Star Weekly - Wyndham - 4th October 2023

Bay ride is a family affair

For Tarneit’s Tweedley family, the traditional Sunday drive has been replaced by the Sunday ride, especially when October rolls around.

Since 2017 the family of four has been participating in the Around the Bay Ride bike ride, only missing in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID.

And with the 2023 event taking place this Sunday October 8, the Tweedleys will be again among the estimated 10,000 cyclists taking part.

“The best thing about United Energy Around the Bay is to get outside in the open air and sunshine with all the other cyclists in a safe and fun environment” said Andrew Tweedley of the ride which he will do along with wife Raquel and children Connor and Alissa.

The Tweedleys will do the 17km family ride to raise money for Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision, the charity set up by footballers Nick and Jack Riewoldt in honour of their sister and cousin who died of Bone Marrow Failure Syndrome.

“Our entire family are St Kilda supporters (even though I barrack for Essendon) and we always attend Maddie’s Match each year as a family,“ said Mr Tweedley.

Crime rises in Wyndham

By Cade Lucas

Crime has continued to soar in Wyndham with recorded offences up by 12.5 per cent for the year to June 2023.

The latest crime statistics released on Thursday September 28, showed Wyndham recorded a total of 18,340 offences in the year toJunecomparedto16,297atthesamepointin 2022. Werribee recorded the most offences of any suburb, with 5178, well ahead of Hoppers Crossing on 2999, Point Cook on 2578, Tarneit on 2477 and Truganina on 1496. All figures were increases on the previous year.

Stealingfromavehiclewasthemostcommon offence, with 2143 recorded, ahead of other

theft, breach of family violence order, criminal damage and stealing from a retail store. Houses were the most common location for offences to occur, followed by streets, driveways, shopping complexes and other retail outlets.

The results are even worse when compared to those of 2019, which was unaffected by COVID and considered by police to be a more relevant comparison.

In June 2019 recorded offences grew by 6.1 per cent, less than half the rate of increase of today and the 11,722 in total offences was almost 7000 below the total for June 2023.

However, Wyndham Local Area Commander Acting Inspector Ben Jarman

said when adjusted for population the figures weren’tsobad,with5,719offencesper100,000 people, up from 5,617 pre-pandemic, a rise of only 1.8 per cent.

Acting Inspector Jarman said the figures allowed police to adopted a targeted approach to combating crime.

“Our top priority is community safety so we continue to focus our resources according to the latest crime trends, community concerns, and ultimately where we can prevent the most harm,“ he said, adding that youth gangs and family violence were areas of particular focus for Wyndham police.

The statistics showed family violence incidents in Wyndham jumped by 11.6 per

cent over the year to June, with 4496 recorded, compared to 4030 to June 2022 and 3,246 to June 2019.

Acting Inspector Jarman said the increase was partly due to police bringing more perpetrators to justice.

“ThestatisticsindicateWyndhampoliceare continuing to arrest offenders for breaching family violence orders – with an increase of 16 per cent since pre-pandemic,” he said. This can be attributed to the proactive work of dedicated police, who are knocking on the doors of victims and perpetrators to ensure offenders know they are being monitored, victims feel supported, and breaches are more easily identified.”

Alissa, Raquel, Andrew and Connor Tweedley from Tarneit are again participating in the Around the Bay bike ride on Sunday, October 8. (Jacob Pattison) 362324_04

Council to sell the Bridge Hotel

By Cade Lucas

Wyndham council will sell the Bridge Hotel in Watton Street, Werribee after a majority of councillors voted in favour of the move at a meeting on Tuesday, September 26.

Council adopted a recommendation that it sell the property at 197-199 Watton Street and amend the title boundary to separate the hotel from the West End car park which shares the site and which council wants to retain.

The recommendation was adopted by a vote of seven to two, with only councillors Marcel MahfoudandRobertSzatkowskivotingagainst.

In 2016 Wyndham council purchased the property on which both the hotel and car park sit for $5.4 million.

By that stage the Bridge Hotel, built in 1926, had by that stage fallen into disrepair, but has since been renovated and in 2020 reopened under the management of the MOL Pub Group.

It is expected to remain a hospitality venue.

“Thesalepresentsandopportunitytobolster our cities finances,” said councillor Jasmine Hill in moving the motion.

“By selling this property at market value or greater we can secure much needed injections of revenue that can be reinvested

in other Werribee city centre enhancing actions.”

Speaking against the sale, councillor Marcel Mahfoud said such a prominent site was worth hanging onto and urged a more cautious approach.

“There’s a good chance we could lose considerable money on the amount we purchaseditforbysellingitnow,”CrMahfoud said.

“Hang onto it, think about it. It’s a site of significance, a site of importance.”

Councillor Adele Hegedich said the importance of 197-199 Watton Street was due to the West End car park and that council only

bought the Bridge Hotel because it happened to be on the same site.

“We’re just divesting the hotel not the car park,” Cr Hegedich said.

The Bridge Hotel is expected to advertised for sale by the beginning of December.

And earlier recommendation that council sell its property at 8 Synnot Street, Werribee was also adopted.

Thevacantlotisusedasaninformalcar-park but is not considered suitable for conversion into a public parking space and could be developed for accommodation instead.

Thepropertyisalsoexpectedtobeadvertised for sale by December.

Young leader finds time to give to community

There are high achievers and then there’s Manor Lakes 18-year-old Ganika Shree.

The year 12 student at Suzanne Cory High School was recently awarded the VCE Leadership Award for September.

The award is for community service and community leadership, but that barely scratches the surface of what Ms Shree does.

“A mixture of fundraising, free singing lessons, volunteering,” she said of activities that include tutoring disadvantaged children, teaching traditional Indian singing and dance, volunteering at op-shops, organising cake sales and fundraising with Starlight Foundation, Active April, and the 40 Hour Famine among others.

“I was part of the VIctorian SRC committee, Health in Focus and Letters Against Isolation,” Ganika adds in case I’ve missed anything.

Given she’s studying her final year of high school and entering adulthood, a time of stress and strain for many young people, the question is why?

“I guess it’s a deep rooted belief in the power of collective effort to create positive change,” said Ganika, who was born in the Indian city of Bangalore and emigrated to Australia with her family a decade ago.

“It’s seeing the tangible difference we can make when we come together. It’s inspires me to continuing giving my time to initiatives that benefit society as a whole.”

With this in my mind, it’s no surprise then that Ganika plans to become a doctor.

S how does she manage spending every waking hour helping others with achieving

Top citizen awards now open

Nominations for the 2024 Wyndham Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year Awards will opened on Sunday October 1 and run until October 31.

Wyndham mayor Susan McIntyre encouraged residents to get involved by submitting a nomination.

“These awards recognise the service and outstanding contributions of Wyndham City residents who help make Wyndham a better place,” Cr McIntyre said.

“This could include areas such as education, health, fundraising, charitable and voluntary services, business, sport, art, the environment and others. We’ve all met someone who goes above and beyond to serve our community,

whether it be in our workplace, local community group or sporting club.

“Working behind the scenes to help others, often these people are the very last ones to put themselves forward and that’s why your nomination is so important. These awards are a terrific way for us to say thank you.”

Young Citizen of the Year is open to residents aged 16 – 25 years, with Citizen of the Year open to ages 26 and above.

Nominations will be assessed by an independent judging panel, with the winners announced in early 2024.

Tonominatesomeonevisit:www.wyndham. vic.gov.au/citizenawards and complete the online form.

the sort of marks required to study medicine?

“Yeah it definitely can be challenging but I feel it’s entirely possible with effective time

Are

management and dedication,” said Ganika in a way that doesn’t make it seem challenging at all.

The referendum will be held on Saturday 14 October 2023. Voting is compulsory even if you are 70 years of age or older.

If you can’t make it to a polling place on voting day, you may be eligible to vote early.

For more information go to www.aec.gov.au or call the AEC on 13 23 26

Appropriate COVID-19 safety measures will be in place at all polling places.

Voting is compulsory for Australian citizens aged 18 years and older. If you don’t vote, you may be prosecuted. Voting more than once is a criminal offence.

2023 Referendum, Saturday 14 October

aec.gov.au | 13 23 26

The 2023 Young Citizen Juliette Bormeh Moe, then Wyndham mayor Susan McIntyre and and Citizen of the Year Leanne Down. (Wyndham City)

Cade Lucas

Suzanne Cory High School year 12 student, Ganika Shree, with her VCE Leadership Award for September. (Jacob Pattison) 362561_01

A giant son of the west departs

By Cade Lucas

Following on from Steve Bracks and Joan Kirner, Daniel Andrews was the third Labor Victorian premier born in Williamstown. He might’ve grown up in Wangaratta then represented the seat of Mulgrave on the other side of the city, but Labor’s dominance over the west (where it holds every state and federal seat in the lower house) and Andrews dominance over it, meant he arguably had more influence on the region of his birth than anyone before him.

This was demonstrated in the aftermath of his resignation as a succession of western suburbs Labor MP’s offered glowing tributes.

“He demonstrated his commitment to the west too in building the infrastructure our growing western suburbs require,” said federal Lalor MP Joanne Ryan.

“It’s been an honour to work with you in deliveringforMelbourne’swest”saidLaverton MP Sarah Connolly.

“If you look out the window, you might be able to see a local legacy of Dan’s leadership,” said Footscray MP, Katie Hall, referencing infrastructure projects like the Westgate Tunnel and the new Footscray Hospital.

Elsewhere the reaction has been more mixed.

Altona GP and former national president of the Australian Medical Association, Dr Mukesh Haikerwal, praised Andrews leadership at the beginning of the pandemic when they cooperated to contain outbreaks in the west.

“That was very positive,” said Dr Haikerwal of their relationship before things went downhill.

“It sort of went off the rails when there were nonsensical directions, like the Westgate bridge provided some kind of barrier.

“If you were on one side of the bridge you were in trouble and if you were on the other side you weren’t,” said Dr Haikerwal of measures he described as ’cruel’ and ’militaristic’, the most notorious of which was

the locking down of public housing towers in Flemington.

”They were locked up and had limited services provided to them,” said Sudanese Community Association of Victoria general

secretary Yassin Firea, whose members were among those affected.

“Yes some of them they are not happy about that experience.”

However, Mr Firea said Andrews earlier defence of the Sudanese community during the African gangs crime scare meant he was still highly regarded.

“The media targeted them (Sudanese youth) really badly and politicians like Peter Dutton, his comments about the Sudanese were very inflammatory and made people feel they are not welcome in the community,“ said Mr Firea, who lives in Caroline Springs and also credited the former premier for building infrastructure in the west.

“The good thing about Daniel Andrews at the start of his term he stood up to this and started to make a positive impact in terms of dealing with Sudanese youth.“

However, for Werribee South’s Joe Garra, it’s more about what the west missed out on under Andrews than what it received.

“We’re one of the few places that had level crossing removals but not station upgrades” saidMrGarrawhoispresidentoftheWerribee South Ratepayers Association.

“We’re not gonna get any benefit from the suburban rail loop for 30 40 years at a minimum.”

It was this sense of neglect and being taken for granted that led Mr Garra to run as an independent at the last two state elections.

“It wasn’t as much about winning but making it more marginal so we could get some services,“ he said.

The marginal seats get the most spending.”

He was sceptical that new premier Jacinta Allan would treat the west any different.

“We definitely need more focus but I don’t know how they’re gonna do it now without any money.”

BY RCA VILLAGES

Ben Carroll looks on as then Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews (right) speaks to media following a tour of a level crossing removal site. (AAP Image/James Ross)

Manors Lake clean-up

As the name suggests, the Werribee River Association is dedicated to the preservation of Wyndham’s main waterway, however their efforts extend well beyond it too.

From 10.30am to noon on Sunday October 1, members of the association joined with the Love Our Street 3024 community group for held a clean-up walk in Manor Lakes.

Illegal dumping, disused construction materials, unreturned shopping trolleys, discarded plastics and overflowing bins have made waste a significant problem in the Manor Lakes and Wyndham Vale areas .

Werribee River Association’s Lisa Field praised volunteers for their commitment to tackling the problem

“Despite a very windy morning five hardy souls cleaned along Ballan Road today from

Manor Lakes Boulevard to Evergreen Drive picking up five large green bags of rubbish,” Ms Field said.

“A very big thank you to John, Jill, June and new team member Ante for a great effort.”

She said single use plastics, paper and cardboard accounted for the bulk of the 35kgs of waste picked up.

“Most of the litter comprised fast food bags and containers and ’slurpie’ type drink containers.“

The association’s next clean-up walk is on November 5 where volunteers will meet in the Ultra Tune car park on Ballan Road before cleaning around the garage, medical centre and service station.

To participate and for more information, visit: http://www.werribeeriver.org.au/

Briefs

Grass fire

The Werribee CFA responded to its first grass and scrub fire for the season on Thursday 28 September when called to an out-of-control burn-off on K Road, Werribee South at about 1.30pm. When crews arrived they found a grass fire that had spread to around six hectares in size, and multiple piles of green waste had caught alight. The fire was brought under control at 2.12pm but crews remained at the scene for some time afterwards blacking out. With drier than expected weather forecast Werribee CFA are warning residents to be mindful of changing conditions.

Carnegie crash

A 25-year-old Truganina man was allegedly drunk when he crashed into parked cars in Carnegie last week. Bayside police were called to Margaret Street and Emily Street following reports five parked cars had been crashed into at about 12.30am on Friday September 29. It is believed the driver fled the scene but was later tracked down by police and returned a breath test reading of 0.228 He was expected to be charged on summons with drink driving, careless driving, failing to stop at the scene and other traffic related offences.

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Volunteers from Love Our Street 3024 and the Werribee River Association during a clean-up walk in Manor Lakes on Sunday. (supplied)

Tackling ‘tween’ trouble

Raising young children is no easy feat, but for educator, author and award-winning speaker Michelle Mitchell, raising ‘tweens’ can be particularly challenging.

Mitchell authored the book ‘Tweens’ published this year, where she describes the ages of nine through to 12 as the throes of the ‘between’ years, where kids are not quite a child but also not yet a teenager. She says these ‘tween’ years embody a very specific stage of development that once understood will revolutionise the way people parent, educate and support those in their care.

Sharing her wisdom, Mitchell is set to visit Taylors Hill’s Gilson College on October 10, to help guide parents through these turbulent years. Mitchell’s book uses the results from herownsurveyofmorethan2000parentsand tweens, along with interviews with experts whose insights are used to touch on the friendship issues, mood swings, confidence crises, technology habits, sibling rivalry, body image concerns and seemingly inexplicable behaviour of ‘tweens’.

Mitchell describes the ‘tween’ years as the most rapid period of development for children since toddlerhood.

“Right now, before the full pressures of high school hit, you have a window of opportunity that can change the trajectory of adolescence and beyond,“ reads part of her bio for the book.

Gilson College wellbeing coordinator Andrea Farquharson said the ticketed event is open to the entire community in Melbourne’s west. She said the presentation will benefit anybody who is navigating the terrain of raising a ‘tween’.

“Tweens can be a tricky time as children are heading up towards those teenage years and are trying to work out who they are without their parents,” Ms Farquharson said.

“As they start to individuate though this time frame, we want to support them to do so in a healthy way. This presentation is all about equipping a trusted adult to be able to support children through these years.”

Tickets to the presentation event are $30 and will take place at Gilson College Taylors Hill on Tuesday, October 10 from 6pm. Details: https://michellemitchell.org/parentevent-tweens-gilson-college-melbourne/

Colourful fest

The8thannual GaneshChaturthiUtsav, the largest Ganesh festival in Melbourne, took place on Saturday September 23 at Wyndham’s Eagle Stadium in Werribee.

The Ganesh festival showcases the intensityofMelbourne’smulticulturalism by actively encouraging participation from the entire community. Through collaboration and engagement, the festival seeks to develop long-term partnerships with other community organisations, fostering a sense of unity and cooperation. General manager of Eagle Stadium, Rod Gaut said

“The Ganesh Chaturthi Utsav has become a cherished tradition in Melbourne, bringing together people fromallwalksoflifetocelebratediversity and harmony.”

Known for its diverse range of activities, this year’s festival included traditional dances, captivating singing performances, and mesmerizing displays of artwork. Attendees also had the opportunity to savour authentic Indian cuisine from various food stalls, adding to their cultural experience.

Traditional dance being performed at the Ganesh Chaturthi Utsav festival.

Gilson College wellbeing coordinator Andrea Farquharson and Teacher Librarian Kamini Woods. (Jacob Pattison) 360085_01

Tarneit business boost

By Cade Lucas

Wyndham’s booming outer suburbs will receive another shopping centre to keep up with demand, with The Grove retail centre in Tarneit set to begin construction next year.

Situated inside a housing development of the same name, The Grove retail centre will comprise two 4000sqm sections on either side of Bethany Road that will be linked by a pedestrian crossing and reserve.

On one side a full-sized Woolworths supermarket will be the anchor tenant, while acrossBethanyRoadtherewillbemorethan20 retail outlets including a bakery, greengrocer, nailbar,pizzarestaurant,ChemistWarehouse outlet and Anytime Fitness gym.

Facing the retail precinct across Bethany Road will be a learn-to-swim school with a 25m pool, Hungry Jacks fast food outlet, service station and a car wash.

There will be 260 car spaces for the retail precinct, and additional 60 spaces to service the swim school and adjacent tenants.

Bus stops on either side of Bethany Rd will link through to the Tarneit and Werribee railway stations.

Construction is set to begin in mid-2024 and is expected to take two years to complete.

Sarah Bloom from The Grove developer Frasers Property Australia said the retail centre would serve residents already living in the area.

“The Grove residents already enjoy easy access to schools, parks, playgrounds and wetlands within their community, and now the final piece of the convenience puzzle will slot into place with this new retail precinct,” she said.

Situated between the Werribee River and Davis Creek in Tarneit, The Grove is a 167 ha community which is already home to 1600

people but eventually projected to house 2600 families.

Similar developments such as the nearby Allura Estate in Truganina, have recently courted controversy by not providing residents with supermarkets and shopping

Art show is on the fringe

Wyndham and Hobson’s Bay councils are joining together to present Wunder Gym, ‘Recollection: Western Region Environment as Creative Playground’ as part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival.

The Wunder Gym group exhibition will feature at The Annex at Wyndham CulturalCentrefromThursday,October 5 until Sunday October 22.

Wyndham councillor Marcel Mahfoud said Wunder Gym is an art program that extends the skills and practice of emerging, established and curious creatives.

“Artists from Melbourne’s western region were mentored by contemporary artist Elvis Richardson, to see their worlds from new perspectives and draw inspiration from their local environment and communities as their artistic playground,” Cr Mahfoud said.

“This creative prompt invited artists to be collectors, editors and curators using their local environment’s objects, recordings, sounds and images as their raw material and inspiration for their artwork. Exploring how their art practice changes the function of the chosen object.”

centres they were originally promised. The Grove shopping centre will be built and managed by Empire Properties, the same companywhichhasrecentlytakenoverAllura Estate.

In addition to the physical exhibition at The Annex, Recollection XL, a series of large scale temporary public art installations will be located at Laneway Gallery at 44 Woods Street Laverton, and the Altona Civic Centre.

For more information visit: www. wyndham.vic.gov.au/whats-on/ wunder-gym-recollection

An aerial shot of The Grove development in Tarneit where a new shopping centre will be built, with construction beginning in mid 2024.

Pallas remains Vic treasurer

Werribee MP Tim Pallas will continue as Victorian treasurer after new premier JacintaAllanannouncedherfirstcabinet on Monday.

A heartwarming return

By Cade Lucas

Grade 5 Wyndham Vale Primary School

student Calista Aves returned to Werribee Mercy Hospital last week for the first time since almost dying there in 2019.

Returning to the scene of a such an event can be a traumatic experience, but given her heart stopped beating during a cardiac arrest, it’s not one Calista has any recollection of.

“While Calista has few memories of what was then a very difficult time, she will always be rateful to hear of advances in an area which has contributing to her leading a healthy life,”said her father Mark Aves, who accompaniedhisdaughterbacktothehospital on September 28 for the unveiling of its new automated CPR device.

“While Calista is doing really well, we

always want patients to have access to the very best of technology,” Mr Aves said.

The hospital’s new Corpuls Chest Compressor is certainly an example of that.

Werribee Mercy Director of Intensive Care Services, Dr Mainak Majumdar, said the state-of-the art device will allow CPR to be deliver quicker and easier to the benefit of both staff and patients.

“Staff members performing CPR rapidly get fatigued,” Dr Majumdar said.

“Prolonged effective CPR can require many staff members working together on a single patient.

“Using the Corpuls Chest Compressor, team members can maintain their focus on treating the patient.”

Werribee Mercy has access to the compressor thanks to a donation from the

Wyndham Health Foundation who raised the $40,000 needed to buy the state-of-the-art device.

“Weworkhardtoraisefundsandawareness and I’m very proud of our team but also our supporters do their very best to achieve the best outcomes for our community in Melbourne’s west,” said foundation CEO Leanne Down.

Among those who greeted Calista on her return last Thursday were staff who helped save her life four years ago.

In updating them on what she’d been up to since they last met, Calista boasted proudly of her recent performance in school cross country.

“I got a bit puffed but I finished the race well,” she said. Now that’s progress.

Mr Pallas remains treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for EconomicGrowth,despitefailinginabid to become deputy leader following the resignation of Daniel Andrews last week. Mr Pallas pursued the deputy position in an attempt to keep both leadership positionswithintheSocialistLeftfaction, however later withdrew to allow Niddrie MPBenCarrolltobeelectedunopposed. MrCarroll,whohasbeennamedthenew Education Minister in the reshuffle, had earlierabortedhisattempttosucceedMr Andrews as premier, allowing Ms Allan to assume the role.

Mr Pallas has been treasurer since Labor won office in 2014 and has been in parliament since 2006.

Despitespeculationhecouldfollowhis close friend and colleague, Mr Andrews, andresign,the63yearoldhascommitted to staying in parliament.Western Region MLC Ingird Stitt will become the new Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ageing and Minister for Mulitcultural Affairs, joining Mr Pallas and Melton MP Steve McGhie as the only other representatives for the outer western suburbs in cabinet. Mr McGhie will continue his role of cabinet secretary. No other Wyndham MPs were named asministersorparliamentarysecretaries. The new cabinet was sworn in on Monday afternoon.

Cade Lucas

Calista Aves (with flowers) with her family and some of the Werribee Mercy paediatric ward staff who helped save her life in 2019. (Supplied)

A Lifestyle Community has so much to offer. (Pictures: Supplied)

Create a lifestyle only limited by your imagination

At Lifestyle Communities our homeowners are at the core of what we do.

We’re always so proud when we hear how their lives have changed since making the move. From stories of new-found connection to rediscovered passions, it’s always a joy to witness these transformations. It’s a testament to the genuinely life-changing

power of moving to a community of supportive, like-minded people, that over 50 per cent of our sales come from referrals. When you live in a Lifestyle Community, you get to live life on your own terms. With so much on offer, and so many opportunities open to you, your days are spent however you want. If you’re feeling like a change-up,

wanting more connection, or looking to dedicatemoretimetoyourpassions,Lifestyle Communities is here to make it possible. You can throw yourself into a hobby you’ve been neglecting, or take up a new one. You can head off jet-setting knowing your home is safe and secure while you’re away. And whether you love singing or

sport, trivia or tai chi, there’s an activity to get stuck into and a group to join. You’ll be living amongst people who, like you, are determined to get all the joy and excitement they can from life.

Create a life that suits you, amongst like-minded people, where the only limit is your own imagination!

A glimpse into the past

By Cade Lucas

Transcribing council correspondence might seem an odd hobby, but for Werribee amateur historian, Rosemary Harrigan, it couldn’t be more interesting.

“I have a fascination with Werribee’s early history and thoroughly enjoy researching early history,” said Ms Harrigan, who has just transcribed and published an updated version of the Wyndham Shire Letter Book - 1865 to 1869.

“The letter book contains the collection of all shire letters written by the shire secretary Thomas Haynes,” said Ms Harrigan of the letter book which was how official correspondence and records were kept back in the mid-19th century.

“It was a legal requirement and council neededcopiesfortheirownbenefittoseewhat they had written to other councils or even their own residents.

“The letters were copied and all the letters were bound into a book and that’s what we have today as a record.”

Before Ms Harrigan got to work 18 months ago, it was a record in very poor condition.

“This book being very old was also very neglected and transcribing had its challenges. The pages were very fragile and there was a lot of water damage. Some pages were faded and unreadable. In those days letters were written in ink and the ink has faded over the years,” she said.

The 500 page book had been given to the Werribee Historical Society by Wyndham council and Ms Harrigan set about transcribing its mostly one page letters by typing them into a word document, one by one.

If this sounds tedious, Ms Harrigan said learning about the early days of Wyndham

made it anything but.

“That’s what makes it interesting,” she said.

“The shire of Wyndham was very new having been proclaimed in 1864 and it gives a glimpseintotheproblemsandmatterscouncil had to deal with.”

Ms Harrigan said it was striking how similar they were to council issues today.

They’re pretty much the same, rates,

Weekend road blitz

Police caught nine drunk drivers, 5 drugdriversand48speedingmotorists in Wyndham during Operation Scoreboard over the AFL Grand Final long weekend. The four-day, statewide road policing operation involved police targeting high-risk driving behaviour, with a particular focus drink and drug driving.

Along with drink and drug drivers, there was 1 other drink/drug offence recorded in Wyndham, 9 vehicles impounded, 8 disqualified drivers, 7 unlicensed drivers, 7 unregistered vehicles and 11 caught disobeying signs or signals. Eight mobile phone offences and 5 seatbelt offences were also detected. Road Policing Assistant Commissioner, Glenn Weir said Operation Scoreboard uncovered some disappointing behaviour from motorists.

“Police focused heavily on drink and drug drivers, and while pleasingly the majority of those tested were doing the right thing, we still detected 343 drink and drug driving offences over the weekend – this is unacceptable.”

bridges, floods, getting government grants. That was a big isssue, council’s never had a enough money just coming in from rates for building big infrastructure.”

Ms Harrigan is now transcribing the shire letter book of 1885 to 1891.

To buy copies of the updated Wyndham Shire Letter Book or view the original, contact the Werribee Historical Society.

While there were no deaths on Wyndham roads over the long weekend, Assistant Commissioner Weir expressed concern about the four fatalities recorded statewide.

“With the number of lives lost now at a seven-year high, it is paramount that we all do everything we can to stop more trauma on our roads this year.

Now is not the time to be complacent”.

Werribee historian Rosemary Harrigan with the Wyndham Shire Letter Book 1865-1869. (supplied)

MY PLACE

Playwright and actress, Alaine Beek, runs Essence Theatre Productions, an independent production company based in Wyndham whose latest show ‘The Dress’ is playing at Werribee Mansion now. She tells Cade Lucas what Wyndham means to her.

What’s your connection to Wyndham?

I immigrated from Scotland in 1971 to live in Hoppers Crossing.

I went to Werribee High school, moved away once I started uni, then returned to live in Werribee in 2000.

I work here, my husband works here, many of my family are here – so deep connections. What do you like about where you live?

So many things – my neighbours, access to so many businesses if you’re doing renovations, great cafes, parks, that great community feel, we have GOLD CLASS!

What, if anything, would you change about where you live?

Again, so many things – beautification improvements, a welcoming, interesting strip shopping experience that every good community has (more pride in shop fronts). We have the wonderful plaza of course but the ‘main street’ is like the face of a town, and ours has a lot of ugly shop fronts.

We also desperately need another visitor information centre that serves our huge population. A welcoming interesting one that’s walking distance from the Werribee train station. Speaking of which, Station Place has so much more potential – move Cash Converters, and other quick cash shops. Bring in little cafes open at night. Think Yarraville. And last, but for me, most importantly, have a small theatre that’s central, close to Werribee train station, fit for purpose for performing arts, accessible and give Wyndham support and resources for performing arts. Had to say that as it’s the world I live in.

Where is your favourite local place to spend time?

Gotta say Werribee Mansion. I’ve been performing there for the last 20 years and I’m now performing ‘The Dress’ in the mansion. I never take this for granted – this incredible

historic building. I love picnicking there too. Just fix the lighting and signage to get there. Especially at night, it’s terrible.

Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you.

I have a Certificate of Catering from William Angliss College. I love cooking, eating, trying different foods. Then I met Bart, renowned chef. I’m spoilt with his stunning fresh creations. I still love to cook but nowhere near his standard. I make a mean toastie.

Wyndham playwright and actress Alaine Beek. (Damjan Janevski). 360840_02

Gold award for courtship dance

One of the world’s rarest and most eccentric courtship dances has resulted in the birth of four critically endangered golden-coated Plains-wanderer chicks at Werribee Open Range Zoo.

The fluffy and healthy chicks, who each weigh a tiny five to six grams, hatched earlier this month to a mature male and female Plains-wanderer who were genetically paired in the zoo’s threatened species program.

The charismatic native ground-dwelling avian is renowned for its quirky behaviours, but it is the flair of its romantic breeding season waltz that is melting hearts.

Zoo natives keeper Malinda Delahant said the adult birds exhibit a variety of fascinating behaviours during this time of year.

“The female produces a deep, elongated ‘OOM’ sound to attract a male companion to her area, which is actually quite a stunning call for such a small bird,” she said. “She then stands on her tippy-toes and bows her head repeatedly and chases the male around with her wings outstretched - just like an aeroplane - to get his attention.”

The waltz is the final step of the Plains-wanderer courtship masterpiece.

“Once the female has secured the male’s interest, they circle and spin around one another repeatedly, closely side by side,” Ms Delahant said.

Following the romantic encounter, the male fulfils some very important housekeeping duties.

“Once the Plains-wanderer eggs are laid and chicks hatch, the male plays an important role in caring for them,“ Ms Delahant said.

“He adorably grabs the empty eggshells in his beak, carries them and throws them away to protect the nest from predators.”

The four flourishing chicks now join 20 adultPlains-wanderersinthezoo’sspecialised threatened species program that provides invaluable genetics for the National Recovery Program.

The program is dedicated to saving the

species from extinction by replenishing wild populationsinareaswithhabitatmanagement strategies. A total of 44 chicks have been born at Werribee Open Range Zoo since 2018. Wild Plains-wanderer populations have plummeted more than 85 per cent during the past 20 years due to extensive habitat destruction, impacts from grazing, a lack of understanding about the species and extreme weather events.

It’s estimated that there are fewer than 1000 adult birds remaining in the wild, primarily

in two remaining strongholds in Victoria’s Northern Plains and the New South Wales Riverina.

Plains-wanderers are a mysterious, elusive and shy little grassland bird identified by their distinctive straw-yellow coloured legs and bills and fawn plumage with fine black rosettes. They are genetically distinct from anyotherspeciesontheplanet,thelastoftheir evolutionary line, and one of 27 Australian priority threatened species that Zoos Victoria is committed to saving from extinction.

Plains wanderer chicks (Supplied)

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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

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.

All Abilities Netball

All Abilities Netball for 10 to 25-year–olds is run by Wyndham Netball Association every Saturday morning during school terms from 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, with stadium entry $2.

■ Phil, 0437 078 739

Walking Netball

Walking Netball is a low impact, no running, no jumping version for those that love the fun, friendship and activity of a weekly game of netball. Sessions are run every Thursday during school terms from 8pm at Eagle Stadium, Ballan Road, Werribee. Come and try your first session for free, with stadium entry $2.

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

■ Bob, 0409 252872.

Hoppers Crossing Ladies Probus

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

■ 0408 123 669

Sunrise Social Groups

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

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

U3A Werribee

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

■ Rick, 0402 299 220.

Lions Club

Lions Club of Werribee meets at the RSL Club, 2a Synnot Street, Werribee on the first and third Wednesday of the month 6.30pm for a 7pm dinner meeting.

■ Jorge, 0433 566 575

Bingo for all

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

■ 9741 5525

Western Budgerigar Club

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

■ Don, 0414 975 862

Wyndham Ladies Probus

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

■ Rosa Sanderson, 0410 303 046

Wyn FM

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

■ 9919 8089 wynfm.org.au

CCN Choir- welcoming singers Christchurch Newport Choir is looking for people who enjoy singing and like Christmas carols to join the choir as they prepare some songs for the coming

Christmas season. No experience necessary.

Rehearsals are on Thursday nights at 7pm commencing 5 October, at Christchurch, 61 Mason St, Newport.

■ Contact: Voola 0414690448, vfh2055@ gmail.com

Little Athletics

Williamstown Little Athletics Track and Field season for ages 5-17 begins on Saturday October 7. A free 2-week trial is available to new members.

■ Register at LAVic.com.au,

Book sale

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

■ https://libraries.hobsonsbay.

Community Network for Disadvantaged People

Community Network for Disadvantaged People will be hosting its annual fundraising dinner at Laverton Community Hub, 95-105 Railway Avenue, Laverton on Saturday, October 14 from 6.30pm.The dinner will support the McAuley Community Services for Women in Australia and 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 an auction. RSVP by October 6.

■ Rezaul Karim, 0421 983126 or info@ cndp.org.au.

Altona Girl Guides

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

■ hobsonsbay@guidesvic.org.au

English lessons

Want to learn English in a fun and relaxed setting? Build your English, digital and employability skills with the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP). 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 9.30am-3pm. Childcare is available for children who are under school age.

■ 93692726.

The Altona Meadows and Newport Heart Foundation Walking Group is a local community of men and women committed to walking and socialising together with a post-walk coffee and chat and enjoying the natural beauty and birdlife that is to be found throughout Hobsons Bay together. Anyone is welcome to join the group on Mondays 10am at Altona Beach, Wednesdays 10am at Altona Meadows (Jolly Miller Cafe) or on Fridays 10am, at Newport Lakes.

■ Ian Watson, 0411 566 862 or https:// ow.ly/TQ3j50PP1Ap

Computer classes for beginners

Computer classes are run on a wide range of times and days, at both Altona North Community Centre, and Joan Kirner House in Williamstown.

■ Lynne, 9397 6168

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

■ 9313 5700 or MPCVolunteerCoordinators@mercy.com.au

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Elvis tribute artist, Sean Spiteri who is helping to raise money for St Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Caroline Springs. (Damjan Janevski) 362808_01

PUZZLES

SUDOKU

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

QUICK CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Trophy (3)

3 Great playwright (11)

9 Finger-end guard (7)

10 Tedious conversation (7)

11 Follower of Martin Luther (8)

12 2000 Olympic city (6)

14 And not (3)

15 Free (11)

17 Body of water to the East of Italy (8,3)

19 South (Span.) (3)

20 Royal male (6)

21 Original (8)

24 Drank (7)

25 Porch (7)

26 Anarchy (11)

27 Gosh (3)

DOWN

1 Disputed Spanish region (9)

2 Hint (7)

3 Cavalry sword (5)

4 Mediterranean port of Egypt (10)

5 Catch sight of (4)

6 Excessively optimistic person (9)

7 Progress (7)

8 Before time (5)

13 Punctuation mark (10)

15 Showing a tendency to be easily angered (9)

16 Group of three taking part in an activity (9)

18 Colourful arc (7)

19 Voyaging on water (arch.) (7)

20 Small bottle (5)

22 Classifies (5)

23 Combines (4)

DECODER WORDFIT

O D R

9-LETTER WORD

19 words: Good

S A I

E V

28 words: Very good

38 words: Excellent Today’s Aim: 3

O O D H B

L

behold, beholds, bled, blood, blooded, bloods, BLOODSHED, bold, bole, bolo, boodle, dole, doled, doles, doodle, doodles, held, hold, holds, hole, holed, holes, lobe, lobed, lobo, lobs, lode, loos, loose, loosed, lose, oleo, slob, sloe, sold, sole, solo, soloed

No. 153

E D R G L A S S R A D I O O D D E R P E E V E E N D E R

QUICK QUIZ

1 How many rovers are in operation on Mars?

2 What is the main religion in China?

3 Formosan languages are indigenous languages of which island nation?

4 Bifanas (pictured) are a traditional dish of which country?

5 Explorer Vasco da Gama was the first European to sail to which ocean?

6 Collins class refers to what kind of sea vessel?

7 'Typhoon' is used to describe weather events in which hemisphere?

8 How many legs does a prawn have?

9 Which two countries start with an 'A' but do not end with an 'A'?

10 What grape variety is the most grown in the world today?

LETTERS ACE AID AIL AMP ASH AYE BAT COG CUE EAR EVE FED GAL ICE INS MEN MET ODE RIM SPA URN WAR 4 LETTERS BEET CEDE HAGS RIMS SAND SNOB STAB STIR SWAB TOED 5 LETTERS ADORE AGILE ALOUD ANGST APING AROMA ASIDE AWARE BLESS COSTS DIALS DRAFT DRAMA DRESS EASES ESSAY ETHIC ETHOS GATES HABIT HARMS HONED MAUVE MEDIA NATTY OCEAN PREYS REVEL REVUE RILES RIPER RISEN ROPED SASSY SAVER SEDAN SEEDS SENDS SHAVE SLEDS SLYLY SNEER SODAS SPARS SPELL TRACE TRAIT VERGE 6 LETTERS BOILER CASTER HAIRED HORROR METERS YEASTS 7 LETTERS ABORTED ABUSERS HANDOUT PRIVATE REWRITE TETHERS 8 LETTERS DESSERTS DETAILED PARENTED TROUNCED 10 LETTERS DISPOSSESS TREATMENTS 12 345678910111213 1415 1617181920212223242526 E Y X V G L R U I Q O J H N Z K A B C F T D M P S W 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 06-10-23 Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com 193745286 549672318 825463179 658129743 382591467 916257834 274386591 761834952 437918625 easy medium hard 813756492 139685247 684513729 497231856 546372918 951827364 265948173 728194635 372469581 758423619 164237985 486395127 942651873 823549761 279814536 631978254 597186342 315762498 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 PW ANSWERS: 1. Three 2. Buddhism 3. Taiwan 4. Portugal 5. Indian Ocean 6. Submarine 7. Northern 8. 10 9. Afghanistan and Azerbaijan 10. Cabernet Sauvignon

No. 153

No. 153

No. 153

Employment

MERCY HEALTH: CARING FOR A LIVING Health Services

Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer

Casual ABOUT THE ROLE:

We seek a skilled individual to work on a casual basis as part of our Aboriginal Programs Team to provide support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and families at Werribee Mercy Hospital (WMH).

•Vibrant supportive team

•Flexibility and attractive employee benefits

•Aboriginal identified role

Summary of the role:

This is a casual Aboriginal Hospital Liaison (AHLO) role supporting the Aboriginal Programs team.

•As part of a multi-disciplinary team, providing support to promote culturally sensitive health care and wellbeing to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and families.

•The AHLO provides face to face, on-site assistance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and their families attending all treatment services at Werribee Mercy as required.

•Only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply as this position is exempt under the Special Measures Provision of s12(1) of the Equal Opportunity Act (Vic).

Enquiries to: Marika Jackomos mjackomos@mercy.com.au

Quote Ref No: 2617

Applications close: 10/10/23

For more information and to apply, please visit mercyhealth.mercury.com.au

DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL

The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful for an advertiser to show any intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception under the Act. As Network Classifieds could be legally liable if an unlawful advertisement is printed, Network Classifieds will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. For more information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.

Placing your classified advert is so easy...

SPORTS QUIZ

1. What is the name of Super Netball’s newest team to debut this season?

2. Who was St Kilda’s first and only premiership coach?

3. West Ham defeated which team 3-1 in the Europa League Group A match?

4. Discussions have been raised for which accolade to be renamed after the late AFL legend Ron Berassi?

5. What position does Ellie Carpenter play in the Matildas national team?

6. What has been said to be the most-anticipated player match up in this year’s AFL preliminary final?

Which song plays each time Brisbane’s Charlie Cameron kicks a goal at a home game?

Which current AFL coach is the longest-serving in the league?

Which US ice hockey teams have come Down Under for a special game in the Global Series?

GWS defeated Collingwood by how many points during the 2019 preliminary final?

Two NHL teams appeared in the Global Series games played recently in which Melbourne venue?

12. Who defeated the Wallabies 40-6 in the Group Stage of the 2023 Rugby World Cup?

13. Which team won the 2023 VFL Grand Final?

14. Former Collingwood AFLW star Chloe Molloy joined which team for the 2023 season?

15. Which year did 2023 AFL Grand Final teams Collingwood and Brisbane Lions previously play off in a grand final?

16. Australian Tom Carroll is a former champion of which sport?

17. Before this season, when was the last time the Brisbane Broncos played in an NRL Grand Final?

18. What event did actor Jason Statham compete in for England at the 1990 Commonwealth Games?

19. How many points did Collingwood defeat the GWS Giants by in the 2023 AFL preliminary final?

20. Which NBL team plays its home games at MyState Bank Arena?

21. Brisbane overcame a 30-point deficit to beat Carlton by how many points in the preliminary final?

22. Which two teams qualified to play in the 2023 NRL Grand Final?

23. In what position did Oliver Piastri finish the 2023 Japanese Grand Prix?

24. Which two teams qualified to play off in the 2023 NRLW Grand Final?

25. Which Victoria-based Super Netball team withdrew its licence from competition at the end of the 2023 season?

General Notices

26. Charles ‘Chas’ Brownlow played for which VFL/AFL club?

27. How many marathons has women’s world record holder Tigist Assefa competed in?

28. Herbert Henry ‘Dally’ Messenger played rugby league for which Australian state/territory?

29. Which team won the 2023 A-League Men’s Grand Final?

30. Which team won the 2023 A-League Women’s Grand Final?

General Classifieds

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

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First Serve Tuck Shop Hoppers Crossing

Hoppers Indoor Sportz Hoppers Crossing

Pacific Werribee Shopping Centre Hoppers Crossing

Wyndham Library Hoppers Crossing

Werribee Plaza Tavern Hoppers Crossing

Coles Supermarket Hoppers Crossing

APCO Service Station Hoppers Crossing

Hoppers Crossing Shopping Hoppers Crossing

Woodville Park Shopping Centre Hoppers Crossing

IGA Plus Liquor Hoppers Crossing

Aqua Pulse Café Hoppers Crossing

Mecwacare John Atchison Centre Hoppers Crossing

Coles Express Hoppers Crossing

The Grange Community Centre Hoppers Crossing

Hoppers Crossing Sports Club Hoppers Crossing

Super Lotto Newsagency Hoppers Crossing

Woolworths Hogans Corner Hoppers Crossing

Tigers Club House Hoppers Crossing

Popeyes Kebabs Hoppers Crossing

Manor Lakes News & Lotto Manor Lakes

Manor Lakes Shopping Centre Manor Lakes

Featherbrook Shopping Centre Point Cook

Wyndham Library Service Point Cook

Point Cook Pharmacy Point Cook

Jamieson Way Community Centre Point Cook

Direct Chemist Outlet Point Cook

Stockland Point Cook Shopping Centre Point Cook

WynCity Point Cook

Sanctuary Lakes Resort Sanctuary Lakes

Waterstone Café Sanctuary Lakes

Sanctuary Lakes Shopping Centre Sanctuary Lakes

Club House ( Lifestyle) Tarneit

Tarneit Central Shopping Centre Tarneit

NewsXpress - Riverdale Village SC Tarneit

Penrose Promenade Community Centre Tarneit

Wyndham Village Shopping Centre Tarneit

Shell Service Station Tarneit

Community Centre Tarneit

Serranos Cafe Tarneit

Koomail Tardy Community Centre Truganina

Palm Lakes Resort Truganina

Arndell Park Community Centre Truganina

Eagles Stadium Café Werribee

Ison Village Werribee

Casaccio Egg Farm Werribee

IGA Supermarket Werribee

Italian Sports Club Werribee

The Womans Hub - GP Clinic Werribee

St Vincent's Private Hospital Werribee

Wyndham City Council Werribee

Werribee Mercy Hospital (Coffee Shop) Werribee

SIMS IGA Werribee

Tatts Lotto Werribee

Werribee RSL Werribee

Werribee Fersh Market Werribee

Cellarbrations Werribee

Bendigo Bank Werribee

Coles Werribee Werribee

Wyndham Cultural Centre Werribee

Glendale Hostel Werribee

Wyndham Private Medical Centre Werribee

Werribee South General Store Werribee South

Wyndham Cache (LT's Egg Farm) Werribee South

Anglers Anchorage Take Away Werribee South

Williams Landing News, Lotto & Tobacco Williams Landing

Woolworths Williams Landing

BP Service Station Wyndham Vale

Woolworths Wyndham Vale

IGA Wyndham Vale Wyndham Vale

Iramoo Community Centre Wyndham Vale

Manor Lakes Community Learning Centre Wyndham Vale

7 Eleven Wyndham Vale Wyndham Vale

Real Estate Agents Everywhere

Impressive SUV at bargain price

By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring

Although Korean carmaker SsangYong has been in the Australian market for the past 20 years it has never been able to get close to the success of its compatriots Hyundai and Kia.

The company has gone through financial difficulties over the years and been taken over at different times by SAIC, Daewoo, Mahindra and, earlier this year, by a new entrant in the automotive scene – KG Mobility.

SsangYong currently has three models in its range, the Musso ute and two SUVs, mid-sized Korando and, this week’s test vehicle the medium-large Rexton.

Rexton languishes near the bottom of the large SUV segment well below the big hitters like Toyota Prado and Kluger, Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X, which is a pity because, after our week behind the wheel, we came away highly impressed.

Drive-away prices starting from $47,990 makeitafairbitcheaperthanthesecompetitors withaseven-yearwarrantyaddingtothevalue equation.

Like the ute-based Everest and MU-X, the Rexton sits on the same platform as the SsangYong Musso.

Three variants are offered, ELX, Ultimate and Ultimate Sport Pack, formerly sold as the Black Edition.

A third variant, called Adventurer, will be addedlaterthisyearthatwillslotbetweenELX and Ultimate in terms of both specs and price.

All come with seven seats, a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine, eight-speed automatic transmission and 3500kg braked towing capacity.

Styling

The constraints of fitting three rows of seats don’t allow for much flexibility in the roofline of large SUVs and Rexton has the same conservative profile as its rivals. Most of the work therefore gets done at the front and rear.

Rexton has an attractive intricate diamond-style grille with the company logo, whichfewpeoplerecognised,atthetop/centre.

Both variants come with quad-style LED headlights, LED daytime running lights and LED front fog lights.

At the rear the tail lights and number plate lights are also LED.

The high-mounted stop lights are integrated into the rear spoiler.

Wheels are 18-inch diamond-cut alloys.

Rexton Ultimate adds privacy glass, poweredsunroofandtailgateandiIlluminated front door scuff plates.

There are six colour choices: grand white, Atlantic blue, fine silver, marble grey, pearl white and space black.

The limited Black Edition is based on the Ultimate model and comes with a re-designed front with diamond-shaped grille elements, deep gloss black finish and new-style LED fog lights.

Other dark touches include black 20-inch alloy wheels and black painted roof rails.

There are only two colour options: space black or pearl white.

Interior

Like most in its class Rexton has a fairly high stance which can challenge shorter occupants, but on the positive side the high seating position provides ideal viewing.

Therearethermoplasticpolyurethane(TPU) leather-look seats in all three rows.

The front seats are powered, comfortable and supportive as well as being heated and ventilated.

Attractive quilted trim can be found on the seats and around the front console.

Storage space is good with sliding covers for the drink holders and phone charging bay.

The rear seats are finished in the same quilted trim while the second-row seats can tilt backwards to about 50-degrees – subject of course to the approval of any third-row occupants.

Thesecond-rowalsohasafold-downarmrest with two cupholders and small storage area.

Ultimate adds driver’s seat and door mirror memory system, touch-sensing front door locks, heated leather steering wheel, ambient interior mood lighting and third row airconditioning controls.

Access to the third-row seats and space once there provides the usual challenges and are best left for children.

Even then the seating is low and there’s only small, triangular windows which provide a claustrophobic feel.

Boot space with all seats in place is limited.

Engine/transmission

The 2.2-litre turbo-diesel generates maximum power of 148kW at 3800 rpm and healthy peak torque of 441Nm from 1600 revs.

Fuel consumption is listed at 8.7L/100km.

The eight-speed automatic comes with the convenience of steering wheel mounted shift paddles.

It has part-time 4x4 with low and high range and an automatic-locking rear differential.

Safety

Although Rexton hasn’t undergone ANCAP crash testing it does come with a good range of safety equipment in both variants.

They include nine airbags, autonomous emergency braking with forward collision warning, lane change collision warning, safety distance warning, blind spot warning, smart high beam, front vehicle start warning, rear

Rexton ELX: $47,990

Rexton Ultimate: $54,990

Rexton Ultimate Sport Pack: $56,990

SPECIFICATIONS

SsangYong Rexton 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-door wagon

crosstrafficwarning,tyrepressuremonitoring system, Isofix child seat anchors for the outer centre seats and trailer sway control.

Therearefrontandrearparkingsensorsand a reversing camera, with a 360-degree camera in the Ultimate.

Infotainment

The larger of the two screens is the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster which can be customised to suit different situations.

At just eight inches, the infotainment touchscreen is smaller than we’re used to in the latest vehicles.

It’s also relatively basic and doesn’t include built-in satellite navigation in either variant.

There are six physical buttons and a round knob below the screen for the most commonly

used functions and more buttons and another knob for the air conditioning controls.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both wired and a wireless smartphone charger is added for the Ultimate.

Driving

Despite its modest 148kW power output, 441Nm of torque means the combination of 2.2-litre diesel engine and eight-speed auto transmission pulls the big vehicle along in a smooth, relaxed and surprisingly quiet manner.

It certainly loses nothing in comparison with its better-known and more expensive competitors.

Steering is relatively light and there’s a fair bit of body roll through corners, but that’s par for the course with large SUVs.

During our test we averaged 9.3L/100km, reasonably close to the listed 8.7 L/100km.

Summing up

We haven’t tested a SsangYong Rexton for quite a long time and came away pleasantly surprised.

It’s very well priced but not at the expense of safety equipment, convenience features or technology.

It not only beats competitors on price but comes with a seven-year unlimited warranty together with seven-year roadside assistance. Certainly worth a comparative test drive.

SsangYong Rexton is an affordable alternative in the family SUV market. (Pictures: Supplied)

Note: These are drive-away prices and include all government or dealer delivery charges.

Hard work pays off for winners

Finals fever hit Melbourne’s north-west the last six weeks with sporting finals across a number of different sports including, football, netball, basketball, hockey, lacrosse, soccer, tennis and the list goes on. Here’s some reader snaps of some of the sporting achievements in the finals.

Left: Caroline Springs under-14 premiers. Centre: MRTA association open winter pennant season winners Lancefield. (Supplied) Right: Under-16s grand final between Tarneit and Caroline Springs. (Robert Nichol)

Riddells Creek under-14 DF premiers in Sunbury Basketball Association winter competition.

Riddells Creek under-14 LN runners-up in Sunbury Basketball Association winter competition. (Pictures: Supplied)

Riddells Creek under-12 BW premiers in Sunbury Basketball Association winter competition.

Riddells Creek under-19 MA runners-up in Sunbury Basketball Association winter competition.

Riddells Creek under-16 girls MD div 1 Sunbury Basketball Association winter season premiers.

Riddells Creek under-16 GB premiers in Sunbury Basketball Association winter competition.

Riddells Creek under-12 RG runners-up in Sunbury Basketball Association winter competition.

Riddells Creek under-16 BW runners-up in Sunbury Basketball Association winter competition.

Young Socceroo: Lisolajski’s Australia call up

This time last year, Zach Lisolajski had just finished the FV state league 1 north-west season with Sydenham Park.

Fast forward 12 months, and the teenager is getting ready to represent Australia as part of the Young Socceroos squad at the Marbella Week of Football in Spain.

The Marbella Week of Football is bringing together some of Europe’s top young international sides, with Australia joining the party for three matches across the week in mid-October.

Lisolajski said it was a very exciting opportunity.

“It’s a bit unexpected,” he said on Monday.

“ThelastcoupleofdaysI’vehadallthesethings

I’ve had to do.

“I’m pretty shocked and overwhelmed to get this opportunity. I’m really excited, not just for me, but for my family too, for my name I guess and put my name up there.

Lisolajski, who started playing soccer at Sydenham Park in under-7s before progressing up the ranks making his senior debut when he was just seven.

He spent last season with the Newcastle Jets, learningtheA-LeaguesystemaspartoftheJets academy.

Lisolajski said he couldn’t have dreamed of the last 12 months he’s had.

“Iwouldn’thaveexpectedtobewhereIamat the moment,” he said. “But I guess with all the hard work, you can get as far as you want to, if you go for it.”

Lisolajski said he enjoyed being up at the Jets having the opportunity to train full time with the A-League side while playing with the club’s National Premier League side.

He said he’s a different player to when he left.

“It was very good to learn how the system works, compared to say going back to Sydenham Park training.

From training three nights a week, to five times a week, every day, solid hard, high intensity and with good players.”

With a season in an A-League environment under his belt, Lisolajski has switched clubs in the off season, joining Western United on a youth development agreement. He said he jumped at the chance to come back to Melbourne’s west.

“It is amazing, going to training every morning, knowing that you’re at home. When I’m at training I’m a different player being back home.”

Lisolajski,whosaidtheYoungSoccerooscall up is a step in the right direction, said he was hopingtomakehisA-Leaguedebutthisseason and be in the squad every week.

TaraMurray

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Big V

With the Big V season finished, three people from Wyndham state championship women’s team have joined the Bendigo Spirit for the Women’s National Basketball League. League most valuable player Amanda Paschal has signed as a training player, while Tanielle Knight signed as a development player, and Wyndham’s women’s coach Gerard Hillier has signed as an assistant coach.

VTCA

The Victorian Turf Cricket Association fixture has been released. There will be three one-dayers and nine two-dayers this season across the senior divisions. In division 3, Werribee Centrals start their season against East Keilor, while Point Cook is on the road against Kingsville. In division 4, Bellbridge starts its season against St Andrews Footscray, while the promoted Point Cook Centrals face Gellibrand. The division 5 fixture hasn’t been released.

A-League

Teddy Kaing. (Supplied)

Kaing takes on the world

By Peter Howe

Theod ore Kaing returned from Bosnia as any thirteen-year-old teenager would, excited about what he has seen, talking about the fun that he had and the experiences he had.

The difference between Kaing, who is also known as Teddy, and other tourists was that he had just represented Australia in the 2023 Cadet World Taekwondo Championships.

“The fighting was so different to anything I had experienced,” he recalls. “I was supported by the other 17 athletes and coaches from Australia, it was a great team environment to be part of.”

Kaing’s bronze medal finish at the Bosnian Open, which he also competed while overseas also offered illuminating perspectives.

He observed distinct differences in fighting styles overseas and realised that his usual strategies weren’t as effective.

This eye-opening experience has prompted him to consider incorporating diverse techniquesintohisrepertoireforfuturebouts.

Among the key takeaways are the importance of proper nutrition and sleep, as well as the need for better preparation for the unique challenges of international competition

Kaing was enrolled into taekwondo by his

parents when he was four years old.

“I don’t think my family wanted me to sit on my backside, they wanted me to get active,” he said.

“I started with the basic moves. It was just the sport for me. I learned about how to kick, it was great and free from strict rules. I tried swimming but I really couldn’t see myself doing lap after lap of a pool.”

Kaing started his tournament competition slowly and he started to improve and by the end of 2018 the then seven-year-old was ranked number one in Victoria and first nationally in his division.

In 2019, Kaing was number one in Victoria but had lost his top national ranking, before regaining that national number ranking before COVID-19 hit in 2020.

To be selected to go to Bosnia in August, Kaing was ranked number one in Australia.

Kaing’s training program is hectic but well planned and supportive of his young age.

“I train four mornings a week at the Maribyrnong Sports Academy under the guidance of their strength and conditioning staff and taekwondo coaches.

“The program focuses on core strength and flexibility.

“My evening training sessions at the club, Notorious Martial Arts, focusses on sparring

for 2 hours a night and Saturdays. My mum makes me swim one afternoon a week to improve my cardio.”

Kaing lists his strengths as his speed and acknowledges that while in Europe he learned that he must develop his upper body strength.

He is currently a black belt with one stripe, called a ‘dan’, and has held a black belt for four years.

Taekwondo grades its fighters by age, height, and weight.

Kaing fights in the 152cm, 35-47 kilogram division.

“My aim is to represent Australia in the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane. “I will be 22 years old and moving into the peak of my career.

“It’s a tough ask because Australia will only select two men and two women to represent us. “Right now, I love everything about my sport.

“I am very grateful for everyone who supports me. I won’t let them down.”

The Don Deeble Sports Star Award is sponsoredbytheYarravilleClubCricketClub, Strathmore Community Bank, the Deer Park Club, Ascot Vale Sports and Trophies and Star Weekly Newspapers.

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Western United has confirmed that the club and Aleksandar Prijovic have reached an agreement to mutually part ways in order for the striker to pursue opportunities elsewhere. The 33-year-old made 44 appearances for the A-League club, scoring 17 goals. Western United football general manager Mal Impiombato thanked the Serbian for his contribution to the club. “We would like to thank Aleks for his time over his two seasons with us at Western United,” he said. “Aleks played an integral part in the club’s championship success in 2021-22 and we wish him every success with his next steps.”

A-League

Socceroos star Nikita Rukavytsya will add proven firepower to Western United’s attack in the A-League Men’s competition after signing a one-year deal with the club. Rukavytsya has collected 23 Socceroos caps spanning three different decades from his debut in 2009 to his latest appearance in 2021. Rukavytsya said he was looking forward to returning to Australia and helping the side challenge at the top of the league. “I’m excited for this season,” he said. “It’s a relatively fresh club but it already tasted success a few years ago and I’m looking forward to having a successful season.”

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Back to back Priest medals for Viojo-Rainbow

Dillon Viojo-Rainbow has claimed back to back Barry Priest Medals, for the best player in theWesternRegionFootballLeaguedivision1.

The former-AFL listed player joined Districts in2019afterhavingalsoplayedintheVictorian Football League.

With a bit of luck with injuries finally falling his way in 2022, Viojo-Rainbow started to show that form that saw him play at the higher level.

Viojo-Rainbow said he had no idea that he would be in contention for the medal.

“I was surprised when I got the phone call that I was invited to the league best and fairest night,Ithoughtitwasastitchuporsomething,” he said.

“I had an okay start to the year but tailed off a bit towards the back end.

“So, I didn’t think I had much of a chance of even making the top five, let alone winning it.

“It was as much surprise as it was a shock when I won the award… disbelief really.”

Last season, it was much the opposite for Viojo-Rainbow, with a slow start to the year, ending with a strong run of form.

“To win two [Barry Priest Medals] let alone go back to back is pretty special,” he said.

“It’s something I’ll look back on fondly when

my time in footy’s done.

“Tim Jenkins who’s just come on board at the club, who’s got a couple to his name as well and everyone speaks of him in high regard, so having two next to my name is pretty exciting.”

This is the more special of the two awards, being in a premiership year Viojo-Rainbow said.

“To win it in a premiership year is pretty big, it’s a weird feeling, I’m wrapped but absolutely more wrapped with the year and winning the flag more than anything.”

Adding to the incredible year for Viojo-Rainbow was being able to play in the premiership with his brother Lachlan Rainbow, who was also named in the division 1 team of the year.

“To play senior footy with him and to watch him grow from when he was young to now and thenwinningaflagwithhimwasunbelievable,” Viojo-Rainbow said.

“When the siren went off, I got absolutely slammed by someone, and it was him just tackling me to the ground.

“It means a lot to share those moments with your brother, it’s something that we will look back on as a family, it’s pretty special.”

Three for a Magpie great

Parkside’s Shaun Campbell’s blistering season has been recognised with his thirdconsecutiveAlanSmithMedalfor the Western Region Football League’s division 2 best and fairest.

This tops off a great season for the Magpies’ veteran skipper, to go alongside a premiership, best on ground in the grand final, and the team of the year centre half back.

“Being in a premiership year makes it all the better,” Campbell said.

“I’m really, really happy with it, but probably more happy with the premiership, to be honest.

“I don’t think [you could ask for a better football year], it’s never happened in my 18 years of playing and probably won’t happen again.”

The 34-year-old is one of the most dominant and versatile players within the competition, being named as a midfielder in the previous two season’s team of the year, all while being the division’s highest goal scorer in 2021.

Brew is Werribee’s best

By Harper Sercombe

Dom Brew has won his first Werribee best and fairest award taking out the 2023 Bruce Montgomery Trophy on Thursday night after a career best Victorian Football League season.

He polled 233 votes to finish 14 clear of runner-up Shaun Mannagh on 219 votes with two-time Bruce Montgomery Trophy winner Tom Gribble third with 214 votes.

The hard-nosed midfielder expanded his offensive game this season while still negating the opposition’s best on baller.

Brew, 26, played all 21 games and averaged a career-best 25 disposals per outing while leading the team in contested possessions (14.7), clearances (7.6) and tackles (9.9).

However, despite averaging these incredible numbers, winning the award was not something Brew was expecting.

“I was a bit taken aback, to be honest considering the calibre of players we have at the club and in and around the midfield,” he said.

“I’m pretty proud, and to play for the Werribee Football Club is something I’m eternally grateful for.

“I’m still in a bit of shock. It hasn’t sunk in just yet, because it’s a VFL best and fairest, I never thought that I’d achieve that.”

While he wasn’t expecting the award, Brew said it was reward for a lot of hard effort he has put in, particarty throughout the off season.

“I personally worked really hard and lost three to four kilos,” he said.

“I maintained that throughout the whole year,itwasjustextrasessions,there’snosecret, I just worked really hard.”

While Werribee were able to achieve an extraordinary feat of 17 wins in a row, unfortunately a grand final loss to Gold Coast was where it ended, leaving a sour taste in the mouth of what was a sweet season.

“To get success with the team as well along the way and to win 17 in a row, is just unbelievable.

“To fall short hurts a lot but we’ve had a few days to reflect now, and to do what we did this year is just unreal.

“It’s very sour but I’ve got life long friends at Werribee and to play and be involved in something that we did this year… to enjoy some success with those lads was just unreal.”

He was also recognised as the trademark player of the year, an award voted on by the 23 selected players each round.

Best and fairest voting is completed by seniorcoachMichalBarlowandthreeassistant coaches who award zero to five votes to each playerattheendofeachgame,includingfinals.

KyeDeclasewasnamedthebestfinalsplayer and Nathan Cooper the defensive player of the year.

Hudson Garoni claimed Werribee’s goal kicking award with a career-best 45 majors, while the ever-reliable Jack Henderson took home the coaches award

Sam Clohesy collected the most improved award after appearing in every game in his second season while finishing the year as one of the club’s most consistent performers.

Fellow young gun Kobe Annand was named the best first year player after a terrific debut season in the ruck.

“I think I’m just a bit of a footy nuff in general, I love playing, I love the challenge of playing and get up for it every week,” he said.

“I’ve obviously got some good players around me… and [coach] Chris [Muratore] lets me have a bit of a run around anywhere which is good fun, so that keeps me fresh.

“And also help the body out a bit as well.”

On grand final day in particular Campbell was massive, dominating wherever his coach Chris Muratore put him.

However, Campbell’s grand final was best summed up by his last minute heroics, booting a torpedo punt from a full back kick in, leading to Jye Lambley’s goal putting the Magpies up with just seconds remaining.

“It was good to be able to show up on grand final day and get the reward,” Campbell said.

“I thought we were pretty much cooked.

Campbell was one of five Magpies in the division 2 team of the year, with Jonah Vraca, Lachlan Langwell, Jackson Barrett and John Atar joining him in the side.

Dom Brew (Werribee Football Club).

Dillon Viojo-Rainbow. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 335892_26

Bees aiming to build for a big year

Werribee is gearing up for an exciting year on and off the green in the Bowls Victoria weekendpennantdivision2,section1,season.

After going out in straight sets last season in division 2, section 1, after finishing second on the ladder, it’s been a big off season.

Bees’ secretary Steve Weston said the addition of some new recruits and returning players is sure to inject enthusiasm and talent into the club’s teams for the upcoming weekend and midweek pennant seasons.

“The commitment to players to early practicesonSundaymorningshasbeenagreat strategy to get a head start on the upcoming pennant season,” he said.

“The club is dedicated to improving its performance from last season in both weekend and midweek Bowls Victoria pennant competitions.”

RickyBell,NickAlderson,GregBerry,Dean

Taylor, Damien Hodges and Ross West are the main inclusions for the upcoming season.

Offthegreen,theclubcontinuestoputfocus on the future redevelopment plans, which include a new clubhouse and undercover green.

“[It’s] exciting [for] the general bowls public and are sure to enhance and entice new members and the overall experience for members and visitors alike,” Weston said.

“It’s clear that the Werribee Bowls Club has an excellent long term strategy and is on an upward trajectory, and the message is loud and clear: whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, there’s never been a better time to become part of this vibrant and forward-looking club.

“The club looks forward to a successful upcoming bowls season.”

The club has also expanded its social

membership base, with the introduction offer of free coaching on Thursday evenings to make it accessible for anyone learning the game.

“Expanding the social membership base has also been a fantastic initiative,” Weston said. “The WBC is offering a welcoming atmosphere for both newcomers interested in trying out the game and those who simply want to enjoy a drink with friends is a great way to foster community spirit within the Wyndham community.”

Providing all the necessary equipment except for runners or flat-soled shoes will continue the push for new members.”

Werribee’s weekend pennant season kicks off October 21, with the Bees to face Glenroy.

Wyndham locks in coaches

Wyndham Basketball Association has locked in three of its Big V coaches long term.

The association announced last week that state championship women’s coach Gerard Hillier, state championship men’s coach Lucas Allen and youth league men’s coach Aaron Bensted have all signed three year contract extensions.

Coming off the back of back-to-back grand final berths, Hillier will continue to lead the women’s side until 2026.

Wyndham general manager David Drysdale was all praise for Hillier. Hillier has been coaching the women’s side the past three years. “Gerard is highly respected, very experienced and an outstanding leader within basketball and has overseen and driven the successful transformation of not only the championship women’s program, but the entire Wyndham basketball player and coach development department”.

Finals a ‘bare minimum’

By Harper Sercombe

Hoppers Crossing can’t wait for the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association north-west season to kick off.

The Cats finished just outside of finals last season, losing one too many close games, seeing them outside of finals contention in the last round of the year.

However, with another off season under the belt of coach Simon Lambert and a host of exciting recruits such as former international cricketer Fawad Ahmed at his disosal, the Cats are ready to go.

“I’m really looking forward to the season ahead, we’ve had a really good pre season,” Lambert said.

“The strength and the depth is looking really good, so I’m really pleased with how the last few weeks have gone that’s for sure.

“We’ve managed to keep the whole core of our team from last year.

“From a recruitment point of view, we’ve got Fawad, he’s been terrific so far, been to all the sessions and what he can pass on to all

the other guys, especially the younger guys is invaluable.”

Ahmed has also helped on the recruiting front, getting Fazel Nawab to the club.

Nawab played for Longford in the Tasmania Premier Cricket competition last season, scoring about 500 runs in nine innings.

The Cats have also recruited Abbas Faiyaz from Footscray in Victoria Premier Cricket. Friyaz will open the bowling for the Cats and bat within the middle order.

Another VPL recruit Kayshik Jagannathan from Greenvale has also arrived at the club. Jagannathan was an assistant coach at the Kangaroos last season and will also be a strongbowlingoptionfortheCatsthisseason.

“He’s been invaluable from a coaching perspective, working with all of the seam bowlers,” Lambert said.

“So the squad is looking really good, hopefully we can blood a few younger guys throughout the year, we have a lot of good juniors at the club.

“The depth and quality of junior talent is right there which is something I’m really big

on, so hopefully we can plug that into the first XI over the course of the season.”

With the depth in talent at the Cats, qualifying for finals is just the bare minimum Lambert said.

“This year looking across all the grades, comparedtolastyearwelooktwiceasstrong,” he said.

“I’m really hopeful we can get all four teams into the finals and we want to have a good crack at the club championship.

“At the moment if you offered me any other team in the competition [to coach], I don’t think I’d pick anyone else but our squad.

“We’re not just a one man team, we’ve got 11 match winners.

“It’s not on myself, it’s not on Fawad, it’s not on any of the other guys to get the job done every week, it’s going to be a team effort and hopefully each week someone can stand up for us.”

The Cats are scheduled to kick off their 2023-24 campaign on Saturday afternoon, with a two day clash against Kew.

Allenwillbehopingtogethissideback into the grand final after a disappointing end to the 2023 season, missing out on the grand final after winning the minor premiership. Allen has been the men’s coach the last two years.

Hillier, in his role as player and coach development manager said he was thrilled to have Allen continue in the role for another three years.

“We are extremely fortunate to have Lucas sign for another three years and continuetoleadourchampionshipmen’s program into the future,” he said.

“Lucas has done a first-class job with building a professional and progressive environment for our players to develop and flourish in, which will no doubt continue to deliver great results for the Wyndham Basketball Association and our community.”

Aaron Bensted has also signed on to continue in his role until at least 2026.

Hillier shared his elation at Bensted’s signing saying “The work Aaron has put in over the past two seasons with our youth league men’s program has been nothing short of remarkable, bringing a genuine passion for player development andastrongcommitmenttoourcluband community.”

The club will announce the youth women’s coaching appointment soon.

Tara Murray Michael O’Neil. (Joe Mastroianni). 320090_06

Simon Lambert (Jacob Pattison)317175_04