Star Weekly - Wyndham - 27th September 2023

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Wyndham council has said it will continue to advocate for the East Werribee Employment Precinct in response to the state government’s housingandplanningreformsannouncedlast week.

East Werribee a priority Heartbreak for Werribee

While prediminantly not a residential development, the East Werribee project was listed in the statement alongside Docklands, Fisherman’s Bend, Footscray and Sunshine, as precincts that would receive priority planning treatment due to the amount of jobs they could provide in inner and middle suburbs and growth areas.

A 775 hectare greenfield site bordered by the Princes Highway, Duncans Road and Hacketts Road, East Werribee, is proposed as research, education and technology hub that will deliver almost 60,000 jobs.

In 2016 , Australian Education City was chosenasthepreferredbidderfor400hectares in the centre of the site which it proposed to turn into an international university precinct along with retail, office, and entertainment developments, a heritage park and botanic gardens.

Uncertainty has surrounded the status of the development since, but Wyndham council used its inclusion in the housing statement to reiterate its support.

“The activation of the East Werribee Employment Precinct remains council’s number one advocacy priority,” said a Wyndham council spokesperson.

“Formanyyearswe’vemadeclearourstrong viewthatthisparceloflandbedeveloped with aprimaryfocusofjobcreation,aspertheplan unveiled a decade ago.”

According to the housing statement the Victorian Planning Authority will continue to develop Precinct Structure Plans (PSPs) for priority developments, but a spokesperson for Wyndham council said this work on the East Werribee development had already begun.

“We were pleased last year when the state government announced $2.8 million for a review of the Precinct Structure Plan and a road map for the development of the site. We’ve had a seat at the table for these discussions, working constructively with our colleagues in the state government. We’ve also consistently discussed this with elected state representatives, including MPs and Ministers,” the spokesperson said.

It was grand final heartache for Werribee in the Victorian Football League.

Playing in a grand final for the first time since 2005, Werribee came up against a red hot Gold Coast Suns side which was aiming for their first silverware.

The Suns did enough in the final quarter to win, 17.10 (112)-14.9 (93).

■ For more on the game, turn to sport

27 SEPTEMBER, 2023 Established in 1902 as the proudly serving Wyndham
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Matt Hanson, Shaun Mannagh and Michael Sodomaco commiserate. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 362607_112
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Proactive platypus protection

Melbourne Water taking action to protect declining platypus populations in Melbourne’s waterways this spring, including in Wyndham.

Environmental DNA (e-DNA) technology is being used alongside routine trapping methods to initiate a comprehensive surveillance program.

It’s hoped that using this innovative approach will significantly enhance historical trapping data collected since 1995 and monitor long-term changes in platypus distribution across Greater Melbourne, one of the major objectives of Melbourne Water’s Healthy Waterways Strategy

Water samples are collected to capture

EDNA to target a single species or communities consisting of multiple species

According to Dr Rhys Coleman, Manager of Waterways & Wetlands Research, platypus shed DNA such as faeces, urine and mucus naturally, which breaks down into the water environment, and can persist for days.

“The combination of DNA samples and traditionalmethodscanbeusedtounderstand changes in the distribution of platypus across Greater Melbourne, major threats to their persistence and opportunities to protect them into the future,” said Dr. Coleman.

Maintainingriversidevegetationisalsoakey objective of the Healthy Waterways Strategy,

with it considered particularly important to preservation of platypus populations.

The presence of vegetation along waterways providesmultiplebenefitsforplatypusandthe overall ecosystem. It offers shade, which helps regulate water temperature, and provides habitat for various aquatic organisms that form part of the platypus’ diet.

The Werribee River is one of metropolitan Melbourne’s largest platypus habitats and Dr Rhys Coleman said by partnering with organisations such as the Werribee River Association, Melbourne Water had been able meet the objectives set out in the strategy.

“To achieve the objectives of the Healthy

Raising funds the hard burpee way

Whether it be a crowdfunding page, a raffle, a benefit concert or rattling tins at traffic lights, there are almost as many ways to fundraise as there are causes to fundraise for.

Attempting to do burpees for 24 hours though is one that’s unlikely to catch on.

But for the fifth year in a row, it’s exactly what Werribee police officer Jerry Roper will do with his Burpees for Autism fundraiser this Friday September 29.

Starting at 11 am at the Sculpt and Burn gym in Truganina, Mr Roper will undertake the challenge which this year comes with added goal of breaking the world records for both 12 and 24 hours.

“I’m hoping to get 10,000 in 24 hours” he said.

“The goal is to do 420 every hour and that should take about 40 minutes and then a 20 minute rest.”

The current 24 hour record for chest to ground burpees is 9119 and 6013 for 12 hours.

While that seems daunting, Mr Roper has put in plenty of preparation.

“I’ve done nearly 90,000 this year already as training.”

He’s also not lacking in motivation.

“I’ve got four kids and my older three have been diagnosed with autism,” he said of the developmental condition which is highly hereditary.

“My youngest daughter she’s going through an autism assessment as well”

While Mr Roper’s children are high-functioning autistic, they still face considerable challenges.

“Thekidshavesensoryprocessingdisorders so have a lot of issues with sound, touch, taste and social interactions.”

As with the previous years, all money raised will go to the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute.

Money can be donated at: https:// burpeesforautism.raisely.com/the-challenge

Waterway Strategy 2018, Melbourne Water collaboratescloselywithitspartners,including government agencies, local government, and thecommunity.Thiscollaborativeapproachis essential to achieving what needs to be done to protect our precious waterways,” said Dr. Coleman.

“This achievement reflects the commitment of Melbourne Water and its partners to the conservation and enhancement of these important waterways.”

For detailed locations on platypus populations in priority catchment areas, visit the Melbourne Water Healthy Waterways website.

Baseball at Brookdale

Baseball Victoria and Wyndham council have teamed up to bring Brookdale Reserve in Point Cook back to life Wyndham council recently completed stage two of the reserve’s $5.6 million redevelopment, with a new baseball and softball field featuring diamond fencing, a batting cage structure and a baseball clay surface, now open.

The final stage involving a new modular sporting pavilion being added to the reserve, is scheduled to be finished by early next year.

Baseball Victoria will oversee organisedbaseballactivitiesatBrookdale Reserve, which will initially include come-and-try activities and local school clinics before expanding to competitions throughout the 2023/24 summer season and beyond.

“We are excited to be working with WyndhamCityCouncilontheBrookdale Reserve Activation Project, which will open up fantastic opportunities to grow our sport in Melbourne’s west,“ Baseball Victoria CEO Chet Gray said.

“Wyndham City Council and Werribee Giants Baseball Club have beengreatsupportersofourStateWinter Championships in the past, and we are eager to strengthen our collaborative relationships with the local club, council and schools.”

Wyndham councillor Peter Maynard, said he was pleased to see the activations of Brookdale Reserve taking place.

“We’ve got a strong following for baseball in Wyndham, and I look forward to Brookdale Reserve growing as a sporting hub for all our residents.”

To kick off this new partnership, Baseball Victoria will be hosting a come-and-try session for kids at Brookdale Reserve on Monday September 25 as part of Wyndham council’s Active Holidays program. Visit www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/ whats-on for details.

Teenage trio arrested over Truganina hoon incident

Police charged three teenagers on Tuesday September 19 in relation to a dangerous off-road hooning incident in Truganina.

Three 15-year-old boys were arrested and three dirt-bikes seized after police executed search warrants at properties Hoppers Crossing, Tarneit and Williamstown.

Thearrestsfollowanextensiveinvestigation into an incident at Sayers Road, Truganina on July 29 where a group of about 15 off-road motorbike riders rode dangerously in front of police, circled their vehicle and sprayed dirt and rocks on officers.

Police had earlier arrested one of the group for dangerous riding.

The three 15 year olds arrested on Tuesday were charged with a range of traffic offences, including reckless conduct endangering seriousinjury,drivinginadangerousmanner, careless driving, unlicensed driving, driving an unregistered motor vehicle and improper use of a motor vehicle.

The trio were bailed to appear before a children’s court and police will apply for forfeiture of the three seized dirt-bikes.

Westgate Police Division Inspector Jennifer

Horgan said police had zero tolerance for dangerous drivers and hoons.

“Westgate Highway Patrol is relentless in tracking down those who think they can endanger our roads and get away with it,” Inspector Horgan said.

“The July 29 incident is among a number involving underage and unlicensed dirt-bike riders in Wyndham and Melbourne’s west this year. On September 3 an 17-year-old Hoppers Crossing boy and an 18-year-old Altona Meadows woman were killed when the off-road bikes they were riding collided at

Grangefields near Melton.

In June, Wyndham council donated two Husqvarna off-road motorbikes to Victoria Police to help them crackdown on illegal and reckless dirt-bike hooning in the area.

Inspector Horgan said parents had a role to play in curbing dangerous riding too.

“I’m urging parents to have a conversation with their children around the safe use of bikes as riding them on our streets and through parks illegally is not ok,” she said.

“You might think it’s harmless fun but one day it could end in tragedy.”

Wednesday, 27 September, 2023 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 3 STARWEEKLY.COM.AU NEWS
Jerry Roper is attempting a 24 hour burpee world record in his Burpees for Autism fundraiser in Truganina on Friday. (Jacob Pattison)359312_01

Children’s picnic nears

Pack the picnic blanket and join in all the fun as the greatest family outdoor event in the west, Wyndham’s Children’s Week Picnic, returns next month!

This much-loved event will be held on Sunday October 22 at Werribee Park, 10am – 4pm.

Tickets for this free event are essential and will be available online from 9am, Monday 2 October.

Wyndham mayor Susan McIntyre encouraged families to plan ahead and pre-book their tickets.

“This year’s event will feature a fantastic line-up of performances and interactive activities including family favourites The Teeny Tiny Stevies, side-splitting comedy

from The Listies and The Scientwits, Polyglot Theatre’s playful, buzzing Bees, and loads of fun in the See Make Play marquee and our Active Kids Zone,” Cr McIntyre said.

“The day is all about trying something new, with opportunities for children to learn new skills and have some fun with music, games, sport, workshops and more.”

Bookings are essential for this event and ticket holders who can no longer attend are asked to cancel their booking so that other families can enjoy the experience.

The Children’s Week Picnic is a joint initiative of Wyndham council and the Victorian government.

Formoreinformationvisitwww.wyndham. vic.gov.au/childrensweekpicnic

Briefs

Laser arrests

Two men have been charged for allegedly pointing lasers at police helicopters flying above Wyndham in two separate incidents. The airwing directed police on the ground to residential addresses where each was arrested The men have been charged with numerous offences including endangering the safe operation of an aircraft, possessing a prohibited weapon, reckless conduct endangering life and assault of an emergency worker. One of the men was also charged with committing indictable offences while on bail.

Fatal crash

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal motorcycle crash in Wyndham Vale on Saturday afternoon. It’s believed the solo rider of the motorcycle, an 18-year-old man from Eumemmerring, came off his bike on Pascolo Way, Wyndham Vale at about 2.25pm on September 23. He was pronounced dead at the scene. No one else was injured in the accident, the cause of which police are still trying to establish.

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Hundreds have turned out the past for the picnic.

A ‘watershed’ moment

FarmersinWerribeeSoutharewellknownfor what they grow above ground, but it’s hoped that recent developments below the surface will make their produce even better.

For the first time in more than a century, farmers in the area are receiving irrigation water through underground pipes rather than open-air channels thanks to the latest stage of the Werribee Irrigation project being completed.

Some 23 customers are now connected to the 8km pipeline that makes up Stage 4 of the project which began in late April and was finished in August. Federal and state MPs, executives from water provider Southern RuralWaterandlocalfarmersmetinWerribee South to mark the development on Tuesday.

Among them was Adam Ballan, general manager of Werribee South vegetable producer Fresh Select Farms.

He said the most obvious benefit of having water delivered underground was that it gave producers like him one less thing to worry about.

“Hopefully it’ll give us more water security,” Mr Ballan said.

“There’ll be no leakages that we’ve had in the past through the channels.”

Southern Rural Water’s general manager of Asset Futures, Scott Cornish, agreed that underground piping would prevent evaporation and leakage but said there were other benefits too.

“It also improves reliability and provides for more efficient delivery of water to our customers” Mr Cornish said.

“It supports farmers by enabling them to increase production and to be more climate resilient.”

Southern Rural Water jointly funded the

$42 million modernisation project, with Stages 1-3 done in conjunction with the state government and Stage 4 and the soon to begin Stage 5 with the federal government.

“Our region is proud to be the home of nationally significant producers of fresh vegetables and water is vital for their growing success,” Lalor MP Joanne Ryan said.

Victorian Water Minister Harriet Shing said the pipeline would allow Werribee South

Dogs let off the leash

Werribee dogs and their owners have a new park they can call their own, Levittown Rise Dog Off-leash Park (formerly Bulban Road). The dog park, which can be accessed via Levittown Rise, features two separate fenced areas with large open lawns and various play zones for dogs to exercise and have fun, as well as trees, soft landscaping, seating, drink fountains and circuit paths.

Wyndham councillor Robert Szatkowski said the park provides a large open space for dogs to play, exercise and socialise.

“The Levittown Rise Dog Off-leash Park gives Werribee dog owners more choice when taking their beloved pooches out to play,” Cr Szatkowski said.

“A further five dog off-leash parks are either under construction or in planning across Wyndham in line with the Wyndham Dog Off-Leash Plan 2022 and Wyndham’s Open Space Strategy, both of which strive to provide accessible and well-connected open spaces for families and their pets. There are currently 21,030 registered dogs across Wyndham, with Werribee, Point Cook and Hoppers Crossing the suburbs with the highest ownership of dogs within our City.

farmerstosurvivethechallengesofthefuture.

“Modernisation of this vital food bowl is really important for food security, local jobs and more efficient water use as we face the challenges of climate change and population growth.”

Construction on the fifth and final stage of the project is yet to begin but is expected to be finished by this time next year.

New spaces like the Levittown Rise Dog Off-leash Park add to the existing 21 dog off-leash areas located across Wyndham and provide tailored spaces for the various breeds of dogs that call our City home.” This new off-leash park has been jointly funded by Wyndham council and the Victorian Government’s Suburban Parks Program.

Wednesday, 27 September, 2023 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 5 STARWEEKLY.COM.AU NEWS 12630656-KG39-23
From left: Adam Ballan from Fresh Select Farms, Federal Lalor MP Joanne Ryan, Point Cook MP Mathew Hilakari, Victorian Water Minister Harriet Shing, Southern Rural Water managing director Cameron FitzGerald and Southern Rural Water board chair Joanne Butterworth-Gray, at Werribee South on Tuesday.

Mary’s ageing positively

“Helloooo” chirped a distant but sprightly voice as 100-year-old Mary Micallef answered my call.

“I’m alright thankyouuuuuuu” she followed after I inquired as to how she was.

The great-great grandmother had been expecting my call ahead of her 101st birthday on Wednesday September 20.

NowaresidentatTricareWilliamsLanding, the nursing home staff and Mary’s family had contacted me about doing a story on the Maltese born centurion ahead of of her latest milestone.

“I think it’s great, haha” said Mary of her birthday which she was going to celebrate with 80 others, most of them family.

“She’s a responsible for a fair bit of population explosion” laughed her daughter Melitta Proebstl in an earlier interview.

The 75 year old is the third of five daughters that Mary and her husband Frank had and the first born in Australia following their migration from Malta in 1947.

Since then 19 grandchildren, 51 great grandchildren and four great, great grandchildren have followed.

While her father passed nearly 20 years ago, Melitta Proebstl told me her mother was “still as fit as a fiddle”.

She wasn’t wrong.

With an accent as strong as her sense of humour, Mary recounted tales from a long life very well lived.

“My husband was a dreamer,” she said of why they left their war-torn homeland.

“He always wanted to get a big job and a good future for the children and you couldn’t get that in Malta.”

You couldn’t get much in the post-war Australia the family arrived into either.

“It was empty everywhere. There were no cars to buy” said Mary, who lived with her family in North Melbourne before they boughtapropertyinthethenfledglingsuburb of Pascoe Vale.

From there Frank Micallef achieved his dream of a big job, rising to become head of the Victoria’s public housing commission while Mary toiled on weekends at a woollen mill.

Nowadays she’s recognised by royalty,

Bin facelifts

Bin night in Wyndham will soon resemble those across the rest of Victoria, with standardised lid colours to be introduced over the coming months.Starting in October, bin lids will be replaced with new coloured lids on the days that garbage and recycling bins are collected.

Bin colours will be updated so that garbage bins will have a red lid and recycling bins will have a yellow lid. There will be no change to green waste bins. This update will ensure that Wyndham’s bin colours align with the standard bin colour scheme across Victoria and make it easier for residents to put the right thing into the right bin, no matter where they are. Wyndham mayor Susan McIntyre asked residents to be patient during the changeover period.

“The roll-out of new bins is complex and will take time,” Cr McIntyre said.

getting a letter from Queen upon turning 100 last year, only weeks before the monarch died, and if she makes it to 105 she’ll receive one from the King too.

Not that she sounds too fussed.

“No I don’t want anything from him” she laughed

It’s a rare bit of negativity from Mary who credits her longevity to a positive outlook, not being judgemental and having no regrets.

“I wouldn’t change anything.”

“Please keep a lookout in your letterbox for a postcard that will tell you when we start the process in your area or check your address on our website. It may take several weeks for our contractors to change the lids in your area, so please leave out your bins on your collection day until 6pm, until your lid has changed.“ Council workers will also be repairing and replacing broken bins as they move through the municipality changing the lids.

There is no additional fee for the new lids and the project cost has been covered by the waste charge.

For more information: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/ binlidsarechanging

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Mary Micallef (front) celebrates her 101st birthday with family and friends at Tricare Williams Landing on Wednesday September 20. (supplied)

Traffic rat-run nightmare

New road infrastructure is designed to ease traffic congestion, improve safety and make it quicker and easier for drivers to get around, but according to residents of one Werribee street, a new overpass has done the opposite.

Trevor Ryan lives in Glenluss Street, Werribee, near the Tarneit Road overpass that crosses the Werribee train line and was completed in 2021.

Mr Ryan said the new overpass had resulted in an increase in traffic on his small suburban street.

“Primarily since the Tarneit Road overpass has been put in, people are using Glenluss Street as a shortcut onto Railway Avenue or Scottsburn Grove to avoid the lights on Tarneit Road and Railway Avenue,” he said.

“After COVID when it started getting busy again when people were getting back to work that’s when they started using Glenluss Street in peak times as a raceway to avoid the lights.”

The intersection of Tarneit Road and Railway Avenue now has traffic lights at the bottom of the overpass whereas previously there was a roundabout at what was the end of Tarneit Road.

Mr Ryan said the intersection was now a choke point for traffic trying to get through Werribee.

“They’ve made an absolute mess of the road, it blocks up and you’ve got a lot of traffic going into a single lane.

What ultimately happens is people don’t want to go through Werribee so they’re going theCotterellStreetfordsoitcompletelyblocks up and they’re using our street as a shortcut.”

Mr Ryan said the situation was particularly bad during the afternoon peak and was made worse by drivers rat-running at speeds well above the 50kmh limit.

“Our major concern is because cars are coming up this street at 80kmh, kids are riding their bikes, pets are going out on the street and it’s very dangerous.

It’s a little tiny residential street. It’s not a street built for that speed” said Mr Ryan who added that residents had nearly had accidents while backing out of their driveways and that

CFA ready for dry summer

The Country Fire Authority (CFA) is warning Wyndham residents to get prepared for a warmer, drier summer season.

The comments follow the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) declaring that El Niño and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) are underway.

El Niño events increase the risk of extreme temperature shifts, like heatwaves and hotter days in spring and summer, while a positive IOD contributes to greater fire risk over south east Australia in spring.

CFA District 14 acting assistant chief fire officer David Clancy said it’s important for residents to have and know their fire plan for both rural and suburban properties, and to be aware of CFA’s “two streets back” advice for grass fires.

If you live next to grassland and a grassfire starts, walk at least two streets back from the fire.

Along with advice for an increased bushfireandgrassfireseason,MrClancy also reminded residents to not forget the basics of house fire prevention, and ensuring houses have working smoke alarms.

road rage incidents had been observed too.

He wants speed humps and a ban on drivers turning into the street at certain times and said he has complained to council about the problem but to no avail.

Wyndham council and VicRoads were contacted for comment.

The last time Australia encountered both El Niño and a positive IOD was in 2015.

The CFA is also currently recruiting new members.

Details: https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/ volunteers-careers/volunteer-with-cfa

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Glenluss Street, Werribee, has become a traffic nightmare since the nearby Tarneit Road overpass was completed according to resident Trevor Ryan. (Damjan Janevski) 362298_04

New addition to the Werribee Mausoleum

Werribee Mausoleum currently has two attractive and harmonious buildings. The original mausoleum has a distinctive tiered black roof, and the second is a contemporary structure with striking architectural features.

The Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (GMCT) manages the historic Werribee Cemetery and is planning to build a new addition to the iconic Werribee Mausoleum.

The new addition will be built next to the second mausoleum building. It will have an open plan style and will complement the second mausoleum’s striking architectural features. Families can register their interest to purchase a crypt(s) in the new addition to the Werribee Mausoleum. This is an exceptional opportunity to create a new legacy for your family and purchase crypts in Melbourne’s west.

To register your interest, contact our Customer Care team on 1300 022 298, email enquiries@ gmct.com.au or complete an expression of interest form online: https://www.gmct.com.au/ werribee-mausoleum

The online form will ask you to choose whether you would like to purchase a single, double, or true companion crypt(s). Your response will help GMCT design the new addition to the Werribee Mausoleum by ensuring we have the crypt configuration wanted by families.

Mausoleum

We’re pleased to offer families the opportunity to register their interest, to purchase a crypt(s) in the new addition to the Werribee Mausoleum. The proposed addition is adjacent to the existing mausoleum.

To register your interest, please call 1300 022 298, email enquiries@gmct.com.au or visit gmct.com.au/werribee-mausoleum

8 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 27 September, 2023 BUSINESS IN FOCUS
WERRIBEE CEMETERY
Werribee
NEW ADDITION
The Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust is planning to build a new addition to the Werribee grand public mausoleum.
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Wyndham AFL cup excitement

The 2023 Toyota AFL Premiership Cup Tour stopped in Wyndham late last week, giving locals a chance to get their hands on one of the most famous trophies in Australian sport.

The first stop for the cup was Werribee Toyota at Hoppers Crossing on Thursday, September 21, before heading to Jubillee Park, home ground of the Wyndham All Abilities Football Club, on Friday September 22.

Members of the club, which caters for footballers with disabilities, were not only able to hold the cup but also got the chance to rub shoulders with former Sydney Swans champion, Josh Kennedy, who was part of the touring party.

Wyndham was one of the last stops in the tour which began in Melbourne on September 4 before travelling through Tasmania, New South Wales and back to Victoria where it finished in Bendigo on September 23.

The next time the cup will be seen is when it is being held aloft by either Collingwood or Brisbane players at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.

Wednesday, 27 September, 2023 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 9 STARWEEKLY.COM.AU NEWS
A Wyndham All Abilities Football Club player emulating his heroes by holding the premiership cup aloft. Supplied) Josh Kennedy meets with Wyndham All Abilities Football Club players. (Supplied) Former Sydney Swans captain Josh Kennedy with the premiership cup at Jubillee Park in Werribee on September 22. (Supplied) The AFL premiership cup held aloft at Jubillee Park. Next stop: MCG. (Supplied)
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Josh Kennedy with members of the Wyndham All Abilities Football Club and the premiership cup on Friday.
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Immunity in community success

Melbourne’s Somali community, including in Wyndham, are taking a proactive step in safeguardingtheirhealthbyco-creatinganew COVID-19 health promotion to encourage locals to get booster vaccines.

The ‘Strengthening immunity in community’ initiative was created in partnershipwithLEXIGO,Australia’sleading translation and multicultural communication agency, and sponsored by the Department of Health and Aged Care.

The initiative was developed by the Somali community for the Somali community which

considers family and doctors from within the community as the most trusted sources on COVID-19.

“When it comes to targeted health information on COVID-19, the Somali community is heavily influenced by key leaders within their own community, which is an important insight for future health initiatives targeted at this community,“ said Mark Saba, CEO at LEXIGO.

“Somali locals also claimed that they would be more motivated to consider a booster if it was promoted in their own language.

Girls hitting a bullseye

FourgirlsfromWyndhamhavebeenontarget in national and state archery competitions this year.

PeytonJaroz,SophieHelleren,LilyHelleren and Amelie Lu are all members of the Werribee Archery Club and have all recently achieved results that place them among the best for their age groups in the country.

Despitehavingonlycompetedfortwoyears, 14 year old Peyton is ranked 6th in Australia for outdoor target archery and 3rd for indoor target archery and was recently selected for Archery Australia National Pathways Squad for 2023 and will represent Australia at 2023 Trans Tasman Championships (NZ/Aust).

Sisters Sophie and Lily Helleren have been competing for only a year, but both won the 2023 State Indoor Championships for their age, with 12 year old Lily also winning the 2023 National Indoor Championship and 14 year old Sophie ranked number in the nation for indoor archery in her age group.

Lu has been competing since 2016 and finished 3rd in the 2023 National Indoor Championshipsandwonthe2023StateIndoor Championships, both while competing in the open division despite it being three years above her age group.

Werribee Archery Club President, Irene Norman, expressed pride at their achievements.

“In the short time that they’ve been shooting they’ve done remarkably well,” said Ms Norman, adding that getting girls into archery had been a focus of the club.

“It’s been a slow process but it’s looking pretty positive at the moment”.

Werribee Archery Club members Peyton Jaroz (14), Lily Helleren (12) and Sophie Helleren (14) have all recently won state and national titles. (Damjan Janevski) 362264_01

This highlights that in-language materials are invaluable for communicating health messages to culturally and linguistically diverse communities.”

FarahWarsame,thePresidentoftheSomali Community Inc., a non-profit supporting and representing Somali locals in Melbourne, said hefeelshonouredtobeapartofsuchavibrant community.

He admitted that when the pandemic first hit,therewassome‘chaos’abouthowtotackle it,withtheSomalicommunityfacingaunique set of challenges.

At the time, the Somali Community Inc. playedacrucialroleindisseminatingaccurate information, while helping to promote preventive measures and immunisation among the Somali population in Victoria. Mr Warsame said these efforts must continue, because while many individuals do take precautions seriously, there will always be others who are hesitant due to cultural beliefs, language barriers, or misinformation.

For further information the National Coronavirus Helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1800 020 080.

Keeping youths active

The Wyndham leg of a statewide program aimed at encouraging physical activity and improving the health and fitness of young people, was launched in Point Cook on Tuesday

The $2.5 million Future Active program is an initiative from VicHealth that partners with local sporting clubs and organisations to attract young people and improve their physical and mental health.

Reclink West was announced as program facilitator for Wyndham and will work with clubs such as the A-League’s Western United and the Altona Roosters Rugby League club who were both awarded funding grants to help deliver Future Active activities.

Western United received $9500 to help offer weekly indoor and outdoor sporting activities to low income families free of charge.

Altona Roosters received $6000 to help kids to make friends while playing rugby league, a sport especially popular among Pasifika people in western suburbs.

VicHealth CEO Dr Sandro Demaio said tailoring activities for specific communities wasakeyaspectoftheFutureActiveprogram.

“We’re implementing programs like flexible rugby for young people from the Pasifika community, kick boxing and material arts class for young girls, including from the local Muslim community and flexible basketball at the Point Cook Shopping Centre,” Dr Demaio said.

“The idea is that we work with Reclink to co-design free programs with young people that young people actually want.”

DrDemaiosaidFutureActivewasadopting an innovative approach to find spaces where these activities can take place.

“Were activating 160 under-utilised spaces across 16 local government areas of which Wyndham is one. It could be an existing basketball court that ‘s not being used, a school during school holidays, a community centre that young people are currently unable to access.”

10 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 27 September, 2023 NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU 12637070-KG39-23
Point Cook MP Mathew Hilakari, Reclink Wyndham facilitator FoFo Nshimirimana, VicHealth CEO Dr Sandro Demaio and Reclink Melton facilitator Jasmine Griffiths at the Wyndham launch of Future Active (Jacob Pattison) 361165_01

Inaugural fest celebrates river

Werribee River Association’s inaugural River Fest was held in Wyndham Park on Sunday September 24, coinciding with World River’s Day.

Featuring workshops, music, dance, and educational stalls, the festival celebrated the river which stretches from Wombat State Forest to Port Philip Bay and the platypus, fish, turtles, frogs, birds, reptiles, and the local communities who call it home.

The platypus was especially prominent in the celebrations, with Perri the taxidermy platypus getting plenty of love and many joining in the procession of the giant paper mache platypus and the beatfactor drummers.

The War on Waste Space taught attendees how reducing waste through reusing, mending, repairing, sharing, and swapping, could help better protect the Werribee River into the future.

Painting, First Nations art and craft and traditional Pacific weaving workshops were also popular, as were children’s activities.

Major closure of Wurundjeri Way and Dudley Street

In October - December 2023

From 8pm Sunday 8 October until 7am Saturday 2 December 2023, the Wurundjeri Way and Dudley Street intersection will be closed. This is so crews can continue building a new city bypass that will remove traffic from the CBD and better connect the north, city, and the western suburbs.

During this time, Footscray Road will be reduced to one lane in each direction between Shepherd Bridge and Waterfront Way. Use Dynon Road instead.

Keep in mind there are other disruptions during this time. Check before you travel at bigbuild.vic.gov.au

Thanks for your patience

We understand these closures may be disruptive to you. Thanks for your ongoing patience as we work as quickly and safely as possible to get the job done.

Remember to plan ahead and allow for extra travel time.

Wednesday, 27 September, 2023 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 11 STARWEEKLY.COM.AU NEWS
Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne
12637209-AP39-23
Invertebrates being studied at River Fest. (Supplied) Textile artist Connor Ovenden-Shaw wearing the cape he live-stitched from far-gone fabrics and textiles at River Fest. (Supplied) Attendees enjoying River Fest at Wyndham Park on Sunday, September 24. (Supplied) The War on Waste Space at River Fest on Sunday September 24. (Supplied)

Swoop save

A cyclist from the west who almost lost an eye after being swooped by a magpie is encouraging other riders to wear sunglasses this season.

Christiaan Nyssen was riding his bike at Yarrawonga near the Victorian-NSW border in November 2021 when he was struck by a magpie.

He usually wears sunglasses on his rides but not on this occasion.

“I have been attacked countless times and don’t have a fear of the birds,“ he said.

“This bird turned around and went straight for the eye, did a backflip and hit me right in the eye again. A neighbour said I was the fifth person to be attacked.“

Mr Nyssen was left unable to see out of the eye from iris trauma with pupil dilation. After being advised to wait a few months, he sought a second opinion and underwent surgery to repair the retina and remove the entire lens at Epworth Freemasons.

Mr Nyssen described it as a one in a million attack but believe s it would have been prevented by sunglasses.

Get your bathers ready!

WerribeeOutdoorPoolisthrilledtoannounce that it will officially open its doors on Sunday, October 1, 2023, marking the beginning of the highly anticipated season.

Located in the heart of Werribee, the outdoor pool offers a vibrant and refreshing oasis for locals and visitors to enjoy during the hot summer months. With a commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable environment, the pool guarantees a memorable aquatic experience for individuals and families alike.

“We are excited to welcome back our valued

swimmers as well as new visitors of all ages and abilities. A lot of work has been put into preparingthefacilityfortheupcomingseason, as we look to provide visitors with a safe and enjoyable experience for the hot Summer ahead,” said aquatics services coordinator at WynActive James Tzelepis, WynActive is excited to welcome patrons and newcomers on Sunday, October and look forward to creating lasting memories.

“Let’s all make this season the best yet!” said Mr Tzelepis.

“The magpie wouldn’t have had something to aim at,“ he said.

With swooping season in full swing, the rider was attacked by another magpie last week, suffering a minor ear injury.

Breeding season runs from about August to October, with magpies defending their nesting young six to eight weeks after hatching.

Other swooping prevention tactics include changing route, walking instead of running away, wearing sunglasses on the back of your head or a hat with a pair of eyes drawn on the back.

An elderly cyclist died of head injuries in September 2022 when he veered from

an off-road path in Wollongong after being startled by a swooping magpie.

YOURNEWCAREER ...startshere

12 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY WERRIBEE OUTDOOR POOL STARWEEKLY.COM.AU NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
EXECUTIVE
Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic sales executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms. Star Weekly is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future. The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business. Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance. The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme. Send your application letter and resume to: Advertising Sales Manager, Mandy Clark salescareers@starnewsgroup.com.au 12570945-JC40-22
REQUIRED REQUIRED REQUIRED PRINT AND PRINT AND PRINT AND ONLINE SALES ONLINE SALES ONLINE SALES EXECUTIVE
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Cyclist Christiaan Nyssen. (supplied)
Wednesday, 27 September, 2023 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 13 AFL GRAND FINALIST 2023 Visit our website for more information MMER Sunday 1 October 12636916-JB39-23
14 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 27 September, 2023 COLLINGWOOD MAGPIES - AFL SPLASH INTO SUMMER Werribee Outdoor Pool opening on Sunda 12636914-JB39-23
Wednesday, 27 September, 2023 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 15 AFL GRAND FINALIST 2023 Visit our website for more information MMER Sunday 1 October 12636916-JB39-23
16 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 27 September, 2023 BRISBANE LIONS - AFL GRAND SPLASH INTO SUMMER Werribee Outdoor Pool opening on Sunda 12636914-JB39-23

That one big day in September

Running onto the MCG on the last Saturday in September is something many a young footy fans dream about. Next weekend that dream comes true for the 46 players who will line up in the AFL grand final. Jennifer Pittorino speaks to an ex-player and a fan about what the big day means to them.

Three-time premiership winning footballer Brian Lake said he enjoyed every minute of his three grand final experiences.

“The week leading up to the grand final is very structured, there is always something to look forward to,” said Lake who is now the Caroline Springs men’s coach in the Western Region Football League.

“As soon as you win in the prelim you think youarejustgoingtobestressedaboutSaturday, but the whole spectacle of grand final week kept me busy.”

LakebeganhiscareerattheWesternBulldogs in2002,quicklybecominga’defensivemonster’ due to his ability to out muscle his opponent and hold marks in contested situations.

In2013,LakewastradedtoHawthornwhich culminated in his first AFL premiership, when Hawthorn defeated Fremantle. It was also in this game that Lake won the Norm Smith Medal for best on ground.

Lake went on to win two more premierships at the club in 2014 and 2015, the first time Hawthorn has won three successive premierships in its history.

Lake announced his retirement after playing his last game for Hawthorn in the 2015 grand final.

Sometimes referred to as Hawthorn’s lucky charm, Lake said the trio of grand final wins might have just been a coincidence.

“Some people had mentioned it to me before I said I was the difference,” he said, laughing.

“In 2012 they didn’t make it to the end, and in 2016 they went out in straight sets, so you could say I was just a coincidence.”

In the lead up to his first grand final, Lake said he made a conscious effort to get to the ground early to absorb the build-up and atmosphere.

“I looked at the stadium, the spectators who were already there, the big Hawthorn logo, took it all in and then before you know it was game time.“

Before he ran out to play Lake performed his pre-game ritual which he picked up at his first evergameandendedupemployingthroughout his whole career.

“I didn’t want to take anything for granted, I didn’t know I was going to play 200 games,” he said.

“That first game was a very proud moment. I made sure I went in the toilet and put my guernsey on in the mirror, so I could watch myself put it on.

“That’ssomethingthatkeptgoingfortherest of my life, so I made sure every time I put on

my guernsey I put it on in the mirror.”

Hawthorn’s win in 2013 was Lake’s favourite premiership, an achievement he said he will never forget.

“To have that happen in your first year, you are absolutely blessed, it’s not easy to do,” he said.

“It was a huge feeling of relief, yes thank god we won and the game is over.”

Lake said the next two wins were different, he was able to enjoy them more.

“Even though the game wasn’t over at half time, we were in really good control and we were able to enjoy that last quarter a little bit more.

“People love watching a close grand final but it’s not as good when you are in it.”

As a coach, Lake now experiences grand finals from watching from the side lines and can sympathise with the stress and anxiety felt by fans.

Western Bulldogs cheer squad member Sharon Cutajar has been lucky enough to witnessherbelovedBulldogswinaflagin2016.

“Just walking through the MCG on grand final day was like a dream come true,” she said.

“Every single year you would watch the grand final and the parade and wonder when is it going to be our turn, are we ever going to experience this?“

Having experienced her team win the flag, Sharon said watching the season’s ups and downs now is not as stressful.

“Of course we were cheering for them this year, but it’s a completely different experience for us now because we have had our time,” she said. “We have been a part of it, we have experienced it, so it is not as hurtful now watching the grand final if we are not in it .”

Growing up Sharon and her five siblings supported the Bulldogs, and now as an adult she bleeds red, white and blue.

“It is an indescribable feeling. I see the bulldogs in everything I do, including decorating my house, which has grown and will continue to.”

Born in South Australia, Brian Lake was an Adelaide Crows supporter.

“Like anyone that lived in South Australia, we went for the Crows as soon as they came into the league.

“I remember watching Darren Jarman win that first grand final, it was very memorable.”

Only one team will emerge victorious on Saturday September 30.

While Lake had hoped GWS would win their first flag, he said Collingwood was now his favourites for the 2023 flag.

Wednesday, 27 September, 2023 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 17 STARWEEKLY.COM.AU BEHIND THE NEWS
Sharon Cutajar in her Western Bulldogs themed garage. (Damjan Janevski) 361035_02 Brian Lake celebrates with fans after winning the AFL grand final against the Sydney Swans in 2014. (AAP Image/Joe Castro)

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

WANT

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. New members welcome.

■ All enquires please contact Catherine on 0407 7726852.

All Abilities Netball

All Abilities Netball for Youth (10 – 25 y/o) is run by Wyndham Netball Association every Saturday morning during school terms.

10:30am on outside court 14 at Eagle Stadium, Ballan Road, Werribee. Intellectual, physical and social disabilities are catered for in a fun and supported group.

Come and try your first session for free. $2 for stadium entry.

■ Phil, 0437 078 739

Walking Netball

Walking Netball is a low impact, no running, no jumping version of our national game for those that love the fun, friendship and activity of a weekly game of netball. If you don’t know the sport, we will teach you. Mixed gender and no maximum age.

8:00pm every Thursday during school terms on inside court 4 at Eagle Stadium, Ballan Road, Werribee.

Come and try your first session for free. $2 for stadium entry.

■ Phil, 0437 078 739

Wyndham Rotary

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

■ Julie, 0406 196 630

Friends of Presidents Park

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

■ admin@werribeeriver.org.au

Seniors House of Fun

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

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

Seniors club

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

■ 0403 041 499

Diabetes Support Group

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

■ Bob, 0409 252872.

Hoppers Crossing Ladies Probus

The friendly and vibrant group meet at Hotel 520 on the second Wednesday of each month from 10am. They have a guest speaker each month as well as social lunches, outings and theatre trips.

■ 0408 123 669

Sunrise Social Groups

GenWest Sunrise Social Groups are currently seeking new members for their Melton, Brimbank and Wyndham programs. The free groups are organised by Genwest and provide a social space for women, gender diverse and nonbinary people, who have a disability, chronic health issues and/ or mental health challenges.

■ https://genwest.org.au/what-we-do/ health-wellbeing-programs/

U3A Werribee

The group is a not-for-profit community organisation for semi-retired and retired Wyndham residents. They hold a variety of classes/activities specifically designed for Seniors, including, light physical and mental wellbeing sessions, arts, games and craft, and general classes such as current affairs, history and lunch groups. Most classes/activities are held at Wyndham Community Centres.

■ Rick, 0402 299 220.

Lions Club Lions Club of Werribee meets at the RSL Club, 2a Synnot Street, Werribee on the first and third Wednesday of the month

6.30pm for a 7pm dinner meeting.

■ Jorge, 0433 566 575

Bingo for all

The Werribee RSL hosts Bingo every Monday. Eyes down from 12.30-2.30pm.

■ 9741 5525

Western Budgerigar Club

The Western Suburbs Budgerigar Club meets at 7.30pm on the third Thursday of each month at Masonic Hall, 223 Watton Street, Werribee. Meet other members who are also passionate about breeding Budgerigars.

■ Don, 0414 975 862

Wyndham Ladies Probus

Are you recently retired or semi-retired? Looking for fun, fellowship and to increase your social networks. The Ladies Probus Club of Wyndham meets on the first Wednesday of each month at Hotel520, Sayers Road, Tarneit, and normally has an outing or event on the third Wednesday of each month.

■ Rosa Sanderson, 0410 303 046

Wyn FM

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

■ 9919 8089 wynfm.org.au

Community Network for Disadvantaged People Community Network for Disadvantaged People(CNDP) - a not-for-profit organisation - will be hosting its Annual Fundraising Dinner at Laverton Community Hub, 95-105 Railway Avenue, Laverton on Saturday 14th October 2023 6:30pm in support for McAuley Community Services for Women in Australia and a not-for-profit The Center for Training and Rehabilitation

of Destitute Women (CTRDW) in Bangladesh. The night will be filled with cultural performances and delicious Bangladeshi food! and Auction. We would love to see you there! For more information or to purchase tickets, please email us at info@cndp.org.au.” RSVP by October 6th, 2023.

■ Rezaul Karim, President 0421 983126, Monsur Rahman, General Secretary 0469 218220

AeroSpeakers Toastmasters Club

Would you like to develop confidence in communicating, competence with language and clarity in writing? AeroSpeakers

Toastmasters Club would like to invite any and all residents to join them on the first and third Thursday of every month to help develop public speaking, communication and leadership skills. The group meets at the Laverton Community Hub, 95-105 Railway Avenue, Laverton from 7-9.30pm.

■ Vimi Gaoneadry, 0411 530 944

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

■ 9313 5700 or MPCVolunteerCoordinators@mercy.com.au

English lessons

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

■ 93692726

18 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 27 September, 2023 COMMUNITY STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
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
This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Ardeer Primary School students Cara and Hemi working on stop-motion movie. (Damjan Janevski) 361202_01

PUZZLES

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.

ACROSS

1 One who believes in sharing evenly amongst the community  (9)

6 Temperate (4)

10 Poem (3)

11 Armour that covers the chest (11)

12 To make more attractive (8)

13 Difficult (6)

14 Puerto Rican actor, – Guzmán (4)

15 Expresses disapproval (7)

20 Supervisors (7)

21 Landlocked West African country (4)

25 Discharge (6)

26 Producing haze (8)

28 Ornamentation (11)

29 Phone program (abbr) (3)

30 Preservative (4)

31 Visible features of an area (9) DOWN

1 Grow rapidly (8)

2 A species of buttercup (8)

3 Heads of a monastery (6)

4 Beyond words, indescribable (9)

5 Examine (4)

7 Roma is its capital (6)

8 Dragnet (6)

9 Work; use (7)

16 Height (9)

17 Line dividing the earth and the sky (7)

18 Vista (8)

19 First name of Italian composer Verdi (8)

22 Strata (6)

23 Sudden gust of wind (6)

24 Indicates (6)

27 One of the seasons (US) (4)

QUICK CROSSWORD DECODER WORDFIT

Today’s Aim:

10 words: Good

I W R

M N A

I E

15 words: Very good

S

A N G N S

9-LETTER WORD 5x5 QUICK QUIZ

No. 152

S E N D A D D Y A W A R E M A N I A N I C E R S T E R N

1 What condition would you have if ice crystals formed within your skin cells?

2 The 80-foot Uniroyal tyre that was used as a ferris wheel at the New York 1964-1965 World’s Fair is now located in which US state?

3 Which Boston Celtic great was also known as ‘The Chief’?

4 What type of food is pecorino?

5 Who directed the film Dances with Wolves (1990)?

6 In which country was the world’s largest firework lit, on February 8, 2020?

7 What is the name of Stan’s sister in South Park?

8 Which English alternative rock band formed in Sheffield in 1978 and was fronted by Jarvis Cocker (pictured)?

9 In what year did superhero Spider-Man first appear?

10 True or false: the falcon can fly at speeds of over 400km per hour?

LETTERS ARC ARE COL EAT GUT HAT HER HE'S HUH ILL KEN NEE NIP OAF OVA ROW SKI TIE TRY VAT VET WEB WIN YET 4 LETTERS BATS CLEF DOTE FOES HITS NEAR NEST ODES ROOT SLAY SODA TSAR YAMS YMCA 5 LETTERS ACTED ACUTE ADMIT ALIVE ALOUD ANTIC AORTA ARENA AROSE ASHES ASPEN ATLAS AVERT AWING BRUSH CARGO CASED CRASH CRUDE DAIRY GUESS HATED INPUT MAPLE MINCE MINER NEEDS OILED PASTA PATIO RHINO SAUTE SHAMS SHOAL SIEGE SLEDS SNEER SPEED SPOON SPOTS STEER SWATS SWEET THEFT TIGER TILDE TOTES TRITE TULIP WAIVE 6 LETTERS CASTER ENTERS REWARD STRINE 7 LETTERS ERASERS HOSTILE INSANER ROUTINE SARDINE TRIBUTE 8 LETTERS ALARMING DEFIANCE DESERTED SHAFTING 12 345678910111213 1415 1617181920212223242526 U S T P R M I Z A J G Y K D O W V B L Q N E F X C H Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down. NOTE: more than one solution may be possible 29-09-23 Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com 319568742 631895427 127486539 874219653 548127396 463952871 256743918 792634185 985371264 easy medium hard 758426139 325784691 561837942 619375428 196253784 482691375 243918567 874169253 937542816 293765814 582417369 978143625 817324596 761938452 154682973 645891237 439256781 326579148 1 14 7 20 2 15 8 21 3 16 9 22 4 17 10 23 5 18 11 24 6 19 12 25 13 26 XH ANSWERS: 1. Frostbite 2. Michigan 3. Robert Parish 4. Cheese 5. Kevin Costner 6. The US 7. Shelley 8. Pulp 9. 1962 10. False

Wednesday, 27 September, 2023 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 19
No. 152 No. 152 No. 152
152 8 784 9 61 78 1925 7 48 15 29 67 46 95 3 94 16 easy 1 982 3 895 2 145 3 82 6 42 8 67 8 73 1 medium 78 52 47 39 83 59 619 5 69
45 1 3 678 26 hard
7
SUDOKU
assign,
sans,
ASSIGNING, gags, gains, gassing, gins, nags, nisi, sags, sang,
sign, signing, signs, sing, singing, sings, sins, snag, snags
Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”. I G D D Y
20 words: Excellent
3
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V Cabinet Makers 12411120-MB07-19 LOCAL ELECTRICIAN rec: 15262 Phone George 0408 626 446 Domestic installations and repairs Specialising in small jobs V Electricians A1 Garden Maintenance & Rubbish Removals ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ Call Sam 0450 820 170 - 7 days 12360798-DJ33-17 Call or visit us online! networkclassifieds.com.au Employment section of Network Classifieds. V Garden Services One stop shop - Kitchen, bathroom, laundries & renovation needs. Complete service from start to finish, including kitchen 3D design. Appliance packages available. Bathroom tapware, accessories & tiles on display in our showroom. Showroom by appointment only Free Quotes & Mobile Ensuite Hire. terms & conditions apply Plumbing Tiling Electrical Carpentry Plastering 8348 5441 www.topedgekitchens.com.au Kitchens & Bathroom Renovations 12420493-CG25-19 Please note that we specialise in renovations - we do not do repairs or maintenance V Bathroom & Kitchens 0403 059 904 12603785-ET19-23 • Excavation • Earthmoving • Landscaping • Site Cuts/Cleans • Bobcat • Dingo • Excavator & Tipper Hire • Garden Design & Construction • Instant & Synthetic Turf • All Aspects Of Concreting • Drainage Solutions • Trencher & Auger Attachments M & D MICALLEF CONCRETING Martin 0418 171 280 or 9748 3196 House slabs Aggregate Stencil Slate Coloured concrete Plain concrete Wash/seal old drive ways Bobcat and dingo hire 12335742-HM02-17 Call Chris on 0401 230 861 We install All types of fences including Colorbond and paling fences. 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For a free quote call: (03) 9191 6548 • 0423 595 388 Email: sales@lnkitchens.com.au Showroom: 4 Henderson Street, North Sunshine 12597361-JC14-23 V Kitchens AIR CONDITIONING COOLING & HEATING • House • Commercial, Evaporator Coolers • Ducted Heaters • Split System, Commercial Refrigeration System, Supplying, Installation, Service • Repair • Get done by us Industrial Ave, Hoopers Crossing 3029 Call 1300 850 696 or 0433 874 699 www.surefreeze.com.au L065074 12612983-KG24-23 We accept 0% Interest Payment Plans G6425413AA-dc5Nov KS Heating & Cooling Services • Repairs • Maintenance Over 30 years experience, All types of Air Con, Evap Cooler & Gas Heating System AU31693 Call 0430 332 368 V Air Conditioning V Heating ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ No job too small - Pensioner discounts Free quotes - Call Darren 0409 785 995 Handyman darren V Handy Persons ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ FREE QUOTES 0421 421 640 RJ GUTTERS New & Existing Homes ★★ 1232632-ACM26-16 V Guttering AMAZING GARDEN SERVICES Specialist in • Lawn mowing • Edging Pruning / HedgeTrimming • Regular Maintenance • Rubbish Removals •Tree Lopping • Gutter Cleaning Call Joe 0498 375 094 - 7 days Placing your classified advert is so easy... 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Start building your brand today and be seen every week in Network Classifieds Grow your business with TRADES & SERVICES “My ad in the Star Weekly has helped me receive plenty of business.” - John 12419541-CG22-19 G6254323AA-dc28Aug JOHN’S HANDYMAN SERVICES CallJohn0433911967or93955019� Carpentry � Doors � Painting � Wallpapering � Tiling � Flat Pack Assembly � All Odd Jobs Nojobtoosmall-FreeQuotes V Deadline V Trades Business Profile V Garden Services Trades & Services networkclassifieds.com.au

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Radio personality Chrissie Swan announced that an interview with which former sports star was the ‘worst experience’ of her career?

2. Australian runner Stewart McSweyn broke a 17-year national record at which Diamond League meeting racing event in Brussels?

3. Who will Australian Tim Tszyu fight in the highly anticipated fight on October 15th?

4. And which state will host the fight?

5. Which tennis tournament is returning to the summer season?

6. In climbing sports, what does the term ‘beta’ mean?

True or false: the Melbourne Demons were eliminated from the 2022 AFL finals season in straight sets (two losses)?

Which AFL team has never qualified for finals? In the comedy film Dodgeball:ATrue UnderdogStory, what was the name of the underdog team?

Matildas goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold plays for which Super League club?

Which AFL star is known by the nickname Bazlenka?

12. Which legendary Australian athlete recently had a stand at Sydney’s Accor Stadium named after her?

13. Which NRL team used to be known by the name Eastern Suburbs?

14. Which Australian swimming star is known by the nicknames Arnie and Terminator?

15. Jamaica has won 87 Olympic medals in athletics and a single medal in what other event?

16. Which soccer coach was recently nominated for Men’s Best Coach at the annual FIFA Awards?

17. Former AFL star Dani Laidley played for and also coached which team?

18. NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers was injured in his first game with which team?

19. The Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in which US city?

20. What nation is currently first place in the FIBA Men’s Basketball World Rankings?

21. GWS Giants coach Adam Kingsley played 170 games for which AFL club?

22. Which national cricket team did India defeat to win the 2023 ACC Men’s Asia Cup?

23. Australian golf professional Lucas Herbert hails from which regional Victorian city?

24. Matildas midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross plays for which Women’s Super League club?

25. Australian mixed martial artist Jack Della Maddalena competes in which UFC weight division?

26. How many ACC Men’s Asia Cup titles has India won?

27. Which Australian golf professional won the LPGA's 2023 Queen City Championship?

28. Which national team defeated Australia, for the first time in 69 years, at the 2023 Rugby World Cup?

29. By what score did South Africa defeat Australia in their 2023 series of five One Day Internationals?

30. Australian middle-distance runner Linden Hall holds the national record over which distance?

ACCOUNT MANAGER SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Victorian Timber Wholesalers (VTW) require a sales representative to service new and existing customers. VTW has a strong reputation for customer service, product quality and competitive pricing. The successful candidate joins a strong experienced team of wholesale timber reps, the company has strong supply levels to ensure customers are receiving the stock required. Orders are mostly in bulk form and all turned around in 24 hours.

Experience in the wholesale timber would be preferable, but timber merchandising at market level would be suitable.

The areas VTW supply are Melbourne Metro, and country areas. The position offers an attractive salary package, computer, phone and a fully maintained company car.

Please forward your resume detailing your experience to Marnie Conway hr@vtw.com.au 0408 371 506

Doctors Werribee is a General Practice Clinic serving the greater

Wednesday, 27 September, 2023 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 21
1. Sam Newman 2. 2000 metres 3. Brian Mendoza 4. Queensland 5. The mixed team United Cup 6. Any help or advice from another climber in regards to a climb 7. True 8. Gold Coast Suns 9. Average Joe’s 10. West Ham United 11. Bailey Smith 12. Cathy Freeman 13. Sydney Roosters 14. Ariarne Titmus 15. Cycling 16. Ange Postecoglou 17. North Melbourne 18. New York Jets 19. Oakland 20. US 21. Port Adelaide 22. Sri Lanka 23. Bendigo 24. Arsenal 25. Welterweight 26. Eight 27. Minjee Lee 28. Fiji 29. 3-2 30. 1500 metres Aaron Rodgers 2909 Kyra Cooney-Cross Motoring Part Time Accounts / Admin Person MYOBExperiencePreferred. Accountsprocessing,chasingmoneyandfiling. Alltrainingisprovided. PleasepostoremailyourcurrentCVto: Absolute Rubber Pty Ltd, 46-52 Hume Road, Laverton North 3026 oremail: cynthiat@absoluterubber.com.au Sell it local Need cash? V Positions Vacant CARS wanted. $$$$ Paid. Buying all years and models.Call0455776443 LMCT12395 FREE CAR REMOVAL Pay up to $500 for most cars Dead or Alive LMCT 10268W 7 days a week service Call Gus for a free quotation on 0435 904 818 12321532-HM36-16 Employment V Wanted To Buy V Wrecking Motoring G6795050AA-dc29Apr MEMBER OF MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION NICK’S RE-BLOCKING SERVICE ALL SUBURBS ★ RAISING ★ LEVELLING ★ UNDERPINNING ★ RESTUMPING WITH CONCRETE OR REDGUM STUMPS ★ COUNCIL PERMIT ★ ALL WORK GUARANTEED FREE SMOKE ALARM PH: 9360 5357 Mobile: 0412 378 193 Reg No 8659 Registered Building Practitioner 1132314-LB19-14 V Reblocking/Underpinning Employment section of Network Classifieds.
Western suburbs. We pride ourselves in providing a holistic health care to everyone. We have both female and male General Practitioners working from our location. Both face to face and telephone/telehealth consults are available. Our clinic is open from 9am-9pm Mon-Fri and 12pm-5pm Saturday *Bulk billing is available (Conditions apply) NEW PATIENTS WELCOME You can book an appointment by visiting www.thedoctorswerribee.com.au or calling 8579 0976 12638085-JB39-23
Unit1/41Butterfly Boulevard, Fri. 29th and Sat 30th Sept. and Sun. 1st Oct. 8am-4pm. Tools, electric lawn mower, fishing rods, plants, coffee machines, pizza machine, records, DVD/CDs, books, shoes, clothes, bags, bikes, remote control cars,toys,kitchenware. V Medical V Garage Sales Professional Services ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identification number. It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identification number is included in the advertisement or notice. For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au 12423634-SN31-19 12553448-JC23-22 V Pets & Services NEW NEW NEW 32 Dunlop Rd Hoppers Crossing 0431 390 599 Swa13128xbe Velvet House 12474997-DL50-20 CALL 1300 666 808 ADVERTISE with us and get better results Ph: 9360 0466 THE PLUMBING COMPANY •Blocked Drains •Drain Camera •Burst Pipes •Hot Water Services •Roof Repairs •Gas Servicing EMERGENCY 24/7 SERVICE Lic. No. 28635 12490425-AV15-21 ADVERTISERS, in this section are qualified practitioners and offer nonsexualservices.
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Mid-sized SUV making an impact

The MG HS +EV is a mid-sized SUV from the Chinese manufacturer that is making such an impact on the Australian market.

The name can be a little misleading because it’s not fully-electric but rather a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and so comes with a petrol engine together with a battery that can be charged in the same manner as an EV.

Plug-in hybrids are an excellent concept but in practice, at least at this stage of their development, they don’t make a lot of sense. Firstly, they are typically at least $10,000 more expensive as their petrol-only equivalents.

Secondly, because they use relatively small batteries, the EV-only range is quite low and once the battery has expired, they just become another hybrid but a tad heavier due to the battery.

The MG HS +EV competes against similarly-sized PHEVs such as the Mitsubishi Outlander, Ford Escape and the just-released Mazda CX-60. With driveaway prices starting at $49,690 it’s the cheapest of the four and comes with the longest (seven-year) warranty.

MG HS +EV comes in two variants, Excite and Essence. The latter was our test vehicle.

Styling

MG HS +EV is a neat and conservative vehicle without anything to make it stand out from the SUV crowd. The front is dominated by a large honeycomb grille with the familiar ‘MG’ badge at front-and-centre. We often wonder how many buyers, especially younger ones, recognise that iconic badge and its history – we suspect not many.

The grille then flows into wide, narrow headlamps with daytime running lights above extended lower air vents, also honeycombed.

The Essence variant comes with 18-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, LED headlights, front foglights, puddle lights that project the MG logo onto the ground and a panoramic glass sunroof with a sunshade.

Excite only gets halogen headlights and 17-inch alloys.

Four body colours are available, all metallic: pearl white, sterling silver, black pearl and diamond red.

Interior HS +EV is a good size, with large comfortable seats, plenty of rear legroom and air vents for back seat passengers. Entry is easy to manage and there’s good interior space. Rear legroom is acceptable and there’s plenty of headroom despite the Essence’s panoramic sunroof.

Excite comes with polyurethane/PVC seats while the Essence steps up to two-tone leather front sports seats with power adjustment and heating as well as LED ambient lighting.

Boot space is a reasonable 451 litres with the rear seats in place and expands to 1275 litres with the seatbacks folded. Essence comes with a powered tailgate. The battery charging cable is stored below the boot floor meaning that there’s no room for a spare wheel, instead you’ll need to rely upon the supplied tyre repair kit if you get a puncture, a growing risk in pot-hole riddled eastern Australia.

The boot is shallow but offers a reasonable 451 litres rear seats up and 1275 litres with the seat backs folded. The Type 2 charge cable is stored under the boot floor where it doesn’t get in the way, but also leaves no room for a spare wheel (a reinflation kit is provided).

Powertrain

Power comes from a 1.5-litre 119 kW / 250 Nm turbo-petrol engine, together with a 16.6kWh battery pack and 90kW electric motor that combine to provide an impressive combined output of 189kW and 370Nm.

It is mated to a 10-speed EDU II automatic gearbox, which consists of six-speed auto for the internal combustion engine and four-speed electronic drive unit.

All-wheel drive is available in the petrol-only HS but, at this stage, the +EV is front-wheel drive only.

HS 1.5 Vibe 2WD: $32,990

HS 1.5 Excite 2WD: $35,990

HS 2.0 Excite X AWD: $38,990

HS 1.5 Essence 2WD: $39,990

HS 2.0 Essence X AWD: $43,990

HS 1.5 Essence Anfield: $41,690

HS +EV 1.5 Plug-In Hybrid Excite 2WD: $49,690

HS +EV 1.5 Plug-In Hybrid Essence 2WD: $53,690

SPECIFICATIONS

MG HS +EV Essence 1.5-litre petrol / electric plug-in hybrid five-door wagon

Battery charge time is listed at around seven hours from a normal household socket. We were able to charge from empty to full in just under four hours from our home 7kW JetCharge wall box.

Infotainment

Inside there are two large screens, a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster with built-in satellite navigation and a 10.1-inch multi-function high-definition infotainment colour touch screen with large user-friendly displays.

The twin information screens are easy to read and operate although, as is becoming increasingly common, too many of the most-used features needed screen taps rather than through physical knobs.

Smartphone mirroring is available through cabled Apple CarPlay or Android Auto with two USB ports at the front and another pair at the rear. Satellite navigation is standard in both variants.

The big touchscreen is impressive and provides sharp and clear vision through the reversing camera.

One side of the digital instrument cluster is devoted to the petrol engine, while the other keeps you up to date on the battery level as well as how much assistance the electric motor is providing – with three figures for consumption across the bottom.

Both variants get the same six-speaker 3D surround sound audio system.

Safety

The HS PHEV is yet to receive an ANCAP crash rating but the petrol variants were tested in 2022 and received the maximum five stars.

Standard safety features in both variants include six airbags; enhanced ABS brakes; electronic stability program; active cornering

brake control; front seat impact absorbent door padding; hill start assist; emergency automatic door unlocking and hazard light activation; tyre pressure monitoring; reversing camera; and rear parking sensors.

Essence adds a 360-degree surround-view camera.

Both models also come with the MG Pilot package which adds enhanced features such as adaptive cruise control; forward collision warning; automatic emergency braking; lane departurewarning;trafficjamassist;intelligent cruise assist; blind spot warning; rear cross traffic alert; intelligent headlamp control; and speed assistance system.

Driving

As with most hybrids the HS +EV takes off using the battery but once under moderate acceleration the petrol engine takes over. Unlike some others though it is possible to drive purely under battery power by tapping the ‘EV’ button on the centre console which ensures that the engine doesn’t activate while ever there is charge in the battery.

Fuel consumption is listed at 5.8 litres per 100 kilometres under the city cycle but drops down to just 1.7 L/100 km on the combined city/highway cycle.

Note that it does need 95 RON premium fuel and charging with a standard power point takes about seven hours using a standard 10A power point.

Maximum range under battery-power alone is a claimed 63 kilometres so the only way to get even close to the 1.7 L/100 is to stop the car every 100km and fully recharge the battery before heading off again. Not a very practical scenario.

Midway through our week in the HS +EV we did a specific test entirely in EV mode with the battery fully charged. We chose the

flattest available route and with conservative driving he got close to the 63 kilometre distance.

At the other end of scale we tested the fuel consumption with no charge in the battery and averaged 6.9 L/100km on our predominantly motorwaydrivefromGosfordtoSydneyhelped alongbytheusualbrakeregenerationfeatureof most hybrids.

These issues aside we found the plug-in MG to be a pretty impressive vehicle. The instant torque and silent running of EVs contribute to a very enjoyable driving experience. There’s little or no excitement, but that’s the norm with vehicles at the smaller end of the SUV segment. Steeringisabitontheheavysidebutresponsive enough.

The amount of brake regeneration when decelerating cannot be adjusted but we found that the level was just right, effective without being too intrusive.

The steering is okay but doesn’t provide a lot of feedback and the same can be said of the brakes which could do with more feel.

Summing up

Whether the extra $10k for the +EV over its petrol-only HS equivalents can be justified will depend on buyer’s individual circumstances. For urban buyers with short distance commutesandahomefast-ishwallboxitwould make sense.

Ataround$50kthepriceisnotthatmuchless than mainstream offerings from the Japanese, principally Toyota’s best-selling RAV4 Hybrid, which although it is not a plug-in does provide excellent fuel economy.

Importantly, with long waiting times for most of its competitors – including the aforementioned RAV4 – buyers can get into most MG models within weeks rather than waiting many months.

Wednesday, 27 September, 2023 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 23 STARWEEKLY.COM.AU MOTOR
MG HS +EV (nee PHEV) is the Chinese carmaker’s first plug-In hybrid. (Pictures: Supplied) Note: These are drive-away prices and include all government or dealer delivery charges. AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE

Cats women’s team back for the summer comp

Hoppers Crossing women’s team is returning after a two year hiatus.

The Cats previously partnered with Sanctuary Lakes, now Point Cook Centrals to provide a joint women’s cricket program in the Cricket Victoria Women’s Community Cricket Competition and North West Metro CricketAssociationhowever,thispartnership broke down for the 2022-23season.

Now, under the watch of committee member and women’s co-ordinator Syeda Bahadur the Cats are ready to fly solo.

“We just want to invite more female players into the game,” she said.

“Being one of Wyndham’s biggest clubs we arerelaunchingourfemalecricketprogram.”

To help entice women to the sport the Cats are cutting the registration fee for females interested and said they will help with gear.

“Our club is determined to provide opportunities for women to experience cricket,” Bahadur said.

“We have made it free because we want to bring women into the game, because there is

a lot of a gap.

“For instance at our club we have over 10 men’s and boys teams, but we don’t have any women’s teams at the moment.

“I am a mother, so I would pay $500 for my kid to play at a club, but if I wanted to enrol myself there’s a lot of hesitation and it’s for most women out there.

“We would love to cover the players who

can’t afford their own gear.

“Personally, I think that because of the nature of females, they are always so constrained, responsible and selfless but then they have to take some time for themselves for their fitness, their physical and mental well being.

“Cricket is a great way to do that, it gives you fitness, you get a chance to socialise, you

Smith climbs the ranks

Mason Smith has continued his climb up the world rankings.

The Werribee-based boxer defeated Marcus Heywood last weekend to claim the World Boxing Association Oceania East-West interim title.

Smith won by unanimous decision and once again proved he is the real deal on the Australian boxing scene.

However,thisisnotenoughforSmithwhose sights are firmly set on the world rankings.

“I’m really thrilled, excited,” he said. “Now, I guess the opportunities are going to present themselves, with potential world ranking fights coming up.”

Saturday’s bout was not easy for the 28-year-old, injuring his dominant left hand and calf in the process.

“I’ve previously broken it (left hand), it’s not swollen or anything anymore, but it’s just a bit sore,” he said.

“During the fight the adrenaline is crazy, so every time you use it, you still feel it but it’s not painful.

“I ended up going through with it, but my opponent kept leaving an opening for me to throw my left hand and I couldn’t not take the opportunity, so I kept using it.

“Then in about the fourth round I felt a pinch in my left calf, I thought I tore it badly, I was really struggling… but then in the sixth round it just came good, I got a second wind.

“So two things came up throughout the fight but we stuck to the game plan and we’re still able to manage and get the win.

Now, Smith narrows his focus on WBA Oceania super welterweight belt holder, Benjamin Hussain, who won the belt recently by beating Koen Mazoudia by split decision.

At this stage the fight is scheduled for early December, with a WBA top 15 rank on the line as well as the unification of the belt.

“I’m pretty happy and stoked with it, but it’s about 10 weeks away now,” Smith said.

“So I just want to get the body right over the next week or two… and then just sit down again with my coaches and put a plan in place for an eight week preparation for December.

“It’s a huge opportunity, I left work a year ago [to pursue boxing full time] and now I’m starting to see the fruits of my labour.

“The hard work is starting to pay off and I’m gettingalittlebitofrecognitionwithinboxing and within the community as well.”

While it would be nice to be a top 15 ranked super welterweight pugilist, it is nowhere near the end game for Smith.

“It’s just another step to a world title,” he said.

“After this fight, who knows, there might be other international belts on the line, against higher ranked guys for other belts in other regions.

“It’s just another step in the right direction towards a world title.

“I don’t get hung up on the big goals, I’m big on the small steps in order to get there first.”

get great team building skills and you can learn the sport and the sportsmanship as well.”

The club already has about 15 women interested, however, seven are girls playing in the women’s team, the goal is to be able to have two teams, a junior and senior side and build the program from there.

Bahadur said the goal is to have more girls playing because they can have more than one team an slowly build their way to have equal numbers as the men’s and boys teams.

“We’ve been able to give the girls an opportunity to experience women’s cricket and get more hands-on experience. But our goal is to have a junior girls team too.,” she said.

The Cats women side trains on Tuesday nights at Hogans Road Reserve.

The club is aiming to play in the NWMCA competition this season.

Details: womenscricketshccc@gmail.com

AFL coaching program for west women

The Western Region Football League is one of three regions to be involved in a new AFL Victorian female coaching academy.

The academy which was launched last week, is aimed at attracting more female coaches into community football.

Thefirsteditionofthefemalecoaching academy is set to start in November this year and conclude in March 2024.

The program will be piloted in three regions including the WRFL, as well as Barwon and the South East.

The program is targeted to females between the ages of 15-20.

Participants will experience five practical workshops delivered by AFL Victoriacoachdevelopersineachregion involved.

Upon completion of the tailored program, each participant will receive a foundation (level one) coach accreditation.

Followingtheworkshops,coacheswill be given the opportunity to transition into a community club coaching role and will receive a match day experience in the coaches box at an AFLW game. Program costs will be covered by AFL Victoria. The academy is built on modern coaching practices and will be tailored towards attracting women and girls who are currently playing or involved in the game, or other sports, but haven’t previously been involved in coaching Australian football.

AFL Victoria state coaching manager Jennifer Taffs said the program is part of AFL Victoria’s strategic aim of growing the female coaching talent pool in community football.

“Women and girls football has gone through a major transformation and growth phase since the inception of the AFLW competition in 2017, yet female coachingnumbershaven’tkeptpacewith the growth of playing participation,” she said.

“The female coaching academy, which will be piloted in three regions at the end of 2023 and early next year ahead of the 2024 football season, has a very specific aim of developing more coaching talent and helping aspiring coaches progress into coaching roles in community football.”

24 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 27 September, 2023 SPORT STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
Hoppers Crossing is reforming its women’s program. (Supplied) Mason Smith and Ivan Reffo 362547_01

Pride in the yellow and black

Werribee Football Club was the pride of Wyndham on Sunday after as the club faced off in the Victorian Football League grand final. Yellow and black filled IKON Park in support of Werribee at functions and around the ground. While the result wasn’t what Werribee wasn’t after, the fans left proud of their side. Star Weekly photographer Ljubica Vrankovic caught some of the faces in the crowd.

Wednesday, 27 September, 2023 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 25

Ultimate prize eludes Werribee

Werribee may not have got the ultimate prize onSundayafternoonintheVictorianFootball League grand final, but the club walks away proud of the season that was.

Playinginitsfirstgrandfinalsince2005and aiming for only its second premiership and first since 1993, Werribee was the underdog entering the grand final against the Gold Coast Suns.

The Suns had 19 AFL listed players take to the field, Werribee had just three players who have been on AFL lists ever.

Both sides had lost just two games for the year. The Suns last lost to Werribee back in round nine, with Werribee’s last loss to Geelong in round four.

The first quarter nothing separated the two sides. Werribee took control for a period in the second quarter but couldn’t put on the scoreboard pressure.

TheSunskickedafewgoalslatetoleadby10 points at the main break.

The third quarter is called the premiership quarter and it proved to be for the Suns, with the margin blowing out to nearly 40 points.

Werribee kicked the last two goals of the quarter to give it and its fans some hope. When Werribee kicked the first two of the last quarter, the margin was back under three goals.

The Suns steadied and had the answers every time Werribee attacked.

The Suns did enough to win, 17.10 (112)-14.9 (93).

Werribee coach Michael Barlow said there were a lot of mixed emotions straight after the game.

“In the fullness of time we will be able to absorb it and understand what the year was,” he said. “How the year came about and what we were able to achieve. In the raw moment of it, it’s gut wrenching for the players, not only the 23, but everyone that is connected to the 23.

“They tried so hard and that is what we saw today [Sunday]. There was effort and attitude and the way that the guys compete is unbelievable.

“It’s hard to fathom right now, how amazing this journey has been,,, In the fullness of time they will be able to come to the realisation about how hard this was to do and how much the achievement it was.”

Barlow said it was only patches of the game where they let the Suns get away from them.

He said it was a bit of talent stuff and a bit of a connection, between the Suns high end mids and forwards that was impossible to stop at times.

Barlow said being aligned with an AFL club has it’s advantages, but so does being a standalone club.

“We look at it as a competitive advantage as well,” he said. “The way the guys live and commit to each other,” he said.

“I think the longer that it went some of that supply inside their forward 50 was hard to stop, with Sam Day, the two guys that won the league goal kicking and Mabior Chol, the longer they went.

“I think most sides that play the Suns and think they one or two key defenders short.

The other area Barlow said that was the difference between the sides was efficiency with the ball.

The Suns were a lot cleaner, while at times his side needed to have a bit more composure and balance in the moment.

Barlow said he was proud of how the group continued to keep pressing and pressing and not let the Suns take complete control of the game.

“We kept coming,” he said. “The crowd kept getting involved and felt like we had some chances there in the last quarter to get back within two goals.

“The guys never give up and even late we kicked the last two goals of the game when it’s all said and done, they say respectability on the scoreboard, get within 20 points of a side that rarely trailed all year, is pretty cool.”

Shaun Mannagh was the standout performer for Werribee, with six goals and 27 disposals. He was awarded the Norm Goss Medal for the best player on the ground.

“He’s a great player,” Barlow said “We knew that we could use him in different ways at

the start of the game an ask questions of the opposition, it worked.

“Then they put some work into him especially after half time, to Shaun’s credit he was able to fight back.”

Veterans Michael Sodomaco, Tom Gribble and Matt Hanson led the side from the field after the game.

Barlow said it was about recognising some club legends, not necessarily as they’re retiring.

“I probably should have got a couple more out there,” he said. “I hope Dom Brew was out there and Cogga [Nick Coughlan]. They’re guys that have been at the club the longest.

“I haven’t had the full conversation about what it is for next year for them. I thought it was important to just get them out the front.

“More the effort for the year that has been and what they’re effort has been for the last eight to 12 years at the club.”

26 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 27 September, 2023 SPORT STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
Werribee ponder what might have been. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 362607_134 Louis Pinnuck (Ljubica Vrankovic) 362607_35

Werribee proud despite defeat

Werribee chief executive Mark Penaluna couldn’t have been prouder of the club for its efforts to make it through to the Victorian Football League grand final.

Skipper Nick Coughlan paid tribute to the guys that got them to the spot in the first place. Norm Goss Medallist Shaun Mannagh was quickly looking to next year.

It was a sombre mood following Sunday’s grand final loss to the Gold Coast Suns, but there was a hint of proudness among the group.

Penaluna has been involved in Werribee for 20 years, he’s seen a lot of people come and go and seen a lot of highs and lows.

“I’ve been involved in football for 53 years, and I couldn’t be more prouder of what these guys,” he said.

“What they are up against, to play a side that is obviously an AFL club,19 listed players, absolutely outstanding.

“To win 18 games out of 21… The amazing maturity, leadership and respect for one another and the club more generally.

“It’s absolutely outstanding whatever happens whether in football or in life they’re going to be successful.”

Penaluna said it didn’t take long for him to realise that they had something special brewing this season.

He said he saw the signs in round one, despite the side not getting the win.

He said the group just had the willingness to work together and the want to win, which was on show in the grand final.

“They gave everything week in, week out,” he said. “Team oriented. It’s a real credit to the coaching staff, the players were united right behind each other, more generally the club.

“It was just patches of the game, we let them slip away. We had dominance in the second quarter, eight points up could have easily kicked another two or three, who knows what would have happened, credit to Gold Coast “Our boys kept fighting right to the end, very humble to be associated with them.”

Penaluna said the support from the community had been massive and it had helped them get over the line in two home finals.

He highlighted it was only their fifth year as a standalone side in the current competition, after the alignment with North Melbourne ended.

He said it hopefully holds them in good stead for the future.

Coughlan and Mannagh were also quick to

say they would aim to be back on the same stage in 12 months time.

“Throughout the year there was a bit of commentary about the standalone clubs and I just want to list through a couple of the guys that made this club go,” Coughlan said on stage after the game.

“Michael Sodamaco, Tom Gribble. Matt Hanson, Louis Pinnick, Dom Brew, Josh

Porter. To our board Martin Carter, Mark Penaluna.

“John Lamont and Mark Williams getting this crew together. It’s been a long eight years it’s been building, we got to this point and we just missed.

“To Mick Barlow and all of our staff, volunteers, the 23 boys that played today and the 20 that didn’t, boys I’m fricking proud.

“I love every single one of yas. It’s easy to say that we’ll be back here, but I’m sure we’ll give it a shake next year.”

Mannagh,whocouldquiteeasilyfindhimself on an AFL list after his performances this season, “To Werribee and all the supporters, unavailable ah. I’m so proud to represent this club and thanks to everyone.

“Let’s go again next year.”

Wednesday, 27 September, 2023 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 27 STARWEEKLY.COM.AU SPORT
Matt Hanson as the siren goes. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 362607_110 Kye Declase (Ljubica Vrankovic) 362607_67 Shaun Mannagh was best on ground. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 362607_18
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