Normally clubs put a call out for new members when they’re struggling for numbers or when they’re new themselves.
The Point Cook Runners Club is neither of these things, yet is still on the lookout for people who want to join, particularly those from other parts of Wyndham.
Established 10 years ago, Point Cook Runners now has about 100 members, aged from their early teens to late 60s and running in all sorts of events and distances.
“It’s a bit of everything,” club president Stephen Fee said. “We have about 50 members who do parkrun on Saturdays and also volunteer. We have people who can do a 17-minute parkrun or a 55-minute parkrun.”
Like a lot of other running clubs, Point Cook Runners have benefited from parkrun, the social running phenomenon which has exploded in popularity in recent years. “One hundred per cent,” said Mr Fee when asked if it had boosted their numbers.
“Parkrun’s a massive thing for running clubs because it gets people started and then when they get a little more confident they join a club.”
If that club is Point Cook Runners, new members will have access to five Athletics Victoria accredited coaches who run sessions on Tuesday evenings, either at Point Cook’s Saltwater Reserve in winter, or at locations all across Wyndham during the summer.
A leading transport expert is calling for the western rail plan to be revived following the release of a report which found almost half of Melbourne residents lacked access to public transport.
An analysis conducted by the Climate Council, Next Stop Suburbia: Making Shared Transport Work for Everyone in Aussie Cities, highlights how a lack of public transport and a reliance on cars was creating congestion and pollution. While the report found 52 per cent of Melbourne’s population did have access to
regular public transport, the second best result among Australian cities behind Sydney, access dropped dramatically more than 15km from the CBD, an area that includes much of the western suburbs.
Institute for Sensible Transport associate directorLiamDavies,peerreviewedthereport.
He said a long term solution for public transport access in Melbourne’s west would be a rail line connecting Werribee and Wyndham Vale stations.
Connecting the Werribee line and Regional Rail Link was part of the western rail plan announced in 2018, but which is now in limbo
after successive budget cuts.
Mr Davies said building the Werribee to Wyndham Vale rail link would be transformative for commuters in Wyndham, Brimbank and Melton.
“It would give a direct quick connection for people living in Sunshine to Werribee that doesn’t involve driving or getting a bus and being stuck in traffic,” he said.
“It would also connect out to some of the areas near Caroline Springs which would then connect out to Melton and what that would do is it would strengthen both activity centres (Werribee and Sunshine) as employment hubs
by allowing more people to go to and from those areas, so it would build the interrelation between the two hubs while strengthening each one individually.”
A federal government spokesperson said the government was investing $30 million toward the Western Rail Plan – further planning project. “This investment aims to identify ways to improve access to transport for more Melbourne residents, supporting a reduction in congestion and travel times through better passenger rail service,” the spokesperson said.
The state government was contacted for comment.
Point Cook Runners club president Stephen Fee with club members at Saltwater Reserve. (Damjan Janevski) 417448_01
Calls for grassland compensation
By Cade Lucas
Conservationistsaredemandingcompensation from the state government over what they claim is the mismanagement of protected grassland reserves on Melbourne’s urban fringe, including Wyndham.
According to an audit conducted by conservation groups, many of the grassland reserves in Melbourne’s growth corridors that were set aside for protection under a deal signed by state and federal governments in 2010, have either been damaged, reduced in-size, mismanaged or left unprotected.
The ‘Peoples Audit’ conducted by the Grassy
Plains Network and Merri Creek Management Committee, found that of the 36 designated ‘Conservation Areas’ across Wyndham, Melton, Hume, Whittlesea and Casey, only three were in good condition, seven were fully protected and less than half were still the same size. The 36 conservation areas were set aside in 2010 under the Melbourne Strategic Assessment as compensation for allowing the rest of the growth corridor grasslands to be cleared for development.
Grassy Plains Network facilitator Dr Adrian Marshall said the results of the audit proved the state government had failed to uphold their end of the deal. “We want compensation for
the grassland that has been destroyed and the areas that have been cut,” he said. “We want equivalent areas purchased and protected.”
Despite the Melbourne Strategic Assessment beingoveradecadeold,DrMarshallsaidmany of the 36 conservation areas still hadn’t even been acquired by the state government, while the ones that had had been reduced in size to appease developers or as he put it: were “just being left to rot.”
“They’re not being managed and grasslands need management,” he said.
In the case of one protected grassland area in Truganina,DrMarshallsaidtheissuewentwell beyond mismanagement. “Conservation Area
Chloe claims Wyndham youth award
Werribee’s Chloe Boric has been named Wyndham’s Young Person of the Month for July.
The 22-year-old mother and environmental science student was awarded for her volunteering and community service, much of which is related to environmental causes.
“If there’s any tree planting events or anything thing of that sort, I’ll typically be heading to it,” Ms Boric said.
Originally from Trafalgar in Gippsland, Ms Boric moved to Melbourne to study and lived in Box Hill in the eastern suburbs before more affordable housing and a quieter, slower lifestyle drew she and her partner to
Wyndham in late 2022.
“I’d also be lying if I didn’t say the zoo was also one of the reasons,” added Ms Boric who is a regular volunteer at Werribee Open Range Zoo where she takes care of animals and provides information about them and their habitat to tourists.
She juggles this and other volunteer and community service roles with university study (she’s about to begin a masters in sustainability at Deakin) and caring for her nine-month-old daughter, Evelyn.
Ms Boric said the award had provided her with the confidence and encouragement to pursue her dreams.
“My long term dream is to become an environmental researcher,” she said, “I want to pursue a PHD and start researching things and really make a difference.”
The Wyndham Young Person of the Month is awarded each month to a local resident aged between 12 to 25 who makes a positive contribution to the community and is a role model to other young people.
9 in Truganina was completely obliterated,” he said. “It was buried under asbestos contaminated fill. Can you imagine how many truckloads it would take to cover 20 MCG’s (in area) in half a metre of contaminated soil?” The dumping of contaminated soil on Conservation Area 9 is currently the subject of legal action. A state government spokesperson conceded not all 36 conservation areas had yet been acquired. “To date we’ve secured 16 of the conservation areas – to protect native grassland habitats and species in Melbourne’s growth corridors,” the spokesperson said before adding that other conservation efforts were under way.”
Shops facing trolley trouble
Wyndham council is reminding residents that shopping trolleys belong in retail complexes and supermarkets, not on the streets.
Dumped shopping trolleys continue to be a problem throughout the municipality, with four major shopping centres considered particular hotspots.
TheareassurroundingPacificWerribee in Hoppers Crossing, Sanctuary Lakes Shopping Centre in Point Cook, Tarneit Central Shopping Centre in Tarneit and Manor Lakes Shopping Centre in Wyndham Vale are where abandoned trolleys are most commonly found, according to council.
Wyndham mayor Jennie Barrera said that ultimately, the problem was caused by shoppers not returning trolleys.
“If you need to walk your shopping homeortothebusstopitisbesttofindan alternative like buying your own foldable trolley, this is a common strategy for market goers,” she said. “We are taking a three-pronged approach to this issue –we’re asking residents to return trolleys; we’re asking those tired of the littering to report trolleys for collection to retailers and we’re working with retailers to take more responsibility to keep our streets free of dumped trolleys.”
Under council’s Community Amenity Local Law 2023, penalties for dumping shopping trolleys were beefed up.
Retailers are now required to take more responsibility for their trolleys, facing fines of $395 for each trolley that is not collected within three days after being reported.
Shoppers found abandoning trolleys can also be fined up to $395.
Residents can also report abandoned trolleys directly to retailers, using the Trolley Tracker app or to those retailers listed on council’s website at: www. wyndham.vic.gov.au/shopping-trolleys
Werribee zoo and mansion feature in train station tales
A lack of investment in public transport infrastructure might be a big issue in Wyndham these days, but fortunately the area wasn’t ignored when Melbourne’s suburban rail network was being established in the mid-19th century.
Since it opened in 1857, Werribee station has linked Wyndham to the rest of Melbourne, as well as Geelong and regional Victoria, and now its story is being told in a podcast series produced by Metro Trains.
The current operator of Melbourne’s suburban rail network has just released 83 new episodes of the Storytown podcast, which details the history, people and places located
near train stations right across the city.
Werribee is included alongside the likes of Dandenong, Berwick and Moonee Ponds in thelastbatchofepisodes,withlocallandmarks
Werribee Mansion and Werribee Open Range Zoo receiving particular attention.
“It’s wonderful to be part of the Metro Trains Storytowns podcast project and spread the word about the fantastic experiences that Werribee has to offer,” said Werribee Open Range Zoo director Dr Mark Pilgrim, of being including in the series.
“It’s incredibly exciting that the thousands of people who travel through Werribee station everydaywillnowhavetheopportunitytohear
about the special, immersive and authentic African-inspired adventure at Werribee Open Range Zoo,” said Dr Pilgrim, adding that the podcast will also spread the word about the zoo’s $88 million expansion.
“This will see Melbourne Zoo’s growing Asian Elephant herd move to Werribee in late 2024 and roam a 21-hectare purpose-built habitat that will be the gold standard in animal welfare.”
Storytowns is the brainchild of Melbourne producer Jarrod Pickford who was inspired to link travellers with local communities via geo-located audio while travelling overseas in his 20’s and 30’s.
Since launching in 2019, Storytowns has offered hundreds of free geo-located podcast tours throughout Australia, helping people explore and connect with their surroundings. Pickford said making podcasts on Melbourne’s train stations had been especially enjoyable.
“Melbourne is like no other city and we have loved bringing the suburbs to life with these podcasts.”
The podcasts can be accessed for free via the Storytownsappwhichisavailablefordownload at www.storytowns.com.au/metro.
Cade Lucas
Wyndham Young Person of the Month for July, Chloe Boric, with her daughter, Evelyn. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 416735_01
Wyndham faces mental ill health
By Gerald Lynch
A recent report by the North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) has found Wyndham to be among the poorest ranked municipalities for mentalhealth,withanumberoffactorsatfault.
According to the report, Wyndham stands out as the local government area throughout Melbourne’s north and west with the greatest mental health needs given the size and growth rate of its population.
It also has a high level of need related to risk factors that research shows have negative
effects on mental health and wellbeing.
These include low income, housing stress, food insecurity, developmental vulnerability and adult obesity.
With more than 40 per cent of residents born in non-English speaking countries and speaking a language other than English at home, the NWMPHN region is more culturally and linguistically diverse than the rest of Victoria.
English proficiency across the region varied, with notably lower levels in Brimbank, Hume, and Maribyrnong.
A relatively low liveability index in
Desperate for donations
Long-standing local charity. West Welcome Wagon. needs the help of the community this winter, to ensure their doors stay open and residents in need get the help they require.
The charity, based in Sunshine, currently supports 630 asylum seeker and refugee households in Melbourne’s west, with essentials such as food, clothing, and bedding, but as grant funding has dried up, the charity is struggling to keep up with the high demand for help.
West Welcome Wagon chief executive Collette McInerney said as the demand from the community grows, and funding runs out, the need for donations is greater than it has ever been.
“We desperately need monetary donations at themoment…topaytherent,putpetrolinthe van, and keep us going,” she said.
After a multi-year grant ended in May, West Welcome Wagon has been propped up
by some smaller grants from council and philanthropies, but the need is ever increasing.
“It’s made things very difficult for an organisation like ours that provides material aid to have a longer financial forecast,” Ms McInerney said.
‘We are looking to our generous supporters toconsiderbecomingregularmonthlydonors.”
For people unable to donate in a monetary way, the organisation is always seeking more volunteers to help out in the warehouse and in an administrative capacity.
Further, the highest items of donation priorityatthemomentarecarseatsandbooster seats,aswellasprams,strollers,andadultsized beds and bedding.
Unopened children’s socks and underwear from sizes six and up are also in high demand.
Donate: https://www.westwelcomewagon. org.au/
Gerald Lynch
New NAIDOC Week artwork
WynActive celebrated the start of NAIDOC Week with a special ceremony at Eagle Stadium on Monday, July 8.
The event at Werribee’s Eagle Stadium commenced with a welcome to country to recognise the traditional custodians of the land.
A traditional smoking ceremony was then conducted to purify and cleanse the surroundings, before the highlight of the event, the unveiling of an artwork commissioned especially by WynActive for NAIDOC (National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee) Week.
Wadawurrung artist John Lambley presented his piece, Past and Present Dreaming, and together with children Giselle and Jy, explained its intricate details
Designed as a tribute to Wyndham Indigenous heritage, Lambley’s piece blends both traditional and contemporary elements, with Wyn Active’s three centres, AquaPulse,
Wyndham indicated there is insufficient public transport access, health infrastructure or access to healthy food.
Despite a large population, Wyndham has a shortage of mental health services, especially thosesubsidisedbyMedicareandconsequently a low rate of patients with active mental health treatment plans.
NWMPHN executive director of service development and reform Jagjit Dhaliwal said things need to be improved at all levels including societal and governmental to see an improvement in mental health struggles.
“First and foremost, it’s about ensuring
everyone who is seeking mental health care, either for themselves or a loved one, gets the right type of support. This looks different for everyone,” he said.
“Some people might benefit from group counselling, others might prefer a one-on-one chat over the phone or online. Others need more complex support and might have other things going on in their lives, such as alcohol and drug use, or chronic pain.
“At NWMPHN we’re also looking at how we canmakeeverysinglepartofourhealthsystem more adaptable to each individual person’s need.”
Eagle Stadium, and Werribee Outdoor Pool, wovenintothepiecealongsidelocallandmarks such as the Werribee River, Bungie’s Hole and the You Yangs. Wedged- ailed eagles, echidnas, crows, magpies and eucalypts are also included to highlight Wadawurrung and Bunurong people have with the land and its unique flora and fauna.
“This artwork and today’s ceremony has been important for us to get a glimpse into indigenous culture and to be welcomed into their traditions and dreaming, which has given all of us a stronger connection and inspired us to want to do more,” said WynActive health and fitness co-ordinator and proud Indigenous person, Joshua Doyle.
WynActive will hold another ceremony to close NAIDOC on Friday, July 12 at 10am.
Details: https://wynactive.com.au/ naidoc2024/
Cade Lucas
Kate McConville, Dianne Smith, Fay Salem, Mary Barron, chief executive Collette McInerney, Danilla Durante, and Anne Baudinette at the Sunshine warehouse. (Ljubica Vrankovic)
Wadawurrung artist John Lambley with his piece ‘Past and Present Dreaming’ at the WynActive NAIDOC Week event at Eagle Stadium. (Damjan Janevski) 417664_01
Tarneit goes green on rooftops
By Cade Lucas
Given it’s renowned for having a lack of trees and greenery, the recent crowning of Tarneit as Australia’s ‘greenest suburb’ likely caught a few people by surprise.
But those in doubt should simply look at the rooftops next time they’re in the area.
Tarneit, together with neighbouring Truganina which shares the 3029 postcode, has claimed the title as the country’s greenest suburbs due to its take-up of rooftop solar.
Renewable energy advocate and provider,
Solar Run, conducted an analysis of data from the Clean Energy Council (CEC) to calculate the total number of solar installations in every Australian suburb between January 2020 and December 2023.
Andwithatotalof2177installationsoverthe near four year period, Tarneit came out on top.
When asked why this was the case, Solar Run chief executive Anothony Kurta provided a pretty straight forward answer.
“It’s just the huge volume of homes that are getting built in this area,” Mr Kurta said.
He said people moving into newly built
homes were often looking for ways to cut costs and save money, making rooftop solar especially attractive.
“Solar can reduce their electricity bills by up to 80 per cent,” he said.
“Instead of paying $300 for electricity, that’s one less thing you need to spend on when you’re moving into a new home.”
Cheaper power was part of the reason why Sameer Sharma installed rooftop solar when he and his family moved into their Truganina home three years ago.
He said inflation and the rise in the cost of
Werribee firefighters are honoured
The incredible efforts of three local Werribee firefighters to assist a women in need after being kicked in the head by a horse during a raging bushfire in 2019 have been recognised at the Werribee Fire Brigade’s recent annual dinner.
Werribee volunteer firefighters Daniel May, Rohan Rizzoli and Josh Finlayson received the Unit Citation for Service award from CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan for assisting a woman with critical head injuries who was helping evacuate four horses from a property during a dangerous bushfire in Bunyip on March 4, 2019.
Werribee firefighters were the second crew to arrive on scene and immediately began creating a make-shift neck collar from a towel to secure the injured woman’s head and neck.
The three members were recognised for their quick response to a distressing and complex situation.
“We heard radio transmissions from a nearby crew, we were just down the road from them and responded without hesitation, when we got to the scene, we saw the women laying their motionless and knew that she was in a bad way, we didn’t have
time to think,” Lieutenant Rohan Rizzoli said.
“We did what anyone else would’ve done, we used our skills that we are taught and we put them into action that night,” said firefighter Daniel May.
Lieutenant Rizzoli also shared the esteemed firefighter of the year award with colleague John Lister, while Darryl Wells and Michael Trifilo were joint recipients of the Pengelly award.
Members with five to 40 years experience were presented with service awards.
Cade
Lucas
living since, made him thankful he did so.
“It’s good to save money on electricity when daily expenditures have gone up in regards to groceries and day to day living.”
Mr Shameer said climate change and the amount of other homes with rooftop solar in the area had also influenced his decision.
Tarneit finished ahead of Box Hill in NSW which had 2152 installations, with the Queensland cities of Bundaberg, Caloundra and Mackay rounding out the top five. Werribee was the other Wyndham suburb in the top 10, with 1363 solar installations.
School holiday police blitz
Police will set up a mobile police facility at a number of shopping centres, train stations and community hubs in the west as part of a school holiday blitz.
During the school holidays, police will patrol popular locations in Werribee, Footscray, Altona, and Maribyrnong to engage with youth and deter antisocial behaviour. Officers, often paired with a youth worker as part of Victoria Police’s embedded youth outreach program, will proactively engage with youth to build rapport and ensure they are safe.
Police will also be there to deter and detect any antisocial behaviour in high foot traffic locations.
Sergeant Tem Hawkes said the community can expect to see a visible police presence at popular community hubs over the school holiday period.
“We’ll be out engaging and chatting with school holiday goers to ensure they’re safe while enjoying the break,” he said “We’ll also often be working alongside our EYOP youth workers who will be there to assist any kids who might need support.
“If you come across the mobile police facility while out and about please feel free to come over and say hello.”
The Princes Freeway inbound between Kororoit Creek Road and the M80 interchange will be closed overnight in mid-July so we can safely carry out overhead signage works.
Police on Operation Socrates (Supplied)
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan, Werribee CFA lieutenant Rohan Rizzoli, Werribee firefighter Daniel May and CFA deputy chief officer Gavin Thompson. (Supplied)
Watch on platypuses
By Cade Lucas
Members of the public are being called on to participate in a new research project investigating the effect water quality has on the platypus population in the Werribee River.
The Platypus Watch project is collaboration between the Werribee River Association (WRA) and Victoria University (VU) where water samples collected near urban and peri-urban environments along the river over an eight month period, will be analysed.
The project, which is funded by a grant from Greater Western Water, begins in August and will run through to June next year, and the WRA’s Lisa Field said there was plenty of scope for community members to get involved.
“This project will offer community members the opportunity to be part of the research project group, meeting with some of the best environmental engineers, and chemical scientists, and joining with us as we explore the research questions, methodologies and facilities for testing. It really is a unique project,” Ms Field said.
“We advise people to send in an [expression of interest], and we’ll keep you informed of all project developments that will include collecting water samples, river tours and assessment of platypus habitat, a laboratory tour at the Victoria University campus, and online and in-person presentations about the research.”
VU senior research fellow, Dr Jianhua Zhang, said Platypus Watch was an important project for Wyndham because it allowed community members to participate in research while learning about how to properly care for platypuses living in the Werribee River.
“Through this project, we hope more people living in the western area can participate the monitoring our river health,” he said.
“This will include monitoring the water quality and welfare of our wildlife neighbours closely. A report will be written to conclude the influence of pollutants on platypus habitats during 10 months of monitoring.”
The results of the research will then be used to build a case for protecting the declining platypus population in the Werribee River.
Details: Lisa Field, 0433 559 530 or admin@ werribeeriver.org.au
Water bill cost to increase
Asmallincreaseinwaterbillsisonitsway for Wyndham residents, as The Essential Services Commission has released its finaldecisiononGreaterWesternWater’s (GWW) price submission, which is now in effect.
Typical annual water and sewerage bills for residential owner-occupier customers will increase by a small amount, but below the rate of inflation.
For 2024-25, average annual bills will rise $31 a year in the central region and $35 in the western region.
GWW managing director Maree Lang said the organisation was committed to getting the best for the west, ensuring sustainable and resilient water services for all customers.
“We are investing $1.69 billion in infrastructure and technology to service booming populations and rapid growth in Melbourne’s central and western regions,” she said. “Treatment plant upgrades will improve waterway health in the Werribee and Maribyrnong catchments,supportingourcommitment to heal and care for Country.
“We are also pleased to see the ESC support our stormwater harvesting fund, which provides alternative water for public open green spaces. Our community was strongly in favour of this work, which saves precious drinking water and improves liveability.
“As the first price review since GWW was formed in 2021, this plan sets solid foundations for growth, and makes the long-term investments needed for the growing west to thrive.”
Victoria University’s Izanhua Zhang and Mohammad Mirzadeh, Greater Western Water’s Jasmine Thom, Werribee River Association’s Lisa Field and National Measurement Institute’s Hao Nguyen. (Damjan Janevski) 415886_01
Sexual and reproductive health hub launched
Brimbank and Wyndham women will have improved access to sexual and reproductive health services, following the opening of new healthcare hubs.
IPC Health opened its sexual and reproductive health hub at its Deer Park and Wyndham Vale campuses on July 1.
The hub offer more services for people who identify as women, people with a cervix and young people aged from 12 to 25 years.
The hub was funded by the state health department.
IPC Health said its female youth and women’s health nurses would work with clients to provide wraparound health and wellbeing careandwouldalsobeabletolinktheminwith other services including GP, allied health and
mental health and wellbeing.
The nurses would also be able to provide respectful, confidential and culturally safe spaces for education and services on topics including sexual health and wellbeing; contraception; pregnancy choices; preventative health screening; menopause advice, continence and wellbeing support; women’s healthissues;andpolycysticovariansyndrome, endometriosis and pelvic health, IPC Health said.
IPC Health clinical operations senior manager Sofi Milenkovski said the funding ensures that people who identify as women, people with a cervix and young people across the Melbourne’s west now have more opportunities to access essential care and
support.
“IPC Health has been deeply embedded in western and outer western Melbourne for 50 years. Over this time. We’ve seen the demographics shift and change and we’ve been able provide essential services to our diverse communitiesnomattertheirsocioeconomicor cultural backgrounds,” she said.
“With this additional funding, IPC Health has been able to develop a qualified interdisciplinary workforce aligned to the hub to ensure early access to essential services is providedtoourclientsacrossallourcampuses.”
To book an appointment: 1300 895 589, sexualhealthnurse@ipchealth.com.au, or book via HotDoc via ipchealth.com.au. A free interpreter service is available.
Mum’s worst nightmare
By Jennifer Pittorino
Solo mother Michelle Galea’s worst nightmare is her son losing his only parent. In September last year, she was forced to confront that fear after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
The mother was 49 when she discovered a pea-sized lump while scratching her breast one morning.
She said she knew immediately that something was wrong.
Shetriedtomakeabreastscreenappointment but was advised to see her GP instead because of the lump.
“Icouldtellitwaspositive,youcantellbythe way people talk to you,” Michelle said. It took a week for Michelle to get the results, which filled her with anxiety.
When Michelle heard that she had breast cancer, she began to worry about her son, Charlie.
“My first thoughts went to my son,” Michelle said. “Who would look after my child if I died? What would happen to him? Who would care for him?
“Being a solo mother, these thoughts come into our minds earlier than most two parent families.”
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, one in 57 Australians are diagnosed with breast cancer every single day, equating to over 20,000 Australians each year.
“I was quite shocked, I didn’t think I would be in that position to be quite honest,” Michelle said.
“I thought it was something that happens to everyone else.”
The next several months were filled with scans, visits to a surgeon, and surgery to remove the cancer.
“I had the lump removed and I also had some lymph nodes removed out of my arm,” Michelle said
“Because they took some lymph nodes out , I had a lot of problems with my arm swelling.”
After surgery, Michelle met with her oncologist to work out the next steps.
“The surgeon organised an MRI done on both breasts to check if it was anywhere else,” she said.
“After it is removed, that is when you see the oncologist who works out your plan of action.”
Michelle’s oncologist recommended a test, known as an Oncotype DX test, which determines whether further treatment is needed.
Michelle said the test isn’t funded in Australia and her test needed to be sent to the US for analysis. It recommended she start chemotherapy.
‘‘ I have created a great village for my son ... I know my village will be there for my son in case I die ’’
- Michelle Galea
“Unfortunately to do that test, it’s $5000 out of pocket, Medicare does not fund it at all,” she said.
“I reckon I am close to $20,000 out of pocket because I went private,” she said.
“My surgeon alone was $5000 out of pocket. That is just one bill. I haven’t even added it all up.”
Michelle underwent chemotherapy and radiation and is battling ongoing problems with her arms due to the lymph node removal.
“Ihadtoseeaspecialphysiotwiceaweek,and again that is not funded by the government,” she said.
“I couldn’t afford that. The average person couldn’t afford it. We are talking about $150 each time you go.
“The government only gives you six sessions subsidised through a care plan.”
Withthesupportofherparents,wholenther money for several tests, and the support of her
siblings who attended her appointments with her, Michelle has come out on the other side.
“I am on hormone treatment now, which is a tablet which I take everyday. I am on that for [the next] 10 years,” she said.
In the midst of her battle, Michelle was also running a nationwide support group she started in 2013, called Australian Solo Mothers by Choice. It has more than 3700 members across the country.
“Itwashardespeciallyasasolomother,when you get diagnosed with something like that it takes a couple of weeks for you to get your head around it,” she said.
“Luckily, I have created a great village for my son. I have made sure he is connected and lovedbyfamilywhowillcareforhim,andmost importantly, I know he will feel safe and not scared to live with them.
“So I know my village will be there for my son in case I die.”
Women’s health issues a key priority
GPs are calling for greater action to better address women’s health issues.
It follows the release of the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) guidelines for preventive activities in general practice.
Known as ’the Red Book’, the guidelines were first published in 1989 and supports preventive activities in general practice.
The latest edition strongly focuses on women’s health issues, including new content on pregnancy, conception, perinatal mental health and post-menopause care.
RACGP president Dr Nicole Higgins welcomed the release of the guidelines and called for action.
“On the women’s health front, Australia has come a long way, but we also have a long way to go,” she said.
“As a special adviser to the Albanese Government’s National Women’s Health AdvisoryCouncilandaGP…addressing health inequalities for women and girls in Australia is something I’m passionate about. There are so many areas where we can and should do better.
“Too many women are still suffering severe effects from endometriosis and not being properly listened to, let alone given the care they need. Change must happen now, too many girls and women are missing out.”
Red Book executive committee chair Danielle Mazza said the latest edition contained key guidance on women’s health issues.
“We want all pregnant women to have their first antenatal visit within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. Regular antenatal care that starts early in the pregnancy is associated with better maternal health and positive outcomes for the child. Unfortunately, just over 20 per cent of women don’t access antenatal care in their first trimester, and mothers are more likely to fall into this category if they are younger than 20 years of age, smoke during pregnancy, use illicit substances or live remotely. So, compared to most countries around the world we are doing well, but we still have room for improvement,” Professor Mazza said.
“Our Red Book contains useful guidance for GPs conducting this care, including screening for mental health concerns, smoking status and exposure to second-hand smoke, and clinical risk factors for pre-eclampsia, a potentially dangerous complication characterised by high blood pressure.”
Solo mother Michelle Galea was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. (Damjan Janevski) 412955_01
IPC Health youth and women’s health nurses Joanne and Anne. (Supplied)
Wyndham festival wins
One of Wyndham’s most popular and biggest annual events has taken out a national award.
Lighting festival LIT received the Creativity and Culture Award at Thursday’s National Awards for Local Government, an annual celebration of local government achievements across Australia.
More than 75,000 people visited the 2024 LIT event at Wyndham Park, which was held over 14 evenings in March.
Highlights from this year’s event included Amigo & Amigo’s ChronoHarp, where people could create gentle harp melodies as the illuminated, giant instrument glowed above, andTrumpetFlowers,anarrayofgiantflowers thatlitupandplayedtrumpettunesatthepress of a button.
The festival also featured a sensory friendly evening with alterations made to accommodatevisitorswithsensorysensitivities
and other needs.
Wyndham mayor Jennie Barrera, who accepted the award at the July 4 event, said it was thrilling for LIT to be recognised on the national stage.
“For the past three years LIT has gone above and beyond to present a free program of carefully curated and stunning light installations, and I am incredibly proud to see this fantastic event get the recognition it deserves,” Cr Barrera said. “It’s wonderful to be able to officially call LIT an award-winning event, and I want to congratulate and thank all of the Council staff, artists and others working tirelessly behind the scenes to bring this spectacular to life each year.”
Tarneit’s Firefly Night Market and the Mooroop Yarkeen mural on the Hunter Building in Werribee, were other Wyndham finalists in this year’s awards.
Briefs
Stolen items
More than 110 stolen items have been seized after police arrested two people in relation to a series of parcel thefts throughout Melbourne’s west. It is alleged the pair stole parcels in the Wyndham, Melton and Sunshine areas between May 1 and July 4. Police have seized more than 110 items including power tools, bags, phones, and headphones. A 27-year-old St Albans woman and a 25-year-old Cairnlea man were arrested. The man has been charged with 22 offences including burglaries, thefts, and theft from a motor vehicle, landing him a day in court on October 2. The woman was released pending further inquiries.
Iramoo
Wyndham Vale’s Iramoo Community Centre has been temporarily relocated due to ongoing maintenance works. From July 8, all Iramoo’s services will operate out of Lollypop Creek Community Centre in Shipwright’s Parade, Werribee. Essential maintenance works air conditioning and heating units at Iramoo have forced the relocation which is expected to last until September 20. All events, meetings and bookings are scheduled to return to Iramoo Community Centre in Honour Avenue, Wyndham Vale, by late September.
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ChronoHarp by Amigo & Amigo at the 2024 LIT festival in Wyndham Park. (Supplied)
$14m Tarneit club stakes new greenfield benchmark
Work has started on an exclusive $14 million resort-style in Tarneit which will set a new high-end benchmark for greenfield housing projects.
Developer Villawood Properties’ Club
Alamora will host multiple features including swimming pools, gymnasium, a boutique cafe, a multi-sport court, family and function spaces, community gardens and barbecue facilities.
It is being built by The Jardon Group to a design by architects ClarkeHopkinsClarke and set to become the community linchpin of the 2000-lot Alamora. It is scheduled to open in the first half of 2025.
Plans and renders for the club show sleek contemporary aesthetics with a stunning white pixelated-style exterior with natural stone, textures and timber, and extensive landscaping.
Alamora twins Aryan and Ashmit Singh were on hand to see the club’s slab pour, an impressive construction affair with a total of 52 trucks delivering concrete to the site. Their parents, Swaran and Rajni were keen spectators, too.
“We bought at Alamora because of this club,” Swaran said.
“The gym and the pool are very good, the courts too.”
Rajni said: “We’re so glad we got our new house at Alamora. we’re excited for its cafes swimming pools, families can come here to get together.
“The function hall will be an exciting venue for parties and friends to meet. It’s so easy.We weren’t sure when they’d build the club but it’s moving so quickly.
Club Alamora offered the prospect of making every day like a holiday for residents.
“We have people who come to live here from all different suburbs,” he said. “They don’t know who their neighbours are going to be. They want to meet new people and make new friends.
“We try to provide them with a melting pot of activity. Club Alamora will have a cafe, a parents’ lounge where they can bring their kids and meet up –the pools, the barbecue area, the playground.
“For those who want a bit more fitness, we’ve got a fantastic gym. Plus we have a function room where there will be lots of kids’ birthdays, twenty-firsts, even weddings.”
Alamora, located in the Sayers Road precinct, is Villawood’s eighth project in Wyndham and has sold more than 600 lots since its launch three years ago.
“We’re looking forward to using the gym and swimming pools but as a family also the function hall which can be hired.
“The kids are looking forward to it, too. My daughter to the swimming pool, my older teenage son to the gym, also tennis or basketball.
Young neighbours Mayank and Dhriti Sriram were similarly impressed by the emerging club, their parents Ram and Tarangini keen to make use of the club’s sports courts.
YOUR NEW CAREER ... starts here
“The club will add value to your property, absolutely, because it’s easily available and near your home. Many people will be excited to have these facilities as a clubhouse property does value.
“In fact, that was one element we factored in when we were looking to buy., we looked at multiple places but this ticks all the boxes.”
Villawood chief executive Alan Miller said
The Alamora facility is one of six clubs in the Villawood pipeline at present. Two are planned for Sunbury with others in Adelaide and Cairns.
Villawood opened its Club Coridale at Lara in December. Its Club Rathdowne at Wollert received a Great Place Award from the Urban Development Institute of Australia 12 months earlier.
Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic Full or Part Time sales executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms.
Star Weekly is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future.
The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business.
Lessons in construction
and road networks.
Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance. The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme.
Send your application letter and resume to:
Advertising Sales Manager, Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au
Local children learnt about the Ison Road overpass project when members of the construction team visited two Werribee schools recently.
Team members visited Walcom Ngarrwa Secondary School and Folkstone Early LearningCentreearlierthismonthtoconduct lessons and activities related to construction of roads and bridges and managing water on construction sites.
Students at Walcom Ngarrwa undertook hands-on activities involving water testing and flow management on construction sites designed to complement the students’ environmental sciences studies as part of the year 7 curriculum.
Kinder kids from the early learning centre dressed up in high-vis vests and hard hats as they learnt about engineering, construction and the importance of road safety using building blocks to create their own bridges
Major Road Projects Victoria program director Tim Price said the team enjoyed the school visits and the opportunity to teach students about Ison Road overpass in fun and interesting ways.”
“Spending time in the community to share our knowledge and help everyone learn about the project and roadworks is an important part of our work,” Mr Price said.
Once complete, the Ison Road overpass will extend over the Melbourne-Geelong railway line toward the Princes Freeway and is expected to cater for nearly 29,000 vehicles a day by 2036
It’s hoped the overpass will minimise traffic in central Werribee and reduce congestion.
Details: bigbuild.vic.gov.au/ison
Cade Lucas
Harsiffat, 3, enjoyed the recent visit of Ison Road overpass team members to Folkstone Early Learning Centre in Werribee. (Supplied) 418026_01
Aryan and Ashmit Singh are excited construction of Club Alamora has started. (Supplied)
An artist’s impression of the Club Alamora pool deck. (Supplied)
Webster Street Reserve opened
Point Cook’s Webster Street Reserve was officially opened on Friday, July 5. Face painting and food trucks were among the attractions at the opening of the $15.9 reserve which was completed earlier this year.
Thenewreservefeaturestwopavilions,both of which contain change rooms, social spaces, storage, kitchens and umpire rooms. Outside there are five new sporting fields, seven tennis courts, one multi-use court, cricket nets and a car park with landscaping. West Point Soccer Club and Point Cook Tennis Club are two of the sporting organisations who will call the reserve home and representatives from both spoke at the opening ceremony, along with Wyndham council chief executive StephenWallanddeputymayorJoshGilligan. Point Cook MP Mathew Hilakari spoke on behalf of the state government, which contributed $800,000 to the construction of the two pavilions through its Local Sports Infrastructure Fund.
Amanda Oliver from West Point Soccer Club speaks at the Webster Street Reserve opening. (Damjan Janevski) 417239_05
Some of the play equipment at Webster Street Reserve. (Damjan Janevski) 417239_10
One of two new pavilions at the reserve. (Damjan Janevski) 417239_09
Point Cook Tennis Club president Alex Chamorro speaks at the reserve opening on Friday. (Damjan Janevski) 417239_04
Indira, 7, had her face painted. (Damjan Janevski) 417239_08
Rocket, 7, also got her face painted at Webster Street Reserve in Point Cook on Friday afternoon. (Damjan Janevski) 417239_07
Protection for our pollinators
For a group of Macedon Ranges residents, beekeeping is more than a hobby. The members of the Woodend Bee-Friendly Society are committed to providing the best environment for their bees while also protecting the environment. Oscar Parry spoke to beekeepers to find out more about the role pollinators play.
Beekeeping is more than a hobby –affectionately known as ‘the littlest livestock’, beekeepers are committed to providingthebestenvironmentfortheirbees.
Considering the important role pollinators play, including native bees, beekeepers are searching for ways to achieve the most sustainable practices.
The Woodend Bee-Friendly Society, an action group of the Macedon Ranges SustainabilityGroup,holdsmonthlymeetings for beekeepers to learn from each other and provides several beekeeping courses.
Woodend Bee-Friendly Society action group lead Tino Corsetti said the group’s focus is to promote the best care and hive practices for honey bees, and create a sense of community among keepers in the region.
“The name of our club – the Woodend Bee Friendly Society – is somewhat light-hearted, but at its core, there is a mission we take quite seriously – we want to be friendly to bees and we want to be friendly to each other,” he said.
“Being friendly to our bees means developing the knowledge and skills within our membership so that they can monitor the health and wellbeing of their bees. This includes things like monitoring bee nutrition and, when necessary, providing supplemental feed. It also includes regular hive inspections tocheckforsymptomsofweakness,diseaseor pests.”
Along with caring for their honey bees, which play an important role in pollination for agriculture, the group also recognises and educates keepers about the potential environmental threats that escaped honey bees can pose.
“Swarm management is a subset of sustainable beekeeping. A beekeeper is responsible for managing their hives to try and prevent swarming. If and when swarms do occur, the beekeeper is responsible for trying to capture and rehome that swarm,” Tino said.
“Bythelate1800s,reportsindicatethatferal honeybeecolonieshadbecomeendemicinthe Australianbush.Feralcoloniesoccupynatural spaces, such as hollow tree trunks, that might otherwise provide a home to native mammals or birds. By working to control swarms from managed apiaries, beekeepers can help limit the number of new feral colonies.”
Because of this, Tino said that responsible beekeeping requires planning and commitment.
“If you decide to go on [holiday] in the spring, summer or autumn for more than two weeks, you would need to think about who is going to inspect your hives while you are away. What happens if your bees swarm while
you’re on vacation? Do you have someone who can deal with that situation in a safe and responsible manner?”
Despite these considerations, Tino said the hobby is active and engaging for participants, promoting an appreciation for bees and their colonies.
“It brings a connection to the natural environment in ways that few other hobbies do,” he said. “Beekeepers come to appreciate how sophisticated and advanced honey bee colonies are at responding to their natural environment and being able to thrive against adversity.”
In the Macedon Ranges, Tino said beekeeping comes with challenges, especially due to the cold climate.
“Because of our cold winters and annual variations in the eucalypt flowering cycles, beekeeping is quite challenging in the Macedon Ranges,” he said.
“The beekeeper needs to understand the role of genetics from different lines and races of queen bee, the availability of sunshine throughoutthedayand,mostimportantly,the cycle of plant and tree flowering … to ensure that bees have access to high quality nectar and pollen in spring, summer and autumn.”
The society also aims to educate members on native bees and conservation, where it will be hosting a talk in October on the topic.
Ecologist and native bee researcher Clancy
Lester said because native bees play a crucial role in pollinating flora, it is important to consider the environment where you keep honey bees.
“If you’re in an area where there are no limitations with pollen, so say you’re in an area with lots of different flowering plants within a close proximity, then the honey bees won’t compete as heavily for resources with native bees,” Clancy said.
In Australia, there are more than 2000 species of native bees, and they play an especially important role in pollinating the country’s wildflowers and native plants.
On Australian charity, The Wheen Bee Foundation’s website, it reports that “very few of Australia’s 2000 native bee species have been investigated … for their potential contribution to Australian agriculture,“ with honey bees being the chosen pollinator for agriculture-related purposes.
Clancy said insect numbers, including native bees, are declining globally due to factors like unregulated or unrestricted pesticide use, urbanisation, and climate change with its effects on plant flowering times.
He said one of the most effective ways to help native bees at home is to plant pollinator-friendly and indigenous flower gardens.
“There are lots of resources, like … the
Wheen Bee Powerful Pollinator Planting Guide, and there’s … one for the volcanic plains in [the] west of Melbourne”
Clancy also said that building ‘native bee hotels’ is a way of helping pollinators in your own backyard – with Clancy himself creating guides on how to build these at home.
Herecommendsusingnativeanduntreated hardwood to simulate native bees’ natural habitat of gumtrees, banksias, and wattles, and using reeds, bamboo, and pithy stems to create habitat for cavity nesting bees.
Clancy said that for efficient pollination, having a diversity of bee species pollinate a flower is most effective.
“Ifyouhave10differentspeciesofpollinator pollinating a flower, that’s going to be more efficient and more effective pollination than if you had 10 visits of the same bee species”
With some native plants, such as kangaroo apples and flax lilies, requiring buzz pollination, creating habitat for native bees can have broad environmental benefits.
“There are species of plants in Australia … that are buzz pollinated … and this is a thing that only native bees can do through sonication – when they vibrate their flight muscles really fast without actually flying.”
Clancy said whether you are a beekeeper with honey bees or you create habitat for native bees in your backyard – both are ways for people to observe pollinators at work.
Members of the Woodend Bee-Friendly Society, including action group lead Tino Corsetti (left). (Pictures: Supplied)
Study postgrad nursing and midwifery at Werribee
The University of Notre Dame Australia has a range of programs to choose from to help you enhance your career flexibly and with confidence.
SelectedofferingscomewithCommonwealth supported places providing up to 80 per cent off course fees.
With the addition of scholarships to assist withareturntostudy,andprogramsthatoffera combination of online learning and a practical component at Notre Dame’s new Werribee Clinical School, access to postgraduate study has never been easier.
If you want to return to practice as a registered nurse, the graduate certificate in contemporary nursing is for you. This full-time, entry-to-practice program for registerednurseswilladdressyourprofessional obligations, enabling a confident return to the workforce.
The graduate certificate in clinical nursing is for graduate nurses who want to enhance their clinical knowledge and improve decision-making skills. It can be completed in one year of part-time study through a mixture ofpracticalandonlinelearning,andapplicants need to be a current employee at a healthcare institution.
For those keen to return to practice as a registered midwife, the 14-week-long, full-time graduate certificate in contemporary midwiferyprogramwillprepareyoutopractise safely in maternity environments. It provides a focus on critical thinking, clinical reasoning, reflection and the use of current evidence and research to make sound clinical judgements.
Notre Dame’s highly respected graduate diploma of midwifery is for registered nurses interested in embarking on a career in midwifery. This 18-month, full-time program will allow you to gain additional registration as a midwife and is available in Werribee for the first time in 2024. Commonwealth supported places are available to eligible applicants. Graduates from these programs will be
well positioned to assume advanced roles in the workforce, enabling them to excel in their respective fields and make significant contributions to Australia’s healthcare sector.
For more information on these programs and scholarships available, or to enrol for semester two, 2024, visit: https://shorturl. at/3d7wc
Postgraduate nursing and midwifery courses at available at Notre Dame’s clinical school at Werribee. (Supplied)
Something for everyone to enjoy at The Brook
Located on Sneydes Road in Point Cook, The Brook welcomes guests with a warm and inviting atmosphere, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re craving a hearty meal, coffee and snack or cold drink in the sports bar, The Brook is your go-to destination. The menu at The Brook is diverse and available all day, catering to every taste. From traditional pub favourites to more refined options, you can start with tasty appetizers, enjoy hearty mains like steaks, burgers, and
Chicken Parmas, and finish with tempting desserts.
Families are embraced at The Brook, where a dedicated kids’ zone ensures children are entertained while adults relax and enjoy their meals.It’stheperfectsettingforfamilyoutings, providingasafeandenjoyableenvironmentfor all.
Sports enthusiasts will find their haven in The Brook’s dedicated sports bar, complete with large screens broadcasting live games and
matches. Whether catching up with friends or enjoying a drink, the sports bar offers a laid-back ambiance ideal for socialising.
Beyond its culinary and entertainment offerings, The Brook is celebrated for its attentive staff who ensure every visit is enjoyable. Whether you’re stopping by for a casual lunch, a romantic dinner, or a special celebration, you’ll be greeted with exceptional service and a friendly smile.
To complement your meal, The Brook offers
an impressive selection of wines, beers, and cocktails. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply unwinding after a day’s work, there’s a drink to suit every taste and enhance your dining experience.
Discover the welcoming ambiance and diverse offerings at The Brook Point Cook
Whether you’re a local or visiting from afar, The Brook promises comfort, quality, and an unforgettable experience.
Winter runs hot in the west
The month of July in Melbourne’s west promises a line up of events and activities to check out before the school holidays are over.
Winter in Williamstown is returning to Commonwealth Reserve every day until July 14. With DJs, light projections, and most notably an ice-skating rink, head down and catch it before it melts. Open from noon daily.
Eynesbury is keeping to the cool theme, with theWinterFestivalbackforitthirdyear,witha rink of its own and lots of other attractions for the whole family, including a fireworks display.
The ultimate dinosaur adventure awaits at Werribee Open Range Zoo. See large, animatronic dinosaurs come to life in a setting like no other.
Forthoseafteranartsandcultureexperience, proud Makwarra Paakantji and Wiradjuri songstress LEO will be performing at the Braybrook Community Hub, Wednesday, July 10, from noon as part of NAIDOC Week.
Thereisalsoanewpublicartworklightingup the night sky in Footscray throughout winter.
‘Welcome to Footscray’ serves as a gateway leading into the Footscray CBD, created by acclaimedWiradjuriandNgunnawalartistand long-time Footscray resident Brook Andrew.
For sport buffs, the Melbourne West Special Olympics will be hosted this weekend at the Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre.
OnSaturday,July13,athletesfromacrossthe statewillbecompetinginbackstroke,freestyle, and butterfly races.
For those travelling on the train this month, have a listen to the Storytowns Podcast’s Railway Stories, a number of geo-located podcasts that offer commuters and visitors to explore Melbourne’s west by train.
The series covers local history, culture, and attractions, including intriguing facts such as a Sunshine-made harvester sold to a Russian Tsar, the taste difference between Northern Pho and Southern Pho in St Albans, and the international significance of the Cheetham Wetlands in Point Cook. Rug up and enjoy all the west has to offer this winter.
The ice rink in Williamstown is around until Sunday, July 14. (Supplied)
Enjoy a delicious meal at The Brook. (Supplied)
1 Cutting tool (8)
5 Germinate (6)
10 Common fruit (5)
11 Gradual and harmful (9)
12 Duty list (6) 13 Bishop’s district (7)
14 Flying hero (8)
15 Capital of Macedonia 18 Sickness (6)
20 Canned fish (pl) (8)
21 German city (7)
24 Oval, edible nut-like seed (6)
27 Publish simultaneously (9)
28 Primitive (5)
29 Building level (6)
30 Game bird (8)
1 Bandy (4)
2 Unrehearsed (9)
3 Separate metal from ore (5)
4 Train network (8)
6 Security device (7)
7 Gas layer in the stratosphere (5)
8 Bland (9)
9 Employed (4)
14 Combination into a whole (9)
16 Land jutting into the sea (9)
17 Home of Jesus (8) 19 Learned (7) 22 Tropical fruit (5) 23 Metric unit (4) 25 Holy city for Muslims (5) 26 Joke (4)
be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.
Founded
2 What is the largest state in the US by area?
Andrew Garfield (pictured),
Which artist’s
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
Lions Club
The Lions Club of Point Cook meets at the Featherbrook Community Centre on the third Monday of the month at 7.30pm. The club is seeking to grow the Lions free vision screening in schools team. Volunteers needed to work with the region’s schools in combating undiagnosed children’s vision issues. You do not have to be a Lions member but must obtain a working with children check.
■ Robert Eyton, 0417 549 684, or robeyton@bigpond.com
Werribee Jazz Club
Celebrate Christmas in July with the renowned Lightning jazz band at the Werribee Bowls club Sunday, July 14, from 2pm-5pm. Two for the price one entry to see some of Melbourne’s best musicians.
■ Jenny, 0419 558 481, or Neville, 0428 544 943
Drumming classes
Community adult drumming class. If you ever wanted to try out your rhythmic skills, the first class is free and concessions apply for other classes. All hand drums supplied or BYO. No experience required, just bring an open heart and mind and enjoy making some great rhythms together. The class is friendly and welcoming to everyone.
Thursdays, 7.30-8.30pm, during school terms, at Saltwarter Community Centre, 153 Saltwater Parade, Point Cook.
■ 0411 028 077 or bfmusic15@gmail.com
Wyndham Ladies Probus
Retired or semi-retired ladies are invited to join this very active social group. Enjoy impressive monthly guest speakers, interesting monthly outings and many lunches where the development of friendships is encouraged. The Ladies Probus Club of Wyndham meets on the first Wednesday of each month at Hotel 520, Sayers Road, Tarneit, at 10am.
■ Pat, 0411 316 795
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. 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, 0418 386 147 or lavertoncommunitychoir@gmail.com
Vegetarian cooking classes
The Vegetarian & Cultural Association Incorporated are a non-profit organisation that promotes vegetarianism and principles of a humanitarian way of life.They run cooking classes at Manor Lakes Community Learning Center every first Saturday of the month from 9.30am to 12pm.
■ info@nurtureland.com.au
Point Cook VIEW
The Point Cook Day VIEW Club (for ladies) meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month at the Point Cook Library, 1-21 Cheetham Street, Point Cook. Members enjoy afternoon teas and outings. New members welcome. VIEW Is part of the Smith Family.
■ 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
This week’s photographer’s choice is of ringmaster Allanah Le Du, hand balancer Tiffany Lee and clown Jojo from Circus Latino in Watergardens. (Damjan Janevski) 416384_02
Eco-Living Centre at 10am, every fourth Tuesday of the month.
■ Patricia, 0434 487 360, or wattongroup131@gmail.com.
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 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 Avenue, Wyndham Vale. Head down and join them as they maintain their rejuvenated community garden. Planting and harvesting produce that they grow.
■ 8742 3688
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
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
Seniors club
The Werribee Senior Citizens Club meets at 80 Lonsdale Circuit, Hoppers Crossing. The group is open to all people 55-plus and it runs on Wednesdays, 10am-noon. Entry: $2, includes morning tea.
■ 0403 041 499
Diabetes Support Group
The Werribee Diabetes support 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 252 872
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
Lions Club
Lions Club of Werribee meets at the RSL Club, 2a Synnot Street, Werribee on the first and third Wednesday of the month at 6.30pm.
■ Jorge, 0433 566 575
Bingo for all
The Werribee RSL hosts Bingo every Monday between 12.30-2.30pm.
■ 9741 5525
U3A Werribee
The group is a not-for-profit community organisation for semi-retired and retired Wyndham residents. They hold a variety of classes-activities specifically designed for seniors, including, light physical and mental wellbeing sessions, arts, games and craft, and general classes such as current affairs, history and lunch groups. Most classes-activities are held at Wyndham community centres.
■ Rick, 0402 299 220
Western Budgerigar Club
The Western Suburbs Budgerigar Club meets at 7.30pm on the third Thursday of each month at Masonic Hall, 223 Watton Street, Werribee. Meet other members who are also passionate about breeding Budgerigars.
■ Don, 0414 975 862
Western Melbourne Men’s Chorus
Do you like to sing? The Western Melbourne Men’s Chorus wants you! Be part of a rewarding fraternity of fellow amateur musicians serving the community, sharing comradery and having fun. Rehearsals at 7pm Tuesday evenings at St James Church, Hoppers Crossing.
■ Chris, 0400 414 215
Dementia Carers Group
IPC Health Dementia Carers Group is held on the first Tuesday of the month, from 12.30-2.30pm. The group si for people who care for someone with dementia or a similar condition associated with memory loss. It empowers carers through education, social connectedness and emotional support while socialising and meeting people in similar situations. Registration is essential.
■ Leah Hewitt or Joyce Chan, 1300 472 432 or https://bit.ly/48QFwBa
Werribee River Association
New volunteers to support Landcare work along the Werribee River. A great way to give back, get outdoors and work at your own pace.
■ Lisa Field, 0433 559 530, admin@werribeeriver.org.au, or www.werribeeriver.org.au
Fashion flourishes in The Dress
By Cade Lucas
Independent theatre company, Essence Productions, is back with another historical play at Werribee Mansion.
Set in late 19th century Melbourne, The Dress is on at the mansion on July 20 and 21 and again on August 24 and 25.
Essence Productions is well-known for performing another historical play, WhatWas That? , at Werribee Mansion.
“It’s a period piece but it’s very different from the WhatWasThat? show said Essence Productions chairperson, Alaine Beek, of The Dress, which she wrote and also stars in.
“This one is performed seated downstairs off
the grand hallway at Werribee Mansion,” said Beek who added that unlike WhatWasThat? , this play could be performed elsewhere too.
“We wrote it so it’s not dependent on being at the mansion. We have performed it for a few runs at Werribee Park but also performed as part of a spectacular masquerade ball event at Hotel Windsor in the CBD in March.”
Beek plays Hannah Bryden, a widow who lives alone in sprawling mansion where her dressmaker,theflamboyantandsharptongued Bertin (played by both Scott Jackson and Scott Middleton), is her only company.
When changes in the fashion industry threaten Bertin’s livelihood, he hatches a plan to save both of them from obscurity. Hannah
will relaunch herself as one of Melbourne’s leading socialites at an upcoming masquerade ball by wearing the most jaw-dropping dress Bertin has ever attempted.
As its name suggests, Beek said fashion was one of the main attractions of the play.
“The one unique part about The Dress is the costuming. Because it’s set in the late 19th century, it’s about the Melbourne fashion industry at that time.”
Alaine Beek and Scott Middleton star in TheDress (Supplied)
Artist moves from hobby to exhibition
“You don’t have to be a professional to create art.” That’s the message Zofia Lickova hopes people will take away from her exhibition at the Melton Library and Learning Hub.
The Melton resident’s This is Freedom exhibition is on display at the library until September 30, showcasing paintings she has created in recent years.
The exhibition features artworks offering Lickova’s unique perspective on landscapes through geometric shapes.
Theartisticjourneytraversesthreecountries significant to Lickova’s life: her upbringing in Slovakia,pastexperiencesinScotland,andher current settlement in Australia.
Lickova said painting has always been a part
of her life, “on and off”, but she found there were always something “more important than hobbies”.
That all changed during covid, with Lickova allowing herself the time to explore her art.
Lickova said she wanted to exhibit her work locally to ignite community interest in local art and celebrate hobby painters.
She began researching local opportunities after visiting Melton library soon after moving to the area about 18 months ago from Scotland.
“I saw paintings on the wall and I was way too shy to ask the librarian how I could get my paintings on the wall, so I did some research,” she said.
The result is ThisisFreedom, a collection of works primarily created with acrylics.
The collection invites viewers to delve into the beauty of colour palettes and experience a visual journey influenced by renowned abstract masters, from W Kandinsky to the Cubism of Kazimir Malevich and Frantisek Kupka, as well as the expressionism of Lyonel Feininger. She also draws inspiration from her uncle, Blazej Balaz, an art professor.
This is Freedom can be viewed at Melton Library and Learning Hub, McKenzie Street, Melton, during the library’s opening hours.
Details: https://shorturl.at/Mg6lI
Laura Michell
Screening celebrates 10 years of dance
To celebrate 10 years of L2R Dance, a documentarywillbescreeningattheendofthe month in St Albans, showcasing the journey of the group.
L2R is Australia’s only youth hip hop and street dance not-for-profit organisation, providing free hip hop dance programs, arts education opportunities and employment pathways for young people throughout Melbourne’s western suburbs and beyond.
L2R offers culturally safer, creative spaces for young people aged between six to 25 experiencing barriers to entering creative opportunities.
L2R nurtures creativity, transforming lives through the power of dance.
The documentary was directed, shot, and edited by local creative Kimberly Summer, and interviews group founder Jacinda May on the
trials and tribulations of running a grassroots community group, which started at Western English Language School, and has now expanded to a thriving community of young
Experience the magic of ‘Odyssey’
The Inner West Symphony Orchestra (IWSO) invites you to its upcoming concert, Odyssey , on August 3. Odyssey explores the evocative landscapes of Nordic nationalism and the awe-inspiring beauty of the cosmos.
The concert will feature masterpieces by legendary composers Jean Sibelius, Edvard Grieg, Camille Saint-Saëns and, the highlight of the evening, Gustav Holst’s, ThePlanets Andrew Leach will lead the performance.
Leach is a conductor, trombonist and pianist who has recently served as the director of music and performing arts at Westbourne Grammar School.
“Our second concert, Odyssey , is a journey through the Romantic to late Romantic period,” he said.
“The event provides us another opportunity to grow and retain our audience, inspiring and connecting them with accessible, dynamic orchestral music.”
IWSO assistant concertmaster and violin player, Yilin Wang said, the group has been practicing since after its first concert in April 21.
“It’s going to be full of energy and will definitely take you on a journey, whether you’re a classical lover coming to hear the full suite of The Planets or someone looking to experience a live symphony orchestra for the first time,” Wang said.
“I’m strangely looking forward to feeling those pre-performance nerves and also reliving and sharing concert moments with our friends and family afterwards.
“The audience makes a concert, so we would dearly love your support.”
people and artists celebrating street dance across Melbourne’s West.
“Join us as we commemorate our big 10th birthday and the founding of L2R with a night of reflection, reconnection, food, film and, as always, dance,” May said.
“This night is just as much about us as it is you, our community. We couldn’t have done the last 10 years without you, so please, come and join us.”
Tickets are free, but limited, so booking is heavily encouraged.
ThescreeningisonWednesday,July31,from 6pm to 7.30pm, at the Bowery Theatre in St Albans.
The IWSO, a non-profit organisation, was established in mid-2023 by three Yarraville music teachers.
They founded the orchestra to fill a gap in classical music opportunities in Melbourne’s western suburbs.
Since then, the ensemble has grown rapidly, attracting over 60 musicians ofvariousages,skilllevels,ethnicities, neuro and gender diversities, and physical capabilities.
Odyssey will be performed at Williamstown Hall on Saturday, August 3, at 7.30pm.
WiththenewEX30electricSUVVolvoappears to be walking the talk toward its being a solely electric vehicle manufacturer by 2030.
The Chinese owned Swedish automobile maker’s smallest sport utility vehicle has the smallest carbon footprint of any Volvo to date.
The EX30, the company claims, is the most sustainable model it has produced, with its leather-free interior featuring recycled and renewable materials such as flax, wool, and denim upholstery, the last made from waste fibres of denim recycling.
At the heart of the EV is a high voltage 400V lithium-ion battery, with its three Australian models, incorporating single or twin motors, running on a 69kWh battery, offering ranges of an estimated 480km with the single motor and 460km with the twin option.
The three variants are EX30 Single Motor Extended Plus, at $59,990; EX30 Single Motor Extended Ultra $64,990; and EX30 Twin Performance Ultra $69,990. All are plus on-road costs.
The Plus variant is well equipped with digitalkey,wirelesscharging,Harman/Kardon Premium Sound, power tailgate, parking sensors, welcome/farewell light and auto dimming mirrors.
The Twin Motor Ultra adds fixed panoramic roof, 360-degree camera, Park Assist Pilot, power seats, four-way lumbar support, tinted rear windows, heated front seats and steering wheel and 20-inch alloy wheels.
AllEX30sarecoveredbyafive-yearunlimited kilometre warranty, eight-year battery cover and eight-year roadside assistance package and two-year service intervals.
Styling
Five exclusive exterior colours are contrasted withanOnyxBlackmetallicroofandmatching gloss black details. Up front, Volvo’s signature ‘Thor’sHammer’headlampshavebeenupdated in a segmented design with extra width and narrower look.
The new look also extends to the rear with lightingnowfittingflushwiththebody,helping the car stand out in all light conditions on the road.
The fixed panoramic glass roof of the Ultra model adds a further level of prestige to the car, while providing an airy feel to the interior. I’m notafanoflargeglassroofs.Tintedglassmight stop the sun’s rays but heat is a different matter. However, I’m told the EX30 has an insulated retractableroofblindasanafter-marketoption.
Interior
While on the subject of passenger wellbeing, Volvo is famous for its cabin climate control, with a two-zone system filtering hazardous gases from the EX30. Using a Volvo app, the cabin air can even be cleaned before entering.
As well as environmentally friendly surroundings, seating has been designed to the requirements of that in larger luxurious cars. Ergonomics have been applied from shoulder tothightoensurecomfortandsafety,especially on long drives.
Integrated front seat headrests enhance the sporty feeling of the ride, while the seat backs are concave contributing to increased legroom for rear passengers. Storage is particularly inventive, with multi-use areas at floor level between the front seats.
A sliding unit with twin cupholders is part of the centre console and with a soundbar replacingspeakers,doorpocketscanbeutilised to the maximum.
Infotainment
The dashboard is dominated by a 12.3-inch tablet-style full colours touchscreen display
with embedded Google apps at the fingertips (not always the easiest to access). Only minimum controls are on the steering wheel or column. Updates are regularly updated via the Over The Air system.
As mentioned above, a soundbar introduces a new concept to in-car audio. Standard across the EX30 range the Harman/Kardon bar stretches across the top of the dashboard the width of the cabin, producing sound equal to that of many speaker systems.
Near Field Communication technology can be used to access and start the vehicle via a smartphone with a downloaded digital key swiped over an NFC reader.
Engines/transmissions
The Single Motor Extended range delivers 200kW and 343Nm, while the Twin Performance, with motors front and rear pumps out 315kW and 543Nm. Depending on the DC peak charging power, both variants are capable of charging from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in about 30 minutes.
Safety
Volvo has a history of being at the forefront of automotive safety and the EX30 carries on the tradition. Active safety includes lane keeping assist, oncoming lane mitigation, run-off road mitigation, blind spot monitoring with steer assist, intersection auto brake, collision avoidance (braking and steering), plus cyclist and pedestrian detection.
Also included are road sign information, intelligent speed assist, adaptive cruise control, pilot assist, lane change assist, park assist camera, rear view and rear door opening alert.
Driving
Spirited acceleration, especially good on overtaking, plus almost silent running was disturbed only by road noise on some course surfaces and the heated steering wheel was a welcome surprise on a rare nippy early morning get-go.
Claimed energy consumption is 18kWh per 100 kilometres. When I last looked, the test car had recorded 18.5kW per 100 kilometres. As for refuelling on a public fast charge station, the EX30 went from 40 percent battery charge to 80 percent in 32 minutes.
Volvo would not say this too loudly but at 3.6 seconds for zero to 100 kilometres per hour, the EX30 is in some very sporty company. Fortunately,thepowertrainandall-wheeldrive handle the excess energy with aplomb.
The lane-keeping assist also deserves some praise, reacting to any drift out of the centre of a lane with a gentle (yes, gentle) nudge on the steering wheel, unlike some of its ilk.
Summary
The EX30, Volvo’s smallest (and quickest) car, may be big on style, performance and equipment, but as is the wont with EVs, pricing is out of proportion. However, remember what the WRX of the 1990s did for Subaru?
The EX30, Volvo claims, is the most sustainable model it has produced. (Picture: Supplied)
Snapped around the grounds
There was plenty of action on Saturday both on the field and courts across Melbourne’s north-west. StarWeeklyphotographer Ljubica Vrankovic was in the thick of the action.
Whittlesea’s Taidhg Bland. 417487_24
Mernda’s Lachlan Taylor (right) goes up in the ruck (Ljubica Vrankovic)_417489_01
The Craigieburn Eagles warm up. 417498_13
Mernda’s Zach Racovolis. 417489_12
South Morang continued on its winning ways. 417491_12
Whittlesea United’s Kemal Irdem. 417492_17
Craigieburn Eagles’ Max Viitala. 417498_31
Thomastown’s James Lucente. 417487_05
Whittlesea United’s Facundo Echeverria. 417492_01
Laurimar’s Joel Lawson evades two South Morang players. 417491_07
Grammarians thriving with league challenges
Westbourne Grammarians are learning that the smallest things make the biggest difference in the Victorian Amateur Football Association women’s premier B competition.
Having reformed this season, the Grammarianswereunsurewhattoexpectthis season, with the majority of the side having not played in the VAFA before.
Co-coach Ian Allan, who is also new to the competition, said they had been going really well despite not necessarily getting the wins on the board.
He said they had ticked a lot of boxes this season.
“It was an unknown and it was about trying to find out what the competition is about,” he said. “We were realistic about it. We’re taken some big baby steps forward in the first half.
“The group is understanding what we are about and what we are looking forward to doing.”
Allan said they had been in most games this season but had not been able to get across the line.
He said things many of the things players could get away with previously in other leagues, they couldn’t at this level.
Allan said the players were loving the learning opportunity and what they were getting out of it, instead of racking up big wins each week.
“We knew it would be a big challenge at the start,” he said. “It’s the little things that make the difference.
“We’re in games for a half, three quarters. That is where we are at, at the moment.
“The girls are understanding even though they’ve won two games, it’s not all about the wins and losses.
“We want to make a huge investment in the competition. What we are about it not just about today, it’s for the coming weekend and
into the coming years.”
The Grammarians had the weekend off with the interleague bye.
Allan said it came at a good time with a few injuries and illness in the club.
One player who won’t return is Caitlin Brennan who did her ACL and will miss the rest of the year.
Allan said it would also give them a chance to collect everyone’s thoughts for the rest of the season.
He said the side was hoping to get a few more wins on the board in the last few weeks of the season.
“What we want to learn this year and the way we’re playing football, we will start to get more wins.
“We’redefinitelymovingontherighttrack.”
The Grammarians will face Beaumaris on Saturday.
Tara Murray
Tough Sharks get win
By Tara Murray
Point Cook Centrals got some reward for hard workwithitsthirdwinoftheWesternFootball League division 1 season on Saturday.
It’s been a tough season for the Sharks this year, with a number of long term injuries really hurting their depth.
On Saturday, that meant little as the Sharks accounted for Spotswood, 7.10 (52)-4.11 (35).
Coach Dean Chambers was pretty excited to get another win on the board.
“It’s a reward for effort,” he said. “It’s been a tough few weeks with injuries.
“We changed up our game plan this week and it worked. We tweaked a few things and to keep Spotty to four goals, it was real team defence.
“They were coming off a big win the week before and we were up for it and to win away from home was nice.”
Chambers said they were missing about 10 of their normal side through injuries, as they have for much of the year.
He said they’ve had to play the kids the last seven weeks and they are starting to grow in confidence.
“They’re learning to play together,” he said. On Saturday, the Sharks led throughout against the Woodsmen. They kicked early goals and were able to hold a solid lead all day.
“I thought it was a tough contest all day,” Chambers said. “It was a contested footy, a crash and bash sort of game.
“We had a willingness to win the ball at stoppages and take our chances early in the game.
“We kicked the first four goals of the game and it set up the match.”
Daniel Strnak was the only multiple goal kicker for the Sharks, finishing with two.
Chambers said Kwar Ater, Lachlan Grant and Josh Gerolemou were their best.
He said youngsters Max Pritchard, Domenic De Lia and Jack Kenny were also good and have thrived with their opportunities.
Chambers said a win like that gives the group more confidence.
They still sit bottom but are still not out of the finals race.
Chambers said with no relegation the playing group can go out there and learn to play together without any pressure.
He said they were hopeful of getting a few numbers back the next few weeks and they got through unscathed on Saturday for the first time this season.
“The more they play together, the more they understand each other,” he said.
“We want to be competitive in the back part of the season. Our percentage isn’t the worst and you don’t normally see that from the bottom side.
“We have three wins and hopefully we can
Daniel Strnak. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 405184_18
snag at least a couple more. If we can get some wins and other results go our way, finals are still alive.
“This gives us momentum and it’s such an even competition.”
Centurions kick away
Werribee Centrals cemented its spot in the Geelong and District Football League top two in the first week of the split round.
Only three matches were played on Saturday, with the rest of the round to be played this week.
The Centurions faced GW Giants on Saturday at home and put out a solid four quarter performance.
The Centurions led by 10 points at quarter time and were able to slightly increase to 25 points heading into the final quarter.
It was all the Centurions in the final quarter as they kicked eight goals to one to run away with a 16.15 (111)-6.4 (40) win.
Carmelo Saliba kicked four goals for the Centurions, while Benjamin Leonard kicked three.
Kur Kur, Bradley Carlton and Jack Stephenson were named the Centurions best.
The Centurions sit in second spot with a 11-2 record and will remain in second no matter what happens in the second week of the split round.
The Centurions A-grade netballers were also able to pile on the goals against GW Giants.
Looking to bounce back after three straight losses, the Centurions jumped out of the blocks and led 19-3 at quarter time.
It set the tone for the match with the Centurions winning, 79-24.
Ashlee Brunato shot 25 goals for the Centurions as all four shooters shared the goals.
The Centurions sit in sixth spot, a game behind Anakie.
Anakie still has to play in the split round.
After the week off. the Centurions face Anakie at home.
In division
Gracie Lamers. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 403543_46
In other matches, Point Cook lost to Caroline Springs and Hoppers Crossing and Parkside had a draw.
2, Tarneit, the Suns and Wyndhamvale all suffered losses.
Falcons want to improve to be more competitive
Wyndhamvale is keen to find a way to be more competitive with the top sides in the Western Football League women’s competition.
Last season’s division 2 runners-up, the Falcons like most of the other division 2 teams fromlastseasonhavestruggledagainsttheold division 1 teams.
Falcons coach Jay Dolliver said the playing group wants to get better and be able to match it with the top sides.
“We had a player driven meeting this week to look at the first half of the season,” he said. “We want to work out how best to improve as a group.
“The aim is to be competitive as a division 1 team and finding out our way to do that. There’s a difference between [the old] division 1 and division 2. The top two to three teams are fair better than the rest of the competition
in my opinion.”
Dolliver said at times they had struggled for numbers and with it the continuity in their game.
They’ve won three games for the season so far all against the teams below them on the ladder.
“We’ve been able to compete to a degree,” he said. “Some days we haven’t been competitive.
“The teams we played last year in division 2 we are beating or are competitive with.”
Dolliver in his first season as head coach, said he was loving the role.
He stepped up from being assistant coach last season.
“The group makes it very enjoyable,” he said.
“We haven’t got the results we were looking for in a couple of games, but they’ve still made it enjoyable.”
The Falcons had the weekend off with a competition bye before the final five rounds of the season.
Dolliver said having had two weeks off recently due to the King’s Birthday and a bye, they hadn’t played a lot of football recently.
Likeeveryteam,theyhaveafewinjuriesand illness, so it will give time for those players to recover.
The Falcons this week face West Footscray which sits one spot above them on the ladder.
“They got the better of us in the grand final and the first time we played them.
“It will be good to play them again.”
In other matches, Laverton will host the Suns, North Sunshine will play Werribee Centrals in the battle between top and bottom and Yarraville Seddon will face Caroline Springs.
Falcons keep on winning
By Tara Murray
City West Falcons continue to try things as they prepare for Victorian Netball League championship finals.
Having already secured top spot, the Falcons don’t have much to play for in the final three rounds.
The first of those rounds was on Wednesday night, with the Falcons beating Melbourne University Lightning, 65-52.
Falcons coach Marg Lind was reasonably happy with the win.
“It was a good start to the game again,” she said. “We set it up.
“We threw things around with a few defensive combinations. We had a lapse after half time.
“We took our foot off the accelerator. Melbourne University got it back within six before we got it back out to 10.”
Lind said they were really liking how they’re starting games so feel and are really hitting circle edge and feeding Jane Cook well.
Shesaidthatwouldlookattheperiodswhere they drop concentration
“We get a bit complacent,” she said. “There’s a fine line between pushing them too hard now and then we run out of steam come finals.
“We want to keep everyone rolling on and keeping everyone injury free. We still have Lucia [Fauonuku] to get back onto the court and Uneeq [Palavi] will be back as well.”
Cook finished with 55 goals to lead the way in attack for the Falcons.
LindsaidMaggieLindandMontanaHolmes both played well in attack, while Sussu Liai had a really strong game in defence having struggled against the Lightning the first time they played.
One change the Falcons did make was playing Mel Oloamanu playing some time out in wing defence.
“It gives us more options defensively,” she said. “She played WD for Samoa and we thought we would have a look at it.
“She was excited to play there and got a few intercepts.
“We have Mel, Sussu and Sophie [Hanrahan] are all playing well. We might need to throw Soli [Ropati] into centre, so that gives us four agile defenders who can play in the circle and at wing defence.”
The Falcons under-23 team suffered a 63-52 loss.
Lindsaidtheyhadsomereallygoodmoments but couldn’t put it together for three quarters.
“They did well for three quarters,” she said. “We led at half time and it was even at three quarter time.
“Wewentbacktothebadmistakesthatwe’ve
been making. There is some progress there.”
The Falcons remain in fourth spot, two games clear of the Geelong Cougars in fifth.
The Falcons need to win one of their last two games to make finals. If they lose both, it could come down to percentage.
The Falcons this week host the Western
Sports shorts
WSW
Werribee City has been busy in the Victorian Premier League 2 transfer window. The Bees announced seven new signings for the rest of the season. Marko Radovanovic, Tommy Semmy, Adrian De Petro, Chante Mayol, Chris Davies and Dragos Mamaliga have joined the club as it seeks to avoid relegation.
Olympics
Dante Exum is off to the Olympics but Dejan Vasiljevic and Maddy Rocci have missed out as the Australian basketball teams were named on Sunday. Exum was named in the Boomers team for a second straight Olympics, while Vasiljevic missed out of the team after being in the final 17. Rocci, who played in all the lead up tournaments for the Opals, missed out despite several strong performances with seven WNBA players coming into the team.
FV
Hoppers Crossing is still without a win after another loss on Saturday in the FV state league 2 north-west competition. The Reds faced Westvale Olympic, going down 1-0. The Reds remain on the bottom of the ladder. In state league 3 north-west, Point Cook Jets beat Bundoora United, their first win of the season. In state league 4 west, Truganina Hornets lost to Moonee Ponds United, 3-1, while West Point suffered a 5-2 loss to Balmoral. In state league 5 west, Wyndham lost to Bendigo City, 4-0 and Tarneit United lost to ETA Buffalo Club of Victorian, 3-2.
Big V
Wyndham suffered a rare loss in the Big V men’s championship on Saturday night. The Keysborough Cougars put out a strong four quarter performance, taking a lead and able to build on it, on the way to a 102-84 win. Troyce Manassa top scored for Wyndham with 21 points. Wyndham remains on top.
Warriors at the Altona Sports Centre. Lind said they were hoping to have a big crowd for their final home game of the season. They will have a couple of school holiday clinics earlier in the week, as well as an exhibition game on Wednesday before the VNL games, starting at 6pm.
Sussu Liai had a good game on Wednesday. (Robbab Photography)
Werribee has stamped itself as the Victorian Football League premiership favourite after a solid win against the Footscray Bulldogs.
The Tigers hosted the top of the table clash and were able to come away with the points, 10.9 (69)-7.4 (46).
Tigers coach Jimmy Allan said it was a really pleasing performance.
“Theboysplayedreallywell,”hesaid.“Itwas a very good opposition and we were pleased to come away with the win.
“They have some quality AFL players in the side and some of their VFL players are as good as anyone.
“It was a real challenge … Defensively it was our most complete performance.”
The Tigers led by 14 points at the first break before extending it to 20 points at half time.
There was still not much between the teams in the third quarter, with the Tigers able to kick three goals to two for the term to extend the lead.
Allan said they needed to clean a few little things up at half time to shut the Bulldogs attacking options down.
They were able to do that.
“There were a lot of stoppages and it wasn’t a high inside 50 game for either team,” he said.
“It was a big of slog. “The boys did really well in the contested game on the ground and shut the opportunity down.
“The second half we had did really well and we stopped them going down the corridor in the second half.
“We took some chances in the first three quarters.”
The Bulldogs kicked the only goal of the
final quarter, while the Tigers missed some chances.
Allan said they’d done enough to be able to come away with the win.
Aidan Johnson kicked three goals for the Tigers, while Hudson Garoni kicked two.
Dom Brew had 30 disposals, while Bior
Malual and Nick Coughlan had 23 each.
Allan said Johnson was really good in his return from a bicep injury and provided them with a strong target.
OtherstandoutsincludedMalualonawing, Sam Conway in the ruck and Dom Brew did what he usually does.
Daly Andrews did some jobs in the middle of the ground, while Jack Henderson was another star in the middle.
Sam Azzi has come into the side the last couple of weeks and done a role in defence in the absence of Nathan Cooper.
Cooper is set to miss a number of weeks with syndesmosis. Allan said he wasn’t sure whether Cooper would have surgery or not.
“He will be out for a little bit of time,” he said.
“Hopefully he’ll be back for finals.
“I think he is the best one on one defender n the competition. We have a void to fill with him missing, Sam Azzi has come in the last couple of weeks and looked good.”
The win has the Tigers sitting a game clear of top of the ladder.
While sitting top, Allan said they aren’t getting too far ahead of themselves.
“We are in good position,” he said. “It is a really hard competition and we have to keep backing it up each week.
“If we drop off, we could lose a game or two andwe’rerightbackinthepack.Thechallenge is to back it up now after beating one of the top sides. The Tigers this week face Coburg, which sits in 18th spot, on Saturday at 1.05pm at Avalon Airport Oval.
Allan said they won’t be taking the Lions lightly.
“They are really good defensively,” he said. “They probably should have won another two or three games.
“Our guys mentioned that straight after the game. They respect them and identified that we need to play some good football.
“It is Louis Pinnuck’s 100th game this week as well.”
Aidan Johnson starred in his return. (Belinda Vitacca Photography)
Werribee celebrates a goal. (Belinda Vitacca Photography)
