Star Weekly - Wyndham - 22nd November 2023 by Star Weekly

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22 NOVEMBER, 2023

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Western rail confusion By Cade Lucas

Artwork unveiled

The status of the Western Rail Plan remains unclear, despite the project surviving the federal government’s infrastructure review released on Wednesday last week. The review found the rail plan, which involves new electrified train lines for Wyndham Vale and Melton, would continued as proposed, with $30 million allocated for “further planning”. However, the Geelong Fast Rail project, which the state government had previously indicated needed to happen before the Western Rail Plan, was scrapped. A spokesperson for federal infrastructure minister Catherine King, said the proposed fast train between Melbourne and Geelong was not a serious project. In regards to the future of the Western Rail Plan, the spokesperson said it was the responsibility of the state government. When contacted, a spokesperson for Premier Jacinta Allan accepted the findings of the review, but failed to provide any details on what the Western Rail Plan could look like without the fast train to Geelong. “We’re continuing to plan for the future of public transport in Melbourne’s west, with a number of options for further improvements on the Melton and Wyndham Vale under consideration.” First announced ahead of the 2018 state election, the Western Rail Plan was designed to deliver metro train services to growing suburbs in the outer-west which currently rely on V-Line. New electrified train lines were to be built to Wyndham Vale and Melton, but were contingent on the Geelong Fast Rail project being completed first. With Geelong Fast Rail not receiving funding in either of this year’s state or federal budgets, both projects were cast into doubt and while the Western Rail Plan now seems set to continue, there is speculation new electrified train lines won’t be part of it. Elsewhere, almost $62 million was approved for the the planning and development of a new rail freight terminal in Truganina, but a business case for linking the terminal to the inland rail project had its funding removed. Construction of the $57 million Ison Road Overpass was also approved.

Central Werribee has received an injection of colour and culture with a large-scale mural on the outside façade of the Hunter Building on Synnot Street, now complete. Titled ‘Mooroop Yarkeen’ which translates to ‘Spirit Dreaming’ the 41-metre-tall mural is the work of Indigenous artist Tommy Day and will be officially launched this weekend. Day was commissioned to design and paint the mural by Wyndham council after consultation with Bunurong Traditional Owners, local First Nations communities and a public expression of interest process. He said the artwork, which took 12 days to complete, incorporated a range of elements and themes from the local landscape and community. “The mural is vibrant, vivid, rich in texture and references to the Wirribi Yaluk (Werribee River), sandhills and basalt plains, welcoming gum leaves, community coming together in unity, dreaming, and Bunjil’s flight,” said Day, adding that he also wanted to change the perception of what Indigenous art could be. “Aboriginal art is not just confined to gallery paintings, or woodcraft, or these things that the public think that’s what Aboriginal art is. I thought this was a perfect opportunity to challenge that, and say, ‘yeah, we can do this too, if given the chance’.” There is an official launch event for the community on Sunday, November 26 from 5pm to 7pm.

Mayor Jenny Barrera and artist Tom Day. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

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2 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 22 November, 2023

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Night work noise anger By Cade Lucas Late night maintenance works along a Werribee street have left local residents up in arms and lacking sleep. Since early October, workers contracted by Vic Roads have been performing tree maintenance on sugar gums along Geelong Road at any time from 8pm through to 1am. Long time resident Lisa Markovic said the evening work was unprecedented and came without warning. “I lived in this house for 13 years and I’ve never ever seen tree maintenance work at night time,” said Ms Markovic, who first found out about the works while watching television. “I was watching TV in the backroom and I heard what sounded like a chainsaw firing up. I ignored for a few minutes, but eventually went out to explore and saw the trucks and workers and a cherry picker.” For the next month maintenance crews from infrastructure services provider Ventia would arrive of an evening to prune the trees, cut off branches and then feed them into a woodchipper, with residents unaware of when they would arrive or leave. After a series of complaints, Vic Roads placed a notification of the works on its website, but Ms Markovic said this was an inadequate way of informing local residents and didn’t lessen the impact it had on their lives. “It could be 5 minutes for all I care, once you’re woken up by that kind of noise it’s really hard to get back to sleep,“ she said. “Honestly, for three weeks I slept in my back lounge room on the couch to try and get away from the noise at least a little bit.” While Ms Markovic lives alone, her neighbour Anna Rebesco has two young

Angry Werribee residents Anita Guzzardi, Amanda McCartney, Lisa Markovic, Kelly Spiteri, Stuart Higgins and Lynda Wilson. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

children, making the disruption even worse. “I had a toddler who was woken up each night and my son he missed a couple of days at school because of being kept awake by the noise.” Ms Rebesco said previous maintenance works had always occurred during the day, but that she’d noticed a difference since responsibility for the trees shifted from council to Vic Roads. “When council did it they did it during the

day and with traffic management,” she said. “These guys didn’t have traffic management that I could see. They had big logs crashing onto the ground and traffic wasn’t stopped that I could see.” The works along Geelong Road are believed to have ceased for now. Both Vic Roads and Ventia were contacted for comment.

NEWS

Seniors expo set to debut The countdown is on to the inaugural Wyndham Seniors Expo on Tuesday November 28 at Encore Events Centre in Hoppers Crossing. The free expo provides an opportunity for seniors and carers to learn about local services in Wyndham to help them age well and live their best lives. There will be a range of stalls to explore, including those featuring aids and equipment, social and leisure activities, health, safety, technology, finance and legal assistance. The event will also include a series of free talks covering aged care services, carer support services and confident living for older persons with topics such as online safety, scams, elder abuse, and home safety. Wyndham mayor Susan McIntyre said that the new event would provide elderly people and their families with easily accessible advice. “Navigating your way through different providers and information can be challenging; and the Wyndham Seniors Expo aims to help make that easier by bringing different services and agencies together under the same roof,” Cr McIntyre said. “There will be more than 50 different stallholders to explore at the Expo and it’s a great chance to be able chat face-to-face and ask lots of questions.” For more information about the Wyndham Senior Expo program, stallholders and accessibility visit www. wyndham.vic.gov.au/seniorexpo

Home is where the art is in new exhibition Art lovers will feel right at home in Wyndham early next month when a house is transformed into a public art installation. At Home Wyndham is a free, three day collaborative arts project that involves an existing, free-standing ‘real home’ becoming the host of exhibitions, community activations, events, screenings and a full program of talks exploring the notion of home. Created by Common Collective, At Home Wyndham will run from Friday December 1 to Sunday December 3. Wyndham councillor Marcel Mahfoud said the project will encourage people to think differently about the places in which they live. “At Home Wyndham explores different perspectives and ideas on the theme of home

and challenges and encourages the sharing of stories and experiences of home,” Cr Mahfoud said. “This unique project, a first in Wyndham transforms a house into a collaborative arts project.” The project features over 12 local artists and creatives alongside invited collaborators. Each artist will individually and collectively respond to the experience of home and the built environment, in the form of parties, photography, film, talks and research. For more information and to view the program, project, artists and to book free tickets visit: https://www.wyndham. vic.gov.au/whats-on/home and www. athome-project.com. The home that will be transformed into an art installation during At Home Wyndham from December 1 to 3. (supplied)

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4 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 22 November, 2023

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NEWS

Cr Barrera is new mayor Taking action By Cade Lucas Councillor Jennie Barrera is the new mayor of Wyndham after being elected unopposed at a council meeting on November 15. Cr Barrera succeeds councillor Susan McIntyre as mayor after serving as her deputy for the past 12 months. Councillor Josh Gilligan, who served as mayor in 2019-20, was elected the new deputy mayor ahead of councillor Sahana Ramesh who also contested the position. Both the new mayor and deputy mayor will serve for the final year of council’s four year term before elections are held in November 2024. Cr Barrera, who was first elected to council in 2020 and represents the Chaffey ward, said she was honoured to be elected to the position. “I’m extremely grateful to be given the opportunity to lead this wonderful city,” she said. “I’m looking forward to working with the deputy mayor and my fellow councillors over the next 12 months. The most important asset of this City is its people. As mayor, I will lead in a purpose-driven way, making sure our decisions impact positively on the people and residents of our wonderful city.” Cr Barrera is the CEO of the Wyndham Community and Education Centre and is also chairperson of the Wyndham Humanitarian Network and has has lived in Werribee for the past 30 years, raising four children in the area. She has a Bachelor of Arts, a Masters of Language and Literacy, an Advanced Diploma in Community Business Management and has also completed a PhD in History. In addressing council after her election, the new mayor said infrastructure and service delivery would be her main focus. “Wyndham City is the fastest growing

New Wyndham mayor, councillor Jennie Barrera (right), with her deputy, councillor Josh Gilligan, after both were elected at a council meeting on Wednesday November 15. (supplied)

the role and thanked her successor and former deputy, Cr Barrera, for her support, along with fellow councillors and council staff. She also thanked the Wyndham community, saying they were the reason she sought to become mayor in the first place. Finally, Cr McIntyre thanked her husband and two daughters for their support and said they’d now see a lot more of her. “I’ll reintroduce myself when I get home later.”

municipality in Australia. That means we have enormous challenges providing the services and infrastructure that our residents need,” Cr Barrera said. “I will work tirelessly to advocate for more funding to enhance those services and the infrastructure our residents need as your mayor over the next 12 months.” Speaking for the last time as mayor, Cr McIntyre told the meeting it had been an “an absolute honour and a privilege” to serve in

Wyndham will again be participating in a 16 day campaign against gender-based violence. The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that begins on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against women, and runs until December, 10, which is Human Rights Day. Wyndham mayor Jennie Barrera, said violence against women and sexual harassment should never be tolerated and each of us have a responsibility to call out violent acts. “Calling out gender inequality begins in our friendship groups, in our family, at our workplace and in our community,” she said. “Getting help and support for women who you believe may be in abusive relationships is also a critical step towards ending gender-based violence.” “Council is proud to be a part of the campaign this year and has training sessions and activities that we hope the community can join us for.” The council will be running two events that will assist in raising awareness of the impact of Family Violence of women with a disability. On November 28, there is an opportunity to hear from an award-winning author, writer and academic researcher in crime, justice and legal studies and on December 6 there is a lunch and learn training session. Wyndham community centres will be exhibiting a series of portraits of community leaders who are backing the campaign. Details: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/16days-of-activism

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High achieving youth

Briefs Jewellery theft

Queer Indigenous artist Alexavier Sigurdur is Wyndham’s young person of the month for November. Alexavier uses is perspective as a young Indigenous man from the Jardwadjali traditional lands to create art that explores and raises awareness of gender and sexuality. An example of this is his art work titled,‘Tchingal’s Eye,’ named after the emu from the Gariwerd (Grampians) creation story. Tchingal’s Eye was recently selected as part of Wyndham Youth Services, 2022 Q Art Project and featured in the 2022 Q Art Book publication and was on display at Point Cook Community Learning Centre and the

Youth Resource Centre is Hoppers Crossing. Outgoing Wyndham mayor Cr Susan McIntyre congratulated Alexander for using art to give voice to those less heard and to support and represent them in the Wyndham community. “Wyndham thanks Alexavier for the positive contribution he has made through his artistic expression,” Cr McIntyre said. “Alexavier is inspiring and provides a platform for those less heard and encourages inclusivity and acceptance.” Alexavier receives a $300 gift voucher of his choice and other prizes for winning the monthly award.

A man suspected of stealing jewellery from a Werribee business during an armed robbery late yesterday, is still at large. Police are investigating the incident which occurred at a business in Manly Street about 5.20pm on Wednesday, November 15. It’s understood the unknown male entered the premises and damaged glass cases in the store, before fleeing on foot with jewellery thought to be worth in the region of $20,000. Investigators later found some of the jewellery while searching the surrounding area, but were unable to locate the suspect. There were no injuries and the investigation remains ongoing.

EDITORIAL

Aquarius

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The upgrade of Truganina’s Aquarius Street Reserve is complete. Improvements including an upgraded kick-about space, expanded path network, new BBQs, upgraded park furniture and new bike hoops are now available for members of the public to use. Patrons will notice new toilets, more nature play and rubber softball areas and more garden beds and trees too. The work done to Aquarius Street Reserve is part of broader series of upgrades to reserves, parks and open spaces in Wyndham.

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Queer Indigenous artist, Alexavier Sigurdur, is Wyndham’s young person of the month for November.

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Help ease festive costs

NEWS

Firefighters honoured

By Cade Lucas Charities and not-for-profits in Wyndham are expecting more families than ever to ask for help this Christmas. The cost of living crisis and rising interest rates have already led to a spike in people accessing food banks and poverty services this year and with the Reserve Bank raising interest rates again on Melbourne Cup Day and Wyndham having one of the highest mortgage rates in the nation, the situation is expected to get even worse before the end of 2023. Uniting’s Emergency Relief Coordinator for Wyndham Maddy Farnaby said there had huge demand for their services this year as cost-of-living pressures stretched budgets to breaking point. “We’ve provided an average of 156 food parcels a week to Wyndham households this year, helping to feed potentially more than 600 people, many of whom will be children,” Ms Farnaby said. To try and ensure children and families across Wyndham don’t go without this festive season, Uniting Victoria and Tasmania are urging people to donate to their Christmas Gifts for Families Appeal. Donations of new gifts such as toys and puzzles, sports equipment, books, new clothes, e-gift cards or movie vouchers and gifts for adults are encouraged, while gifts can also be purchased online and delivered to Uniting’s Werribee office. And so families have something to put on the table on Christmas Day, donations of non-perishable food are also welcome. While the current appeal relates to the festive period, Ms Farnaby said Uniting would still be busy helping with basic necessities too. “Whether it’s the cost of rent, gas and

Uniting Wyndham’s Maddy Farnaby and Patricia Chimbwanda are encouraging locals to donate to their Christmas Gifts for Families Appeal. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

electricity or putting fuel in the car, we know people are really struggling. Affording the necessities is now out of reach for many and they’re having to choose between putting food on the table and paying their bills,” she said. “We support many renters - people on low incomes or income support - and they will be

concerned that the interest rate rises will again lead to further increases to their rents, which will increase the financial pressures already facing these households.” Donations can be made at Uniting Wyndham office at 1 Duncans Road, Werribee or at visit www.unitingvictas.org.au/local-christmas/

Country Fire Authority (CFA) staff members and firefighters from across Wyndham, Hume, Whittlesea and Melton were recently awarded national emergency medals for their efforts in the 2019-20 Australian bushfire crisis. At two ceremonies on November 12 and 13, 340 volunteer firefighters and CFA staff joined more than 5500 CFA members to receive the honour for the 2019-20 fires. The national emergency medal recognises significant or sustained service to others in a nationally significant Australian emergency. CFA District 14 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Tim Holland said they were an important recognition of the valiant efforts of CFA members. “The national emergency medal is a formal recognition that Australia appreciates the efforts and contributions of CFA members during the 2019-20 bushfire crisis,” he said. “It is a great honour to receive this medal and I hope it goes a small way to thanking our members for their service.” CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan spoke of his pride for the CFA members’ efforts during the 2019-20 fires. “But from that crisis arose the most remarkable human spirit of generosity and ‘lending a hand’. “Our medal recipients have exemplified that spirit, and I am incredibly proud of each and every one of them.”

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NEWS

A not so very merry campaign By Cade Lucas The operators of Pacific Werribee have pushed back at suggestions its controversial Merry Everything campaign is disrespectful. Pacific Werribee’s parent company QIC removed the Merry Everything signage from the shopping centre earlier this week, after a photo of it placed between Christmas trees and above a chair where children normally have photos taken with Santa, led to a fierce backlash. Pacific Werribee was accused of being ‘anti-Christian’ by using the word everything instead of Christmas, while others labeled the campaign ‘woke’, a ‘disgrace’ and said they’d

be getting their Santa photos taken elsewhere. Victorian state director of the Australian Christian Lobby, Jasmine Yue called the campaign an ‘own goal’ that had backfired. “Their marketing department has proven to be completely out of touch with the locals who made their displeasure known to the management in no uncertain terms, citing their disgust at the sidelining of an Australian cultural tradition,” Ms Yue said on social media. “The public backlash in this instance successfully saved Christmas with management replacing ‘Merry Everything’ signage with ‘Merry Christmas’ after just one day.”

While acknowledging that some of their customers were upset, Pacific Werribee general manager Ben Ling said the campaign had been misinterpreted and wasn’t designed to downplay Christmas or Christianity’s role in it. “Pacific Werribee’s ‘Merry Everything’ Christmas campaign is intended to showcase our incredible range of gift giving and festive offerings available at the centre, so customers can shop ‘everything’ this holiday season all in the one place,” Mr Ling said. “Our overriding objective is to create a vibrant and enjoyable shopping environment that meets the needs of our community, particularly in the lead-up to Christmas,

which is why we made the decision to change our signage from ‘Merry Everything’ to ‘Merry Christmas’. “We share our customers’ sentiment that Christmas represents the season of giving, and spending time with family and friends. We look forward to helping customers create memorable moments by providing the perfect gifts, ideas, competitions and events to make this Christmas special.” Designed by Jane Doe Creative, the Merry Everything campaign launched earlier this month and has been rolled out across all of QIC’s shopping centres. Pacific Werribee is believed to be the only centre to have had the campaign removed.

A slice of Werribee history goes on the market

The historic Picture Palais building in Werribee which is was recently put up for sale. (Supplied)

building houses a Cash Converters outlet and its recently extended lease is part of the offering.

Fitzroys’ Ervin Niyaz and Chris Kombi are marketing the property, with expressions of interest closing on Wednesday, November 29.

“This is an incredibly rare chance to own a piece of Werribee’s history,” Mr Kombi said. “The Picture Palais played a huge role in the cultural life of Werribee as it transformed from a rural township into a major suburb and commercial centre of Melbourne’s south west. We’re expecting interest from buyers with a keen appreciation for the history of Werribee and Wyndham.” Mr Kombi said the level interest already received reflected Wyndham’s growing status as an investment destination. “We have received strong interest in the property from local buyers along with Melbourne and interstate-based investors. Werribee is considered one of the few remaining Victorian suburbs with significant growth potential.”

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A piece of Wyndham history is up for grabs with the landmark Picture Palais building in Werribee listed for sale. The building in Station Place opened as a movie theatre in 1928 - a boom period for the construction of custom-built cinemas in Australia - having been constructed for Melbourne promoters, W.Mitchell of Elsternwick and F. Foulsham of Caulfield, with local hotelier and former mayor D.J. Canny. When the first talking picture came to Werribee in 1932, Mother’s Millions, it was shown at the Picture Palais, and it was reported at the time that extra seats had to be provided for the crowd of over 1,000 people – deemed the largest crowd ever seen in Werribee to that time . Over 90 years on, the Picture Palais

Wednesday, 22 November, 2023 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 9

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New voice for business By Cade Lucas The new chairman of the Committee for Wyndham is hoping to make it more forceful voice for business in the municipality. Sanctuary Lakes businessman Craig Kennedy was last month elected as the committee’s new chairman, taking over from Peter Mayall who had held the role since 2016. A lifelong Wyndham resident, owner of telecommunications company Kenstra and former owner of local Telstra dealerships and the Telstra Business Technology Centre in Hoppers Crossing, Mr Kennedy said he was approached to become chairman due to his extensive business to business experience in the area. He said Wyndham needed a strong and unified voice for business. “Even though Wyndham is huge in terms of population it doesn’t have a chamber of commerce,” Mr Kennedy said. “You’ve got a lot of fragmented business groups, there is no real peak representative body.” The Committee for Wyndham was established in 1998 and is the third oldest committee of its type in Australia. Mr Kennedy said among his first priorities would be advocating for big picture infrastructure projects such as East Werribee, the Avalon Airport train station and the Western Industrial Freight Terminal. He also wanted the committee to act as a conduit between big and small businesses in Wyndham. “One of the things about Wyndham is that it has about 35000 businesses, but about 22000 are either micro businesses or sole traders so we want to connect large businesses to small businesses,” Mr Kennedy said. “There’s a lot of large business in

Craig Kennedy is the new chairman of the Committee for Wyndham. (supplied)

Wyndham, but the people who manage or own them don’t live in Wyndham, so we wanna help those guys connect to local Wyndham business and connect each other locally.” Bridging the gap between Wyndham’s heavily multicultural workforce and locally owned businesses is another area Mr Kennedy wants to address, flagging initiatives to help

migrants understand Australian workplace culture and be workplace ready. “We believe that strong and vibrant business community helps the broader community’ Mr Kennedy said. Committee for Wyndham CEO Barbara McLure is also set to depart the organisation with a replacement to be announced in the new year.

Beware of grassfires With the El Niño weather pattern bringing reduced rainfall and warmer temperatures this summer, RACV is encouraging Victorians, including those in Wyndham, to be mindful of the heightened risk of grassfires. RACV is urging Victorians to understand the characteristics and behaviour of grassfires to help reduce the risk to their family and property and encourages everyone to take proactive measures to maintain their home to help mitigate the risk of grassfires. RACV head of home and business insurance Kirsty Hayes said that in addition to bushfires, grassfires can occur in both regional and suburban areas. “Grassfires can destroy property and cost lives. In extreme conditions, grassfires can spread faster than a bushfire. Embers can travel in strong winds, fall near or on homes and other buildings and start new fires,” Ms Hayes said. “Regardless of your location, now is the time to make sure you have prepared your home for fire risks – and if you feel you can’t tackle these jobs yourself, RACV Trades have a range of qualified tradies that can help you get these jobs done.“ The Country Fire Authority (CFA) has information to help all Victorians understand their risk and have a plan at: www.cfa.vic.gov.au

FLOATING CHRISTMAS TREE SOUND AND LIGHT SHOWS

Christmas in Geelong

Information session for the meat and poultry processing industry Do you operate a business in the meat and poultry processing or manufacturing industry?

CHRISTMAS PROJECTIONS

GIANT SELFIE TRAIL

Nightly from 8.30pm to 11.30pm until 7 January.

Capture precious memories at one or all of the 20 locations.

Nightly from 8.30pm to midnight until 7 January.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY SOUND AND LIGHT SHOWS

SANTA LETTERS

Pet owners and your furry friends, this one is for you!

Same great show in a special earlier timeslot, Saturdays in December.

Six mailboxes across our region, he’d love to hear from you!

SCHOOL CHRISTMAS TREES

COMPETITIONS

Many workers in this industry are considered labour hire workers under the Labour Hire Licensing Act 2018 (Vic). If your business provides or uses these workers, it’s important to understand and comply with your obligations under the Act – penalties exceeding $600,000 can apply for non-compliance. As part of a focus on key labour hire industries, Victoria’s Labour Hire Authority (LHA) will be conducting compliance activities at meat processing facilities in 2023/24. LHA is holding a free, tailored information session for meat and poultry businesses at 11am on 28 November 2023.

SANTA PET PHOTOS

The session will be presented by Labour Hire Licensing Commissioner, Steve Dargavel, and will provide information on: • The labour hire licensing scheme and business’ obligations • What to expect from an LHA compliance visit • Key issues in the meat and poultry industries • Recent LHA compliance and enforcement activities • Resources to support compliance There will also be an opportunity to speak with the Commissioner and ask questions.

Session details 11.00am – 12.00pm Tuesday, 28 November 2023

CHRISTMAS IN THE GARDENS

Community Hub at the Dock 912 Collins Street, Docklands VIC 3008

Scan the QR code or visit geelong.link/Christmas for the full Christmas in Geelong program 12650342-HC47-23

10 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 22 November, 2023

Free family event! Saturday 16 Dec Geelong Botanic Gardens.

12651194-JC47-23

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Wednesday, 22 November, 2023 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 11

BUSINESS IN FOCUS

Advertising feature

Helping clients into work

Explore Victoria in style Think you’ve seen all the sights of Victoria? Join the new seven-day Alpine Lakes Adventure with Christians Travel and you’ll see a whole lot more. The company’s tour of this lakes region has quickly become one of its most popular. With the first departure fully booked, a second is scheduled for March 2024. Autumn highlights include Opera on the Lakes as well as cruising down the great inland waterway for lunch at the famous Metung Pub. Christians Travel is the coach coordination arm of the Christians Bus group – which recently acquired Bacchus Marsh Coaches. The family-owned business is bringing its exclusive itineraries to the travellers of Melbourne’s inner west. The compnay’s award-winning

fleet of vehicles will pick you up from home, an offer that hundreds of clients in regional Victoria already take advantage of. Other upcoming tours include Norfolk Island (6 April and 28 Sep 2024), Private Gardens in Autum (15 April 2024), Great Victorian Silo Art Tour (22 April 2024), Flinders Island and King Island (1 May 2024), South Australian Outback Adventure (22 May 2024), Broken Hill Outback Arts Trail (5 Aug 2024), Canberra Flower Festival (13 September 2024), Kangaroo Island Coorong Cruise (3 October20 24). Take the complexities and stress out of travel and call the team at Christians Travel today on 5255-5252 or go to www. christiansbus.com.au/multi-day-tours/

Not-for-profit NDIS provider Gellibrand Support Services has for more than 50 years supported people who live with disabilities. One of its key aims is to support clients to achieve outcomes they want as valued community members. Employment – both paid and volunteer – is a recent outcome clients are experiencing as a result of years of support from Gellibrand. Duy Nguyen has lived in a Gellibrand group home since 2013. He lives with an acquired brain injury and has historically experienced social and physical challenges, including needing a wheelchair for mobility. However, he expressed his goal to one day have a job. Duy is a computer whizz – he recently built his own from scratch – and, in 2022, after an interview process, Gellibrand Support Services was able to offer Duy a part-time job with the technology maintenance crew. Similarly, this year long-term Gellibrand client Stephen Cauchi achieved his goal to contribute to a workplace, which, for him, is as a volunteer at a St Vincent de Paul’s op shop. When his support team realised how much Stephen loved op shopping, they made enquiries about whether he could volunteer at Vinnies. Stephen patiently worked through a long process of passing administrative checks before his first day finally came. He arrived for his first shift full of enthusiasm for his tasks, especially because they included managing storage of vinyl records, the artwork on which he loves. Gellibrand also has clients who staff cafes and assist with Gellibrand’s corporate proofreading, while others work in nature preservation. People who live with a disability want to be valued members of the community.

Gellibrand client Stephen Cauchi.

Becoming workers or volunteers is one way this happens and Gellibrand is all about supporting them to reach goals like these.

Gellibrand is passionate about supporting people with disabilities to live their best life; in their way, with whom and where they choose. Our philosophy is about putting people first: Real People, Real Connection, Real Service, Real Outcomes is our passion and our commitment. Gellibrand offers supported accommodation (SIL & SDA), support coordination, community participation 1:1, Meaningful Activities in Partnership (group community participation) and respite supports (STA and MTA) . Gellibrand currently have 6 vacancies in Wyndham, 1 vacancy in Hobsons Bay, 2 vacancies in Melton (Robust House) and 2 vacancy in the Ballarat. For all enquiries please contact us through any of the following channels.

gellibrand.org.au | services@gellibrand.org.au | 9300 5491

12649792-AA47-23

12 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 22 November, 2023

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

COMMUNITY

High tea with a VIEW to helping The Point Cook VIEW Club fundraises to support the education of disadvantaged schoolchildren throughout Australia as part of its Learning for Life program. On Friday, the group held a high tea to raise money. VIEW, which stands for Voice, Interest and Education of Women, is part of The Smith Family. The Point Cook club was established in 2008. Currently the club sponsors six children ranging from seven to 16 years old and raises approximately $6000 per year to support these children. It also supports the local community including this year helping provide library bags after a school requested them, while its main fundraising events are Christmas and Mother’s Day gift wrapping at Stockland Point Cook. The group holds meetings on the fourth Wednesday of the month at the Point Cook Community Centre commencing at 12pm. Details : Catherine on 0407 726 852.

One of the guests enjoys the afternoon tea. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Marg Woodhouse (left) and Bev Orgill.

Two ladies sharing a cup of tea at the event.

Anne Bull, Marg Woodhouse, Bev Orgill and Betty Seah. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

12650386-AP47-23

Ladies enjoying thehigh tea. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

2nd December 2023 (Sat) 11am to 3pm

QUEST WERRIBEE 69 Synnot Street, Werribee Wednesday, 22 November, 2023 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 13

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

HAVE YOUR SAY

Little Bont is back in a book

Wyndham Heritage Review Stage 2 Study - Residential Places and Precincts Wyndham City Council seeking community feedback on the findings of Stage 2 of the Wyndham Heritage Review. We welcome feedback from landowners and the community on the draft recommendations. Consultation is open until Friday 15 December 2023. To find out more, register for an information session, and share your feedback, visit The Loop or contact us for post, phone and email options.

12650735-FC47-23

theloop.wyndham.vic.gov.au/heritage-review heritage.review@wyndham.vic.gov.au PO Box 197, Werribee, Victoria 3030 03 9742 0777

Beloved Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli is back with his second children’s book, with a heartwarming family story. Dedicated to his devoted Nonna Paola, who always encouraged him to be the ‘campione del mondo’ or champion of the world, Little Bont’s Brave Play is an inspiring story about facing your fears and finding the courage to bounce back and carry on. And, of course, there’s a little bit of footy. Co-written with Fiona Harris and illustrated by Megan Higgins, Little Bont’s Brave Play is a triumph of the human spirit and the incredible impact grandmothers can have on young lives. “As we know, our grandparents become an extension of our parents when life gets busy, especially with three siblings,” Bontempelli said. “Grandparents get to do all the spoiling and hopefully suffer less of the full-time headaches. After dedicating my first children’s book to my Nanny Nancy in Little Bontand the Big Secret, I jumped at the opportunity to reflect on my Italian heritage and dedicate Little Bont’s Brave Play to my Nonna. “Such a strong and cheerful person, always welcomed with a smile and hug, but would be especially known for her sense of humour. “Encouraging me from a young age to be “campione del mondo“ or “champion of the world“ which I embraced as chase your dreams, there’s no doubt this impacted my pursuit of one day playing in the AFL.” While writing childrens’ books is something different for an AFL footballer, Bontempelli said it’s a good way to connect with the younger generation.

Bontempelli with his book (Supplied)

“It’s a nice legacy piece to hopefully influence the kids long after I can kick a football,” he said. Maybe they won’t forget me as quickly.” For the champion Bulldog a big season awaits, after missing finals for the first time since the 2018 season. Bontempelli said another premiership for the Dogs trumps any personal accolade, including his fifth club best and fairest that he received earlier this year. “I try to influence the game the best way I know how, [the best and fairest] is a nice acknowledgement that the work you put in is vindicated,” he said. “But by no means is it a main priority, the next Bulldogs’ premiership tops that list. “And I guess five times means that I’ve been around a while now, so if anything it shows I’m closer to the end than the beginning and to make the most of every moment.”

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2023 The Board of Tweddle Child & Family Health Service is pleased to invite interested members of the public to attend its 103rd Annual General Meeting. When: 29 November 2023 | Time: 3pm – 4pm Where: 239-245 Princes Highway, Werribee 12649963-MS47-23

To register your attendance, please contact Sam Gates-Scovelle on 8387 0607 or sam.gates-scovelle@tweddle.org.au

www.tweddle.org.au 12648713-AA47-23

14 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 22 November, 2023

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS

Patients waiting in emergency By Cade Lucas More than 60 per cent of emergency patients at Werribee Mercy Hospital were not treated within the recommended time last quarter. The results contained in the latest Victorian Agency for Health Information Report, show that from July to September this year, just 39 per cent of emergency admissions to Werribee Mercy were treated within the recommended time, the lowest of any hospital in the state and less than half the statewide target of 80 per cent. Despite being an improvement on both the previous quarter and the corresponding time last year, Werribee Mercy was still over 6 per

cent below second last Ballarat Base Hospital and 30 per cent below the statewide average of 69.7 per cent. Recommended wait times for emergency patients vary depending on their condition, with those requiring resuscitation considered category 1 and in need of immediate treatment, while non-urgent patients are considered category 5 and to be treated within two hours. The median wait time for emergency patients at Werribee Mercy was also the longest in the state, at 38 minutes, two minutes faster than previous quarter, but slower than the 37 minutes for July to September 2022. Ballarat Base Hospital was next best

at 36 minutes, while the Victorian Heart Hospital was the best performing emergency department in the state with a median wait time of just four minutes. In the 90th percentile measurement, indicating the amount of time in which 90 per cent of all patients were seen by a doctor or nurse, Werribee Mercy fared slightly better at 141 minutes, seven minutes better than the previous quarter and more than half an hour ahead of University Hospital Geelong which recorded a state worst of 175 minutes. Werribee Mercy Hospital General Manager, Maree Pane, said the results reflected the strain Wyndham’s rapid growth had put the hospital under, but that changes to improve

performance were underway. “We’re working to alleviate these pressures through the planned Werribee Mercy Hospital Emergency Department expansion,” Ms Pane said. “This expansion will increase treatment spaces and double our Emergency Department’s capacity, reducing wait times for the local community. While we progress this expansion in partnership with the Victorian Health Building Authority, we remain committed to improving the performance of our Emergency Department and continuing to deliver high quality healthcare to the community.”

Councillor McIntyre reflects on year as mayor When asked to nominate the highlight of her time as Wyndham mayor, councillor Susan McIntyre was quick to answer. “I love the citizenship ceremonies,” said the 55 year old whose one year term in the role ended last week. The former mayor’s fondness for citizenship ceremonies isn’t so surprising given her own history. “I mean I’ve only been here 12 years in the country and I’m the newest citizen in our councillor group,” said Cr McIntyre who migrated from her native England with her husband and two daughters in 2011. Her fondness is even easier to understand given how she got her own Australian citizenship. “I actually had my citizenship ceremony online and it took about 5 mins in total and

Former Wyndham mayor, councillor Susan McIntyre, whose one year term ended last week. (supplied)

you got your certificate in the post.” It’s a stark contrast to the ceremonies Cr McIntyre presided over after assuming the

mayoralty in November 2022. “I’ve done 54 ceremonies with over 12000 residents becoming citizens which I believe is the most across the country,” she said, adding that the cohort of new citizens was as diverse as it was large. “We have refugees seeking asylum to economic migrants, to people just wanting to be reunited with the families, we have such a cross section of people and it’s not unusual to have many people in tears.” As rewarding as this was, Cr McIntyre said accommodating all these new citizens and the many others making Wyndham the fastest growing municipality in the country, had been the toughest part of the job. “We’ve got 320,00 residents at the moment and by 2040 we’ll be over 500,000. We’ve got 110 to 130 babies born a week here in

Wyndham, so the biggest challenge for us is advocating for the resources we need for infrastructure,” she said, adding that much of this growth was already locked in and beyond council’s control. “For the next 15 years land has already been assigned for development. What we need to do is work with government to get infrastructure in place to accommodate it and make it liveable.” Cr McIntyre also nominated Wyndham’s improved presentation through new local laws, litter blitzes and rapid response rubbish removal as something she was proud of anwd expressed confidence that her successor and former deputy, Cr Jennie Barrera, would do a good job. Cade Lucas

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Wednesday, 22 November, 2023 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 15

FEATURING ... HEALTHY LIVING

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comfort, Sayers Dental consistently delivers outcomes that exceed expectations. However, Sayers Dental’s impact transcends the clinical realm. The team is deeply ingrained in the community, actively participating in outreach programs and initiatives that promote oral health awareness. By empowering individuals with knowledge and resources, they are championing a future

where radiant smiles are not just a luxury, but a fundamental aspect of overall well-being. In an era where healthcare experiences can often feel impersonal, Sayers Dental reignites the essence of personalised care. Their commitment to excellence, compassion, and community upliftment cements their position as a paragon of dental practices. Sayers Dental isn’t just about dental treatments; it’s

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In the bustling world of healthcare, where precision and empathy intertwine, there emerges a beacon of oral wellness and radiant smiles – Sayers Dental. With an unwavering commitment to delivering top-tier dental care, Sayers Dental stands as a testament to excellence, compassion, and innovation in the field of dentistry. At the heart of Sayers Dental’s ethos is a dedication to nurturing not only teeth but also the overall well-being of every patient who walks through their doors. From the moment one step into their inviting clinic, a sense of warmth envelops, immediately dissolving dental anxieties. The team at Sayers Dental understands that a visit to the dentist can often be intimidating, and thus they have created an environment that fosters comfort and reassurance. What truly sets Sayers Dental apart is the team of highly skilled and empathetic professionals. Every dentist, hygienist, and support staff member embodies the practice’s core values of integrity, respect, and patient-centred care. They take the time to listen, educate, and tailor treatments to the unique needs of each individual. Whether it’s a routine cleaning, a complex procedure, or a smile makeover, Sayers Dental’s experts go above and beyond to ensure optimal results and patient satisfaction. In the realm of modern dentistry, Sayers Dental stands at the forefront of innovation. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and techniques, the team offers a comprehensive range of services that encompass preventive care, restorative solutions, and cosmetic enhancements. From advanced digital imaging for precise diagnostics to minimally invasive procedures that prioritise patient

FEATURING ... HEALTHY LIVING

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Specialist plastic surgery available in Werribee

Dr Broughton Snell’s consultations focus on individualised approaches and patient satisfaction.

benign enlargement of male breast tissues. ■ Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck): Focused on removing excess, lax skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen. ■ Liposuction: This is performed by removing excess fat deposits to reshape specific areas of the body. Face Surgery Dr Snell’s proficiency extends to facial

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Are you considering plastic surgery or seeking information about a specific procedure? Coco Ruby Plastic Surgery is pleased to announce that specialist plastic surgeon Dr Broughton Snell has started consulting at St. Vincent’s Private Hospital, Werribee. As a fully qualified specialist plastic surgeon, Dr Snell completed his Fellowship with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Known for his commitment to surgical excellence and patient care, Dr Snell brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his practice. His repertoire covers a comprehensive range of procedures, each tailored to meet the unique needs of every patient. Dr Snell prioritises holistic patient well-being, offering compassionate guidance throughout the surgical journey. His knowledge spans across hand surgery, skin surgery, breast and body surgery, and various facial procedures. Hand Surgery Dr Snell provides comprehensive hand surgery services addressing conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and trigger finger, aiming to restore optimal hand functionality and alleviate discomfort. Skin Surgery With a vast knowledge base, Dr Snell effectively treats diverse skin conditions, including Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC). Breast and Body Surgery Dr Snell also performs a diverse range of Breast and Body procedures: ■ Breast Surgery: Offering breast augmentation, mastopexy, reduction mammaplasty, fat transfer ■ Breast Augmentation, and Inverted Nipple Correction. ■ Gynaecomastia (Male Breast Reduction): He performs this procedure to address

Wednesday, 22 November, 2023 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 17

DINING OUT

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Be merry and leave the washing up to someone else Dining out for Christmas has become increasingly popular for several reasons, reflecting changing lifestyles, societal shifts, and evolving attitudes toward the holiday season. Here are some factors contributing to the rising popularity of dining out during Christmas: Convenience and Time-Saving: The holiday season is often a busy time with preparations, shopping, and festivities. Many individuals and families find it more convenient to dine out for Christmas, saving time that would otherwise be spent planning, cooking, and cleaning up after a festive meal. Restaurants provide a hassle-free option, allowing people to enjoy the holiday without the stress of extensive meal preparation. Changing Family Dynamics: Traditional family structures have evolved over the years, with more people living in different cities or countries from their immediate families. This geographical dispersion can make it challenging for everyone to gather at one location for a home-cooked Christmas meal. Dining out provides a solution, allowing individuals and smaller family units to come together in a neutral, festive environment. Culinary Variety and Expertise: Restaurants often offer diverse and expertly crafted holiday menus that go beyond what the average home cook might prepare. This appeals to those who want to experience unique flavors, special holiday dishes, and culinary expertise. Many restaurants take pride in creating festive menus that showcase creativity and showcase the best of their culinary skills. Reduced Stress and Responsibilities: Hosting a Christmas gathering at home involves extensive planning, preparation, and cleanup. For those who want to minimize stress and enjoy a more relaxed holiday experience, dining out provides a welcome alternative. It eliminates the need for grocery

Social Aspect and Shared Experience: Dining out during Christmas provides a social experience that goes beyond the confines of home. People appreciate the festive ambiance, the opportunity to dress up, and the shared experience of enjoying a special meal together. Restaurants often go to great lengths to create a warm and inviting atmosphere during the holiday season. Availability of Options for Different Preferences: With an increasing focus on dietary preferences and restrictions, dining out offers a plethora of options to accommodate

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various tastes and dietary needs. Whether someone prefers a traditional Christmas feast, a vegetarian spread, or international cuisine, restaurants can cater to diverse preferences. In conclusion, the growing popularity of dining out for Christmas can be attributed to a combination of convenience, changing family dynamics, culinary variety, reduced stress, and a desire for a modern and shared festive experience. As this trend continues, restaurants are likely to adapt and enhance their offerings to meet the evolving preferences of patrons during the holiday season.

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Wednesday, 22 November, 2023 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 19

FEATURING ... MY BUSINESS

Advertising feature

Massive Black Friday toy sale Aussie Toys Online, an independent Australian-owned business, is gearing up for a festive shopping season by announcing a spectacular Black Friday sale, offering customers an opportunity to snag their favourite toys at up to 65 per cent off until 1 December 2023. Catering to a diverse clientele, Aussie Toys Online has become a household name, especially in regional Australia. Despite being a small business, it has managed to carve out a niche for itself with a loyal customer base that extends not only across the country but also reaches international destinations, including New Zealand and North America. “We consider ourselves more than just a business; we’re a family dedicated to providing our customers with an exceptional shopping experience,“ said manager Sarah Thomas. “Our commitment is to deliver joy and happiness to children and families, and this Black Friday sale is our way of spreading the holiday cheer.“ Known for their extensive collection, Aussie Toys Online boasts a wide range of quality toys, featuring popular brands like Bluey, Goo Jit Zu, The Wiggles, Hey Duggee, Paddington Bear, Octonauts, Thomas and Friends, Akedo, and many more. The selection also includes timeless classics such

as Jenga, ensuring there’s something for every child’s taste and preference. In addition to toys, the company offers a diverse array of products, including costumes, books, and children’s homewares. The comprehensive range makes Aussie Toys Online a one-stop-shop for parents and gift-givers, seeking high-quality, entertaining, and educational items for children. To celebrate the holiday season and give back to its loyal customers, Aussie Toys Online has launched its Black Friday sale, featuring discounts of up to 65 per cent on selected items. The promotion runs until 1 December 2023, providing shoppers with an excellent opportunity to stock up on gifts for the upcoming festive season. “We understand the importance of making the holiday season special, and our Black Friday sale is designed to make quality toys and gifts more accessible to families.” For those looking to take advantage of these incredible deals, Aussie Toys Online encourages shoppers to visit the website at aussietoysonline.com.au and explore the diverse product offerings. With stocks limited, customers are advised to act swiftly to secure the best deals on their favourite toys before the sale concludes on 1 December 2023.

Sarah and Will get ready for the massive Black Friday sale at Aussie Toys.

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. ■ 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. ■ Patricia, 0434 487 360 or wattongroup131@gmail.com.

All Abilities and Walking Netball All Abilities Netball and Walking Netball are held at Eagle Stadium, Ballan Road, Werribee. All Abilities Netball is for 10 to 25-year–olds and is run every Saturday morning during school terms from 10.30am on outside court 14. Intellectual, physical and social disabilities are catered for in a fun and supported group. 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. Come and try your first session for free, with stadium entry $2. ■ Phil, 0437 078 739

Wyndham Rotary Wyndham Rotary welcomes people interested in helping people in need in the community. Interested in finding out more, come to the Italian Sports Club each Wednesday at 6.30pm for a meal, to share ideas and to work for a common cause. ■ Julie, 0406 196 630 20 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 22 November, 2023

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Jessika Moveeley at the Kyneton Cup. (Damjan Janevski) 372769_01

Friends of Presidents Park 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. ■ admin@werribeeriver.org.au

Seniors House of Fun The Grange Community Centre would like to invite the seniors of Wyndham to its weekly Seniors House of Fun. This is a free program running every

Friday 11am-12.30pm, at The Grange Community Centre, 260-280 Hogans Road, Hoppers Crossing. ■ Vanessa, 8742 8000 or enquires@ grangecommunity.org.au

Seniors club The Werribee Senior Citizens Club meets at 80 Lonsdale Circuit, Hoppers Crossing. The group is open to all people 55-plus and it runs on Wednesdays, 10am- noon. Entry: $2, includes morning tea. ■ 0403 041 499

Diabetes Support Group The Werribee Diabetes support group has been active in our community for more than

18 years providing advice, information and support for members of the group. The support group provides an opportunity to hear from experts on how to manage your diabetes, to share information on diabetes and to engage with other diabetics Meetings are at the old council shire buildings at 10am every second Friday of the month. ■ Bob, 0409 252872.

Hoppers Crossing Ladies Probus The friendly and vibrant group meet at Hotel 520 on the second Wednesday of each month from 10am. They have a guest speaker each month as well as social lunches, outings and theatre trips. ■ 0408 123 669

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.

easy

1 2 5

5 1

7 9 7

7 3 2

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

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS

DOWN

Bliss (8) Thespians (6) Punctuation mark (5) Cancer of the blood-forming tissues (9) Shun (6) Galley (7) Diplomatic representative sent on a mission (8) Mowing tool (6) From the mouth (5) Giving (8) Reproduction (7) Siddhartha Gautama (6) Dangerous aquatic reptile (9) Confined to an area (5) A planet (6) Prison-breakers (8)

1 5 10 11 12 13 14 15 18 20 21 24 27 28 29 30

No. 160

Wealthy (4) Truce (9) Break violently (5) Small US state (8) In a state of disorder (7) Activeness, effort (coll) (5) Type of steel (9) Male deer (4) Humiliate (9) Dental soreness (9) Hound of Hades (8) Lever setting off a gun (7) Flyer (5) Singing voice (4) Greek letter (5) Additional (4)

1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 14 16 17 19 22 23 25 26

DECODER

No. 160

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

4 4 5

10 11 12 13

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

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

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

Today’s Aim: 14 words: Good 21 words: Very good

Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down. NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

QUICK QUIZ

NURTURE OUTLIVE

TREES TYING VASTS 6 LETTERS DAPPER EERIER MOOTED ROAMED 7 LETTERS COMFORT CREMATE EDUCATE MUSTARD

8 LETTERS ARMOURED DOMESTIC FISHIEST THRILLER 11 LETTERS COMMISERATE VACATIONING

Vasco da Gama was the first European to reach which country by sea?

Patrick Mahomes plays which position for the Kansas City Chiefs?

What is American rapper Ice Cube’s (pictured) real name?

In what year was American singer Selena murdered by her fan club president?

What type of currency is used in Vanuatu?

Which Ancient Greek goddess was also known by the name Kore?

What play was Abraham Lincoln watching when he was shot?

A S T Y L T R A L O U R

No. 160

A K E D

GOUGE GREET HOIST INANE IVORY MATTE MEANT MERGE NAILS NEVER NOTES NULLA REUSE SCENT SODAS STEAL STEEL STUDY STUMP SWELL TIRES TORSO

24-11-23

P U F

4 LETTERS AGES AIRS BEST CARS CYST GETS JIGS JUST NAGS ODES ONUS SECT SELL STEP VICE

H E D S

5 LETTERS ALIBI ANVIL AUDIT AVERT BLAST BLUER BUTTE CALVE CHEAT CHEFS DEEDS DELVE DONOR DROSS EASED EBBED EDGES EMITS ENSUE EVENT FONTS

No. 160

$ 9 ( 5 7

flow, flown, flows, folk, fool, fools, fowl, fowls, loft, lofts, look, looks, loon, loos, loot, loots, lost, lows, slot, slow, solo, stool, tool, tools, TOWNSFOLK, wolf, wolfs, wool

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

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

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”.

28 words: Excellent

hard

medium

9-LETTER WORD

easy

5x5

4 1 5 3 7 6

2 4 4 5 8 2

W P Q T I O G Y C A N S Z

9 8 6

X J H U M L R B E V F D K

3 LETTERS ADO AMP ARE ASH AVO BEE CPA DEN EAR ELM ERR HEW HUE ICE NEE NOR ODE OVA PAL PAS RUG UTE VIA

WORDFIT

Sandra Oh played Cristina Yang on which TV series? The name Vanessa was invented by which author in the 1700s?

10 The Saturn gaming console was developed by which company ANSWERS: 1. India 2. O’Shea Jackson Sr 3. Vatu 4. Persephone 5. Grey’s Anatomy 6. Johnathan Swift 7. Quarterback 8. 1995 9. Our American Cousin 10. Sega

No. 160

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

SUDOKU

Wednesday, 22 November, 2023 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 21

SECTION STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

networkclassifieds.com.au Trades & Services V Concrete Products & Services

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AIR CONDITIONING COOLING & HEATING • House • Commercial, Evaporator Coolers • Ducted Heaters • Split System, Commercial Refrigeration System, % Supplying, Installation, Service Interest • Repair • Get done by us Payment Plans Industrial Ave, Hoopers Crossing 3029

S ERVICEg MAN S n

aperi HANDY � Wallp JOHN’S y � Doors � Paintibnlyg� All Odd Jobs

ntr sem � Carpe � Flat Pack As Free Quotes 019 � Tiling o job too small 9395 5 N 967 or

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Wash/seal old

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Martin 0418 171 280 or 9748 3196

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(include your name, address and phone number)

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Lou’s Colorbond Fencing Gates & Pergolas ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ Lou 0412 339 445 Tony 0431 339 739 ฀

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Services • Repairs • Maintenance Over 30 years experience, All types of Air Con, Evap Cooler & Gas Heating System AU31693

Call 0430 332 368

House slabs

M & D MICALLEF

Online: networkclassiﬁeds.com.au (24/7) Phone: 1300 666 808 (Open 8.30-5pm Mon-Fri) Email: sales@networkclassiﬁeds.com.au

Call 1300 850 696 or 0433 874 699 www.surefreeze.com.au L065074

12335742-HM02-17

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12420493-CG25-19

Kitchens & Bathroom Renovations Free Onsite Quote Pensioner / Senior discount Local Technicians

· Plumbing · Tiling · Electrical · Carpentry · Plastering · One stop shop - Kitchen, bathroom, laundries & renovation needs. · Complete service from start to finish, including kitchen 3D design. · Appliance packages available. · Bathroom tapware, accessories & tiles on display in our showroom.

0499 929 222 0401 013 153

Showroom by appointment only Free Quotes & Mobile Ensuite Hire. terms & conditions apply Please note that we specialise in renovations - we do not do repairs or maintenance

0488 816 557

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AMAZING GARDEN SERVICES

Phone John: 0401 763 559

www.topedgekitchens.com.au

Call Joe 0498 375 094 - 7 days

P & A GATT P/L EXPERT CONCRETE WORK

LAWN MOWING & FENCING SERVICES

Exposed aggregate, slate, stencil, colour & plain concrete Exposed aggregate pressure washing, concrete cutting & re-sealing

Altona, Laverton, Hoppers Crossing, Werribee. • Hedge Trimming • Lawn Edges • All Rubbish Removal • Small Tree Loggings • Fencing - Timber Paling & Colorbond

12618954-SM27-23

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SMALL SMALL CONCRETING CONCRETING JOBS JOBS

AK BRICKLAYING All Types of Bricklaying Restoration Work ฀Brick Fences ฀Repair Work

Contact Adam 0422 250 675 V Cabinet Makers

"We do all the small jobs that the bigger companies don't have time for" Up to 60 square metres Shed floors, paths, driveways etc. Coloured, plain, slate and stencil. FREE MEASURE & QUOTE Workmanship guaranteed, with over 30 years experience

Phone Tony 0404 775 573

KITCHEN REVIVAL Specialising in quality kitchen facelifts Re-laminating existing bench tops & doors New cabinets-Kitchen, Laundry, Bathroom

Call Chris 9399 8104 or 0419 329 550

Specialist in • Lawn mowing • Edging Pruning / Hedge Trimming • Regular Maintenance • Rubbish Removals • Tree Lopping • Gutter Cleaning

V Concrete Products & Services

Philip - 0412 543 709

12418345-SN21-19

FAST FRIENDLY EFFICIENT Phone 7am-8pm | installmyantenna.com.au

Specialising in office cleaning, building, cleaning, window cleaning and vacate

V Bricklayers 12619654-AP28-23

• 40 Years Family FR Owned & Operated QUO EE TES • 25 Year Warranty • Senior/Pensioner Discount #1 in WERRIBEE

8348 5441

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1152992-LB36-14

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GEORGE FOX 0431 277 046 EVAN 0410 158 503

12594119-MS12-23

STEVE’S GARDENING • Lawn Mowing • Weeding • Rubbish Removal • Removing Trees • Gutter Cleaning • Spraying

Phone 0401 407 282

12497544-JW23-21

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SM & J Cleaning Service

12416265-CG17-19

Same Day TV Antenna Service

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A1 Garden Maintenance & Rubbish Removals 12360798-DJ33-17

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Ph: 9360 0466 12638096-MS39-23

For all your internal and external painting and repairs All property maintenance Servicing the Western Suburbs

12416368-CG17-19

seaview

Hoppers Crossing

$110/ 30mins

48 & 65 Strathmore Crescent. Neighbours. Saturday 25th of November, 9am-4pm. Many new items, hundreds of books at $2 each, clothing, kitchenware, tools, electrical appliances (hair dryer), Christmas decorations, many new items and many more items. A great opportunity to buy Christmas gifts.

Open 7 days

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EXTREME REBLOCKING The best Reblocking & Underpinning

SAIDA’S PAINTING Top Quality Guaranteed EST. 2008

• Domestic • Commercial • Interior • Exterior • New Homes • Renovation • Plaster Repairs • Roof Painting

12593192-AI10-23

0439 858 298

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Rainbow Club

48 Davies Avenue, Sunshine North 9364 0770 SWA6566B

SERVICE Lic. No. 28635

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0416 561 594 0403 610 782 www.saidaspaintingau.com

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ADVERTISERS, in this section are qualified practitioners and offer nonsexual services. V Pets & Services

We, Ravinder Kumar and Reena Sharma. Parents of Ashvi Rikhi, DOB - 16.01.2019 are changing her name from Ashvi Rikhi to Ashvi Sharma.

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Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identiﬁcation number. It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identiﬁcation number is included in the advertisement or notice. For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au

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WERRIBEE, Room for let, bed supplied, 2 bedroom unit, Share with 1 male, $180 pw. Contact Brian 0410 375 635

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MATHS/PHYSICS Tutoring by an experienced tutor /former university instructor. Year 10 to VCE. Call Jude 0413 764 369

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Point Cook (opposite Sanctuary lakes) 1 day a week, 2-3 hours. Domestic general small house, 2 people live here. Normal house cleaning. Ph Robyn; 0415 362 443.

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0435 904 818

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ADVERTISE IN THE CLASSIFIEDS UNTIL YOUR ITEM SELLS*

ADD A PHOTO FOR AN ADDITIONAL $8.00

.00

• All advertisements must be pre-paid. For $29.00 you get a 4 line, ONE ITEM ONLY advertisement, restricted to “For Sale” or “Motoring” items only for private advertisers, run initially for 13 weeks or until sold. Additional lines will be charged at $3 per line per publication. • After your advertisement has run for 13 weeks you must call us each fortnight to renew it for a further 2 week period AND reduce the price of your item by a minimum 5% for items in the “For Sale” section or 3% for items in the “Motoring” section. This process may continue until you have sold your item. If we do not hear from you we will assume you have sold your item and your advertisement will not appear. • The sale price must be included in the advertisement and the only alterations you may make are to the PRICE of your item. • Business advertisements, rental hire, pets & livestock and real estate are not included in the offer. • The publisher reserves the right to decline any booking for the purpose of ongoing gain. Wednesday, 22 November, 2023 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 23

MOTORING STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Understanding the Mazda range By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring The Mazda lineup is becoming increasingly difficult to understand. Once upon a time there was the Mazda2, Mazda3, and Mazda6 and it was easy to follow the progression (not forgetting the MX-5 and RX-8 sports cars). Then along came the SUVs, denoted by a CX in front of the number CX-3, CX-5, CX-8 and CX-9. All good so far, except perhaps for CX-3 which actually sits on the same platform as Mazda2, making it smaller than its name might suggest. More recently the CX-30 and MX-30 were added, including a fully electric version of the MX – Mazda’s first EV. We’re not sure how or where the MX fits in, but to be frank it’s a bit of a non-event anyway with its silly doors. Now they’ve begun adding extra digits to the CX range, in the form of the CX-30, CX-60 and CX-90. It’s all a bit confusing and the thing is if we’re confused, how must the buying public feel, and isn’t that bad for sales? Which brings us to the subject of our test drive, the all-new, five-seat CX-60, a car that’s reportedly designed to take Mazda into hitherto uncharted premium territory. Sitting on new rear-wheel drive architecture with straight six rather than V6 engines, there’s no prizes for guessing which brand Mazda has in its crosshairs - make that BMW. STYLING The launch of the Mazda6 in 2002 was something of a turning point for the Japanese brand. Since then, it has demonstrated an uncanny ability to produce cars that are more than the sum of their parts, vehicles that look and feel more expensive than they actually cost to build. This design philosophy, known as Stylish, Insightful and Spirited, has seen Mazda climb to the number two position in the Australian market, second only to the seemingly unassailable Toyota. But, like other Japanese and Korean car makers, Mazda must be starting to feel pressure from the Chinese, whose cars are rapidly getting better and have begun pinching sales from established brands. They can’t match the Chinese on price, so the only place left to go is up, producing more expensive models that carry a greater profit margin because they are unlikely to sell as many. The CX-60 is the first of these models. Mazda reckons CX-60 takes the premium experience to a new level. It’s a high-quality concentration of design, driving dynamics, technology and comfort developed around what customers want from a mid-sized SUV. That’s the spin anyway. Whether people want or are prepared to pay more for their cars is another matter. CX-60 is priced from $59,800 plus on-road costs. There’s three grades and three different powertrains from which to choose, all of them hybrids - Evolve, GT and Azami. And, at a time when most manufacturers are downsizing engines, always the innovator, Mazda has opted to go big with two six-cylinder offerings. Kicking off proceedings is the 3.3-litre turbocharged six-cylinder petrol Evolve from $59,800, followed by the 3.3-litre turbocharged six-cylinder diesel from $61,800 and finally a 2.5-litre four cylinder turbocharged plug-in hybrid that starts from $72,300. Whatever grade you choose, you can pick any one of these powertrains. Our test vehicle is the CX-60 Azami with the 3.3-litre petrol hybrid and optional Takumi package, priced from $75,000 plus-on road costs. Standard equipment includes artificial leather and dual-zone climate control with rear vents, while the steering wheel and transmission lever are trimmed in real leather. Wheels range from 18 to 20-inch in size, with black body cladding and heated 24 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 22 November, 2023

Premium push: The five-seat Mazda CX-60.

body-coloured exterior mirrors that dim and fold automatically, along with a power-operated tailgate. There’s also head-up display, 7.0-inch driver display, LED lights, auto high beam, keyless entry and start, auto dimming mirror, auto lights and wipers, and front and rear parking sensors. GT and Azami add 20-inch alloys, panoramic sunroof, full leather trim, heated steering wheel, electric steering wheel adjustment, heated power-adjust front seats, 12.3-inch infotainment and a fully digitised 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 12-speaker Bose audio. They also boast the new driver personalisation system which automatically adjusts the driver position to each driver. The system uses facial recognition to remember each driver’s preferences. Azami ups the ante with Nappa leather, ventilated front seats, LED ambient lighting, leather side door trim with courtesy light, 360-degree see-through monitor and adaptive headlights. It also adds easy entry and driving position guide to the personalise system. Our test vehicle was also fitted with the $2000 Takumi package which includes white Nappa leather, white maple wood console panel and cloth dashboard panel with ‘Kakenui’ stitching. CX-60 is covered by a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty with five-year roadside assistance, with service intervals of 15 months/15,000km. INFOTAINMENT Infotainment consists of a 10.25-inch display which grows to 12.3 inches in higher grades, but as is the norm with Mazda neither are touchscreens and must be controlled from the centre console. Eight-speaker audio is standard with Bluetooth, built-in navigation, AM/FM/DAB+ digital radio, Apple Carplay and Android Auto (wireless and USB), plus wireless phone charging. There’s two USB-C ports front and back, plus a 12V/120W socket in the front, 150W AC socket in the back, plus another 12V/120W socket in the luggage area. The plug-in hybrid scores a rear 1500W AC three-pin power outlet. ENGINES/TRANSMISSIONS The 48-volt mild hybrid powertrain delivers 209kW of power from 5000-6000 rpm and 450Nm of torque from 2000-3500 rpm, propelling the wagon to 100km/h in 6.9 seconds. In comparison, the diesel delivers 187kW and 550Nm while the plug-in hybrid puts out

241kW and 500Nm. With auto-stop-start and an eight-speed auto, drive is to all four wheels via a torque on demand system. It is predominantly rear-wheel drive. SAFETY Five-star safety includes front, side and curtain airbags, as well as a driver knee airbag and centre airbag designed to stop front seat occupants bumping heads in a side impact. There’s a 360-degree camera, Smart Brake Support (SBS) with Turn-across traffic and Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) with Vehicle Exit Warning. Autonomous emergency braking (Car-to-Car, Vulnerable Road User and Junction Assist) as well as a lane support system with lane keep assist (LKA), lane departure warning (LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK), and blind spot monitoring (BSM) are also standard. DRIVING CX-60 feels big and hefty. It’s 16.5cm longer than CX-5, but 16cm shorter than CX-8. And it weighs 1949kg, about 220kg more than the top CX-5 - but 28kg less than the range-topping diesel CX-8. Mazda argues the large capacity 3.3-litre engines actually improve efficiency. It says the higher volume of air enables more complete combustion and a wider lean-burn range, leading to lower fuel use and reduced engine emissions. With a 58-litre tank, fuel consumption is a claimed 7.4L/100km, compared with the 2.5-litre turbo CX-5 which is good for 8.2 (and it takes standard unleaded). Mazda says the use of a clutch in place of a torque converter means switching between gears is clean and rhythmic. It also enables accurate control of the electric motor. But it’s not the smoothest. Drive modes include Normal, Sport, Off-Road and Towing. Performance is strong, six-cylinder strong, with a feel and note to match, as the wagon gathers speed, remembering it’s a straight six. Just driving around, however, it feels like an excited dog on a leash. The transmission, which also manages assistance from the electric motor, seems unable to settle down, constantly straining forward and falling back again. Prodding the accelerator in any gear produces an initial, half-second hiccup before the wagon responds. Cleverly, when you back off and the engine is no longer under load, the tacho needle flat lines as the six shuts down for several seconds at a time. Oddly, of the various drive modes, Off-Road

mode felt the more relaxed, even without leaving the bitumen – and that’s where we left it. But it’s not all peaches and cream, because twice in the course of the week the CX-60 refused to start. Put the transmission in Park, the message warned us. Trouble is, we were already in Park and no amount of prodding the start button could spur the thing into life. Park resides up and to the right by way of explanation. Further investigation revealed it was possible to put it in Park, but not fully in Park, even though the light confirmed it was. The transmission needs to be pushed firmly forward and all the way to the right before it will start. It’s all good, once you know the trick, but we found the change generally awkward to use when moving rapidly between forward and reverse. The suspension is biased towards the softer end of the spectrum, with a cabin that is well insulated but feels somewhat isolated, detracting from the overall drive experience. CX-60 sits reasonably flat and corners enthusiastically, but jars on city roads and became bouncy at speed on a country run. After going through the routine to set up driver personalisation, it failed to activate when we returned to the car. Guess you need three profiles, one with glasses, one with sunglasses and one without or remember to take them off. Walkaway locking is signified by the mirrors folding. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t (a bit of a worry). The long thin infotainment screen is ideal for Android Auto which splits the screen in a 2:1 ratio, with the larger section just right for navigation and the smaller area perfect for music. Having said that, the screen went blank at one point and returned only after we switched the car off and on. Unlike most hybrids, fuel consumption drops fairly quickly on the motorway. We were getting 9.2L/100km after close to 400km of mixed driving including some dirt roads, but this dropped to 8.7L/100km on the run into Sydney. SUMMING UP If it was our money, we’d take the top-of-the-line CX-8 turbo-diesel Asaki LE. It is a little larger, but doesn’t feel so and costs slightly less at $72,010 plus on-roads. With quilted leather and real wood inlays, the CX-8 simply oozes class, with sharper ride and handling belying its size. It also gets better fuel consumption. Grab one while you can.

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Allan jumps at Werribee coaching opportunity When the Werribee Victorian Football League coaching job became available, James Allan knew it was one that he was keen on. Having spent two years at the club in the early 2000s as a player, Allan then dominated on the field in the South Australian National Football League, before turning to coaching. Keen to get into a senior coaching role, Allan didn’t hesitate to apply for the Werribee job, which he would in turn get. “It’s massive to come back to the club I played at which kick started my senior career,” he said. “I have great memories and it’s home of sorts, I come from Lara. I’ve had an eye on coaching at a senior level and I felt a strong connection to Werribee.” Allan said some of his best mates are from his two years as a player at Werribee and he had always kept an eye on the club.

He was back in Melbourne when the news came through that grand final coach Michael Barlow had accepted a role with North Melbourne. “I felt straight away that I had to have a crack at it or I would never forgive myself,” he said. “You see senior roles you want to go for, this one was at the perfect time.” Allan said he was looking forward to coming back to Victoria after 16 years in South Australia. In his time in South Australian football, he won three Magarey medals as the best player in the SANFL, while winning five club best and fairests with North Adelaide. He also won a premiership with Norwood. In 2020, he was named as the Rostrevor College first ever football director and coached the school’s top side. He also coached Norwood’s under-18s side

and was an assistant coach for the Redlegs side. Last season he was an assistant coach with North Adelaide. Allan said he was also keen on coaching after playing football. Being a teacher by trade, it was something that worked hand in hand. “I love teaching and helping people get better and learning,” he said. “I’m passionate about it.” Allan met the playing group early last week, before flying back to South Australia. He will be back permanently later this month. Allan said he instantly felt the culture and strong vibe the club has. He said the job president Mark Penaluna, outgoing football manager and coach Michael Barlow, had put the club in a good place. “They have a strong focus on trademarks, behaviours and values,” he said. “I value this.

Lessons for the taking

Tara Murray

Sports Shorts WRFL Point Cook Centrals have parted ways with premiership coach Leanna Meyer. Meyer, who has coached the side for the past five years, guided the side to a Western Region Football League women’s division 2 premiership in 2022. The side played in division 1 this year. The club thanked Meyer for her hard work and dedication in coaching but the enormous efforts in social media, managing events and countless hours behind the scenes.

By Tara Murray Wyndham Vale is taking lessons out of every game in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Russell Pollock Shield. It’s been a tough start for the Vales, without a win after the first three rounds, including an outright loss on Saturday to Seabrook. First-year coach Liam McLaughlin said while it had been tough, the group would take something out of every game. “We are a very young side and we lack the experience at the moment in those situations,” he said. “We still need to learn to play and fight through those moments. We’re younger this year than we were last season. “We want to push those young guys through and we’ve also been unlucky with a lot of unavailability for the start of the season which does not help. “We’re doing what we can at the moment and we will take things out of each game.” McLaughlin said even the little things would help them get better even from the tough losses and they would take those lessons forward. He said the side would get better as the season progresses. Speaking before day two of the match against Seabrook, McLaughlin said he wanted to see some fight from the group and tough it out. He wanted them to bat deep into the day and make Seabrook fight hard for an outright win. The Vales had been bowled out for 75 on day one, with Seabrook having already taken a first innings lead. Seabrook declared at 9-184 with a first innings lead of 109. Nathan Griffiths took four wickets for the Vales. McLaughlin’s wish to bat throughout the second day didn’t come to fruition with the side bowled out for 95, giving Seabrook the outright win. Griffiths played a lone hand with the bat making 55 at the top of the order. McLaughlin was the only other player to score double figures, scoring 16. The Vales this week face Donnybrook in another two-dayer. In the Evans-Clark Shield, Bellbridge got the win against Melton South. Resuming at 5-37 in reply to 169, Bellbridge had a steady day two with the bat to hit the winning runs in the 42 over. Bellbridge finished 7-172. Point Cook Centrals lost their first loss of the season, falling short against Gellibrand. The Sharks resumed at 1-33 in reply to 207. They were bowled out for 156. In the Roy Picone Shield, Point Cook and Werribee Centrals both had losses. Hoping for their first win of the season the Centurions resumed at 1-39 chasing Glenroy’s 223.

The connection of the group hit me on the first night. There’s a strong connection with the staff and we want to build on that in the next few years.” Allan also met new footballer manager Ash Collins as its the start of the new beginning for the club. On field, Michael Sodomaco, Tom Gribble and Matt Hanson have all hung up the boots, which Allan said presents new opportunities for other players. “They were fantastic servants and legends of the footy club,” he said. “‘I’m excited opportunity for others to step unto those roles. “It’s hard to replace all three guys. We’ll be a team not reliant on star talent and players can come in and play similar roles.”

FV Hoppers Crossing is at risk of being ineligible to participate in Football Victoria competitions next year. Football Victoria released a statement saying that clubs from across the state were in debt almost $2 million to the federation. The statement said that a significant number of clubs failed to meet their financial obligations in 2023 and as a result, clubs who are unable or unwilling to meet their financial obligations will be regarded as ineligible to participate in the 2024 season. Hoppers Crossing is among those not listed, which indicates they are not financial.

VFL Werribee star Hudson Garoni has re-signed for Werribee for next year’s Victorian Football League season. The key forward has appeared in all but two games over the past three campaigns, booting 94 goals and finishing as the club’s leading goal kicker in 2022 and 2023. A career-best tally of 45 majors this year ranked third in the VFL and earned him a place in the VFL team of the year 40-man squad.

Big V Wyndham rising star Holly Dolney is headed to America to play college basketball. Wyndham basketball announced that Dolney had signed with Loyola Ramblers who play in the Atlantic 10 conference. Dolney, who will head over to the USA early next year has played all her representative basketball at Wyndham.

Nathan Griffiths was a standout in Wyndham Vale’s loss. (Jacob Pattison)372634_01

The Centurions were bowled out for 141 with Shaun Jennings top scoring with 38. Point Cook resumed in the tough position of 6-45 in reply to Maribyrnong Park St Mary’s 187.

Point Cook was soon bowled out for 85. Harvinder Singh top scored with 20 The Lions were 8-103 in their second innings when the match ended. Singh and Vishay Ramchander had four wickets each.

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Smart steps up as coach at Hoppers Crossing Stepping into a senior coaching role was a natural progression for new Hoppers Crossing FV state league 2 north-west coach Kevin Smart. Smart, who has played at the club for a number of years as well as being captain and on the committee, was appointed the coach replacing Allen Vella. Smart said it was an opportunity he was excited for. He said it was something he had been thinking about the last few years with his playing career coming towards the end. “It’s a pretty easy transition,” he said. “The last two to three years I’ve been coaching juniors and helping out the seniors as a playing assistant coach. “I’ve been around the club since I was three years old. It feels good, but there’s a lot of pressure to do a good job and put ourselves in a good position. “I’m really looking forward to the next part

of my footballing career and bringing in fresh ideas to the foundation that has been built over the last couple years.” Smart said while he had taken up the coaching position, he was still yet to technically retire. He said he would see how the pre-season played out before making that decision. “If we get the playing squad we want to get, I will look to retire,” he said. “That has been the idea the last three years. We’ve had injuries in the squad though. “I’ll still have the boots on at training and it will be a last resort [him playing].” The Reds will remain in state league 2 next year, having narrowly avoided relegation. Smart said the way last season worked out could be a blessing for the group going forward in their development. “We survived in the last game of the season,” he said. “ We had a young squad the last two or

three years Allen and myself had put together. “It was a little bit of having a a young side and not being experienced enough to close out games and it got us in trouble. “I don’t think we deserve to be down the bottom. Just silly mistakes cost us.” Smart said they would look to go with the same core group again. He said they were hoping to add one or two more experienced players to compliment the group. “The young lads are now 23-24 and had three to four years in senior football now,” he said. “It’s time for them to step up, they don’t have any excuses. They’ve got to be senior players now and they have to step up. “Hopefully we get improvement from them and then go from there.” The Reds start back training this week. Tara Murray

Hoppers Crossing’s coaching panel for 2024. (Supplied)

keep the Soccer runs in the family Bees wins coming By Harper Sercombe

One of Western United’s youngest players is making an immediate impact as his A-League Men’s career kicks off. Kane Vidmar is following in the famous footsteps of his father Tony and uncle Aurelio’s with his undeniable potential to be a future star of Australian soccer. The last few months has been a whirlwind for the 19-year-old who signed with United to a scholarship contract until the end of the 2024-25 season in June, forcing him to leave his home in Adelaide and head to Melbourne’s west. “It’s been a really big last few months, living away from home and living in a professional environment full time,” Vidmar said. “I’ve already, learnt so much on and off the pitch and I’m extremely grateful for the club to have given me this opportunity to learn and develop. “I’m loving it at the moment and it’s been great for me. “I moved over by myself and I’m in a house living with Michael Ruhs and Ramy Najjarine which has made it much easier for me to settle in.” After just four completed rounds of the season, Vidmar has found his home on the pitch too, starting and centre back in United’s last two clashes. “It’s been good, the last couple of weeks, I’ve enjoyed playing obviously,” he said. “As a young player you just want to make the most of it whenever you get the opportunity to play. “I’m trying to not put too much pressure on myself, but just go out there and enjoy the experience. “But when you come up against players that you’ve spent watching them in the A-League and being on the same pitch as them, it can feel pretty surreal out there.” This weekend Vidmar and his teammates enjoyed a rest as the A-League was on international break, which he used to head further west, back to Adelaide. “I’ll go back for the weekend which will be good,” he said. “Just to reset for a couple of days and come back next week ready for the next game.” While in Adelaide, Vidmar was planning to catch up with family and friends, including his father, Tony, who himself had an incredible soccer career, including representing Australia 76 times. His uncle, Aurelio also played for the Socceroos and is now coach of rival club Melbourne City. “They’ve both had a big impact on my career so far,” he said. “They’ve been watching me for so many years, and being able to have those people there to help and give advice and guide me 26 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 22 November, 2023

Kane Vidmar (Western United)

through, was really helpful. United faces Adelaide United on Sunday, the club Vidmar spent his juniors at, playing in the South Australian National Premier League. However, Vidmar isn’t expecting coach John Aloisi to lean on him for tactical advice against his old club. “It’s always good to play against old teams and to see some familiar faces, so I’m looking forward to it and it should be a good game,” he said.

“John and the coaching staff are all on top of all the analysis of all the opposition.” With games at home in Tarneit just around the corner for United, Vidmar said there is a buzz developing within the squad. “We’re really looking forward to getting out to Tarneit and playing games there and really representing the west and the people of the west,” he said. “When we get out there it should be great for the club and hopefully we can see as many fans out there as we can.”

Werribee’s strong form in the Bowls Victoria weekend pennant division 2, section 1 competition continued on Saturday. Aiming for their fourth win from five matches to start the season, the Bees had little trouble against Melton 2, winning 91 (16)-59 (2) on Satuday. Robert Smith’s rink had a massive 30-13 win, while Brendan Barker’s rink had a 28-12 win. Mick O’Neil’s rink snuck home 16-15, while Robert Panton’s rink suffered a 19-17 win. Ricky Bell, Trent Milne and Barker have now all won their first five rinks of the season. The Bees sit second on the ladder, eight points behind Bacchus Marsh, which is undefeated. The two teams face each other this Saturday in a top of the table clash. In division 3, section 2 it was another tough weekend for Hoppers, losing to Altona 3. Altona had two big rinks wins to come away with the 91 (16)-65 (2) win. Geoffrey Truman was the winning skip for Hoppers, winning 21-16. Hoppers is without a win after five rounds. In other match ups, Werribee 2 won a local Wyndham match up against Palm Lake. The match was close throughout with Werribee 2 winning, 81 (14)-72 (4). Colin Thompson and Lyn Milledge were the winning skips for the Bees, while Desmond Tudor and Neil Nicholas won their rinks for Palm Lake. Werribee sits on top with four wins and a draw, while Palm Lake is in seventh spot with two wins. In division 4, section 1, Point Cook had a good win against Deer Park 4. Point Cook claimed the points, 92 (16)-74 (2). Bruce Mummery, Gary Boddington and Brian Turner were the winners for Point Cook. Point Cook sits top, undefeated after five rounds. Werribee 3 defeated Sunshine RSL for its fourth win of the season. Tara Murray

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Hawks are determined to fly in season 2024 Glen Orden is set to make its much anticipated return to the Western Region Football League for the 2024 season. While the sporting club is “thriving” according to president Peter MacDonald, the men’s football team was unable to take the field in 2023 for the second time in six seasons. Now as pre-season for the 2024 season begins, a push to get the Hawks back to playing has also begun. “We were disappointed last year that we couldn’t continue through the circumstances but there’s enough people around the club that want to keep it running,” MacDonald said. “We’re not just a footy club, we’re a sporting club and the rest of the club’s thriving, we just need to get the senior football back. “We’ll be training every Wednesday for the next four weeks until Christmas and look at building momentum into 2024.” The Hawks hosted their first session back on Wednesday and had positive numbers with roughly 20 in attendance and 15 who suggested interest but couldn’t attend. “We’re certainly more than confident that we’ll lead a team on the park next year, with the

Daniel Rosenzweig played for the Hawks when they last fielded a side (Damjan Janevski)

feedback we’ve got, the communication we’ve had from new and old players from around the area,” MacDonald said. “We’re looking at having two competitive teams next year in what’s going to be a joint

second division competition. “We’ve got 30 odd on the books already, there’s still a long way to go to get those two teams. “But our goal is to have two teams on the park

next year.” The WRFL moving from three to two divisions will help the Hawks from a longevity perspective, as MacDonald said if the league was like this for the 2023 season, the club’s football team would’ve continued playing. “Our senior players were up to second division, and our reserves team would have been a very competitive third division team,” he said. “But when our reserves are losing all the time in the second division, that was hurting us, and I understand that. “But with two divisions and being able to play against all those other teams every second week almost, that’s going to give us a better grounding, I think.” While getting a women’s team and juniors program up and running are goals of the club, its main priority lies with the senior mens. However, MacDonald said he is confident in an under 9s and under 10s team forming for next season. If you are interested in playing for the Hawks next season they will be training every Wednesday in the lead up to Christmas from 6pm at the Glen Orden Sports Club.

Dogs get father-son

James Freeman. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Tigers happy for a win By Harper Sercombe Werribee is back on the winners list in the Victorian Sub- District Cricket Association north-west. The Tigers lost the toss to Brunswick on Saturday afternoon and were sent in to bat first for the one-day clash at Chirnside Park. After a shaky start the Tigers found themselves at 2-12 after just five overs, leaving skipper Tim O’Brien and Nathan Taylor to steady the ship. O’Brien was able to alleviate some pressure, making 20, while Taylor kicked on, top scoring with 88. James Freeman was able to pile some runs on late, making 77 from 75 balls which included five fours and two majors, to get his side to 5-236 at the end of the 45 overs. It was the opposite when it was Brunswick’s turn with willow in hand, putting together a strong opening stand of 57 until the first wicket fell. From there Brunswick struggled to put together an impactful partnership, being bowled out for 210 from 42.2 overs. Freeman was also handy with the ball, taking 3-38 from his seven overs.

Matthew Harmer was strong with the gloves, taking three catches and stumping Benjamin Moss off Adam Alifraco’s bowling, when he was on 15. “Coming off two losses it was a pretty important game for us,” O’Brien said. “We didn’t start too well being 2-12 but Taylor and Freeman batted superbly and got us to a good total. “Nathan made a lot of his run early doors and James put his foot on the pedal a bit later.” O’Brien hasn’t had much luck with the coin toss this season, losing it four times in the first five rounds, however he said this one was a good one to lose. “We probably would have had a bowl, but I’m glad we bat first because the wicket actually played quite well,” he said. “It probably wasn’t the best looking wicket but it played really well throughout the day.” The chase from Brunswick was admirable coming just 27 runs away from victory with 16 balls left in the innings. “They’ve got some really good players in their side,” O’Brien said. “We were never definitely winning but we just stuck at it and were able to get consistent wickets to put the pressure on.

“They had a couple of overs where they were able to get 10 or 13 runs, but we were able to take some wickets to put them back under pressure. “We were able to get the run rate above a run a ball from pretty early in the game so we knew they were going to have to take some risks.” This week the Tigers are at the Williamstown Cricket Ground, facing Williamstown in a two-day clash over the Saturday and Sunday. Williamstown is coming off a comprehensive loss to Taylors Lakes. “We always have a good tussle with them,” O’Brien said. “We’re looking forward to playing them.” Hoppers Crossing was able to get another win for the VSDCA season, defeating St Bernard’s OC backing up last week’s good performance against Strathmore. Captain-coach Simon Lambert top scored for the Cats with 71. With the ball, former Victorian first class player Fawad Ahmed spun a web, taking 3-22 from his nine overs. Ahmed also took three catches. This week the Cats play Melton at Hogans Road Reserve.

The Western Bulldogs have landed Calder Cannons’ forward-ruck Jordan Croft, while Western Jets hopefuls were overlooked in the first night of the AFL draft. The first round of the draft was held on Monday night, with the rest of the draft held on Tuesday night, after deadline, while the rookie draft will be held on Wednesday. The Bulldogs landed Croft as a father-son selection at pick 15 as they added yet another young key pillar to their list. The son of utility Matthew Croft, who managed 72 goals from 186 games in the red, white and blue across 14 seasons, formally nominated the Bulldogs last month. Croft’s aerial ability is a hallmark of his game, as is his endurance and mobility. The 18-year-old booted 33 goals in the talent pathway this year, representing both the Cannons and Vic Metro. Exciting utility player Logan Morris from the Jets was overlooked on the first night of the draft but was expected to get picked up on Tuesday night, following a strong season for the Jets and Vic Metro. Morris kicked 30 goals in his 10 games for the Jets this season, averaging 4.8 marks and 1.7 tackles. He is the Jets star most likely to be selected. Werribee grand final stars Shaun Mannagh and Sam Clohesy were overlooked in round one of the draft, but were live chances to be selected on Tuesday or Wednesday for the pre-season draft. Mannagh booted six goals, had 27 disposals and won the Norm Goss medal in the losing grand final. While, Clohesy took out the Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal, for the Victorian Football League’s most promising young player.

Jordan Croft is headed to the Bulldogs. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Wednesday, 22 November, 2023 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 27

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