Star Weekly - Wyndham - 10th January 2024 by Star Weekly

Established in 1902 as the

proudly serving Wyndham

10 JANUARY, 2024

12496404-AV22-21

FREE DIGITAL EDITION

SIG N U P N O W!

YEAR IN REVIEW... STORIES OF THE YEAR Norm Morris with B24 Liberator bomber restoration hanger in Werribee. (Damjan Janevski) 375502_04

Year of pains and gains For Wyndham, the year 2023 was a year of plenty of highs and some big lows as the municipality continues to be one of the fast-growing areas amid the cost of living crunch. Many community groups and businesses were hit hard, by the cost of living, decisions by governing bodies and businesses, and individual businesses or people targeted. Theft at a bowling alley, a jumping castle business attacked and repeated ram raids on a tackle shop were some of the bigger incidents. A local elderly group’s regular lunches were impacted by council’s anti-gambling policies. Both the state government and council released new policies in the same

12659604-AP02-24

week in October to try and limit the impact of machines. Transport and infrastructure remained key issues in Wyndham. Confusion over the Western Rail plan remains, after funding for the Geelong Fast Rail was cut, with both projects previously linked. Upgrades to roads were funded and got underway, while the council was planning to lobby the state government into the municipality’s transport network resilience. While Wyndham council approved its 2040 plan for what the municipality will look like, there was opposition within council and from some residents.

Crime continued to rise in the municipality with growing concerns about the behaviour of some people in schools, with police ruling out placing police in schools. One of the biggest stories in Wyndham, was one of sadness and community spirit. The deaths of five local residents, including two children, in an accident in Daylesford, hit hard in the local community. A vigil was held in Point Cook following the deaths, with people from all works of lives coming to share their condolences and prayers. On the sporting field, it was a big year with a lot of success. Werribee Districts and the Suns both claimed Western Region Football League

premierships on the same weekend, while Werribee’s hopes of ending it’s Victorian Football League premiership drought fell short the following weekend. Wyndham’s women’s Big V team and the Werribee Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association side also fell short in grand finals, as did Western United’s women’s in their inaugural A-League Women’s season. United continued to make headlines off field, with the go ahead given to play A-League matches at Tarneit during the 2023-24 season given the green light. So far that is yet to come to fruition. While 2023 was a big year for Wyndham, 2024 appears like it will be even bigger.

SECTION STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

12659562-ET02-24

2 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 10 January, 2024

YEAR IN REVIEW ... NEWS

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Arson victim ’moves on’ after attacker is jailed May 31 May 18 should’ve been a happy day for Point Cook’s Michael Andrew. It was the day 58-year-old James Balcombe was jailed for up to 11 years for a series of arson attacks on rival jumping castle businesses. Michael Andrew’s A&A Jumping Castles in Hoppers Crossing was one of them. “Ours was the only one burnt to the ground, ” he said of the blaze in the early hours of January 12, 2017, which completely destroyed the business Andrew and his wife Aline established in the early 2000s . “In total we lost $1.2 million and we never got nothing back.” It’s a turn of events that would have most ordinary people filled with rage and bent on revenge, but as soon becomes apparent, Mr

Andrew isn’t an ordinary person. “Not really,” he said flatly when asked if Balcombe’s conviction and sentence gave him any satisfaction. “I got nothing to say to him, nothing against him. I guess I’m a weird bloke” he laughed, before adding, “I move on.“ He sure does. In fact, Mr Andrew began moving on almost as soon as he received the 1am phone call informing him of what had happened. “An hour after the fire I realised it was only stuff. How many hearses do you see on the way to a funeral with a trailer on the back with all your stuff?” “Victorian amusement businesses turned up with equipment and keys to their factories to keep us going, ” said Mr Andrew of his competitor’s generosity which allowed him

to keep operating; ironic given it was another competitor who started the fire in an attempt to put him out of business. Mr Andrew had never heard of Balcombe and his company Awesome Party Hire until learning he was the behind the fire at his and numerous other jumping castle businesses across Victoria. ‘He was jealous and he wanted to be on top of Google so he thought he might burn us down to get on top,” said Mr Andrew of Balcombe’s motive. CCTV footage clearly showed a case of arson and Balcombe was eventually given up by a man he’d employed to set fire to his own business in an attempt to distract police. Meanwhile Mr Andrew soldiered on with borrowed equipment before Covid-19 finally finished his business off.

The arsonist who destroyed Michael Andrew’s jumping castle business in 2017 was recently convicted and jailed. (Damjan Janevski). 337669_01

Western rail confusion November 22

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

Crash devastates town November 15 It was the sunny Sunday in Daylesford that gave rise to one of Wyndham’s darkest weeks. November 5 was the day before the unofficial Melbourne Cup public holiday, two days before the proper one and the famed spa town was bustling with people escaping the city. Among them were three families relaxing in the roadside beer garden of the Royal Daylesford Hotel, when at about 6pm, an SUV mounted the curb and crashed into them. What followed was a scene that police described as one that first responders would never forget. Four people were killed, another later died in hospital and four more were seriously injured. It was a horrendous turn of events, but one that for Wyndham, was about to get much worse. The following day the identities of the five victims were revealed. All were from Wyndham and all from its large, but tightly bound Indian community. Among them were an entire family: 44-year-old Point Cook woman Pratibha Sharma, her husband, 30-year-old Jatin Chugh, and nine-year-old daughter Anvi. Thirty eight-year-old Tarneit father Vivek Bhatia and his 11-year-old son Vihaan were

also killed at the scene while his 36-year-old wife Ruchi Bhatia and six-year-old son Abeer suffered serious injuries and remain in intensive care. A 43-year-old Kyneton woman and a 38-year-old Cockatoo man were injured and both flown to the Royal Melbourne Hospital, while an 11-month-old boy with them was injured but is in a stable condition at the Royal Children’s Hospital. The baby’s mother, a 34-year-old woman from Cockatoo, emerged unscathed. Wyndham, and especially its Indian community, did not. Just a week out from Diwali, India’s largest annual celebration, its local diaspora was instead forced to mourn two young families who represented the best of them. Pratibha Sharma was remembered a vibrant, ambitious woman, a former candidate for state parliament, a recently admitted lawyer and a committed volunteer. “She was a very, very big personality. A good, kind hearted lady.” recalled Gurjit Singh, secretary of Australian Sikh Support where Ms Sharma volunteered. The Bhatias were described as a typical, hard working, humble migrant family who’d only just bought their first home. “They were very excited to get into a new

house about 6 weeks ago,“ said family friend Vivek Handa. “Everything they’d dreamt for, everything they’d aspired for was gone within a second.” A fundraising page for Ruchi and Abeer Bhatia was set up with the goal of raising $50,000 for the surviving mother and son. At last count it had raised more than $137,000. Wreaths were laid at the crash site, vigils were held in Daylesford and Point Cook and dignitaries from Premier Jacinta Allan down, paid respects and expressed their grief. Meanwhile the man who was behind the wheel of the white BMW SUV remains nameless and faceless, the circumstances surrounding the incident and any possible charges, unclear. The 66 year old Mount Macedon man was interviewed by investigators in hospital where he was being treated for shock. No drugs or alcohol were found in his system and he is not known to police. Family and friends gathered at last week’s vigil in Point Cook expressed frustration and anger at the continued uncertainty. They want justice to be done. As with the grieving process, that’ll require a long, painful journey.

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. “The Coalition’s announcement of Geelong Fast Rail was never properly planned or funded, and therefore it could never really happen - despite a local Senator claiming that it was delivered on a billboard.” 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. Construction of the $57 million Ison Road Overpass was also approved. Wednesday, 10 January, 2024 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 3

FEATURING ... SENIORS

Advertising feature

Make the most of the new year Make this year your best one yet! As we begin another new year, it’s time to ponder, what will make this one truly extraordinary for you? Will you make new friends, travel more or spend more time doing the things you love? My 2024 New year Resolutions: ■ Join a gym and get fit ■ Make new friends ■ Book a cruise or a new adventure ■ Take up some new hobbies ■ Just make the most of everything Moving into a Lifestyle Communities ticks every box and make 2024 the year when you finally make the move to change your life for

the better, forever! Our Lifestyle consultants are there to help in any way they can to choose the right community, choose the right home and help you downsize to a new world of possibilities. So why delay when life is just so full of opportunities. We believe in life without restrictions. One with the freedom to do the things you love, and the confidence to be whoever you want to be. Where every new day is a fresh opportunity. It’s a philosophy that rings true, in our best-in-class homes and clubhouses. Whether you’re working, semi-retired or retired, come and join a community where Life is Unlimited.

Life. Unlimited. Downsizer homes from $380k*

1300 50 55 60 13 Sundial Blvd, Tarneit lifestyle seasons *Price correct as at November 2023.

By Lifestyle Communities®

12657988-JB02-24

4 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 10 January, 2024

YEAR IN REVIEW ... NEWS

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Family violence like a ‘stampede’ February 22 It’s not every day a young boy from the western suburbs gets to spend the afternoon away from school, celebrating the launch of his very own book. But for nine-year-old Aryan, the achievement is incredibly bittersweet. Following his parent’s separation last year, Aryan began seeing GenWest child and youth counsellor Elly, who would visit his school every Wednesday to help Aryan cope with the ongoing impacts of family violence. “We prioritise creative arts therapies

methods, for a number of reasons,“ Elly said. “Kids might be at a developmental stage where simply talking about their experiences is not particularly helpful or meaningful. “So we draw on a range of modalities and do a lot of play, art and music, and we’re passionate about the role of creativity in highlighting kids’ resources.“ Very early on, Elly noticed that Aryan found it difficult to discuss his experience of family violence and the young boy felt very protective of his dad. “Alongside that, he was a highly creative child who loved drawing, loved writing stories,“ she

said. “He and I talked about how powerful it was for children with difficult experiences in childhood, [to have] resources that were written by other people who had gone through complex experiences. “I asked him, ’would you one day like to create something that could be used for other kids going through family violence?’ and he said ’yes’, so immediately we began working on this book.“ The story is titled The Puppy’s Life, and in the preamble Aryan writes, “Aryan wrote this book because he wanted to show other kids that

it’s OK to talk about family violence. And other kids also experience it.“ The book follows the life of a puppy, struggling with the complex emotions and questions that arise when parents separate due to family violence. “When the puppy would hear his parents barking, it felt like thousands of animals in a stampede,“ Aryan wrote in his book. “The puppy couldn’t make the stampede stop, he felt like he was lost in the middle.“ The pictures of the puppy decorating the pages of the book were also hand-drawn by Aryan.

Happiness is a slow drive for Werribee’s Michael May 1 Werribee’s Michael Crawcour looks and sounds a lot younger than he is. “I’ve gotta pull my wallet out to show people when I was born because they don’t believe that I’m getting on 90” said the remarkably spritely 87-year-old. Fittingly, his car does too. “We bought it 35-36 years ago at least” Mr Crawcour said of the blue 1956 Morris Minor, which at 67 years old, is only 20 years his junior. Unsurprisingly, neither travel too far these days, the result of a crash both were in years ago. “I was in a car accident in the Morry and I’ve got bone on bone on one leg and an ACL on the other leg” said Mr Crawcour of the injuries he suffered, which makes household tasks like putting out the rubbish that much more difficult.

Thankfully, he still has the car on hand to help. “If the bins are full I put them on the back of the car and off I go.“ When not towing wheelie bins down his driveway, Mr Crawcour cares for ailing his wife, Phyllis. “She’s 83 and 80 per cent bed-ridden, heart problem, kidney problem, diabetic and now fighting blood cancer” he said. “I’m one of those very fortunate people who unless it’s a matter of life and death they don’t worry.” Michael and Phyllis’ ability to overcome adversity is what brought them to Werribee 15 years ago, after losing their home in a failed investment. Forced onto the aged-pension and in need of cheap rent, the parents of three sons and two grandkids moved west and haven’t looked back. “I love it, absolutely love it” Mr Crawcour said.

Michael Crawcour is 87, puts out the bins in his 67 year old Morris Minor and looks after his elderly wife. Damjan Janevski. 331674_01

Looking to Retire? Homes in Tarneit from $390K From time-to-time selected refurbished apartments and villas become available for sale to over 55’s, in the highly sought after Wyndham Grange Village. The RCA team understands that a truly fulfilling retirement means we need to accommodate both your aspirations and your budget, so we’ve invested our time and passion into creating award-winning villa designs and resort style facilities at an affordable price.

12661915-JB02-24

NO deposit required. NOTHING TO PAY until the day you move in.

Book a tour with our sales specialist Andrea on 0458 603 047 to discuss your retirement living in these friendly and welcoming communities.

rcavillages.com.au

83 Kulin Drive, Tarneit

Availability and pricing correct at publication date 10.1. 2024

- Independent Living - Pool and gym - Lawn bowling green - Walking distance to shops and train - Village bus

Wednesday, 10 January, 2024 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 5

YEAR IN REVIEW ... NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

CONTACT US PHONE \ 03 8318 5777 LOCATION \ Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042 DISTRIBUTION \ 1300 656 678 distribution@fermax.com.au

ADVERTISING GENERAL SALES INQUIRIES westads@starweekly.com.au CLASSIFIEDS \ 1300 666 808 EMAIL \ sales@networkclassifieds.com.au

GENERAL REAL ESTATE INQUIRIES reads@starweekly.com.au

EDITORIAL GENERAL EDITORIAL INQUIRIES westeditorial@starweekly.com.au COMMUNITY CALENDAR ENTRIES communitycalendar@starweekly.com.au

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Summer nights at Werribee zoo Werribee Open Range Zoo’s after-hours event Sunset Safari is back. For a limited time, the zoo will be opening its doors during select summer evenings, enabling visitors to embark on a safari tour of an African-inspired savannah. Visitors can view the zoo’s three one and two-year-old giraffes waltzing across open plains, observe zebra foals galloping while the sun sets and witness scimitar-horned oryx calves, an antelope species fighting their way back from extinction in the wild. Safari guides will be on hand to explain the everything from the behaviours of the hippopotamus through to the plight of threatened species and special access to the zoo’s walking trails will be provided, allowing visitors to observe meerkats, monkeys, wild

dogs, and the lion pride. A traditional African braai barbecue and African music and dance performances will also be on offer. Werribee Open Range Zoo director Dr Mark Pilgrim said Sunset Safari is a must-not-miss event full of awe and wonder. “Sunset Safari is an unforgettable experience. Being on the savannah in the evening is beautiful and we hope that builds a connection with wildlife and inspires future conservation heroes,” he said. “It’s suitable for people of all ages – great for a family outing, a special date night, or anyone that wants to experience nature and the outdoors.” The safari’s will be held on Saturday evenings from January 13 and March 9. Details: www.zoo.org.au/sunsetsafari.

Briefs Appealing for help Police are appealing for information about two burglaries in Little River. In the first incident, police believe three prime movers were stolen from a home in Narraburra Road, sometime between New Year’s Day and January 2. It’s understood the offenders smashed a window to gain entry, before ransacking the house, punching holes in the wall and stealing keys for the three trucks that were parked at the address. A white MAN prime mover with Victorian registration XV42ZX, a white DAF truck with New South Wales registration XN42YZ and a white Volvo prime mover with Tasmanian registration C00AY were all stolen, as was a truck trailer with Victorian registration XV42ZX. Detectives are investigating if the burglary is linked to another residential burglary during the same period at a rural property on Boadles Lane. Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www. crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Shots fired in Truganina Police are investigating after shots were fired at a home in Truganina on January 1. It is understood a vehicle pulled up outside a property on Altamount Drive before several shots were fired at about 11.30pm. Police were told two shots went through a glass window. Six people were inside the property at the time of the incident, but there were no injuries. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Wyndham Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Published by MMP Star Pty Ltd ACN 168 220 399 Head Office Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042 Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas All material is copyright to MMP Star Pty Ltd. Responsibility for election comment is accepted by Paul Thomas. All significant errors will be corrected as quickly as possible. Distribution numbers, areas and coverage are estimates only. For our terms and conditions please visit starweekly.com.au

Rhinos roam Werribee Open Range Zoo during a sunset safari. (Supplied)

TH E GOR DON

INFORMATION NIG HTS Shorter courses*, lower fees and more support. Tuesday 16 January 5:30pm

Wednesday 17 January 5:30pm

Thursday 18 January 5:30pm

Geelong City Campus

East Geelong Campus

Werribee Campus Watton Street

Real skills. Real experience. Real outcomes. thegordon.edu.au | 5225 0538 TAFE 3044 CRICOS No: 00011G *Compared with bachelor degrees

6 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 10 January, 2024

12657685-KG02-24

Find out everything you need to know about studying at The Gordon.

YEAR IN REVIEW ... NEWS

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

new Helping with paediatrics Aperspective on September 19

Wyndham’s status as the fastest growing local government area in Australia comes with a price. The influx of people to the municipality is putting increasing strain on essential services and infrastructure, none more so that health and hospitals. Wyndham is reportedly already 300 hospital beds short and with much of the population growth driven by young families, demand for maternity and paediatric services is particularly acute. While mostly the responsibility of the public system, private hospitals like St Vincent’s Werribee are increasingly entering the paediatric space to help meet demand. Since opening its paediatric ward in 2018 more than an 1800 paediatric cases have been treated at St Vincent’s Werribee, which specialises in ear, nose and throat (ENT) paediatric survey and dental paediatric surgery. St Vincent’s Werribee general manager Emma Saliba said they were proud of their dual role of easing demand and treating young families in the community in which they live. “The western community is growing and with that comes a greater population of children. Being able to provide care for them close to home is important to us and makes it easier for parents,” she said. Among the children being cared for close to home is eight-year-old Wyndham Vale boy Avyan Marthur who entered St Vincent’s on the morning of September 8 to be operated on by ear, nose and neck surgeon Dr Muthukumar Subramaniyan. Originally from India, Dr Subramaniyan is one of a number of paediatric surgeons and paediatricians now based at St Vincent’s

healthcare March 22

Eight-year-old Avyan Marthur with Dr Muthukumar Subramaniyan ahead of surgery at St Vincents Private Hospital Werribee. (supplied).

Werribee, treating children of all ages, from infants through to teens. While eight-year-old Avyan looked right out home ahead of his surgery, not every child is quite so relaxed when in hospital, especially for an operation. Nurse unit manager Chloe Martinich said ensuring children felt comfortable was a key

part of paediatric care. “We look after patients from 12 months and above and our nurses go above and beyond to make the little ones feel safe and at ease,” said she said. “Our wonderful staff have specialised training to give our littlest patients the best care possible.”

Werribee Mercy’s younger patients with anxiety surrounding needles or other medical procedures have received a new way to manage fear and pain. The Rotary Club of Werribee recently donated the funds for the purchase of a new virtual reality device called the Smileyscope. Werribee Mercy Hospital paediatrics ward nurse unit manager Simone Danaher said the benefits of the device include reduced patient distress and anxiety, reduced need for unnecessary restraint or sedation and improved patient experience. “The benefits are a reduced clinical injury to the clinician or parent, and an improvement in clinical workflow by reducing the time it takes to do a procedure,” she said. “The Smileyscope can be set up to meet the patients’ age the type of procedure and what their interests might be.” The technology has allowed young patients to be transported into a new world, including underwater and beach environments, to either distract them from the pain or anxiety or reframe the pain they are experiencing. Rotary Club of Werribee president Ian Hovey said the club was happy to support the purchase of the device and see Werribee Mercy Hospital patient Chevelle Cooke, 10, try out the new device.

Hoppers Crossing Pacific Werribee Shopping Centre 250 Heaths Road, Cnr Derrimut Road Hoppers Crossing Wyndham Library Level 1, MM11 Heaths Road, Cnr Derrimut Road (Pacific Werribee Shopping Centre) Hoppers Crossing Werribee Plaza Tavern Heaths Road, Cnr Derrimut Road (Pacific Werribee Shopping Centre) Hoppers Crossing Coles Supermarket 250 Heaths Road, Cnr Derrimut Road (Pacific Werribee Shopping Centre) Hoppers Crossing APCO Service Station 178 Morris Road Hoppers Crossing Hoppers Crossing Shopping Centre 24-48 Old Geelong Road Hoppers Crossing Woodville Park Shopping Centre Shop 20/70 Warringa Drive Hoppers Crossing IGA Plus Liquor Shop 4, 2-6 Deloraine Drive Hoppers Crossing Aqua Pulse Café 82 Derrimut Road Hoppers Crossing Coles Express 260 Derrimut Road (Cnr Hogans Road) Hoppers Crossing Super Lotto Newsagency Shop 8/166 Hogans Road (Hogans Corner Shopping Centre) Hoppers Crossing Woolworths Supermarket ( Hogans Corner) Corner Hogans Road & Derrimut Road Hoppers Crossing Tigers Club House 70 Old Geelong Road Hoppers Crossing Costas Mitre 10 255-267 Old Geelong Road Hoppers Crossing Quick Lane Tyre & Auto 346 Old Geelong Road Manor Lakes Manor Lakes News & Lotto Shop 14, 455 Ballan Road (Manor Lakes Central Shopping Centre) Manor Lakes Manor Lakes Shopping Centre 455 Ballan Road (Manor Lakes Central Shopping Centre) Point Cook Feath erbrook Shopping Centre 238 Boardwalk Boulevard Point Cook Wyndham Library Service Unit 1-21 Cheetham Street Point Cook Point Cook Pharmacy Shop 1-11 Dunnings Road Point Cook Jamieson Way Community Centre 59 Jamieson Way Point Cook Direct Chemist Outlet Shop 13, 15 Kenswick Street Point Cook Stockland Point Cook Shopping Centre Murnong Street Point Cook Point Cook Retirement Village 320 Point Cook Road Point Cook The Brooks 215 Sneydes Road Point Cook YPA Real Estate Shop 10/46-56 Tom Roberts Parade Point Cook WynCity 36 Wallace Avenue Sanctuary Lakes Sanctuary Lakes Resort 72 Greg Norman Drive Sanctuary Lakes Waterstone Café 72 Greg Norman Drive Sanctuary Lakes Sanctuary Lakes Real Estate 300 Point Cook Road Sanctuary Lakes Sanctuary Lakes Shopping Centre 300 Point Cook Road Tarneit Club House (Lifestyle) 13 Sundial Boulevard Tarneit BP Service Station 410 Derrimut Road Tarneit Tarneit Central Shopping Centre 540 Derrimut Road Tarneit NewsXpress - Riverdale Village SC 200 Hummingbird Boulevard Tarneit Penrose Promenade Community Centre 83 Penrose Promenade Tarneit Brian Mark Real Estate Shop 18, 380 Sayers Road Tarneit Wyndham Village Shopping Centre 380 Sayers Road Tarneit Shell Service Station 380 Sayers Road (Wyndham Village Shopping Centre) Tarneit Barry Plant Real Estate Shop 9, 380 Sayers Road (Wyndham Village Shopping Centre) Tarneit Community Centre 150 Sunset Views Boulevard Tarneit Serranos Cafe 747 Tarneit Road ( Tarneit Gardens SC ) Tarneit Tarneit Skies Retirement Village 250 Thames Boulevard

Truganina Palm Lakes Resort 7 Taronga Road Truganina Arndell Park Community Centre 29-49 Federation Boulevard Werribee Eagles Stadium Café 35 Ballan Road Werribee Hodges Real Estate 1/1 Watton Street Werribee Ison Village 150-160 Ballan Road Werribee Casaccio Egg Farm 170-198 Bulban Road Werribee IGA Supermarket 92-94 Cottrell Street Werribee Italian Sports Club 601 Heaths Road Werribee The Womans Hub - GP Clinic & Women Services 236 Hoppers Lane Werribee St Vincent’s Private Hospital 240 Hoppers Lane Werribee Wyndham City Council 45 Princes Highway Werribee Werribee Mercy Hospital Coffee Shop 300 Princes Highway Werribee Federation Residential Village 2A Railway Avenue Werribee SIMS IGA Werribee Village Cnr Shaws & Tarneit Rd Werribee Tatts Lotto 16 Station Place Werribee Westwoods First National 1 Synnot Street Werribee Werribee RSL 2A Synnot Street (Kelly Park) Werribee Werribee Fersh Market Feb-57 Synnot Street Werribee Baptcare Wyndham Lodge Community 120 Synnot Street Werribee Cellarbrations 52-54 Vincent Crescent Werribee Professionals Triwest 6a Watton Street Werribee Bendigo Bank 42 Watton Street Werribee P. Di Natale Real Estate 44 Watton Street Werribee Coles 143 Watton Street Werribee Wyndham Cultural Centre 177 Watton Street Werribee Barry Plant Real Estate 21 Watton Street Werribee YPA Real Estate 1 Werribee Street Werribee Glendale Hostel 2 Glendale Court Werribee Wyndham Private Medical Centre 242 Hoppers Lane Werribee South Werribee South General Store 785 Duncans Road Werribee South Wyndham Cache (LT’s Egg Farm) w1 K Ave Werribee South Anglers Anchorage Take Away 67 O’Connors Road Williams Landing Williams Landing News, Lotto & Tobacco Shop T10, 100 Overton Road (Williams Landing Shopping Centre) Williams Landing Woolworths 100 Overton Road (Williams Landing Shopping Centre) Wyndham Vale BP Service Station 210 Ballan Road Wyndham Vale Woolworths 205 Greens Road (Wyndham Vale Square Shopping Centre) Wyndham Vale IGA Wyndham Vale 50 Honour Avenue Wyndham Vale Iramoo Community Centre 84 Honour Avenue Wyndham Vale Manor Lakes Community Learning Centre 86 Manor Lakes Boulevard Wyndham Vale 7 Eleven Wyndham Vale Corner McGrath Road & Ballan Road

Or, get your FREE Digital Editions, News Updates, Breaking News and competitions delivered to your email inbox.

SUBSCRIBE NOW. It’s FREE

12507702-SN33-21

Where to pick up your FREE WYNDHAM

wyndham.starweekly.com.au/subscribe Wednesday, 10 January, 2024 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 7

ADVERTISEMENT STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Alamora surge drives Tarneit appeal A Tarneit estate bucking market trends since its lockdown launch at the height of COVID has hit a striking sales threshold underscoring the west’s reputation as Melbourne’s strongest growth corridor. Villawood Properties’ Sayers Road development Alamora, which struck a 500-sales benchmark in April, has now broached 600, reflecting a mammoth 100 sales in just seven months. The 2000-lot estate has weathered numerous market fluctuations from day one, from 160 active inquiries flooding sales staff before launch, including carpark campers queueing for lots and to repeated sales surges the past 30 months. Alamora’s 600th purchasers, landscape architect Gayatri Tate and sustainability consultant Raghav Kurapathi Balaji, did their homework before signing on. Ms Tate in fact worked as a design consultant for the estate’s fourth stage as well as its newlyopened feature playground, Feronia Avenue Park. “We were drawn to Alamora after doing a lot of research about investing and looking at all the other estates around Truganina,” she said. “Alamora’s overall facilities, and I’d seen for myself the quality of Villawood’s projects, really made it the perfect option. “We considered the location and the infrastructure coming in the next few years. Like the Cub Alamora which we will both be using a lot. Also, what will be provided to the community and Alamora’s connectivity to the community. “The property value will also be enhanced by the schools, the train station and community centre, the Wyndham City Stadium.” Alamora is sister to Villawood’s nationally-awarded Alamanda at Point Cook. Villawood bought the site from Commercial

Plenty of options are on offer. (Supplied)

Raghav Kurapathi Balaji and Gayatri Tate. (Supplied)

Equity in Melbourne’s biggest residential land sale of 2020. It is the eighth Villawood community in Wyndham

Alamora hosts high-end Villawood features as standard including a $14 million resort-style residents’ club, diverse housing choice, broad

open space and parks, dynamic public art and premium landscaping. It also hosts a key drawcard in Victoria’s largest display village.

12661533-AA02-24

8 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 10 January, 2024

YEAR IN REVIEW ... NEWS

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Wattle Avenue ‘cheap’ proposal February 15 The proposed intersection changes at Tarneit Road, Princes Highway and Wattle Avenue have been slammed by a resident as a “cheap, stupid and uncaring” idea. If the suggested recommendations made by the Department of Transport are adopted, residents travelling southbound on Tarneit Road will not be able to continue forward to Wattle Avenue, and the through-lane option will form a second right turn lane onto the Princes Highway. Werribee resident Herb Gallina said the

“unbelievably stupid” proposed solution would prevent people from being able to get home easily. “[For] everyone who lives in the area of Wattle Avenue and the streets that run off it, that is one of the major ways to get [home],” he said. “The solution to any traffic problems or congestion, should never be to stop the local traffic from getting there.” The changes were suggested following residents’ concerns about increased traffic at the intersection. Mr Gallina believes a main contributor

to the congestion is the removal of the level crossing at Cherry Street intersection, which he said blocked a main option for motorists wanting to travel from the north end of the municipality to the south, leading them to use the intersection at Tarneit Road, Princes Highway and Wattle Avenue. “If they close [Wattle Avevue], we’ll have to turn right and go down to Tower Road, and you’d have to go around the block and drive another couple of kilometres to get home,” he said. “That’s exactly what everyone else is going to do, people who have been going down

Wattle Avenue are going to go down Tower Road now. “You’re just moving the problem and making several thousand residents insanely upset by the whole situation.” A Department of Transport and Planning spokesperson said community feedback would play an important role in shaping the department’s decision on the proposed changes to the intersection.” “We will carefully consider the in-person and online feedback and we will keep the community informed about the outcome,” the spokesperson said.

Wyndham ranks first for growth January 25

Patrons of Werribee Bingo Club, which unless it finds a new home, will close on Sunday. (supplied).

Last call for Werribee bingo group July 12 After more than 40 years, the Werribee Bingo Club has called ‘eyes down’ for possibly the final time. Sunday’s meeting was the last at its Pacific Werribee home, with construction works and the end of its lease forcing the club to look elsewhere. With no new venue found, the likes of Debbie Graham are have having to adjust to life without it. “I’m 59 this year and I’ve been going there since I was 18,” said Ms Graham, an employee of the club and one of many wondering how to

fill the void it has left. “Our bingo is a place where people come and meet up with friends and for some it’s all they’ve got. “ For a lot of people, they mightn’t be able to get out to another bingo.” Ms Graham is referring to the club’s mostly elderly membership, which while still sizeable, is increasingly immobile, complicating the search for a new home. “With the elderly they can’t travel too far out, we’re trying to find a place in the near vicinity for our patrons,” she said. “We need somewhere over 700 square metres with plenty of parking and hopefully near

a bus stop. “ The parking is making it difficult.” Werribee Bingo is among many tenants who’ve vacated Pacific Werribee since rectification works between Target and Myer began. However, unlike other tenants that have relocated elsewhere and plan to return upon completion, Pacific Werribee’s general manager Ryan Ling said the the bingo club and shopping centre had already decided to part ways. Werribee Bingo chairman Dominic Cichello confirmed the decision to leave Pacific Werribee was mutual and was confident the club would be back.

Wyndham has emerged as the fastest growing region in both the state and country, amassing more than 34,500 new residents between 2019 and 2022. The latest data from professional services firm KPMG ranked the states and territories with the highest annual population growth, and according to the figures, Wyndham’s annual growth rate was 4 per cent from 2019-22. Wyndham mayor Susan McIntyre described Wyndham as a fast-growing community. “Currently, around 315,000 residents call Wyndham home, which is predicted to grow to around 505,000 by 2040,” councillor McIntyre said. “People in Wyndham come from many places, and we are pleased to welcome them as we grow. Wyndham is a diverse and exciting city with so much to offer. We are home to many natural wonders, great food and wine and world class attractions.” Cr McIntyre said it’s imperative that all tiers of government work together with the council to continue to invest in building a liveable city for those who choose to call Wyndham home. “By working with the state and federal governments, we can build a city that meets the needs of all community members, with the educational, transport, economic and community infrastructure to make our city thrive,” she said. Wyndham covers about 20 suburbs, which contain a significant number of rural land areas that have since been developed for housing.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year 8 Dec 2023–19 May 2024 National Wool Museum Open daily 10am–5pm (Closed Christmas and Boxing Day) Wadawurrung Country 26 Moorabool St, Geelong 12658533-HC02-24

©Mike Korostelev Wednesday, 10 January, 2024 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 9

YEAR IN REVIEW ... NEWS

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Half a heart but so full of life July 19 Setbacks, challenges and tragedies are just part of life, but given what Werribee four-year old Josh Chalmers has already endured, overcoming any future problems will be a cinch . Born with with only half a heart thanks to a condition called Hypoplastic left-heart syndrome where that side of the organ doesn’t develop, Josh had his first open heart surgery at just 17 hours old, his second at three months and spent his first 100 days in the Royal Children’s Hospital. “I felt like I’d been run over by a truck,” recalled his mother Sharon Chalmers of when she and husband David were given the news when she was 23 weeks pregnant. “A week prior they’d told us something was wrong. “I wasn’t ever outwardly emotional but I just broke down. “At the official diagnosis, I was just numb and quiet, trying to process it.“ Ms Chalmers who was then asked by doctors what she and her husband wanted to do next. “They gave us three options: termination, palliative care, which meant go through the pregnancy and lose him in a couple of days, or a surgery pathway.” The Chalmers chose the latter and after his initial stay at the Royal Children’s, it’s allowed Josh grow into a normal little boy who loves tearing around the playground at kinder with his friends. But as father David explained, looks can be deceiving. “He can’t run for very long, he gets very short of breath,” Mr Chalmers said. “He has very low oxygen levels which causes a purple tinge to his cheeks.” To fix this, Josh will soon return to the

Werribee four-year-old Josh Chalmers at the GFA house slab-pour on Friday. (supplied).

surgery pathway for what’s called a ‘Fontan procedure’ or as his parents put it: ‘basically a re-plumbing of the heart.’ This surgery will again be done at the Royal Children’s and it was for the same hospital that Josh, his parents and other supporters attended the slab-pouring for the Good Friday Appeal fundraising house in Tarneit

on Friday. The four-bedroom, double-storey house will be built by Henley Homes on a block donated by Villawood Properties and once completed, will be auctioned off, with all proceeds going to the Royal Children’s Hospital. Since its inception in 1993, the GFA House Auction has raised almost $20 million.

Mrs Chalmers said that she and her husband were eternally grateful to both the hospital and everyone who has raised money for it. “Thank you to everyone who has supported the Good Friday Appeal and the Royal Children’s Hospital in any way. We appreciate you more than you will ever know.” Details: gfacharityhouse.com.au

Plan ahead for summer works From mid-January to early-March 2024

This summer, the West Gate Tunnel Project will be working from Wurundjeri Way in the city to the Princes Freeway in Melbourne’s west. There will be 24/7 lane, road and ramp closures in place across the network.

Locations • Wurundjeri Way closed in both directions • Lanes reduced on Princes and West Gate freeways • Extended West Gate Freeway & M80 interchange ramp closures • Footscray Road

Learn more about these changes and check for disruptions at bigbuild.vic.gov.au/lanechanges Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

10 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 10 January, 2024

12659516-KG03-24

We understand these closures are disruptive and thank you for your ongoing patience. Major delays are expected—so please plan ahead and allow extra travel time.

YEAR IN REVIEW ... NEWS

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

‘Sick and overwhelmed’: say west homeowners April 12 Home builder Porter Davis was placed into liquidation on Friday, March 31, leaving more than 1500 unfinished projects across Victoria and homeowners in limbo. Werribee homeowner Julie McDonald purchased her property with Porter Davis in January and said the final inspection was scheduled for April 14. Ms McDonald is a single mother to three teenagers and said she recently gave notice to leave her short-term rental. “They booked in the final inspection last Wednesday … they sent [a confirmation] email and text, it was booked in … for April 14,” Ms McDonald said. “I’m in a short-term rental so I

gave notice to move out … [now] nobody can tell me anything, I feel absolutely sick. “I just feel sick and overwhelmed.” After finding out about the collapse Ms McDonald said she contacted her landlord and was told she could stay but she still has questions about the future. “I feel like I’m living in limbo, no one can tell me yes, and no one can tell me no.” Ms McDonald said she heard about the collapse on the news and has not been able to get in touch with anyone from Porter Davis. “I rang about four different numbers but they’re all either turned off or don’t answer,” she said. “It’s just crap they were operating as normal two days before ... It’s just crazy.”

Ms McDonald said the property was supposed to be ready in February and now she is having to pay rent and fees for a storage locker. “[I was] supposed to be in February, then they put it off to March, then they put it off to April.” “I’m paying storage fees, pretty soon I’m going to be paying for a house I haven’t got.” Accounting firm Grant Thornton has appointed three liquidators to the case and a spokesperson from the company said a range of aspects contributed to the collapse. “The extremely challenging environment for residential home building has directly contributed to the [Porter Davis] Group’s financial position,” the spokesperson said.

“[This includes] rising input costs, supply chain delays, labour shortages, and a drop in demand for new homes in 2023 impacting the group’s liquidity.” With Ms McDonald wants to know if another builder is going to be taking over and when she can move in. “There’s fencing left to do, the lawn and kitchen appliances,” she said. “I’d prefer to get someone in to do what’s left … and have that subtracted from my mortgage.” The spokesperson said the liquidators were “working to urgently determine“ how it can help customers, including engaging with key stakeholders and potential interested parties who may be willing to take over the current customer contracts.

Point Cook builder collapses June 1

Oz Tenpin general manager Graeme Cox. (Damjan Janevski) 315285_01

‘Shattered’ by robbery January 18 It was a phone call that shattered Point Cook Oz Ten Pin Bowling owner Lorraine Sampson. A culmination of 10 years of hard work, growing and maintaining her business, destroyed in one day by “selfish” thieves who broke into the arcade on Saturday, December 31. Ms Sampson said the first sign something was amiss came the day before, when an employee noticed the garage door had been broken. “We locked it up and put chains on and thought ‘there’s no way they can get in there now’,” she said. Police said two people broke into the business about 6.30am on New Year’s Eve. “When the [store] manager called me, and

said ‘I’ve got bad news for you … they were back and they’ve done a lot of damage,” Ms Sampson said. “And my heart just sank … I couldn’t believe it. “They cut everything off and got in there and ripped all the other things off, they went back about four times.” Ms Sampson said the thieves took off with two bumper cars, a compressor, a virtual reality system and other electronic items. “We [also] have to get the roller doors fixed, and [repair] all the damage they’ve done, [repurchase] the parts that I’m missing, it’s probably going to cost about $80,000 by the time we’re all through,” she said. “People work to try and run a business try to get somewhere, and this happens, it’s just selfish.“ OZ Tenpin general manager Graeme Cox said the stolen dodgem cars are battery

operated, and can be used in a garage or on a road. “When people hear dodgem cars these days, you would think it needs the sparks above your heads like you’d see at the circus or something like that, these aren’t like that, they can be used on surface really,“ he said. “We purchased eight of them, they stole two of them, but the batteries for all eight happened to be in a box in one of the ones they stole, so we have six now that are a bit useless at the moment ... they’re worth about $3000.“ Police said an investigation into the incident is ongoing and any information should be referred to CrimeStoppers. “We’ve put a $1000 reward, I’m sure [the items] will never [be returned], but we’re trying to do everything we can to get them back,“ Ms Sampson said. Details: www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

New Tarneit shopping centre announced October 4 Wyndham’s booming outer suburbs will receive another shopping centre to keep up with demand, with the The Grove retail centre in Tarneit set to begin construction next year. Situated inside an housing development of the same name, The Grove retail centre will comprise two 4000sqm sections on either side of Bethany Road that will be linked by a pedestrian crossing and reserve. On one side a full-sized Woolworths supermarket will be the anchor tenant, while across Bethany Road there will be more than 20

retail outlets including a bakery, greengrocer, nail bar, pizza restaurant, Chemist Warehouse outlet and Anytime Fitness gym. Facing the retail precinct across Bethany Road will be a learn-to-swim school with a 25m pool, Hungry Jacks fast food outlet, service station and a car wash. There will be 260 car spaces for the retail precinct, and additional 60 spaces to service the swim school and adjacent tenants. Bus stops on either side of Bethany Rd will link through to the Tarneit and Werribee railway stations. Construction is set to begin in mid-2024 and is expected to take two years to complete.

Sarah Bloom from The Grove developer Frasers Property Australia said the retail centre would serve residents already living in the area. “The Grove residents already enjoy easy access to schools, parks, playgrounds and wetlands within their community, and now the final piece of the convenience puzzle will slot into place with this new retail precinct,” she said. Situated between the Werribee River and Davis Creek in Tarneit, The Grove is a 167 ha community which is already home to 1600 people but eventually projected to house 2600 families.

A former employee of failed Point Cook builder, A1A Homes, has blamed the federal government’s Homebuilder scheme for its collapse. The Homebuilder scheme was introduced by the then Morrison government to support the construction industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. But Ajay Pasupulate, a former freelance sales consultant for A1A, said it had the opposite effect by overstimulating the market and forcing builders to expand ‘too quickly’ ‘It is the fault of the government 100 per cent“ said Mr Pasupulate of the company’s demise. It was announced last week that A1A Homes and its subsidiary, A1A Commercial Builders, had entered administration on May 2. Ajay Pasupulate worked at A1A between January and December 2021 and said it was during the second half of that year that he noticed something was wrong. ‘Initially we were doing around 50 houses per year, but it expanded by almost three times that in six months” Delivering the same quality at below cost price became a problem when inflation hit and the cost of building materials skyrocketed. Mr Paspulate said this was why some builders had begun charging extra fees before completing project. A review of the Homebuilder scheme by KPMG found over 100, 000 grants had been issued at a cost $2.3 billion, over three times what was originally forecast. Mr Paspulate, who has since left the property industry, said A1A was far from alone in being damaged by the aftermath. “All builders, big builders, small builders.” Established in the early 2000’s and thought to have between 11 and 50 employees, A1A is the latest in a string of Australian home builders to collapse this year, following the likes of Porter Davis and Rawdon Hill. Kathleen Vouris and Richard Albarran from Hall Chadwick have been appointed joint administrators. A Victorian Building Authority spokesperson said : The VBA works with practitioners and building companies in external administration on a case-by-case basis. “Affected consumers are encouraged to contact the administrator.” Hall Chadwick, A1A Homes, federal Housing Minister Julie Collins were all contacted for comment. Wednesday, 10 January, 2024 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 11

YEAR IN REVIEW ... NEWS

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Bill Marshall as ’Captain Fish’, who is a producer of a surrealist festival.

Scotty So was part of an exhibition in Footscray.

Sunflowers were coming into bloom at Bolwarrah Springs which were enjoyed by Kiara, 10, and Bridie, 8.

2023 through Star Weekly’s lens Star Weekly photographer Damjan Janveski shares his favourite pictures from 2023. Meditation teacher Ananya Tomar.

Five-year-old Liahona, and organisers Tonya Toi, Vicki Kinai and Jone Temo at the Tarneit community garden. Patrick Blume in front of his Halloween decorated house.

‘Princess on Skates’ Belle Hadiwidjaja ahead of the Winter Community Festival in Yarraville.

Point Cook personal trainer Chevy Lowndes who collects sneakers and gives them to homeless people.

Hume Anglican Grammar is putting on a production of the Addams Family. Students Treesha, Aria, Freddie, Logan, Stephanie, Harriet and Gurleen. 12 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 10 January, 2024

Max Augoustakis and Zac Main at the radio station where they do a weekly segment called ’Self-Titled’ and they play ‘underground’ music.

Matilda, 8, and Mia, 4, at the Werribee ward set up at Pacific Werribee.

YEAR IN REVIEW ... NEWS

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Heather’s OAM honour June 13 Heather Marcus’ Order of Australia Medal for more than 40 years of service to Wyndham, nearly didn’t happen. “In 1984 my world crashed, my marriage broke up and it was a battle for the next few years,” recalled Cr Marcus who moved to Werribee with her husband and two children in 1969. “I wanted to throw it all in and return to my family in Beaufort.” Fortunately for Wyndham, her ex-husband was a member of the then Werribee-council and one of his then colleagues convinced her to stay. “Councillor Teddy Dowling put me on six committees and so another journey began for me,” said Cr Marcus who at that point owned a clothing store in Watton Street. “That was my life changer and I felt free as a bird to go out and work in the community.” And work she has. While running her own business, Cr Marcus threw herself into committee work, particularly the Werribee Chamber of Commerce where she ran promotions and helped organise the beautification of Watton Street in the 1980s. But it was spearheading the chamber’s opposition to plans to turn centenary hall into a pokie venue that was a precursor of what was to come. “We fought hard, ” said Cr Marcus of the campaign against the plans of the former Werribee council. When then Premier Jeff Kennett sacked Victoria’s councils and appointed

commissioners in their place, those appointed to Werribee agreed with her position and the hall was saved. “That was one of the highlights that we were able to save that venue,” said Cr Marcus of what is today the Wyndham Cultural Centre. After years of dealing with council, Cr Marcus was finally elected herself in 2005. “I’ve been there ever since, ” she said of her career as a councillor which included two terms as mayor. Alongside her role in local government, Cr Marcus has become an event organiser too, bringing the likes of the Victorian Dancesport Championships, Weerama Festival, Fashion Awards Australia and the Australian Gown of the Year to Werribee. It’s a record deserving of recognition, but Cr Marcus was still taken aback when news of her OAM finally arrived. “I sat down and looked at the email and thought ‘no this can’t be right’,“ she said. There’ll be no resting on her laurels though, as Cr Marcus remains as committed as ever to serving the community she still likens to a country town. “My time in Wyndham has had its ups and downs but this makes you stronger and I will continue to work with all residents so that we continue to have a happy liveable city to live in.” Wyndham councillor Heather Marcus has received an OAM in the King’s Birthday honours. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 339830_01

Tyre & Auto Service • BRIDGESTONE • FIRESTONE • SUPERCAT • POTENZA • TURANZA • ECOPIA • DUELER • DAYTON

DEALER LOGBOOK SERVICE Minor Dealership Logbook Service

From only $229.00. Includes: Replacement of engine oil filter and semi synthetic engine oil up to 7 litres Inspect and top up fluid levels • Check headlamp and light operation Inspect drive belts and cooling system, hoses etc • Remove wheels and inspect brake and suspension components • Stamp warranty booklet if applicable. $229.00 - Suits most Japanese vehicles $269.00 - Vehicles requiring full synthetic engine oils, Ie, Fiesta, Mondeo and some late model Japanese vehicles $349.00 - European Vehicles - Some earlier models Diesel Service Most Japanese 4WD & Commercial Vans $449.00 - European - Mid luxury/prestige vehicles. Note: Some 4WD, luxury, prestige and sports models vehicles may incur an extra cost Price on application.

6 MONTHS INTEREST

FREE *

No Deposit No Interest No repayments for 6 months

• Fixed Price Servicing • Mechanical Repairs • Brakes • Clutch Repairs • Fleet Maintenance • Automatic Transmission

• Wheel Balancing • Wheel Alignments • Batteries • Licensed Vehicle Tester • RWC LVT License no: EX 6187

We use and recommend Valvoline Motor Oils & Ryco Filters 12656450-AI02-24

*Conditions Apply

PROFESSIONAL VEHICLE SERVICING & REPAIRS, WITH HONESTY & INTEGRITY

‘Offers apply on purchases made in participating stores between 01/01/2024 - 31/01/2024. Terms and conditions apply. Tyre images are for illustration purposes only. See bridgestone.com.au for details. Wednesday, 10 January, 2024 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 13

SECTION STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Natural Constipation Relief

FREE OFFER

Free Jar Valued at

$59.95

Get your daily dose of regularity with Sunraysia Prune Extract & Get a FREE jar ($59.95 value) with every Festive Value Pack* Free from chemicals and one hundred percent natural More than 70 prunes in every jar Naturally rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals including potassium, dietary fibre, magnesium, Vitamin K, Boron and Sorbitol

12661890-ET03-24

Helps relieve constipation naturally Helps promote gut health and improved digestion Enjoy a teaspoon daily, or mix with any food, tea, yogurt or use in cooking

Sunraysia Prune Extract is a food and not a medicine 14 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 10 January, 2024

*Festive Value Pack includes 2 Jars for $119.90 to get the third jar free *While stocks last. Subject to Ts & Cs

Scan to save $5 plus Get Value Pack with a FREE jar sunraysiaprune.com/smgx 1800 778 637

YEAR IN REVIEW ... NEWS

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Scoring an OAM honour February You’d think finding out you’ve been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia would be a fancy affair, but Ivo John Havard learned via email that he’d been recognised for his outstanding community work at a number of sporting clubs across Wyndham. “I opened the email and I’m thinking, ’what is this?’,“ he said. “There’s definitely a bit of pride that goes into receiving awards, but everything you do is not for awards, but I suppose it’s a pretty big one, isn’t it?“ Mr Havard said he’s had a lifetime full of sport between his involvement in football and cricket, and believes he’s coached upwards of 20,000 games, assisted with keeping the Werribee Football Club from extinction, started up the Super Rules, the women’s programs and introduced Auskick to the football club.

Ivo Havard was awarded an OAM. (Western Region Football League)

“I started playing cricket at nine, so that’s about 58 years of continued involvement,“ he said. “I think I might be into coaching third generation sons and daughters.“ Mr Havard said his own children, Mitchell and Nathan, and his wife Karen have been “really amazing“ at supporting him over the years and were “very proud“ of what he

has accomplished. “It’s tough on them sometimes, I do know that, I’ve put them through a lot over those last few years,“ he said. However, Mr Havard said the “people side“ of sports kept him going, and he feels passionate about helping people be as good as they can be. “Your connection with people is your reward,“ he said. “You get lifelong friendships from sporting clubs, it’s a significant part of the bigger community, it’s an amazing connection.“ Mr Havard said he was thankful to the friends who nominated him and is looking forward to seeing what the future holds. “I’ll forever be supporting people participating, it doesn’t have to be top-notch sport, it can be any level of sporting achievement as long as people are out there giving it a go,“ he said. “I’ve still got some boxes to tick. “It should be good.”

Sindu Varathan is travelling to India to appear in a fashion runway 5700m above sea level in a world record attempt. (Damjan Janevski). 351523_01

Parading on top of the fashion world August 16

Juliette Bormeh Moe, mayor Susan McIntyre and Leanne Down. (Wyndham council)

Awards recognise a dynamic duo February 1 Juliette Bormeh Moe and Leanne Down are Wyndham’s Young Citizen and Citizen of the Year. Ms Bormeh Moe arrived from a refugee camp to Australia 11 years ago, and has since dedicated herself to volunteering in the community. “It’s such an honour for me to receive this amazing award,“ she said. “I wouldn’t be here today without the support and encouragement from everyone.“ Ms Bormeh Moe also works at Utopia

Refugee and Asylum Seeker Health in Hoppers Crossing as a practice nurse. The awards were announced at council’s Australia Day celebrations at Wyndham Park on Thursday, January 26. Ms Down said she was humbled and overwhelmed with gratitude to learn she had been selected as Citizen of the Year for her work as the chief executive of the Wyndham Health Foundation. “This accomplishment is not something that I did alone, there are many others who deserve to share in this award,“ Ms Down said. “We are 100 per cent not for profit, and

we support the public healthcare needs and hospital needs throughout the city of Wyndham by raising money for four priority areas of healthcare, purchasing equipment, investing in researching and innovation, funding programs and allocating funds to capital builds. “Over thirty years we’ve been able to provide over $3 million dollars to our public health care services. “All of this was made possible by you, the wonderful people of Wyndham community.“ Mayor Susan McIntyre said both individuals helped to make Wyndham a better place.

Wyndham model Sindu Varathan will reach the top of the fashion world when she parades in the Ladakh International Fashion Runway in India later this month. Literally. Ms Varanathan will be the Australian representative at the show in Ladakh in the Indian Himalayas, which is aiming to break the world record for the highest fashion show ever held. “As an Australian-Indian I feel extremely humbled to be a part of this historic event,” said Ms Varathan who was born in India but grew up in Wyndham. Ms Varanthan, winner of the 2020 Ms Australia International Pageant, was selected to join models and pageant winners from around the world to strut down the catwalk at 5700m above sea-level. While excited by the prospect of making history, she said the event, which will be held on the highest drivable road in the world, was about much more than just entering the record books. “I hope that our joint efforts to break the Guinness World Record will gain the attention of the world, and start conversions and change throughout the fashion industry, the region, and across the globe in other regions faced with similar fates.” The world record attempt will take place on August 30 and is part of a series of events leading up to India hosting the G-20 Leaders Summit in September.

from an outlet near you

It's FREE CHECK THEM OUT

12643460-ET43-23

SCAN TO FIND YOUR OUTLET

starweekly.com.au/find-my-newspaper Wednesday, 10 January, 2024 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 15

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

Live Well for Life Do you want to improve your health? Or learn how to reduce your risk of future health problems? Live Well for Life is a free five-week program that provides support and information to Wyndham residents 18 and older, on a number of issues including how to make healthy behaviour changes, heart disease, diabetes and stroke, healthy eating, physical activity and sleep. The program will run at IPC Health, 117-129 Warringa Court, Hoppers Crossing, from 10am-12pm, every Thursday from February 1. n livingwell@ipchealth.com.au or 1300 472 432

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. New members welcome. n Catherine, 0407 726 852.

Watton Group A support group providing a social space for carers to get together in a safe and compassionate environment. Gives carers an opportunity to connect, share their experiences and offers emotional and practical support. The group meets at the Eco-Living Centre at 10am every fourth Tuesday of the month. n Patricia, 0434 487 360 or wattongroup131@gmail.com.

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

This week’s photographer’s choice photo is of sisters Emily and Sally Anglin getting their car ready for shitbox rally this year. (Damjan Janevski) 371717_01

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

Walking Netball

Diabetes Support 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 at Eagle Stadium, Ballan Road, Werribee. Come and try your first session for free, with stadium entry $2. n Phil, 0437 078 739

The Werribee Diabetes support provides an opportunity to hear from experts on how to manage your diabetes, to share information on diabetes and to engage with other diabetics Meetings are at the old council shire buildings at 10am every second Friday of the month. n Bob, 0409 252872.

Wyndham Rotary

Hoppers Crossing Ladies Probus

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

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

Friends of Presidents Park

Sunrise Social Groups

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

GenWest Sunrise Social Groups are currently seeking new members for their Melton, Brimbank and Wyndham programs. The free groups are organised by Genwest and provide a social space for women, gender diverse and nonbinary people, who have a disability, chronic health issues and/or mental health challenges. n https://genwest.org.au/what-we-do/ health-wellbeing-programs/

Seniors House of Fun The Grange Community Centre invites seniors of Wyndham to its weekly Seniors House of Fun. This is a free program running every Friday 11am-12.30pm, at The Grange Community Centre, 260-280 Hogans Road, Hoppers Crossing. n Vanessa, 8742 8000 or enquires@ grangecommunity.org.au 16 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 10 January, 2024

U3A Werribee The group is a not-for-profit community organisation for semi-retired and retired Wyndham residents. They hold a variety of classes-activities specifically designed for seniors, including, light physical and mental wellbeing sessions, arts, games and craft, and general classes such as

current affairs, history and lunch groups. Most classes-activities are held at Wyndham community centres. n Rick, 0402 299 220.

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

Classic Car and Bike Show Preparations are well underway with the organisation of the 11th Annual Custom, Classic Car and Bike Show scheduled to be held on February 25 Apex Park, Altona. As well as featuring a wonderful collection of various cars and motorbikes, there will be coffee, drinks, food vans, live bands, as well as face painting and a petting zoo. n Lou Artz, 0417 531 670

Musicians welcome Bingo for all The Werribee RSL hosts Bingo every Monday between 12.30-2.30pm. n 9741 5525

Western Budgerigar Club The Western Suburbs Budgerigar Club meets at 7.30pm on the third Thursday of each month at Masonic Hall, 223 Watton Street, Werribee. Meet other members who are also passionate about breeding Budgerigars. n Don, 0414 975 862

Wyndham Ladies Probus Are you recently retired or semi-retired? Looking for fun, fellowship and to increase your social networks. The Ladies Probus Club of Wyndham meets on the first Wednesday of each month at Hotel 520, Sayers Road, Tarneit, and normally has an outing or event on the third Wednesday of each month. n Rosa Sanderson, 0410 303 046

Hobsons Bay City Band is seeking musicians to join their community band. Rehearsals are held under the directorship of Wayne Bowden every Monday evening from 7.30pm at the Newport Lakes Primary School, Elizabeth Street, Newport. Visitors and interested musicians any age are most welcome. n Hannah Prouse, hbcityband@gmail.com or www.hbcb.org.au

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

Wyn FM Wyn FM is Wyndham’s community radio station, broadcasting on 88.9 and online from its studios at the Victoria University campus in Werribee. It offers a wide range of programming including music, sport, news and lifestyle shows as well as broadcasts in languages other than English. New broadcasters, volunteers, members and sponsors are always welcome. n 9919 8089 wynfm.org.au

Walking Football (soccer) This is a social activity for fun and a bit of exercise, no experience necessary for people aged 50 and older. Any fitness level is welcome with no running allowed. This is a social activity for fun and a bit of exercise, no experience necessary.. This is a free activity each Wednesday between noon-1pm at the Sports Centre, Andrew Park Drive, Altona. n Mike 0423 291 708.

PUZZLES No. 167

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

3 7 8 9

8 4 3

5 4 5 1

8 2

2 4

3 4 9

5 6

2 6 8

2 3 8

9 5 5 7

9 3 7 2 1 5 8 4 4 2

1 6 3 9

8 7 5 6 9 8 7 4

DOWN

26 27

Courier (9) North African country (7) Delete (5) Approximately (10) Blemishes (4) Sudden violent invasion (9) Fantasise (7) Sibling’s daughter (5) Process of turning on (10) Specify (9) Athlete (9) Cyclone (7) An addition (7) Crawl (5) EU currency units (5) Historical alcoholic drink (4)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 13 15 16 18 19 20 22 23

Mother (3) Deportation (11) Family name (7) Deliver commentary (7) Abstained from (8) Positive aspect (6) Earth (prefix) (3) Members (11) Punishment (10) State of agitation (3) Body (6) Shoeless (8) Exude (7) Arabic derivative of Abraham (7) Series of events (11) Sprinted (3)

9 medium

ACROSS 1 3 9 10 11 12 14 15 17 19 20 21 24 25

No. 167

DECODER

No. 167

7 hard

7 4

3 9

9 1 6 3

6 7

10 11 12 13

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

W L

3 LETTERS AGE ANT AWE DOE EBB ERA FBI FUN ILL INN IRE LEE LEG NOD OKS ONE PEN RAT SOB TEN UPS UTE

ARMED AROMA AVAIL BELOW CIDER CREPE DETER DITTO DOONA ENVOY ERODE GLOVE HERDS INERT LOCAL MACED MESSY NOBLE NOOSE OATHS OMEGA

18 5

19 6

20 7

21 8

22 9

23 10

24 11

25 12

26 13

Today’s Aim: 12 words: Good 18 words: Very good

No. 167 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

L O S

B A R D S A W A R E S A L O N

5 LETTERS ADORE AFOOT ALIBI ALONE ALTER

PASTY PIANO PLATE PURSE REAPS REEDS RINSE ROSES SCENE SCRAP SCRUB SLAIN SNEER STABS STALE SWATS SWEET TAPED TASTE TESTS WADES

WOMEN 6 LETTERS BAMBOO CAGIER INHALE KOALAS RELAYS SILENT 7 LETTERS AMMONIA ATLASES BLISTER

BRITTLE LIAISON RENEWAL 8 LETTERS CLEAVERS CLENCHED CRITERIA TORTILLA 10 LETTERS DISPENSING HINTERLAND

12-01-24

4 LETTERS BEEF ENDS GAIT GOSH MOTH PEWS SLAP STEM THUS TRIM

QUICK QUIZ

Marmosets are native to which continent?

True or false: Kevin Costner (pictured) has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame?

Which country led the medal tally at the 2012 London Olympic Games?

Walt Whitman died during which century?

Harissa is what type of food?

The mausoleum of Madghacen is located in which African country?

Actor Andy Griffith received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from which US president?

Does Ben or Fred Savage play Cory Matthews in Boy Meets World?

Manama is the capital of which country?

T Y L

clod, coal, coda, coil, cola, cold, coma, domicil, halo, hold, holm, HOMICIDAL, idiom, idol, lido, load, loam, loch, loci, macho, milo, mocha, modal, moil

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

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

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

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”.

24 words: Excellent

hard

medium

9-LETTER WORD

No. 167

* $ , 7

T O R XN P CMF DH E Z

2 3 easy

5x5

8 7 1 4

5 2

Y V B G J K U Q S I AW L

WORDFIT

10 A coati is what type of animal?

ANSWERS: 1. South America 2. True 3. Chilli paste 4. Algeria 5. Ben 6. Bahrain 7. The US 8. 19th 9. George W. Bush 10. Mammal

QUICK CROSSWORD

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

SUDOKU

Wednesday, 10 January, 2024 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 17

SECTION STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

networkclassifieds.com.au Trades & Services V Deadline

V Trades Business Profile

V Electricians

THE ELECTRICAL COMPANY

Placing your classiﬁed advert is so easy...

Grow your business with

(include your name, address and phone number)

We accept payment by: (1.5% credit card processing fee applies. Cheques and money orders can be posted in or hand delivered to our local ofﬁce)

TRADES & SERVICES

Ask about our discounted ongoing advertising rates and how choosing more newspapers gives your advertising more impact and saves you money...

From plumbers to pest control, carpet cleaning to building services, dry cleaning to computer repairs, lawn mowing and more, Network Classifieds has been connecting local businesses with the local community with our Trades and Services each week. 12435710-CG03-20

Deadline for all classiﬁcations is 1:00pm Tuesday.

12612983-KG24-23

V Air Conditioning

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

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

We accept

Employment

Speak to our classified team and find out how easy it is to advertise. Start building your brand today and be seen every week in Network Classifieds Trades and Services.

ncing rbond Flaes lo o C ’s Lou & Pergo

A44-18 12402755-R 4-17 5153 ACM1

VISA/MASTERCARD/EFTPOS

Gates ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ 9 ฀ 1 339 73 ฀ ony 043 T 5 4 4 339 Lou 0412

Rec 25789

V Fencing & Gates

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

“Star Weekly has been the most effective, affordable and efficient advertising company that we have ever dealt with.”- Louie

Call or visit us online! networkclassiﬁeds.com.au

Call 1300 666 808

section of Network Classiﬁeds.

V Garden Services

V Antennas

AMAZING GARDEN SERVICES

12459914-SN36-20

0488 816 557

V Bathroom & Kitchens 12420493-CG25-19

Kitchens & Bathroom Renovations · 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. 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

8348 5441

www.topedgekitchens.com.au

Brimbank & North West Star Weekly

Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly

Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly

Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly

V Concrete Products & Services

M & D MICALLEF

MJB BATHROOM RENOVATIONS & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

CONCRETING

House slabs Aggregate Stencil Slate Coloured concrete

Also specialising in Supply & Fit Shower Screens

MOBILE: 0419 511 60612428948-SN41-19

Trades & Services section of Network Classifieds.

Martin 0418 171 280 or 9748 3196

Plain concrete

12335742-HM02-17

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

V Bathroom & Kitchens

Wash/seal old

drive ways Bobcat and dingo hire

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

Call Joe 0498 375 094 - 7 days

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

PENSIONER RATES

P & A GATT P/L EXPERT CONCRETE WORK

GEORGE FOX 0431 277 046 EVAN 0410 158 503

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

V Bricklayers

12594119-MS12-23

Philip - 0412 543 709 12618954-SM27-23

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

Contact Adam 0422 250 675

12418345-SN21-19

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

12619654-AP28-23

SAME DAY TV ANTENNA SERVICE

Upgrade • Rangehoods • Lighting • Security Systems • Split Systems • Data Cabling

Ph: 9360 0466 * DOMESTIC * INDUSTRIAL * COMMERCIAL

12402755-RA44-18

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

12631171-FC35-23

• Power Point 5 OAKDENE GROVE LAVERTON • Switches • Switchboard VIC 3028

General Notices section of Network Classifieds.

ADVERTISE UNTIL SOLD*

• Gutter Cleaning • Hedge Trimming • Lawn Mowing • Tree Cutting

• Garden Maintenance • Rubbish Removal • Green Waste Removal

0431 132 175 12591232-RC09-23

29 .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.

Wyndham Star Weekly Run my advert in:

Northern Star Weekly

2 papers - $7 extra 3 papers - $14 extra 4 papers - $21 extra 5 papers - $28 extra 6 papers - $35 extra

ADD A PHOTO FOR AN ADDITIONAL $8.00. 12593578-AV11-23

18 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 10 January, 2024

SPORTS QUIZ 1. How many Grand Slam singles titles has former world No.1 Boris Becker won?

4. Which basketball legend might be making a career return to the Opals at the Paris Olympics?

2. How many NBA teams currently don't have a team mascot?

5. Which Melbourne venue is set to host an AFC Champions League game?

3. Brisbane AFLW star Ally Anderson won which accolade for the third time?

12. The Sharks play which sport for Australia? 13. Who is the current captain of the England Test cricket team? 14. The Barton Oval is the home of which AFL team? 15. How many legs are there in a darts set?

6. The terms gutter, frame and foul line can be applied to which sport?

16. In which year did canoeist Jessica Fox make her Olympics debut?

7. In which Australian state does the annual Santos Tour Down Under take place?

17. And how old was she? 18. In which sport would you find a Michigan goal?

8. Renowned springboard diver Greg Louganis represented which country in competition?

19. What is the nickname of the team that plays NFL out of Tennessee?

9. Which arena in Melbourne Park was formerly known as Hisense Arena and Vodafone Arena?

20. How many AFL games did Brent Harvey play for North Melbourne? 21. What is the only NRL team nickname not to end with an S?

10. What is the national sport of Germany? 11. The Stoke Mandeville Games were a precursor to which event?

David Warner

Jessica Fox

24. Who won Man of the Match in the second test in the current Australia v Pakistan series? 25. In what year did David Warner make his international cricketing debut for Australia?

29. The 2024 Dakar Rally will be held in which country? 30. What famous Australian yacht race was first held in 1945?

26. AFLW player Monique Conti also plays in what other major Australian sporting league?

22. Which US city’s four major sporting teams all use the same colours?

27. Kelly Ryan resigned as chief executive of which sporting body in December?

23. What was the nickname of the NBL team that was based on the Gold Coast in the 1990s?

28. What sport will make a return to the Olympics after only previously featuring once in 1900?

1201

1. Six 2. Four 3. Best and Fairest Award 4. Lauren Jackson 5. Ikon Park 6. Bowling 7. South Australia 8. US 9. John Cain Arena 10. Soccer 11. The Paralympics 12. Lacrosse 13. Ben Stokes 14. Adelaide Crows 15. Five 16. 2012 17. 18 18. Ice hockey 19. Titans 20. 432 21. Melbourne Storm 22. Pittsburgh 23. Rollers 24. Pat Cummins 25. 2009 26. WNBL 27. Netball Australia 28. Cricket 29. Saudi Arabia 30. Sydney to Hobart Race Plumbing

� Carpentry � Doors � Painting � Wallpapering � Tiling � Flat Pack Assembly � All Odd Jobs No job too small - Free Quotes

G6254323AA-dc28Aug

JOHN’S HANDYMAN SERVICES

Call John 0433 911 967 or 9395 5019

MIRMIC PLUMBING • General Plumbing & Maintenance • Spouting & Roofing • Hot & Cold Water Services • Gas work FREE Quotes

Call Mick 0417 352 040

darren

฀ ฀

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

฀ ฀

฀ ฀ ฀ No job too small - Pensioner discounts

THE PLUMBING COMPANY

Free quotes - Call Darren 0409 785 995

Ph: 9360 0466

Kitchens

EMERGENCY

STONE BENCHTOPS Overlay Over Your Existing Benchtops With Stone. Change The Look Of Your Kitchen In A Day! Call for a free quote 0425 825 504 www.dsstonebenchtops.com.au

• Blocked Drains • Drain Camera • Burst Pipes • Hot Water Services • Roof Repairs • Gas Servicing

$100 per Goat

SERVICE

Male, 30kg+ Good condition Can cater to most order quantities.

Lic. No. 28635

PICK UP COLDSTREAM PH 0410 994 993

24/7

12362716-ACM35-17

For Sale

12661905-JD03-24

฀ ฀

Buy & Sell in the V

Motoring

0416 561 594 0403 610 782 www.saidaspaintingau.com

Reg No 8659

NICK’S RE-BLOCKING SERVICE ALL SUBURBS ★ LEVELLING ★ UNDERPINNING

★ RAISING ★ RESTUMPING WITH CONCRETE OR REDGUM STUMPS ★ COUNCIL PERMIT ★ ALL WORK GUARANTEED

48 Davies Avenue, Sunshine North 0468 693 833

seaview

฀ ฀ ฀

0439 858 298

G6795050AA-dc29Apr 1132314-LB19-14

Advertise with Velvet House us and get NEW NEW NEW 32 Dunlop Rd better results Hoppers Crossing

Painting Services ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

CALL:

฀

0431 390 599 Swa13128xbe

Fill your position online

Find it in the

www.networkclassiﬁeds.com.au

section of Network Classiﬁeds.

PH: 9360 5357 Mobile: 0412 378 193

12416368-CG17-19

ADVERTISERS, in this section are qualified practitioners and offer nonsexual services.

Real Estate

FREE SMOKE ALARM Registered Building Practitioner

Massage Therapists

Pets & Services

Motoring

ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE

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

12423634-SN31-19

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

MEMBER OF MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

Open 7 days

12474997-DL50-20

Top Quality Guaranteed EST. 2008

12593192-AI10-23

SAIDA’S PAINTING

Call for a Free Quote

Reblocking/Underpinning

$110/ 30mins

SWA6566B

12553448-JC23-22

Painters/Decorators

12652832-AI48-23

Rainbow Club

NEW STAFF?

12565959-HC35-22

Adult Services

Positions Vacant

NEED

section of Network Classifieds.

General Classifieds V

Professional

DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL

Goats

12490425-AV15-21

฀

Livestock

Live Meat

Lic 35031

Handyman ฀ ฀

12530339-JW02-22

Handy Persons

Employment

Rural

Wrecking

FREE CAR REMOVAL Pay up to $500 for most cars Dead or Alive

12321532-HM36-16

Trades & Services

LMCT 10268W

7 days a week service Call Gus for a free quotation on

Find it in the

Trades & Services section of Network Classifieds.

0435 904 818 Wednesday, 10 January, 2024 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 19

YEAR IN REVIEW ... MOTOR

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Taskmaster of huge proportions By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring Question: does the Navara PRO-4X Warrior, a latecomer to the ranks, have enough to take on the army of talent in one of the most closely fought contests in the Aussie automobile market? With fully armed dual cab pick-ups the likes of the Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi Triton, Toyota HiLux Rugged, Mazda BT50 Thunder, Isuzu’s D-Max and the US Ram holding the line, the Navara Warrior has its work cut out. Not that Nissan isn’t out to giving things a shake, calling on input from local specialist engineer Premcar, to light the fuse. The result is the range topping Navara PRO-4X Warrior by Premcar, tipping the scales at $68,265, plus on-road costs. Premcar has put in its bob’s worth with up-specced suspension, wider track and greater ground clearance, plus a 100kg addition to gross vehicle mass and aggressive new exterior. All were tested in Victoria to meet demands of real off-roading in varied bush, beach, desert and mountain terrain. Premcar has also matched Nissan’s five-year warranty, the latter featuring capped price servicing at 12-month 20,000 kilometre intervals, whichever comes first. Styling Tough guy trappings are not only for show. They are worn to take on the harshest driving conditions, featuring unique Warrior 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in larger, wider Cooper Discoverer All Terrain tyres. A redesigned towbar is built to carry a full-size spare, and a premium body coloured bulbar with integrated LED light bar, plus tub liner go beyond their good looks with premium practicality.

The Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior by Premcar has had the benefit of input by some of the best Aussie engineers in the business.

Interior With upgrades to chassis and suspension weighing in with ride comfort in the toughest going, it’s only natural to complement this with an eight-way power driver’s seat, with lumbar support, and heated front seats. With space for five adults, premium leather accented PRO-4X seats sport Warrior stitching on the front headrests. Dual zone climate control incorporates rear air vents. The back seat base folds up to expose storage spaces underneath. The Navara is well-equipped to carry loads up the back, with four robust tie-down loops low in each corner of the tub and adjustable Utili-Tracks running lengthways along the upper tray. A plastic tub liner completes the cargo carrying set-up. Infotainment The Navara PRO-4X Warrior by Premcar is equipped with an 8-inch colour touchscreen, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in situ for connectivity to a smartphone. Bluetooth hands free is on tap too via steering wheel controls. AM/FM radio with AUX and USB connectivity is run through a six-speaker sound system. There’s one USB-A in console tray, one USB-A and USB-C in the centre console, one USB-A in the rear of the centre console, which is charge Only, plus two 12V Outlets in the console tray and centre console. A 7-inch instrument cluster display includes instant and average fuel economy, distance to empty and average speed. Engines/transmissions Under the bonnet of the PRO-4X Warrior is the 2.3-litre twin-turbo diesel engine found in all 4x4 models in the Navara range, producing 140 kW of power at 3750 rpm and 450 Nm of torque between 1500 and 2500 rpm. The Renault common-rail motor is mated either with a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed automatic, driving through a part-time four-wheel drive system with low-range gearing and a locking rear differential. Our test was the latter. 20 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 10 January, 2024

Safety There’s a full suite of Nissan Intelligent Mobility technology with off-road innovation creating a 360-degree ‘shield’ that detects, warns, and intervenes in potential danger in varied driving conditions. Advanced safety systems include blind spot warning and Intelligent blind spot intervention, which alerts of any detected vehicles and actively guides the Navara back into its lane to help prevent a collision. An all-round view monitor with moving object detection presents a 360-degree view of the vehicle when reversing and rear parking sensors pick up any problems in tight spots. Seven airbags - front side seat, curtain and driver’s knee - are fitted. Driving Remote keyless entry and practically placed grab handles make access to the cabin comfortable, while cruise control, high beam assist, rain sensing wipers and a UV and heat rejecting windscreen ease the stress of everyday driving. Needless to say, the performance of the 2.3-litre, four-cylinder twin turbo-diesel motor mated with its seven-speed automatic transmission was more than able to carry the ute’s aggressive appearance, turning heads

AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE Nissan Navara 2.3 SL $47,350 Nissan Navara 2.3 ST $52,455 Nissan Navara 2.3 ST-X $55,945 Nissan Navara SL Warrior $58,750 Nissan Navara PRO-4X $58,905 Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior $68,265

Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Nissan dealer for drive-away prices.

time and time again. The maker’s fuel consumption claim is 8.1 litres per 100 kilometres in the combined urban/highway cycle. Over a week of non-stressed testing on the bitumen the PRO-4X Warrior averaged 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres. It’s not the best in class, but it’s worth remembering the vehicle’s raised ride height and larger, heavier light truck tyres fitted to improve off-road performance, will be detrimental to fuel consumption. A Drive Mode selector allows easy

switching between four modes – normal, sport, off road and towing, while off road, hill descent control and hill start assist adjusts speed on steep inclines, the rear diff lock provides extra traction in challenging going. The innovative Off-Road Monitor presents a clear view of each wheel when taking on tough terrain. The Warrior turns in a towing capacity of 3500kg braked and 750kg unbraked. Off-road stats include 260mm ground clearance and a wading depth of 600mm. Summary The Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior by Premcar puts me in mind of HSV and Tickford who raised the popular Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon, respectively, to iconic status. Say no more. Ratings ■ Looks: 8/10 ■ Performance: 6/10 ■ Safety: 8/10 ■ Thirst: 5/10 ■ Practicality: 8/10 ■ Comfort: 7/10 ■ Tech: 8/10 ■ Value: 5/10

YEAR IN REVIEW ... SPORT

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

First of many flags for Tigers September 19 Werribee Districts were able to go one better and claim its first Western Region Football League senior premiership. It was a hot start at Chirnside Park on Sunday afternoon for the WRFL’s biggest day of the year as Werribee Districts faced Point Cook in the division 1 grand final. Sitting at 24 degrees and no breeze to speak of, the underdogs Point Cook started the game with a bang, kicking the first goal of the game through Daniel Burton. The Tigers replied half way through the first term, before the inaccurate Dogs added another of their own, taking an 11 point lead into the first break. Throughout the first quarter the Dogs’ run, spread and contest game was on full show, moving the ball up the ground with ease. Former AFL player Luke Dahlhaus was electric throughout the game and was a key contributor to the Dogs fantastic early ball movement. Dahlhaus created great run and poise with the ball in hand, hitting targets at will. In the second term the Tigers began to take some of this away from the Dogs, getting some ascendency on the game without being able to capitalise on the scoreboard. However, the Tigers were able to get the lead back, with the margin being just two points at the break. It was more of the same in the third term with the Tigers peppering their goals without actually scoring one until the 24th minute mark of the term. With the drought broken by leading goal scorer Trent Lee. Scoring 1.4, to the Dogs one behind for the

Werribee Districts captain, Daniel Schibeci and coach Chris Gilham. (Jacob Pattison) 350020_63

quarter, stretched their half time lead to 11 at three quarter time. With a quarter of the WRFL season left to play, the thousands of supporters at the ground marched on to hear the both coaches’ addresses. Just as quick as the ball was bounced for the start of the last term the Tigers had again hit the scoreboard, extending their lead to 17 points. The Tigers looked to secure their first league premiership with back to back goals to

Christopher Molivas, to give his side a 20 point lead. Molivas was later awarded best on ground, for his liveliness up forward, booting 2.3. The Dogs threw caution to the wind to try and eat away at the lead but failed to capitalise when it went inside 50. Jack Fletcher sealed the win for the Tigers kicking a goal in the 27th minute to put this side up 29 points. From there it was just a matter of waiting

for the siren to sound with the Tigers claiming their first WRFL senior premiership, winning 9.11 (65)-5.13 (43). After losing last year’s grand final it’s been a long time coming for the Tigers and skipper Daniel Schibeci. Schibeci missed last year’s grand final through injury. “Plenty of years of work, that’s what it feels like,” Schibeci said. “We’ve had this group together for five, six years, added one or two (players) each year. “I’m ecstatic, very, very happy. “We’ve got a good group, we’ve got a few over 30s, a few mid-20s and then we’ve got some young kids who just take the game on and have dare. “You need that, you need speed, because us old boys don’t have that anymore, so we needed the young fellas to come through and they’ve just gone on leaps and bounds this year.” The Tigers only lost the one game throughout the entire season, beating the Dogs convincingly on more than one occasion, including in the semi final two weekends ago, however, they were much more competitive this time around. “They obviously learnt a lot from that game and they brought the heat and pressure, bad kicking probably let them down,” Schibeci said. “But our back six was unbelievable, they just held up and held fat, taking the air out of the game when they had to and defending like their life depended on it. You can’t fault them one bit.” Goal kickers for the Tigers included Molivas, Lee and Fletcher had two each, with Josh Mould, Jack Fletcher, Tim Jenkins and Andrew Panayi all kicking one.

Heat on in late scare, but Suns rise to the occasion September 19 The Suns have survived a massive scare late to take out the Western Region Football League division 3 grand final. The Suns got off to a flying start, kicking with the wind, to the clubrooms end of Hansen Reserve against Albanvale on Saturday afternoon. Kicking 5.4 with the breeze to the Cobras’ one straight, it was ominous signs early. When the ball was bounced for the second term, the Suns picked up where they left off, and looked to take the game away from the Cobras just as they had done multiple times throughout the regular season and the first week of the finals. However, the Cobras rallied, kicking five goals and missing two gettable ones to cut the lead to just 11 points at the main break. In the third term, the Suns were back kicking with the wind, yet struggled to make the most of it early, and Albanvale maintained within striking distance. However, the class of the Suns managed to boot a few goals late to stretch their lead back out to 27 points at three quarter time. As the wind began to pick up and the crowd started to get more involved, the game went to new heights in the last term, when everything was on the line. The Suns through coach Dean Cachia seemed to put the game away early in the last term as the lead went over thirty points. Yet, the Cobras were not going to die wondering, coming home with a wet sail, the wind to their backs. Reece Duffield for the Cobras was enormous in the last term kicking three of his five majors of the day trying to will his side over the line. A goal from the Cobras’ Tito Nyawela in the last term edged the Cobras closer to victory. Although contest after contest from the Suns’ coach, down the line, forced repeat stoppages and milked enough time off the clock to give the Suns the win they were so desperate to achieve.

The Suns celebrate their first premiership. (Jacob Pattison) 360910_45

The Suns defeating the Cobras 14.11 (95)-14.9 (93). Goal kickers were spread thin for the Suns with 11 players getting their name on the score sheet. Pat Hynes, Blake Jago and Cameron Joyce all booted two goals. While, Paul Tomelty, Brendan, Wilson, Jarrod Vella, Luke Cachia, Jack Burgess, Nathan Halapio and goal kicking superstars Daniel Hovey and Dean Cachia all kicked the one. Joyce, Paul Tomelty and Halapio were named their best. Albanvale’s Reece Duffield was awarded the Henry Turner for the player adjudged best on ground by the umpires. After last years heartbreaking grand final loss

to Braybrook, the Suns’ coach could not have been prouder of what his side had achieved and accomplished. “It’s unbelievable,” he said. “It’s the exact margin we had last year, but two points the other way. “I just thought to myself how do you pick yourself up and they were coming like the wind in the last quarter, they’re a really good footy side. “I was worried, but the boys batted deep. “I can’t put it into words but last year, the way it felt, was the worst feeling in the world and now it’s just completely overwhelming. “I love this club, I’ve put five years of effort in here, so I’m just really proud and happy that we’ve got the job done.

“It’s just relief off my shoulders.” It was the Suns second premiership of the day with their reserves also taking out victory over the Cobras to add to the festivities. Speaking before the match, Suns’ president Graeme Clark said after the uncertainty of last year’s grand final loss he was ecstatic with where the club had got themselves too. “After last year’s grand final we had a couple of guys drive back to the club not knowing what was going to happen,” he said. “[Some of the players said] we let the club down, we want to make amends, so this is all driven by this great group of guys that we’ve got out here playing.” Make amends they have with the Suns claiming their first ever WRFL senior premiership. Wednesday, 10 January, 2024 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 21

YEAR IN REVIEW ... SPORT

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Underdog Werribee falls short September 27 Werribee may not have got the ultimate prize on Sunday afternoon in the Victorian Football League grand final, but the club walks away proud of the season that was. Playing in its first grand final since 2005 and aiming for only its second premiership and first since 1993, Werribee was the underdog entering the grand final against the Gold Coast Suns. The Suns had 19 AFL listed players take to the field, Werribee had just three players who have been on AFL lists ever. Both sides had lost just two games for the year. The Suns last lost to Werribee back in round nine, with Werribee’s last loss to Geelong in round four. The first quarter nothing separated the two sides. Werribee took control for a period in the second quarter but couldn’t put on the scoreboard pressure. The Suns kicked a few goals late to lead by 10 points at the main break. The third quarter is called the premiership quarter and it proved to be for the Suns, with the margin blowing out to nearly 40 points. Werribee kicked the last two goals of the quarter to give it and its fans some hope. When Werribee kicked the first two of the last quarter, the margin was back under three goals. The Suns steadied and had the answers every time Werribee attacked. The Suns did enough to win, 17.10 (112)-14.9 (93). Werribee coach Michael Barlow said there were a lot of mixed emotions straight after the game. “In the fullness of time we will be able to absorb it and understand what the year was,” he said. “How the year came about and what we were able to achieve. In the raw moment of it, it’s gut wrenching for the players, not only the 23, but everyone that is connected to the 23. “They tried so hard and that is what we saw today [Sunday]. There was effort and attitude and the way that the guys compete is unbelievable. “It’s hard to fathom right now, how amazing this journey has been,,, In the fullness of time they will be able to come to the realisation about how hard this was to do and how much the achievement it was.“ Barlow said it was only patches of the game

Louis Pinnuck. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 362607_35

where they let the Suns get away from them. He said it was a bit of talent stuff and a bit of a connection, between the Suns high end mids and forwards that was impossible to stop at times. Barlow said being aligned with an AFL club has it’s advantages, but so does being a standalone club. “We look at it as a competitive advantage as well,” he said. “The way the guys live and commit to each other,” he said. “I think the longer that it went some of that supply inside their forward 50 was hard to stop, with Sam Day, the two guys that won the league goal kicking and Mabior Chol, the longer they went. “I think most sides that play the Suns and think they one or two key defenders short. The other area Barlow said that was the difference between the sides was efficiency with the ball.

The Suns were a lot cleaner, while at times his side needed to have a bit more composure and balance in the moment. Barlow said he was proud of how the group continued to keep pressing and pressing and not let the Suns take complete control of the game. “We kept coming,” he said. “The crowd kept getting involved and felt like we had some chances there in the last quarter to get back within two goals. “The guys never give up and even late we kicked the last two goals of the game when it’s all said and done, they say respectability on the scoreboard, get within 20 points of a side that rarely trailed all year, is pretty cool.” Shaun Mannagh was the standout performer for Werribee, with six goals and 27 disposals. He was awarded the Norm Goss Medal for the best player on the ground. “He’s a great player,” Barlow said “We knew

that we could use him in different ways at the start of the game an ask questions of the opposition, it worked. “Then they put some work into him especially after half time, to Shaun’s credit he was able to fight back.” Veterans Michael Sodomaco, Tom Gribble and Matt Hanson led the side from the field after the game. Barlow said it was about recognising some club legends, not necessarily as they’re retiring. “I probably should have got a couple more out there,” he said. “I hope Dom Brew was out there and Cogga [Nick Coughlan]. They’re guys that have been at the club the longest. “I haven’t had the full conversation about what it is for next year for them. I thought it was important to just get them out the front. “More the effort for the year that has been and what they’re effort has been for the last eight to 12 years at the club.”

Snapped up by the Suns, Clohesy’s heading north November 28 Werribee’s Sam Clohesy has had to do it the hard way, but he has finally achieved his AFL dream. He was one of three Werribee locals to land at an AFL club last week. Clohesy was the last to go of the trio, joining Logan Morris (pick 31 to Brisbane) and Shaun Mannagh (pick 36 to Geelong) in the big-time on Wednesday afternoon. The former Calder Cannon was picked up by Gold Coast with pick four of the rookie draft. Speaking just hours after being picked up by the Suns, Clohsey said it was a dream come true. “I’m pretty stoked at the moment, it hasn’t really sunk in yet the fact that I’m on an AFL list,” he said. “I got a call from my manager late last (Tuesday) night, saying that it was a likely chance to happen but I was still nervous going into today, because it’s not real until it actually happens.” While Clohsey’s journey into the AFL hasn’t been conventional, playing football at more than a dozen clubs he said he wouldn’t have had it any other way. “It’s been good, it’s really helped my footy a lot,” he said. “It’s made me mature as a player and really reform my game into one that’s good enough to 22 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 10 January, 2024

Sam Clohesy. (Werribee FC)

make a list and it’s the reason why I’ve been able to make it now.” The 20-year-old rebounding half-back won the Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal in

2023 as the best young talent in the Victorian Football League, and joins a long list of that medal’s recipients to reach the AFL, with only one winner not breaking into the league since

2005. He was also one of Werribee’s best in the grand final against the Suns, where he recorded 22 disposals and seven marks. “All I really wanted to do was earn my spot and play as many games as possible and then about halfway through the year I started realising that I could do a bit more,” he said. “To cap it off with the Fothergill-RoundMitchell Medal was very nice and to reap the rewards now is very cool.” He is also following a similar trajectory to his former Werribee coach Mick Barlow. Like Clohesy, Barlow won the Fothergill-RoundMitchell Medal while playing at Werribee, he was then picked up in the rookie draft, and later ended up at the Suns. “He’s been huge for me over the past two years, he’s developed my football, really helped me out and I owe him a lot,” Clohesy said. “He’s a big reason why I’ve been able to get here.” Clohesy is a former Suns academy player who played in the talent program from the ages of 14 to 16 before relocating back to Melbourne with his family. Being a former Queenslander, he said he is eager to head back north. “I absolutely love the lifestyle, the Gold Coast is one of my favourite places on earth,” he said. “I spent three years in the academy up there and loved every second of it, I can’t wait to get back up and see it all again.”

YEAR IN REVIEW ... SPORT

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Not quite a fairy tale for United May 5 Western United’s amazing debut A-League Women’s season didn’t get the fairy tale ending the club and its supporters had hoped for. After exceeding all expectations and making a grand final in its first season, United’s first grand final appearance ended in tears on Sunday. Sydney FC, a side that had suffered grand final heartache the previous three seasons, scored twice early on from set pieces to put the pressure back on United. United then had its chances, but weren’t able to convert. A controversial penalty in the 63rd minute was the dagger in the heart for United fans and players. While United played out the game well, Sydney found a fourth goal in the first minute of injury time to seal a 4-0 win. United coach Mark Torcaso said he was so proud of the group and what they had been able to do. “I spoke to them right after and literally said this has been a remarkable season,” he said in the post game press conference. “In our first year to be in a grand final, you should be extremely proud to be out there, your families should be proud and the whole club should be proud of them. Their spirits are quite high and they’ve said they’ll be back and back even better. “We’ve already signed up 13 of that group which is really good. We’ll look at bringing in one or two more if there’s other girls looking to move onto other clubs or situations overseas. “We’re happy and satisfied with our group of players and we’ve got a pathway and we’ve got some good players coming through in our feeder as well.” Torcaso said going down 2-0 wasn’t ideal and meant they were always on the back foot. He said after being so good at defending set pieces, it was disappointing to let two go through in the decider. He said the group continued to have belief in what they were doing in front of a record

Main: Hannah Keane and Natalie Tobin fight for the ball in the A-League Women’s grand final. Left: Western United’s starting line up. Right: Alana Cerne and Madison Haley during the A-League Women’s grand final. (Pictures: AAP Image/James Gourley)

A-League Women’s grand final crowd. “We actually came into half time and girls absolutely believed we could get something out of it, especially the last 20 minutes,” he said. “The way we played in that first half, we gave a little bit of hope in the way that we approached that last little bit and the girls worked really hard. “We showed some fight and showed some character and I guess that is what we’ve pretty much done all season, really proud of the girls, can’t fault them.” Torcaso said the third goal via the penalty was a bit tight and in other games that wouldn’t have been called. He said it was the final straw for them. Torcaso said the playing group was okay after the result, with the likes of Jess McDonald, Chloe Logarzo and Angie Beard consoling them. McDonald, who played for United early in the season, flew out from America to watch the game. Torcaso said not having those three out there wasn’t ideal, but said the rest of the group had stood up. He admits Logarzo was close to getting

picked. “Chloe trained yesterday [Saturday], she has a World Cup to play for,” he said. “I don’t’ think it’s fair to put her in a position that might jeopardise that. We had a really long discussion about that, just proud to have her part of our change room, be involved “Yesterday and this morning I thought I was going to push her, but thought I probably shouldn’t.” While United didn’t come away with the trophy, the group are still winners in a lot of ways this season. Torcaso said the United program was more than just about the group of players on the pitch. “It’s been unbelievable,” he said. “It’s been a brilliant ride, some girls up there had never been exposed to an A-League environment. “I take a huge amount of enthusiasm going into next season, some of these girls outshone what I believed that they could do they’ve been amazing, “It’s something quite emotional for me, I’ve had an attachment to some of these girls for many, many years, ever since some of them were 14.

“One message from the start [for us] was to set the tone for the next player that wants to play the game or wants to wear a Western United top. I think we’ve done that. “Being located out in the west, it’s a growing area and there’s a lot of young people for us. It’s about creating the next young girl who wants to put on a Western United shirt or a Matildas shirt and that’s the exciting part for us.” Torcaso said he would have a break now, after he and many of the group came straight out of a National Premier League Women’s season into the A-League season. He said some of the girls would play some NPLW in the off season and he would spend plenty of time watching that competition. Then it would be time to go again next season. “I think they’ve got enough belief in each other to come back next year and have a really good year,” he said. “I don’t want to be the team that comes out in the following season after having a good season and not performing. That is my expectation and my players will also feel that way, we’ll make sure we put the right belief in them to come out in the right way next year.” Wednesday, 10 January, 2024 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 23

SECTION STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

65 Greaves Street South, Werribee Built in 1923 by Walter and Millicent Carter, the home was named Osterley after the ship the Carters travelled in from England. A stunning fusion of space and light, the home’s continuous-flow layout showcases towering ceiling’s (10.5ft), original timber flooring, intricate cornices and beautiful leadlight windows. Complete with 3 large bedrooms, a centrally located bathroom and a sprawling lush backyard.

FORTHCOMING AUCTION

Michelle Chick 0416 007 949 Richard Botin 0422 195 917

G05, 22 Synnot Street, Werribee 03 9974 0000 | raywhitewerribee.com.au 12660520-AP02-24

24 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 10 January, 2024