Star Weekly - Wyndham - 13th September 2023

April’s going for TV gold

Reality TV stars are often discovered on social media, but April Acciarito’s journey began with what she discovered there herself.

“I found a video on Tik-Tok of a guy metal detecting,“ said the 25 year old from Werribee. “I asked my dad if he could buy me a cheap metal detector and he caved in and bought me one.”

From searching for coins or keys on the beach, Ms Acciarito quickly transitioned to looking for gold, efforts she documented on social media as the ‘Pretty Prospector.’

“I was just making videos for myself and to educate female prospectors because they’re very rare,” she said of her social media content which soon caught they eye of reality TV producers.

A year on, Ms Acciarito has filmed two seasons of the new reality series Adventure: Gold Diggers which will soon air on 7 Mate.

“I’m so stoked. I’ve had to keep it a secret for a very long time,” she said of the program which premieres on October 3.

Practise not prohibition

By Cade Lucas

Practise areas not police are the solution to Wyndham’s dirtbike hoon problem according to the Motorcycle Riders Association Australia.

TheMRAAiscallingfordesignatedoff-road motorbike riding areas to be established in Wyndham arguing they will reduce the number of young riders practising on the streets.

Victoria Police recently announced a crackdown on dirtbike hooning in Wyndham followingaseriesofincidentsinvolvingyoung motorcyclists riding illegally.

On June 29 a group of 15 riders allegedly surrounded and harassed police in Williams

Landing after one of the group had been arrested.

OnSeptember3,HoppersCrossingteenager Ali El-Houli and cousin Zena El-Houli were killed when the unregistered dirtbikes they were riding at night collided at Grangefields near Melton.

MRAA national spokesman Damien Codognotto said while laws still need to be enforced, a punitive approach was the wrong way to address the problem.

“It makes the kids sneakier and it destroys their respect for police,” he said.

“Prohibition does not work.”

MRAA comittee member and Werribee residentChrisSwalwellagreed,arguingillegal motorcycle riding had been a longstanding

problem in the area.

“I’ve been here for 13 years now and pretty much from the time I got here I’ve seen kids riding around on dirtbikes without helmets, without rego,” Mr Swalwell said.

“Theyseemtodoitwithasenseofimpunity.”

Mr Swalwell said part of the problem was that off-road riders in Wyndham had few places to ride legally.

“We’ve got one track out in this region, but the Wyndham area is a very large area, from Point Cook to Tarneit and it’s the fasted growing region in the country so it stands to reason that we need more facilities for people including off-road riders. We’ve got plenty of land out here.”

Damien Codognotto said such a facility

could have a other benefits.

“Teenagemotorcyclistsandpolicecanmeet in an atmosphere of mutual respect. They can learn machine disciplines, safety checks and how to choose and look after protective clothing.“

In response, Victoria Police reaffirmed its commitment to cracking down on hoon behaviour.

“Forthosethinkingtheycanridearoundour streets in groups while conducting ridiculous behaviour on these bikes – be assured that we will find you, seize your bike and lay charges where appropriate,“ said Westgate Police Division Inspector, Jennifer Horgan. Wyndham council was contacted for comment.

Werribee gold prospector April Acciarito appears on the new reality show, Adventure: Gold Diggers. (supplied)

Paediatric care burden shared

By Cade Lucas

Wyndham’s status as the fastest growing local government area in Australia comes with a price.

The influx of people to the municipality is putting increasing strain on essential services and infrastructure, none more so that health and hospitals.

Wyndham is reportedly already 300 hospital beds short and with much of the population growth driven by young families, demand for maternityandpaediatricservicesisparticularly acute.

Fashion

While mostly the responsibility of the public system, private hospitals like St Vincent’s Werribee are increasingly entering the paediatric space to help meet demand.

Since opening its paediatric ward in 2018 more than an 1800 paediatric cases have been treated at St Vincent’s Werribee, which specialises in ear, nose and throat (ENT) paediatricsurveyanddentalpaediatricsurgery.

St Vincent’s Werribee General Manager Emma Saliba said they were proud of their dual role of easing demand and treating young families in the community in which they live.

“The western community is growing and

with that comes a greater population of children. Being able to provide care for them close to home is important to us and makes it easier for parents,” Ms Saliba said. Among the children being cared for close to home is 8 year old Wyndham Vale boy Avyan Marthur who entered St Vincent’s on the morning of September 8 to be operated on by ear, nose and neck surgeon Dr Muthukumar Subramaniyan. Originally from Chennai in India, Dr Subramaniyan is one of a number of paediatric surgeons and paeditricians now based at St Vincent’s Werribee, treating children of all ages, from infants through to teens.

gala returns to Wyndham

After a four year hiatus, Fashion Awards Australia returns to Wyndham next month.

The gala event, where the Australian Gown of the Year will be awarded, will be held at the Encore Events Centre in Hoppers Crossing on October 13.

“We’re back. It will be a sensational night of fashion,” said event coordinator Heather Marcus.

Rags to Runways and Race Wear are the other categories that will be judged on

the night, with entries coming from both established designers and fashion students.

Ms Marcus was particularly excited about the latter.

“The entries are coming in and the quality from the secondary colleges is outstanding,” she said.

“The schools are very supportive because they want their students to do well in front of the professional designers.

This is a great platform where new designers

meet with established designers.”

Those established designers include entrants from Queensland, New South Wales and across Melbourne as well as locals from Wyndham.

Channel 10’s Tristan McManus will host.

Entries close on September 15 and for more information and tickets, visit: https:// fashionawardsaustralia.org.au/

While 8 year old Avyan looked right out home ahead of his surgery, not every child is quite so relaxed when in hospital, especially for an operation.

St Vincent’s Werribee Nurse Unit manager Chloe Martinich said ensuring children felt comfortable was a key part of paediatric care.

“We look after patients from 12 months and above and our nurses go above and beyond to make the little ones feel safe and at ease,” said Ms Martinich.

“Our wonderful staff have specialised training to give our littlest patients the best care possible.”

Arrests over shooting

Two Wyndham men were arrested on Wednesday September 6 in relation to a shooting in Middle Park last month. Police executed six search warrants at properties in Tarneit, Truganina, Albion and South Melbourne in relation to the non-fatal shooting on August 17.

Police seized a white Hyundai suspectedofbeingusedbythoseinvolved in the incident where a 76-year-old man was shot at his Middle Park home. Emergency services were called to the Cantebury Road property after reports the man was injured when he answered a knock to his front door about 7.50pm.

He sustained a gunshot to his lower body and was treated in hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

Two women inside the property at the time, a 72-year-old and a 39-year-old, were not physically injured during the incident.

A 24-year-old Tarneit man was arrested and is expected to be charged with intentionally causing serious injury, possessing a prohibited firearm and related offences.

He was due to face the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday afternoon.

A 23-year-old Werribee man was also arrested but is expected to be released pending further enquiries.

The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

Anyone with information can contact CrimeStopperson1800333000orwww. crimestoppersvic.com.au

New kinder places and facilities for Hoppers Crossing and Point Cook

Wyndham will receive a much needed boost in kindergarten places thanks to two new facilities announced for Hoppers Crossing and Point Cook this week.

The former Mossfiel Kindergarten and Hoppers Crossing Children’s Centre will be replaced by an Intergrated Family Centre (IFC), while the Jamieson Way Kindergarten in Point Cook will undergo a $2.75 million redevelopment.

Both projects are part of the $47 million Building Blocks Partnership between the state government and Wyndham council that aims to create 3600 kindergarten places in 17 centres across the municipality by 2029.

Early Childhood and Pre-Prep Minister

Ingrid Stitt said the two new centres will help achieve that goal.

“These projects will deliver more than 120 new kindergarten places in Wyndham, increasing access for families and helping more children get the best start in life.”

The bulk of those places will be provided at the Mossfiel IFC which will have room for 83 children across three kindergarten rooms and a large outdoor play space.

Wyndham councillor Josh Gilligan said the newfacilitywouldprovideafullrangeofearly childhood services under one roof.

“This $4.5 million project will replace

two ageing early years centres with a new purpose-built facility that integrates kindergarten, maternal and child health and playgroups at the former Hoppers Crossing Children’s Centre site.”

The new building will be delivered by the Victorian School Building Authority in the form of a modular structure that will be constructed off site in separate sections.

The sections will then will be transported to Mossfiel Reserve where they will be assembled onsite and connected to utilities.

The previous Mossfiel facility has already been demolished and the new IFC is expected to start accepting three and four-year-olds to

kinder classes in February 2024. The upgrade of the Jameison Avenue Kindergarten will result in its expansion to three rooms, allowing for 40 extra children to attend daily.

PointCookMPMathewHilakariwelcomed the development.

“As Point Cook grows, we’re providing more kinder places to give our youngest learners an inspiring place to start their education journey , building a place to learn and thrive in the local community.”

- Cade Lucas

Channel 10 star Tristan McManus will host the Fashion Awards Australia gala at the Encore Events Centre on October 13. (Supplied)

Bridging divides to help

By Cade Lucas

Whether it was during COVID-19, natural disasterssuchasfloodsandfiresorthecurrent cost of living crisis, members of the Sikh volunteer community have become a familiar sight in helping those in need.

However generous the Sikh community might be though, they’re still only a minority in Australia’s huge Indian diaspora, with Hindu’s vastly outnumbering them, including in Wyndham which has one of the largest Indian immigrant communities in the country.

Now with with the cost of living crisis continuing and Wyndham one of the worst hit communities, local Sikhs and Hindus are joining together to help those in need, wherever they’re from.

“We collect long life groceries from Wyndham’s Sikh and Hindu community and then these get delivered to Wyndham Park Community Centre on a regular basis” explained Jasvinder Sidhu, founder and operator of Wyndham charity Lets Feed.

“Around40to50peopledonateandwehave 10 volunteers, half Sikh and half Hindu.”

A Sikh himself, Mr Sidhu began the charity a decade ago to provide school meals to disadvantaged students.

Howeveritwasafterthepandemicstruckhe expanded Lets Feed to its current model.

“During COVID there was a lot of need for food, people lost jobs. Wyndham has a lot of disadvantage and homelessness so I approached different people to see what could be done and Jennie Barrera (Wyndham DeputyMayor)connectedmewithWyndham Park Community Centre.”

The scale of both the disadvantage in Wyndham and the the size of its Indian population meant Mr Sidhu saw no point

into just confining the charity to his own community.

He said this not only allowed Lets Feed to help more people in need but to bridge religious divides too.

“Problems like these where we are using the strength of our community and culture to help people, allow us to come together as Indians not just Sikhs or Hindus.”

This is just as well given the cost of living

Swooping time

Collingwood might be featuring in this year’s AFL Finals, but Victorians, including those in Wyndham, are being remindedthatit’snotjustonthefootball field where they’ll encounter magpies this September.

Spring is breeding time for magpies and that means it’s swooping season too, astheyandothernativebirdspeciessuch as plovers, seek to protect their freshly laid eggs and newly hatched chicks.

Katherine Whittaker, Senior Wildlife Officer at the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) said people should be aware of swooping, but not alarmed.

“While swooping is unsettling, it’s normal behaviour for a range of native birds,” Ms Whittaker said.

“Swooping is a warning to people and animals not to come near their young. It’s rare for birds to make contact.

“Not all birds swoop during the breeding season, so don’t be concerned simply because there are magpies or other common swooping birds in the area.

“Remember, the swooping behaviour will only last for a few weeks, normally stopping soon after the young leave the nest.”

problem seems to be getting worse rather than better.

“The demand is ever increasing,“ said Mr Sidhu of Lets Feed’s food packs which include basic items like rice, pasta, cooking oil, tea and coffee, along with toiletries and sanitary products.

“We started with 50 or 60 families and at present 170 families receive food packs from Wyndham Park every week.”

People are advised to know their local swoopinghotspotsandavoidthem,wear protective head and eye coverings and to not feed birds or destroy their nests. If being swooped, people are advised to walk but not run away from the nesting area and to not harass the birds as this can make the swooping worse.

BY RCA VILLAGES

Lets Feed’s Jasvinder Sidhu and his dad Gurham Sidhu donating groceries to needy people at Wyndham Park Community Centre. (Damjan Janevski). 359119_01

Planning now for denser living

HigherdensityhousinginMelbourne’smiddle suburbs doesn’t mean governments should ignore growth planning in Melbourne’s growing fringes, according to a new report from Interface Councils.

Interface councils are a group of 10 councils including Wyndham that form a ring around metropolitan Melbourne.

Recently, during Interface Week 2023, representatives from interface councils and state governments met to discuss planning issues and Dr Marcus Spiller launched his report ‘Melbourne’s growth management opportunity’.

Dr Spiller’s research shows that the state government’s proposed 70-30 housing

commitment, which suggests 70 per cent of net additional housing be in the established parts of the metropolis and 30 per cent in greenfield areas, will have a “modest” impact on growth across Melbourne’s outer suburban councils.

“Even if the state government’s 70-30 objective is met, the Interface Councils’ population is still expected to reach 2.5 million by 2036, compared to 2.7 million on current projections, a reduction of only 6 per cent,” he said.

“Melbourne’s growth management strategies for the outer suburbs will need to be a collaborative effort between governments for successful urban transformation.”

Dr Spiller also underscored the principle of people living in the interface regions sharing the same economic opportunity as the rest of Melbourne.

“My research shows that residents on the fringe have limited economic opportunities compared to the average Melburnian. Addressing this gap is vital for unlocking the city’s full potential and promoting prosperity for all residents,” he said.

The report predicted that with a 70-30 approach, Wyndham would reach a population of 429,616 by 2036 or 463,393 without it.

Wyndham council declined to comment.

A state government spokesperson said

Atticus rewarded for bike repairs

Point Cook 15 year old Atticus Tan has been named Wyndham’s Young Person of the Month for September.

Just don’t ask him how.

“I have no clue, I think someone nominated me,” said the year 9 student at Alamanda College.

He mightn’t know how it came about, but it’s pretty clear why Atticus was chosen as the award’s latest recipient.

“Basically I fix bikes for free” he said matter-of-factly.

“I basically like to help the community out and fix everyone else’s bikes to get them back on the road.”

Starting on his own bike just a year ago, Atticus graduated to fixing his family’s bikes, then his neighbour’s bikes, to now repairing everyone and anyone’s.

“They message me in the buy nothing Facebook group and then we arrange an appointment,” he explained about how the bikes get to him.

“Anything that comes in, I’ll fix it.”

Atticus is entirely self taught, with YouTube tutorials and reading articles helping him develop his skills, which are now in such demand that his family garage has been taken over.

“I’ve lost count of how many bikes I’ve fixed, but it’s probably over 50.”

If he gets his way, that number will only continue to grow.

“I would really really like to work in the bike industry in the future or even open my own bike shop.”

Point Cook bicycle repairman Atticus Tan is Wyndham’s Young Person of the Month for September. (supplied)

Fostering the future has its own rewards

Leonie Patterson’s family has grown exponentially over the years, on top of four birth children, one adopted son, one permanent-care daughter, 17 grandchildren, two great grandchildren, she is a “nan” to more than 300 foster children.

The western suburbs nan said she couldn’t imagine her life any other way.

“If I was able to have as many children as I wanted I would have had 100,” she said.

“I love having bubs and toddlers around me, so once I got a taste of foster care that was the end. I absolutely love what I do.”

Ms Patterson said she was amazed to be awarded the 2023 Protecting Children wards Carers Award on September 5 for her dedication.

“I won this award just for being a nana, I

can’t understand, that’s all I am!” she said.

“The children are our entire future. We need to be able to look after those children and nurture them so they can be the best they can be.”

At 77, Ms Patterson said she still has some years of caring left in her.

“My aim is to be 90, in a wheelchair pushing a pram in front of me with a skateboard on the back for the two-year-old. Then I’ll retire,” she said.

On an average night there are 1,500 children in foster care in Victoria, and OzChild chief executive Dr Lisa Griffiths said there’s a particular need for more carers in Melbourne’s west.

“We are very lucky to have many wonderful carers like Leonie who has provided a loving,

stable family environment for hundreds of children in the western suburbs during her 40 years as a carer,” she said.

“But, the need for foster carers is ever present. I encourage anyone who has the capacity to care to take the first step today, we’d love to see a new generation of carers rise to the challenge.”

Foster Care Week, which begins on Sunday 10 September. Information about foster care can be found through the state-wide foster care recruitment service Fostering Connections.

Details: fosteringconnections.com.au or 1800 013 088.

- Liam McNally

housing is currently the most important issue in the state.

“That’s why we’re making sure there is a mix of social, affordable and market housing in established suburbs close to transport, jobs and essential services,” they said.

“We are delivering road and rail upgrades right across Melbourne’s west, with the $650 million Melton Line Upgrade set to allow bigger and better trains to run.

This investment builds on the delivery of more trains and more capacity for Wyndham Vale, Geelong and Warrnambool - with nine-car VLocity trains introduced last year to help boost capacity along the south-west corridor.”

Apply now for council grants

Funding packages of up to $40,000 are now available after Wyndham council opened the latest round of its Large Community Grants program on Tuesday September 5 .

The grants are open to incorporated groups and not-for-profits in Wyndham and those that increase community participation and enhance liveability, health and the environment are encouraged to apply.

WyndhammayorSusanMcIntyresaid the grants would help create a stronger and more connected community.

“We value increased opportunities for residents to live their best lives, support those who are feeling challenged and encourage those to broaden their community involvement,” Cr McIntyre said.

“There is a lot of great work being undertakenalreadyandwelookforward to seeing our community strengthened. The grants can be used to support initiatives that improve community life, health, wellbeing and the environment in addition to cultural events and activities.”

Applicants are expected to align with the objectives of key council strategies and plans including the Wyndham 2040 Community Vision, Council Plan, MunicipalPublicHealth,andWellbeing Plan.

Applications close on October 6 and prospective applicants are invited to an information session on Monday, September 18.

For further information visit: https:// www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/large-grants

Cade Lucas

Choirs jam in the west

More than nine choirs came together to participate in a ‘choir jam’ gathering in the west.

Described by Jane York from Country Music Victoria as a “choir jam“, the afternoon was a celebration of the community choirs of Hobsons Bay and Wyndham held at the Laverton Community Hub.

The choirs which performed were Willin’ Women, With One Voice Wyndham, With One Voice Hobsons Bay, Newport Community Choir and Laverton Community Choir.

JanesaidotherchoirmembersfromWerribee Community Singers, Sing West, Western Melbourne Men’s Chorus and With One Voice Sunbury also participated.

“It was amazing, such a great success,” she said.

More than 100 people attended the event organised by Community Music Victoria in Partnership with Creativity Australia.

“We started with a singing workshop with three of our local leaders, then we had afternoon tea and got to enjoy some show and tell performances from the host choirs.

“COVIDmadeitverydifficultforcommunity choirs to gather folks together, so it was so lovely to have an opportunity to sing in a larger group.“

Jane said no matter how much experience singers had, everyone concluded it was an incredible feeling.

“Coming together with that many voices and singing harmony is truly healing and connected us all,” she said.

Community Music Victoria is currently working on a project called Growing Community Music, which Jane said services everything from community bands, ukulele groups, community choirs, neighbourhood houses, singing groups and more.

“We want to support in any way we can, so this event was created to help connect all the choirs in Hobsons Bay and Wyndham,“ she said.

“Community choirs in Hobsons Bay are still goingstrong,evenafterthechallengesofthelast few years there are still lots of choirs you can join in your area.”

Jennifer Pittorino

Briefs

Power outages

Wild weather caused widespread power outages across Wyndham on Friday, including at Werribee’s St Vincent’s Private Hospital.

St Vincent’s lost power for about an hour in the late morning, forcing the hospital to rely on back-up generators until the connection was restored.

There was no disruption to hospital services or patient care during the outage. St Vincent’s Werribee was among numerous customers in the Wyndham area to lose power due to strong winds that swept across Melbourne on Friday September 8.

Table tennis

Table Tennis Victoria is encouraging communities living in the west to start practising their ping pong skills. A pop-up ping pong event ’Take it to the Table’, will be held in October from Friday, October 6, to Sunday, October 8, at Grazeland in Spotswood.

The event will be open for beginners through to regular ping pong players. Eight tables set up across the venue, as well as demonstrations from some of the biggest names in table tennis. Entry will be $4 per person, from 5-10pmm on Friday, and 12pm to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday.

The event is run through the state government in partnership with Pongo World, Grazeland and the Hobsons Bay council.

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

Wyndham Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Nine choirs from Hobsons Bay, Wyndham and Sunbury joined the fun. (Supplied)

Hoon jailed for three months

By Corey Everitt

A serial hoon facing scores of charges from illegal ‘skid meets’, including in Truganina and Thomastown, has been sentenced to three months’ jail.

Cooper Peatling, 25, faced the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 31 August. He pleaded guilty to offences such as reckless conduct endangering serious injury, theft of motor vehicle and property damage, and drug possession and incitement charges.

The offences were committed in areas such as Lynbrook, Keysborough, Truganina and Thomastown throughout 2021.

The court heard that Peatling was part of established hooning rings ‘Northern Tea Party’ and ‘South East Skids’.

They were known for informal meet-ups at industrial estates involving reckless driving and stunts in front of hundreds of people.

Peatling, who held a learner’s licence during the offences, would attend these meetings in a white Mazda van that was registered in his grandmother’s name.

He was apparently known in the community as the ‘One Stop Tyre Shop’ due to the van carrying car jacks and spare tyres for engagement in reckless driving.

Evidence constructed from police reports, data intercepts and from social media such as TikTok and Snapchat showed Peatling’s well-known white van engaging in the burnouts

On 9 July 2021, the van attended a hooning meet at the intersection of Business Park Drive and Commercial Drive in Lynbrook, police told the court.

On nearby CCTV footage, the white van was seen to perform burnouts, figure-eights and flicking the van dangerously close to about 100 bystanders.

Peatling’s passenger allegedly ‘exited’ the vehicle briefly during the dangerous driving by sitting on the window with their legs out and holding the roof racks.

Police arrived as Peatling performed a burnout. He promptly exited the intersection at speed, narrowly missing a pedestrian who had to run out of the van’s way.

Peatling would have learner plates displayed in the front and back of the vehicle, while covering the van’s registration plates during this incident.

The prosecution argued that Peatling was not just a participant but an architect of the hooning group’s activities, charging him with inciting others to perform dangerous driving.

He had sent Snapchat messages to call on other associates out to hooning events in the northern suburbs.

At the time, Peatling was on bail after being arrested for failing to appear before court over a suspended driving charge.

Defence lawyer Maria Cananzi argued the seriousnessoftheoffenceshadbeenrecognised by Peatling and his rehabilitation since being

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charged and bailed should be considered.

“He has effectively extricated himself from that environment, from those influences, recognising where he has found himself,” Ms Cananzi argued.

“There has been no further offending in relation to any use of motor vehicle.

“The changes in behaviour have been borne out and are evident to the court in other ways.”

Thedefencearguedhehadshownpromising changes in his life, including maintaining a full-time job and strong ties to his family, who made a large presence at Peatling’s sentencing.

Magistrate John O’Callaghan said he did not consider Peatling as an ‘architect’ of the hooningmeetsbuthetookthelistofdangerous driving very seriously.

“That is an entirely different category, significantly different category of serious when it comes to the actual conduct.

“I’m a country person, I was a country magistrate and I’ve seen things I can’t unsee in terms of what has been the consequences of young people.

“I come from that point of view of the

seriousness of the offending and also the thefts and dishonesty types of matters.”

Mr O’Callaghan sentenced Peatling to three months’ jail, a community corrections order and a $3000 fine.

“I don’t put you in the category of a person who wants to hurt people. In fact, my impression of you is that [you] are actually a quite good young fellow,” Mr O’Callaghan said.

“Youhavepeoplethatloveyouandcontinue to love you, and that is the strongest thing and the best thing I have heard.

“But actions have consequences, we know that as adults and you as a young man have to accept that.

“The consequences are that people could have lost their life, they could have been materially, substantially been hurt and have their lives affected, and if you think I’m exaggerating, I can tell you I have seen it.“

Mr O’Callaghan made a point of saying he calculated the maximum possible sentence for his charges, which was roughly 95 years and $200,000 in fines, to further demonstrate the seriousness of Peatling’s actions.

“I’ve given you a significant discount which takes into account your youth, your prospects of rehabilitation, I think you are genuinely sorry for what has happened, despite there could be an argument that you weren’t at the time,Ithinkyou’vemovedonabitfromthen,” Mr O’Callaghan said to Peatling.

“I actually think you have a good future ahead of you. You might say he just sent me to jail and why would he think that? I actually do believe that, particularly because of your family, particularly because of your work.”

Peatlingwillbeunderacorrectionsorderfor 12monthsafterhisjailtime.TheCCOincludes 100 hours of unpaid community service. His licence was suspended for 18 months.

dadabsolutelylovedhisrespitestayandhassincemovedin full

so much.”

A passenger was seen hanging out of a car window during the smoking burnouts.

DinoFest transforms Werribee Park into Jurassic Park

If you visit Werribee Park Mansion during the school holidays, you are in for a gigantic surprise!

You could even end up as lunch!

A friendly t-rex has taken up residence in the park while a fully-grown, walking triceratops is stomping round the gardens, joined by a stegosaurus, carnotaurus, anklyosaur, raptors, pterosaurs, and lots of cute baby dinosaurs.

It’sallpartofDinoFest,anexcitingoutdoor children’s event that takes visitors back 66 million years to the age when dinosaurs ruled the planet!

After recent stops in Adelaide and New Zealand, DinoFest has set foot in Werribee Park for the school holidays, running until October 1.

‘We are delighted to welcome dinosaurs to Werribee Park Mansion this school holidays,” said Parks Victoria Team Leader Letitia Luttrell.

Event organiser Laurence Taylor said DinoFest was ideal for families looking for school holiday activities for children under-10.

“Our amazing Dinosaur Trail takes you through 100 million years of history, charting the rise of the tyrannosaurs, from small, dog-sized dinosaurs to the largest, most fearsome, carnivore ever to walk the earth. Meet the king of dinosaurs, our life size t-rex,” said Mr Taylor, adding that the location enhanced the experience.

“The ferns, palms, cycads and conifers that grow here have changed little from the ones which dinosaurs walked beneath. Werribee Park provides the perfect setting for us to bring dinosaurs all back to life.”

Other attractions include Dinosaur Encounter with 18+ species of “real” moving dinosaurs, a Dinosaur Trail with

over 30 dinosaurs, and some awesome Dino Activities - such as a Dino Dig arts and crafts and “feel a fossil” with real dinosaur bones.

DinoFest officially opened on Saturday

September 9, with over 2,500 people coming through the gates over the first weekend.

DinoFest runs daily at 10:30am, 1pm and

3pm for 1 1/2 hour sessions on advertised days.

It is ideal for kids under-10 years old and tickets for infants under-2 are free.

A t-rex at DinoFest in Werribee Park. (Supplied)

Fun-filled school holiday activities at Williams Landing

As the school holidays approach, parents and childrenalikeareeagerlylookingforengaging and entertaining ways to spend their free time.Thankfully,WilliamsLandingShopping Centre has stepped up to the plate, offering two weeks of thrilling activities guaranteed to put smiles on the faces of kids of all ages.

Week 1 - School Holiday Carnival

(Monday 18 Sept – Friday 22 Sept)

Prepare to be dazzled as the Williams Landing Shopping Centre transforms into a lively carnival wonderland during the first week of the school holidays. From Circus Sun Catchers to Lion Manes, Carnival Hats to Paper Clown Puppets and Clown Ties, there’s no shortage of creativity and excitement in store. Children can unleash their inner artists with circus inspired craft creating unique masterpieces. It’s a fantastic opportunity for kids to express themselves, make new friends, and embrace their imagination.

Week 2 - Footy Skills Circuit (Monday 25 Sept – Friday 29 Sept)

With the AFL Grand Final just around the corner, week 2 at Williams Landing Shopping Centre is all about Footy Fever. Kids will have the chance to fine-tune their footy skills with a variety of activities designed to celebrate the lead-up to the grand event. From handball targets that will test their precision to circuit training that will challenge their agility and endurance, week 2 promises to be a blast for sports enthusiasts and aspiring athletes. Plus, who knows, we might even uncover the next footy superstar right here at our shopping centre!

These school holiday activities are more than just a way to keep kids busy; they provide valuable opportunities for children to learn, socialise, and have a great time during their break from school. Williams Landing

ShoppingCentrecontinuestobeavibranthub for our local community, supporting families and fostering a sense of togetherness.

So, mark your calendars and join us for two weeks of unforgettable school holiday fun at the Williams Landing Shopping Centre.

Let’s make these holidays a time of laughter, creativity, and skill-building for our kids. We can’t wait to see you there!

Granting support to empower vulnerable youth

Supporting Wyndham’s vulnerable youth to help them avoid contact with the justice system is the aim of community safety grants awarded last week.

Awarded by the Wyndham Empowering Communities Local Action Group, the grants are a joint initiative of the state government and Wyndham council to deliver projects and activities that build a sense of community, help neighbourhoods feel safer, promote interfaith/intercultural understanding and improve community connections.

Among the successful recipients were: Wyndham Community and Education Centre, which received $75,000 for their Diverse Horizons Empowering

Multicultural Youth for Success project; Karuna Compassion in Action, which received $60,000 to assist young people in the Wyndham Karen refugee community; $70,000 to Blue Light Victoria

for a program for year five and six students and their families, focusing on safety and creating connections between police and community; The Youth Junction Inc received $90,000 for targeted youth service interventions for disadvantaged young people in the justice system and $75,000 to the Royal Children’s Hospital Community Development for a multi-arts workshop program for children from African backgrounds.

Wyndham mayor Susan McIntyre said she was excited by what the grant recipients could achieve.“Thishasbeenawonderfulinitiative–firstly meeting with the community in 2022 to discusscommunitysafetyissues,thencreating aWyndhamEmpoweringCommunitiesLocal Action Group that has guided this next step to help select the Community Safety Grants recipients,” Cr McIntyre said.

“I look forward to seeing the projects and

activities these recipients will deliver.”

Tarneit MP Dylan Wright said the grants would deliver projects that were tailored for Wyndham.

“These projects are about finding local solutions to local crime and safety issues that matter to our community.”

All projects are expected to begin by mid next year.

More information: https://www.wyndham. vic.gov.au/services/community-support/ community-support-services-programs/ empowering-communities-grants

Pallative care honour

Mercy Palliative Care, the provider of community end-of-life care services across Melbourne’s west and at Werribee Mercy Hospital, has won a national Good Samaritan Mission Award.

The award, for the ‘I Am Living’ public awareness initiative involving Mercy Health, Calvary Health Care and other Catholic health providers, was announced at the recent Catholic Health Australian national conference in Perth.

The I Am Living program, which centres on a series of short documentaries featuring palliative care patients, is designed to expand understanding of palliative care and address community anxiety around the deterioration of health, dying, death, loss and grief.

Patients featured in the videos speak about the things that matter to them as they face their own mortality and that hope-filled and

positive experiences are possible, even in a hospital bed.

Mercy Palliative Care manager, Deanne Layton, said Mercy Health was quick to recognise the value of the I Am Living initiative.

“Programs such as these which raise the public awareness of palliative care and the conversations that people can have at the end of life are valuable,” she said.

“The video stories bring real life accounts of people receiving palliative care and the message of living until we die. These stories show there is much more to palliative care than just end of life care. Raising community awareness and encouraging people to talk is an important message from this campaign,” Ms Layton said.

Along with the Werribee Mercy Hospital, Mercy Palliative Care’s community-based

Fishing clubs reel in funds

Fishing is a popular pastime in Wyndham, with a range of fish species on offer across wide variety of salt and freshwater locations.

As a result, the municipality to is home to numerous angling clubs and associations too, all of whom are now eligible for grants of up to $10,000 with opening of the state government’s Stronger Fishing Clubs Grant program yesterday.

The $1.2 million program is aimed at increasing angling club membership and to promoting participation in recreational fishing.

Clubs with plans to attract women, multicultural groups, First Nations and disabled peoples to recreational fishing are encouraged to apply.

Werribee MP Tim Pallas said the grants were about strengthening fishing clubs and broadening access to the sport.

“We want to help our local fishing clubs grow because they support newcomers to the pastime of fishing and share generations of knowledge amongst members.”

service covers Wyndham, Brimbank, Maribyrnong, Hobsons Bay, Melton, Moonee Valley and Melbourne .

Its specialist teams include doctors, nurses, social workers and grief and bereavement counsellors.

The team also provides care to relieve psychological, financial and emotional burdens, with a particular focus on family care and support.

“I Am Living instills a deep reverence for each and every person as they matter to the last moment of their life,” said Calvary Health Care’s director of mission, Mark Green.

“The program dignifies the person’s suffering and demonstrates how, with care and support, a life is enhanced even as it draws to a close.”

Projects involving IT upgrades, website development, clubroom improvements, and equipment that will benefit all members are also eligible for funding.

In a statement, Victorian Recreational Fishing chair Rob Loats said the grants would benefit more than just individual clubs.

“Ourlocalfishingclubsandassociations deliver important community services such as social connection and health and wellbeing benefits and most recreational fishing leaders emerge from organised recreational fishing.”

Applications for the first round of grants close on December 6 and can be made at: vfa.vic.gov.au/ strongerfishingclubs.

Call goes out to help name Western United’s new home

Wyndham residents are invited to name Western United’s new training facility which will soon open in Tarneit.

Located in the the Wyndham Stadium Precinct, the Regional Football Facility (interim name) will feature state-of-the-art training facilities, a two storey pavillion and capacity for 5,000 spectators.

Once complete the facility will host matches

in the upcoming A-League season and long-termwillbecomethetrainingbaseforthe Western United Football Club.

A public vote will be held to determine the name of the facility and the pavilion, but first the community will be asked to choose their preferred theme.

Linking the name to a place, ), using commemorative names, gender equality and recognition and use of Traditional Owner

languagesarethefournamingthemesonoffer.

Once the theme is chosen, names aligning with that theme will be proposed.

Wyndham councillor Peter Maynard said the beginning of naming process meant the facility in Tarneit was another step closer.

“We look forward to Western United Football Club moving in and having a training base in the Wyndham Stadium Precinct,” he said.

The Regional Football Facility will also provide important opportunities for our local community with the ability to host major regional competitions for rectangular pitch sports, coaching clinics, professional development sessions and more.” For more information and to provide eedback by 9 October visit: https://theloop.wyndham.vic.gov.au

Mercy Palliative Care community nurse Jayne Rodda checking in on home patient ‘Duc’ (supplied)

Wyndham mayor Susan McIntyre presents a cheque to recipients of Empowering Communities Partnership grants. (supplied)

Festival offers a chance to learn

The 2023 Wyndham Learning Festival came to an end on Thursday September 7 after a week of free educational activities and events for people of all ages.

LedbyWyndhamCommunity&Education Centre and supported by Wyndham council, the festival is aimed at encouraging lifelong learning and this year had the theme: ‘Our Thriving Creative Community.’

That theme was evident in the more than 70 events held during the festival, covering the arts, sports, technology, the environment, wellbeing, history, culture, food and families.

Headlining the festival was acclaimed children’s author Mem Fox whose opening night address at the Wyndham Cultural Centre was booked out well in advance.

The Vietnamese Banquet, Multicultural Global Kitchen, Wyndham Park Mens Shed andYoungScientistofWyndhamCompetition were also among the most popular events.

Top left: Possum Magic author Mem Fox discussing the magic of storytelling at the Wyndham Cultural Centre on September 1. Top right: Participants in the Young Scientist of Wyndham Competition, and in one of the many cooking events Above left: The Wyndham Park Mens Shed hosted an event during the festival. Above right: The Young Scientist of Wyndham Competition. (Pictures: Westend Photography)

Love where you are

A new exhibition at the Melton Civic Centre reflects on our everyday lives and celebrates the unique details that make our neighbourhoods home.

Love Where You Are, a collection of vibrant paper art and collage from local artist, Tess Angala, explores how we can find a sense of home with great community support and creativity.

Ms Angala said the theme for this exhibition is showcasing Melton, how people celebrate being in the moment, appreciating the present and being grateful for the space under our feet.

Roller-skating princesses

On Sunday September 3 Eagle Stadium was abuzzwithexcitementandlaughterasfamilies gathered to enjoy a day of roller-skating fun at the highly anticipated event, Princess on Skates.

Some participants organised their day as a special present for Father’s Day.

Under the warm and sunny early spring sky, children and adults alike laced up their roller skates and took to the outdoor courts.

The atmosphere was filled with joy and enthusiasm as participants of all skill levels glided across the smooth surface, accompanied by upbeat music that added to the festive ambiance.

Princess On Skates offered an excellent opportunity for families to bond, connect, and create lasting memories. Parents were seen cheering on their little ones as they confidently showcased their skating skills, while other families enjoyed some quality

time together on wheels, embracing the spirit of the event.

The organisers of Princess on Skates expressed their gratitude to all the participants, who contributed to making the event a tremendous success.

Throughout the day, the safety of attendees remained a top priority, with designated staff members ensuring a well-organised and secure environment for everyone.

“We are thrilled to have witnessed such a positive response to Princess On Skates,“ said Paul Lacchiana, programs officer at Eagle Stadium.

“We aimed to create an unforgettable experience for families, and it warms our hearts to see everyone coming together and having a great time. We are thankful to all the participants for making this event truly special.“

“I am fascinated with colours, patterns and designs on paper and fabric,” she said.

“Most of the materials used here are scraps that I repurposed into artwork. I think it is important to be conscious about the environment in every little way possible.”

Tess Angala is a mum, illustrator, stationary designer, baker, writer, engineer and paper crafter who started her creative journey in the 2000s in Manila, Philippines.

All the creative magic takes place in her home studio in Caroline Springs where she runs her gifts and homewares business.

Featuring quirky illustrations, inclusive themes and abstract portraiture that represent the diversity of our local Melton community, Love Where You Are is Tess’ first exhibition and part of Melton Council’s Groundwork program.

Groundwork aims to grow the creative practice of artists living and working

GRUFFALO PLUSH & BOOKS

within Melton to enrich the city’s creative ecology and economies.

Groundwork gives artists access to mentorship and curatorial advice from Council’s arts and events team, marketing and promotion support for their creative practices, and exhibition space at Melton Library and Learning Hub and Melton Civic Centre.

The exhibition will be open in Melton Civic Centre until February 2024.

Tess Angala. Picture: Damjan Janevski 356944_01

Some of the Princess on Skates participants.

Is your COVID-19 jab up to date?

By Christopher Carter, CEO of North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network

You may remember that earlier this year there wasanadvertisingcampaignontelevisionand radio and online urging us to get a booster vaccination against COVID-19.

If you hadn’t had a jab, or a case of coronavirus, for at least 6 months, the adverts said, it was time to “top up”, “pump up” and “keep your guard up”. It was useful and timely advice - resulting in just shy of 4 million booster doses being administered around the country between January and August.

You know what? It’s now more than 6 months since that advertising campaign started running - so is it time to go and get the needle again?

Well, on September 1, 2023, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), the body that makes these decisions, updated its advice and the answer to that question is a very definite “maybe”.

ATAGI reported that COVID-19 case numbers have gone up and down this year, declining substantially in the second half of the year. Despite the dip, the group notes that infections continue to occur - and that this bug isn’t going to disappear any time soon (if ever).

Most cases of severe illness - where people needed to go to hospital - happened in older adults, especially those 75 and over. The new adviceforthisagegroupisifit’sbeen6months ormoresinceyou’vehadaboosteritisstrongly recommended that you get another jab.

The advice for the next group of not-quite-so-old adults - those between 65 and 74 - is to “consider” getting a booster if you haven’t had one lately. It’s up to you and your GP, but it might be better to be safe than

sorry - especially if you also have any chronic conditions, such as lung issues.

For other adults, ATAGI suggests an additional booster only for people who are severely immunocompromised. For all others, and all children and teens, another jab isn’t recommended at all.

You might wonder why. The experts say that younger people have lower rates of severe illness, hospitalisation and death from COVID-19 compared to older folk. This

is more so these days because much of the population is currently well protected because of previous vaccinations - including this year’s boosters - and immunity built up from past infections.

Here’s a sobering bit of information, reported by ATAGI. Testing at the end of last year indicated that about 70 per cent of adults and 64 per cent of children had been infected by coronavirus.

So, the gist of it all? If you are in a priority

group identified by the experts, think about gettinganotherbooster.Ifnot,justcontinueto take care - wearing masks in crowded places, gathering outdoors or in well-ventilated spaces,doingaRATandstayinghomeifyou’re sick, all that sort of thing.

ATAGI continues to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic here and around the world, including keeping an eye on new variants being found. If the situation changes, so will the vaccination advice.

Helping little Daisy grow

Welcoming a child is meant to be one of the most exciting things in the world, but for Rebecca Harris and Alistair Woodard it was anything but as Tara Murray reports.

After a tough pregnancy, Rebecca delivered baby Daisy at just 27 weeks at theJoanKirner Women’sandChildren’s at Sunshine Hospital on May 10.

At just 475 grams, Daisy is the smallest baby born at the hospital.

Daisy would spend the first three months of her life at the hospital and her and her parents have been frequent visitors ever since.

“I didn’t have the best pregnancy, I was quite sick, I had hyperemesis,” recalls Rebecca.

“We found out that Daisy was going to be small, we knew she had a condition called IUGR, which is intrauterine growth restriction.

“So we knew she was going to be born small and then one weekend I started feeling sick, I ended up in hospital with preeclampsia and then three days later she was born.”

While expecting Daisy to be small, the pair thought she would be at least 500 grams.

Rebecca,anurseherself,saidhowsmallDaisy was wasn’t something they expected.

“It was really confronting, she was tiny,” she said. “She could fit in your hand. But she’s doing really well, she’s 2.7 kilos now.

“It sort of happened all of a sudden, so I was onlikeamonitorandyoucouldseethatshewas havingdipsinherheartrate,anditallhappened all at once.

“We were rushed down to have a caesarean and I was feeling very overwhelmed and scared but everyone there was so supportive and the staff were just so lovely. It honestly made it so that you can deal with a bad situation, all the people were so lovely.”

Alistair said it felt like they just copped

everything through the pregnancy.

Home for the next three months would be Western Health’s Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s at Sunshine Hospital, starting with the NICU ward.

Both Alistair and Rebecca said the hospital felt more like a home away from home.

“Wealwaysfeltwelcomedthere,wewereable to go in anytime,” said Alistair.

“The nurses were so friendly.”

Rebecca added, “We spent three months in the NICU, and honestly the staff made me feel so comfortable”.

“We felt welcomed there, we were able to go in anytime. They really became like a second family. They became like my friends in a way.

“Everybody knew Daisy, because she’d started at the NICU… the nurses would pop in and see her and they’d be like ‘how’s Daisy going?’”

Daisy quickly became famous at the hospital firstly because of her size and then as she was so healthy as well. That was the most astounding thing,everyonewasshockedathowshethrived.

Being at the hospital however, eventually took at toll on her parents.

“We got frustrated I guess towards the end, butthatwasjustourownimpatienceofwanting to get her home,” Alistair said.

“Of course, the hospital wouldn’t let us take her home until they felt comfortable that she wasinagoodplace.Andofcourse,intheend,it was the best decision.

“She’s come home and she hasn’t had any issues being home.”

Both Rebecca and Alistair highlighted

supportive staff at the hospital had been during their stay.

Consultant neonatologist Dr Gillian Foo, whowasoneofDaisy’sdoctors,saidforthestaff it’s about making sure the whole family is being looked after.

“You change lives in one of the hardest times in a family’s journey,” she said. “Things change so quickly. You’re on the journey with them. The babies grow in the intensive ward unit and then follow them with check-ups.

“It’s a vulnerable time in their lives and it’s a shared experience that not many people understand. I think it’s one of the most rewarding specialties.”

Dr Foo said when families return to the hospital many of them call the nurses and doctors ‘aunties and uncles’ as they’ve become part of the family.

When Daisy left the NICU, Dr Foo’s daughters had a special parting gift for her.

“We like to acknowledge how hard it has been for the family,” Dr Foo said. “We like to have graduation ceremonies and it was only fitting to have a graduation hat.

“It’s great that my family gets to see the work I do and the families know that we do care.”

Once babies like Daisy leave the NICU there is still plenty of support for the families and services available.

Daisy still has a feeding tube so requires assistance from dietitians and the nutrition team. There’s speech therapists for the children and mental health support for the parents the whole way through.

Dr Foo said they wouldn’t be able to do

the work they do without the support of the community.

“We have a very diverse population in the west,” she said. “We try and cater for a large range of cultural needs.”

Now with baby Daisy at home, Rebecca and Alistair are adjusting to life as new parents.

Bothsaidthebiggestadviceforanyparentsin the same situation is to lean on all the support that is available through the NICU and other organisations like Life’s Little Treasures and Miracle Babies.

They said also make sure you also take care of yourself.

Rebecca thanked the hospital team, saying they wouldn’t be where they are without them. Both are now enjoying life at home with Daisy,whostillhasafeedingtubeasshedoesn’t have the ability to take full bottles.

“I think the biggest challenge was just having to let go in a way for me,” Rebecca said. “I’m very structured and I like to know what’s going to happen next.

“But in this regard, I had to let Daisy do her thing, grow when she needs to grow. You don’t really know what’s coming next.

“Of course we got to know her little personality while she was in the hospital, but then bringing her home she definitely turned into a different baby.”

Alistair added, “It’s so good that we still go back to John Kirner as well. So we get to see the same doctors that looked after her on the ward. The continuity has been great.”

To donate to the Western Health’s NICU ward: give.whfoundation.org.au/donate-now.

Dietitian Vicky Saunders, Dr Gillian Foo with Alistair Woodward and Rebecca Harris with their baby Daisy, and nurses Nicole Millson and Samantha Dean. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 358828

Alistair Woodward and Rebecca Harris with their baby Daisy.

United sign up ‘great additions’

Western United’s signing blitz continues ahead of the A-League Women’s season.

United has re-signed Philippines star Jaclyn Sawicki for her second season with the club, while young talents Lucy Richards and Natalie Picak have joined the side.

SawickistartedinallthreeofthePhilippines’ matches at the recent FIFA Women’s World Cup, playing a significant role in an historic tournament for her country.

After completing her extension, Sawicki said she is delighted to confirm her future with the green and black and is buoyed by how the team is looking heading into the new campaign.

“I am extremely excited and grateful to be part of another season with Western United,” she said.

“Given the results from our first season, we are naturally going to set high expectations for ourselves going into season two and I think the girls are going to come in determined to push for even more.

“It looks like we have added some great additions to our side so I am really looking forwardtoseeingwhatwecandoasacollective for this Club this year.”

After shining in the FV National Training Centre and Emerging Matildas programs for a number of years, Richards joined Calder United in 2023 and has continued to impress.

The 21-year-old can play on either flank as a full back or a winger and produced a match-winning display in Calder’s NIKE F.C. Cup Final win last month.

Having been a train-on player at Melbourne City in previous seasons, Richards said she feels ready to make the step up and become a fully-fledged A-League player.

“I’m super excited to sign my first professional contract with Western United and just extremely grateful to the Club for the opportunity,” she said.

“From training and playing with some of the girls at Calder, it’s clear this group has heaps of drivecomingintotheseason,soI’mkeentoget started with the squad and try to help build on the success from last year.”

Goalkeeper Picak joined the roster on a scholarship deal.

The 18-year-old has signed after impressing

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for Calder throughout the NPLW Victoria season this year.

As a standout junior player, Picak then moved on to the FV NTC program and has found her breakthrough at senior level with Calder in 2023.

Picak’s form recently earned her the first nationalteamcall-upofheryoungcareerasshe

joined the Young Matildas in a training camp last week. Now set to take her first professional opportunity in the A-League, Picak said she is counting down the days until she gets started.

“I am super excited to sign for Western United. It’s always been a dream to be part of an A-League club, especially my home club,” she said.

Natalie Picak. (Jacob Pattison) 346097_03

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

Point Cook Day VIEW Club

The club meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month at the Point Cook Library

1-21 Cheetham Street. The next meeting is Wednesday 20 September commencing at noon. New members welcome.

■ All enquires please contact Catherine on 0407 7726852.

All Abilities Netball

All Abilities Netball for Youth (10 – 25 y/o) is run by Wyndham Netball Association every Saturday morning during school terms. 10:30am on outside court 14 at Eagle Stadium, Ballan Road, Werribee.

Intellectual, physical and social disabilities are catered for in a fun and supported group. Come and try your first session for free. $2 for stadium entry.

■ Phil, 0437 078 739

Walking netball

Walking netball is a low impact, no running, no jumping version of our national game for those that love the fun, friendship and activity of a weekly game of netball. If you don’t know the sport, we will teach you. Mixed gender and no maximum age. 8:00pm every Thursday during school terms on inside court 4 at Eagle Stadium, Ballan Road, Werribee. Come and try your first session for free. $2 for stadium entry.

■ Phil, 0437 078 739

Werribee River Festival

All welcome to attend the River Fest, celebrating the Werribee River through music, art ‘n culture on Sunday 24 September, 12noon – 5pm. The festival will be located on the central lawn, in Wyndham Park, Werribee. Come experience community dance groups & choirs, The Orbweavers and Nhatty Man perform on the big stage. Also offering free workshops, stalls and & children’s entertainment. Free entry. BYO picnic. Come join your river community.

■ admin@werribeeriver.org.au

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 252872.

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.

■ 0408 123 669

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.

■ Jorge, 0433 566 575

Bingo for all

The Werribee RSL hosts Bingo every Monday. 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

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 wynfm.org.au

Yarraville Mouth Organ Band.

“Yarraville Mouth Organ Band will be celebrating its 90th Anniversary on Sunday 24th September, 1.00 - 5.00 pm in their band hall at 203 Williamstown Road Yarraville 3013. Visitors will be very welcome to enjoy the music, have a

cuppa and catch a glimpse of history in photographs up to 90 years old.

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

Altona Girl Guides

Altona Girl Guides currently have vacancies for girls aged five-plus who would like to learn new skills, gain confidence,and expand their friendship circle while having fun.

■ hobsonsbay@guidesvic.org.au

English lessons

Want to learn English in a fun and relaxed setting? Build your English, digital and employability skills with the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP). AMEP now available in Williamstown. Laverton Community Education Centre now offers free AMEP classes to eligible clients at Joan Kirner House in Williamstown. Classes are on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9.30 am -3 pm. Childcare is available for children who are under school age. Laverton Community Education Centre is a Not -for -profit organisation. The Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) is funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.

■ 93692726.

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

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 MPCVolunteer Coordinators@mercy.com.au

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Max Augoustakis and Zac Main at the radio station where they do a weekly segment called ‘Self-Titled’ and they play ‘underground’ music. (Damjan Janevski) 358073_01

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12 Graveyard (8)

13 French (6)

14 Umpteen (4)

15 Italian composer (7)

20 Enlarge (7)

21 Church recess (4)

25 Soporific drug (6)

26 Dictator (8)

28 New birth (11)

29 Speck (3)

30 Bring up (4)

31 Unconvinced (9) DOWN

1 Subterranean burial chamber (8)

2 Army unit (8)

3 A Japanese religion (6)

4 Be involved (9)

5 Uncovered (4)

18 Occasionally (8)

19 Abstaining from alcohol (8)

22 Scary genre (6)

23 The capital of Austria (6)

24 Convincing (6)

27 Invites (4)

easy 5681394 594 7439286

4982 98 4

71 5 4958

hard

395 61 25 38 18

medium 19 34

17 47 86 29 165

DECODER WORDFIT 9-LETTER WORD

3 LETTERS AGE ALE ANY ASK CHI DID END ERA EVE GAL ICY IDS

A S A E A I E L V

Today’s Aim:

36 words: Excellent

M

U

A R I N T

arum, atrium, aunt, etui, inure, manure, mature, menu, MINIATURE, minuet, minute, minutia, minutiae, mute, nature, nutria, ruin, rumen, ruminate, rune, runt, triune, true, tuna, tune, tuner, turn, unarm, unit, unite, unmet, untie, urea, urinate, urine, uteri

No. 150

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”. E I N T B E A D S E A S E L A G I L E S L A V E T E N E T

2 Bundaberg is a city found in which Australian state?

4 What is the title of Taylor Swift’s album released in December 2020?

5 Which company owns the social cataloging site Goodreads?

6 Taipei is the capital of which country?

7 In terms of image resolution, what does dpi stand for?

8 What is a drupe?

9 Teresa Palmer (pictured) stars as which character in the British fantasy series ADiscoveryofWitches?

10 In which year was the first female editor of TheAge appointed?

ITS NIP NOT ORE PEN PEP PRO ROE SET TOO YAP ZOO 4 LETTERS BARB DUNG DYED EBBS ESKY KIDS OATH SACS SASH SEEN SLED STOW USER WADS 5 LETTERS ABOVE ACHES ACRID ADOBE AGREE ALIBI AMAZE AMBER AMBLE AORTA ARENA BARGE BASIS BIDES BLASE BORNE BREED BROOK CANED CLIPS CRIBS CROSS DEMON DENSE DIMER DOING GLOBE HALOS HIDES INANE INTER IRATE MADAM MEDAL MEMOS MINES MOODY NESTS NIECE ORDER SALAD SANDS SEEDS SLEDS STARE STATE STOVE THETA TRUMP VISAS 6 LETTERS CAMPER GEARED MADDER METRES 7 LETTERS AMOEBAS FALTERS IMPEDES MILITIA RETCHED ROASTED 8 LETTERS COLOSSAL MERCIFUL OBSOLETE OPPONENT 12 345678910111213 1415 1617181920212223242526 E F O X S N H D V W T A L R Y P B U I M J G C K Q Z 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 15-09-23 Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com 562781394 615897423 743925186 139542867 498253671 981376542 874639215 327164958 256418739 easy medium hard 379825614 247351896 138569472 612943587 583697241 426718953 854176329 961482735 795234168 514287936 738629514 983765142 862391457 495178263 247913685 379456821 621534798 156842379 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 KZ ANSWERS: 1. 2004 2. Queensland 3. Left 4. Evermore 5. Amazon 6. Taiwan 7. Dots per inch 8. A stone fruit 9. Diana Bishop 10. 2020

No. 150

No. 150

No. 150

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Which North Melbourne coach announced they would be leaving the club?

2. NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers joined which team after nearly 20 years with the Green Bay Packers?

3. Michael Smith is best known for competing in which sport?

General Notices

4. Which country holds the most Olympic gold medals for tennis?

5. Which upcoming biographical sports film stars Adam Driver and Penélope Cruz?

6. Which NRL team does fullback Latrell Mitchell play for?

In which year was Etihad stadium’s name changed

In which year did Carlton last compete in a Grand Final?

Stefanos Tsitsipas terminated his partnership with which star coach for the second time?

Which 2017 sports documentary follows Bryan Fogel’s investigation into doping?

11. Which men’s team defeated the US 110-104 at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup?

12. How many times has jockey Damien Oliver ridden the winner of the Melbourne Cup?

13. Heath Streak played international cricket for which African nation?

14. The John Worsfold Medal is awarded to the player voted best and fairest of which AFL club?

15. The 2023 Vuelta a España multi-stage cycling race is set to take place in Spain, Andorra and which other country?

16. What is the national sport of Nepal?

17. Who was announced as captain of the AFL’s 2023 All-Australian team?

18. American billionaire Mark Cuban is the majority owner of which NBA team?

19. Which national rugby union team is known as Los Pumas (The Pumas)?

20. Danish tennis professional Caroline Wozniacki is married to which former NBA player?

21. Which African nation’s basketball team recently qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games for the first time?

22. Which North Melbourne player won the 2023 AFL Rising Star Award?

23. How many seasons did the Collingwood Magpies netball team compete in the Super Netball competition?

24. Which team did the Australian men’s cricket team recently sweep 3-0 in a Twenty20 International Series?

25. Who coached the Australian Boomers at the 2023 FIBA World Cup?

26. Which AFL premiershipwinning coach will present the Jock McHale Medal at the 2023 AFL Grand Final?

27. Which NRL team finished top of the ladder at the conclusion of the 2023 regular season?

28. How many movies have there been in the Rocky/ Creed film franchise?

29. What international team sport was recently announced as a probable event for only the second time at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games?

30. Which Matildas star will play for Real Madrid in the upcoming Liga F competition?

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South Sudan

Harry Sheezel

Seven 24.

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Real Estate Agents Everywhere

Leading with light in auto design

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

In a display, which can only be described as a case of automotive smoke and mirrors, the new Hyundai Kona is designed to look like an electric vehicle – no radiator grille – whether an EV, hybrid or petrol powered.

The maker Hyundai says this is to make the whole range of the small SUV, including petrol variants - EV and hybrids are due here by year’s end - blend in with traffic better in the future.

The ‘petrols’ on offer at present are a 2.0-litre four-cylinder with a CVT automatic and front-wheel drive, and a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder with an eight-speed torque converter automatic and all-wheel drive.

Prices for the second-generation SUV start at $32,000 and rise to $46,500, plus on-road costs. The N-Line pack adds an extra $4000. Considerably more kit does come with the price premium.

The new Kona is covered by a five-year 100,000 kilometre warranty and attracts Hyundai’s Premium Roadside Support Plan free for the first 12 months and renewed annually for up to 10 years so long as the vehicle is serviced by Hyundai.

Styling

If there were a patron saint of electric lighting, say St Osram, the new Kona would pay him or her homage, for the car’s design makes Hyundailiterallyaleadinglightinautomotive design.

The absence of a grille apart, up front the full width of the compact sports utility vehicle is emphasised by an LED strip light – similar to one which debuted in the Staria – on the leading edge of the bonnet from wing to wing.

Not far behind is a similar single bar across the rear, highlighting the futuristic (EV) view from behind. Outboard lighting matches the front triangular set-up. Inside and out the new Kona is bigger than its predecessor. In profile, apart from muscular wheel arch covers, the rest is very much de rigueur for the class.

Interior

Atatadover4.3mlong,1.8mwideandalmost 1.6 m tall, the ‘small’ SUV is more spacious on the inside too thanks to a 60 mm increase in wheelbase front to back. This translates to much more leg room in the back compared withbefore.Headroomismorethanadequate for the average adult.

Absent in the 2.0 is a shift-by-wire transmission stalk to the right behind the steering wheel found in Premium and turbo grades. In its place here is a conventional centre-console gearshift.

Storage abounds, with bins in the front doors big enough for large bottles and two retractable cup holders in the centre console, plus a generous glove box, as well as wireless charging, USB-C jacks and a 12V socket.

Rear doors can take small bottles and there are two cup holders in the fold-down centre armrest and pockets on the front seat backs. Adjustable ventilation outlets and a pair of USB-C power sockets are in situ. The boot will hold 407 litres with the rear seat backs raised, or up to 1241 litres with them folded flat. A space-saver spare is carried.

Infotainment

A high-resolution 12.3-inch widescreen digital infotainment display sits above the centre stack, which incorporates climate control air-con buttons. Directly in front of the driver is a digital instrument screen inside a 12.3-inch panel.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto are standard low down the model range, while Premium variants with satellite navigation have only wired systems. This is due to change later this year with wireless becoming available to all.

Hyundai’s Bluelink connection enables remote access from a paired smartphone

with vehicle location, remote lock and start services, plus the ability to contact emergency services in the event of an accident.

Engines/transmissions

The Kona and Kona Premium come with either a naturally aspirated Atkinson cycle 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine sending 110 kW and 180 Nm at 6200 rpm and 4500 rpm, respectively, to the front wheels through a CVT automatic transmission.

Hyundaiclaimsacombinedurban/highway fuel consumption figure of 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres, while the test car came up with 6.1 litres per 100 kilometres over a week of varied driving conditions.

Safety

Kona is on board with Hyundai’s SmartSense safety system, which includes front and rear autonomous emergency braking (with car, ‘powered two-wheeler’, pedestrian and cyclist detection), blind spot view and collision avoidance, lane-following and lane keeping assist.

There’s also rear cross-traffic alert, active cruise control, safe exit warning, surround view monitor, driver attention warning and tyre pressure monitoring. A multi-collision brake is designed to minimise the chance of additional impacts after an initial crash and an emergency stop signal

AT A GLANCE

MODEL RANGE

Hyundai Kona 2.0 $32,000

Hyundai Kona 2.0 N-Line $36,000

Hyundai Kona 2.0 Premium $39,500

Hyundai Kona 2.0 Premium N-Line $42,500

Hyundai Kona 1.6 turbo N-Line $40,000

Hyundai Kona 1.6 turbo Premium N-Line $46,500

OPTIONS

Metallic paint $595 (all models); sunroof $1500 (Kona Premium) ; Light grey, sage green interior $295 (Kona Premium}

SPECIFICATIONS

Hyundai 2.0L 4-cylinder petrol, CVT, FWD Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Hyundai dealer for drive-away prices.

function are also standard.

There are seven airbags, including a front centre bag to minimise front occupant injuries in a side impact, as well as three top tether anchors and two Isofix positions across the rear seat.

Driving

Riding on the standard 18-inch wheels the Kona kept up a steady march over some rough country roads and reduced cabin noise intrusion to an acceptable level on concrete motorway surfaces.

Steering followed suit with positive feedback from the road, while disc brakes, ventilated at the front, had little trouble stopping the 1.4 tonne-plus vehicle in the dry-only conditions encountered.

Speed presented only one problem and that was purely electronic. The test car speed-sign recognition indicator suffered from a form of dyslexia: the 10 km/h speed limit registered in a shopping centre car park remained unchanged through several streets before the instrumentdisplayswitchedtothecorrectlegal limit.

Other speed limits were slow to catch up and slip roads constantly over-rode the legal motorway limit.

Constant speed limit and lane keeping audible warnings turned out to be overzealous, and while made to be turned off, were not easy to silence.

Summary

In typical Hyundai fashion the new Kona 2.0 stands apart in its class from a design point of view and it will be interesting to see what the hybrid and full electric models can come up with under the skin later this year.

Unique design features look to an electric future for the new Hyundai Kona. (Pictures: Supplied)

Amanda O’Malley wins Margaret Webb medal

Werribee Centrals’ Amanda O’Malley has taken out her first Geelong and District Netball League’s Margaret Webb medal.

It is the first time the veteran has been awarded the league’s best and fairest after finishing runners up in 2018 and third last season. She shared the medal with Thomson’s Emma Witham, who has also previously been runners-up.

“I was pretty shocked, if I’m honest, to get that award so late in my career,” O’Malley said. “I’m very humbled to receive it and it’s nice to have that up my sleeve.”

This was also the eighth consecutive season O’Malley has been named in the GDNL team of the year and her first as captain of the side.

The defender has been one of the stars of the competition for a number of years.

“It’s an honour to be in the team of the year for that many years,” she said.

“I think consistency is key and as I’ve grown as a player over the years, confidence is built and trust in my teammates and coaches.

“It’s just maturing that has played a key part

in my success.

“Being captain was an honour too.

“It’d be great if those girls could get out and playtogetherinaninter-leaguematch.I’dlove

to lead them out onto the court but it’s nice to have that title as well.”

The latter part of the season has been frustrating for O’Malley with a back injury

Lawless scoops honour

By Harper Sercombe

Werribee City’s Stephen Lawless has taken out the 2023 National Premier League 2 best and fairest.

The midfielder moved to Australia from Ireland earlier this year to play for Werribee, and has stood out as a class above the rest.

“Prior to me coming to Australia in February, I actually went over a year without playing football,” he said.

“So to come over on very, very short notice, in the space of two weeks I was onto Werribee and next minute I’m flying over.

“I was just setting myself a lot of personal goals in terms of how many games I wanted to play and trying to make as much of an impact as possible, but I was never expecting or thinking outside the box in terms of an overall award.”

Coach Domenic Barba couldn’t be prouder of what his player has been able to achieve in his short tenure at the club.

“Lawless is one of our most coveted senior players, whose name is synonymous with leadership, both on and off the field,” Barba said.

“At the heart of Stevie’s journey lies a remarkable display of dedication, commitment, loyalty and integrity.

“His tenacity and sheer determination was a hallmark of his game, terrorising opponents, leaving them in awe of his ability to turn the game on its head with every action.”

The connection between player and coach has been one Lawless said has helped him a lot with his soccer.

“Dom has been unbelievable with me, like even just as a person outside of football, he’s made me feel very welcome, made me feel a big part of the season from day one,” Lawless said.

“It goes for the rest of the staff and players as well, I feel like from day one I’ve just hit the ground running.

“To be given the platform to play and enjoy your football, so I owe everybody at the club a lot.”

While the Bee’s only finished in 11th spot, thanks to Lawless’ efforts they ended up with 10 more points than they did last year, holding them in good stead for the seasons to come.

“He certainly was a key reason why Werribee City were very competitive in 2023 and his character and culture infected us all to strive for better, to be better,” Barba said.

“His commitment to the jersey and the fans has been nothing short of awe-inspiring, a testament to the spirit of dedication that defines him.”

However, due to visa restrictions and requirements there is no guarantee Lawless will be able to hang around for the 2024 season.

“I’m not sure what the plan is yet,” Lawless said.

“I’m going to try to do a year or two in

Australia, but I have a bit of a headache at the moment in terms of my year two visa.

“The plan would be to try and get that done prior to the year’s end and then I can go into preseason and try and get myself fit.

“But I have absolutely no plans to go back home to Ireland, that’s for sure.”

seeing her miss her side’s semi final last week. The Centurions played in a preliminary final on Saturday with O’Malley returning to the court to help her side qualify for the grand final.

“My back’s ok, it’s been better,” she said. “Hopefully, I can get it right.

“Just see how I go this weekend or whether I save it for potentially the grand final, we’re just going to play it by ear and see how it goes.”

After winning best on court in last year’s grandfinalO’Malleyisdeterminedtogetback onto the court for a winning one, especially in what could be her last season.

“Most of us, myself included and I know someoftheothergirls[it’sour]potentiallylast season this year,” she said.

“All good things must come to an end, so we really want to get that premiership if we can.

“We’ll see what next year brings, can’t write it off, but I know some of us are getting to the end of our playing days.”

- Harper Sercombe

Polec set to coach Hoppers Crossing

Hoppers Crossing has appointed a former AFL player to lead it forward in the Western Region Football League.

After a tough season which resulted in just two wins, the Warriors have now appointed Jarod Polec as coach.

“The Hoppers Crossing FC are excited to announce that former Brisbane, Port Adelaide and North Melbourne star, Jared Polec will be leading the Warriors asseniorcoachforthenexttwoseasons,” the club said on social media.

“Jared will bring an extensive amount of professionalism, experience and knowledge to the club after 148 games at AFL level. We are absolutely thrilled to be able to secure a coach of Jared’s calibre with his enthusiasm and knowledge .

“Jared brings a wealth of experience and has all the attributes to have an immediate impact in realigning the future of the HCFC. Everyone at the HCFC extends a warm welcome to Jared, Allison and Riley.”

Polec retired from the AFL at the end of the 2022 season after being delisted at the end with one year remaining on his contract.

Polec signed on as a playing assistant coach for the Yarraville Seddon Eagles this season, where he failed to play a game

The former AFL defender replaces Adam Contessa as Warriors coach.

The Warriors announced on social media that Contessa wouldn’t be continuing on with both the club and Adam having mutually agreed on the decision and the players were advised of this prior to round 17, a two point victory against Caroline Springs.

Jared Polec (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)

Amanda O’Malley (Jacob Pattison)354750_11

Paschal named Big V’s most valuable player

After a dominant Big V championship division season, Wyndham’s Amanda Paschal has been awarded the league’s most valuable player.

Paschal was far and away the competition’s best player, leading the league in average points per game (28.5) and assists (6.7), and was second in rebounds per game (11.5).

In Paschal’s first season in the league, last year, she got very close to winning the award, which has made the recognition this season even sweeter.

“I was pretty excited, I worked super hard this year,” she said.

“For the most part I was trying to improve on some things that I didn’t do in my first season.

“I was really determined to go into the next season, to give it my everything, put my head down,workedhardontryingtogetfitandjust try to improve.

“I went into the season just wanting to be the best player and the best person I can be, especially being a leader to my team, that was my goal.”

The season wasn’t all smooth sailing for Wyndham and Paschal with the side going through the season undefeated and stumbling over the last hurdle, losing in the grand final to Bulleen by five points. Thegrouphadwonlastyear’schampionship.

“That was pretty rough for us,” Paschal said.

“I was hoping to win that championship, I’m thankful I’ve got great people around me, like G (coach Gerard Hillier), to let me know there’s always next season.

“Sometimes we need those losses to fuel us

for the next season.

“So it’s pretty bittersweet that we didn’t win the championship this year but next year, we’re building to win another one so I’m looking forward to that.

“We’re just taking it one step at a time and we’re working super hard this off season to get better as a player and letting G build around the players that we have.

“I’m super confident with what G can do for us and the players that he can put around me so we can win another championship.”

Paschal was born in New York and raised in Florida and is thinking of staying in Australia throughout the off season to work on her game.

“I actually have no idea if I’m heading back to the US,” she said.

“I’m coaching at Wyndham and training, I’m just trying to work for myself for next season.

“I think I’m just going to stick around and train and learn the game on and off the court as a coach and as a player.”

Harper Sercombe

Bulldogs into grand final

By Harper Sercombe

Point Cook is through to the Western Region Football League division 1 grand final.

The Bulldogs got off to a flying start against Altona on Saturday afternoon booting five unanswered first term goals.

The reigning premiers finally hit the scoreboard in the second term, out scoring the Bulldogs three goals to two. However, the Bulldogs were still able to take a 25 point lead into the main break.

The Bulldogs regained ascendancy in the third term but were inaccurate kicking 2.5 while the Vikings were kept to just the one behind,withtheBulldogsextendingtheirlead to 41 points at the three quarter time siren.

In the last term the Vikings began to mount a comeback, booting five goals in the last. However, it was too little too late, with the Bulldogs winning by 22 points in the 11.11 (77)-8.7 (55) clash.

For the Bulldogs, Alex Grigg and Max

Rouvray

The grand final is the first one at this level for the Bulldogs.

“It was good to follow up after last week’s disappointing loss to Werribee [Districts] and to come out and play the way we did yesterday was great,” coach Clay Smith said.

“[The five goal opening term] makes my job a little bit easier that’s for sure, we spoke about how we needed to work on starting well, and it was a lot better than what I expected.

“The first was a great effort in offence but also defensively to keep them goalless.”

WithWerribeeDistrictsnowthefocusinthe grand final, the Western Bulldogs premiership player said his side will be able to take a lot out of their loss to the Tigers last week.

He said it’s pretty exciting.

“It was good to get some finals experience in some of the boys, it was probably the biggest

game that they’ve been a part of, last week,” he said.

“We were a lot better more for the moment yesterday [Saturday] and I think it will be really good to play them again next week and really looking forward to the challenge.

“We reviewed the things we needed to do better and the things we didn’t do [from the clash with the Tigers].

“Making sure that the boys have the belief that when we do play we want to play it stands up.

“So we’ve got a good week on the track this week and I dare say the morale will be pretty high, it’s a pretty big occasion for the footy club, first division 1 grand final.

Last week when the Bulldogs faced the Tigers they lost by 51 points, with the Tigers have clearly been the side to beat throughout the year, only losing one game to Point Cook Centrals in round 15.

The sides will face off at Avalon Airport Oval at 2.30pm on Sunday afternoon.

AFLW Draft Combine invitees

Three Western Jets players have been invited to the AFLW draft combine. The draft combine will showcase the country’s most talented draft-age girls footballers and will again be held across multiple locations across Australia throughout September and October.

The events will be held on Sunday, October 8 at Margaret Court Arena and the AIA Centre.

Physical testing to be conducted will include the vertical jump, running vertical jump, 20-metre sprint, agility test and two kilometre time trial.

The AFL has released the names of 40 Victorian players invited to attend the 2023 AFLW Draft Combine. Of the 40, three were from the Western Jets.

From the Jets, Tamara Henry, Kristie-Lee Weston-Turner and Kiera Whiley were all invited.

Darley product Henry had a great season, kicking seven goals, eight behinds from her 11 matches. She also averaged 12 disposals, almost five tackles and 2.5 inside 50s.

Weston-Turner only played the five Jets matches due to injury, but has been part of the AFLW Academy. However, in those games she kicked four goals, averaged almost 13 disposals, 7.6 marks, 2.4 inside 50s and 3.4 tackles.

Whiley played 10 Jets games throughout the season, where she averaged almost 18 disposals, 6.7 tackles, 1.5 rebound 50s and three inside 50s.

All players invited to attend the combine are eligible to be selected in the 2023 AFLW draft which will be held following the 2023 NAB AFLW season. Selection was based on the number of nominations provided by AFLW recruiters, with all 18 clubs submitting a list of preferred attendees.

Amanda Paschal. (Jacob Pattison)354751_07

Kristie-Lee Weston Turner (Damjan Janevski) 308631_03

Nicholas Buykx. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 359348

booted two each. Nicholas Buykx, Daniel Burton, Shaun Wyatt, Jim Botsaris, Sam Darley and Lochlan Allen all slotted one each.

Centurions through to their second grand final

Werribee Centrals are hoping to add another Geelong and District Netball League premiership this the cabinet this Saturday.

The Centurions won through to a second straight grand final on Saturday, beating Winchelsea, 30-25 to set up a showdown with East Geelong.

Centurions co-coach Hailey Kennedy said the group stuck to the task at hand against Winchelsea.

“We’re super excited,” she said. “I’m proud of the girls and they did an amazing job.

“They did really well and supported each other.”

The Centurions received a boost before the game, with defender Amanda O’Malley declared good to go.

The Margaret Webb medallist has been battling a back injury and missed the side’s semi final win the previous week.

KennedysaidtheylookedtorotateO’Malley and Brigitte Ardossi throughout the quarters to keep both players fresh and the decision paid off.

Once the game started, the Centurions were able to build into the game nicely.

“It was fairly on par in the first half,”

Kennedy said. “We were able to chip away at it and got a couple of intercepts and tips.

“We definitely got on top of their goalers and we were able to grab some more loose ball when the pressure got to them.

“We were able to capitalise on that and

it was good.”

Jenni Rothery shot 19 goals for the Centurions, with Kennedy saying she was one of the standout players on the court. She also highlighted the performance of Caitlin Hendricksen in goal defence.

Falcons grand final joy

By Harper Sercombe

A late comeback from Wyndhamvale fell short with West Footscray holding on to wins its first Western Region Football League women’s division 2 premiership.

Wyndhamvale was the favourite going into the grand final, having finished on top of the ladder and having won through to the grand final in the semi finals.

After finishing in third place it was never going to be easy for the Roosters, having to do it the hard way. After having the double chance last season and losing in straight sets, there was mental weight to bare during the finals series.

The Roosters passed Laverton and Spotswood 2 in the first two finals clashes beforemeetingminorpremiersWyndhamvale in the grand final on Sunday.

The Roosters got off to a good start on Sunday morning at Yarraville Oval taking a seven point lead into quarter time.

InthesecondtermtheRoostersextendedon their lead adding three majors to the Falcons two, giving them a 13 point half time lead.

Theleadgrewagaintostartthethirdquarter before the Falcons started their charge.

The Falcons were able to cut the lead to 14 at threequartertime.It’sasituationtheRoosters

had been in before.

In the last term, the Falcons kicked two goals tying up the scores leading to a tense 10 minute finish to the clash.

With the scores equal every bounce of the ball was crucial, the ball was going end to end with neither side able to hit the scoreboard. With minutes left on the clock the Roosters had a snap shot at goal which hit the post but still put them a point up. The Falcons weren’t able to transition the ball back up the ground with the Roosters cutting it off again and missing again to extend the lead to two points.

Thatwouldbethemargin,withtheRoosters winning 6.7 (43)-6.5 (41).

Jemma Hay booted three majors for the Roosters in a best on ground performance to take her goal scoring tally to 46 for the season.

Krystyn Raymundo booted two, to give her 28 goals for the season, the third best in the league.

Roxana Sefton continued her great form while others amongst the best for the Roosters included Sarah Roberts and Stacey Gardiner.

From the Falcons, Rachael Burton was clearly their best, doing everything she could in the dying minutes to give her side the win.

Roosters coach Shane Windridge said coming from an elimination semi final made it even more special for his side.

“It makes it special, “ he said. “Our first final certainly wasn’t an easy one and then to come up against a team last week that we hadn’t beaten this year and to get a win there and then Wyndhamvale had a super year we knew we need everything to go our way today to get us over the line.

“With a pretty injured list in the end was a super effort.

“We got a really good start and we got a bit ofaleadbuttheyjustkeptcomingandcoming in that last quarter, the heart was beating pretty quick.

“We were lucky enough to get a couple of points, luckily the result went our way.”

This is the second time in this finals series whereateamhadalmoststolenthegamefrom the Roosters after Spotswood 2 almost did the same thing last week.

“They just kept coming and coming,” Windridge said.

“Lucky for us the siren blew when it did. We didn’t want it to go too much longer.

“Just to get into finals is a pretty good effort with us, it’s been a pretty tough year with injuries and everything.”

The premiership is the club’s first women’s premiership having first had a side in 2018.

The side it set to play in division 1 next season.

The Centurions are now back through to a position they know well, the final day of the season.

Kennedy said it’s just as exciting every year.

“Eight or nine players have been with the club for a long time,” she said. “I’ve been involved for 20 years on and off.

“As a collective unit to be back there again we are lucky. Not everyone gets to play finals.

“I saw them lose last year and I’ve seen the work they’ve done and I would love them to walk away with the premiership.

“We’re getting a little bit older and not sure who is coming back. If they aren’t coming back a premiership would be the icing on the cake.”

The Centurions face East Geelong in the grand final. The two teams faced each other in the opening week of finals, with East Geelong winning by one goal on that occasion.

Kennedy said they had played some good netball since then and were keen to continue it for one more week.

“Finals, anything can happen,” she said. “If we play like we have been playing, hopefully we’ll get over the line.”

Tara Murray

West Point earns

promotion

West Point had to do it the hard way, but has finally secured promotion into FV state league 4 west for next season.

West Point needed a win in the final round against Melton Phoenix in the final round of state league 5 west to secure one of two direct promotion spots but fell short.

It meant the side needed to get through two rounds of play off matches to earn promotion.

After winning the first one, West Point then faced Old Melburnians on Saturday for that promotion spot.

The two teams couldn’t be split at half time and again at full time with neither team able to score.

The scores were still 0-0 at the end of extra time, sending the game into penalties. West Point was able to hold steady to win 3-2 on penalties.

Speaking on the club’s social media, coach Tome Petreski said it was pretty exciting for the club.

“We’ve worked really hard,” he said. “We didn’t know what to expect from Old Melburnians, the only thing we could do was play our game.

“We haven’t missed a beat in the last months so there was not much we needed to change.

“On the day I thought we were the better team, we deserved to win it.

“We definitely won it the hard way, a little bit longer than it needed to go but we’re very, very happy in the end.”

Petreski said they had practiced penalties at training their four sessions and he knew he wanted to take the kicks if it came to that.

Captain Kyle Borg said it was exciting for the playing group to achieve this.

“I’ve been at the club for a few years, it’s good to be part of a team that has got promoted,” he said.

“We all bonded together fought the hard way and we got tier in the end, couldn’t be happier or prouder.”

Tara Murray

Caitlin Hendrickson (Jacob Pattison)354750_05

West Footscray premiership side (Keryn Gannon/Imaginative Images)

WERRIBEE FOOTBALL CLUB

Werribee ready for its biggest challenge yet

By Tara Murray

A confident Werribee is hoping to continue its winning streak in Saturday’s Victorian Football League preliminary final, but faces one of the rare teams to beat them this season.

While Werribee had the weekend off, the Brisbane Lions won through to the preliminary final with a strong win against Williamstown on Saturday.

Werribee enters the preliminary final on a game winning streak, with its last loss back in round four.

The side’s only other loss came back in round one, at the hands of the Lions.

On that day, Werribee led by two goals heading into the final break, before the Lions snuck home to win, 10.10 (70)-10.9 (69).

Barlow said they were looking forward to the challenge against the Lions.

“We are starting to have a look at the team,” he said. “They look fairly similar to round one, they’ve been fairly consistent throughout the year.

“They’ll have 16-17 AFL-listed players with a fair bit to play for with AFL spots and a VFL grand final on the line.”

While the two teams played back in round one and a lot has changed, Barlow said they took a lot out of that game and would look to learn more this week.

He said they know that they had their chances to get the win on that occasion, but weren’t able to get over the line.

“We’ve gone through game scenarios and being under pressure and what we can do better,” he said.

“We reviewed that game, the last few minutes we had a lot of opportunity to win the game and didn’t execute.

“It was a bit of an environment thing, semi professional vs professional athletes and sometimes you have to learn in cut throat games, and to the guys credit they learned a lot.”

Barlow said he was expecting a similar midfield dynamic from the Lions on Saturday and some similar tactics.

Having faced Box Hill for the first time in the qualifying final, Barlow said it was nice to be able to play a side they’ve played before to help with preparation.

Barlow said having the week off had been good for the players and the coaching group ahead of a big week this week.

He said it gave them the chance to look at things more in depth without the rush to get things done in a week.

“We did not have too many in local finals,” he said. “I think we had two players on the list that are still in the local finals.

“We managed our time last week and went a bit slower at the start of the week. We trained strongly on Thursday and again on the weekend.

“This week we’ll start to pull back a bit and freshen up physically.”

Barlow said like they did last week they would look to use this week for some learning opportunities to make sure they are ready come Saturday.

The preliminary final will be a new experience for most of the group. Only

Michael Sodomaco has played in a preliminary final for Werribee, back in 2013.

Barlow, who played in a preliminary final for the club himself, said the season has been full of new experiences and this is just another one.

“We’ve lived so many experiences throughout the whole season,” he said.

“It’s another learning opportunity.

“The guys have really come together the last few years. We have the added advantage that we bat down to player 23.

“They have the star power, but I don’t know whether they bat all the way down to number 23 as well as us.”

With the match at Avalon Airport Oval on Saturday at 12pm, Barlow said he was hoping to see a big crowd to support the club.

“It will be a nice day,” he said. “We want to get as many people to get on board as we can and get a good buzz around the team, which helps the guys morale.”

Michael Barlow is looking forward to this weekend. (Belinda Vitacca Photography)

Werribee is hoping for a big crowd at Avalon Airport Oval (Belinda Vitacca Photography)

SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN