Star Weekly - Wyndham - 15th November 2023 by Star Weekly

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Tears for lives cut short By Cade Lucas It was the sunny Sunday in Daylesford that gave rise to one of Wyndham’s darkest weeks. November 5 was the day before the unofficial Melbourne Cup public holiday, two days before the proper one and the famed spa town was bustling with people escaping the city. Among them were three families relaxing in the roadside beer garden of the Royal Daylesford Hotel, when at about 6pm, an SUV mounted the curb and crashed into them. What followed was a scene that police described as one that first responders would never forget. Four people were killed, another later died in hospital and four more were seriously injured. It was a horrendous turn of events, but one that for Wyndham, was about to get much worse. The following day the identities of the five victims were revealed. All were from Wyndham and all from its large, but tightly bound Indian community. Among them were an entire family: 44-year-old Point Cook woman Pratibha Sharma, her husband, 30-year-old Jatin Chugh, and nine-year-old daughter Anvi. Thirty eight-year-old Tarneit father Vivek Bhatia and his 11-year-old son Vihaan were also killed at the scene while his 36-year-old wife Ruchi Bhatia and six-year-old son Abeer suffered serious injuries and remain in intensive care. A 43-year-old Kyneton woman and a 38-year-old Cockatoo man were injured and both flown to the Royal Melbourne Hospital, while an 11-month-old boy with them was injured but is in a stable condition at the Royal Children’s Hospital. The baby’s mother, a 34-year-old woman from Cockatoo, emerged unscathed. Wyndham, and especially its Indian community, did not. Just a week out from Diwali, India’s largest annual celebration, its local diaspora was instead forced to mourn two young families who represented the best of them. Pratibha Sharma was remembered a vibrant, ambitious woman, a former candidate for state parliament, a recently admitted lawyer and a committed volunteer.

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Candles laid beneath a portrait of the Sharma family at the vigil for the Dayelsford crash victims in Point Cook on Thursday. (Cade Lucas)

“She was a very, very big personality. A good, kind hearted lady.” recalled Gurjit Singh, secretary of Australian Sikh Support where Ms Sharma volunteered. The Bhatias were described as a typical, hard working, humble migrant family who’d only just bought their first home. “They were very excited to get into a new house about 6 weeks ago,“ said family friend Vivek Handa. “Everything they’d dreamt for, everything they’d aspired for was gone within a second.”

A fundraising page for Ruchi and Abeer Bhatia was set up with the goal of raising $50,000 for the surviving mother and son. At last count it had raised more than $137,000. Wreaths were laid at the crash site, vigils were held in Daylesford and Point Cook and dignitaries from Premier Jacinta Allan down, paid respects and expressed their grief. Meanwhile the man who was behind the wheel of the white BMW SUV remains nameless and faceless, the circumstances surrounding the incident and any possible

charges, unclear. The 66 year old Mount Macedon man was interviewed by investigators in hospital where he was being treated for shock. No drugs or alcohol were found in his system and he is not known to police. Family and friends gathered at last week’s vigil in Point Cook expressed frustration and anger at the continued uncertainty. They want justice to be done. As with the grieving process, that’ll require a long, painful journey.

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2 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 15 November, 2023

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Drunk and no longer disorderly By Hannah Hammoud Being intoxicated in public will now be treated as a health issue following changes to Victoria’s public intoxication laws which came into effect on November 7. The department of health said the previous public intoxication laws in Victoria had an unacceptable and disproportionate impact on the state’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Not-for-profit community health service cohealth, is one of several health agencies delivering a health-led response to public drunkenness following the decriminalisation of public intoxication. cohealth has introduced new pink uniforms

and branded vehicles to deliver public intoxication health services across metro Melbourne. Ngwala Willumbong Aboriginal Corporation will also operate outreach services in Wyndham and Frankston for First Nations people, as well as a dedicated sobering up centre in St Kilda. The new health-led model will see outreach services supporting people who are intoxicated in public in the areas they are needed most, and if needed, providing them with transport to a safe place. cohealth will employ 40 staff in its public intoxication service, across both its outreach teams and at the sobering-up centre in Collingwood.

Up to 10 outreach teams will be available throughout the week on-call and proactively visiting hot spots in Melbourne to provide support. The outreach team will be proactively out on the streets from 8pm-4am on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights and on-call 24/7 at other times. The outreach team is comprised of a nurse and an alcohol and drug specialist who carry a medical kit, water, snacks and mobile chargers. cohealth deputy chief executive Christopher Turner said providing an on-the-ground health response will reduce demand on police and ambulance, but outreach teams will also have the ability to escalate to emergency

services if required. “We’re ready to deliver a new service that could literally change the trajectory of someone’s life, giving them a lifeline instead of a lockup,” he said. As part of the response, cohealth is introducing new pink polos to distinguish its public intoxication outreach workers from police and emergency services workers who wear navy. “We want to create a feeling of safety and calm, especially for clients who have had negative experiences with police and institutions, and even our uniforms can impact client interactions,” Mr Turner said.

Driver charged

Sally Kime from Fundraising and Recycling for Tanzania participated in the Garage Sale Trail in Wyndham last weekend. (Damjan Janevski) 372472_01

Garage sale to help African school Wyndham locals are on the hunt for bargains with the Garage Sale Trail returning to the municipality. Last weekend saw the first of 130 garage sales held across Wyndham as part of the nationwide festival, with more to be held this weekend on November 18 and 19. Allowing people to both cash in their unwanted goods and bag cheap bargains of their own, Wyndham mayor Susan McIntyre said the festival was a great event for the community and the environment. “Garage Sale Trail helps neighbours connect make some money and keep their good stuff

out of landfill,” Cr McIntyre said. “There will be something for everyone; designer fashion, mid-century furniture, cookware, vinyl, kids’ stuff, tools and more.” Many of those participating are raising funds for particular causes, including Werribee nurse Sally Kime who last weekend held a garage sale in support of a school in Tanzania. Ms Kime explained how Fundraising and Recycling for Tanzania came about. “A few years ago pre-covid we were able to go to Tanzania and volunteer our time and we not only worked in health settings but we also supported a school, Ekica, a local private

school,” she said of the charity which raises money for school supplies, food, water and basic goods. While garage sales usually involve second hand goods, Ms Kime and friend Diane were selling dog bandanas, dog biscuits, aprons and baby bibs. “Diane upcycles material that she finds or is donated to her or finds at an op-shop,” said Ms Kime, adding that the items are also available at local markets. w w w.ga ragesa let ra i l.com.au / wyndham-city Cade Lucas

Police charged a man after he allegedly drove a stolen car on three wheels through multiple suburbs, including Werribee. Officers approached a man sitting behind the wheel of an stolen vehicle on the Metropolitan Ring Road, Greensborough at about 4am on November 8. Police instructed the man to get out of the vehicle before he allegedly accelerated the car over the top of a tyre deflation device. Air Wing observed the grey Subaru Outback driving in Werribee, Epping, Broadmeadows and Sunshine. Members of the public reported the vehicle driving on its rims causing sparking on the Princes Freeway and Citylink about 5.30am. The vehicle allegedly swerved across multiple lanes on the Princes Freeway before it took the Hamilton Highway exit and drove through Fyansford before a pursuit was initiated. The vehicle allegedly attempted to mount a gutter in Hyland Street, Fyansford, before it became stuck and came to a stop. The man allegedly refused to exit the vehicle and police forced entry through a window. Police deployed foam before removing the man from the car and arresting him about 6am. While searching the Outback, officers located what they alleged to be drugs. The sole occupant of the Outback, a 27-year-old Eltham man, has been charged with theft of a motor vehicle, theft, fail to stop upon police direction, driving dangerously, driving recklessly endangering life, possessing a drug of dependence, committing an offence whilst on bail, and unlicenced driving.

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Wednesday, 15 November, 2023 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 3

DAYLESFORD TRAGEDY STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Pratibha Sharma’s brother, Vikas, speaks at the vigil. (Cade Lucas)

Mourners lay candles beneath photos of the victims at the Point Cook vigil on Thursday night. (Cade Lucas.)

Members of Wyndham’s Indian community pray for the victims of the Daylesford crash at a vigil held in their honour. (Cade Lucas)

Emotions high at Wyndham vigil By Cade Lucas The sense of grief, loss and disbelief was palpable at Saltwater Reserve in Point Cook on Thursday night at a vigil for the victims of the Daylesford hotel crash. Distraught family and friends were joined by local dignitaries and members of the public in mourning the five victims, all from Wyndham’s Indian community, who died when an SUV crashed into the beer garden of the Royal Daylesford Hotel on Sunday November 5. Point Cook’s Pratibha Sharma, her husband Jatin Chugh and daughter Anvi were killed in the crash, as were Tarneit father and son Vivek and Vihaan Bhatia. A portrait of the Sharma family sat next to the stage where close family and friends came forward to pay tribute to the deceased family just a short distance from their Point Cook home. Pratibha Sharma’s close friend Dr Sonia Cheema said the tragedy would leave a lasting impact on the community and warned the recovery process would be long. “A loss is a loss. It cannot be quantified with the amount of relationship or amount of gathering that you have done,” Dr Sheema said. “That loss has to be remembered. And it’s not just one event where we come together and we just share our sentiments. I think there is a lot that needs to be done, ” she said, adding that Ruchi and Abeer Bhatia were still be treated in hospital Pratibha Sharma’s grief stricken family then addressed the gathering, with her father giving an emotional speech in his native Hindi as chaplains and grief counsellors consolled members of the crowd. Wyndham mayor Susan McIntyre presided over the vigil and later released a statement offering further support. “Our tight knit community is devasted and the vigil was a way for our community to grieve and show respect for the victims,” Cr McIntyre said.

Candles laid by mourners beneath a portrait of the Sharma family. (Cade Lucas)

“We know many of our residents are still in shock from the horrific tragedy that has affected many in our community. If people are grieving and need assistance, Wyndham City’s Community Connector service can help. If residents need support, but are unsure of where to start, email us at communityconnector@wyndham.vic.gov.au.” At the end of proceedings mourners lay plastic candles beneath the Sharma family portrait, which began to glow in the dark as night fell. Close friend of the Sharma family, Dr Sonia Cheema, addresses the vigil in Point Cook on the evening of Thursday November 9. (Cade Lucas)

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DAYLESFORD TRAGEDY

Hearts ache for family tragedy By Cade Lucas “I have a firm belief that God always takes away good people early. I think this incident is quite a reflection on that.” Vivek Handa was referring to his close friends, the Bhatia family of Tarneit, when making those comments at Thursday night’s vigil for the Daylesford hotel crash victims in Point Cook. However, he could’ve been speaking about any of those killed when an SUV crashed into the beer garden of the Royal Daylesford Hotel on Sunday 5 November. The shock of good people taken too suddenly, too soon hung over the vigil where victims, Vivek Bhatia and his eldest son Vihaan and Point Cook’s Pratibha Sharma, her husband Jatin Chugh and daughter Anvi, were honoured. The plight of Vivek Bhatia’s wife Ruchi and youngest son Abeer, both still in hospital with serious injuries, was also at the forefront of proceedings. “They were the epitome of immigrants wanting to make a career for themselves, to make a life for themselves,” said Mr Handa of the Bhatias, adding that the timing of the tragedy was especially cruel. “They were very excited to get into a new house about six weeks ago,” he said. “My last words to Ruchi were, this house is the house for a lifetime. That lifetime was only six weeks.” Expressing sympathy and support for Ruchi Bhatia was a key feature of Mr Handa’s address.

Bhatia family friend, Vivek Handa, addressing the Daylesford crash vigil in Point Cook on Thursday evening. (Cade Lucas)

“Her son’s gone, her husband’s gone and her other child is very very critical. “For a parent to lose a child is very, very heartbreaking, probably the worst thing you can go through,” he said while imploring those gathered to keep Ruchi and Abeer in their thoughts. “I think the real battle will start for the rest of her (Ruchi’s) life. People tend to have small memories, they forget. They move onto the next issue and the next issue, but if we pause and look back at Ruchi and her life to come, I think she’ll need a lot of help.” That help has already begun, with a fundraising page set up within hours of the incident, already raising $136,000, nearly three times the original target.

Tarneit’s Bhatia family prior to the Daylesford crash which left (from left) youngest son Abeer and mother Ruchi in hospital and eldest son Vihaan and father Vivek dead. (supplied).

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Briefs Road renewals

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Thirty three Wyndham roads will soon receive a facelift after Wyndham council awarded the construction contract for the 2023/24 Road Surface Renewal Program of works. The annual program involves roads being stripped back and the top layer being replaced to stop water getting through and to make it smoother, safer and more enjoyable for everyday use. Wyndham mayor Susan McIntyre said these works would improve the durability of the roads being resurfaced and, in turn, road safety for all users. To see which Wyndham roads are being resurfaced visit: https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/ capitalworksdashboard

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Artist Keg de Souza’s work ‘Not a Drop to Drink Cartographies’ is one of many on display in the Weather/whether exhibition at Wyndham Art Gallery.

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Change in the weather

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The weather is a common topic of conversation and now it’s become a source of art too. Wyndham Art Gallery is currently hosting the WEATHER/whether exhibition which is on display until January 7. This exhibition explores and reflects on the weather we are experiencing and what the future might hold. Curated by Olivia Poloni and Megan Evans, the exhibition features eight artists: Alison Bennett, Peta Clancy, Megan Cope, Jessie French, Cara Johnson, Keg de Souza, Gomathi Suresh and Mandy Quadrio, presenting their work which explores and considers the impact of changing weather patterns. Residents are encouraged to ponder the

world through a range of mediums: landscape photographs, spliced with colonial images along the Merri Creek, botanical stories using natural flora and interactive digital plant life and a powerful catalogue essay is also provided by CLIMARTE founder Guy Abrahams. “This intriguing exhibition explores the changing nature of weather and the impact this has on our world,” said Wyndham councillor Marcel Mahfoud. “Through art we can explore ideas and concepts and look at issues through a different lens to help make sense of the world.” For more information visit: https:// w w w.w y n d h a m .v i c . g o v. a u / w h a t s - o n / weatherwhether

Werribee’s landmark Picture Palais building is up for sale, offering buyers the chance to own a piece of the rapidly-evolving suburb’s history. Fitzroys’ Ervin Niyaz and Chris Kombi are marketing 15-19 Station Place, Werribee, with expressions of interest closing Wednesday, November 29. The Picture Palais building retains a cantilevered verandah and its classical splendour across the upper level. It was opened in 1928 - a boom period for the construction of custom-built cinemas in Australia and showed the suburb’s first talking picture in 1932.

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PFAS Independent Review Call for submissions Public submissions for the Australian Government’s Independent Review of land uses around key Defence bases impacted by per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination opened 9am AEDT Monday 23 October 2023 and close 9pm AEDT Sunday 3 December 2023. The Review will focus on communities around RAAF Base Williamtown (NSW), Swartz Barracks (formerly known as the Army Aviation Centre Oakey) (QLD) and RAAF Base Tindal (NT). However, other communities affected by Defence’s historic use of PFAS are also able to make submissions. In addition to calling for submissions, public hearings are being held at the three sites, details for remaining hearings are below. Times are in local time zones. The Independent Reviewer will also be available for one on one conversations between the public hearing sessions. Learn more about the public hearings on our website.

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Quicker Wyndham ambulances By Cade Lucas Ambulances are responding to Code 1 cases in Wyndham faster than at any point in the past 12 months according to the latest data. Ambulance Victoria’s performance figures for the first quarter of 2023/24, from July 1 to September 30, show that the average response time for Code 1 cases (those considered life threatening) in Wyndham dropped from to 14.28, down from 15.58 the previous quarter and 15.10 for the first quarter of 2022/23. The percentage of Code 1 call-outs arriving within 15 minutes rose too, with 68.1 per cent arriving within the target range, a near six

per cent increase on the previous quarter and two per cent better than the corresponding quarter last year. In total there were 3381 ambulance call-outs to Wyndham over the quarter, a slight increase on the previous three months, but fewer than for the same time last year. Ambulance Victoria’s Metropolitan Regional and Clinical Operations Director Narelle Capp said even with the reduction in cases, Wyndham was still the fourth busiest local government area in the state, making the results even more impressive. “Despite this high demand, ambulances arrived at ‘lights and sirens’ cases in Wyndham

on average one minute and 30 seconds faster than the previous quarter,” Ms Capp said. “We are proud of our hardworking paramedics and it’s great to see performance improving in Wyndham following unprecedented pressures on the health system due to COVID-19.” Ambulance Victoria has attributed the improvements to more people accessing alternative care services for less urgent cases, reducing the load on paramedics. Among these alternative services is the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department, a video telehealth service that connects patients with emergency medical services

their home, aged care facility or GP clinic. Narelle Capp said VVED had proven particular popular in Wyndham. “It is also great to see people in Wyndham embracing the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) for non-urgent cases to avoid unnecessary trips to our emergency departments.” Statewide, 66 per cent of ambulances responded to Code 1 cases within 15 minutes, an improvement of more than four per cent on the previous quarter and almost two per cent on June to September 2022. The Victorian Ambulance Union was contacted for comment.

Reclink repairing shoes Reclink is synonymous with helping disadvantaged people to play sport, but now the not-for-profit is helping them access sporting equipment too. “We managed to find over 2000 pairs of runners that are usable and we want to give them to people,” said Reclink founder and Wyndham local Peter Cullen of the new initiative which is based in Werribee. Reclink volunteers come and repair the shoes at weekly meetings, with the assistance of Werribee Repair Cafe founder, Joe Ferlazzo. Once repaired, Mr Cullen is hoping the runners end up on the feet of people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford them. “We’d be happy to hear from welfare agencies working with people experiencing a broad range of disadvantage - refugees, homelessness, mental health - to give them the shoes at no cost.”

In explaining why Reclink has branched out from hosting football games to fixing footwear, Mr Cullen said the cost of living crisis played a role. “Our (Reclink’s) primary role has traditionally been sports programs, but what’s happening in the present climate with the economic pressure on families, many families can’t afford to have their children in sporting clubs. But if we can provide sports equipment we can get people physically active and playing sport more informally like the old days, in the streets and parks and so forth.” Mr Cullen said that while runners were their current focus, they were one the lookout for other sporting goods to repair too. “We’re also seeking more bikes and sports equipment leading into Christmas,” he said. To donate or for more information visit: https://reclink.org/

Reclink founder Peter Cullen at the Werribee warehouse where volunteers are running a program to repair old shoes and give them to needy people. (Damjan Janevski) 372504_01

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Wednesday, 15 November, 2023 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 7

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Worry for teaching in the west By Zoe Moffatt The Australian Education Union (AEU) has called for greater investment into teaching, amid a new government campaign to attract teachers, while Melbourne’s west boasts some of the highest teaching vacancies in the state. According to November 9 data from the Department of Education, Melbourne’s north west is home to some of Victoria’s highest vacancy rates. This includes 63 vacancies in Brimbank, 93 in Melton, 135 in Hume, 162 in Wyndham, 57 in Whittlesea, and 39 in Hobsons Bay. These figures come off the back of a joint

state and federal recruitment ‘Be That Teacher’ campaign which has rolled out across TV, digital and social media, outdoor and cinema advertising. It showcases the value and importance of teachers through an online gallery showcasing inspirational and personal stories about the lasting impact teachers have on students. AEU Victorian branch president Meredith Peace said they welcome the efforts but the advertising campaign alone will not address the teacher shortage crisis in Victoria. “There are currently more than 580 job vacancies in schools across the Brimbank, Hume, Maribyrnong, Melton and Wyndham

council regions, with 200 vacant roles in the Wyndham council area alone,” she said. “These local government areas are among the fastest growing regions in Victoria, and it is extremely concerning that so many schools are unable to find the qualified teachers they need. “It’s clear that more must be done to ensure that these schools are adequately staffed to provide the best possible educational outcomes for students in such a major growth corridor. ” Ms Peace said the AEU is calling for urgent action, including paid placements to support students studying to become teachers. “We call upon Premier Jacinta Allan to take

urgent action to address workforce shortages,” she said. “Starting with the introduction of a teacher retention payment to keep hard working and dedicated public school teachers in Victorian classrooms.” A Department of Education spokesperson said the number of teachers in Victoria has grown at twice the national average. “Vacancies often peak in term four as schools advertise for roles commencing in the next school year,” the spokesperson said. “We are actively supporting government schools to address any workforce shortages including in Melbourne’s western suburbs.”

Casey walks in to watch Wyndham’s walking netballers unexpectedly found themselves performing before stardom during a weekly game recently. Australian singer, songwriter and actress Casey Donovan was in the crowd at Eagles Stadium in Werribee watching a Thursday night match earlier this month. Wyndham Netball Association president Phil Morely said while they couldn’t talk the former Australian Idol winner into putting on a bib, she appeared to enjoy herself. “Casey didn’t go on the court but she was an enthusiastic supporter; laughing and cheering with the Walking Netballers in their weekly game.” Donovan was at the stadium to support a friend who was playing and was happy to pose for photographs afterwards. 2023 marks the two years since Donovan shot to stardom by winning the second series

of the hugely popular reality TV singing competition, Australian Idol. Donovan won the competition by popular vote, defeating Werribee’s Anthony Callea in the nationally televised final. Since then Donovan has achieved success as a recording artist, theatre performer, actress and television host and in 2017 won her second major reality TV competition, the third series of I’m a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here. Walking netball is held at 8pm every Thursday night during school terms at Eagle Stadium in Werribee. The program aims to increase physical health, mental health, and social connections for members of the community who want to continue their love of netball without the hustle and bustle of a full-on competition. For more information visit: wyndhamnetball.com.au/

Casey Donovan (second from right) posing with Wyndham walking netballers after an unexpected appearance at a recent game. (Supplied)

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Battle over bottleshop resumes Battle lines have once again been drawn between a group of Werribee residents and a property developer after plans for a Dan Murphy’s bottleshop and retail precinct on the corner of Wattle Avenue and the Princes Highway were re-submitted, two years after they were rejected. The development proposal for a Dan Murphy’s and retail precinct on 18-22 Princes Highway, was re-submitted by developer Princes Wattle Pty Ltd in January this year, but were only made public in late September. A similar proposal from the same developer was rejected by VCAT in November 2021,

having earlier been voted down by Wyndham council. That proposal drew opposition from local residents concerned about its potential impact on traffic, noise and social behaviour. More than 50 objections have already been submitted to this new proposal. Among them objectors is nearby resident Brian Gosney who said the re-submitted proposal had the same problems as the original. “Firstly traffic hazards, social impact on the area and the fact I we already have 11 bottleshops and liquor outlets in the Werribee area and why do we need another one,” said

Mr Gosney who lives in nearby Haven Court. He said traffic congestion on Wattle Avenue was the biggest problem with the proposal, blaming the addition of the Tarneit Road rail bridge for making it busier than ever before. “People now use Wattle Avenue as a main thoroughfare which they didn’t previously, to come from Duncans Road to the other side of Werribee.” Mr Gosney said the main entrance for the site being on Wattle Avenue was problematic. “They’ve also banned trucks from Wattle Avenue so how can trucks get in and out of this new development,” he said.

“I’m a retired Woolworths store manager and also spent a number of years in the logistics division of Woolworths and I have a very good understanding of the impact of delivery trucks entering and leaving retail sites. I don’t believe trucks will be able to come into wattle avenue and then turn into the proposed site without causing major disruption and or accidents.” The new proposal also includes Mexican fast food outlet, Guzman Y Gomez, along with other retail and office spaces and 157 parking spaces in underground and ground level car parks. Princes Wattle Pty Ltd was contacted.

A fashionable dream Entrepreneur MaryJane Amos has been awarded the Australian Multicultural Foundation’s Carla Zampatti Scholarship for Young Women. The scholarship, now in its second year, is a national initiative dedicated to helping young women from new and emerging culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to achieve their dreams. Ms Amos, who lives in the west, was awarded $5000 to help with her business Muvebox - an eco-friendly alternative to traditional cardboard boxes for packing and moving. She said she feels blessed and filled with immense gratitude and excitement as to receive the Carla Zampatti Scholarship. “I am thankful to the Australian Multicultural Foundation and their recognition of the vision of Muvebox and for entrusting me with this prize.

This fuels my determination but also affirms the significance of sustainable practices in the business world,” she said. “This scholarship signifies more that financial commitment to me, it’s an affirmation that I’m headed in the right direction. It gives me great confidence that others have recognised the importance and potential of Muvebox. “As a young woman of migrant background my vision with Muvebox is not just a business endeavor.I hope that it serves as a powerful catalyst for personal and community growth… there is still a long way to go and I hope to gain the support of the community on this journey.” Australian Multicultural Foundation executive director Dr Bulent Hass Dellal AO said the outcome of this year’s scholarship is a representation of the under-utilised talents of young women from migrant and refugee backgrounds.

Muvebox founder MaryJane Amos. (Supplied)

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Blowtorch accused denied bail By Emily Woods, AAP A man who allegedly set his neighbour on fire using a blowtorch over music being played loudly has been refused bail due to his risk to the public. Michael Gauci is accused of pouring accelerant over a woman and setting her on fire in December last year, leaving her with burns to 70 per cent of her body. He applied for bail last week in Melbourne Magistrates Court after being charged with attempted murder, intentionally and recklessly causing serious injury and conduct

endangering life. Police allege his wife asked neighbours to turn down the music they were playing in a Werribee South townhouse courtyard, shortly before midnight on December 27. Gauci is accused of returning home, appearing over a fence and challenging the neighbours to fight in the street, before allegedly setting the woman on fire in a driveway. In an earlier hearing, Detective Senior Constable Matthew Wick said Gauci ignited a blowtorch and the woman caught fire, with her whole upper body going up in flames.

She screamed and fell to the ground while her friends and housemates rushed to try and suppress the flames. She was given a 30 per cent chance of survival and spent seven months in hospital before being taken to a rehabilitation facility for another two months, the court was told. Two of her friends also suffered burns requiring medical intervention. Gauci’s lawyer claimed he may have been acting in self-defence, and said his client should not have to wait behind bars for more than two years awaiting a trial. He said Gauci had a number of medical

and psychological issues that needed to be addressed, and his parents had offered a $1 million surety if he was granted bail. However, Magistrate Jarrod Williams refused the bail application on Monday, finding Gauci was a risk to the public after police found a sawn-off shotgun in his car. “The risk of endangering the public is a real risk,“ he said. Gauci, who appeared via videolink from prison, remains behind bars and will face a committal hearing in March next year.

A blooming good time More than 15,000 people enjoyed Wyndham’s State Rose and Garden Show on the weekend of November 11 and 12 at the Victoria State Rose Garden. The garden was buzzing across the weekend with a range of gardening stalls, interactive workshops and talks from gardening experts including The Fermented Mumma, Vasili, Botanicah Melbourne, The Plant Collector and many more. Aerial performers, SWAY, entertained the crowd from above, while in the Green Hub visitors were able to pick up tips on sustainable living and gardening practices. Wyndham mayor Susan McIntyre said other highlights included the inaugural Student Garden Gallery featuring local Wyndham schools and the creation of a field of wooden poppies to commemorate Remembrance Day. “Visitors were also able to enjoy the beautiful

Roving entertainers interacted with young and old. (supplied)

Victoria State Rose Garden in full bloom and learn about the incredible work of the Victoria State Rose Garden Supporters who volunteer their time to care for the garden,” said Cr McIntyre.

Visitors went home with roses for their own gardens. (supplied)

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Mum’s ‘heartfelt’ letter shared ‘‘

Losing your child and then having to lie about why your child died, is disgusting. If someone lost a child, you grieve and feel empathy for that person, regardless of how that happened

By Jena Carr The mother of a man who died of an overdose in April has thanked Western Health doctors for the care they provided her son. Debbie Brady wrote a letter to staff at Footscray Hospital after her 34-year-old son, Jye Vessey, was found dead on April 28 while accessing the Corio Community Health Centre’s needle and syringe program. Ms Brady said the doctors “were beautiful to Jye” while he battled drug addiction and a mental health diagnosis of schizophrenia. Her “heartfelt” letter, which “was written on a notepad that probably had spelling mistakes”, was read out at an International Overdose Awareness Day (August 31) meeting. “One day, I was thinking about it, and I felt the need to write a letter to them to thank them for the care they gave Jye,” she said. “International Overdose Awareness Day was coming up, which I wasn’t even aware there was one, and they asked if they could read out the letter in one of their big meetings. “They said that as soon as they started reading the letter, everybody in the room stopped and the person reading it got emotional.” Ms Brady is calling for more Medically Supervised Injecting Rooms (MSIR) and has started a petition to provide people with more safe injecting spaces in Victoria. “People self-medicate if they’re not treated, and sometimes some can’t talk to their family,” she said. “A safe injecting room tunnels these people into the services they need, and it’s not just good for them, but it’s good for the community in saving our resources. “It is not just about the drug addict either. It is about keeping it away from the community so children are not walking in a park and catching

’’

A young Jye Vessey with his mum Debbie Brady. (Supplied)

someone doing it.” An MSIR previously opened in North Richmond in 2018 and is an ongoing service that has safely managed more than 7000 overdoses, according to the Alcohol and Drug Foundation. The foundation’s data found that more than one person died a month from a heroin overdose in Melbourne between 2020-22, the highest number of deaths among the state’s local government areas. Ms Brady’s daughter Ebony Siemienowicz

said her brother was “one in a very large statistic” and that more MSIRs would prevent other families from going through what they went through. “It’s about everybody else that is still living and trying to prevent another death,” she said. “We’ve spoken to a few people, and some lie about how their children die because of the stigma and the backlash of losing a child. “Losing your child and then having to lie about why your child died, is disgusting. If someone lost a child, you grieve and feel

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empathy for that person, regardless of how that happened.” Barwon Health’s Mental Health, Drugs and Alcohol Services clinical director, Professor Steve Moylan, said the health care provider was open to learning from North Richmond’s MSIR outcomes. “Barwon Health is supportive of any evidence-based measures that could further reduce the harms from drug and alcohol use,” he said. “The needle syringe and naloxone program with drug and alcohol counselling are all aimed at helping people in our community minimise any harm they could experience from substance use.” Jye’s family urged anyone who would like to show their support for another MSIR in Victoria to sign the petition at chng.it/ rkw2wRmDgy. Help is available with crisis support service Lifeline on 13 11 14, through alcohol and drug counselling service DirectLine on 1800 888 236 or visit barwonhealth.org.au/mhdas for more 24/7 support providers.

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Grandstand and two-storey pavillion at the Regional Football Facility in Tarneit. (Western United)

Fan Brooke Muscat with the 21/22 A-League Men’s championship trophy.

United ready for homecoming After four seasons of ‘home’ games across Victoria and Tasmania, Western United is finally coming home to Tarneit. Gerald Lynch speaks to a superfan and an inaugural player on what it means for the club and community. Western United is getting closer to taking the next major step in its A-Leagues dream. Next month, United will play its first men’s and women’s home games at the Regional Football Facility in Tarneit. With the proposed main 15,000 seat stadium still in the latter stages of planning, the club will host games in an on-site make-shift venue. It features a 1000-seat grandstand, with temporary seats to be installed around the ground, giving it a capacity of 5000 fans. After seasons of travelling far and wide to follow her beloved United now in the rear-view mirror, one of its most passionate fans, Brooke Muscat, is relieved that the green and black will be playing in the west. “It’s going to be amazing for not just the fans but for the club to finally have somewhere they can settle and truly start building,” she said. “The memories of travelling to watch the team will stay with me but it is really going to be great to not have to drive more than an hour to get to a game.” While Muscat said the club is one of her greatest passions, she understands why other western residents haven’t jumped on board yet due to the nomadic nature of the club’s first four seasons. But she expects the homecoming to be a huge boost on multiple fronts. Muscat is part of the group that runs the Western Core, the official active supporter group for the women’s team, while has been a member of the men’s side since day one. “I think it’s going to give the club a massive boost in support as there will be that stability and certainty about where home is for us,” she said. “The club can finally target fans with confidence, telling them where it is playing all its matches instead of having to explain and try to market games across multiple venues in multiple cities. “It’s no good telling a kid and their family in Tarneit to support a team that’s for the western suburbs, but you have to go to Ballarat if you want to watch them. It’s not something that will get new supporters on board. “Being in a permanent home is going to be a significant moment and will be a game changer for their community engagement.” Muscat was born and bred in the west, and despite being a Melbourne Victory fan during her childhood, she said jumping on the United bandwagon was an easy decision. After a serious injury while playing soccer as a teenager, Brooke subsequently stopped playing and stopped watching, falling out of love with the game. However, in 2017, when her childhood club Altona Magic opened up its women’s program, she picked the sport back up, and her love started to blossom again, just in time for Western United’s bid to join the A-League. “I guess that is what drew me to Western 12 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 15 November, 2023

Sebastian Pasquali of Western United dribbles during the A-League Men’s soccer match between the Brisbane Roar and Western United. (AAP Image/Pat Hoelscher)

United, it was the pride I have for the region and for all the west has done in shaping me as

‘‘

It’s going to be amazing for not just the fans but for the club to finally have somewhere they can settle and truly start building.

’’

- Brooke Muscat a person,” she said. “My love of the game through playing revived my interest and passion for also watching and it just made sense to start again and be a part of something new, so I was all in. “I still remember that feeling and the tears flowing when I tuned in to the announcement that said the bid was successful. “That’s how I knew this was the club for me and in time could become the club for all of the people in the west of Victoria.” Muscat urged her fellow western residents to rally behind United in its homecoming,

which is set for mid-December. “Just come along to a game, tickets are always affordable and the quality of football is there, the kids will love it,” she said. “I don’t think you’ll regret being a supporter of this underdog team.” While many fans have been attached to the club since its inception, only two players from the inaugural 2019-20 season squad have stood the test of time. One is club captain and Socceroo Josh Risdon, and the other is Sebastian Pasquali. Still just 23 and full of potential, Pasquali said he is feeling really strong physically and mentally this season and ready to put four injury-marred seasons behind him. Originally from Wangaratta, he moved to Maribyrnong for high school to chase his soccer dream. Pasquali joined Melbourne Victory’s youth academy at 15 years old in 2015 and after catching the eyes of the soccer world in a friendly match against Italian giants Juventus, he was purchased by Ajax Amsterdam at 16. However, when Western United came calling in 2019, Pasquali couldn’t turn down the offer for more senior level opportunities and the chance to be part of history in the

heart of Melbourne’s west. “We’re extremely excited and can’t wait to get in there (Regional Football Facility in Tarneit). We want to represent and play for the people in the west, so it’ll be an amazing opportunity to be able to do that,” he said. “All the fans have been amazing for the past few years, and we’re looking forward to seeing them support us when we move out there. “There are lots of passionate football fans in the western suburbs, we see our fan base growing, and the population of the west is always growing as well. “We’re positive and really excited to see our fans come out to Tarneit and continue on this journey with us.” With only short stints at both of his former clubs, Pasquali said he plans to continue to stick around for the foreseeable future and is bullish with what’s to come. “We’ve just got such a good culture, he said. “Amongst the playing group and the whole club really, we sort of have a really good feeling of togetherness, and it’s a really family orientated club. “This season we’ve got a relatively new, younger squad. With that, we’re able to bring lots of attacking and energetic football.”

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Barry Jones Oration delivered Political, community and business figures from Wyndham’s past and present were on hand for the annual Barry Jones Oration at the Refectory Werribee Park on Friday. Named after the former federal science minister, longtime federal Lalor MP, and famed 50’s quiz show champion, Barry Jones, the oration was attended by the man himself, former federal treasurer Ralph Willis, current Lalor MP Joanne Ryan, and Wyndham mayor Susan McIntyre among others. Prominent barrister and former head of the Law Council of Australia, Fiona McLeod AO SC, delivered this year’s oration titled : ‘Hearts, smarts and fierce resolve – leading humanity back from the brink’.

Cr McIntyre said Ms McLeod’s address, featuring insights from her justice experience and using the complexities of trauma to encourage everyone to help create a better future, was ‘mesmerising’ and a great example of why the oration was established in 2012. “The Barry Jones Oration, delivered together with our sponsoring partner The Gordon aims to raise greater awareness of social, educational, economic and environmental issues and seeks to activate innovative thinking, new perspectives, enable robust, healthy debate and encourage us all to think a little bit deeper about important issues that impact all Australians.” Cade Lucas

Barry Jones (centre right) poses with his portrait alongside Wyndham councillors. (supplied)

Barry Jones, Fiona McLeod and Wyndham mayor Susan McIntyre at the Barry Jones Oration on Friday November 10. (supplied)

Barry Jones addresses the audience at Refectory Werribee Park. (supplied)

Lalor MP Joanne Ryan, Barry Jones, Fiona McLeod and Cr Susan Ryan at the Barry Jones Oration. (supplied)

TODAY Cadet Under Officer Ace Simpson-Braden (left) and Cadet Sergeant Monali Kharade are shown some of the finer details of a Victoria Police Air Wing aircraft by Senior Constable David Roberts.

More than 1100 cadets and staff from as far afield as Albury, Swan Hill, Warrnambool and East Sale took part in the Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC) 4 Wing Annual Parade and Careers Expo at RAAF Base Point Cook, in October. Officer Commanding 4 Wing, Wing Commander (AAFC) Kylie Walker said the parade and expo were the highlight of the cadets’ annual calendar. “It’s a significant event where all cadets and staff within the Wing come together, showcasing our achievements, teamwork, and exploring various career and industry opportunities,” she said. “It serves as a celebratory showcase of all 26 squadrons within 4 Wing AAFC Victoria, unifying the cadets under one banner and emphasising our collective strength. “The event offers an exceptional

opportunity to bring the entire Wing together in a spirit of camaraderie, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration that extends beyond individual squadrons.” Number 403 AAFC Squadron Cadet Under Officer Ace Simpson-Braden, who plans to one day join Air Force as an aircraft armament technician, described his participation in the parade as an “honour and privilege”. “The parade this year was amazing. There were so many cadets on the parade ground as well as countless amounts of family and friends,” he said. “Personally I was very proud and honoured to be out the front of my squadron as their Flight Commander for the parade and being able to see all the families’ faces light up when they saw their child in uniform on such a large parade.”

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RAAF cadets on parade

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Bluey tops list

Grow West is marking 20 years of providing trees for shade and fun in the west. (istock)

Grow West marks 20yrs Landscape restoration organisation Grow West is celebrating two decades of work, and the planting of 1.4 million seedlings in the west of Melbourne. In 20023 Grow West began working toward its vision to rejuvenate 10,000 hectares of land by connecting the Brisbane Ranges National Park, Werribee Gorge State Park and Lerderderg State Park through a mosaic of restoration works on private property. Now hosted by Melbourne Water as the region’s Catchment Management Authority (CMA), Grow West has stayed true to its vision – working together to create productive and healthy landscapes in the west. In its 20th year it has planted more than 1.4 million seedlings, more than 2,500 hectares of land has been revegetated, 18 community planting days staged, and it’s engaged with over 3,000 committed volunteers. Grow West Implementation Committee

chair Justin Horne said he’s proud of the relationships formed and the work undertaken to improve the land. “A lot of passionate and engaged people have worked with Grow West over 20 years to achieve a wide range of very positive environmental results,” he said. “I’m particularly proud of the sense of community between landowners and government staff that we’ve been able to cultivate. “Grow West would not have been the success that it is without the strength of relationships, with so much of this due to the great work done by Grow West coordinators over the years.” To complement its rejuvenation work, Grow West’s long term focus is to also reduce the spread of noxious weeds and pest animals by educating landholders on sustainable land management approaches, protect profitable

farming land, reduce erosion and improve local services. Looking ahead, Mr Horne said Grow West intends to increase their engagement and continue building relationships with Wurundjeri and Wadawurrung Traditional Owners. “I’m really excited at the potential knowledge sharing that can occur between our First Nations people and Grow West. This will not only deepen the outcomes beyond ‘just’ landscape restoration, but take us on the path of cultural restoration,” he said. Grow West is a partnership between Moorabool Shire Council, City of Melton, Moorabool Landcare Network, Southern Rural Water, Greater Western Water, Parks Victoria, the Victorian Government, and Melbourne Water – the Catchment Management Authority.

Bluey, Bad Guys and Prince Harry are what Wyndham residents have been reading about in 2023 according to results released by Wyndham libraries. The Bluey book proved almost as popular as the TV series, being the most borrowed children’s picture book and board book, ahead of another perrenial favourite, Eric Carl’s Very Hungry Caterpillar. Aaron Blabey’s Bad Guy Series was the most popular children’s fiction ahead of The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinny. Prince Harry’s memoir Spare was the most borrowed adult non-fiction book, while Harry also proved popular in the young adult fiction category, with JK Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone coming second behind Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins. Colleen Hoover’s It Starts With Us was the most borrowed adult fiction book, Eiichir? Oda’s One Piece the young fiction graphic novel and Hidenori Kusaka’s Pokemon Adventures the children’s graphic novel. Wyndham councillor Jasmine Hill welcomed the results. “With a wide range of free book choices available for residents to read, from the classic allure of a hardback to the modern ease of e-books and audiobooks, there is something to cater for everyone’s interest and reading style,” Cr Hill said. “At Wyndham libraries, we’re all about making your library experience enjoyable and enriching! Whether it’s for personal pleasure, a means of escapism, or a pursuit of lifelong learning, we’ve got you covered with our diverse range of resources and fun programs.” For more information visit: https:// www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/services/ libraries

District 14 fire danger period to begin soon The Fire Danger Period (FDP) will begin for municipalities in Country Fire Authority’s (CFA) District 14, including Wyndham, in the coming weeks. The FDP will begin on Monday, November 20, at 1am for Wyndham, Melton and Hume council areas, while Whittlesea’s FDP will begin on Monday, December 4, at 1am. The announcement comes amid the El Nino weather pattern, meaning Victorians can expect a hotter and drier summer, and communities should begin preparing their properties and creating a bushfire survival plan.

CFA District 14 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Tim Holland said residents in these municipalities should take this opportunity ahead of restrictions to reduce the fuel loads around their home. “Following some of the driest months on record in August and September, the widespread rain that we had at the start of October provided some welcomed relief and slowed the grasslands drying cycle,” he said. “However, the grass in local paddocks and parklands within our suburbs is starting to dry out and will continue to do so as summer approaches.

“There is still plenty of time to ensure your property is as safe as possible, and we suggest starting with cutting your grass and cleaning up around your households and sheds.” While CFA’s 52,000 members are poised to respond and support communities this bushfire season, they’re urging people to use common sense and take responsibility for preventing fires. Residents in District 14 are asked to take this opportunity ahead of the FDP to clean up their properties and for landowners to conduct safe private burn-offs where possible. Those conducting burn-offs must notify

authorities, which allows emergency call takers to allocate more of their time taking calls from people who need emergency assistance immediately. No burning off is permitted during the FDP without a permit to burn, which can be applied for through the fire permits Victoria website. There are very strict conditions attached to these permits and the liability sits with the permit holder to ensure they always act safely. Details: www.firepermits.vic.gov.au or 1800 668 511.

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FROM THE ARCHIVES Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors

40 years ago

30 years ago

20 years ago

10 years ago

November 13, 2013

November 12, 2003

November 17, 1993

November 16, 1983

Six drivers appeared in Werribee Magistrates Court on Monday following a police raid on a drag meeting at Laverton North.

Who keeps burning down the adult book shop?

Werribee polo academy head Andrew Hine brushed aside the might of the Packer family on Friday as he led his four-man side to an audacious semi final win in the polo Melbourne Cup International.

Wyndham Vale youngster Alexandra, 4, was recently diagnosed with a rare, incurable brain tumour that affects only children.

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COMMENT

Werribee Open Range Zoo keeper Malinda Delahant with a Tamar wallaby. (Zoos Victoria)

Animals calling their own shots Ms Hobbs said the first step to obtaining a blood sample is to encourage the animals to touch their nose to a target stick, which helps them settle into position. “Once the animal is standing still, we promptly provide a high-value food as a reward and as positive reinforcement for their participation,” Ms Hobbs said. “A second keeper will then prompt the animal with a verbal cue to let them know that the keeper is about to touch and approach them with medical equipment – and that’s when all the magic happens.” For kangaroos and Tamar wallabies, vaccines are injected into their thighs. But when doing a blood draw for an ostrich, the

vein is underneath the wing, which requires a little extra help. “It’s incredible that the ostriches know to lift up their wings for the blood draws,” Ms Hobbs said. “But as their wings are quite heavy to hold in their air, sometimes we support them during the process.” Once the blood sample is obtained, the animals are provided more tasty and nutritious treats and then carry on with their day. Visitors can see the ostriches on the Savannah, and kangaroos and Tamar wallabies on the Australian Trail at Werribee Open Range Zoo

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In a healthcare breakthrough, some of the cheekiest animals at Werribee Open Range Zoo are lifting their wings and presenting their paws for voluntary injections. Kangaroos, ostriches and Tamar wallabies are now able to participate in their own healthcare without leaving their spacious habitats.

Werribee Open Range Zoo animal training coordinator Kelly Hobbs said the achievement follows months of positive reinforcement and involves a trusting relationship between keeper and animal. “When we first started the training, we made sure we’re didn’t just stick the needle straight into their skin,” Ms Hobbs said. “Keepers start by gently touching with their own hands, then a blunt object, and always reward the animals for staying still and choosing to engage with us. “Eventually we were able to build up to a real needle that they now barely notice which is a testament to the strong, trusting bonds we’ve created.”

aussietoysonline.com.au Wednesday, 15 November, 2023 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 17

COMMUNITY STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

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

Point Cook VIEW The Point Cook Day VIEW Club meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month at the Point Cook Library 1-21 Cheetham Street, Point Cook. The next meeting is Wednesday 22 November commencing at noon. New members welcome. n Catherine, 0407 726 852.

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. n Patricia, 0434 487 360 or 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. n Phil, 0437 078 739

Walking Netball

This week’s photographers choice picture is of Belinda Shipp with her cat Ragnar. (Damjan Janevski) 371357_01

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. n Phil, 0437 078 739

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 Meetings are at the old council shire buildings at 10am every second Friday of the month. n Bob, 0409 252872.

Western Budgerigar Club

Fridays by the Bay

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. n Don, 0414 975 862

Wyndham Rotary

Hoppers Crossing Ladies Probus

Wyndham Ladies Probus

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. n Julie, 0406 196 630

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. n 0408 123 669

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. n Rosa Sanderson, 0410 303 046

The program is a social activity group that runs every second Friday. For people aged 18-65 from Hobsons Bay, and who are not eligible for other support programs. Activities include art and craft, wellbeing activities, guest speakers and outings. The next session is on November 17 at the Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre, 5 Sargood Street, Altona. n community@ljac.com.au or 9398 2511

Sunrise Social Groups The Friends of Presidents Park meets from 10am-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. n admin@werribeeriver.org.au

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

Seniors House of Fun

U3A Werribee

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

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. n Rick, 0402 299 220.

Friends of Presidents Park

Seniors club The Werribee Senior Citizens Club 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. n 0403 041 499

18 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 15 November, 2023

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. n 9919 8089 wynfm.org.au

Beginners Playalong Group The beginners Playalong group welcomes all levels of musicians and instruments and complete novices to their monthly Playalong sessions. If you’re looking for a friendly and inviting way to play and learn then this might be for you. Held on Saturday 18th of November at 6:30pm at the Newport Scout Hall, Market Street, Newport.

Lions Club Lions Club of Werribee meets at the RSL Club, 2a Synnot Street, Werribee on the first and third Wednesday of the month at 6.30pm. n Jorge, 0433 566 575

Diabetes Support Group The Werribee Diabetes support group has been active in our community for more than 18 years providing advice, information and support for members of

Wyn FM

Bingo for all The Werribee RSL hosts Bingo every Monday. Eyes down from 12.30-2.30pm. n 9741 5525

Still learning I’m Still Learning is running a hands-on basic home maintenance course starting until November 29 at the Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre from 7.15pm-9.15pm. The course covers safety in the home, how to repair a leaking tap, how to safely use a battery operated drill and using the drill to build a take home toolbox. The cost for the four week course is $25. n Mandy 0451 717 401

Boxing Maribyrnong Boxing Club has reopened. New and former members of the Maribyrnong Community Youth Club are welcome to attend training sessions on Monday 6pm-8pm, Thursday 6.45-7.45pm and Sunday, 10-11am. Boxing for fitness classes, beginners, youth, adults and also competition available. The club premises are l ocated under the Grandstand on Maribyrnong Reserve, on the corner of Hortense Street and Middle Road, Maribyrnong n nugara.david@hotmail.com or 0413495836

Laverton Community Choir Free WONDER-full nature walks Join Dr Liz Cyarto for Forest Therapy walks. Have fun, reduce your stress and boost your vitality. Guided walks offered in Newport Lakes Reserve and Williamstown Botanic Gardens. Limited spots. Registration is open for Spring and Summer, Don’t miss your chance. n thehealthysenior@gmail.com

Laverton Community Choir is looking for people to join them as they start rehearsing Christmas Carols, as well as other popular songs in their repertoire. No experience necessary and no auditions. The group meets on Thursday evenings during school term from 7-9 pm at Laverton P12 College, Gate 1-91 Bladin Street, Laverton. n Sue 0418 386 147

PUZZLES 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.

5 6 7 1 3

2 4 6 1

5 3 7 8 8 4

4 9 2 5 1 6 2

8 medium

3 8 2 9 4

7 3 8 7 1 5 9 4 3

13 15 17 19 22 25 26 27 28 29

4 5 4 2 1 9 5

Sandal (5) Study of language history (9) Ugly landmark (7) Modified (7) Linseed, e.g. (7) Swedish scientist, – Swedenborg (7) Instrument (9) Ready money (4) Rodents (4) Cooking appliance (9) Disheveled (7) Support (7) Light through clouds (7) Mythical one-horned beast (7) Bursar (9) Go into (5)

1 4 9 10 11 12

No. 159

Food shopping items (9) Fake name (9) Angry (5) Japanese seaport (5) Products of a calculator (7) Sings like the Swiss (6) The British Treasury (9) Heaven (5,4) Behaviour (8) Sideways look (7) Plane hub (7) End of day (6) Confronts (5) Stopwatch (5)

3 4 5 6 7 8 14 15 16 18 20 21 23 24

ACROSS

easy

QUICK CROSSWORD

DOWN Abstaining from liquor (8) Partly correspond with (7)

1 2

DECODER

No. 159

5 3 7

8 7 3 5

7 5 4 8 9

8 hard

8 9 4

9 4

6 3 7 4 8

3 7

10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

2 X CMPWS VN T Y AQ L 22

Today’s Aim: 22 words: Good 33 words: Very good

ASSET AVERT AWARE BOGAN CALVE CEDED COVET EJECT ELECT ERRED FRAME GARBS GENRE JETTY MATES MEANS MERGE NAIVE NAVAL NEEDS

4 LETTERS ARES DAMN DESK NAPS NETS POTS SHUT SOAP STEW TROD 5 LETTERS ALPHA ALTOS APRIL ARGUE ARISE ASIDE

OLIVE PAGES PANIC PASTA PASTS PEACE POSES RILES ROUTE RURAL SALTS SEEDS SLEDS SMELL SPELL SPEWS STEEL TIDAL TRIPE UNITE

USERS VISES

PROCURE SENSUAL TREMBLE

6 LETTERS BAMBOO BASEST FRUGAL JALOPY MYOPIC NOISES 7 LETTERS DISTORT ENZYMES NEUTRAL

8 LETTERS DICTATED DISTRICT ELICITED OVERHEAD 10 LETTERS NUTRIMENTS SALUTATION

17-11-23

No. 159 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down.

QUICK QUIZ

Which ancient civilisation built Machu Picchu?

What is the sum of all the numbers on a roulette wheel?

What is the name of the plant found in rainforests that is used to make chocolate?

The process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy is called what?

Which famous pop star has a younger sister named Solange (pictured), who is also a successful musician?

What is the first name of Pride and Prejudice character Mr. Darcy?

In what year did the Berlin Wall come down?

NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

B S L O

O R T L

E N D

H O A L E D G E L D E N

adverse, advert, aver, averred, avers, averse, avert, averted, averts, evade, evades, ever, rave, raved, raver, raves, reave, reaves, revert, reverts, revest, revs, save, saved, saver, serve, served, server, sever, starve, starved, stave, staved, traverse, TRAVERSED, vase, vast, vaster, veer, veers, verse, versed, vest, vested, vets

3 8 7 5 1 9 2 6 4 9 2 6 8 4 7 3 5 1 4 5 1 3 6 2 7 9 8 1 9 2 6 7 3 4 8 5 6 7 5 4 8 1 9 3 2 8 3 4 9 2 5 1 7 6 2 1 8 7 3 6 5 4 9 5 4 3 1 9 8 6 2 7 7 6 9 2 5 4 8 1 3

No. 159

7 5 , 3 (

3 8 1 9 2 5 6 7 4 6 2 5 4 7 8 1 3 9 9 7 4 6 3 1 8 2 5 1 9 6 2 5 7 4 8 3 4 3 7 8 1 9 2 5 6 2 5 8 3 4 6 7 9 1 8 6 3 7 9 4 5 1 2 5 4 2 1 8 3 9 6 7 7 1 9 5 6 2 3 4 8

2 4 9 1 5 3 7 8 6 7 5 6 8 2 9 4 1 3 1 3 8 7 6 4 5 2 9 8 7 1 3 9 6 2 4 5 5 9 2 4 1 8 6 3 7 4 6 3 2 7 5 8 9 1 9 1 4 6 8 7 3 5 2 3 2 7 5 4 1 9 6 8 6 8 5 9 3 2 1 7 4

D R

L G

O E

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”.

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

5x5

9-LETTER WORD

45 words: Excellent

hard

medium

easy

R OE G F Z J I HK U B D

9 7

3 LETTERS AIM ARC BUD EAR EBB ERR EVE ION JAM KEG ORE OWE PEA RUN SAP SEA SEC THE TIP TOW WEB ZOO

3 4 2 8 6 3 9 6 2

Q L

WORDFIT

How many planets are there in our solar system?

What is the largest part of the brain called?

10 Which company developed the widely used web browser called Chrome? ANSWERS: 1. The Inca Empire 2. 666 3. Photosynthesis 4. Fitzwilliam 5. Eight 6. Cerebrum 7. Cacao plant 8. Beyoncé 9. 1989 10. Google

No. 159

3 $ 6 7 $ & ( ' ( ' ) 5 $ 0 ( 2 / , 9 ( 5 8 5 $ / $ / 7 2 6 6 3 ( : 6 9 , 6 ( 6 8 1 , 7 ( 7 + ( ( - ( & 7 . ( * 6 ( & % $ 6 ( 6 7 6 $ / 8 7 $ 7 , 2 1 6 0 7 5 ( 0 % / ( 3 $ * ( 6 - ( 7 7 < $ 5 ( 6 2 9 ( 5 + ( $ ' 6 2 $ 3 2 5 ( 3 5 2 & 8 5 ( 6 ( 1 6 8 $ / ( 5 5 7 5 2 ' ' , & 7 $ 7 ( ' 6 7 ( : 3 $ 1 , & 6 / ( ' 6 ( 1 = < 0 ( 6 7 9 % $ 0 % 2 2 1 8 7 5 , 0 ( 1 7 6 2: ( , 2 1 7 5 , 3 ( $ , 0 * $ 5 % 6 $ 3 5 , / $ 6 , ' ( 3 ( $ & ( 1 $ 9 $ / $ 5 * 8 ( 6 $ / 7 6 6 3 ( / / 1 ( ( ' 6

SUDOKU

Wednesday, 15 November, 2023 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 19

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SPORTS QUIZ 1. Taking a ‘mulligan’ is a term used in which sport? 2. Which ESPN program is dedicated to the most obscure sports in the world? 3. Who coaches the Matildas? 4. Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will battle for what title in 2024?

5. Australian Flame is the national team name for what sport?

13. Which horse won the Melbourne Cup in 2022?

6. Which cricketer recently left the World Cup early to return home to Australia?

14. Which Aussie NBA star was recently given the nickname ‘SLOB wizard’ (for SideLine Out of Bounds) by fans?

7. True or False: the Boxing Day Test is always played against England? 8. The Amazon Prime TV series A League of Their Own is about women playing which sport during WWII?

Michael Jordan

15. If a boxer is a ‘southpaw’ fighter, what trait do they have? 16. Which US actor plays Billy Hope in the 2015 boxing film Southpaw?

9. The Australian ice hockey league starts again in which month of 2024?

17. Melbourne star Clayton Oliver has won how many best and fairest titles to date?

10. The Taika Waititi movie Next Goal Wins is about which country’s national soccer team?

18. Which country will host the 2034 Men’s FIFA World Cup after being the sole bidder?

11. Which Major League Baseball team recently ended a 63-year drought after winning their first ever World Series?

19. What is the unofficial nickname for the Australian Women’s Volleyball team?

Mary Fowler

12. Matildas player Mary Fowler is from which Australian state?

26. And which jockey rode the winner of the 2023 Melbourne Cup?

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28. The final of the NBA InSeason Tournament is to be held in which US city? 29. Which EPL team defeated Tottenham 4-1 to give Ange Postecoglou his first loss as their manager?

24. Which team finished at the bottom of the 2023 AFLW ladder?

20. In 2020, which stadium hosted the AFL Grand Final for the first time in history?

27. Michael Jordan’s son is in a relationship with the exwife of which of Jordan’s former team mates?

30. Retiring champion jockey Damien Oliver won how many Melbourne Cups?

25. Which horse won the 2023 Melbourne Cup?

1. Golf 2. The Ocho 3. Tony Gustavsson 4. World Heavyweight Champion 5. Athletics 6. Mitchell Marsh 7. False 8. Baseball 9. April 10. American Samoa 11. The Texas Rangers 12. Queensland 13. Gold Trip 14. Josh Giddey 15. They are left-handed 16. Jake Gyllenhaal 17. Four 18. Saudi Arabia 19. Volleyroos 20. The Gabba 21. 201 not out 22. Arizona Diamondbacks 23. Corey Seager 24. Western Bulldogs 25. Without A Fight 26. Mark Zahra 27. Scottie Pippen 28. Las Vegas 29. Chelsea 30. Three (Doriemus 1995, Media Puzzle 2002, Fiorente 2013)

1711

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1. The proposed facility comprises the removal of the redundant triangular headframe, two (2) omnidirectional antennas (3300mm L), one (1) parabolic dish antenna (600mm diameter), thirteen (13) panel antennas (1 x 1328mm L, 6 x 2065mm L, 3 x 810mm L, 3 x 2620mm L); installation of nine (9) new panel antennas (6 x 2533mm L and 3 x 717mm L) mounted on a new triangular headframe to be attached at the top of a 5m extension which is to be installed on the 20m monopole; ancillary equipment to be upgraded including remote radio units, tower mounted amplifiers, junction boxes, mounts, cabling and feeders; and internal works within the equipment shelter, to improve Telstra’s mobile phone network (including 5G). 2. Telstra regards the proposed works as ‘low impact’ under the Telecommunications (Low Impact Facilities) Determination 2018, based on the description above. The proposed infrastructure will comply with the ACMA EME regulatory arrangements. 3. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Planning Consultant on behalf of Telstra, via email to planning.vic@servicestream.com.au, phone: 03 9937 6555, via post to Planning Consultant, Servicestream, PO Box 14570, Melbourne, VIC 8001 by 5pm 1st December 2023. Service Stream Ltd ABN 46 072 369 870 Telstra Ltd ACN 086 174 781 Amplitel Pty Ltd ACN 648 133 073

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In Essence, more staying power By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring Car companies continue to make strides in the electrification of their vehicles. One manufacturer to step up its power play is MG Motors (for Morris Garages), the Chinese owned former British auto industry mainstay. Already the fully electric compact sports utility vehicle has made its presence felt on the EV world with the Excite and Essence models, the latter chipping in with a claimed maximum range of 320 kilometres. Now this has been stretched to 440 kilometres with a new variant, loosely tagged Long Range, with the added plus over the Essence of a privacy rear window helping to maximise climate control, hence the comfort of occupants. The 440km driving range comes from the switch to a 72.6 kWh battery, as opposed to the 320km courtesy of the lithium-ion 51.1 kWh battery. The entry-level Excite has a comprehensive collection of features, including a range of drive modes, three regen braking modes, 360 degree camera i-Smart connectivity, satellite navigation, plus MG Pilot driver safety technology. Upshift to the Essence brings to the table panoramic glass sunroof and roof rails, wireless phone charging and blind spot and rear-cross traffic alert. A shopping list of accessories includes fabric boot mat and liner, boot lip protector and skid plate, chrome boot trim strip, dash mat, fabric or rubber floor mats, weather to four doors, printed bonnet protector, clear bonnet protector, LED scuff Plates and two door sills, towbar, roof racks, 7 kW Go Cable 22 kW rapid charge cable. The Chinese sourced small SUV made a name as the cheapest electric vehicle on the market. Now, along comes a ZS with more mileage to offer - at a price ($11,000 to be precise). Introduction to the new ZS electric vehicles comes with the entry-level Excite selling for $46,195, plus on-road costs, the mid-range Essence follows for a further $3000, while the Essence Long Range tops off the trio for $55,990. The ZS Essence Long Range, the test vehicle, carries a seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty, as does the battery. MG’s so-called Precise Price Servicing also applies. STYLING No-cost paint colours are Dover White or Pebble Black, while the Brighton Blue Essence Long Range on test would set back a buyer an extra $700. All the MG EVs maintain the general shape of the petrol models with the upper radiator grille replaced by a solid surface incorporating a flap offering easy access to the charging point. Headlamps and LED daytime running lights flank the front directly under the bonnet edge.

The MG ZS has stepped up its bid to stay in front of rivals in the EV SUV segment. (pictures supplied)

Propeller-style alloy wheel aero covers give the wheels a unique character. INTERIOR Leatherette seats, driver and front passenger positions heated, with crafted red stitching, lead the way for a premium interior feel, topped off (literally) with a truly panoramic sunroof flooding the interior with natural light. In the rear, the 60/40 split reclining seats are surprisingly generous with leg room and give access to 359 litres of luggage space, while an under-boot cubby is reserved to take tyre repair kit and battery rapid charging tackle. INFOTAINMENT The ZS EV features a 10.1-inch colour touchscreen with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto access, allowing for integration with personal tech. However, the somewhat higgledy-piggledy layout of the info makes management fiddly, especially on the move. Presentation of real-time vehicle performance comes with an upgraded 7-inch digital instrument cluster in direct driver field of vision. Keyless entry, wireless phone charger and six-speaker audio add to the in-cabin experience. A signature addition to the new ZS EV is the iSMART app, allowing you to monitor and control vehicle functions remotely. For example, locate the vehicle, lock or unlock it, monitor vehicle status such as range and charge remaining. ENGINES/TRANSMISSIONS With 440km driving range from a 72.6 kWh

battery, the new MG ZS Long Range leaves its predecessor (320km of range from the lithium-ion 51.1 kWh battery) behind. That’s not all. In an MG first, powering external devices can be done using the ZS EV vehicle-to-load (V2L) function. Electronics can be operated on the go, or appliances such as camping gear powered using electricity stored in the lithium ion battery of an MG ZS EV. SAFETY The former MG ZS EV was awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating in 2019. The hallmark MG Pilot package has added adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist with departure warning, traffic jam assist, intelligent cruise assist, intelligent headlamp control, speed assistance system, blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert. DRIVING Powered by a liquid-cooled, lithium battery, with up to 72.6 kWh, delivering 280 Nm of instant torque and up to 130 kW of power, the maker claims the ZS Essence Long Range can go from zero to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds. All this with nothing but a gentle whirring of the motor. Maximum combined energy consumption on the test touched 18 kWh per 100 kilometres. Fill her up? I topped up the ‘tank’ on a public fast charger from 60 to 80 per cent in 40 minutes at a cost of $6.83. Designed to achieve optimum handling and chassis feel, the ZS EV’s powertrain has

been packaged to achieve a low centre of gravity. Housed underneath the passenger compartment as part of the ZS EV’s flat-floor architecture, and an added bonus for occupant leg comfort, the balanced distribution of weight keeps the ZS EV planted through the corners. The suspension appears a little firm. Braking response is good, although regenerative braking is not like some EVs with ‘single pedal’ driving. This one slows the vehicle only to a crawl, not to a halt. With the MG Pilot willing to assist safe driving to a high level, the lane keep assist with departure warning tended to intrude too quickly and forcefully. Driving is a human activity, after all. SUMMARY MG has pushed out the kilometres for its small SUV EV, but is it enough for the market? Meanwhile, the journey is set to continue even further – longer range, more technology, for fewer dollars, with MG4 rear-wheel drive hatch, which is due to arrive in the second half of this year. RATINGS n Looks: 7/10 n Performance: 7/10 n Safety: 5/10 n Thirst: 8/10 n Practicality: 5/10 n Comfort: 6/10 n Tech: 8/10 n Value: 5/10 Wednesday, 15 November, 2023 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 23

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Cricketers show off their skills There was plenty of cricket action across Melbourne’s north-west including Wyndham on Saturday. Star Weekly photographer Jacob Pattison managed to capture some of the action.

Jaskirat Singh. 372628_01

Anthony Alleyne. 372630_01

Derone Davis. 372630_02

Trent Donnon. 372634_04

Matthew Dervan. 372633_03

Casey McNaught. 372634_02 24 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 15 November, 2023

Nathan Griffith. 372634_01

Rhys Berry. 372628_02

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SPORT

Werribee locks in new coach and footy manager Werribee has locked in a new coach and football manager as preparation for the 2024 Victorian Football League season gets underway. With the departs of coach Michael Barlow and football manager Mark Micallef respectively, it’s a beginning of a new era for Werribee. James Allan returns to the club where he played two seasons, this time as coach. Allan was best known in his playing days in South Australia as a fierce ball winning midfielder, who won three Magarey medals as the best player in the South Australian National Football League, while winning five club best and fairests with North Adelaide. He also won a premiership with Norwood. He was rookie listed by Geelong in 2004 and through the club’s alignment with Werribee, pulled on the Werribee’s colours for two years.

Ljubica Vrankovic (362607_01)

Since retiring from playing, he moved into coaching. In 2020, he was named as the Rostrevor College first ever football director and and coached the school’s top side.

He also coached Norwood’s under-18s side and was an assistant coach for the Redlegs since side. Last season he was an assistant coach with North Adelaide. Werribee president Martin Carter welcomed the news that Allan would return to Avalon Airport Oval. “Jimmy was a popular leader at our club in his playing days and the career he has had in South Australia as a player and more recently in assistant coaching roles has given him the perfect credentials to take over from Michael Barlow and keep our club at the top of the VFL competition,” he said. The other new recruit is Ash Collins who takes on the role of footballer manager. He brings a wide range of football experience, having been involved in key roles with the Brisbane Lions, Collingwood and the

Sydney Swans. His decade-plus AFL career includes 10 years at the reigning AFL premiers Collingwood. Werribee chief executive Mark Penaluna sees the club not missing a beat with the appointments. The club this season made the grand final, losing two games for the season, before falling short against the Gold Coast Suns in the grand final. “Ash brings many skills to a very demanding and sometimes unpredictable role but he has the experience to hit the ground running and continue Mark Micallef’s great work,” Penaluna said. “These two positions were much sought after and highly desirable in the football marketplace and we feel we have secured the right team to take us forward.” Tara Murray

Briefs Netball Teams are still being sought for a new under-19 netball competition. The competition is being run by the Altona Netball Association and Waverley Netball Centre after the decision to cut the under-19 Victorian Netball League program. The competition is still seeking a couple more teams for the western division, which includes teams from the City West Falcons and Darley Football Netball Club. Applications close later this year.

Western United Western United striker Noah Botic will head to Saudi Arabia next week as the Olyroos prepare to take part in a pair of international friendlies. The fixtures, scheduled for Friday, November 17 against Qatar and Tuesday, November 21 against Saudi Arabia, will be played at Prince Saud Bin Jalawi Stadium. Botic’s selection comes off the back of a superb 2022-23 A-League men’s campaign where he broke into Western United’s first team and scored six goals. The 21-year-old won United’s young player of the season and golden boot awards and was recognised with an Olyroos call-up in March.

WRFL

Tom Gribble (Belinda Vitacca Photography)

Club legend calls time Dual J.J Liston Trophy winner Tom Gribble has confirmed his retirement from the Victorian Football League drawing the curtain on a glittering 141-game VFL career. After a decade at Chirnside Park following a season with Geelong’s VFL outfit, Gribble finishes up with the second most appearances for Werribee having tied fellow best and fairest winner and club captain Dom Gleeson on 137 games. “It was probably during the early stages of the season that I started to think that this might be my last,” Gribble said. “The further things got along I felt more comfortable with the decision too. “This year was the most enjoyable year I’ve had and most of the boys will attest to that. It was unreal winning 17 games in a row, and although not getting an 18th in the big dance was tough to swallow, for me this season was a great way to finish up after 10 years.” The ball magnet who was crowned the league’s best player in 2019 and 2022 bows out

alongside good mates Michael Sodomaco and Matt Hanson. “I came to the club in 2014, Sods started here the year before I did and Matt came the year after me,” he said. “They are a large part of why I stayed around for 10 years and their decisions to retire were also a contributing factor for me. “It’s the friendships and relationships you build that keep you coming back. I was lucky enough to win a couple of individual accolades, but I’d trade those in a heartbeat to play in a premiership with my teammates.” The loss of Gribble and Hanson from Werribee’s midfield is without a doubt a significant hiccup in the club’s quest to again reach a grand final. However, Gribble is confident the club has the talent to cover the pair’s departure. “We saw Brewy this year take his game to a whole new level, Jack Henderson had another great year and is ready to step up and we’ve got younger guys ready for an opportunity,”

he said. “There’s been a high importance placed on our development program and we’ve put the groundwork into a number of guys over the last few years, so I’m confident the club is in pretty good spot.” With his VFL days over Gribble has signed as a playing assistant coach of Bellarine Football Netball League club Geelong Amateur. Despite his commitment to the Amateurs next year he plans to watch Werribee when he can in 2024. “I won’t be stranger to the footy club,” Gribble said. “Next year is a big one in terms of milestones and three guys I’m really close with in Brewy, Hendo and Louis Pinnuck will play their 100th games. “Hopefully things can align on a couple of weekends and I can get along to see those big games. I’m definitely keen to get there and cheer on the boys from the side lines.”

Werribee Districts premiership defence has received a massive boost with Lucas Rocci returning to the club for next year’s Western Region Football League division 1 season. Rocci, who played his junior football at the club, has been on Werribee’s Victorian Football League list since coming out of the now Coates Talent League, where he won the league best and fairest. He was part of Werribee’s grand final side this year. Werribee Districts announced on its social media that Rocci had committed the club full time for next season, having been aligned with Aberfeldie in recent years.

ABL Melbourne Aces’ Australian Baseball League season gets underway this week. The Aces start their season at home at the Melbourne Ballpark against the Perth Heat with four matches in three days starting Friday.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Wyndham Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly Wednesday, 15 November, 2023 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 25

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Giants 5-0 to start season on a high It’s been the dream start for the Werribee Giants in the Baseball Victoria state league 1 season. The Giants have started their season with an untarnished record after the first six rounds of the season. “We’ve been playing pretty well, we’re pretty happy,” coach Andrew Christou said. “We’re hitting well and we’re pitching well, haven’t lost yet. “We just beat the team that was in third place last weekend, so we’re pretty happy with that.” The Giants destroyed St Kilda last weekend, 10-0, in what Christou said came off the back of good pitching. “[Cameron] Wilson started and he pitched really well,” he said. “Pitched seven innings, didn’t give up a run and we scored 10 and the game was basically over from there.” The Giants haven’t been tested too much to

start the season, scoring 37 more runs than their opposition. “We’ve felt pretty confident heading into each game,” Christou said. “The game last weekend was our biggest game, against another finals team and it was good to have a good win and put it to them a little bit, which was nice.” The Giants enjoyed a well earnt bye on the weekend, which Christou said came at a good time for his squad. “There’s a few older guys going around with a few injuries,” he said. “So we’ll get a week off and then get back at it for a couple more games before Christmas.” There have been many people who have helped get the Giants to where they are now, but Christou said he has been most impressed with the efforts of Simon Hibbert. “Simon Hibbert’s been really impressive so far,” he said.

“He hits towards the bottom of the order and has been hitting over .400 (on base percentage) and he’s been hitting really, really well.” Now, the Giants are ready to go again as they face Cheltenham on Saturday afternoon. “It should be a pretty close game,” Christou said. “We’re expecting a pretty competitive game, they’re a pretty experienced team over there so it should be a good one back after having a rest.” For the rest of the season, Christou is hoping his team can march forward, deep into the postseason. “From here we’re looking to secure a top two finish and have some momentum heading into finals and take it from there,” he said. “We don’t want to get too ahead of ourselves, just take it one game at a time and get to the end of the season and hopefully we get a chance.” Harper Sercombe

Jon Lowe heads for first

Werribee scores big win

Shimona Nelson has signed with the City West Falcons. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett)

Nelson joins the Falcons By Tara Murray Jamaican international Shimona Nelson is set to take to the court for the reigning Victorian Netball League premiers, the City West Falcons, next year. Nelson, who has been plying her trade with the Collingwood Magpies in the Suncorp Super Netball competition the past few seasons, currently doesn’t have a spot for next year. While players can’t officially sign contracts at this stage, teams have come to agreements with players and Nelson is without a home in Australia’s top competition. Falcons coach Marg Lind said they wanted to give Nelson the opportunity to enjoy her netball and help her further develop her game. Lind said there was still a possibility of Nelson getting a contract or training partner role with a Super Netball team, but they were thrilled to welcome her to the club. “She’s close with Maggie [Lind] from their time at Magpies and Maggie has been really supportive of her,” Lind said. “She’s not sure what is happening with Super Netball, so we offered her a place to play and keep training and she was in. 26 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 15 November, 2023

“I still think she’ll get a game somewhere.” The addition of Falcons gives them four strong goaling options. Jane Cook, Uneeq Palavi and Maddie Gray are all returning next season. Lind said on paper it looked like a dominant shooting circle and would help when Palavi is on national duty with Tonga. “It’s great for the club,” Lind said. “Everyone is happy to have her [Nelson] on board and she brings a lot to the club and is really supportive of the younger players. “She wants to develop a bit more in goal attack and have a bit more movement and shooting range instead of being just a post up goaler.” Lind said Nelson was really happy so far at the Falcons and felt like she could come in and make mistakes and feel like she can develop more. She said Nelson had been really open with them and had showed a bit of courage with her netball career in limbo. The addition of Nelson is one of a few changes for the Falcons, with the VNL competition changing to two division instead of three. Defenders Zoe Davies and Sienna Allen have both departed the club.

Davies has headed to England after picking up a Netball Super League contract, while Allen has moved home to focus a bit more on her career. Molly Kennedy, who was part of the championship premiership team, hasn’t re-signed at this stage, unsure what her plans are. Premiership player, Mel Oloamanu, who missed last season with a knee injury, returns to the squad Sussu Liai joins the club from the Peninsula Waves, while Chelsea Imanisani comes up from division 1. They have also signed some new faces for the new under-23 team. The Falcons have lost three players from their division 1 and under-19 teams to the new Bendigo team, while they’ve lost Kiralee Collings to the Western Warriors and Charli Nichol to the Geelong Cougars. Lind said it was disappointing to lose those players who’ve they’ve put a lot of time into, but she gets players are looking for more opportunities. With only two teams in the VNL competition, Lind said they would look to run bigger squads than they normally would.

It was a dominant display by Werribee in the Bowls Victoria weekend pennant, division 2, section 1 competition on Saturday. Coming off their first loss of the season the previous week, the Bees bounced back in a big away against Buckley Park. All four Bees rinks had convincing wins as they claimed the full 18 points in the 103 (18)-39 (0) win. Mick O’Neil’s rink was the biggest winner on the day, winning 36 shots to seven, while Brendan Barker’s rink won 27-7. Nick Alderson’s rink had a 22-14 win, while Robert Panton’s rink rounded out the clean sweep with an 18-11 win. After four rounds, the Bees sit in second spot, 10 points behind Bacchus Marsh which is the only undefeated team. Werribee faces Melton 2 this Saturday. In division 3, section 1, Truganina-based Palm Lake got the win against Hoppers in a local Wyndham match up. It was a mixed bag across the board for both teams, with Palm Lake winning 84 (15)-77 (3). Desmond Tudor’s rink was the big winner for Palm Lake, winning 33-13 against Michael Maher’s team. David Gibson was the other winner for Palm Lake, winning 24-17. Neil Nicholas and Keren Blake shared the points after finishing 20-shots each. Geoffrey Truman was the winning skip for Hoppers, with his rink winning 27-7. Palm Lake sits in sixth spot with two wins, while Hoppers is yet to get on the board. Werribee 2 suffered its first loss of the season, losing 85 (18)-67 (0) to Altona 3. In division 4, section 1, Point Cook had no troubles against Yarraville Footscray, winning 91 (18)-63 (0). Bruce Mummery’s rink was the big winner for Point Cook, taking the points, 25-13. Point Cook sits atop the ladder, the only undefeated team after four rounds, with Werribee 3 sitting in third. Tara Murray

SPORT Monkey finally off the Cats’ back Hoppers Crossing is finally on the board in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association north-west season. After starting the season with three losses, the Cats landed on their feet on Saturday crushing Strathmore in a massive nine wicket victory. The Cats lost the toss to Strathmore and were thrown the ball, however, it was a good toss to lose. Kaushik Jagannathan and Saaransh Mahay were electric, opening the bowling, having the Mores four down in the first six overs. The wickets kept coming as Abbas Faiyaz and Fawed Ahmed got amongst the figures, with the Cats dismissing the Mores for just 80. When it was the Cats turn with the bat, the chase was clinical, making the runs required just one wicket down in only 12 overs. “It was great to get the monkey off the back,” Cats’ coach Simon Lambert said. “Obviously, the first three rounds haven’t

quite gone to plan, so to get that first win on the board is hopefully a good starting point and we can kickstart the season from here. “There was a little bit in the pitch, but I thought our guys bowled really well with the new ball, got it to move around a little bit and put the batsmen under pressure. “It was sort of one of those days where the ball caught the edges, over the last few weeks everything’s been missing the edges. “It was one of those days where everything just came together, we haven’t been having much luck with the ball over the last few weeks.” The standout with ball in hand was Jagannathan who took 3-6 from his six overs. “He was terrific,” Lambert said. “He looked threatening from ball one, he got in to move a little bit each way and bowled at a good pace which was good. “He asked questions every ball and fortunately was able to find a few edges and

the stumps as well.” Next week the Cats face the in-form St Bernards OC outfit, back at home on Hogans Road. Lambert is hoping the confidence gained from this win will hold his side in good stead. “They’re a good side, they’ve got most bases covered and they don’t necessarily have any big names on paper,” he said. “If we can bring our best cricket then we expect to be pretty hard to beat in every game, but what we’ve found in the first three rounds is that if you don’t put your best foot forward in every game you’ll get beat every week. “If we get on a bit of a run leading into Christmas that will give us a lot of confidence and we want to be challenging at the top end of the table.” Meanwhile, Werribee lost to Coburg. Harper Sercombe Kaushik Jagannathan took 3-6 (Ljubica Vrankovic)

United unable to convert

Usman Ashraf toiled hard with the ball on Saturday. (Jacob Pattison) 315347_01

Centurions keen to win By Tara Murray Werribee Centrals are hoping a good batting performance this weekend can set up its Victorian Turf Cricket Association Roy Picone Shield season. The Centurions are without a win after the first three rounds, but find themselves in a solid position after day one of their match with Glenroy. Centurions president and player Luke Allister said it hadn’t been the start to the season they were after. “It has been a little bit of a rough start to the year,” he said. “It’s been interrupted with weather and that stuff. “I feel like we are starting to get a few players coming back, as we’ve had a few players out unfortunately. “One of our players had a bit of an accident in the offseason overseas and will hopefully be back soon. “In our last game opening bowler Jayden [Golowka]… did his ACL running into bowl which was tough.” On Saturday, the Centurions were in action

on day one of their clash with Glenroy. Glenroy was bowled out for 223 in the 68th over. Allister said it was a tough slog in the field. “We have played them a lot over the years and they have a pretty talented side,” he said. “There wasn’t much in the wicket for the bowlers. Our captain Usman Ashraf bowled 30 overs, pretty much straight, which was a massive effort. “We’re a little short on bowlers at the moment.” Waqar Shah was the pick of the bowlers with 5-69. The Centurions will resume at 1-39 having faced nine overs at the end of day one. Allister said they were confident they could get the runs this Saturday. “We have a strong batting line up, that is our strength,” he said. “Hopefully we can hit the score with our batting power.” Allister said they were hoping a win would kick start their season. He said they believed that they were on the right track for not only this season, but the future.

“We have a lot of young guys coming through the twos,” he said. “Hopefully it will hold us in good stead. “We went through last season and we got blown out in just one game. We were a new team learning to play together, some teams have been together for five or six years. “Hopefully it’ll hold us in good stead this year and in the future. We have a good bunch of young kids, who will hopefully come up and take our spots.” Meanwhile, Point Cook is in trouble in its match with Maribyrnong Park St Marys. The Lions were bowled out for 187, with Vishay Ramchander the pick of the bowlers for Point Cook with four wickets. It was a disaster for Point Cook late on day one, as they crumbled to 6-45. In the Evans-Clark Shield, Point Cook Centrals are 1-33 in reply to Gellibrand’s 207, while Bellbridge is 5-37 in reply to Melton South Royals’ 169. In the Russell Pollock Shield, Wyndhamvale has already conceded first innings points to Seabrook.

Western United was made to pay for not hitting the scoreboard in its 1-0 A-League Men’s loss to the Newcastle Jets on Sunday. United headed up to Ballarat for the match and while it dominated for much of the performance it wasn’t able to come away with the win. All of the early play was in United’s attacking third as the home side aimed to bring the pressure on Newcastle from the outset. United had three early shots that weren’t on target before thinking it had hit the lead through Penha. Replays showed that the ball had gone out of play in the build-up, and the goal was ruled out. A goal to the Jets’ Apostolos Stamatelopoulos just before half-time would double United’s pain, as the Jets led at the break. United came out after half time focused on keeping its dominance going and hitting back on the scoreboard. The Jets were happy with the score line and set about managing the remainder of the game and sat deep in their defensive structure, limiting the space for United to exploit going forward. Nikata Rukavytsya came off the bench and injected some energy into the side and provided a piece of quality with a brilliant looping header into the back of the net in the 86th minute, but he was denied a maiden United goal by the offside flag. The Jets were able to deny United for the rest of the game. United has one win from its first four games and sits in the bottom two. There will be no action this week in the A-League as the competition breaks for an international break. In the A-League Women’s competition, Western United suffered a loss to the Wellington Phoenix on Sunday. The Phoenix led 2-0 at half time before extending the lead in the 76th minute through an own goal. Chloe Logarzo got one back late for United, but the damage was done, with the Phoenix winning 3-1.

Wednesday, 15 November, 2023 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 27

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