Werribee Districts have claimed their first senior Western Region Football League premiership, defeating Point Cook on Sunday afternoon in the division 1 grand final. The Tigers proved to be too good for the Bulldogs after quarter time.
■ For more on that match and the WRFL division 3 premiership which was won by the Suns, turn to sport
A plaque commemorating a significant part of Wyndham’smilitaryhistorywillbereinstated this weekend, just months after the original was stolen.
A bronze plaque dedicated to the 2/3rd Australian Light Anti Aircraft Regiment, who trained at Werribee Racecourse before being deployed to the Middle East in WWII, was stolen from the racecourse earlier this year.
The remains of the plaque were found by police in the car of a man they had pulled over in relation to another matter.
It’s believed the man had stolen and destroyed the plaque in order to sell its bronze content.ThisSunday,lessthansixmonthsafter the its removal and on the 20th anniversary of the original plaque being unveiled, an exact replica will be re-installed at the racecourse.
“It’s very important” said Ian Campbell, treasurer of the 2/3rd Australian Light
Anti Aircraft Regiment Association which organised the replacement.
“The plaque is commemorating the fact they, the regiment, served and this was the site of their initial training.”
Among the 900 soldiers that undertook that training was Mr Campbell’s father.
For five months in 1940 he and the other mostly Victorian soldiers trained in anti-aircraft defense which they would provide in the Middle-East and North Africa the following year.
Not that it was great preparation.
“When they were here at Werribee there never laid hands on an anti-aircraft gun, there were none to train on,” said Mr Campbell.
“I think they all felt inadequately prepared when they got over there.”
Nevertheless, for he and other family members who now make up the ALAA Regiment Association, it’s important it be remembered.
“The Werribee Racecourse is an important site. It’s where young men met for the first time and became life-long friends and relying on each other during the under some pretty difficult circumstances.”
And among the difficult circumstances was the legendary siege of Tobruk in Libya and the Greek Island of Crete which was captured by the Nazi’s and where many of the men became prisoners of war.
Overall 73 killed members of the regiment were killed and 137 became POW’s.
Mr Campbell’s father was not among them.
“He was one of the lucky ones” said Ian Campbellofhisdadwhowasthelastsurviving member of the regiment when he died in 2021 aged 100.
The replacement plaque has been funded by Wyndham businessman Paul Hopper and will be unveiled at Werribee Racecourse at 10.30am on September 24.
World Suicide Prevention day took place on September10,andalocalmentalhealthworker is urging Australians to keep the conversation going.
Suicide is the leading cause of death for people aged between 15-24 in Australia. Suicide Prevention Australia reports that more than 350 young people take their own lives every year. For every youth suicide, there are approximately 100 to 200 more attempts.
Peter Shortis is a youth mental health and wellbeing coach working in the west. He said
when speaking about suicide, it is important to bedirectandclearwhentacklingthesedifficult conversations.
“The best way to help is to keep it in conversations,” he said.
“We often think suicide can be a taboo subject, and it’s great to see awareness come up in times like suicide prevention week, but the number one priority is to keep the conversation going, and to name what it is you’re speaking about.
“Sometimes we try to go around the topic, but when asking someone who you think may be having feelings of suicide it is so important
tobedirect.Thebestwaytofindoutifsomeone issuicidalistosimplyaskthem-areyouhaving thoughts of suicide?“
Mr Shortis said being direct in the conversation lets the other person know that you are both on the same page, and there is a mutualunderstandingofwhattheconversation is about.
“It’s also ok to get it wrong, if you ask them and their answer is no, then that’s great,” he said.
“If they say yes, the next step is listening and letting them explain what it is they’re going though. It is important to validate their
School holidays are usually a time for students to take a break from learning, but for a group of young Wyndham musicians, they’re using it to further their education.
The On Track music workshops are currently being held at Werribee Secondary CollegeuntilSeptember22,allowingbudding musicians to polish their skills, express their creativity and learn from established artists.
An initiative of Mushroom Music Group, the On Track program provides free
workshops to students which feature music education, song-writing and demo recording through to DJing and performing with other likeminded young people.
On Track program manager Catherine Bartholomew said since their inception in 2018,interestintheworkshopshascontinued to grow.
“It has filled a gap for students who are eager and hungry to further their interest in learning more about music and performance
during the school holiday period,“ said Ms Bartholomew.
“We see students regularly returning to On Track, sometimes at back to back programs, who are showing tremendous progress and development each time they attend.“
It is the first time the program has been held in Wyndham and Ms Bartholomew said they had been inundated with registrations from students in the area, especially girls.
feelings and follow it on with supporting them togethelp.Thatmaybecallingahotline,seeing a school counsellor or even just accessing your GP.”
Mr Shortis said normalising these conversations can help strip the taboo label from the topic of suicide.
“Itcanletpeopleknowthatfeelingsofsuicide can be a common thing for people to have, and by hopefully talking about it and accessing help, people can understand that they are not alone and there is help out there,” he said.
Ifyouoranyoneyouknowneedssupportcall Lifeline 131 114, or Beyond Blue 1300 224 636.
The Public Record Office Victoria has announced the 2023 Victorian Community History Awards are now open for entries.
The Community History Awards are presented in partnership with the Royal Historical Society of Victoria to celebratethepeopleandgroupsinvolved in history projects, including those in Brimbank, that tell local stories which help all Victorians to better understand their past.
The categories include:
• Victorian Premier’s History Award ($5000 prize)
• Collaborative Community History Award ($2000)
• Local History Project Award ($2000)
• History Publication Award ($2000)
• Small History Publication Award ($1500)
• Small Organisation History Project Award ($1500)
• Community Diversity Award ($1500)
• Digital Storytelling Award ($1500)
• Historical Interpretation Award ($1500)
• Oral History Award presented in collaboration with Oral History Victoria ($1500)
• History Article Award ($500)
• Judges’ Special Prize ($500)
Past winners have included creators of historic walking tours, apps and websites, writers of non-fiction history books, history groups, museums and exhibitors of history-related displays.
Entries close October 13.
Details: https://prov.vic.gov.au/ community/grants-and-awards/ community-history-awards
The Australian Education Union has welcomed the state government’s decision to provide free teaching degrees, but says more needs to be done to ease teacher shortages in Wyndham.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Education minister Natalie Hutchins last week visited Saltwater P-9 College in Point Cook to announce a $93.2 million scholarship program that will cover the cost of degrees for those studying to become secondary school, teachers in Victoria.
The new scholarships and will be available to all students who enrol in secondary school teaching degrees in 2024 and 2025, with final
payments if they then work in Victorian government schools for two years after they graduate, supporting around 4,000 future teachers each year.
AEU Victorian Branch Deputy President Justin Mullaly said while the scholarships were a positive, current teacher shortages in Victoria required more immediate action.
“We need to do more to retain existing school staff in the system,“ Mr Mullaly said.
“Retention payments are one of the many solutions the government can implement now to acknowledge the key role of teachers, education support staff, and principals, their valuable work, and encourage them to stay in
the profession.“
According to recent estimates from the Department of Education, there are about 150 teacher vacancies in Wyndham’s public schools, one of highest rates in the state.
The scholarships are part of a broader $229.8 million package from the state government to grow Victoria’s school workforce.
“Teachers change lives – it’s as simple as that. This will mean one less barrier for Victorians thinking of a career in teaching, and more great teachers for the education state,” Premier Daniel Andrews said.
There was a lot going on for ‘community Monday’ at the Reclink Australia Sports share facility in Werribee on Monday September 11.
As part of the weekly event hosted by founder Peter Cullen, attendees enjoyed a range of activities that included the commencement of a community reflexology course,aspecialpresentationbymotivational speaker Charles Kovess, an appearance by North Melbourne AFL superstar Nick Larkey, as well as zumba, tai chi, multi-sport sessions and a free lunch thanks to long-time volunteer Dianne ‘Zippy’ Murphy.
Larkey, recently announced as a first-time selection in the AFL all Australian team, continued to emphasise his support of Reclink Australia with his second visit to sportsshareinasmanymonths,addingtohis recent attendance of the Reclink Victorian Football League grand final series.
Long-time Reclink participant Gary, a member of the Cohealth Kangaroos Reclink Football Club and avid supporter of Larkey, was lucky enough to be presented with a pair of boots signed by the North Melbourne superstar goal kicker
Lyn Fava was responsible for leading the community reflexology course, which has been designed to run for one and a half hours weekly across 40 weeks that will eventually allow participants in attendance to achieve a qualification in reflexology upon completion.
Lyn said that after initially offering hand reflexology to the sports share community, the well-being and self-help benefits were easily identified.
“Our community model presents an opportunity for participants to learn new skills and identify possible career pathways as they complete rehabilitation programs,” she said.
Liquor thefts
A man and three teenagers have been arrested following a series of cigarette and alcohol thefts across Melbourne suburbs, including Laverton North, earlier this month. Police arrested four people in Amayla Crescent, Carrum Downs on September 12. The arrests relate to up to 14 incidents across suburbs including Laverton North, Camberwell, Preston, Mooroolbark, Heidelberg Heights, Bentleigh East, Wheelers Hill, Doreen, Alphington, Aspendale, Caulfield South, Carrum Downs, Burwood. Police have established a dedicated operation in response to a recent increase in offending at packaged liquor outlets and supermarkets. As part of Operation Cubed, police will be targeting known offending hotspots and using all available intelligence to detect and deter offending.
Werribee fatal
“We include reflexology techniques from a variety of masters from around the world, as well as focussing on the unique gifts and talents of each individual participant.”
Another highlight of the day included attendees gathering to produce a short clip in support of the Werribee Football Club, a proud partner of Reclink Australia, ahead of their Victorian Football League preliminary final.
A woman was killed in a car crash in Werribee on Wednesday September 13, when her vehicle crashed into a tree along the Princes Highway at about 3.10pm. The female driver died at the scene. The circumstances surrounding the crash are yet to be established and a police investigation is ongoing. It was the 206th death on Victoria’s roads this year, compared to 169 at the same time last year.
FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT
Web: starweekly.com.au
Wyndham Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
Manor Lakes is set to gain a new retail and trade supplies precinct and according to its proponents, hundreds of jobs too.
Wyndham council’s planning committee unanimously approved a development application for the construction of Manor Lakes Town Centre 2A at a meeting on September 12.
The proposal from Ranfurlie Assest Managent involves a new Bunnings Warehouse store being built on the site at 485 Ballan Road, adjacent to Ranfurli’s existing Manor Lakes Central shopping centre.
“It will cement the precinct as a key retail and lifestyle asset for the area,” said Ranfurlie Asset Management CEO Cameron Male in thanking council for their approval..
“Manor Lakes Central boasts over 75,000 visitations per week and is established as a retail & commercial focal point not only for the local community, but for the surrounding population,” Mr Male continued.
“This development will generate construction jobs and inject increased dollars into the local economy with additional spend by workers and consumers alike.”
Wyndham councillor Pete Maynard also touted the job opportunities and extra convenience the new precinct would provide to local residents.
“This permit application will ensure timely access to goods, services and employment of in excess of 600 ongoing jobs and approx 200 with construction to existing and future residents in the area.” said Cr Maynard who
Wyndham’s Firefly Night Market in Tarneit has been recognised as Australia’s Best Small Event at the 2023 Australian Event Awards.
HeldonJune24,FireflyNightMarketwas delivered as part of the Tarneit Suburban Revitalisation Program in partnership with the Victorian government.
Wyndham mayor Susan McIntyre said she was delighted to see Firefly Night Market recognised at a national level.
“This national award is an incredible achievement and testament to the hard work and commitment of council staff, the Tarneit Suburban Revitalisation Board and the many local artists, makers, community groups and performers who make this event so special,” Cr McIntyre said.
“This event is a real celebration of the
Tarneit community, drawing in thousands of residents and visitors to experience different cultures and to support our local artists and businesses.
“We’ve been thrilled to see the way in which residents and local businesses have embraced the market and really made it their own - the power of these collective efforts have created something truly remarkable.
“The success of this event also reflects strong collaboration with the Victorian government and we thank them for their support of the Tarneit Revitalisation Program.“
Firefly Night Market being crowned the country’s best small event follows LIT - lighting up Wyndham Park and the Winter Street Party both being nominated for national awards.
moved the motion at the planning committee meeting.
Along with construction jobs and Bunnings Warehouse, other large retail outlets, showrooms, restaurants, convenience stores and a service station are also expected to provide ongoing employment.
More than 400 parking spaces will be offered at the site with two access points built on Ballan Road, one on Armstrong Road and footpaths along both.
Bicycle facilities will be provided for both shoppers employees as well.
Cr Maynard said that while included in the application, new emergency services headquarters will also be built on the site.
“Construction is imminent for the new CFA building and so I hope the 24 hr ambulance building will be announced soon.“
BY RCA VILLAGES
Old news is good news for the Werribee Historical Society which is bringing decades worth of local newspapers back to life. The society is digitising thousands of film negatives and newspaper clippings from the Werribee Banner, the predecessor to the Wyndham Star Weekly.
“It takes an extreme amount of time and effort” said Werribee Historical Society vice president, Lisa Heinrichs, of the work required to transform analogue content into digital. Ms Heinrich said digitising the more than 30,000photonegativesthesocietyhadreceived
was particularly laborious.
“It’sverypainstakingbecausethedigitalfilm has to be loaded into a holder in the scanner and each strip of negatives is one scan. We’ve probably got years ahead of us,” she said.
To preserve this link to Werribee’s past, the society have reached out to its present, with younger volunteers coming on board through it’s social media pages to help with the restoration process. Among them is 23-yearold Werribee local, Jacob Glover, who is digitising the negatives and uncovering some long forgotten local history in the process.
“He’s the first to see them (the photos) and bring them to life in decades, and has made somemindblowingdiscoveries,”MsHeinrichs said. “For instance we had a negative for the opening of the cinema at Werribee Plaza when it first opened.
“They had actually advertised for staff and there was this huge queue of people applying for a job at the cinema.”
While the negatives date back to the 1980’s, the newspaper clippings are from the early 1900’s and were collected by prominent Werribee identity, Mrs McNaughton.
“She was an interesting lady” said Lisa Heinrichs.“Sheclippedoutalotofstoriesabout the local churches, so there’s a lot of stories about churches as well as anything pertaining to local families in the area.”
Digitising them is another new volunteer, 32 year old Amy Li, and Ms Heinrichs said the age and fragility of the clippings made her task even tougher than Mr Glover’s.
“Youhavetowearglovesandbeverydelicate removing it from the folder and placing it on the bed of the scanner. It can just crumble in your hands.”
The 2023 National Insect Expo is crawling closer, and exhibitors from Australia and New Zealand are set to descend on Woodend like moths to a flame. This year’s expo is expected to attract about 12,000 visitors and 60 national exhibitors to the Woodend Buffalo Sports Stadium from September 22 to 24. Expo director Bert Candusio said the phone has been ringing off the hook since February from people wanting to be involved.
“Theresponsefromall32exhibitorsandover 6000peoplewhoattendedlastyear’sexpoevent was absolutely amazing so we planned early to give an even greater expo this year,” he said. “Thisyear’sNationalInsectExpoisboundto enthral each and every visitor with a vast array of insect themed displays.
“[These range] from rare collections of insects to specialist breeders of all sorts of amazing creatures related to insects [like] spiders, scorpions, millipedes, snails and more.”
Mr Candusio said there is an important conservation message the expo is trying to teach the public.
“Insects and their relatives are the key component of every terrestrial land ecosystem. They form the basis of all food chains and all other well known animals rely on them.
“If you want to preserve the koala, start by preserving its habitat and the parasitic wasps that control lerp insects that cause tree die-back.”
The expo will also include insect collections, insect research projects, spider breeding methods, and there will be free special give-aways for younger children.
The expo will run from 10am to 5pm, with tickets available at the door or online. Details: cvric.com.au/expo-2023.
Expo director Bert Candusio with insects for the upcoming insect expo. (Damjan Janevski)
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Football clubs throughout the Melbourne’s north-west will receive an $8 million boost over the next four years.
A pool of $2 million will be distributed each year starting in 2024, under which eligible metrofootyclubswillbeabletoapplyforgrants up to $20,000.
The AFL in collaboration with Telstra announced its footy country grants program on Thursday, September 14.
The aim of the program is to help strengthen, sustain and grow local footy through upgrading facilities or services the club needs.
Caroline Springs’ coach and AFL great Brian Lakesaidthesegrantswillhavelastingeffectson
clubs like his, Caroline Springs.
“It’s fantastic… we’re a lucky club,“ the three-time premiership Hawk said. “We have 23 teams at the moment, but what happens is you outgrow your facilities very quickly.
“We are probably in desperate need for an upgrade in our lights, so we can play a lot more Friday nights, Sunday twilight as well, to fit in all these sides that we’ve got.
“It’s been amazing… we probably have six or seven sides of women playing football so it’s about putting them in the right time slots.
“That’s been the hardest thing, sometimes they’re playing at 10 o’clock on a Saturday morning, when the senior men and under-18s
are playing, so to have enough people helping out, is tough. “So to open up some more time slots like a Friday night or a twilight, even if it’s the under 18’s playing then, is crucial.”
AFL chief executive Gillion McLachlan said this initiative follows the league’s commitment to increase investment in local footy.
“Targeted directly at clubs to make volunteering easier, diversify and broaden participation and ensure our game is truly welcoming and inclusive,” he said.
LGBTIQ+ communities and jobseekers, including those in Wyndham, will soon have more access to safe and inclusive employment services.
Employment Minister Ben Carroll announced a funding package to assist LGBTIQ+ Victorians access job-readiness programs, connect with supportive employers and develop skills for career success.
The $340,000 investment will fund employment service providers such as Fitted for Work to deliver Project Purple, which enables transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse Victorians more access to employment opportunities.
Michelle Sheppard, a leading advocate in the gender equity space, shares her experience with discrimination in the workplaceandsaysinclusionofLGBTIQ+ employees remains inconsistent.
“Transgender jobseekers face discrimination, with an unemployment ratethreetimesthenationalaverage,”she said. “Despite advancements, two-thirds of LGBTIQ+ employees still hide their identities at work. This impacts their wellbeing, satisfaction, productivity, talent retention and leadership growth.”
Fitted for Work supports women, non-binary and gender diverse people to become job-ready and gain secure employment. The not- for-profit organisation provides a range of work-readiness services including job search workshops, one-on-one interview preparation, and a personal outfitting service that helps people to access work-appropriate clothing.
Williams Landing Shopping Centre has been transformed into a lively carnival wonderland for 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 for Wyndham students taking a break from the classroom.
As well as fun and frivolity, children can also unleash their inner artists with circus inspired craft activities allowing them to create unique masterpieces.
It’s an opportunity for kids to express themselves, make new friends, embrace their imagination and allow their parents to go shopping peace.
The School Holiday Carnival runs at Williams Landing Shopping Centre until Friday September 22. ake-snow-sculptureshoppers-junction
Aussie Rules and soccer have long been Wyndham’s preferred football codes, but at Hoppers Crossing’s Grange P-12 College, the two rugbys - league and union - are king.
A quick scan of the school’s recent results explains why.
“We participated in a tournament over 6 weeks against rugby union academy schools from across Victoria in which we didn’t drop a game so we went undefeated,” said Shannon Love, Grange’s head league and union coach of its under 16 boys rugby union team which won the final of statewide Rebels Shield competition on September 6.
“Last year we won it as well so we’ve gone back to back,” he added, before pointing out that their league teams have been doing well too.
“The day after on September 7 we won the Storm Cup for under 14 boys in rugby league.” There was more.
“We won the under 14’s under 16’s Cam Munster and Cam Smith Shields in girls and
boys rugby league.
We won the sevens academy competitions forunder14,under16’sandunder18sforboys and girls too.”
Grange College aren’t just good at the rugby codes, they’re Victoria’s undisputed powerhouse, something Mr Love attributed to the dedicated programs it runs in conjunction withMelbourneStormandMelbourneRebels.
So which is more popular?
“It’s 50/50” he said, pointing out that while some boys specialise in one or the other, many play both.
“Girls quite often play across both codes,” Mr Love said.
For all the junior level success, Mr Love said personal and professional development was the ultimate goal.
“We got players that have that ability so I suppose our job is to develop them and keep them accountable and develop them into professional rugby players.”
In the bustling world of healthcare, where precision and empathy intertwine, there emerges a beacon of oral wellness and radiant smiles – Sayers Dental.
With an unwavering commitment to delivering top-tier dental care, Sayers Dental stands as a testament to excellence, compassion, and innovation in the field of dentistry.
At the heart of Sayers Dental’s ethos is a dedication to nurturing not only teeth but also the overall well-being of every patient who walks through their doors. From the moment one step into their inviting clinic, a sense of warmth envelops, immediately dissolving dental anxieties. The team at Sayers Dental understands that a visit to the dentist can often be intimidating, and thus they have created an environment that fosters comfort and reassurance.
What truly sets Sayers Dental apart is the team of highly skilled and empathetic professionals. Every dentist, hygienist, and support staff member embodies the practice’s core values of integrity, respect, and patient-centred care. They take the time to listen, educate, and tailor treatments to the unique needs of each individual. Whether it’s a routine cleaning, a complex procedure, or a smile makeover, Sayers Dental’s experts go above and beyond to ensure optimal results and patient satisfaction.
In the realm of modern dentistry, Sayers Dental stands at the forefront of innovation. Equippedwithstate-of-the-arttechnologyand techniques, the team offers a comprehensive range of services that encompass preventive care, restorative solutions, and cosmetic enhancements. From advanced digital imaging for precise diagnostics to minimally invasive procedures that prioritise patient
comfort, Sayers Dental consistently delivers outcomes that exceed expectations. However, Sayers Dental’s impact transcends the clinical realm. The team is deeply ingrained in the community, actively participating in outreach programs and initiativesthatpromoteoralhealthawareness. By empowering individuals with knowledge and resources, they are championing a future
where radiant smiles are not just a luxury, but a fundamental aspect of overall well-being. In an era where healthcare experiences can often feel impersonal, Sayers Dental reignites the essence of personalised care. Their commitment to excellence, compassion, and community upliftment cements their position as a paragon of dental practices. Sayers Dental isn’t just about dental treatments; it’s
experienced
about cultivating smiles, enriching lives, and illuminating a path towards a healthier, happier future. Step into Sayers Dental, and you’re not justenteringaclinic–you’reenteringarealmof transformative care where smiles flourish and confidence soars.
ContactSayersDentalAesthetics&Implants on 9749 1178. The practice is at 1/483 Sayers Road, Hoppers Crossing.
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.
With school holidays here, parents and children alike are eagerly looking for engaging and entertaining ways to spend their free time.
Thankfully, Williams Landing Shopping Centre has stepped up to the plate, offering a week of thrilling activities guaranteed to put smiles on the faces of kids of all ages.
Week 2 - Footy Skills Circuit
(Monday 25 Sept – Friday 29 Sept)
With the AFL Grand Final just around the corner, 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 precisiontocircuittrainingthatwillchallenge their agility and endurance, week 2 promises tobeablastforsportsenthusiastsandaspiring 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 Shopping Centre continues to be a vibrant hub for the local community,supportingfamiliesandfostering a sense of togetherness.
All activities are located in the main mall outside Woolworths and run from 11am –2pm daily.
All the activities are free and are fun for all ages!
So, mark your calendars and join us for a week of unforgettable school holiday fun at
Williams Landing Shopping Centre. Let’s make these holidays a time of laughter, creativity, and skill-building for our kids.
Demand for volunteers has never been greater, however those putting themselves forward to help out the community is falling. Cade Lucas speaks with volunteers, young and old, bucking that trend.
Volunteers are crucial in times of need. Whether it be CFA, SES, St John’s Ambulance or Salvation Army, so many people who help out when disaster strikes or times are tough, do so for free.
So it’s grimly ironic then that the cost of living crisis that is leaving many in need of help, is preventing people from volunteering to provide that help.
That’s one of the takeaways from the latest volunteering report released by employment website SEEK.
Covering the 12 months to June 2023, the report found 25,700 volunteer opportunities were advertised on the SEEK Volunteer site –Australia’s largest – an increase of 7 per cent.
But while demand rose, the number of people volunteering to meet it went the other way, with applications dropping by 3 per cent, followinga7percentreductiontheyearbefore.
Head of SEEK Volunteer Rebecca Miller said the unusual combination of tough economic times and low unemployment, meant people couldn’t afford the time or the money to volunteer.
“In the current climate, with Australians suffering under increasing financial stress, and morepeopleinworkthaneverbefore,timeisat a premium, and volunteering work is naturally being deprioritised for paid work,” Ms Miller said.
It’s a point the sector’s peak body, Volunteering Australia, made earlier this year.
“Financial strain is a significant barrier to volunteering in Australia,” began VA’s submission to a Senate Select Committee on the Cost of Living in April.
The submission said 16.6 per cent of people didn’t volunteer in the previous year because of financial concerns and was even worse in younger age groups.
“Financial barriers were more significant for young people, with 25.5 per cent of those aged 18 to 34 years indicating that they did not volunteer for financial reasons.”
According to the submission, it’s a malaise that long pre-dates inflation and COVID-19.
“The rate of volunteering has decreased considerably over the past two decades. The rate of formal volunteering has been gradually declining from around one-third of adults in 2002 to around one-quarter currently.”
As the SEEK report is a pains to point out though, the decline in volunteer numbers isn’t necesarilly because less people want to.
“Visits to volunteer.com.au increased by 8 per cent indicating that there is still interest in volunteering but this interest is not being converted into applications.”
Changes in lifestyle rather than finances would appear to explain why.
As noted elsewhere in the report, volunteers are more than twice as likely to apply for one-off volunteering opportunities, yet 75 per cent of volunteer roles require a minimum six-month time commitment.
On top of that, only 12 per cent of opportunities could be undertaken remotely, down 4 per cent on the previous year.
However, given the range and diversity of volunteer roles – from emergency services to op-shops, to sporting clubs – broad figures don’t reveal the full story.
“Over the past year, opportunities and applications have grown in most states and territories,” said Rebecca Miller, pointing out that outlier results dragged the overall
numbers down.
“Applications in New South Wales, which has one of the largest proportions of opportunities, saw a significant rise over the past year, whereas application volumes halved in Tasmania year-on-year.”
Western Australia also recorded a 20 per cent drop in applications while Victoria rose in both categories; 12 per cent in volunteer opportunities and 1 per cent in applications.
Among some cohorts volunteer numbers are actually experiencing a spike.
JasvinderSidhurunsWyndhamfoodcharity
Lets Feed, with many of his volunteers coming fromthelocalIndiancommunity,includingan increasing number of elderly Sikhs.
“It started with 4 or 5 volunteers and now we have 20,” said Mr Sidhu of the influx which includes his 80 year old father Gurnam.
“AsanelderlySikhvolunteer,Ifindimmense strengthinSikhismthroughourcoreprinciple of‘Seva’orselflessservice,”saidGurnmaSidhu about how his faith drives his volunteering.
“This tradition (Seva) teaches us that helping others is a source of spiritual growth and fulfillment.It’satestamenttoourcommitment toequality,asweservewithoutdiscrimination, regardless of one’s background. Through
volunteering,IexperiencethepowerofSikhism in action, fostering strong communities, promoting compassion, and leaving a positive impact on the world.”
While many elderly Sikhs are taking up volunteering, many other long serving volunteers are also elderly and in the case of Werribee’s Pat Pititto, looking after the elderly too.
“I just keep rolling up every year and they keep opening the door and letting me in” said Ms Pititto, 80, who has been volunteering at WyndhamLodgeagedcarefacilityfor20years and has no plans to stop anytime soon.
Volunteers are considered vital to future of the aged care sector as Australia’s population grows older and Ms Pititto said their role was important, both for residents and staff.
“Because the nursing staff are very busy, we’ve got the time to go into their (residents) rooms, sit down have a chat, and listen. There’s no time limit. You might spend 10 mins in one room and less in the other because some don’t want to chat on a certain day.”
MsPitittosaidworkinginagedcarefacilities wasn’t for everyone and, with the exception of work experience students, younger volunteers were harder to come by.
This hasn’t been a problem though for the Werribee Historical Society, whose vice president Lisa Heinrichs explained how the organisation is reaching young volunteers.
“We’ve actually started a social media presencewhichwehaven’thadbefore,”saidMs Heinrichs.
“We’re doing Tik-Tok videos and Facebook and Instagram accounts and so we’re getting the attention of younger people in the community who are thankfully coming in and signing up as members and volunteering their time”.
Among them are Jacob and Amy who have recently joined to help digitise old newspaper clippings and photos.
These examples demonstrate how volunteering covers as broad a range of roles as it does people and attracting and keeping them is an ever evolving challenge.
As SEEK’s Rebecca Miller said, the only certainty in volunteering is that it will always be needed.
“While the level and type of opportunities can vary depending on location and population demographics, there is a collective and increasing need for people to lend a hand.”
‘‘ It’s a testament to our commitment to equality, as we serve without discrimination, regardless of one’s background ’’
- Jasvinder SidhuElderly Sikh volunteer Sardara Singh Gill donating groceries to needy people at Wyndham Park Community Centre. (Damjan Janevski)359119_04 Left: Eighty year old Sikh volunteer Gurnam Sidhu helping with Wyndham food charity Lets Feed. (Damjan Janevski) 359119_03 Centre: Eighty year old aged care volunteer Pat Pititto (L) receiving an award for 20 years service at Wyndham Lodge in Werribee. Right: Werribee Historical Society volunteer Amy helping digitise old copies of the Werribee Banner. (Pictures: Supplied)
The gorillas are seen expressing their instinctive playful, curious and territorial behaviours in unusual ways, from making grass ‘angels’ to playing tug-of-war with a branch.
Werribee Open Range Zoo gorilla keeper Kieralie Braasch said these actions show that 39-year-old Motaba and his two 23-year-old sons Yakini and Ganyeka, are comfortable within their island home.
“Ganyeka makes angel shapes in the grass most likely because the grass is wet and he likes the feeling of it on his skin,” Ms Braasch said.
“The chest-beating we see is normally a territorial behaviour, but in this case it’s a playful practice.”
In one of the scenes revealed by camouflaged cameras, Ganyeka hides from the rain using a plant-fibre blanket placed on his back.
Ms Braasch said that gorillas often dislike the rain, and Ganyeka is no different.
“Sheltering with available materials is a behaviour we see Ganyeka doing quite often when he goes out to forage while it’s raining,” Ms Braasch said. “He either hides under the blanket or stays undercover.”
As for play fighting over a branch, that is importantinstinctivebehaviouramongagorilla troop.
“Yakini and Ganyeka occasionally engage in brotherly tug-of war, which is a playful way to exercise their strength and territorial instincts,” Ms Braasch said.
The gorilla troop’s quirky antics are common behaviours, so visitors may be lucky enough to see them go ape in person.
Western Lowland Gorillas are one of four gorilla sub-species, and are classified as Critically Endangered by the International
Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Wild populations are threatened by habitat loss from logging and the impact of mining for coltan, a mineral used to make mobile phones.
Zoos Victoria’s ‘They’re Calling On You’ initiative encourages the public to donate unwanted mobile phones that can be recycled to raise funds for wild gorilla care and
conservation. Visitors to Werribee Open Range Zoo can drop off their old mobile phones and accessories into the specially marked collection bins located inside the zoos’ entrance.
...starts
PRINT AND PRINT AND PRINT AND ONLINE SALES ONLINE SALES ONLINE SALES EXECUTIVE EXECUTIVE EXECUTIVE
Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors
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
Watton Group
A support group providing a social space for carers to get together in a safe and compassionate environment. Gives carers an opportunity to connect, share their experiences and offers emotional and practical support. The group meets at the Eco-Living Centre at 10am every fourth Tuesday of the month.
■ For more information call Patricia: 0434 487 360 or email her at wattongroup131@gmail.com.
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. 8pm 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 0406196630
Wyndham Rotary volunteers
Wyndham Rotary also needs volunteers to help with projects with a particular focus on supporting victim/survivors of family violence in the local community. Help with breakfast club, care packs, furniture, and food for those in need. New ideas and connections with other organisations valued. If you are interested call Julie.
■ 0406196630
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
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
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.
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
Book sale
Friends of Altona Library hold a monthly book sale on the first Tuesday, Friday and Saturday of each month at the rear of Altona Library 123 Queen Street Altona, access via Coles carpark, from 10am to 1pm.
■ https://libraries.hobsonsbay.
Yarraville Mouth Organ Band.
Yarraville Mouth Organ Band will be celebrating its 90th anniversary on Sunday 24 September, 1 - 5pm in their band hall at 203 Williamstown Road Yarraville. Visitors welcome to enjoy the music, have a cuppa and catch a glimpse of history in photographs.
■ Heather, 9399 2190, or ymob1933@ yahoo.com.au
No.
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
4
3
Today’s Aim:
S R N
C R L
I N N I T G
stinging, stir, string, STRINGING, tiring, trig
rings, rinsing, rising, sign, signing, sing, singing, siring, siting, sting,
gins, girt, gist, grin, grins, grist, grit, iris, nisi, rigs, ring, ringgit, ringing,
D C
S E S L E E K S A R E N A C O R A L E D I C T S E E K S
1 In which sport was the first national Australian team formed in 1922?
2 TheLivingSeaofWaking Dreams is a 2020 novel by which Australian author?
3 In which year was the Gregorian calendar adopted in Soviet Russia: 1917, 1918 or 1919?
4 Dan Levy (pictured) stars as John in which 2020 Christmas film?
5 True or false: the Earth has an axial tilt of approximately 13.4 degrees?
6 What was the pen name of British author David Cornwell?
7 Which two states or territories do not observe the King’s Birthday on the second Monday in June?
8 Which Australian capital city is on the traditional lands of the Kulin nation?
9 Mo Dao Zu Shi is a Chinese xianxia novel that was adapted into which Netflix fantasy series?
10 What type of instrument is a xiao?
First Serve Tuck Shop Hoppers Crossing
Hoppers Indoor Sportz Hoppers Crossing
Pacific Werribee Shopping Centre Hoppers Crossing
Wyndham Library Hoppers Crossing
Werribee Plaza Tavern Hoppers Crossing
Coles Supermarket Hoppers Crossing
APCO Service Station Hoppers Crossing
Hoppers Crossing Shopping Hoppers Crossing
Woodville Park Shopping Centre Hoppers Crossing
IGA Plus Liquor Hoppers Crossing
Aqua Pulse Café Hoppers Crossing
Mecwacare John Atchison Centre Hoppers Crossing
Coles Express Hoppers Crossing
The Grange Community Centre Hoppers Crossing
Hoppers Crossing Sports Club Hoppers Crossing
Super Lotto Newsagency Hoppers Crossing
Woolworths Hogans Corner Hoppers Crossing
Tigers Club House Hoppers Crossing
Popeyes Kebabs Hoppers Crossing
Manor Lakes News & Lotto Manor Lakes
Manor Lakes Shopping Centre Manor Lakes
Featherbrook Shopping Centre Point Cook
Wyndham Library Service Point Cook
Point Cook Pharmacy Point Cook
Jamieson Way Community Centre Point Cook
Direct Chemist Outlet Point Cook
Stockland Point Cook Shopping Centre Point Cook
WynCity Point Cook
Sanctuary Lakes Resort Sanctuary Lakes
Waterstone Café Sanctuary Lakes
Sanctuary Lakes Shopping Centre Sanctuary Lakes
Club House ( Lifestyle) Tarneit
Tarneit Central Shopping Centre Tarneit
NewsXpress - Riverdale Village SC Tarneit
Penrose Promenade Community Centre Tarneit
Wyndham Village Shopping Centre Tarneit
Shell Service Station Tarneit
Community Centre Tarneit
Serranos Cafe Tarneit
Koomail Tardy Community Centre Truganina
Palm Lakes Resort Truganina
Arndell Park Community Centre Truganina
Eagles Stadium Café Werribee
Ison Village Werribee
Casaccio Egg Farm Werribee
IGA Supermarket Werribee
Italian Sports Club Werribee
The Womans Hub - GP Clinic Werribee
St Vincent's Private Hospital Werribee
Wyndham City Council Werribee
Werribee Mercy Hospital (Coffee Shop) Werribee
SIMS IGA Werribee
Tatts Lotto Werribee
Werribee RSL Werribee
Werribee Fersh Market Werribee
Cellarbrations Werribee
Bendigo Bank Werribee
Coles Werribee Werribee
Wyndham Cultural Centre Werribee
Glendale Hostel Werribee
Wyndham Private Medical Centre Werribee
Werribee South General Store Werribee South
Wyndham Cache (LT's Egg Farm) Werribee South
Anglers Anchorage Take Away Werribee South
Williams Landing News, Lotto & Tobacco Williams Landing
Woolworths Williams Landing
BP Service Station Wyndham Vale
Woolworths Wyndham Vale
IGA Wyndham Vale Wyndham Vale
Iramoo Community Centre Wyndham Vale
Manor Lakes Community Learning Centre Wyndham Vale
7 Eleven Wyndham Vale Wyndham Vale
Real Estate Agents Everywhere
•All advertisements must be pre-paid. For $29.00 you get a 4 line, ONE ITEM ONLY advertisement, restricted to “For Sale” or “Motoring” items only for private advertisers, run initially for 13 weeks or until sold. Additional lines will be charged at $3 per line per publication.
•After your advertisement has run for 13 weeks you must call us each fortnight to renew it for a further 2 week period AND reduce the price of your item by a minimum 5% for items in the “For Sale” section or 3% for items in the “Motoring” section. This process may continue until you have sold your item. If we do not hear from you we will assume you have sold your item and your advertisement will not appear.
• The sale price must be included in the advertisement and the only alterations you may make are to the PRICE of your item.
• Business advertisements, rental hire, pets & livestock and real estate are not included in the offer.
• The publisher reserves the right to decline any booking for the purpose of ongoing gain.
1. Western Australian punter Lou Hedley was announced as the NFL's newest recruit for which team?
2. And which celebrity former wrestler and actor called themselves a fan of the Aussie?
3. Prior to 2023, which year
4. Australian James Webb broke the eating world record in New York after devouring which food:
a) chicken wings,
b) hotdogs or
c) hamburgers?
5. What is the mostviewed sport in New Zealand?
The iconic shoe brand Converse was first created for which sport?
Which two AFL teams feature a native Australian animal as their mascot?
During the Women’s US Open semifinal between Karolina Muchova and Coco Gauff, what was the reason the match was delayed for 50 minutes mid-play?
Which AFL star was announced as the sole All-Australian ruckman?
And which team do they play for?
11. Which nation won the 2023 FIBA Men’s Basketball World Cup?
12. And what position did Australia finish at the same tournament?
13. After winning the US Open, Novak Djokovic equalled which tennis player’s record of 24 grand slam victories?
14. Which Canberra Raiders player was cited for biting in week one of the NRL Finals Series?
15. Australian golfing star Minjee Lee was born in which capital city?
16. Which Melbourne star suffered a concussion in the Demons’ AFL qualifying final loss to Collingwood?
17. Which AFLW team recently played its first home game at the spiritual home of its club, Windy Hill?
18. Which nation did the Wallabies beat in their 2023 Rugby World Cup opening game?
19. How many teams compete in the men’s National Basketball League?
20. And how many teams compete in the Women’s National Basketball League?
21. Which team did Germany defeat 83-77 to win the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup?
22. Which team did Canada defeat 127-118 to finish third at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup?
23. Which Australian was named the Rising Star of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup?
24. Which national rugby union team is known as Os Lobos (The Wolves)?
25. Which middleweight fighter defeated Israel Adesanya at UFC 293?
26. Wallabies captain Will Skelton plays rugby union professionally in which country?
27. 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup MVP Dennis Schröder plays for which NBA team?
28. Which team did Australia defeat 35-15 in their first match of the 2023 Rugby World Cup?
29. Which Belarusian did Coco Gauff defeat to win the 2023 US Open Women’s Singles tennis title?
30. Which national rugby union team is known as Stejarii (The Oaks)?
Where has the time gone?
It’s been five years since we last drove the Civic Type-R.
It was incredible then and it’s still an amazing car to drive, engineered to deliver a thrilling driving experience and without doubt one of the best hot hatches in the world.
Even so the Type-R’s days are probably numbered as the world moves with increasing speed towards an electric future where all cars will be lightning quick.
Think about that for a moment.
Styling
Type-R is priced from $72,600. That’s a national driveaway price and Honda says no negotiations will be entered into. It’s also $12,000 or so more than the previous Type-R by the time you add in on-road costs.
You can place your order now, but there’s just one hitch. Even at this price, you could find yourself at the end of a rather long waiting list that now stretches out to more than two years. As such we count ourselves lucky to be getting a drive now.
Remarkably, our test vehicle is finished in the same Sonic Grey colour as the previous Type-R that we drove. But if that sounds a bit drab there’s also Rally Red, Crystal Black and Championship White from which to choose.
A colleague prefers the black, but we reckon grey is the perfect foil for the red and black highlights, of which there are many.
At 4606mm new Type-R is 37mm longer, 15mm wider and 13mm lower than the car it replaces, while the wheelbase is 35mm longer.
Andatakerbweightof1429kgweight-saving devices include an aluminium bonnet which is 43percentlighter,aresinbootlidis20percent lighter and smaller wheels reduce unsprung mass by a significant 2.8kg at each corner.
At first sight the latest Type-R looks similar yet different to the model it replaces, with seating for four, a good-sized boot and tyre repair kit in lieu of a spare.
A couple of cupholders are built into the centre of the back seat and while it is quite roomy, rear seat passengers could find it a little claustrophobic, especially with no air vents.
The tail lights are first point of difference, in keeping with the styling of the latest Civic and while the triple signature exhausts remain, the rear spoiler is perhaps a trifle smaller.
Down the front the fascia is similar but different, while the air intake has moved further forward on the bonnet.
Theblackwheelslookprettymuchthesame, but the pinstripe has gone and if you look closely, you’ll see they are now 19s instead of 20s, but wear wider tyres.
MichelinPilotSports,theyareanimpressive 265 x 30 in dimension, increasing the car’s footprint on the road (and presumably grip).
Last time around they were Continentals.
The brakes are from Brembo again, ventilated at front and solid at the rear.
The 350mm front discs are equipped with Brembo four-piston aluminium calipers.
The rears are 305mm in size.
Moving inside, the cabin is at once familiar but different too.
The deep sports buckets would do a Ferrari proud, finished in bright vermilion red, with red seatbelts and foot well trim and other red highlights to match, including red ambient lighting.
The chunky steering wheel has lost some of its red, but is now trimmed in suede leather. Still not sure whether we like the feel and worry it might stick to some driving gloves.
A metal shifter and foot pedals complete the picture.
Technology has of course moved on and a touchscreen now perches atop the dash, with a digital display replacing the previous analogue instrument cluster.
Standard equipment includes ’suede-style’ fabric (ie fake), two-zone climate air, manual seat adjustment, LED head and tail lights, auto lights and wipers, auto dimming mirror, front and rear parking sensors, radar cruise control,
adaptive suspension and a limited slip front diff.
There’s also a comprehensive data logging system for tracking the car, with expanded capability that displays all sorts of info like cornering G-force.
Civic Type-R is covered by a five-year warranty, five-year roadside assistance and five-year capped price servicing, with free map updates for five years and a five-year subscription to on-line services.
Service is due every 12 months or 10,000km.
Infotainment
A 9.0-inch Advanced Display Audio touchscreen has been designed to minimise driver distraction, with hard buttons and customisable shortcuts to use functions and audio sources more often.
The system features Bluetooth, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, satellite navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, wireless phone charger, plus 12 volt and 2 x USB-A ports.
No mention of a brand or power output for the eight-speaker audio, suggesting it is not worth talking about.
The previous one put out 160 watts.
Thepreviousmodelproduced228kWofpower at 6500 rpm and 400Nm of torque from 2500 rpm, accelerating from 0-100km/h in 5.7 seconds and using 8.8L/100km.
Changes to the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine up those figures to 235kW of power and 420Nm of torque, the latter from 2600 revs this time.
They’re not huge gains but combined with a long list of refinements, promise even higher levels of performance than before.
Thedashfrom0-100km/hhasbeentrimmed to just 5.2 seconds and it uses 9.8L/100km, but seriously who cares?
The turbocharged engine is paired with a smooth, easy-to-use, quick-shifting six-speed manual transmission with automatic rev-matching.
Topped with a solid aluminium shift knob,
ithasbeenengineeredtodeliveracrispchange action with very low internal friction.
Driveistothefrontwheelsthroughalimited slip diff.
Althoughthecarhasnotbeentestedforsafety, the safety fit out is extensive, with 10 airbags, a 360-degree reverse camera, two child seat anchor points and a body structure that has been optimised for safety.
The Honda Sensing safety system includes Blind Spot Monitor, Drive Attention Monitor, Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), High Beam Support System (HBSS) and Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR).
It’s difficult to award points for safety without a means of quantifying them.
You can see from the figures that the latest Civic Type-R offers a little more power and torque,butthisisonlyasmallpartofthestory.
The big improvement is in the body which is significantly more rigid, delivering improved dynamics and refinement.
A helical-type limited-slip diff minimises wheel spin, allowing the vehicle to accelerate harder on surfaces with uneven traction.
There are four drive modes as well as with adjustable suspension: Comfort, Sport, +R and a new Individual mode.
An active exhaust valve changes the pitch of the engine depending on mode, but is not loud enough.
The digital instrument cluster reflects the drive mode you chose, with a race style look in +R that prioritises revs and the current gear, with a string of LEDs allowing the driver to time the change up as you near the 7000 redline.
Talk about torque.
In most sports models you spend the time changing from second to third and back again in corner-to-corner twisties, but in the Type-R
Honda Civic Type-R, $72,600 SPECIFICATIONS
Honda Civic Type-R
the zone moves up to third and fourth, even reaching fifth on longer straights.
An upgraded Electric Power Steering (EPS) system delivers pin-sharp steering, with a stiffer torsion bar and improved software control resolution to enhance steering feel and control.
Steering weight is adjustable too in settings.
The trick for getting the most comfortable, satisfying result is to put it in the new Individual mode, tick all the +R settings then switch the suspension to Comfort which stops the car from crashing through potholes.
And here’s the good bit, the car remembers and retains the drive mode settings between starts.
Grip is phenomenal and the car remains remarkably settled over undulations.
At one point we thought we’d blown a tyre after it crashed through a large pothole, but it survived unscathed.
On the downside tyre noise ramps up quickly when moving from smooth to coarse bitumen.
The Brembos are exceptional and will stand the car on its front wheels if asked to.
All in all, the Type-R is a fantastic car to drive.
Rated at 8.9L/100km, we were getting 9.3L/100km after close to 400km.
Butthisdroppedtojust6.5Lonaneasy,sixth gear run down the motorway which suggests it will be economical over longer distances.
Sure, it’s expensive, but as they say - you get what you pay for.
The Civic Type-R has been refined in every possible way, a work of love that is a testament to Honda’s savvy engineers.
It’s a rip snorter of a car to drive, just as happy to go shopping as it is to blast around a race track, a genuinely thrilling car to drive that is well worth the wait.
The competitors could be faster on paper, but remember this is the car that holds the record for a front-wheel drive production vehicleatthefamousNurburgringracecircuit. Enough said?
Werribee young gun Sam Clohesy has continued the club’s tradition of producing strong young talent, named the FothergillRound-Mitchell medalist as the rising star in the Victorian Football League.
Fresh off a best on ground performance in Werribee’s preliminary final win against the Brisbane Lions, Clohesy was recognised at the league’s awards night on Monday night.
“I wasn’t really expecting it,” he said after receiving the medal. “I’ve only found my feet in the back end of the year.
“A couple of the boys started calling me Fothergill during the season and I didn’t know what it was a fair while ago.
“There were a couple of articles come through and I had a bit of a look but I didn’t wanttogetcaughtupinit,there’smuchbigger things at hand.
“It’s a huge honour.”
Clohesy’s football journey has taken him not only across Victoria but to Queensland
before landing at Werribee.
He grew up in Geelong before the family ended up in Queensland. He ended up at the Gold Coast Suns Academy, before boarding at Assumption College.
There was then a stint with Darley in the Ballarat Football League before coming back to Geelong and joining Werribee.
Clohesy was quick to give credit to the playing group at Werribee and the strong culture that has been built at the club.
He said he always knew he was capable of playing at a high level.
“I love it,” he said. “All credit to those guys they’ve shown me the way.
“The way they go about it and I’ve kind of gotten under their wing, gone along with them and full credit to them for getting me to where I am today.”
Clohesy becomes the fifth Werribee player and the third since 2018 to win the medal. Among Werribee’s winners, is now coach
Michael Barlow.
“I’ll have a joke with him for sure,” Clohesy said of his coach. “We’ve followed each other a lot Assumption, the Suns, this is another one of them.”
While Clohsey still dreams of an AFL career, for him and Werribee there is bigger fish to fry first, a grand final this Sunday.
“I can’t wait to get out there, “ he said. “It’s already been a long week so far, I just want to get out there and show them what I’ve got. It’s going to be a great game, really heated should be good fun.”
In other awards, Tom Gribble finished equal third in the J.J Liston Medal. The star midfielder was also awarded VFL life membership.
Gribble, Dom Brew, Nick Coughlan and Shaun Mannagh were all named in the team of the year, with Barlow named coach of the year.
Twelve months is a long time for Werribee Centrals in the Geelong and District Netball League.
Last season they suffered grand final heartache, losing by one goal, and it would becomeadrivingforceforthesidethroughout this year.
The experienced line up made it back to finals and while they suffered a one goal loss in the opening round to East Geelong, they were still full of confidence.
On Saturday, the Centurions got a second crack at East Geelong in the finals and they weren’t going to make the same mistakes again.
The Centurions experienced heads stepped up when it counted on Saturday as the club claimed the premiership, 29-23.
Centurions co-coach Hailey Kennedy said it was amazing for the group to come away with the premiership.
“The girls have worked extremely hard this year,” she said. “They’ve been beaten by East Geelong before and the way I saw it, we had
nothing to lose.
“Wewouldgiveeverythingwecouldandwe were able to come away with the premiership.”
Kennedy,whoreturnedtotheclubthisyear, said last year’s grand final lose had been a real motivation for the group all year.
Having had a lot of success, the group didn’t like the feeling of falling short on the biggest stage again and it was a driving factor for the group.
“They walked off last year disappointed and embarrassed by that,” she said. “They didn’t want to walk away feeling like that again.
“They wanted to hold their heads high and win the cup.”
Kennedysaidtheykepttheplansimplewith what they wanted to achieve throughout the game, breaking it down into quarters.
She said they just wanted to win each quarter which is what they set about doing.”
“The first half it was a two to three goal margin,” she said. “The gap grew in the third quarter a little bit.
“East Geelong come back at us going into the last quarter. East then started to make mistakes and got tired and we still had the fire
in the belly.”
Jenni Rothery shot 18 goals for the Centurions, while Ellie Tubbs shot 11 goals.
Defender and joint league best and fairest winner Amanda O’Malley was awarded the best on ground medal for a second straight year.
O’Malley has been struggling with a back injury, which saw her miss the semi final.
Kennedy said that decision to rest her in the semi final paid off in the end.
“We got her right for the next couple of games,” she said. “She was feeling good and worked away and was best on court.
“She’s an awesome player.”
Kennedy said Melissa Primsall and Natasha Dimkovski were the other standouts as their defence end produced a strong performance.
The premiership was their first A-grade flag since 2018, when they won their fifth flag in six years.
While the group will celebrate the win, questions about the future of the group and whether it’s the end of an era will be raised. Many of the group have been part of those past premiership successes.
Playing co-coach Nicole Weatherley and O’Malley have both hinted at retirement in interviews to Star Weekly this year.
“I don’t know if it’s the end of the era for the group,” Kennedy said. “We’re getting a little bit older and some might change into a coaching role, I don’t know what they’re going to do.
“Jenni hurt her knee or achilles in the final quarter and was in a fair bit of pain and injuries make it hard.”
For the Centurions, the good news is that the next generation is coming through as they look to continue their success.
Their under-19 side completed the perfect season to win their second straight premiership, beating Anakie, 34-19. Isabella Marsh was awarded the best on ground medal.
Kennedy said the future is exciting.
“Another great premiership by them,” she said. “Most of the girls are able to stay in that competition still for next year as they haven’t aged out.
“Most will come back and nurture as a club. They’re building towards something.”
It was a magical day for Werribee Districts as they claimed their first Western Region Football League premiership.
The Tigers knocked off Point Cook to win the division 1 grand final on Sunday afternoon.
It was a tight and low scoring affair at Chirnside Park with both sides missing gettable shots throughout the match.
Atthreequartertimethescoreswere39-28, just 11 points the difference. The match was screaming out for a hero, someone to break the game open and deliver their team a premiership flag.
In came Christopher Molivas.
Molivas was building all game, showing his liveliness in attack for the Tigers, however the inaccuracy bug caught him too in the third quarter, missing some shots at goal that could have cost the team.
However, as quick as the ball was bounced to kick off the last term of the WRFL year, it was jammed down Molivas’ throat as he was given a chance to write his wrongs.
A set shot, 40 metres out on a slight angle
was no issue this time around for the veteran.
Just minutes later, Molivas found the ball in his hands, this time a bit closer in and on an improved angle, again no issues. Putting his side up 23 points, and all but sealing the game for the Tigers.
“The adrenaline pumping through the veins when they go through is unreal,” he said.
“I had a couple of opportunities in the third quarter that I shanked so I felt pretty bad, but to put a couple away was unreal.”
The premiership was extra special for Molivas and his older team mates, after having been through the heartbreak of two grand final losses before experiencing the sweet taste of success since coming to the WRFL.
“For a lot of our boys it’s 10 years of hard work, a couple of failed grand finals, to finally get one of our own is unreal,” Molivas said.
“It’s a good award to win (best on ground) but at the end of the day, you don’t play to win this medal.
“To be honest I don’t think I was best
on ground but we’re a pretty evenly spread group.
“This medal means nothing (BOG), this medal (premiership) means it all.”
While Molivas may have been modest in saying he wasn’t the best player on the field, he certainly played his part in bringing the premiership cup to Soldiers Reserve.
Others amongst the best for the Tigers included the full back Lee Johnston, Joshua Mould, Matthew Dean, Bailey Siwek and Gavin Donnon.
Harper SercombeWestern United’s Australia Cup campaign is over following a loss to Sydney FC.
United started the game energetically, affecting a couple of turnovers high up the pitch and looking to stretch Sydney’s defence in the early goings.
It was the hosts that had the first effort on goal, and it was nearly a spectacular opener as Luke Brattan thundered a long-range strike against the left-hand upright.
Sydney held the momentum after that and following a couple of set pieces and half chances, the Sky Blues took the lead when Joe LolleypassedtoCacerestofinishstronglyinto the bottom left corner.
United showed flashes of tidy possession play but was largely unable to test Andrew Redmayne in net for Sydney.
That inability to turn possession into clear chances proved to bite United as Sydney looked threatening each time they went forward and doubled their advantage before the half hour mark.
Some indecisive defending from United allowed Patrick Wood to finish from the top of the six-yard box.
Sydney held the advantage heading into
The Western Region Football League could be set for massive changes for the 2024 season. In a report sent out to clubs on Friday night, the league has proposed divisional changes to shift its 22 clubs into two divisions.
The Western Region Football Netball Review draft recommendations, which have been seen by Star Weekly, propose division 3 be removed. Currently there are eight teams in division 1 and seven teams in each division 2 and 3. There had been 10 teams in division 1 and eight in division 2 previously, but Deer Park and St Albans left the competition, while Glen Orden couldn’t get a side up this year.
If this was to occur it would mean, division 1 would be a 10 team competition with both of division 2’s grand finalists, premiers Parkside and runners up Albion, move up to the top flight. While division 2 would be a 12 team fixture.
half-time leaving United with work to do coming out of the break in order to progress in the Australia Cup final four.
Western United tried to get going in the second half, aiming to increase the tempo going forward and find a way back into the game.
But with a two-goal cushion and the support of a home crowd, Sydney sought to manage the contest and slow things down to see the game out.
The longer the game went on without United finding a goal, the more it helped the hosts’ plan and a third goal seemingly all but put the game to bed in the 67th minute.
After hitting the post seconds earlier with a free header, Rodwell remained unmarked at the back post and tapped in from Lolley’s cut-back.
It was a frustrating day for United and there was to be no consolation goal, spelling the end of the side’s 2023 Australia Cup campaign.
“Itwasaprettytoughday,Ithoughtwetried the whole game, battled the whole game,” United defender Josh Risdon said on the post game coverage.
“I thought we were pretty harsh to go in at
half time two, nil down. We gave them two easy goals and I thought we had a lot of the play and created some half chances.
“Just a bit tired towards the end and we lost our shape a bit, trying to go for the goal.”
It was a hot evening in Sydney on Sunday, making challenging conditions for the players on the pitch.
“It was pretty tough, doing pre-season in winter and then playing a game in 30 degree heat, it was pretty tough, no doubt about it,” Risdon said.
“But,it’sthesameforbothteams,itprobably drops the quality a little bit especially in the second half.
“Both teams fought well and I can’t complain with the effort from our team.”
With the A-League season not too far away and United bringing in fresh faces over the off season, Risdon said there’s a lot to look forward to.
“We’ve been building really well in pre season,theattitude’sbeengreat,there’sagood belief within the team,” he said.
“We’re building nicely, today’s a bit of a tough one to take, but we can focus now on the season.”
“The WRFL will work closely and provide club development staffing resources to those clubs that may need extra assistance as they move from division 3 into division 2 football,” the report said. “It is evident that youth football must be a key area of focus of the league for the future sustainability of clubs of the WRFL. There are some clubs with no pathways from juniors to youth football at all, some that require strengthening of relationships between juniors and seniors and others that require assistance in recruiting and retaining players.”
The salary cap and points of each division will be determined in the coming weeks the report said.
The proposed division 1 clubs are Werribee Districts, Point Cook, Altona, Yarraville Seddon Eagles, Caroline Springs, Spotswood, Point Cook Centrals, Hoppers Crossing, Parkside and Albion.
Division 2 would consist of Newport, Sunshine, Wyndhamvale, North Footscray, Braybrook, Suns, Albanvale, Sunshine Heights, West Footscray, Tarneit, Laverton Magpies and North Sunshine.
The report also recommended the league change names to the Western Football Netball League.
A grand final loss could just be the start of something special for Point Cook in the Western Region Football League.
The Dogs lost to Werribee Districts in the division 1 grand final on Sunday afternoon at Chirnside Park.
The Dogs were on top early kicking the first major of the day and taking an 11 point lead into quarter time.
Throughout the first quarter the Dogs’ run, spread and contest game was on full show, moving the ball up the ground with ease.
Former AFL player Luke Dahlhaus was electric throughout the game and was a key contributor to the Dogs’ fantastic early ball movement. Dahlhaus created great run and poise with the ball in hand, hitting targets at will.
However, from the second term the game began to slide for the Dogs with the Tigers beginning to get the game on their terms.
Inaccurate goal kicking ended up hurting the Dogs, losing by 22 points, 9.11 (65)-5.13 (43).
However, there is plenty of upside to see for the Dogs with a young side under first year
coach Clay Smith.
Among the young talent at Saltwater Reserve is 16-year-old Thomas Burton who made his debut for the side.
Burton was electric, showing off his pace, poise, determination and skill, announcing himself as an exciting talent, and AFL draft potential for the years to come.
Point Cook president Ivo Havard said they’ve got an emerging star there.
“Some people were sceptical about the decision to play a 16-year-old but he had a great Coates league debut (for the Western Jets) the other week,” he said.
“He’s got the X-factor, he’ll be a good player.
“Looking forward to seeing Tommy Burton
in the future.”
Players like Burton are what’s making Dogs supporters excited for the years to come according to Havard.
“A young club, building and today’s probably a part of our learning curve,” he said. “They say you’ve got to go through a loss to enjoy the big wins, so today’s that step.
“We’ll be fine, we’ll bounce back, they’re a young group and well coached by Clay.
“The season’s been fantastic, we look forward to next year.
“It’s the way you’ve got to bounce back, no good looking back and saying ‘we could have done this’, ‘we should have done that’.
“It’s all in front of us with a young group, so we’ll look forward to it.”
Dahlaus was named the Bulldogs best in the loss, along with Simon Deery and Nicholas Buykx.
ItwasallsinglegoalkickersfortheBulldogs, with Max Rouvray, Alex Grigg, Jim Botsaris, Salvatore Cilmi and Dahlhaus all hitting the scoreboard.
Werribee Districts were able to go one better and claim its first Western Region Football League senior premiership.
It was a hot start at Chirnside Park on Sunday afternoon for the WRFL’s biggest day of the year as Werribee Districts faced Point Cook in the division 1 grand final.
Sitting at 24 degrees and no breeze to speak of, the underdogs Point Cook started the game with a bang, kicking the first goal of the game through Daniel Burton.
The Tigers replied half way through the first term, before the inaccurate Dogs added another of their own, taking an 11 point lead into the first break.
Throughout the first quarter the Dogs’ run, spread and contest game was on full show, moving the ball up the ground with ease.
Former AFL player Luke Dahlhaus was electric throughout the game and was a key contributor to the Dogs fantastic early ball movement.
Dahlhaus created great run and poise with
the ball in hand, hitting targets at will.
In the second term the Tigers began to take some of this away from the Dogs, getting some ascendency on the game without being able to capitalise on the scoreboard. However, the Tigers were able to get the lead back, with the margin being just two points at the break. It was more of the same in the third term with the Tigers peppering their goals without actually scoring one until the 24th minute mark of the term. With the drought broken by leading goal scorer Trent Lee.
Scoring 1.4, to the Dogs one behind for the quarter, stretched their half time lead to 11 at three quarter time.
With a quarter of the WRFL season left to play, the thousands of supporters at the ground marched on to hear the both coaches’ addresses.
Just as quick as the ball was bounced for the start of the last term the Tigers had again hit the scoreboard, extending their lead to 17 points.
The Tigers looked to secure their first league premiership with back to back goals
to Christopher Molivas, to give his side a 20 point lead.
Molivas was later awarded best on ground, for his liveliness up forward, booting 2.3.
The Dogs threw caution to the wind to try and eat away at the lead but failed to capitalise when it went inside 50.
Jack Fletcher sealed the win for the Tigers kicking a goal in the 27th minute to put this side up 29 points. From there it was just a matter of waiting for the siren to sound with the Tigers claiming their first WRFL senior premiership, winning 9.11 (65)-5.13 (43).
After losing last year’s grand final it’s been a long time coming for the Tigers and skipper Daniel Schibeci. Schibeci missed last year’s grand final through injury.
“Plenty of years of work, that’s what it feels like,” Schibeci said. “We’ve had this group together for five, six years, added one or two (players) each year.
“I’m ecstatic, very, very happy.
“We’ve got a good group, we’ve got a few over 30s, a few mid-20s and then we’ve got some young kids who just take the game on
and have dare.
“You need that, you need speed, because us old boys don’t have that anymore, so we needed the young fellas to come through and they’ve just gone on leaps and bounds this year.”
The Tigers only lost the one game throughout the entire season, beating the Dogsconvincinglyonmorethanoneoccasion, including in the semi final two weekends ago, however, they were much more competitive this time around.
“They obviously learnt a lot from that game and they brought the heat and pressure, bad kicking probably let them down,” Schibeci said.
“But our back six was unbelievable, they just held up and held fat, taking the air out of the game when they had to and defending like their life depended on it. You can’t fault them one bit.”
Goal kickers for the Tigers included Molivas, Lee and Fletcher had two each, with Josh Mould, Jack Fletcher, Tim Jenkins and Andrew Panayi all kicking one.
The Suns have survived a massive scare late to take out the Western Region Football League division 3 grand final.
The Suns got off to a flying start, kicking with the wind, to the clubrooms end of Hansen Reserve against Albanvale on Saturday afternoon.
Kicking 5.4 with the breeze to the Cobras’ one straight, it was ominous signs early.
When the ball was bounced for the second term, the Suns picked up where they left off, and looked to take the game away from the Cobras just as they had done multiple times throughout the regular season and the first week of the finals.
However, the Cobras rallied, kicking five goals and missing two gettable ones to cut the lead to just 11 points at the main break.
In the third term, the Suns were back kicking with the wind, yet struggled to make the most of it early, and Albanvale maintained within striking distance.
However, the class of the Suns managed to boot a few goals late to stretch their lead back out to 27 points at three quarter time.
As the wind began to pick up and the crowd started to get more involved, the game went to new heights in the last term, when everything was on the line. The Suns through coach Dean Cachia seemed to put the game away early in thelasttermastheleadwentoverthirtypoints.
Yet, the Cobras were not going to die wondering, coming home with a wet sail, the wind to their backs.
Reece Field for the Cobras was enormous in the last term kicking three of his five majors of the day trying to will his side over the line.
A goal from the Cobras’ Tito Nyawela in the last term edged the Cobras closer to victory.
Although contest after contest from the Suns’ coach, down the line, forced repeat stoppages and milked enough time off the clock to give the Suns the win they were so desperate to achieve.
The Suns defeating the Cobras 14.11 (95)-14.9 (93).
Goal kickers were spread thin for the Suns with 11 players getting their name on the score sheet.
Pat Hynes, Blake Jago and Cameron Joyce all booted two goals. While, Paul Tomelty,
Brendan, Wilson, Jarrod Vella, Luke Cachia, Jack Burgess, Nathan Halapio and goal kicking superstars Daniel Hovey and Dean Cachia all kicked the one.
Joyce, Paul Tomelty and Halapio were named their best.
Albanvale’s Reece Duffield was awarded the Henry Turner for the player adjudged best on ground by the umpires.
After last years heartbreaking grand final loss to Braybrook, the Suns’ coach could not have been prouder of what his side had achieved and accomplished.
“It’s unbelievable,” he said.
“It’s the exact margin we had last year, but
two points the other way.
“I just thought to myself how do you pick yourself up and they were coming like the wind in the last quarter, they’re a really good footy side.
“I was worried, but the boys batted deep.
“I can’t put it into words but last year, the way it felt, was the worst feeling in the world and now it’s just completely overwhelming.
“I love this club, I’ve put five years of effort inhere,soI’mjustreallyproudandhappythat we’ve got the job done.
“It’s just relief off my shoulders.”
It was the Suns second premiership of the day with their reserves also taking out victory
over the Cobras to add to the festivities.
Speaking before the match, Suns’ president Graeme Clark said after the uncertainty of last year’s grand final loss he was ecstatic with where the club had got themselves too.
“After last year’s grand final we had a couple of guys drive back to the club not knowing what was going to happen,” he said.
“[Some of the players said] we let the club down, we want to make amends, so this is all driven by this great group of guys that we’ve got out here playing.”
Make amends they have with the Suns claiming their first ever WRFL senior premiership.
Albanvale did all it could to steal the Western Region Football League division 3 premiership off the Suns, but left all too much to do too late.
The Cobras found themselves with more than five goals to make up against the Suns well into the last quarter on Saturday afternoon, and almost pulled off the unthinkable.
When the Suns booted a goal in the last term to push the lead over 30 points a general consensusof‘gameover’flurriedamongstthe strong crowd at Hansen Reserve, however the full-of-belief Cobras never stopped coming.
Thanks to Reece Field’s massive effort of three last term goals the Cobras came within just two points of victory late into the last.
However, the seven goal last term was not enough to bring the Cobras to premiership success losing 14.11 (95)-14.9 (93).
Amongst the goal kickers for the Cobras was Field with five, Liam Montrose with four, Daniel Bartolo booted two, and Corey Hall, Tito Nyawela and Reece Duffield all had just the one each.
Duffield was awarded the Henry Turner Smith medal as the player adjudged best on ground by the umpires.
At three quarter time Cobras’ coach Nick Smith’s message was all about making themselves proud in the last quarter of the match.
As he said, regardless of the result he
wanted his side to walk off the ground proud that they left it all out there, which they can say they well and truly did.
“I felt like we didn’t leave anything out there,” Smith said after the game.
“We really had them worried but we just knew we just had to get ahead, and we couldn’t quite get it.
“I thought our last [shot on goal] was in, so for a brief moment I thought we’d done it and then it got taken away.
“It was a crazy ride, we just couldn’t get ahead of them.”
Following the grand final loss Smith, who is in his first season as coach of the club, said it is hard to reflect on the season in terms of it being an overall positive or negative due to the dramatic finish of the match.
“It was all about winning,” he said.
“I’m proud of the fact that we’ve got here but you want to win it so desperately.
“It’s a pretty horrible feeling now, but I think when we reflect we were a bit off the pace with them for the whole year and didn’t quite get there.
“And two points, I don’t know if it’s great or just heartbreaking. I don’t know which way to take it.
“I never make any decisions about next year until you let this year settle, the hurt’s going to be there for a fair.”
Harper Sercombe
By Tara Murray
Werribee’s premiership dreams continue on with the club through to the Victorian Football League grand final.
The club won through to its first grand final since 2005 and only its fifth grand final in the club’s history.
A premiership would be the club’s second, the first back in 1993.
Werribee coach Michael Barlow said it was pretty cool to see what the group has achieved so far.
“It snuck up on us a little bit,” he said. “We’ve been ticking them off as they come. It’s ideal to still be able to achieve things and we’re going into a grand final.
“There’s a lot of work that has gone into it. It’s really awesome what we have been able to achieve.
“We gave them 24 hours to allow the players and the staff to enjoy it and celebrate moderately how we got here and now back to work.”
Barlow said they got the group and staff together for a Zoom meeting on Sunday night to talk about what it meant to the club and people to get there.
Werribee earned its grand final spot with a hard fought win against the Brisbane Lions on Saturday in the first of the preliminary finals.
Werribee entered the match at home as favourites on the back of a 16 game winning streak, but the Lions were one of just two teams to beat them this season.
Werribee started the better of the two sides and were able to lead by 11 points at quarter time.
The Lions came back at them in the second quarter but Werribee was able to steady and increase the lead to 23 points.
The margin would stay at about four goals for most of the second half, with Werribee winning, 14.10 (94)-9.10 (64).
Barlow said the starts had been important in both their finals so far.
“We were a bit jumpy early on,” he said. “It was hot figuratively and literally in terms of the contest and temperature.
“We handled it better in the first 15 minutes. We felt like we had good control and momentum of the game.”
From that period, Barlow said both sides had periods of dominance. He said they were more efficient going forward when they had that control.
Barlow was happy with the halftime lead, but said they have plenty of things to work on.
“We have a bit to work on,” he said. “In the first half of the third and fourth quarters, we didn’t have the answers.
“What it showed when we were down a little bit, what we have been training for the players look to slow it down worked. And the players were feeling it.
“Credit to them.”
Hudson Garoni kicked four goals for Werribee, while Connor Thar, who came into the preliminary final side, chipped in with three goals.
Barlow said Thar had been unlucky not to be back in the senior team earlier after he recovered from injury.
“He’s had some bad luck with injury the last three to four years,” he said. “He got himself going and was dangerous around 50. His pressure, we challenged him on that and he brought it.
“He was in the best six to 10 players on the ground. He was really important and took some opportunities when others weren’t.”
Kye Declase led the way with 33 possessions, while Dom Brew had 27 disposals.
Barlow said Sam Clohesy was their best in the win, while Nick Coughlan and Nathan Cooper were strong down back. He also highlighted the job of Dom Brew on Jarryd Lyons, along with Garoni and Nick Hayes.
Werribee now faces the Gold Coast in the grand final on Sunday at IKON Park.
Barlow said they would try to treat the week leading into the grand final as normal as possible.
The Suns finished the season on top of the ladder ahead of Werribee, with both sides having just two losses each.
Werribee got the win the only time the two teams played in round nine, by two points, after the Suns led by 42 points at half time.
“We’ll be playing a side which will have 20-21 AFL players,” Barlow said. “The one game we played against them really brought some belief in the group… How to come back from being down and being important in moments.
“We’ll draw on that game a little bit, but we don’t want to be seven goals down.”
