honey drink (4)

14 Jilt (5)

16 Essence (4)

17 Porch (8)

20 Relating to cultivated land (8)

22 Masterstroke (4)

25 Fundamental (5)

26 Ornamental quartz (4)

28 Playable (4)

30 Union territory of the Republic of India (5)

31 Contract (9)

32 Famous piano first made in the 1820s (8)

33 Someone who watches (6) DOWN

1 Mournful (6)

2 Mollusc (7)

3 Primary (4)

5 A city and seaport of Scotland (8)

6 Envoy (10)

7 Spring back (7)

8 Aniseed liqueur (8)

9 Ornamental green stone (4)

15 Chemistry (10)

18 One of the Caribbean islands (8)

19 Vista (8)

21 Determine (7)

23 French word for planet (7)

24 Meteor’s dent (6)

27 Story (4)

29 Written reminder (4)

DECODER WORDFIT

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

10 words: Good

15 words: Very good 21 words: Excellent

QUICK QUIZ

No. 141

1 What do the films Gremlins, It’s a Wonderful Life and Love Actually have in common?

2 Gorgeous George was famous in which sport in the 1940s and 1950s?

3 On December 24–26 of what year did Cyclone Tracy devastate Darwin?

4 What was Patti Smith’s (pictured) 1975 debut album called?

5 What is a plantain?

6 What postal code did Canada Post assign for seasonal mail addressed to Santa Claus at the North Pole?

7 Actor Mark Wahlberg was a member of which 1990s hip-hop band?

8 What was the island of Kiritimati formerly known as?

9 Australian lizards of the genus Varanus are better known by which common name?

10 In the film Babe, Babe the pig sings what Christmas song?

No. 141

No. 141

No. 141

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First Serve Tuck Shop Hoppers Crossing

Hoppers Indoor Sportz Hoppers Crossing

Pacific Werribee Shopping Centre Hoppers Crossing

Wyndham Library Hoppers Crossing

Werribee Plaza Tavern Hoppers Crossing

Coles Supermarket Hoppers Crossing

APCO Service Station Hoppers Crossing

Hoppers Crossing Shopping Hoppers Crossing

Woodville Park Shopping Centre Hoppers Crossing

IGA Plus Liquor Hoppers Crossing

Aqua Pulse Café Hoppers Crossing

Mecwacare John Atchison Centre Hoppers Crossing

Coles Express Hoppers Crossing

The Grange Community Centre Hoppers Crossing

Hoppers Crossing Cricket Club Hoppers Crossing

Super Lotto Newsagency Hoppers Crossing

Woolworths Hogans Corner Hoppers Crossing

Tigers Club House Hoppers Crossing

Popeyes Kebabs Hoppers Crossing

Manor Lakes News & Lotto Manor Lakes

Manor Lakes Shopping Centre Manor Lakes

Featherbrook Shopping Centre Point Cook

Wyndham Library Service Point Cook

Point Cook Pharmacy Point Cook

Jamieson Way Community Centre Point Cook

Direct Chemist Outlet Point Cook

Stockland Point Cook Shopping Centre Point Cook

WynCity Point Cook

Sanctuary Lakes Resort Sanctuary Lakes

Waterstone Café Sanctuary Lakes

Sanctuary Lakes Shopping Centre Sanctuary Lakes

Club House ( Lifestyle) Tarneit

Tarneit Central Shopping Centre Tarneit

NewsXpress - Riverdale Village SC Tarneit

Penrose Promenade Community Centre Tarneit

Wyndham Village Shopping Centre Tarneit

Shell Service Station Tarneit

Community Centre Tarneit

Serranos Cafe Tarneit

Koomail Tardy Community Centre Truganina

Palm Lakes Resort Truganina

Arndell Park Community Centre Truganina

Eagles Stadium Café Werribee

Ison Village Werribee

Casaccio Egg Farm Werribee

IGA Supermarket Werribee

Italian Sports Club Werribee

The Womans Hub - GP Clinic Werribee

St Vincent's Private Hospital Werribee

Wyndham City Council Werribee

Werribee Mercy Hospital (Coffee Shop) Werribee

SIMS IGA Werribee

Tatts Lotto Werribee

Werribee RSL Werribee

Werribee Fersh Market Werribee

Cellarbrations Werribee

Bendigo Bank Werribee

Coles Werribee Werribee

Wyndham Cultural Centre Werribee

Glendale Hostel Werribee

Wyndham Private Medical Centre Werribee

Werribee South General Store Werribee South

Wyndham Cache (LT's Egg Farm) Werribee South

Anglers Anchorage Take Away Werribee South

Williams Landing News, Lotto & Tobacco Williams Landing

Woolworths Williams Landing

BP Service Station Wyndham Vale

Woolworths Wyndham Vale

IGA Wyndham Vale Wyndham Vale

Iramoo Community Centre Wyndham Vale

Manor Lakes Community Learning Centre Wyndham Vale

7 Eleven Wyndham Vale Wyndham Vale

Real Estate Agents Everywhere

$

•All advertisements must be pre-paid. For $29.00 you get a 4 line, ONE ITEM ONLY advertisement, restricted to “For Sale” or “Motoring” items only for private advertisers, run initially for 13 weeks or until sold. Additional lines will be charged at $3 per line per publication.

•After your advertisement has run for 13 weeks you must call us each fortnight to renew it for a further 2 week period AND reduce the price of your item by a minimum 5% for items in the “For Sale” section or 3% for items in the “Motoring” section. This process may continue until you have sold your item. If we do not hear from you we will assume you have sold your item and your advertisement will not appear.

• The sale price must be included in the advertisement and the only alterations you may make are to the PRICE of your item.

• Business advertisements, rental hire, pets & livestock and real estate are not included in the offer.

• The publisher reserves the right to decline any booking for the purpose of ongoing gain.

with eighteen (18) new RRUs;

•Installation, relocation and removal of ancillary equipment including RRU’s, antenna mounts, feeders, cabling, combiners, and other associated equipment; and

• works within the existing equipment shelter.

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

In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base

Station Deployment Code 2020, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Sophie Deng at Service Stream Limited, 0427 459 605, Optus.Submissions@servicestream.com.au or Zenith Tower B, Level 3 821 Pacific Hwy, Chatswood NSW 2067 by 5pm, Friday 28 July 2023.

If you would like to know more about this site, further information can be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/3030027

New X-Trail is pick of mid SUVs

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

In the process of researching this story I came across a review by one of my esteemed colleagues.

Not once did he mention the fact that Nissan X-TrailandMitsubishiOutlanderareoneinthe same car, sharing a platform and drivetrains. That makes Outlander, the X-Trail’s most direct competitor, or so I would have thought.

Ofcourse,theydon’tlookthesameandthere areplentyofotherdifferences,butyouwouldn’t buy one without checking out the other first. Then again, the latest X-Trail is probably the pick of the mid-sized SUVs at the moment -and that’s a pretty big call.

Styling

The styling is evolutionary rather than revolutionary and it is clearly recognisable as an X-Trail, but looks more sophisticated.

Inside, it is a very different story where the car has undergone a complete makeover and looks nothing like the previous model. Piano black has made way for a classy, dark, textured wood-grained effect, while all four doors get wide pockets that can accommodate 500ml drink bottles.

It feels bigger inside too, although slightly shorter than before (4680mm) with the same 2705mm wheelbase.

Atthesametime,it’s20mmwiderandstands 15mm taller, and somehow, they’ve managed to find more rear legroom, with rear doors that open wider for easier access.

Prices range from $36,750 for the five-seat, front wheel drive ST up to $52,990 for the top of the range Ti-L 4WD.

While they call it a 4WD, it’s really all-wheel drive, in the sense that it doesn’t have a transfer case or low range gearing like a Patrol.

Aseven-seatversionoftheSTisalsoavailable for another $3000 which adds all-wheel drive to the mix.

Specialattentionhasbeenpaidtoergonomics and tactile feel of the switchgear and buttons used in the cabin to lend them a high-quality feel.

Research has shown a preference for easy-to-use core functions, so X-Trail features simple, intuitive heating/air-conditioning controls, as well as buttons that govern the central screen functions, such as audio and navigation.

A two-tier centre console provides plenty of space to stash items, with a charge pad in more expensive models for mobile devices.

Standard equipment for the entry model includes cloth trim and air conditioning, with second row air vents.

The driver’s seat has six-way manual adjustment with power lumbar operation. It rides on 17-inch alloys, with LED head and tail lights, along with auto high beam and dusk-sensing activation plus auto fold, heated exterior mirrors, push-button start, an electric parking brake and rear parking sensors.

By the time you reach the Ti-L (subject of our test), there’s larger 19-inch wheels, tan or black quilted Nappa leather, three-zone climate air, a heated steering wheel, intelligent rear-view mirror, matrix 12-element adaptive headlights and a power tailgate with hands free opening.

Infotainment

The entry-level ST comes with an 8.0-inch infotainment unit that has six speakers and features AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus four USB ports – two for the front and two for the back.

The touchscreen in Ti-L is 12.3-inches wide, with voice control, built-in navigation, wireless CarPlay, but still wired Android Auto plus 10 speaker Bose audio -- to name a few features.

Engines / transmissions

Fourth generation X-Trail offers a revised 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 135kW of power and 244Nm of torque – 9kW and 18Nm more than before.

This will be joined shortly by e-Power hybrid

versions, based on a 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine, but with more power and torque, available with ST-L, Ti and Ti-L grades. Available in two- and all-wheel drive configuration, all models are fitted with an Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) along with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters and shift-by-wire technology.

Safety

X-Trail scores a full five stars for safety. Dual front, side and curtain airbags are standard, along with a centre airbag which provides addedprotectiontofrontseatoccupantsinside impact crashes.

Autonomous emergency braking (Car-to-Car, Vulnerable Road User, Junction Assist and Backover) as well as a lane support system with lane keep assist (LKA), lane departure warning (LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK) and an advanced speed assistance system (SAS) are also standard.

Driving

The seats are generous, supportive with a Euro feel reminiscent of a Pug.

Front and rear doors, front mudguards and the bonnet are all made of aluminium and the tailgate has been rendered in a composite material – to reduce weight and lift performance.

Key aerodynamic features include tyre deflectors in the lower front fascia and an active grille to control air flow to the engine compartment.

Specially shaped A-pillars and underbody covers manage air flow under the vehicle and a unique‘aircurtain’directsairfromthefrontto

X-Trail

X-Trail Ti AWD ePower hybrid $54,190

X-Trail Ti-L AWD $52,990

X-Trail Ti-L AWD ePower hybrid $57,190 SPECIFICATIONS

the sides of the vehicle.

Intheloadarea,acleverfalsefloorcomposed of two panels can be lifted and fixed vertically to separate the load area into two sections. There’s also under-floor storage for smaller items and room for a space saver spare.

A central console-mounted rotary selector offers five drive modes: Off-Road, Snow, Auto, Eco and Sports.

Fuel consumption is a claimed 7.8L/100km for the Ti-L. It takes standard unleaded and we were getting 8.9 from the 55-litre tank after close to 400km.

Maximum braked towing capacity is up from 500kg to 2000kg.

The previous X-Trail offered perky if ultimately uninspiring performance. Like

its predecessor, the all-new model is a bit of a mixed bag in this department.

Although the numbers are slightly larger, the naturally aspirated engine lacks torque down low where it is needed and has to be pushed hard to get it going. This brings on the awful zoominess that we've come to associate with CVTs, together with higher fuel consumption.

Off the boil and cruising the open road performance is relaxed, smooth and relatively effortless. In this context, demanding drivers will most likely find the way the car performs morethanacceptable–andreally,that’sallthat matters.

On the plus side, the ride quality is much improved,withlittleroadnoisepenetratingthe cabin. You’ve gotta like that.

Large, bright, impressive digital displays for the driver and infotainment help the car standout too, with separate controls for most used features.

Of special note, the 10.8-inch head-up display in our Ti-L is one of the few, if not the only example we have ever encountered that is visible through polarised sunglasses.

Yay, team!

Summing up

I still remember driving the first-generation X-Trail. It was surprisingly good off road and a dream to drive compared to the big, clumsy 4x4s that ruled the roost back in the day.

X-Trail was late to the compact SUV party but it was well worth the wait. I really liked the previous model that I drove not so long ago, but this one is so much better it doesn’t bear comparison.

Good work, Nissan!

X-Trail........ if looks could kill. (Pictures: Supplied)

Record holder Pain parts with Western United

Western United’s games record holder Connor Pain is on the move.

United announced last week it had agreed to the transfer of Pain to join Saudi Arabian second tier club, Al-Orobah Football Club for the 2023-24 season.

A foundation player, Pain joined United ahead of its inaugural A-League Men’s season in 2019 as just the 11th player to sign for the club.

Pain went on to play 105 league matches for the club, the first player to reach 100 goals for the club and which is a club record.

He was consistently a strong performer across all four seasons, being runner-up in the WUFC player of the year award in the first three seasons and third-placed in the fourth season.

A fan favourite, Pain will be remembered as a player who was there from the beginning and part of the men’s team that delivered the first silverware to the club winning the 2021-22 A-League championship.

Western United football general manager Mal Impiombato thanked Pain for his time and effort at the club.

“Since the club’s inception, Connor has been an exceptional professional and person for our club both on and off the field,” he said.

“He has endeared himself to his peers and our

fans and was well respected by all.

“Connor has always expressed his desire to pursue footballing opportunities abroad and we are delighted that we are able to help

Tigers’ class on display

By Tara Murray

Werribee Districts has ticked box one of a mini mid-season‘finalsseries’beatingPointCookin a top of the table clash in the Western Region Football League division 1 on Saturday.

The Tigers, who are undefeated, have a three game period where they face the other three teams in the top four.

The first of those matches came on Saturday against the Bulldogs, in tricky conditions. Tigers coach Chris Gilham said they were keen to test themselves against the other contenders.

“It was a good day for the footy club,” he said. “They are quality opposition and right on our heels.

“We have a tough couple of weeks, but we can set ourselves up. It’s a little finals series.

“Point Cook, Altona and Caroline Springs, they will all be there again. We’re looking forward to seeing where we are at.

“Winning form is good form, but we’re not kidding ourselves. There are bigger challenges

to come, what you do in the home and away season doesn’t count at the business end.”

On Saturday, the two teams were greeted with tough conditions, with the wind making it hard at times.

The Tigers led at every break on the way to the 12.16 (88)-9.6 (60) win.

Gilham though said it took a bit for them to take control of the game.

“Point Cook started well and we were able to wrestle our way back into the contest,” he said. “We got the ascendancy in the second and third quarters.

“As the game went on we were able to capitalise on our inside 50s. They came late, but we had a match winning lead at three quarter time.”

Trent Lee and Jordan Patty kicked three goals each for the Tigers.

Like most of the season, the Tigers performance was an even team one.

GilhamsaidAndrewPanayiwasreallygood with his ball use inside 50, while the midfield led by Michael Luxford and Bailey Siwek

were really good.

He was also full of praise of the backline

“Week in, week out they are keeping teams to low scores.”

The Tigers now sit three games clear of Altona, which moved into second spot with victory against Caroline Springs.

Gilham said they still have work to do.

“We have little facets to improve,” he said. “We don’t have to look at the game as a whole.

“We have a lot of talent, it’s about doing the blue collar stuff well each week.

“Each week we’re losing the possession count, but we’re winning the contested part of the game, the pressure has been great.”

The Tigers this week face Altona, with Gilham looking forward to the challenge.

At the other end of the ladder, Point Cook Centrals took a step further from avoiding relegation, beating Hoppers Crossing.

The Sharks got their second win of the season, beating the Cats, 9.13 (67)-6.8 (44).

The Sharks now sit a game clear of the Cats at the bottom of the ladder.

facilitate his football ambitions.

“He was an integral part of our championship winning squad in 2021-22 and he helped shape and influence the club culture to what it is today.

“On behalf of everyone at the club, we wish Connor every success with his professional career abroad.”

Pain acknowledged it was a tough decision to make having seen the club grow first half, but didn’t want to have any regrets in his career.

“It’s been the toughest decision I’ve ever had to make in football but something that has always sparked my interest is the ability football gives you to explore different cultures,” he said.

“I’ve met people along the way from players to staff that I will remain friends with forever, it’s been such a special experience.

“To all the fans that have supported both myself and the team through the good times and the trying, I hope you understand my decision and I just want to say thanks to all of you, so very sincerely.”

- Tara Murray

Sports shorts

Coates Talent League

The Western Jets fell short to the Northern Knights in the Coates Talent League on Saturday. The two sides faced each other in a double header, with the girls kicking off the action followed by the boys. The Knights won the girls match, 4.11 (35)-2.8 (20). Ella Page and Kiera Leare were named the Knights best. In the boys match, the Knights won 11.14 (80)-6.6 (42). Daniel Snell and Diesel Moloney were named the Jets best.

NPL

Werribee City’s push for a top four finish have suffered another hit with a loss to the Manningham Blues on Saturday in the National Premier League 2 competition. Scores were locked at 1-1 at half time before the Blues found a winner in the second half. The Bees sit in 10th spot after 21 rounds. The Bees this week face the Eastern Lions on Saturday.

VNL

The City West Falcons were made to work hard to come away with the win against Melbourne University in the Victorian Netball League championship division on Wednesday night. The Falcons were expecting a close match and that was exactly what they got with the Lightning pushing them all the way. The Falcons managed to push out the margin late, to win, 59-49.

FOR MORE SPORT, VISIT

Web: starweekly.com.au

Wyndham Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Sasha Nelson (Jacob Pattison)346076_19

Trent Lee (Jacob Pattison)337307_01

Trent Lee (Jacob Pattison)337307_01

Mclaughlin steps up to lead Vales

The time is right for change at Wyndham Vale Cricket Club.

The Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 5 club will have a new coach and new president, who are both familiar faces.

Jay Dolliver, has stood down as coach and has taken on the president’s role, while Liam Mclaughlin will take on the coaching role.

Mclaughlin said he was excited for the new challenge.

“It’s not something I originally thought about, but the opportunity came up and I thought why not,” he said. “It’s now or I will never do it.

“For a while people have been saying they thought Jay would be good in the president’s role and he had the opportunity to step up.

“It’s time for a fresh start and new direction and he thought it was time.”

Mclaughlin, who played his 100 first XI

game last season, has grown up the club having been part of a first XI premiership at the age of 17.

He said while he thought about leaving the club in the past, it was like home and he couldn’t see himself playing anywhere else.

Mclaughlin said he was keen to put his spin onthingsandhelptheclubgotothenextlevel.

The Vales finished in 11th spot last season with two wins from their 13 matches.

“Things have been done the same way for such a long time, so I’m looking forward to being able to put my twist of things and a bit of me in things,” he said.

“We have a really young group and they’re very keen and eager to learn, which is good.

“The younger ones have been in and around the first XI and playing in the second XI. They’re starting to stand up and hopefully this yeartakethenextstepforwardandhelpusout

of division 5.”

Having only just been appointed, Mclaughlin said that he hadn’t had a chance to think too much about possibly recruiting.

He said he would look to chat to some former players and try and get them back to the club.

“Ideally we’ll look to focus on what we have,”hesaid.“Outsidehelpwillnotgoastray.

“We wanted to have a mix of youth and experience and get the mix right.”

Mclaughlin said he wasn’t setting expectations too high for his first season in charge, with a focus on taking it one week at a time.”

Wyndham’s tight focus

By Tara Murray

Wyndham will use the back part of the Big V women’s championship season to tinker with things in the lead up to finals.

Last season’s champions are undefeated this season, having continued to build on the work from last year.

Now with another finals series in its focus, coach Gerard Hillier said they had put themselves in a position to be able to work on a number of things.

“It’s about tightening up little bits and pieces,” he said. “We spoke about it in the pre-season, do the work early in the season and have more flexibility in the back half of the year and we’ve been able to do that.

“Addison Baars is nearly qualified, she’s another under-18. We’ve played more young kids than we expected, which is due to the great work the seniors did in the first half of the season.”

One of the areas Wyndham is aiming to focus on is playing without star Dyani Ananiev. Ananiev has headed to college in America and won’t play any further part this season.

Hillier said they had been preparing for this to happen for all season.

“We played two tough games when we were getting used to playing with Dyani, which is a challenge for us,” he said.

“Sunbury we expected it to be a close game, I’ve been watching them the last month or so and they’ve been getting better.

“We’ll get better for those games. We’re starting to take shape without her.”

Hillier said they had looked to reduce Ananiev’s minutes for about six weeks beforehand to the side wasn’t as reliant on her producing big numbers.

Holly Dolny, Lauren Jones and Aleks Connolly are among those whose minutes have increased.

Hillier said Connolly, who was part of the under-18 Vic Country side this year, was really good in their last two matches.

Zoe Zwerling is set to return as well after a month out with illness, in another boost for Wyndham.

Wyndham had the bye on the weekend. This week they face the Bulleen Boomers in a top of the table clash.

Hillier said it would be a good test of where they are at with their new looking line up.

Wyndham’s men were still in action on Sunday, as the club hosted a Big Freeze round to raise money for motor neurone disease research.

Wyndham jumped out of the blocks against Bellarine Storm, leading by 14 points

Centurions’ important win

Werribee Centrals got an important win in the fight for a top three spot in theGeelongandDistrictNetballLeague on Saturday.

Facing Bannockburn, the Centurions came away with a 38-30 win at Galvin Park.

Centurions star shooter Ellie Tubbs shot 26 goals to lead the way for the Centurions, while Brigitte Ardossi and Jacinta Savory both spent time in the goaling circle.

After 12 rounds, the Centurions sit in third spot, only percentage ahead of second placed Winchelsea.

The Centurions have won their last five, while Winchelsea has dropped three of their last five including one on Saturday.

The Centurions this week face ninth-placed North Geelong.

Meanwhile in the football, the Centurions were too strong for Bannockburn.

It was a low scoring match in the first half, with the Centurions leading 21-13 at the main break.

The Centurions produced more scoring shots in the third quarter but weren’t able to convert fully, despite increasing the lead to 20 points at the last break.

The Centurions finally got some reward for effort in the final quarter, sealing a 10.13 (73)-4.8 (32) win.

Daryl Chesterman and Tyler Crennan kicked two goals each for the Centurions, with Crennan named their best.

ThewinwascrucialfortheCenturions in the race for finals, with the one of four sides sitting on eight wins and four losses.

The Centurions sit in fifth spot, the third of those sides, less than one per cent ahead of Bannockburn.

Like the netballers, the Centurions play North Geelong this week.

at quarter time.

The margin was increased to 24 points at half time and 31 at the last break.

Wyndham didn’t take the foot off the pedal finishing off strong to seal a 121-74 win.

All nine players scored with seven of

them scoring double figures, led by Maurice Howard with 26 points.

Like the women, Wyndham is on top. Wyndham is one of three teams equal on wins, along with the Hume City Broncos and Sunbury Jets.

Ellie Tubbs in the circle (Ivan Kemp) 298180_01

Tara Murray Liam Mclaughlin (Supplied)

Aleks Connolly (Ljubica Vrankovic) 344645_32

WERRIBEE FOOTBALL CLUB

Perfect 10 for in form Werribee

By Tara Murray

Werribee took its winning streak to 10 in the Victorian Football League on Saturday, but was made to work hard for the points.

Werribee made the trek to Port Melbourne to face Port Melbourne, which had easily accounted for it last season.

There was no repeat on Saturday, with Werribee winning, 10.14 (74)-7.9 (51).

Werribee coach Michael Barlow said while they don’t usually look at winning streaks, it would be wrong not to mark having won 10 in a row.

He said speaking with president Mark Penaluna, they believed the most recent time the club previously won 10 in a row was back in 2005 on the way to a grand final appearance.

“It is a really good effort,” he said. “We haven’t acknowledged much along the way, but it’s been something we have to celebrate as a group.

“It’s a big deal at this level. Ten on the bounce, it ultimately sets up the season and it gives yourself a chance.”

Werribee was greeted by tricky conditions at Port Melbourne as the wind added an extra element to the game.

After putting a lot of work heading into the game to ensure there wasn’t a repeat of last year, Werribee were put under pressure early.

Barlow said the results don’t reflect the season that Port Melbourne has had.

“They’ve been in a lot of games and lost some close ones,” he said.

“They were plucky in the first quarter and could have taken advantage of some of our turnovers.

“They would have put it right on us and made us come from behind if they had.”

Barlow said for the most part they were able to handle the tricky conditions quite well in the first half and it resulted in a 28 point lead at the main break.

The second half was a much tighter affair with Port Melbourne able to stay within the game.

Barlow said it was the opposite to the last time the two teams played.

“In the second half we feel like we flatlined a bit on the day,” he said. “We acknowledged with the players afterwards that we had been up for a while.

“We feel like there’s parts of games that are getting away from us. It’s hard to play the perfect game of footy.

“The opposition challenge you and throw different things at you and we’re still finding ways to find which is pleasing.”

Shaun Mannagh, Hudson Garoni and Kye Declase kicked two goals each for Werribee.

Barlow said it was a solid team performance without a lot of standards.

“Shaun Mannagh was good again,” he said. “Dom Brew had 18 tackles in the middle.

“Jesse Clark had a more defensive engaging role and played well. The rest of the group played their roles.”

Lucas Rocci returned to the side for the his second game of the season after an injury riddled year.

Barlow said Rocci provides them with a bit more flexibility and was a better match

up against the Borough’s small forwards.

Werribee remains third on the ladder, a game off top, despite having played one less game.

Werribee this week faces the Northern

Bullants at home on Saturday at 2.05pm.

The day is a big day for the club off field as well.

“It’s ladies day,” Barlow said. “It’s always nice to recognise the ladies in the

club and in the players lives.

“We’ll rap up this game and put some variety into training this week and look for a four quarter performance, which has been evading us for a little bit.”

Dom Brew was at his tackling best on Saturday. (Werribee Football Club)

Werribee was made to work hard on Saturday. (Werribee Football Club)