Star Weekly - Wyndham - 21st February 2024 by Star Weekly

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21 FEBRUARY, 2024

Wyndham Park Community Centre manager Ian Fenton in the store room for the food relief service. (Damjan Janevski) 389034_01

Funding relief needed By Cade Lucas The food relief program at Wyndham Park Community Centre is under threat, with organisers calling on the state government to reinstate funding provided during COVID in order to keep the service running. Wyndham Park Community Centre operates its Community Store Program every Thursday morning providing food and grocery products for local residents in need. After demand for the service skyrocketed during the pandemic, Wyndham Park and other community centre food relief programs received state government grants to help them cover increased costs.

But while the pandemic had subsided, the cost of living crisis that has followed has meant demand for the service has remained high. Wyndham Park Community Centre manager Ian Fenton said the level of government funding for food relief services had not. “The number of Australian families experiencing food insecurity has absolutely skyrocketed and just as that’s been happening, that’s when all of the funding for food relief services has evaporated,” Mr Fenton said. “There hasn’t been any real government funding to support these sorts of services.”

In response, a spokesperson for the state government said as a member of the Neighbourhood House program, Wyndham Park still received significant public funding. “Wyndham Park Community Centre continues to receive ongoing funding of approximately $155,000 each year from the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing’s Neighbourhood House Coordination Program,“ the spokesperson said. “To support almost 400 Neighbourhood Houses across the state, the Allan Labor Government invests $50 million a year, boosted by an additional $19 million investment in September 2022 over three years.”

Mr Fenton said the Neighbourhood House funding was for other services they provide such as community development and training, not food relief, which he estimates costs Wyndham Park between $50,000 and $60,000 per year. He said the shortfall had already resulted in them serving less families, with numbers dropping from an average of between 150 and 170 per week, to 130 and 150. “We used to provide to anyone with a Wyndham address, but we’ve had to reduce that to just Werribee and Hoppers Crossing. The biggest driver behind that decrease in demand is just because we’ve reduced our geographic range.”

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Falcon forces solar reduction By Cade Lucas The company proposing to build a 700 hectare solar farm in Little River has downsized the project in order to protect a threatened bird species. British firm Elgin Energy has removed 11 hectares of solar panels from its Barwon Solar project to avoid clearing trees where Black Falcons are known to nest. Black Falcons are endemic to Australia, but are considered threatened, with numbers in the south-east of the continent thought to have declined by as much as 50 per cent since the early 1980’s. The plains west of Melbourne are where most Black Falcons in Victoria are still found, with populations observed nesting in trees near Sandy Creek, on the site of the proposed

solar farm, since 2016. After consultation with Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) and Department of Transport and Planning, Elgin Energy this week announced it had significantly revised the Barwon Solar project in response. “Elgin removed around 11ha of solar panels to retain 18 trees, including 4 small trees and 14 large mature trees,” said the company in a statement to Star Weekly. “The retention of trees also created a habitat corridor, providing connectivity to Sandy Creek and the large areas of avoidance around the creek.” A spokesperson for the Department of Transport and Planning welcomed the outcome. “It’s vital that we find the right balance

between generating more renewable energy, protecting our environment and addressing community concerns around renewable energy projects. That’s why we rigorously assess these projects before approvals are granted.“ Elgin Energy’s announcement was particularly pleasing for Bacchus Marsh zoologist David Whelan who first alerted authorities to the presence of Black Falcons on the Barwon Solar site and campaigned for the trees they nest in to be retained. “They’ve responded tremendously,” said Mr Whelan of Elgin Energy’s decision. “It’s really good that they’re willing to alter their plans for a threatened species that they didn’t know was there at the time, that they didn’t know was breeding and was using the site quite frequently.“ Mr Whelan said he hoped the outcome

would set a precedent for other large-scale renewable energy developments. “It’s very important for these large companies who are involved in these big infrastructure projects to listen to the community and particularly when it comes to threatened species.” While describing Black Falcons as an adaptable bird, Mr Whelan said the trees near Sandy Creek clearly provided an ideal habitat for them and their loss could’ve been devastating. “Black Falcons are generally very fidelis. They have a high fidelity to a site so if they like a place where they nest, they often go back there year after year.” The 330 megawatt solar farm proposal is currently being assessed by the Department of Transport and Planning, with an outcome expected by April.

Kinder kids to go bush

Tool library powers up for DIY-ers Rather than asking a next door neighbour or hopping down to the nearest hardware store or equipment hire outlet, Wyndham residents needing tools for DIY jobs will soon have another place where they can get them: the library. The Wyndham Park Tool Library is set to open in April and manager Daniel Schultheis said that once operational there would be an array of tools available to borrow. “It’s a wide range, not just DIY, but craft tools, camping tools, gardening tools, pretty much anything that people can use,” he said. Operating out of the Wyndham Park Community Shed in Werribee, the tool

library will be operated by volunteers and as Mr Schultheis explained, will run much like a normal library. “Generally the hire will be a week and you sign up a membership for a year and then you can borrow as many tools as you need,” he said. The tool library has been in the works since mid-2023 when the Wyndham Park Community Shed received grants from both Sustainability Victoria and Wyndham council to help get it underway. Mr Schultheis stressed that those borrowing from the library needed to remember that all tools are second hand. “It’s not a hire company, it’s a community

group,” he said. “The tools are always checked for safety and tested and tagged before they go out, but the spirit of it is being a community group rather than a professional trade service.” Along with more tool donations, he said the library still wanted more volunteers ahead of its April opening. “We’ve got a good group but always looking for more,“ said Mr Schultheis, adding that cataloguing, customer service and tool maintenance were among the roles they needed help with. The tool library will be open on Wednesdays and weekends and available to all Wyndham residents.

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Wyndham Park Tool Library manager Daniel Schultheis (left) with volunteers Peter Maloney and Cassandra Anderson preparing for the official opening in April. (Damjan Janevski) 388011_01

Children in Tarneit and Manor Lakes will be able to go bush thanks to grants from the state government. Davis Creek Primary School Kindergarten in Tarneit and Sparrow Early Learning in Manor Lakes both received $6000 grants to offer bush kinder programs in 2024. Bush kinder programs are delivered outdoors at places including parks, bushland and beaches - giving children a unique opportunity and freedom to learn through play with natural materials in outdoors. The $6000 grants will help the kindergartens buy the equipment needed to run programs that focus on getting outside, playing with natural materials, and learning through activities such as climbing trees and watching wildlife. The grants are part of $3.6 million in funding provided by the state government over four years to expand bush kinder programs at up to 600 kindergarten services across Victoria. Tarneit MP Dylan Wright said that children starting kinder in his electorate were in for a treat. “Bush kinder programs are not just fun and educational, they also help to keep kids active and connect them with nature – boosting their health, wellbeing and development,” he said. Applications for the 2025 round of another 150 bush kinder grants will open in the second half of 2024.

Wednesday, 21 February, 2024 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 3

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Wyndham awarded more wards By Cade Lucas Wyndham council will be divided into 11 single member wards after the final report of the local council electoral structure review was released on Thursday. The changes were recommended by the electoral representation advisory panel which considered two structure models put forward in the preliminary report in November. Both models featured a subdivided electoral structure with 11 councillors representing one ward each, but with different boundaries. After also considering submissions from the public, the panel chose model two because it

largely retained the existing ward boundaries and provided a similar level of representation for the same geographic areas. Under the changes Wyndham’s three existing wards will be divided by the number of representatives they currently have, with Iramoo ward covering the west of Wyndham, spilt into three, while the smaller and more densely populated Chaffey and Harrison wards made into four each. Iramoo ward will be the only one of the existing wards to retain its name, but will now only cover the area between the Geelong railway line to the south and Argoona Road to the north.

Werribee Park will become the new ward covering Wyndham’s south-west, taking in everywhere south of the railway line except for Point Cook, while north-western corner of Iramoo ward will be renamed Quandong. Chaffey ward will become Brimbeal and Wimba wards to the north and Grange and Heathdale wards to the south. The northern part of Harrison ward covering Truganina and Laverton North will become Bemin, while Williams Landing ward will cover the suburb of the same name and Featherbrook and Cheetham will take in Point Cook.

The names were recommended by the panel based on the names of existing schools, localities and geographical features within each ward. Williams Landing will become the most populous ward with more than 19,000 residents, while Bemin will have the least with just over 16,000. Covering more than 150 sq km, Werribee Park will be by far the largest ward in area, while Featherbrook, which takes in the north of Point Cook, will be the smallest at just 8.8 sq km. The changes will be in effect for this year’s council elections.

Quest Werribee evacuated

Estia Aged Care Werribee resident, Maria Messina, celebrated her 100th birthday on February 16 (Damjan Janevski) 387924_02

Maria’s marvellous 100 milestone Having been born and bred in Sicily, it’s unsurprising that Maria Messina nominates pasta as the secret to living a long life. And given that the resident at Estia Aged Care Werribee turned 100 last week, she’d know. The mother of three, grandmother of eight and great-grandmother of 19 was honored with a birthday cake and balloons to mark her centenary on Friday February 16, ahead of a larger celebration on Saturday. Maria’s daughter, 78 year old Gianna Zuich of Hoppers Crossing, said she was very proud of her mother’s milestone, adding that she was more important to her now than ever.

“She’s the only one left in my family,” Gianna said of her parents and two brothers who emigrated to Australia in the late 1950’s. “My father passed away and my two brothers have passed away as well, so mum was left with just me, the only daughter.” Gianna and younger brother Sam (Salvatore) travelled with their mother to Australia in 1958, following their father Giuseppe and older brother Nick (Nicola) who arrived in 1956. Once together they settled in Yarraville, then later built a house in nearby Spotswood, which Maria and Guiseppe shared until his death in 2006.

Salvatore followed a few years later aged just 61, while Nicola died in 2018. Shortly after Maria left the inner-west for Wyndham, living for a few years with Gianna before moving into Estia Werribee in 2022. “She loves it,” said Gianna of what her mother thinks of life at the aged care home where playing bingo and monthly harmonica concerts from Mario are her favourite activities. Her daughter hopes she can continue to enjoy them for a long while yet. “I can’t think of my life without my mother and that’s the honest truth.” Cade Lucas

Quest Apartments in Werribee were evacuated on Tuesday night after a heat pack caught fire while being warmed up in a microwave. Emergency services were called to the premises on Synnott Street, Werribee at about 8.40pm on February 13 after smoke was detected on level three of the hotel. Upon arrival firefighters evacuated all 80 patrons and staff from the hotel out onto nearby Wedge Street. CFA and Fire Rescue Victoria crews quickly extinguished the fire and patrons and staff were allowed back into the hotel at about 9.20pm There were no injuries and only minimal damage to the hotel room. Werribee CFA’s Lieutenant Rohan Rizzoli explained how the fire began. “The cause of the fire was a heat pack in the microwave that had been in for too long and subsequently caught fire.” Lieutenant Rizzoli said while only a minor incident, it underlined the importance of being careful when using common household items like microwaves. “It’s a timely reminder to residents to ensure they’re checking their appliances before use so that they’re in good working order and checking manufacturer guidelines when using items such as heat packs.”

Garbage truck goes up in flames in Wyndham Vale Brighton Avenue in Wyndham Vale was Lieutenant Mark Ogluszko from Wyndham done that of his on free will,” he said, adding blocked to traffic after a garbage truck caught Vale CFA said the waste pile was well alight by that by doing so the driver had prevented the fire from spreading through the rest of the on fire while collecting hard rubbish on Friday the time they arrived. “To get it under control only took about 5 truck and making the situation much more morning. Firefighters arrived on the scene at about minutes but we had to break it down and there dangerous. 10.40am on Friday February 16 where they was a lot of heat generated,” said Lt Oglusko of No one was injured during the blaze and found a pile of waste on fire in the middle of the fire which burnt tree branches, metal waste apart from some melted wheelie bins, there the street where it had been dumped by the and hard rubbish that was being collected on was no major damage. Firefighters left the scene by noon, leaving behalf of Wyndham council. garbage truck. The truck belonging to Four Seasons Waste Lt Oglusko said it was too early to determine Four Seasons Waste staff to clean up the debris remained nearby while fire crews brought the how the fire started or why the driver dumped and clear the site. blaze under control and prevented it from it on the road. Cade Lucas “That was already done when we arrived, he’s spreading to a nearby shed. 4 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 21 February, 2024

CFA members put out the pile of waste that caught fire on a Wyndham Vale street on Friday morning. (Wyndham Vale CFA) 389695_01

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Cleaning contracts don’t wash By Zoe Moffatt International students are now cleaning school classrooms in Melbourne’s north-west following the slashing of contract hours, according to the United Workers Union (UWU) property services co-ordinator Linda Revill. The issue of new contracts offered to school clearners in the north-west was raised in Parliament by a western Melbourne politician on February 7. It follows the change in school cleaning contracts to Serco and Tradeflex, which have slashed contract hours and stripped cleaners of up to 60 per cent of their wage.

‘‘

This is grossly unjust for the cleaners and will doubtless increase the strain on our teachers

’’

- David Ettershank United Workers Union (UWU) property services co-ordinator Linda Revill said Victorian school cleaners have been pushed into a disastrous situation by the change of contracts. “Cleaners who have done the job for decades have been put on six months probation and are living in fear of the next negative comment from their supervisor,” she said. “Even worse, UWU is aware of reports the new contractors have turned to sub-contractors, who are in reality international students being hired at cut-throat rates. “It is embarrassing a Labor government with a proud history of reforms that have helped workers has let Victorian school cleaners down

A protest the UWU staged outside the Deputy Premier’s office on December 21. (Supplied)

so badly. “Instead of ending the worst excesses of Kennett-era privatisations and directly employing Victorian school cleaners, Education Minister Ben Carroll has turned his back on working people. “It’s time that the Victorian government made schools, kids, parents and these

hard-working school cleaners their priority, and stop lining the pockets of predatory private sector multinationals.” Western Metropolitan MP David Ettershank has spoken out against Victoria’s school cleaning contracts, calling for action on the ‘grossly unjust’ change to hours and wages. In a Member’s Statement, Mr Ettershank

said the government is supposedly committed to a fair and equitable education system. “Victoria calls itself the Education State. A critical part of this is a strong, sustainable and supported workforce so that all schools can attract and retain the workforce they need,” he said. “School cleaners are the unsung heroes of that workforce. They are poorly paid and only contracted for 42 weeks of the year, leaving them without pay over the school holidays. “Their position will be further reduced by the recent awarding of school cleaning contracts in the west to Serco cleaning services.” Western suburbs school cleaner Mick Lynch is one worker who has been greatly affected by these changes, with his hours cut in half. Mr Ettershank said the changes will put strain on other staff members at schools in the state. “This is grossly unjust for the cleaners and will doubtless increase the strain on our teachers… exacerbating recruitment and retention problems,” he said. Since starting the new year and new contract, Mr Lynch said the problem remains a health and safety issue. “[The cleaners] just have to make do with the hours [they’ve] got,” he said. “The three hours isn’t feasible, it’s limited vacuuming twice a week, whipping down the tables three times a week. “The bottom line is as a whole it’s a massive struggle, it’s a big hit to the pocket. The schools around the place are suffer[ing].” A Department of Education spokesperson said the government has zero tolerance for any workplace laws and legislation breaches, including underpayment. “Employment contract arrangements are a matter for cleaning service providers who must comply with workplace compliance obligations,” they said.

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Wednesday, 21 February, 2024 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 5

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Permits for freight hub refused By Cade Lucas Rail operator Pacific National’s plans to build an interstate freight hub at Little River suffered a setback last week when Wyndham council denied the company permits to clear vegetation on the proposed site. On Tuesday February 13, Wyndham council’s planning committee considered two applications for vegetation removal - one to allow for archeological excavations and the other for geotechnical assessments - as part of pre-construction works at the 500ha site on Old Melbourne Road, Little River. While council officers recommended the permits be issued, the scale of what Pacific National proposed to do caused concern among committee members given the site is in a designated green wedge zone and borders the Western Grasslands Nature Conservation

Reserve. More than 700 trenches would be dug on the site during the archaeological investigation alone. “When we saw what was actually gonna be done, we realised it was going to destroy a lot of pristine land,” said councillor Peter Maynard who introduced alternative motions to refuse the permits based on damage they would do to biodiversity, land and water on the site. The motion to refuse the permit for archaeological excavation was passed 6 vote to 4, with mayor Jennie Barrera among those against, while only deputy mayor Josh Gilligan voted against the motion to refuse geotechnical assessments. In October last year Pacific National announced plans to build its own freight terminal at Little River after growing frustrated with delays in the development

of the publicly funded Western Intermodal Freight Terminal (WIFT) in Truganina. The lease on Pacific National’s current base at Dynon Road in West Melbourne, runs out in 2029 and the company has argued building its own terminal at cost of between $3 and $5 billion, was the only way it would have an alternative site ready in time. Pacific National’s Little River proposal has met fierce opposition from the local community, with many concerned about air and noise pollution from the site and its impact on threatened species and biodiversity in the nearby grassland reserve. Cr Maynard, who represents Iramoo ward which covers Little River, acknowledged the level of opposition in the town and said he hopes both it and the permit refusals will force Pacific National into a rethink. “I hope the groundswell of opposition

provides impetus to WIFT,” he said of the freight hub proposal in Truganina which Wyndham and other western suburbs councils still support. However, Cr Maynard said he expects the company to appeal council’s decision at VCAT, something a spokesperson for Pacific National hinted at in response. “Pacific National is now considering our next steps in the approvals pathway,” the spokesperson said, adding that work on the Little River proposal would continue. “Pacific National is also hosting an online public information session to learn more about the proposed Little River Logistics Precinct from 7pm on Thursday 22 February, and will hold drop-in information sessions in the Little River community in late March.”

Events to honour women

From left: Omar Hawari, Yusuf Yakubu, Bake Al Saudi and Abdurahim Sterio at the Virgin Mary Mosque in Hoppers Crossing which is participating in Victorian Mosque Open Day on Sunday. (Damjan Janevski) 387885_02

Mosque opens doors to one and all The Virgin Mary Mosque in Hoppers Crossing will be one of dozens across the state to open its doors this weekend for the Victorian Mosque Open Day. From 11am to 4pm on Sunday February 25, members of the public will able to tour the Hogans Road mosque where a special lunch will be provided and activities such as ‘Try on a Hijab’ and Islam information sessions will be offered. “This will be a great opportunity for us to connect with our local community and for you to engage in conversation with members of your local mosque,” said Virgin Mary

Mosque sub-committee president Hanif Shaik in encouraging local residents to come along. “Let’s also make some time to discuss community issues and brainstorm ideas to build a stronger, safer, and more harmonious community.” Islamic Council of Victoria President Adel Salman encouraged people to visit their local mosque even if they couldn’t make it on Sunday. “Mosques are always open and always welcoming places,” Mr Salman said. “This year we have a record number of mosques participating. As well as being a

sacred space for prayer and reflection, they are places where communities gather, learn from each other and share.” The 2024 mosque open day takes place amid the conflict in Gaza where an estimated 30,000 Palestinians, most of them Muslims, have died since Israel launched military action following terrorist attacks on October 7. Mr Salman said the Muslim community was deeply impacted by the suffering of the Palestinian people and that visiting a mosque was a great way of expressing compassion and solidarity. Cade Lucas

Wyndham council is gearing up to recognise International Women’s Day on March 8 with a series of events and activities aimed at celebrating girls and women in the community. Festivities will kick off with the Count ME In! community event at the Women’s Micro Business Hub in Hoppers Crossing on Monday March 4, featuring workshops and a networking lunch. Wyndham businesswomen will be celebrated at a special Women in Business lunch on Friday March 8 at Werribee’s Holiday Inn, which will be headlined by keynote speaker Dr Morley Muse, founder of iSTEM Co – a research, consulting, and talent-sourcing business that enables employment for women in STEM. On the same day, there will be an afternoon tea at the Manor Lakes Youth Space to encourage young people aged between 12-25 to celebrate the day. Wyndham’s library branches will also be getting involved, curating special book displays and collections that promote relevant International Women’s Day books and resources. Wyndham mayor Jennie Barrera, said these activities purposefully reflect the importance and meaning of International Women’s Day. “International Women’s Day celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and also serves as a call to action for accelerating gender equality,” Cr Barrera said. “It is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities.”

Lion cubs’ training triumph as they sit, stand and lie Werribee Open Range Zoo’s three not-so-little African lion cubs are making roar-some strides in their healthcare training by learning to sit, stand, lie down and touch targets on request. At 7-months-old and weighing more than 45 kilograms each, female Mwezi (pronounced Mw-e-zee) and males Django (Jan-go) and Kianga (Kee-ang-uh) are learning fast as they grow from cheeky cubs into majestic lions. 6 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 21 February, 2024

African River Trail keeper Kristen Garcia said the proactive healthcare training enables keepers to get a good look at the little lions’ bodies in the least intrusive way. “With this training we get to check their coats, bellies and eyes when they’re in a sit position, and we also get a good look at their paws and nails when they stand up to ensure everything is healthy,“ Ms Garcia said. “We use positive reinforcements such as a sound clicker and a high-value treat when

they engage with us, but they can also leave at any time if they don’t want to participate.“ Aside from being mentally stimulating, the training also establishes a positive relationship between keeper and animal. This relationship is key to establishing more advanced behaviours as the cubs grow and is preparation in case any medical interventions are ever needed. “All of the cubs are doing really well with their training and are becoming quite

competitive with each other,“ Ms Garcia said. “Visitors can see this training almost every day, but the cubs are constantly getting up to mischief with one another and interacting with their surroundings, so there’s always something to see.“ Werribee Open Range Zoo visitors have an opportunity to see the cubs each day and also after the sun sets during the Sunset Safari experience, which is running each Saturday from 5.30pm to 9pm until March 9.

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Suspicious device A Hoppers Crossing man is one of three men who handed themselves into police following an investigation into a suspicious device. The suspicious device was found attached to a sign post at the intersection of Prominent Road and Splendour Circuit, Diggers Rest on February 10. Police diverted traffic and temporarily displaced a number of residents until the device was assessed and declared safe. Following a letterbox drop and assistance from the community, a 25-year-old Hoppers Crossing man, a 27-year-old old Diggers Rest man and a 29-year-old Sunbury man handed themselves in and are assisting police with their investigation.

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Jacob Cassar won the overall Deeble award for 2023.

Athletic travel boosted At its annual awards night the Sunshine Western Region Sports Club announced a $20,000 initiative for young athletes in Melbourne’s west. All 10 of its monthly Don Deeble winners were awarded a $2000 travel voucher thanks to the Deer Park Club’s support of the SWRSC. The money will cover the cost when the athlete is travelling overseas or interstate for their sporting commitments, each year. SWRSC president Barry Watson said the vouchers line up with the club’s mission statement, which is ‘to recognise and financially assist young people in the western suburbs with their chosen sport.’ “Some of our monthly Don Deeble winners are travelling to Thailand, China, USA, Bosnia and England to compete in tournaments,” he said. “Their parents are working hard to cover those costs.”

Deer Park Club vice president Steve Davey said on behalf of the club they were delighted to provide this support. “We are so proud to be associated with such talented young individuals and right at this time we are in a position as a club to support them,” he said. The additional support from the Deer Park Club takes the annual sponsorship for the sport club’s athletes to more than $50,000. The Yarraville Club Cricket Club had been the major sponsor of the Don Deeble Award for nearly 20 years, which has allowed the club to donate more than $20,000 a year to its athletes. The sports club meets on the last Wednesday each month at the Medway Golf Club for a dinner to recognise that month’s award recipient.

Road closures Werribee Main Road (Princes Highway and Synott Street) will be closed from 7pm on Wednesday February 21 to 6am on Thursday February 22 due to road works. The closures with local traffic only on Synott Street will be between Wedge Street and Bridge Street. Closures with local traffic only on Princes Highway will be between Sneydes Road and Derrimut Road, with signed detours in place. Buses and emergency services will be granted access through the site during the works by traffic controllers. The same closures will occur again from 7pm Thursday March 7 to 6am Friday March 8. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Wyndham Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

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Wednesday, 21 February, 2024 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 7

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‘Infectious positivity’ rewarded Suzanne Cory High School student Iti Ashta is Wyndham’s young person of the month for February. Iti, 17 who is in year 12, has been recognised for her community service, fundraising, volunteering and raising awareness about issues affecting first nations people and bullying in schools. Iti has organised 15 fundraising events for various organisations including the Red Cross, Kids Helpline, the RSL and the Cancer Council. She recently held a bake sale to raise funds for humanitarian aid for children in Gaza.

An affinity with elderly people has resulted in Iti volunteering at a local age care facility and she’s volunteered to support returned veterans at the RSL as well. Iti also loves debating and has received a number of awards for debating skills. Wyndham mayor Jennie Barrera paid tribute to the latest recipient of the monthly award. “Wyndham City appreciates Iti’s commitment, hard work and fundraising efforts,” Cr Barrera said. “Iti’s infectious positivity is inspiring. Building rapport with elderly people is

especially notable. Iti is a wonderful role model and displays community spirit.” Each month Wyndham council selects a young resident aged between 12 to 25 to be ‘Young Person of the Month’. The recipient is someone who positively contributes to the Wyndham community and is considered a role model to other young people. Winners are awarded a $300 gift voucher of their choice and other prizes. For more information go to: www. wyndham.vic.gov.au/services/youth-services/ awards-competitions/one-wyndham

Iti Ashta has been named Wyndham’s young person of the month for February.

Funding boost for safer roads

Members of the International Mother Language Day organising committee outside Julia Gillard Library in Tarneit. (Supplied) 389996_01

A day that’s a global celebration It might be one of the most important days on the calendar in Bangladesh, but as the name suggests, International Mother Language Day is one that resonates right around the world, including in Wyndham. On Saturday February 24, members of Wyndham’s Bangladeshi diaspora along with those from numerous other countries will gather at Julia Gillard Library in Tarneit to celebrate Indigenous languages and cultures from around the world. Tarneit’s Mamun Badruddoza is a member of the organising committee for International Mother Language Day. He explained the day’s origins in Bangladesh and how it spread

across the globe. “It started in Bangladesh when it was part of Pakistan as East Pakistan in 1952. It started as a movement to establish Bangla as Pakistan’s official language.” Mr Badruddoza said. “On May 16 2007 the UN passed a resolution to promote the preservation and protection of all languages used by the peoples of the world and after that it was declared International Mother Language Day. It became a global day.” India, Nepal and China are among the migrant communities that will strongly be represented on the day, but Mr Badruddoza said Indigenous Australians and their culture

would also feature. “Aboriginal people are also coming. Indigenous Australian languages (will be celebrated)” he said. An Aboriginal smoking ceremony will be held, while flowers will be laid beneath an International Mother Language Day monument. Music and dance performances will entertain the crowd and food, clothing and books will be on sale. The free event runs 11am to 4pm and all are welcome. Cade Lucas

Wyndham council is one of 11 in the state to receive funding from the state government’s latest round of the Safer Local Roads and Streets Program. The $210 million program is working with every Victorian council to deliver upgrades on the highest risk local roads, intersections, and precincts by 2027 – with allocations of up to $2 million issued for priority road safety projects. Roads and Road Safety Minister Melissa Horne announced the councils selected for the second round of funding were Wyndham, Moorabool, East Gippsland, Gannawarra, Greater Geelong, Greater Shepparton, Loddon, Mansfield, Mildura, Stonnington and Swan Hill . “Last year we saw a devastating year on our roads both in Victoria and nationally and we need to do everything we can to drive down road trauma,” she said. “We’re working alongside councils to deliver important road safety infrastructure on local roads today, so our communities are safer into the future.” The Safe Local Roads and Streets Program will be delivered over seven rounds, with all Victorian councils engaging with the program by 2025. It will deliver safer infrastructure upgrades for communities including raised crossings, intersection upgrades, speed cushions, safer speeds, roundabouts, and other vital safety improvements.

Wyndham community clubs awarded Rotary cheques Six Wyndham community clubs and organisations will share nearly $16,000 in funding after being selected for theWerribee Rotary Community Grants project. The successful applicants were awarded giant cheques of between $1800 and $3000 at a ceremony at the Italian Sports Club in Werribee on Thursday night. The Tarneit Titans Netball Club Inc, 1st Point Cook Scouts, Laverton Traders Association and Young Achievers 8 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 21 February, 2024

Foundation Inc were all awarded $3,000 grants, while Womenspire and the Werribee River Association received $2000 and $1800 respectively. Werribee Rotary’s grants chair Robert Fava explained how the six organisations were selected. “We went through a process where we went into the community and basically allowed community based organizations to submit proposals for funding,” Mr Fava said.

“We’ve got a number of pillars within Rotary such as assisting women in society. promoting small businesses, sustainability and youth development etc. The six organizations pretty much ticked (all) the boxes and we just chose the ones that we had the best story in terms of what they’re offering to assist the community under their particular pillar.” The gala event on February 15 was attended by a number of Wyndham councillors and

other local dignitaries. Mr Fava said that along with handing out big cheques to the six grant recipients, the night also acted as a celebration of Rotary’s role in Werribee and Wyndham. “It’s a chance for our club to celebrate what we do for the community and also celebrate what these people are doing for the Wyndham community as well.” Cade Lucas

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NEWS

Police worker accessed files By Cassandra Morgan, AAP A police worker claims she repeatedly accessed former schoolmates’ and extended family members’ files out of sheer curiosity, ultimately costing her a criminal conviction and her career. Cristal Micallef held multiple roles within Victoria Police over several years, from an administrative position at Werribee Police Station in 2015, to her recent post as a project officer and executive support officer in the counter terrorism command. She expressly agreed to the force’s conditions only to use its database that catalogues people’s interactions with Victoria Police with

authorisation. However, she went on to use it to look at the records of former schoolmates, associates, extended family members and people she followed on TikTok, Melbourne Magistrates Court was told on Monday. Some of the people Micallef looked into were dead. Other searches were prompted by her concerns about people’s safety but she was primarily driven by “a sense of curiosity and unhappiness“, her lawyer Sophie Parsons said. The more Micallef improperly clicked through the system, the more she became desensitised to her behaviour, the lawyer said. “She has suffered enormously for what she’s done,“ Ms Parsons said.

“She has learnt that lesson and that’s not going to be quickly overcome by her.“ The police worker was expected to be sacked and faced not being able to afford to have another child, the lawyer said. She noted Micallef had mental health issues at the time of her offending in 2022 and 2023. Magistrate Carolyn Howe rejected Micallef’s excuse of curiosity and said the woman knew how seriously the force took unauthorised access to its database. The police worker undermined the community’s trust in the force to keep their information safe, and also potentially put family violence victims’ lives at risk by accessing and exposing their information, the

magistrate said. “Not only did you just breach the trust of your employer - you breached the trust of every person in the community,“ Ms Howe told Micallef. “What’s really frightening is that you also accessed information that was linked to family violence situations. “They’re in a fatality zone. If their location is disclosed, you raise their risk of fatality.“ The magistrate described Micallef’s unauthorised access to police information as “extremely serious“ and convicted her. Micallef will be on a good behaviour order for two years and will have to pay a $1000 penalty. • 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

Star Kangan nursing student driven by grief Manor Lakes’ Joanne Peniston-Bird was proud to take out both Student of the Year and Nursing Student of the Year categories at the Kangan Institute Industry Excellence Awards earlier this month. However, given the circumstances, the 41 year old was feeling more than just gratitude. “It means so much to me because I’m doing it in honour of my dad’s memory and my best friend Jay,“ Ms Peniston-Bird said. Both her father and Jay died from cancer in early 2021, but not before their battles inspired Ms Peniston-Bird to change careers from hospitality to nursing. “During 2020 my father and best friend were both battling late stage cancer and were terminally unwell,” she said. “While my dad was being cared for at Werribee Mercy he was under their palliative

Joanne Peniston-Bird of Manor Lakes won student of the year and nursing student of the year at the Kangan Institute Industry Excellence Awards. (Damjan Janevski) 389281_01

team the nurses there, and the care that they provided to him was definitely an inspiration. It felt natural being in a hospital

environment. It felt weirdly like home,” recalled Ms Peniston-Bird whose mother is a retired nurse.

After enrolling in nursing at Kangan Institute on Australia Day 2021, just weeks before her father’s death, it soon became clear she shared her mother’s ability, with Ms Peniston-Bird scoring above 90 per cent in all her assessments. It’s a result made all the more remarkable given she was grieving at the time. “There were certain subjects that I was learning and I’d have to leave because It would bring on grief. They were talking about providing care to the older person and my dad had been moved into an aged care facility to see out his final days.” Ms Peniston-Bird is now a graduate nurse at St Vincent’s, caring for others in honour of her father and friend. Cade Lucas

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Wednesday, 21 February, 2024 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 9

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Shaving off locks to save lives Community spirit has always run deep in the Macedon Ranges. And when twelve-year-old Kai set out on a personal journey to honour his late father, it soon enough transformed into a collective community mission as Hannah Hammoud reports.

ast December, on his final day of grade 6, Kai participated in the World’s Greatest Shave (WGS), to help raise money for cancer research. The World’s Greatest Shave is the single biggest source of income for the Leukaemia Foundation, which uses the funds to provide vital support to blood cancer patients and their loved ones, as well as fund ground-breaking research, in the hopes of one day finding a cure. Kai’s decision to take part in the event stemmed from a deeply personal experience after losing his father to brain cancer when Kai was just seven. While the World’s Greatest Shave raises funds for people living specifically with blood cancer, determined to make a difference, Kai resolved to shave his head and raise money in an effort to prevent others from enduring a similar loss to the one he had to endure. Despite the challenges of organising the fundraising effort, Kai’s dedication proved unwavering. With the support of his school and local community, he managed to raise an impressive $3,000. “I heard about the World’s Greatest Shave after my dad passed. It was an easy decision for me to take part in it,” Kai said.

‘‘

I definitely want to shave my hair again. I feel excellent all round… I feel like it was one of the best decisions of my life - Kai

Left: Kai after the shave. St Ambrose Parish Primary School in Woodend was a beacon of support for Kai’s cause.

’’

“The shave was held in the school courtyard and I had it all in braids. Then I chose some friends, and some of the big donors to chop parts of my hair. Then we had the shaver and everyone got to take a turn and shave a little bit of my hair.” As the clippers buzzed and locks of hair fell, the local community rallied behind Kai’s cause. Lavinia Zirnsak, Kai’s mother, highlighted the overwhelming support Kai received from various quarters of the community. “Some of the kids made posters in class inviting people to come down to the shave and everybody also brought a gold coin donation – some people more than that. On the actual day we had $300 in just gold coin donations,” she said. Ms Zirnsak said a couple of budding student entrepreneurs took it upon themselves to collect marigold seeds to sell at the local organic store. “They actually raised about $157 just doing that, and they decided to donate it to Kai’s cause,” she said. “The school and the wider community were extremely supportive and amazing. The school community was really good with liaising and promoting Kai’s cause in the newsletter. The Wildlife Op Shop was awesome, they had a box out there to take donations, as well as the Macedon Ranges Theatre where lots of people donated. “We’re very lucky that we live in such a beautiful community where people are very generous and supportive.” After growing his hair for three and a half years before eventually shaving it off - Kai said he is sure there is another hair transformation for him on the cards, vowing to again take part in the shave sometime in the future. “The World’s Greatest Shave is an excellent cause. I definitely want to shave my hair again. I feel excellent all round… I feel like it was one of the best decisions of my life,” he said. “If you’re thinking about the World’s Greatest Shave, there is nothing better than the feeling of knowing that someone is going to be happy. With you chopping your hair 10 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 21 February, 2024

Above: Before the big chop, Kai had grown his locks for three and a half years. Below: Annie Dunn said the support of her husband, Mathew, has been immeasurable throughout her journey. (Pictures: Supplied)

off you’re almost immediately saving at least one person with cancer, because every single cent will go towards this wonderful cause. I hope that if you are thinking about doing the World’s Greatest Shave then you should do it.” The World’s Greatest Shave is officially held during March, with this year’s campaign celebrating the everyday heroes in the community doing ‘bloody beautiful’ acts of shaving, cutting, colouring, or donating. The Leukaemia Foundation reports that more than 140,000 Australians are currently living with blood cancer, with more Australians diagnosed with blood cancer now than ever before. Moorabool local Annie Dunn is one of those 140,000 Australians living with blood cancer. Annie works as a kindergarten teacher and has been living with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) for seven years. She said it was an emotional day when she was finally provided with some clarity after her diagnosis. “I was sick for years before we found out I had cancer. There was a long journey trying to figure out what was going on, and probably eight months into that journey I got referred to a haematologist,” Annie recalled. “I remember that meeting, we sat and he told me that I was sick and told me that I had CML... I just remember I cried. I cried for two reasons, one because he told me I had cancer, but not only that, I finally figured out what was wrong with me, and so it was also a bit

of a relief.” Amidst her health struggles, Annie remained steadfast in her commitment to her career, at the time pursuing studies in early education. “It was overwhelming,“ she admitted. “I was so busy studying I didn’t have time to stop and think about it until I finished studying at the end of the year.“ Annie found some solace in her diagnosis, recognising the need to prioritise what truly matters in life. “I don’t take crap from anyone anymore, and prioritise things in life and focus on what really matters. A lot of young adults focus on mundane, silly stuff. But this has made me realise I don’t have time for that,” she said. Annie’s journey has been made easier with the support of the Leukaemia Foundation’s Blood Cancer Support Coordinators (BCSCs). Donations made through initiatives like the World’s Greatest Shave, have helped ease the burden for Annie and her family during times of need. “The World’s Greatest Shave is worthwhile, it’s worth being able to do that and contribute to a really awesome cause,” she said. “I shaved my head before I lost my hair. I decided I wanted to be in control of that and it was great. I like having short hair, it’s an easy look to rock. “Thank you to the people who donate and support the World’s Greatest Shave. It is a brave thing to shave your head.”

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Four-year-olds Kimaya, Druid, Minaal, and Dhruv show off the array of ball sports available at active kinders class. Above right: Quoits was also a hit with the children. (Pictures: Jacob Pattison) 388454

Kindergarten kids get active increase physical education. There are a range of programs available including, active kinders weekly sessions, active kinders Days and a free active kinders family handout with information on physical activity, why it is important for kids and tips on how the whole family can be active together. For more information visit https://www. wyndham.vic.gov.au/active-kinders or call 9742 0840.

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Youngsters in Point Cook were getting up and about earlier last week during an active kinder class at Point Cook Kindergarten. Kicking the soccer ball, playing quoits and dancing were among the many ways the kids burnt off excess energy during the class on Tuesday February 13. Active kinders is a collaboration between Wyndham council and the community of kindergartens in Wyndham to encourage kinder aged children and their families to

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NEWS

Aidan Corr handing out quiz prizes to the students. (Pictures: Jacob Pattison) 388101

Roos hop in for community camp North Melbourne players completed their two day community camp in Wyndham with a visit to Point Cook College on Tuesday morning. Kangaroos players Darcy Tucker, Callum Coleman-Jones, Will Phillips and Aiden Corr met with students in the school’s gymnasium where they answered questions, conducted a quiz, held skills sessions and posed for photographs. The Point Cook College visit on February 13 followed visits to a number of schools the previous day, including The Grange College in Hoppers Crossing, Wimba and Tarneit Rise Primary Schools in Tarneit, Wareen Primary School in Truganina and Heathdale Christian College in Werribee. Prior to the school visits, the club were officially welcomed to Wyndham with a reception at Werribee’s Chirnside Park on Monday morning. North Melbourne players and staff then returned to the home of the Werribee Football Club to host a footy clinic later in the afternoon. The Kangaroos begin their 2024 campaign away to the GWS Giants on Saturday March 16.

North Melbourne FC’s Will Phillps, Aidan Corr, Darcy Tucker and Callum Coleman-Jones with Point Cook College students in the school gymnasium.

The North Melbourne players speak to Point Cook College students.

Left: Darcy Tucker practises handball with a student. Centre and right: North Melbourne FC’s Will Phillps demonstrates handball technique, and handballs to a student.

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More options for urgent care By Christopher Carter, chief executive officer of North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network When you’ve hurt yourself or you’re suddenly feeling crook enough to be worried, finding help can be a bit of a challenge. General practices in our region are all very busy and sometimes you might not be able to book an appointment with your regular doctor for a few days – and that’s a concern when you believe you need to see someone pretty quickly. There’s always the emergency department at the nearest hospital, of course. These are also always very busy, and we all know that the hard-working doctors and nurses there see the most severely injured or ill first. That is the way it should be, of course, but it also means that if you think you’ve maybe cracked your collarbone or developed a stomach bug, then you might be in for a long wait to get seen. That’s why Priority Primary Care Centres – which started opening a year or so ago – have turned out to be very good things. PPCCs, as they’re known, sit midway between general practices and emergency departments. They are set up to treat people who need urgent, but not lifesaving, care. They’re open 7 days a week, over extended hours, take walk-in visitors, and provide free treatment even if you don’t have a Medicare card. Every PPCC is linked directly with a hospital emergency department, and has other services, such as pathology or imaging, either in the same building or very nearby. Honestly, what’s not to like? In Melbourne’s northern and western suburbs there are 10 PPCCs operating. This includes new ones in Carlton and Melton, both of which opened in the past couple of months.

Across Victoria there are 29. They are still fairly new additions to the health care landscape, so many people still aren’t all that familiar with what they do (lots!) and who can use them (everybody!). It surely won’t be too long, though, before we all simply think of them as another regular option for getting help, along with general practices, emergency departments, the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department, Nurse-on-Call and your local pharmacist. On behalf of the Australian and State

governments, our organisation – North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network – plays quite a big role in setting up PPCCs across our region and more broadly. We’re very proud of that, because this is a major change to health services that is making a big difference to people’s lives. PPCCs take a bit of the pressure of local doctors and hospitals, and get more people feeling better more quickly. Across the state more than 300,000 people have visited PPCCs since they started opening,

with that number growing steadily each month. Do you think we’ll hit one million before 2024 is out? There’s no way to know, of course, but I wouldn’t bet against it. So next time you’re not feeling so good and can’t get into see your doctor, remember you have an extra option these days. In the north and west there are PPCCs in Craigieburn, Carlton, Maribyrnong, Melton, Moonee Ponds, the Royal Children’s Hospital, Richmond, Sunbury, Sunshine and Werribee. For more details go to nwmphn.org.au/ppcc

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COMMUNITY

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

Laverton Community Choir The choir is currently welcoming new members - especially male voices. If you love singing and would like to be part of a choir - come along and try out your vocal cords with our fun and welcoming group of singers. There are no auditions and you don’t need to be able to read music. The group meets on Thursday evenings during school terms at Laverton P12 College, 91 Bladin Street, Laverton from 7-9pm. ■ Sue 0418386147 or lavertoncommunitychoir@gmail.com

Live Well for Life 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 in April and May. Registration is essential and participants must be able to attend all sessions. ■ 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. ■ Catherine, 0407 726 852.

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

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

This week’s photographer’s choice photo is of Cathy James and her dog Heidi who was voted people’s choice dog of the year. (Damjan Janevski) 388318_01

two visits are free; and then payment is by tax-deductible donation. Tuesday evenings 7-8:30pm at Wayaperri House ,106 Duncans Road, Werribee. ■ wyndham@withonevoice.org.au

Adult community garden group The group meets on the first Tuesday of the month 10-11.30am at Iramoo Community Centre, 84 Honour Ave, Wyndham Vale. Head down and join them as we maintain their rejuvenated community garden. Planting and harvesting produce that they grow. ■ 8742 3688

International Women’s Day Join the celebrations at Iramoo Community Centre, 84 Honour Ave, Wyndham Vale on Friday, March 8 at 10.30-11.30am for a morning tea and guest speaker from Wyndham Women’s Support Group as it celebrates International Women’s Day. ■ 8742 3688

Walking Netball Walking Netball is a low impact, no running, no jumping version for those that love the fun, friendship and activity of a weekly game of netball. Sessions are run every Thursday during school terms from 8pm at Eagle Stadium, Ballan Road, Werribee. Come and try your first session for free, with stadium entry $2. ■ Phil, 0437 078 739

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

With One Voice Wyndham Choir With One Voice Wyndham Choir is a community choir open to all. The community choir welcomes all ages, abilities, faiths, cultures and genders and is directed by a very experienced and friendly professional conductor. Fun weekly rehearsals and amazing performance opportunities are provided. They sing for an hour and then have a cuppa. The first

Young Achievers Foundation The Young Achievers Foundation is a non-profit foundation that supports high performance young people living in Wyndham, Hobsons Bay, Brimbank and Maribyrnong who are aspiring to be elite in their chosen sport or the arts. The Foundation’s major fundraising event, its Golf Day, will be held at the Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club on Friday, March 15. You can book as an individual player and the foundation will put you in a team of four or gather your own group to make your own 4-ball. The day will finish with dinner, entertainment, auctions and raffles. The cost is $150 per person and golf carts may be available for an additional $50 (2 golfers per cart). ■ Sam 0438 423 425, Alan 0417 512 742 or yaf3030@gmail.com

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

Road Bridge, Heaths Road, near the fenced dog park. ■ admin@werribeeriver.org.au

Seniors House of Fun The Grange Community Centre 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. ■ Vanessa, 8742 8000 or enquires@ grangecommunity.org.au

organisation for semi-retired and retired Wyndham residents. They hold a variety of classes-activities specifically designed for seniors, including, light physical and mental wellbeing sessions, arts, games and craft, and general classes such as current affairs, history and lunch groups. Most classes-activities are held at Wyndham community centres. ■ Rick, 0402 299 220.

Lions Club

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

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. ? Jorge, 0433 566 575 Bingo for all The Werribee RSL hosts Bingo every Monday between 12.30-2.30pm. ■ 9741 5525

Diabetes Support Group

Western Budgerigar Club

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. ■ Bob, 0409 252872.

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

Seniors club

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

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

U3A Werribee

Are you recently retired or semi-retired? Looking for fun, fellowship and to increase your social networks. The Ladies Probus Club of Wyndham meets on the first Wednesday of each month at Hotel520, Sayers Road, Tarneit, and normally has an outing or event on the third Wednesday of each month. ■ Rosa Sanderson, 0410 303 046

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

The group is a not-for-profit community Wednesday, 21 February, 2024 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 15

SECTION STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

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SPORTS QUIZ 1. Which two teams will face-off in the first ever AFL Opening Round match?

4. In which sport would you watch the Pittsburgh Penguins play the Philadelphia Flyers?

2. Which country knocked Australia out of 2023 Asian Cup contention in the quarter-finals?

5. Which Super Rugby Pacific team recently entered voluntary administration with estimated debt over $10 million?

3. By capacity, what is the largest stadium in the world?

11. Which Australian basketball legend announced she will not play for the Opals at the 2024 Olympic Games? 12. What team has won the past two AFC Asian Cup soccer tournaments? 13. What sport does Australian Molly Picklum compete in?

6. Lewis Hamilton made a bombshell announcement that he was departing Mercedes and moving to which team?

14. Ex-supercars team owner Roland Dane said which team had a “toxic workplace”, resulting in Brodie Kostecki's request to leave?

7. In which year did Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson first retire from the WWE?

15. Which retired cricketer has agreed to coach America’s Major League Cricket franchise the Washington Freedom?

8. In which year were full body swimsuits banned from competition, due to providing an unfair advantage?

16. Which team has won the most A-League Men’s Championship titles? 17. Teams based in which New Zealand and Australian cities will join the A-League Men’s competition in 2024-25?

9. The film The Iron Claw tells the tragic true story of which wrestling family?

18. 1960 marked the only year Australia had a team qualify for what event at the Winter Olympic Games?

10. What American state are the Kansas City Chiefs based in? Dwayne Johnson 2302

Lewis Hamilton

24. WWE wrestler Dakota Kai is from which country?

19. The Brisbane Bandits and Adelaide Giants are teams in what Australian sporting league?

25. The Australian U19 Men’s cricket team have won the World Cup how many times?

20. What retired Australian swimmer has said he will come out of retirement for the proposed upcoming Enhanced Games?

26. The Emeralds play what sport for Australia?

21. How many AFL teams will be taking part in the season’s Opening Round? 22. The Perth Wildcats hold the record with how many NBL titles?

27. How many NFL teams have never made it to the Super Bowl? 28. Which sport is the oldest at the Winter Olympics? 29. Who is current captain of the Fremantle Dockers? 30. VAR in soccer stands for what?

23. Which team are the reigning champions in the NHL?

1. Sydney and Melbourne 2. South Korea 3. India’s Narendra Modi Stadium 4. Ice hockey (NHL) 5. Melbourne Rebels 6. Ferrari 7. 2004 8. 2010 9. The Von Erich family 10. Missouri 11. Lauren Jackson 12. Qatar 13. Surfing 14. Erebus Motorsport 15. Ricky Ponting 16. Sydney FC (Five titles) 17. Auckland and Canberra 18. Ice Hockey 19. Australian Baseball League 20. James Magnussen 21. 8 22. 10 23. Las Vegas Golden Knights 24. New Zealand 25. Four 26. Baseball 27. 4 28. Figure skating 29. Alex Pearce 30. Video assistant referee

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DEAR heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked for many favours. This time I ask you, this very special one (mention favour). Take it, the dear heart of Jesus, and place it with your own broken heart, where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes, it will become your favour, not mine. Amen. Say for three days, promise publication, and your favour will be granted.

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0435 904 818 Wednesday, 21 February, 2024 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 17

PUZZLES No. 173

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

5 2 3 7 3 9 1 4

2 3

9 9 1 4

6 7 2 5

6 9 8 4 1 6 3 1 7 8

6 3 2

DOWN

Remains (5)

Artworks (9)

System of principles (5)

Soaked (9)

Not mature (6)

Haughty (8)

Unfaithful (9)

Pride (3)

Donkey (3)

TV advertisement (10)

Number comprehension (8)

Computer network linking newsgroups (6)

Items of great worth (9)

Seance board (5)

At least (coll) (9)

Fashion (5)

Salt (7) Steamed (7) Surgeon’s instrument (7) Sit for an artist (4) Gatecrasher (10) Fears (7) A salt or ester of nitric acid (7) Insurrection (8) A thin noodle (10) Circus (8) Country in Horn of Africa (7) Dried fruit (7) Traditions (7) Yearly payment (7) Lolling (2,4) Island (4)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 13 16 18 19 20 21 22 25

9 medium

ACROSS

No. 173

3 6 7 5 8 5 9 5 1

5 7 3 1 5 4 1 9 8 7 3

DECODER

No. 173

3 4

hard

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

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

9-LETTER WORD 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”.

Today’s Aim: 17 words: Good 26 words: Very good

No. 173 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

E R S

L E R

A S P S D I O T O D K A

R I V

18 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 21 February, 2024

C V

acre, acute, care, caret, carr, cart, carte, carter, carve, carver, cater, cave, crate, crater, crave, cruet, curare, curate, cure, curt, CURVATURE, curve, cute, cuter, ecru, eruct, race, racer, react, recta, recur, trace, tracer, truce, verruca

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

10 11 12 13

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

S O

S D

35 words: Excellent

hard

5x5

3 LETTERS ADD ADS AGO AIL APE AVO EAT ERA GOO HAT HID HUH IRS LEE LEG OLD OWL PEP RAP ROE SEE SIN SIX THE

AWARE BASTE BOOST CATCH CHASM CHUTE CLUES CREPE DUCTS EDGES ELECT ERASE ERROR EVENS EXERT HAVEN HERBS HOONS INEPT MIRTH OASES OBOES PAUSE

4 LETTERS ARMS ASKS BASS BIAS BOOR CAVE EDIT HENS ICES MACE PACE SETS SINE TACT 5 LETTERS ADEPT AGILE AIMED AURAL

QUICK QUIZ

No. 173

& / ( $ 1 6 ( '

R T D B S U C F H G L P W

medium

E K A O M N I Z J V X Q Y

easy

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

WORDFIT

POPPY PREEN PSALM RADII RAGER RINSE RISEN RIVER ROOTS SANER SENSE SLING SMILE SPENT STEAK TABLE TENDS TENET TESTS THEME USAGE VOTER YESES

6 LETTERS ENDERS ENTRAP INSURE MISHAP

8 LETTERS CLEANSED DETONATE MATUREST TRAVERSE

7 LETTERS DRESSES ERUDITE OPERATE OVERRAN TITTERS TRASHED

23-02-24

Missy Peregrym (pictured) plays a gymnast in which 2006 film?

How many times has Ron Paul unsuccessfully run for president of the United States?

Tallinn is the capital of which European country?

Who played Roger Thornhill in North by Northwest?

What number appears on the neck of a Heinz Ketchup bottle?

Blue Dome Church is located on which Greek island?

How many countries use the Euro as their official currency?

The Genpei War took place in Japan during which century?

Which island nation was hit by Severe Tropical Cyclones Judy and Kevin, within 48 hours of each other, in March 2023?

10 Who hosted the original run of the US version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

ANSWERS: 1. Stick It 2. Estonia 3. Cary Grant 4. Santorini 5. 12th century 6. Vanuatu 7. Three (1988, 2008, 2012) 8. 57 9. 20 10. Regis Philbin

QUICK CROSSWORD

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

SUDOKU

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

MOTOR

Alfa SUV off to a bright start By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring I’m over electric vehicles, monster utes and sleek SUVs. They all have their place – these days highly prominent – in the automotive pantheon, but range anxiety, truck-style fossil fuel pollution, or squeezing into the third row of a seven-seater . . . poof! I’ve had ’em. All is not lost, however. There are all-rounders out there that fit the bill of what is expected, without going over the top. One such creature is the Alfa Romeo Tonale Hybrid SUV. Named after one of Italy’s highest mountain passes Alfa says the compact five-seater encapsulates the organic curvatures, bends and lines found in nature. And Alfa’s first foray into the so-called C SUV segment, one of the most competitive in the automobile market, needs something to stop potential buyers in their tracks. There’s plenty of Alfa essence – power and driving precision – to attract attention. It is available in two trim levels – Ti and Veloce – which arrived in Australian priced from $49,900 and $56,400 respectively, making it a rival for the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Lexus UX and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. The Tonale Plug-In Hybrid Q4 joined the team late last year in a highly specified Veloce trim offered from $77,500. Two options include the Technology Pack, for $2500, which takes the Ti up to Veloce safety standard and Lusso Pack, at $4500, the latter adding seat upgrades, heated steering wheel and 14-speaker 465 W Harman/ Kardon audio system.

Styling Sourced from the Turismo Internazionale (hence the Ti) has traditionally been identified with the most exclusive, elegant and comfortable Alfas. Signature features include the V Scudetto grille, offset rego plate and 18-inch diamond cut five-circle spoke wheels, echoing the classic Alfa Romeo. Conversely, the present is to the fore with full LED Matrix headlamps, topped off with wave-pattern daytime running lights, which, as red lights are repeated at the rear, flanking the hands-free power liftback.

Interior Front seats have a wide range of adjustment and offer good visibility all round.

Alfa Romeo’s entry into the compact SUV segment is off to a positive start. (Pictures: Supplied)

However, tall occupants soon put rear leg room at a premium, but generally the cabin is spacious and comfortable. Perfect for pottering around town with two up front. Boot space is a usable 500 litres, which can be ‘pumped’ to 1550 litres with second row backs folded. A space-saver spare finds a home under the floor.

Infotainment Infotainment is accessible via a 10.25-inch touchscreen, incorporating embedded satellite navigation, mounted in the central dashboard. Images are clear and quick to call up. Unlike many of its ilk the screen is shaded well from bright light. Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto are on tap, while Alfa Connected Services enables control of a range of functions via an app. Centre console storage includes a wireless charging station. Also standard features are digital radio, voice command, USB-A and USB-C inputs, plus steering wheel controls.

Engines/transmissions The 118-kW turbocharged engine plus mild hybrid technology enables pure electric drive and regenerative braking, stop / start operation, plus added boost to petrol power. Paired with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission and 48 V 15 kW / 55 Nm electric motor make it possible for the 1.5 litre petrol engine to propel the wheels even when the internal combustion power is turned off. The transmission enables the start-off and travel in electric mode at low speeds and when parking or cruising. The result is the

performance of a petrol engine but with fuel consumption of a diesel motor.

Safety All Tonale variants have earned a five-star ANCAP rating at 2022 standards. Passive safety features include dual front, side chest and head protecting airbags as standard across the range. Active safety is covered by adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, intelligent speed assist, traffic sign recognition, front and rear parking sensors and rear-view camera with dynamic guidelines.

Driving With keyless entry, getting underway presented a few problems, the main, how to start the engine. An extended search finally came good: the start / stop button was attached to the steering wheel rim. Stupid boy! Alfa’s mild hybrid electric system can drive the wheels alone up to 40 km/h, so the slow stuff can be done as a full electric vehicle before the petrol motor chimes in. The 1.5 litre variable-geometry turbocharged unit handles the 1491kg of the Tonale Ti as well as can be expected under the Natural drive mode. Expect the Tonale to average premium petrol consumption of 5.6 litres per 100 kilometres over a range of driving conditions. Advanced Efficiency is the money saving mode, with sporty performance sacrificed at the altar of economy. The dual clutch here showed its characteristic choppy changes. Time to wind up the Alfa to its zenith in Dynamic mode.

Gear shifts were at their snappiest delivering a satisfyingly sporty driving experience. A 12.3-inch digital cluster is located directly in front of the driver, while those wanting to get their hands on the outsize aluminium paddle shifters behind the steering wheel will need to step up to the Veloce variant. Ride is a not-uncomfortable experience on the 18-inch wheels with chubby rubber.

Summary While not exactly causing the hairs on the back of the neck to stand up – I’ll leave that to the Veloce – the Tonale Ti could be for many what they always hoped for in an Alfa – a handsome model (tick), a sporty driving experience (tick) and technological team leader (tick). AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE Alfa Romeo Tonale Ti Hybrid from $49,900 Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce Hybrid from $56,400 Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEV from $77,500 Options: Technology Pack $2500; Lusso Pack $4500 SPECIFICATIONS Alfa Romeo Tonale Ti Hybrid 1.5L 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol, 7sp automatic, FWD SUV

Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Alfa Romeo dealer for drive-away prices. Wednesday, 21 February, 2024 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 19

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Shimona Jok playing for Collingwood. (Pictures: AAP Image/Joel Carrett)

Jok reaches out for a new start City West Falcons new shooter Shimona Jok, who moved to Australia from Jamaica to pursue her love of netball, has ridden the highs and lows of professional sport in recent months as Tara Murray discovered.

t might have been the off season, but for new City West Falcons shooter Shimona Jok her first steps on the Altona netball courts were anything but easy. Having been through the wringer with her Suncorp Super Netball team, the Collingwood Magpies, pulling the pin on the competition and then not being offered a contract for 2024, it’s been a tough few months for Jok, nee Nelson. It tested her love for the sport which had seen her move from Jamaica to Australia to pursue. “I don’t even think hard can describe how it has been and how it has been and how it is currently going,” she said. ‘Hard is probably the best word you can use right now. Depression, anxiety, just all the negative emotions… Not wanting to go outside, not wanting to see the world. “It was a bit hard for me. I felt like I didn’t feel valued, no one wanted me. I felt like a nobody, I just felt like I wasn’t good enough for anyone. “I wanted to stay away.” Jok, who got married late last year, wanted to stay in Australia despite her uncertain netball future. While she didn’t have a Super Netball contract, she did have an offer from Victorian Netball League club, the City West Falcons. The Falcons, who had won last season’s championship title, had kept their three key shooters, but were more than happy to welcome Jok into the playing ranks with open arms. “It has been really good,” Jok said of 20 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 21 February, 2024

‘‘

I questioned if I could even play the sport. No one recognised or even tried to reach out. I felt so belittled. I felt like a nobody

’’

- Shimona Jok the Falcons. “I think everyone has been welcoming with big arms. “I was a little bit nervous at first, but wasn’t too nervous cause I’ve always been around the Falcons…three or four years now. “I think it’s easy. Personality wise who I am, quite relaxed. I love down to earth people, the environment and with the Falcons that

is what I give. “I felt at home in an instant. I know everyone and I’m joking around and being myself. I think it’s really important to adjust to everyone. “They didn’t really make me feel weird, but they all loved me for who I am. I think that made it so easy to slip right in.” Jok said one of the biggest things for her was feeling valued again and that she could play a role on court. She said the Falcons wanted to have her as both a person and player. “When I got there it was like it’s okay to make mistakes and I want to ensure that you’re okay,” she said. “We see the Shimmy we know, I think that helped me get back into it. “Since August I have struggled, struggled with who I am, I questioned what value I bring to a team. “I questioned if I could even play the sport. No one recognised or even tried to reach out. I felt so belittled. I felt like a nobody.” Falcons coach Marg Lind said earlier in the pre-season Jok, who has played internationally for Jamaica, had been really open with them and had shown courage with her netball career in limbo. She knew that Jok would get the opportunity to play goal attack, a role she didn’t play at Super Netball level. Jok said she was excited for the challenge. “I can’t wait,” she said. “It gives me another range. I have a bit more freedom to move… a lot more to think about, a bit more time to run around, defend, create moves for

everyone around you. “I’ll take on feedback and be positive and have a really good environment. I think that really made me find the love for netball.” With a strong goaling line up, it will be a battle for court time, but Jok said that was the least of her worries. She sees the bigger picture. “I feel like it’s more about what i can give, what i can learn, what we all can learn from each other,” she said. “For me also team first, self last. It’s not an issue if I don’t get court time or not, always going to be a cheer girl whether on the court or off the court. “Whatever the team needs, I’ll be there.” While Jok doesn’t have a Super Netball contract, she has signed on as a training partner for new side, the Mavericks. She said it was a role that she was still adjusting to. “I’m now not really taking it to heart that I’m not good enough to be contracted,” she said. “I’m taking it one training (at a time) and learning what I can and turning in a new chapter. “Do something different, be something different, work on something different instead of saying I’m still the same goal shooter.” After the last few months, Jok said she was focusing on rebuilding herself and getting her love back for the game. Anything else isn’t in her thoughts. “Taking baby steps,” she said. “Try and regain that love for the sport and keep grinding and ticking those boxes where necessary.”

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Bears strike late, but still in running for finals Bellbridge needs just seven wickets to knock off the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 4 ladder leaders and take a massive step towards making finals. After being sent in to bat against Moonee Valley, the Bears got off to a shaky, losing opener Steve Kelaart in his first delivery. The Bears quickly found themselves at 5-37, before Daniel Spencer and Bailey Moffatt began to steady the ship. Spencer top scored with 39. After they both fell, the Bears were at 9-98, with a 44-run 10th-wicket partnership saving the innings, helping them reach 148 before they were bowled out. With still plenty of overs left in the day, Moonee Valley went out to bat. The Bears were able to claim three wickets late in the day, leaving Moonee Valley to continue at 3-45 this week.

“It’s pretty evenly poised at the halfway mark which is pretty good,” Bears skipper Dillon Hinge said. “Obviously, it’s not ideal leaving so many overs out there with the bat, going into finals you want to bat for as long as possible. “Credit to our bowlers they are getting the job done week in week out, I guess it’s just time for the batsmen to stand up and do theirs.” Hinge said he was pleased with the late wickets against the division’s best side. “Definitely happy with the three, we created a few more chances so we were probably unlucky to get a fourth but that’s the way cricket goes,” he said. “Moonee Valley are one of the sides to beat this year and they have been for the last two or three now. So we pencil-marked this as a game that we want to be well in every year,

they bowl to their plans, they field to their plans and they back their bowlers. “To come away with a few wickets gave us a bit of momentum heading into day two.” Finals are definitely on the cards for the Bears with the side sitting in fifth on equal points as the Point Cook Centrals in fourth, which they are set to play off against in the final round. “It is looking OK, we’re playing it week by week,” Hinge said. “Obviously, we’ve just got to win the next two games to secure the finals spot which I said at the start of the season was our goal. So if we can continue on our form, hopefully we can push into finals. “We’ve got enormous respect for Point Cook Centrals, we’ve played them twice this year and it’s one, one, so it should be a good game.”

Amari Ebbin (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Sports shorts VTCA Point Cook finished its Victorian Turf Cricket Association women’s season with a big loss to Westmeadows. Westmeadows batted first and made 1-151 from their overs, with Damini Arora the wicket taker for Point Cook. Point Cook struggled in reply and were all out for 18. Werribee had a bye,.

A-League Western United has been dealt a blow in the lead up to the A-League Women’s finals with goalkeeper Hillary Beall headed back to America. Beall played her last game on Sunday, after United allowed her to return from her loan early after being traded to the San Diego Wave in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). The American was an inaugural vice-captain and was named United’s inaugural A-League women player of the season.

Bowls

Hoppers Crossing (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Cats claim first day points By Harper Sercombe Hoppers Crossing is in a strong position in its Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association north-west clash against Taylors Lakes claiming first innings points on Saturday. After electing to bat the Lions were on the back foot early, losing three wickets within the first five overs. With the Cats’ opening bowler Brett Smith having an immediate impact dismissing the Lions’ captain Aamir Raza in the first over. Following the Cats’ opening bowlers successful spell, the competition’s premier spinner Fawad Ahmed continued to do what he has done all season and run through the middle and lower order. Ahmed finished with 6-29, taking his season tally to 47 wickets at an average of 8.46. Cats’ skipper Simon Lambert said he has been delighted with Ahmed’s first season back at the club. “He has played international cricket and some of the guys he has bowled to are a long

way from that level, so he’s capable of making them look fairly silly at times,” he said. “He cleaned up again yesterday again with the lower order and got us into a good position.” Smith then returned to finish the Lions’ innings at 73 from just 37 overs. Batting at four, Nilan Fernando top scored for his side with 32. With the ball, the Lions were also able to strike early, having the Cats on the back foot at 2-18. The Lions opening bowlers were able to have the most success with Arafat Bhuiyan leading the way with 5-40. Apart from Lambert making 68, opening the batting, the two sides batting innings were very similar, as the Cats were knocked over for 152 in the 41st over. Lambert has been in strong form this season, with the skipper having 648 runs to his name at an average of 46.3. “Hopefully I can continue that and hopefully we can make finals and we can pile on a few more runs,” he said.

“It’s pretty fun when it’s going well so hopefully it can continue.” With the Cats 79 runs up and an outright win all but guaranteeing them a spot in the finals, Lambert said he couldn’t be happier with the performance. “Things couldn’t have gone much better, bowling them out pretty cheaply and then getting the runs required and kicking on to get a bit of a lead,” he said. “We probably would’ve liked another 20 or so runs but we’ve got a lead so that’s something to work with. “Hopefully we can put the pedal down next week for something similar and knock off any runs we need to get and get an outright win that would obviously put us in a good position going into the final round. “If a couple of results go our way next week it would make our life a lot easier going into the final round but it’s in our hands. If we can win that final round game against Werribee then we should be taking a spot in the finals.”

Werribee locked in a top two spot in the Bowls Victoria weekend pennant, division 2, section 1 on Saturday. The Bees needed a good result to hold off Deer Park 2 and were able to do that, beating Club Sunbury 2, 111 (18)-56 (0). Robert Panton and Brendan Barker both had massive wins for the Bees. The win means the Bees finish second and will get a second chance come finals. In the first round of finals, they will face Bacchus Marsh, which they beat in the second last round,

FV Football Victoria has revealed that all clubs have met the minimum requirements to allow them to compete this season. In November, Football Victoria revealed details of an unprecedented level of club debt. For many clubs, this debt threatened their involvement in FV competitions in 2024. Although there remain a number of clubs completing their final payment arrangements, the league confirmed that all clubs have met the minimum requirements, currently allowing them to continue as participants in 2024 FV competitions.

FOR MORE SPORT, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Wyndham Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly Wednesday, 21 February, 2024 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 21

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Like father like son for Pavlidis at ‘home’ base Young gun Jaelen Pavlidis has enriched his family’s legacy at the Werribee Football Club arriving at Chirnside Park almost three decades after his father John Pavlidis did. His father played for Werribee and later was a runner, welfare manager and recruiting manager for the club, earning himself life membership with the club. Jaelen crosses from a rival Victorian Football League club having spent last season with Greater Western Sydney and said it is great to stand where his father once did. “My dad was there for 10 or 15 years as a player and then helping out afterwards so it’s definitely special to be back home, where dad has been previously,” he said. “It’s a great club, I’ve heard nothing but great things about it from my dad and everyone else that I know who’s been through there.” After spending a year in Sydney he said he couldn’t be happier to be back in his hometown. “It was a great experience to be up in Sydney but I’m definitely happy to be back,”

he said, “It took a little bit to get used to, a little bit of adjusting but I ended up enjoying it a lot. Cleaning for myself, cooking for myself, all of that good stuff, so I learnt a fair bit. “I played most of the year up there, so [I want to] just continue on from that, playing as many games as I can and putting my best foot forward, keep learning, keep getting better every session, every day. “It’s going really well. Getting to meet all of the boys, all of the coaches, learning heaps and getting ready for a big year ahead. “I’ve been learning off all of the senior heads down there and taking it all in my stride have been learning heaps.” While getting onto an AFL list is the goal for Pavlidis he said he is going to take the future as it comes, and said he couldn’t be in a better place for that dream to become a reality. “It’s still obviously a goal for the future but I’m just taking it moment by moment for now and hopefully get a bit of team success with Werribee and whatever comes with that will

come with that, just taking it one day at a time for now,” he said. “There’s a lot of names that have come out of Werribee. [Jake] Riccardi I spent a bit of time with last year at the Giants, [Sam] Chlosey, [Shaun] Mannagh, they’re all good people as well so I’m definitely encouraged by that. “One thing that I’ve noticed and enjoyed a lot is the development is definitely massive at Werribee, they just want everyone to get better each and every session. So I’m just trying to learn as much as possible and work on my craft as much as possible.” When he isn’t playing with Werribee next season, he has committed to play with his junior club the Werribee Districts. Harper Sercombe

Jaelen Pavlidis (Werribee Football Club)

Hawks take on a new coach

Chloe Logarzo. (Western United/ Getty Images)

Back in green and gold Western United’s Chloe Logarzo is back in the Matildas squad after being called up by Tony Gustavsson for the upcoming Olympic qualifiers against Uzbekistan. It represents a return to Matildas camp for the first time since November 2022 and is just reward for Logarzo following the journey that she has been on to recover from an ACL injury over the last 18 months. The United co-captain has been dominating the A-League Women, scoring five goals and adding two assists in her 14 appearances this season. “It’s really nice to be back,” she said. “I don’t really know how to put it into words, I don’t think I am excited, I know that sounds weird, I think it’s just one of those sighs of relief that I was able to get myself back into a position to be back wearing this emblem and representing my nation again, so I’m just excited with the opportunity to be a part of something that I’ve wanted to be a part of for a really long time. “I’m just trying to have fun and I think when there’s no expectations and you play without fear you have this sense of freedom when you’re playing and I think that’s oozing out in my game and is a by-product of what I’ve been enjoying.” Logarzo said allowing herself to believe she 22 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 21 February, 2024

would be back representing her country one day was tough to do, but people at Western United helped push her back into the Matildas’ squad. “My assistant coach Chelsea [Noonan] has really brought it out of me, I know it was deep down inside somewhere that I wanted to be here,” she said. “I never really voiced it or said it allowed myself to voice it so her ability to work with me week in week out to find that desire to be back here has been the only reason that I am here. “So I’m grateful for the club and I’m grateful for the people that have been in my corner pushing me to find the love of the game again.” Logarzo will be hoping to add to her 55 caps for the Matildas as the side takes on Uzbekistan for a place at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. The Matildas take on the central Asian nation in a two-legged tie, with the winner earning qualification to the Olympics. The first leg will take place in Tashkent on February 24 before the return leg at Marvel Stadium on February 28. “Every game is important for us and I think it’ll be a really good challenge,” she said. “I know it’s going to be hot in Uzbekistan and I know it’s going to be hot here, so it’ll be

one of those situations where we will be settling into it and for the girls to come together after the Christmas break is going to be really good. “The pressure is always on, we still need to qualify for the Olympics so it’s about putting our heads down and working hard.” Western United sit in second on the ladder ahead of its clash with Wellington Phoenix on Sunday. In the club’s most recent game, against Brisbane Roar, Logaro was pivotal in getting the three points, scoring a brace including the winning penalty in the 92nd minute. “To play in front of our fans is always special and to do it when we’ve got the chase on to get some silverware and towards the back end of the season when we’re coming into form and we’re playing really good football is something that’s really exciting,” she said. “I’m looking forward to playing with the girls and just taking this one day at a time until I get into camp. “My main focus right now is to just worry about the league and do the job that I need to do until I’m not here anymore.” Logarzo has previously played at two Olympics, helping Australia to the quarter-finals at the 2016 games in Rio De Janeiro before reaching the bronze medal match in Tokyo in 2021.

Ahead of Glen Orden’s much anticipated on field return to the Western Region Football League the club has unveiled its coach. Rod Williams was announced as coach of the club earlier this month. Williams has been locked in to the role for both this season and 2025, as he returns to the club after having played at the club during his long career across both Victoria and Western Australia. Via Facebook the club said the announcement of Williams came with “great excitement.” “Rod’s passion and commitment as well as his vast knowledge of football will support the hard work of the committee to get Glen Orden senior football back on track and thriving into the future,” it said. “We welcome Rod to the Hawks nest.” The post also stated that the club is reporting “good” numbers at training as a team in the senior competition of the league remaining the goal for the club. “Training has commenced on Wednesdays from 6pm sharp with some good numbers starting to appear on the track,” it said. “Still looking for more players so grab your mates and get down to training and be a part of the Hawks comeback in 2024.” The Hawks are set to play in the restructured division 2 competition next season. The WRFL moving from three to two divisions will help the Hawks from a longevity perspective, as Peter MacDonald said to Star Weekly in November that if the league was like this for the 2023 season, the club’s football team would’ve continued playing. “Our senior players were up to second division, and our reserves team would have been a very competitive third division team,” he said. “But when our reserves are losing all the time in the second division, that was hurting us, and I understand that. “But with two divisions and being able to play against all those other teams every second week almost, that’s going to give us a better grounding, I think.”

Bees share the points in solid start to season It has been a solid start to the Victorian Premier League 1 season for Werribee City. Keen to get off to a strong start while the group is still coming together, the Bees have come away with points from their opening two matches. After a win in round one, the Bees had a 2-2 draw with Caroline Springs George Cross on Saturday night. The Bees had the lead twice through Thomas Biss and Ali Dulleh with the Georgies responding both times to share the points. Bees coach Dominic Barba said a draw was probably a fair result for the match. “Both sides had their chances,” he said. “We needed to be a little more efficient. “It’s a new group with only one player in the team from last year, so we’re a relatively new side.

“We’re learning a little about each other. To not lose the first two games is good. It would have been great to have two wins, but to get the one point is good.” Barba said they always knew it would take time this season for everything to come together. He said it was a good sign that they were still able to get something out of games even when they’re not playing 100 per cent for the whole 90 minutes. “We’ll work on the areas that we need to focus on,” he said. “I know the boys will respond, they have so far. “We have a group that is buying in. There’s been lots of positives and we will only build in moments and combinations. “We will improve every week not only through training, but playing. We’re on the right track which is a good thing for the

coaches.” With four points on the board, the Bees take on a Melbourne City side. City lost its first match to the Georgies and were in action in round two on Tuesday night, after deadline. Barba said it would be another good challenge for them. He said despite having two days longer between breaks that wouldn’t take City easy. “These young guys played against George Cross and should have beaten them,” he said. “They were able to run down a young team. They could play every day of the week, they’ve got a good program and some talented kids. “We want to really suffocate them with the way that we play and we want to give ourselves the best chance to get some results.” Tara Murray

Yug Gandhi and Tomoya Uemura (Ljubica Vrankovic)

VFL fixture released

Suns’ new women’s program (Facebook)

Suns launch newest side On the back of two premierships for their men’s teams the Suns are launching their inaugural women’s football program for the 2024 Western Region Football League season. Set to lead the team is 2022 division 2 premiership winning coach with the Point Cook Centrals Leanne Meyer. Joining her as assistant coach is Ebony Watkins. Watkins was one of Meyer’s assistants last year and was the premiership captain in 2022. Meyer said it has been a strong start to her time at the Suns. “What I felt was the best thing about it, is that the whole club was buying into this program,” she said. “It wasn’t just a few members or juniors or seniors, the whole club are excited to to explore women’s footy. So that’s what made us jump on board. “I’ve been around footy and specifically women’s voting for a very long time. I’m the first to admit that I’ve made mistakes along the way. But I’d like to think now I’ve got years of knowledge and conversations and

a network behind me that we can help build a stronger and better program for everyone from the ground up. “I’ll continue to make mistakes, absolutely. But we live when we learn and it’s all about empowering young girls and women to be their best.” Meyer already has a strong list of players at her disposal, with the playing list growing rapidly, she said there is a lot of excitement building ahead of round one. “It is very exciting,” she said. “We’ve got players from quite a few clubs amongst the WRFL, and other leagues, so it’s been quite refreshing. “We’ve got players that I’ve known for quite a while and or coached against and then we’ve got some brand new ones and everybody is absolutely gelling nicely. “Every time we arrive at training, we’re getting a new player show up to every session. And the best thing about this group of girls is that they are welcoming everybody with open arms, which is fantastic. “We’re ready to hit the ground running as

well and focus on our first inaugural year just being a really positive one for everyone. “That includes the players, the coaching staff as well as the club.” With the number of teams and the divisional structure for the WRFL women’s competitions still in the air, Meyer said there are no external goals being set at the moment rather it is about building a sustainable base for the future of women’s football at the Suns. “Right now it is all about camaraderie and everybody bringing their best,” she said. “If everybody brings their best consistently, then as the year progresses, I am sure we will set team goals but right now, we just don’t know how the WRFL women’s competition is going to work. “I was away during the summer break, so I haven’t kind of been in touch with too many people in terms of how everyone is travelling for numbers and teams. “It’s a clean slate. It’s a new year and we will tackle wholeheartedly together whatever comes at us and if everybody is bringing their best, that’s all I could ask.”

The AFL has released fixtures for the 2024 Victorian Football League men’s and women’s season. Both competitions will commence on the weekend of March 22 to 24, aligning with round two of the 2024 AFL season. The fixture release includes the full schedule for rounds one to 14 of the VFL season, along with match ups and venues for the remaining eight rounds. Each team will play 18 matches and have three byes across the 21 round season. In the men’s competition, Werribee will kick off its season against Geelong on the Saturday afternoon, March 23, at GMHBA Stadium. Werribee’s grand final rematch will take place in round 10, on Sunday, June 2. Werribee will travel north to take on Gold Coast at home at Heritage Bank Stadium. In a change to this year’s fixture, there will be more matches scheduled between VFL standalone clubs such as Werribee. All seven of the standalone clubs, Coburg, Frankston, Port Melbourne, Northern Bullants, Southport Sharks, Werribee and Williamstown will play 10 home games from their 18 matches. Each of the seven Victorian-based AFL standalone clubs have been fixtured to play eight home games instead of nine. At the completion of the home and away season the VFL’s wildcard round will return and be played across the weekend of August 24-25. The wildcard round will feature two matches, seventh versus 10th and eighth versus ninth, with the two winners advancing to the VFL finals series. The top-six teams on the ladder will have a pre-finals bye. The VFL finals series begins on the weekend of August 31 to September 1 with the grand final scheduled to be played on Sunday, September 22, the weekend before the AFL grand final.

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