Star Weekly - Wyndham - 17th July 2024

Bev’s golden walking award

If you’re ever in doubt as to just how transformative daily walking can be, Point Cook’s Bev Morrissey serves as a timely reminder.

“I was very stiff, not able to do gardening, etc,” recalled the 83-year-old of when she first took up walking 15 years ago.

“Gradually I was able to walk with no disability.”

Nowadays, Bev not only walks free of disability, but often at a pace that younger walkers can’t match.

Bev is the co-founder and organiser of Point Cook Walkers, a walking group registered with the Heart Foundation that sets off every weekday at 9am from outside the Stockland Shopping Centre on Main Street.

It’s a commitment that has been recognised by the Heart Foundation, with Bev recently being awarded one of its Golden Shoe awards for 2024.

The Golden Shoe is awarded to nominees who display “outstanding leadership, organisation and friendship they share with their group each and every walk”.

Local jobs in short supply

By Tara Murray

MorepeopleinMelbourne’swestareemployed but many are still facing long commutes to get to their jobs each day.

The West of Melbourne Economic Development Alliance (WoMEDA) released itshalfyearlyeconomicupdateonWednesday, July 10, which showed employment in Melbourne’s west had increased by 100,000 jobs in just six years.

However, almost half the employed face a regular commute beyond the west, with 32 per cent travelling to the Melbourne CBD. WoMEDA chair Professor Peter Dawkins

said the alliance was surprised by the results of the study.

The study analysed six different councils, Wyndham, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Brimbank, Melton and Moonee Valley.

“WoMEDA was set up about eight years ago and two issues we were concerned about were the extent of jobs for people in the region with the huge population growth and if there would be enough jobs for them,” Professor Dawkins said.

“Not only weren’t employment levels good, but you had to leave your region. There weren’t enough jobs locally and that’s still an issue.

“There’s been a slight change in higher

employment and it has one of the best employment ratios, but local jobs are not growing fast enough.”

Professor Dawkins said the workers in Wyndham and Melton and were having to leave their municipalities for work the most.

He said it remains a fundamental problem.

“We argue the need to commute should be reduced through policies aimed at growing jobs inside the region,” he said.

“Localjobshavegrownjustnotfastenough.”

A Wyndham council spokesperson said the results of the study highlighted the need for the the East Werribee Employment Precinct.

“Councilstronglybelievesthisprecinctcould

be a major employment hub for our residents, reducingtraveltimeandcreatinganewhubfor employment, education, and the community,” the spokesperson said.

The report also found there is a 10 per cent gap between female and male employment to population ratios for residents in Melbourne’s west.

Professor Dawkins said after speaking with local residents, WoMEDA believes this is due to travel because of lack of local jobs and access to affordable childcare.

The study also found Melton and Wyndham were over-represented in mortgage stress compared to the national average.

Cade Lucas

Bev Morrissey (front) from Point Cook Walking Group has won the The Heart Foundation Golden Shoe award for her dedication to walking. (Damjan Janevski) 419047_01

HINDI BEACON SCHOOL

Language and Cultural Program

Wyndham Central College is proud to announce that it has been selected as Melbourne’s Western Hindi Beacon School,the only one in south west Victoria.

Parent Information Night

Respect, Co-Operation & Excellence to be held in the College Auditorium 101 Shaws Road, Werribee on Tuesday 23rd July 2024 at 5.00pm

Join us for this information session to discover how the Hindi curriculum can enrich your child's learning journey and meet and interact with our expert team.

Together we empower our children to become global citizens with a deep appreciation for language and cultural diversity.

Program eyes youth justice fix

A new project is on its way to the west, aiming to prevent young people from a life of crime.

Westjustice and the Centre for Multicultural Youth have announced the Paul Ramsay Foundation (PRF) will fund their ground-breaking Target Zero project, a $7.5 million funding partnership over the next five years to enable a coalition to work together to support young people and their families to thrive, achieve their full potential and avoid the criminal justice system and the revolving doors of the courtroom.

Target Zero will bring together partners from different parts of the community to end the criminalisation of young people aged

10 to 25 in the Brimbank, Wyndham and Melton municipalities. It also seeks to address the over-representation in the criminal justice system of First Nations young people, multicultural young people, and young people in residential care.

Westjustice chief executive Melissa Hardham said Target Zero’s partnership with PRF was a step forward in addressing Victoria’srevolvingdooryouthjusticesystem for young people experiencing disadvantage.

Westjustice’s youth law program legal director Anoushka Jeronimus said the funding is a game changer.

Through Westjustice’s youth law program and partnership work, she and her team are constantly confronted with the difficult realities and complex disadvantages experienced by young people and their families within these communities, and the number of challenges they face just to stay healthy and safe.

“TargetZeropartnersbelievethattheissues affecting criminalised and over-represented western suburbs young people can only be solved by everyone working together on the root causes and critically, with the communities most impacted,” Ms Jeronimus said.

Ambassador leads Dixie tributes

US Ambassador to Australia and daughter of former president John F Kennedy, Caroline Kennedy, has paid tribute to World War II coastwatcher Ronald (Dixie) Lee, whose funeral was held in Werribee on Sunday.

Mr Lee died on Monday, July 8, just four days after his 100th birthday and a day before Australia’s only other surviving coastwatcher, 101-year-old Jim Burrows, also died.

Coastwatchers were naval intelligence operatives tasked with rescuing allied personnel from behind enemy lines during the war.

Among those they rescued was ambassador Kennedy’s father after his patrol boat sunk in the Solomon Islands.

“Shortly after I arrived in Australia, I had the privilege to meet and honour Jim

and Dixie at a ceremony at the Australian War Memorial. Through their stories and memories, I learned more about the heroism of the hundreds of Australian and Pacific Islander Coastwatchers and Scouts who braved difficult conditions during World War II to monitor enemy movements and save lives, including my father’s,” wrote the ambassador in a message read at both men’s funerals on July 13 and 14.

Mr Lee’s naval service featured prominently at the funeral, with Vice Admiral Peter Jones reading a eulogy and a bugler playing the last post.

Many other aspects of Mr Lee’s long and eventful life were also woven into the funeral service hosted by his daughter, Eve Ash, one of 10 children.

“Of Dixie’s children, six were from two marriages, two from affairs and two step children,” said Ms Ash who was the product of one of the affairs and only came to know Dixie late in his life.

“I only uncovered the secret 16 years ago through a DNA test with a look-a-like woman who turned out to be my sister.”

A filmmaker, Ms Ash made a documentary about the discovery called “A Man on the Bus” released in 2019.

Mr Lee lived the last decades of his life with long-term partner Mem and worked as land surveyor.

He is survived by 10 children, 17 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.

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“In a first, Target Zero is bringing together all facets of the community to work towards ending youth criminalisation and overrepresentation.”

Centre for Multicultural Youth chief executive Carmel Guerra echoed this sentiment.

“Young people in Melbourne’s west should be in schools and in jobs, not jails,” she said.

“Weknowfromourworkwithmulticultural young people and communities that a new game plan is needed, to effectively tackle the criminalisation and over-representation of particular cohorts of young people in our justice system.”

Youth urged to report crime

Crime Stoppers Victoria is working with young Victorians to combat increased rates of youth violence by asking them to ‘Share If You Care’ in a new campaign.

According to Crime Statistics Agency data, there has been an increaseinseriousandviolentoffenses committed by individuals aged 14 to 17, with 6433 crimes against a person recorded in the past 12 months to the end of March 2024.

The new campaign is asking young people to share footage on their phones with Crime Stoppers, while staying unknown.

Crime Stoppers will further empower young people in the fight against crime by taking the campaign to schools. Resources will be available for students, parents and guardians to help with the tough conversations regarding youth violence.

“It doesn’t matter who you are, the question is, who are you protecting by not sharing what you know? Crime Stoppers gives you a way to speak up without fear. Young people can easily put in an online report and share images and videos they already have on their phones. Online reporting also allows them to share content they may be seeing on social media” Crime Stoppers chief executive Stella Smith said.

About66percentofreportstoCrime Stoppers Victoria are made online. Ms Smith said providing information such as footage can change the outcome of an investigation and assist police massively.

Details: 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au

Policeman starts up housing estate safety group in Wyndham

What started as a simple idea from a Werribee policeman has morphed into a community safetygrouprepresentingdozensofWyndham housing estates, with plenty more to come.

The Wyndham Estate Safety Working Group held its inaugural meeting last month in a cramped conference room at Werribee police station.

Standing at the back of the room filled with representatives from 20 estates from across the municipality, was senior sergeant Clifford Hyndman.

Three months earlier, senior sergeant Hyndman noticed a growing number of complaints that all had a similar theme.

“There was a lot of complaints coming through in relation to people not being able to get through to Werribee police station from [housing] estates,” he said of a problem he soon realised was because residents in the estates didn’t know how to make complaints to police properly.

“They’re [the estates] very multicultural and no one had a clear understanding of how to contact police to get their complaint across,” said senior sergeant Hyndman, who quickly came up with a solution.

“I thought well we [police] have other committees for traders, shop owners etc, so why not one for estate residents?”

It was good idea, but with the growth of Wyndhamhousingestates(thereareestimated to be roughly 40 in the municipality), not an easy one to pull off.

“It’s a massive undertaking,” he said.

“That’s why I started off small and brought in key stakeholders, council, Neighbourhood Watch.”

Not only did estate residents lack knowledge on how to report crimes, but even Neighbourhood Watch groups, common place in suburbs across the country, didn’t exist in the estates.

According to Neighbourhood Watch Victoria’s Nicole Peschek, after the first

meeting of the Wyndham Estate Safety Working Group, that’s about to change.

“Fromthatmeetinganumberofcommunity members have enquired about establishing their own Neighbourhood Watch group, in particular to prevent crime – through knowing their neighbours, being educated in best practice community engagement and safety, and building a relationship – a rapport – with local police.”

Meetings of the group are bi-monthly, with the next scheduled for August.

Details: cliff.hyndman@police.vic.gov.au

Cade Lucas

Former naval coastwatcher, Ronal (Dixie) Lee is farewelled at a funeral service in Werribee on Sunday. (Supplied) 419381_01

Petition calls for Doherty’s fix

By Cade Lucas

A group of frustrated Tarneit residents are petitioning Wyndham council to fix a flood-prone section of Dohertys Road, after rain forced its closure, again.

Heavy rain on Tuesday, July 9, forced the closure of Dohertys Road between Tarneit and Derrimut roads, after a large pool of water formed over the crossing of Dry Creek.

The closure about 6pm, disrupted afternoon traffic on the busy Tarneit thoroughfare.

It’s the latest in a long list of road closures

caused by flooding on the dip in Dohertys Road where it crosses Dry Creek, and it was the final straw for resident Aijaz Moinuddin.

“Enough is enough, people are frustrated,” said Mr Moinuddin, who was driving home along Dohertys Road on Tuesday when he came across the road closure.

Once he got home, he started a petition, demanding Wyndham council immediately start fixing the flood prone section of road.

“The recent and past closures due to rains have highlighted the severe deficiencies in the current infrastructure, causing significant

inconvenience and posing safety hazards to the community,” wrote Mr Moinuddin in the petition launched on Change.org.

The petition has since attracted more than 120 signatures and is set to be tabled at the next meeting of Wyndham council on July 23.

A council spokesperson said council appreciated how frustrating the repeated road closures are for residents, but plans to fix the Dry Creek crossing were already under way.

“Council is upgrading Dohertys Road to create a road connection between Tarneit and Derrimut roads that caters for current and

Werribee men wanted for walking

If you’re in or around central Werribee on a Saturday morning, you’ll no doubt see plenty of people walking up and down Wyndham’s busiest shopping strip.

But if you look closely, you might notice a group of men pounding the pavement a little more purposefully than everyone else.

As the name suggests, the Man Walk is a group of men who get together for weekly walks as way of providing a supportive, positive and inclusive environment for exercise conversation and fellowship.

The Werribee chapter started in June 2021 and members have been spending their Saturday mornings walking along Watton

Street and the surrounding area ever since.

Werribee Man Walk organiser Nicholas Trigg got involved at the start of last year.

“It is essentially a place that men can get exercise, have a chat, make friends and support each other if need be,” Mr Trigg said.

“With the loneliness epidemic and male suicide rates being so high it is an excellent way to counter these spectres of society.”

Unsurprisingly, the Werribee Man Walk proved especially popular during Covid lockdowns, with as many as 50 men making the most of their rare time outside to stretch their legs and hang out with other blokes.

But as society slowly opened up and got back to normal, numbers dropped and Mr Trigg is trying to encourage past members to come back and new walkers to join.

“They can make good friends in this group,” he said of the benefits.

“We have lots of laughs during the walk. We talk pretty much from the time we start until we finish,”

The Werribee Man Walk starts each Saturday at the Wedge Street Piazza in central Werribee, near the Watton Street roundabout.

Details: themanwalk.com.au

Cade Lucas

Rehab ward opens at St Vincent’s hospital

Patients undergoing surgery at St Vincent’s Private Hospital in Werribee will now be able to recover in more spacious surrounds, with the opening of a new rehabilitation ward this week.

The purpose built in-patient rehabilitation ward officially opened on Monday, July 8, and takes up the entirety of the hospital’s second level, giving it a dedicated space.

Level two nurse unit manager Dusica Delic said the new rehab ward was needed due to increased demand. “There has been an increasedneedforpatientstohavesurgeryinthe western suburbs and some patients following

surgery require in-patient rehabilitation stays,” Ms Delic said. “It’s great to be able to expand services and open another floor as our activity grows and we can accommodate more patients in the local community.”

St Vincent’s Werribee focuses on orthapedic and recondition rehab as well as recovery from acute illness.

The new ward features 14 single rooms, each with a private ensuite, as well as gym, functional therapy kitchen and practical group education spaces. As well as accommodating more rehab patients,thewardwillalsoallowforunplanned

admissions and as Ms Delic explained, prevent the need for patients to be transferred elsewhere, such as to St Vincent’s campus in Fitzroy.

“It provides an opportunity for patients to ongoing rehab services close to home where they can be supported by family friends,” she said, adding that it wasn’t just rehab patients who will benefit.

“It provides an opportunity for ongoing employment for specialty nurses from the local area. We’ve employed new nurses,” Ms Delic said.

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future population growth and addresses the road flooding issues,” the spokesperson said.

“The full project scope includes duplicating Dohertys Road between Tarneit Road and Sapling Boulevard; upgrading the roundabout at Dohertys and Tarneit roads to a traffic-light intersection; and deviating Dohertys Road to avoid multiple crossings of Dry Creek, includingconstructingabridgeoverDryCreek. This project is included in Wyndham’s capital works plan and budget for 2024-25 and is in the detailed design stage, with construction currently due to start in 2026.”

Police road safety warning

Victoria Police is issuing an urgent road safety warning to all motorists following a horror period on the state’s roads.

Eight lives have been lost since Monday, July 8, bringing the total lives lost to 154, compared to 152 at the same time last year.

Four lives were lost in separate, single-vehicle collisions on Wednesday alone, including in Truganina, Bannockburn, Allan’s Flat and Delahey. Theeightdeathsthisweekmeansthere have now been 14 lives lost in the first 11 days of July.

It marks the worst start to July since 2008, when 14 lives were lost in the first 11 days of that month.

While factors in these recent collisions are still under investigation, police are urging everyone to take extra care, including slowing down to maintain a safe braking distance, especially during periodsofwetweatherandpoorvisibility. Motorists are also urged to avoid drivingfatiguedbytakingregularbreaks when traveling longer distances, and to never get behind the wheel if under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

RoadPolicing AssistantCommissioner Glenn Weir said police were incredibly concernedbytherecentspateoffatalities.

“We’re issuing an urgent plea to all motorists to please, take extra care on the roads. Now is not the time to be complacent – this should absolutely be cause for concern for everyone. We need everyone to stop and think – not only about their own safety, but how their decisions and behaviours behind the wheel can impact the safety of all others.

“Far too often we’re seeing simple mistakes,likebeingslightlyoverthespeed limit, or a split second of inattention, resulting in these catastrophic outcomes. We’re committed to doing everything we can to drive down the rising trauma on our roads, but we can’t do this alone. Everyone has a responsibility on the roads.”

Jason Davis, Ric McInerney and Nicholas Trigg are among the participants in the Werribee Man Walk each Saturday morning. (Damjan Janevski) 418753_01

Staff at St Vincent’s Private Hospital Werribee, celebrate the opening of its new rehabilitation ward on level two. (Supplied)

Helper searches for a home

By Cade Lucas

It’s a grim irony that a man who has dedicated himself to helping the homeless is now at risk of being without a home of his own.

Phillip McDonald runs Feeding Families, a charity that collects and distributes food, clothing and other essential goods to homeless and disadvantaged people in Wyndham and beyond.

With the help of others, Mr McDonald does this while juggling a full-time job, being a single father to two children and for the past two months, searching for a new home.

“They’re gonna renovate it,” said Mr McDonald of the reason his landlord is evicting him from the Werribee South home where he, his son, and every second week, his daughter live.

Mr McDonald estimated he applied for at least 200 rentals in Wyndham since being informer of his impending eviction in May, and been knocked back each time.

“The problem is people want more than one income,” he speculated as to why he’s

been so unsuccessful.

Given his work with the homeless, the lack of rentals in Wyndham is hardly a surprise

to Mr McDonald, who said he doesn’t want any sympathy and nor does he blame his landlord.

“I’ve got no ill will towards them whatsoever. It’s a hard time for everyone,” he said.

“It just demonstrates the scale of the problem.”

Originally from Moree in New South Wales, Mr McDonald still has family there and said if the situation continues he will relocate. He’s not worried about becoming homeless like those who rely on Feeding Families, rather he’s concerned about what will happen to them if he’s forced to leave.

“We help close to 1500 families or people a week,” he said.

“It would take a long while to pick up what I do. We help not just with food, but home care, mental health, we do laundry and maintenance on their homes.

The only thing I can’t do is pay their bills,” said Mr McDonald, who has recently received a 60-day extension, giving him until Septembertofindanewhomeinacommunity he doesn’t want to leave.

“I’ve grown to like the area and I wanna continue to help the community.”

Have your say on council kindergarten services

Parents with children in kindergarten are encouraged to take part in an annual parent opinion survey on kindergartens delivered by Wyndham council.

The survey is a state government initiative that encourages parents and carers of children who are enrolled in a funded kindergarten program to provide feedback which is then is used to plan improvements and ensure the needs of children are met.

Kindergarten is available to three-year-olds

and four-year-olds, the curriculum aims to develop a child’s skills with numbers, letters and problem solving.

The program is also considered beneficial in helping a child build their confidence and independence while also learning social and emotional skills such as making friends.

The survey feedback is used to ensure that early education programs meet the needs of participants.

Wyndham mayor Jennie Barrera said she was pleased with the results of last year’s survey.

“We had just over 900 parents take part in the survey with 95 per cent of respondents reporting that their overall kinder experience was good or excellent,” she said.

“Our kindergarten parents and carers who responded to the survey agreed or strongly agreed that educators were approachable and communicated well with the children.”

As a result of last year’s survey parents and carers had the opportunity to ask for increased access to written reports about their child’s educational progress and have in-person conversations about their learning.

The survey closes August 31.

Details: theloop.wyndham.vic.gov.au/2024kindergarten-family-survey

Phillip McDonald, who runs the Feeding Families charity that helps homeless people around Werribee, is now struggling to find a home himself. (Damjan Janevski) 418682_01

Applications now open for community fund

Local community groups and not-for-profit organisations across a number of Wyndham suburbs Truganina, Tarneit and Williams Landing are encouraged to apply for the Westbrook Community Fund 2024. Now in its sixth year, applications for the fund run by property developer Dennis Family Corporation open today.

Since it’s inception in 2018, the Westbrook Community Fund has provided more than $180,000 to local community groups in Truganina, Tarneit and Williams Landing.

Awarded by an independent judging panel, thefundinggrantshavegonetowardsavariety of projects, ranging from cultural celebrations

and educational programs to environmental initiatives and health and wellness activities.

Last year 25 successful applicants shared in $35,000 worth of grants from the fund.

Among them were Nandini Biskunda and Venkat Ram Reddy Upparlapalle, founders of the Women’s Multicultural Empowerment Network, a community organisation operating out of Truganina and Tarneit.

“The 2023 funding from Westbrook Community Fund has been instrumental in empowering women in our community,” said Ms Biskunda.

“It allowed us to expand our programs and make a tangible difference in many lives.”

Ms Upparlapalle concurred.

“Thanks to the support from Westbrook, we were able to launch new initiatives that have provided critical resources and support to women striving for better opportunities,” she said.

“Don’t miss this chance to contribute to the betterment of your community.”

The total funding pool for 2024 is again set at $35,000 with successful applicants to receive grants worth $1500 each, Dennis Family Corporation marketing manager Melissa Munro expressed her enthusiasm for this year’s funding round.

“We are thrilled to contribute to

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Club targets upgrades

By Cade Lucas

The Werribee Archery Club is calling on Wyndham council to upgrade its facilities, arguing toilets and disabled access are not up to scratch.

The club, which has grown to over 100 members and produced recent state and national champions, currently operates out of three shipping containers at Lawrie Emmins Reserve in Laverton North.

Committee member Richard Helleren said the containers provided space for storage but not much else.

“They’re not clubrooms and there’s nowhere to get out of the rain,” said Mr Helleren who joined the Werribee Archery Club two years ago.

“We have a covered area where we shoot

from but there’s no power or water or even facilities to make a cup of tea.”

The archery club shares facilities with a local cricket and motocross club, including accesstoaportableDisabilityDiscrimination Act compliant toilet.

However Mr Helleren said the location of the toilet made it difficult to get to, particularly for disabled archers and young girls.

“Well that’s (the portable toilet) like 150 to 200m away and there’s no path direct to our range. It (the path) stops short and it’s in the mud,” he said,

“We’ve got a lot of young juniors and a lot of ladies and because we haven’t got a toilet on the range, they don’t like going out there.”

A spokesperson for Wyndham council said the Laverton North reserve was already

slated for an upgrade.

“Wyndham City’s 2024-25 annual plan and budget includes $613,000 to complete a $4.2 million gateway and youth precinct at Lawrie Emmins Reserve that will deliver a skate park, sports courts, open lawn for events, barbecue and picnic facilities, shade and seating, a toilet block, car parking, landscaping and other amenities.”

Mr Helleren said while the the archery club would be able to use some of these facilities, most would be situated too far away.

“It’d be nice to have a proper clubroom and facility on our range, not 200 metres away.”

A council spokesperson said no further funding was allocated for Lawrie Emmins Reserve, but it was happy to work with the archery club to find a solution.

Wyndham’s own ‘Stonehenge’ showcased

Itiswellestablishedthatthenightskyplaysan important role in many Australian Aboriginal cultures and a little known stone arrangement near Little River is a prime example.

Wurdi Youang, also known as the “Aboriginal Stonehenge“, is an Indigenous stone arrangement consisting of a roughly egg–shapedringsituatedingrasslandsoutside Little River.

The site is managed and protected by the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative and is not currently open to the public, but those wanting to learn more about Wurdi Youang and its connection to the night sky, can visit the Werribee Museum where an exhibit on Wyndham’s very own Stonehenge is open to the public.

Made up of about 100 basalt stones, Wurdi Youang’s egg-shaped ring measures about 50 metres in diameter along the major axis, which is aligned east– west.

The stone arrangement is thought to have been used to accurately measure the setting sun’s position on the horizon at the spring and autumn equinoxes, and winter and summer solstices.

It may also have been used for ceremonial purposes.

Based on carbon dating, scientists who have studied the site estimate the age of Wurdi Youang at about 11,000 years old, which makes it possibly the oldest astronomical

observatory in the world. By way of comparison, Stonehenge in England is estimated at 5000 years old.

Anyone interested in learning more and seeing a few Indigenous artefacts on display, can visit the Werribee Museum on Tuesdays, from 10am to 3pm, and on Saturdays, from 10am to 1pm. Group bookings are also available by arrangement.

Cade Lucas

Werribee District Historical Society vice president Lisa Heinrichs at the exhibit on Wurdi Youang often described as the “Aboriginal Stonehenge.” (Damjan Janevski) 418664_01

empowering local groups that foster positive change and enrich lives,” she said.

“TheWestbrookCommunityFundisnotjust about financial assistance; it’s about building a stronger, more connected community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Whether you have a new project in mind or needsupporttocontinueanexistinginitiative, the Westbrook Community Fund offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact.”

Applications are open from Tuesday, July 16 and close on Tuesday, August 20. To apply and for more information, visit:westbrookestate.com.au

to Werribee Park Mansion will be able to enjoy a free trip to the historic site as part of Open House Melbourne later this month.

Parks Victoria will open the mansion’s doors on July 28, providing entertainment and activities for all ages.

The 60-room mansion is one of the most iconic historic homes in Australia, and guests will have the opportunity to explore with free entry between 10am-4pm.

Musical performances and games are set to bring a lively atmosphere to the mansion, while the cafe will provide the public with refreshments.

Kids can interact with the past through vintage toys and games, while Parks Victoria rangers and volunteers will be around to chat about the mansion’s history, art and architecture. Visitors will be able to wander through the grounds to explore the gardens and outbuildings.

The historic farm precinct will showcase 19th century life and work through a range of demonstrations and activities.

The Refectory Cafe will be serving Devonshire Teas, including two scones, homemade lemonade, and tea or coffee. Bookings are essential.

Open House Melbourne is one of the city’s most popular cultural events. This year will feature 170 significant public and private buildings, over 60 of which are included on the Victorian Heritage Register.

Details: https://tinyurl.com/ Trybooking-Australia

Visitors

Werribee Archery Club committee member Richard Helleren outside the shipping containers the club uses as its headquarters. (Damjan Janevski)

Aquapulse employees Caitlin McGraw Marcus Colla and Tayla Venner, James Tzelepis and Hayley Burke. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 417979_04

Aquapulse’s water win

Aquapulse in Hoppers Crossing reaffirmed its status as Victoria’s safest pool for kids at the recent Aquatic and Recreation Victoria (ARV) 2024 Industry Gala Awards.

For the seventh time in the last eight years, Aquapulse took out the Watch Around Water award for pools that participate in the child water safety campaign.

“It is once again an honour to be named Victoria’s leading Watch Around Water Program Venue for 2024, and for the seventh time,” said Matt Haanappel from Wyn Active in accepting the award.

ThisdemonstratesWesternLeisureServices’ commitment to ensuring children’s safety around water and educating parents, carers, and guardians in the Wyndham community to practice appropriate supervision.”

The Watch Around Water prize was one of four awards won by Aquapulse and Wyn Active at the gala event, the most of any organisaion.

Alana Hinkley from Aquapulse was named Duty Manager of the Year, while Wayne Abraham took out Group Fitness Instructor of the Year and Alana Taylor from Wyn Active’s finance team won the award for Most Valuable Employee.

In addition to its success at the ARV awards, WynActivealsorecentlyservedasacollection point for the Paralympics Australia Village Art campaign.

The campaign encouraged members of the community to donate artworks to be used as decorations at Australia’s team headquarters in Paris and according to a Wyn Active spokesperson,itgarneredtremendoussupport from Wyndham locals.

The collected art will be displayed in the Australian Paralympic Complex within the Paris Paralympic Athlete Village, adding a touch of local pride to the international event.

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Briefs

Arrest injury

A man is in a critical condition in hospital following an arrest in Hoppers Crossing on Monday. The 35-year-old Hoppers Crossing man was approached by police in the carpark of a convenience store at the corner of Heaths and Tarneit roads, about 2am on July 15. Officers attempted to speak with the man in relation to traffic matters when he became physically aggressive. It’s believed the man became unresponsive following his arrest. Police called for medical assistance and performed CPR on the man, who was then taken to hospital in a critical condition.

Point Cook fire

Five people were evacuated from house fire in Point Cook on Tuesday morning. Fire Rescue Victoria was called to a fire on Willowherb Way at 6.59am. Firefighters arrived minutes later to find the two-storey house ablaze. Paramedics were called to the scene about 7.10am. Five people were evacuated, with multiple receiving treatment for burns and smoke inhalation. A teenage boy was taken to the Royal Children’s Hospital. A man in his 60s and three children were taken to Werribee Mercy Hospital. The fire was deemed under control by authorities at 7.35am.

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Fans flock to United training

Western United fans made their way to Tarneit’s Ironbark Fields on July 9 to watch an open training session ahead of the A-league Men’s season. Players took the time to meet fans after the session. Star Weekly photographer Ljubica Vrankovic capture the action.

Tomoki Imai with a young fan.

Abel Walatee took to the pitch.

Tate Russell takes a selfie with a fan.

Above: The players signed fans’ jerseys after the training session. Below: Abel Walatee meets some fans.

Players Matthew Sutton, James York, Tomoki Imai, Jordan Lauton, Abel Walatee, Dylan Leonard with supporter Dritan Miftari.

Left: Head coach John Aloisi greets a young fan. Centre: Oliver Lavale during the training session. Right: Goalkeeper Matthew Sutton signs a jersey. (Pictures: (Ljubica Vrankovic) 417037

Jordan Lauton works on his skills.

Easing climate change anxiety

A

new website is helping

to address young people’s anxiety about climate change. Max Westwood talks to one of the project’s creators, Phoebe Quinn.

The anxiousness young people feel about climate change prompted University of Melbourne research fellow and PhD candidate Phoebe Quinn, who has a background in creating resources for disaster recovery, to team up with University of Melbourne research fellow Katitza Marinkovic Chavez to tackle the issue.

Together they began a project titled, Young Climate Superpowers.

“The idea with this project is really to work with young people to develop together a set of resources that can help them understand their strengths in relation to climate change,” Ms Quinn said.

The project aims to ease the anxiousness young people are feeling about climate change.

“[Young people are having] all sorts of difficult emotions about climate change, including anger, sadness and anxiety. So the idea is that this is to figure out what are some useful ways of still engaging with the topic of climate change, but in a way that has a more positive impact in terms of young people’s wellbeing, but also the sort of the change that they can make in the world if they want to.”

Ms Quinn and the Young Climate Superpowersteambelievedhearingfromyoung people would be the best way to ease their fears.

Todothat,31youngVictoriansagedbetween 12 and 25 were invited to take part in a series of workshops.

“We really saw that there was potential for some more resources that were created both with, and for, young people. We were really kind of curious and excited to see what those resources might look like,” she said.

One of the resources Ms Quinn and her

team made was a website containing all the information collected from workshop participants.

The website provides an inclusive and fun environment for the youth to tackle this behemoth of an issue that is climate change.

The team created a list of seven “climate superpowers” which they believed young people can use to address climate change.

The superpowers are: Social superpowers that help you learn about climate change and what to do about it; human superpowers that are your skills, knowledge, experiences and talents; cultural superpowers that help you understand and know the world, and how you

act within it; political superpowers that help you influence decisions affecting you; financial superpowers, relating to their opportunities to use savings, income, time and effort in a way that helps the environment; built superpowers that help transform our cities, buildings, facilities, services, houses, vehicles, technology, water, and energy infrastructure to make them more sustainable; and natural superpowers the help you connect to nature.

“If a young person stumbled across this website and sees that it was created by a young personjustlikethem,it’sademonstrationofone of the ways that they could make a difference and contribute and use their various skills,” Ms

Quinn said. “Behind the climate superpowers idea is that everyone has those superpowers, they can use them in all sorts of ways.”

Ms Quinn and her team hope they’ve been able to create a tool to help teachers inform their students about climate change.

“Teachers [are] saying that they really loved thewebsiteandtheywerereallykeentoactually useitintheirteachingandintheirconversation with their students,” she said.

Quinn said one thing she has learnt through the project is how powerful young people are when they are working together towards a common goal.

“It’s been very compelling.”

Emma, holding up artwork for the project, and April and Scarlett looking at the artwork. (Pictures: Supplied)

Traumatic birth support prioritised

steering her from a corporate career back to healthcare.

“It was literally because of my friend’s very sad birth that I became a midwife.”

The birth reflections team was established at the women’s with the help of funding for late-career midwives, allowing experienced clinicians like Kath to focus on debriefing and birth reflection roles.

By Hannah Hammoud

In the halls of the Royal Women’s Hospital, a specialist team of seasoned midwives stands out for its unique initiative in supporting women who have faced unexpected outcomes during childbirth.

Kath Cruickshanks is part of the birth reflections team at the women’s. Her journey intomidwiferybeganwithaprofoundpersonal experience.

“I became a midwife a long time ago because I was privileged enough to be at a friend’s very sad birth. We knew that it was going to be a sad birth, and I was just the support person,” she said.

This event was a turning point for Kath,

“One of our projects was setting up this service at the hospital and seeing womenwhohavehadanunexpectedoutcome,”

Kath said.

These outcomes can range from serious post-birth bleeds and severe perineal tears to emergency caesarean sections.

The team’s mission is clear: they see women before they leave the hospital to help them understand their birth experience, answer any lingering questions, and ensure they have the necessary support systems in place.

“It’snotourjobtotalkinthedebriefmoment – our job is to listen,” Kath said.

“It might help them to piece together the moments that led up to the birth, and as senior clinicians we can explain it if they didn’t quite

Kath Cruickshanks is part of the birth reflections team at the Royal Women’s Hospital. (Supplied)

understandoritwastoorushedatthetime.We also make sure that we ask for their feedback on what we as clinicians could have done differently and we also ask them if they would like to give feedback about any particular staff member.”

This year, Birth Trauma Awareness Week (BTAW), which runs from July 16-22, highlights the theme of informed consent, a cornerstone of respectful maternity care. Informedconsentgoesbeyondmerelysaying

Toilet birth scars remain for mum

Lauren Green’s son made an unconventional entrance to the world – into a toilet.

Laurencanseethefunnysidesevenyearson, but the sudden birth left deep scars she’s still coming to terms with.

The nurse had always wanted to be a mum and completing a half marathon flicked a switch in Lauren and spurred her to try for a baby.

FinanceNickwashesitantatfirst,butLauren told him it might take time.

“Then I think we pretty much got pregnant the first time we tried.”

At 38 weeks and one day, Lauren and Nick decided to have one last date night at their local pub.

Laurenwenttobedandwoketocontractions at 1am.

“While I was sleeping I was obviously dilating and I didn’t know,” she said.

“I thought ‘I’ll just let it happen for a bit, it could be Braxton-Hicks or it might go away’.

“It got pretty intense pretty quickly so I woke Nick up.”

Nick ran a bath for her but she soon got back out.

“I was restless, it didn’t feel right. I was walking around the house remembering my Calmbirth sessions, breathing through it and being mindful.

“I felt comfy on the toilet. The position that yourbodyisinwhenyou’reonthetoiletisquite natural for that process.”

LaurenhadaTENSmachineonherbackand was timing the contractions using her phone. They got closer together and more intense so Nick called the hospital.

On learning that Lauren was only three hours in, the midwife told her it’d be a while longer and she should take some Panadol.

“I thought ‘they’re two minutes apart and they bloody hurt. What do you mean I can’t come in yet?’.

“I had a funny contraction that felt very different from the others.”

Lauren felt like her body was pushing.

“It happened again and I felt Otis’s head coming out.

“Onthethirdweirdcontraction,hecameout into the toilet.

“Nick came barrelling into the bathroom and got him out.

“He was passing him through my legs.

“It was scary.

“I just put him on my chest and said to Nick, ‘You need to call an ambulance’.

“I just sat there then, in shock.”

The ambulance arrived in less than 10 minutes.

Lauren started having contractions again

once she arrived at the hospital.

“That hurt more than the ones I’d had before Otiswasborn,”shesaid.“Iaskedforpainrelief.

“They said to me ‘You had the baby without anything so you’ll be OK’.

“I was lying on the trolley with Otis on my chest and my placenta still inside me.

“After that I felt very calm and I had a beautiful midwife who helped me through the process of delivering the placenta.

“I think my body was fighting it. I was so stressed.

“Once the placenta was out I finally just got to rest.

“Otis was completely fine.

Lauren lodged a complaint with the hospital

following her experience.

“I spent quite a bit of time thinking about what would have happened if he wasn’t breathing,” she said.

“I do spend a bit of time thinking about that – less these days, but more in the year or two after.

“It’s definitely left me with some scars.

“It’s changed the way I think about things.

“We had floated the idea of just having one child before we had Otis anyway, but after that I was like ‘nope, I’m done, I can’t go through that again’.

“I don’t want to go through that again.”

Casey Neill

yes to a procedure. It involves understanding the choices, risks, and benefits involved.

Kath said she has witnessed a positive shift in recent years, where women’s experiences are being listened to and acknowledged.

“Women are amazing. Women’s bodies are amazing. I think to sit there and listen to their stories as a senior midwife is a privilege.

“One of the common themes that pops up when we talk to women is communication. Communication is the number one thing that we are still hearing from women and still working on.”

Kath believes that effective communication and continuity of care are vital.

“Whilst we can help women prepare for birth, we can’t always plan for 100 per cent of everything that happens. Birth is very fluid … it changes on a turn of a dime. We’re hoping that with the work we’re doing we’re able to really stop and help women to be heard and listened to and get on the right pathway before they leave the hospital,” she said.

“Women are being heard and acknowledged with their trauma … I can’t tell you how vital this work is.”

Study challenges coping strategies

A La Trobe University study is hoping to challenge traditional categorisations of coping strategies in a bid to promote autonomy and create empowering childbirth experiences.

The study by the university’s Judith Lumley Centre examined the current coping strategies, with the findings suggesting a shift towards a more holistic approach. It comes amid growing concerns about birth trauma and maternity care experiences that were highlighted in the final report of a New South Wales Parliamentary Inquiry into Birth Trauma, handed down in late May.

In the study, senior researcher and study lead Dr Laura Whitburn, senior researcher Dr Lester Jones and physiotherapist, birth doula and lead author Janine Shifman proposed reframing coping strategies as ‘intrinsic’ and ‘extrinsic’ to shift the focus away from medical interventions.

Intrinsic strategies are those that can be self-generated by women, while extrinsic strategies require the use of equipment or the help of someone else.

The study surveyed 56 women having their first baby at Mercy Hospital for Women, between February and May 2021. Thinking about labour pain as productive and purposeful pain, feeling safeandsupported,andpreparingarange of coping strategies, were identified as three factors most important to women.

“People may assume that pain relief or having their pain under control during labour is a priority but, in fact, it wasn’t explicitly listed among the most important factors to women,” Dr Whitburn said.

The most common intrinsic strategies identifiedincludedbreathingtechniques, generatingapositivemindset,movement and keeping active. Extrinsic strategies, such as using a bath or shower, the use of a TENS machine or having physical contact from support people or a known support person, were recorded as the most common among respondents.

“We’re hoping this will change the conversation and mindset from ‘you’re not coping anymore, so let me take over’ to ‘you’re not coping anymore, so let’s support you with what you need to get you back on track,” Ms Shifman said.

Lauren and her son Otis. (Rob Carew) 386841_01

The journey through birth trauma

By Hannah Hammoud

Thirteen years ago, Leanne Murphy’s life was irrevocably changed by a traumatic birth experience that left her battling with severe physical, emotional, and financial challenges.

Leanne’s ordeal began with the birth of her daughter, Molly, her second child. Despite having had a positive experience with her first child, her expectations for a similar outcome were shattered.

“I was in hospital for 12 hours. I was in the right place at the right time. There was no doctor and no midwife in the room when my daughter was born. It got really scary and I was anxious, and we ended up having to push the emergency button. It was a fear response. I knew that something was wrong, my husband and I were in the room together, no doctor, no midwife … I was calling for help but no one was coming,” Leanne recalled.

Leanne said Molly entered the world amidst chaos.

‘‘ She basically burst out of me and skidded across the bed ... She was actually on my chest before anyone came into the room ’’ - Leanne Murphy

“My husband banged on the emergency button, and to be honest, Molly was coming whethertherewasanyonethereornot.Shetore meallthewaythroughinherentrytotheworld … she basically burst out of me and skidded across the bed on the amniotic fluid and my husband caught her. She was actually on my chest before anyone came into the room,” she said.

The delay in medical response was just the beginningofaseriesoftraumaticevents.During thechildbirth,Leannesufferedafourth-degree tear, leading to severe complications. Despite being in hospital for five days, Leanne said she was discharged without the necessary surgical repair.

“I had poo falling out of me, and post-baby bleeding coming out of an orifice that is now a gaping wound,” she said.

“Why wasn’t I sent to the general anaesthetic repair like I was told? Immediately, or within six hours, or 12 hours, or the next day, or the nextday.AfterfivedaysI’mactuallydischarged without the repair done.”

Despite being well-prepared for childbirth through classes and research, nothing had prepared her for the aftermath of a severe tear.

“Nothing was ever said about the impact of having a fourth-degree tear and what to look out for … there’s no literacy on that, I didn’t know what to ask,” she said.

“How do you ask a question when you don’t know what the question is? How do you know what to ask? I didn’t know what to ask.

“People are like, ‘We don’t want to scare mums before they have their kids’, ‘You can’t

share your story Leanne because you’ll put mums off having kids,’ – well that’s absolutely not fair. You need to have the information so thatyoucangointotheexperiencewell-armed, and well-equipped, so that when – or if –something does go wrong, you’ve got a plan.”

Once she was discharged, Leanne said the struggle to find a surgeon willing to repair the damage added to her torment.

During this period, Leanne was confined to her home, unable to perform basic tasks or care for her children. Leanne’s experience of isolation and helplessness was only further compounded by financial strain.

“I was 34 years old and I couldn’t leave the house. I couldn’t take my kids for a walk, go shopping,ormeetfriends.Ididhaveamother’s group and that was at my house. I said to them, ‘If you don’t come to my house I can’t go’.”

With her husband off work to care for her and their children, and her own maternity leave running out, Leanne said her family faced economic hardship, forcing them to sell theirhouseandmovetoamoreaffordablearea, losing their support network in the process.

Despite these overwhelming difficulties, Leanne found a way to turn her pain into purpose. She retrained as a counsellor, specialising in birth trauma healing.

“The whole takeaway from this was that there was actually no help, I fell through the gaps,” she said.

“In 10 years, I thought the statistics would improve, but there are still 30,000 birth trauma mums a year.

“I’m really proud of what I’ve been able to overcome. I’m reclaiming, and I’m offering a space that wasn’t there for me, and needs to be

there for everybody.”

In 2021, Leanne published a book, Mummy went to hospital, to help her children understand her many hospital visits as she underwent surgeries to repair the damage.

Reflecting on her journey, Leanne remains resilient and hopeful.

“I’m really proud of who I am and who my family has become on the back of this trauma. We have been pushed to the worst parts of life and had to survive,” she said,

“When the worst happens, there is support there.Youhavetoadvocateforyourself,butyou have to look for support. It’s hard to find the support but it is there. I strongly recommend that people reach out for support, whether that’s for their physical injuries or emotional support.”

YOUR NEW CAREER

... starts here

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.

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

Leanne Murphy with her book in 2022. (Damjan Janevski) 267709_04

Leanne Murphy suffered trauma during the birth of her second child. (Damjan Janevski) 413521_06

Global kitchen cooks up a storm

Global Kitchen is weekly program in the western suburbs where multicultural women share traditional recipes to build a sense of similarity.

TheprogramisrunbyMulticulturalWomen Victoria (MWV), a not for profit-charity grassroots organisation working with multicultural women across the state.

The Global Kitchen program has recently started in Wyndham, with weekly cooking sessions in Point Cook and now in Tarneit at Penrose Promenade Community Centre.

Held in Tarneit every Monday, Global Kitchen brings multicultural women out of their homes and into the community where they can learn, share and connect.

MWVsecretaryJaneFarrellsaidnotonlydo participantsworktogethertopreparedelicious meals, but also to reduce social isolation and increase community engagement.

“We want to see women have a voice and be heard within their community and within the wider community,” Ms Farrell said.

“Weprovideaculturalandgendersafeplace for women attending. We encourage women to come along and attend our sessions at our advertised days-times.”

Global kitchen is for women only and held every Monday during school term from 10am to 2pm. Details: projects@virwc.org.au

Robert to lead again

Werribee Rotary Club has a new president, with Robert Fava assuming the role for the second time.

Mr Fava, who previously served as club president from 2016 to 2017, received the chain of office from outgoing president, Kim Denys at a high tea function on July 13.

“I’m excited. I love the Rotary club, the way we engage with the community in such an enthusiastic way,” said Mr Fava of becoming president again.

He said many of Werribee Rotary’s existing initiatives would continue under his leadership, including community grants, a major charity golf day and another series of mental health seminars for young women held in conjunction with Mackillop College.

Mr Fava said alongside these existing projects, he hoped to make the club more visible in Werribee over the next 12 months.

“We’ll be reaching out the community more to develop more ongoing, stronger relationships.”

Asforwhyhewantedthetopjobforasecond time, Mr Fava said with his predecessor stepping down, the club was in need of a new leader and he suddenly had more time on his hands to do the role.

“I’m recently retired which helps,” Mr Fava laughed.

In his final address, Mr Denys expressed thanks to all members and their partners for their support and said he was proud of the club’s achievements during 2023-24.

Sixty people attended the Sunday afternoon function including Wyndham councillors, presidents from neighbouring clubs and the district governor nominee Graeme Hope.

Cade Lucas

Robert Fava recieves the leaderhip chain from outgoing Werribee Rotary Club president Kim Denys. (Supplied) 419503_01

Global Kitchen is run for women every Monday at Penrose Promenade Community Centre from 10am to 2pm. (Damjan Janevski) 418897_06

Silvia Onken with the meal she prepared. (Damjan Janevski) 418897_04

Sudha Nahayan cooks at the Global Kitchen, a weekly event organised by Multicultural Women Victoria at Penrose Promenade Community Centre. (Damjan Janevski) 418897_01

Global Kitchen participant Veena Ran prepares a meal. (Damjan Janevski) 418897_02

Global Kitchen participants Silvia Onken, Veena Ran, Ronela Papp, Sudha Nahayan and Jane Fellowes. (Damjan Janevski) 418897_05

Ronela Papp prepares a meal at Penrose Promenade Community Centre. (Damjan Janevski) 418897_03

No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.

6

1 ClosingTime is a 1998 song by which band?

2 For which three films has Octavia Spencer (pictured) been nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the Academy Awards?

3 In baking, what is a pâte brisée?

4 After Rome, what is the most populous Italian city?

5 What is the name of the port that the Sydney Harbour bridge crosses?

6 The TikTok logo was designed to resemble what kind of symbol?

7 Computer software company Adobe was founded in which decade?

8 Which penguin species is known for its unruly yellow crest and red beak?

9 In layers of skin tissue, is the dermis above or below the hypodermis?

10 The big wave surfing competition known as ‘The Eddie’ is held in which country?

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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

Point Cook Lions Club

Meets at the Featherbrook Community Centre on the third Monday of the month at 7.30 pm. 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

Join the Werribee Jazz Club on the second Sunday of the month, from 2pm to 5pm, for three hours of great music, dancing or relaxed listening. You can enjoy live bands featuring some of Australia’s best jazz musicians playing traditional, dixieland, swing, R’n’B and mainstream jazz. BYO nibbles, drinks available at moderate bar prices with complimentary tea and coffee. Werribee Bowls Club, Watton Street, Werribee. Entry: $22.

■ Jenny, 0419 558 481

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, 7.30pm to 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 is a non-profit organisation that promotes vegetarianism and principles of a humanitarian way of life. It runs cooking classes at Manor Lakes Community Learning Centre every first Saturday of the month from 9.30am to noon.

■ 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

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of L2R Dance members

Nolly Zaa Thang, Jacinda Richards, L’wel (Ligi) and Hena Memishi. (Damjan Janevski) 416960_01

compassionate environment. Gives carers an opportunity to connect, share their experiences and offers emotional and practical support. The group meets at the Eco-Living Centre at 10am, every fourth Tuesday of the month.

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

All Abilities Netball

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

■ Phil, 0437 078 739

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

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

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.

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

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

Camaraderie drives new play

By Eddie Russell

Elves, orcs, dragons, and warriors are coming to Melton this week, with Melton Performing Arts bringing acclaimed playwright Qui Nguyen’s SheKillsMonstersto life.

The production follows protagonist Agnes, who attempts to learn more about her dead youngersisterthroughthebelovedfantasyrole playing game Dungeons & Dragons.

Tickets are available for two shows on Saturday, July 20 at 2pm and 7pm.

The play blends comedy and drama as the charactersfacechallengesoftherealworldand otherworldly respectively.

Cast member Josh Tooth, who is also on the

Melton Performing Arts committee, said the group was about more than just putting on plays.

“Our ethos is not necessarily driving our own productions but providing a means for people to put on their own interests,” he said.

“Our passion is building performing arts in the community.”

Tooth, who is an “avid” Dungeons & Dragons fan, said the story appealed to him because of his own experiences playing the game.

“Coming from a ‘D’n’D’ background and loving that connection that comes from a ‘D’n’D’ group … my favourite part is the way the main character explores the relationship

with her sister … through playing the module that her sister created.”

Darin Casler plays Miles, the boyfriend of Agnes.

While Casler does not have the same love for the game as other cast members, he can still see what it means to them.

“I’ve never played ‘D’n’D’ but Katie [a cast member] sent us a video of the creator of the playsayinghelearnedEnglishthroughplaying it,” Casler said.

“That camaraderie resonates with me; I have friends that play and they get together and communicate after all these years.”

Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/ events/landing/1231636

‘Unique’ take on Shakespeare classic

Shakespeare classic, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, will be played until July 20 at the Bluestone Church Arts Space in Footscray.

The Sevenfold Theatre Company play, set in ancientAthens,promisestocaptivateaudiences with its story of young lovers’ adventures in a magical forest where fairies meddle with their affections, causing chaos.

With mistaken identities and love potions, chaos reigns until the fairies set things right, leading to weddings and joy for all (kind of).

Uniquely incorporating live music and

sound,thecastscreatealivescoreusingvarious instruments, voices, and their own bodies.

Carefully crafted acoustic soundscapes create the forest’s ambiance, build suspense and enhance the mood of each scene.

Director Mitchell Wills said, “Our rendition of dream is exploring something new for the company, live music produced entirely by the actors on the stage. Although it was rather terrifyingnottohavesheetmusicfortheactors to learn before the first rehearsal, what we have gained is this living, breathing and incredibly charming soundscape from start to finish”.

Performer Lore Burns said, “I was quite nervous joining this show to start with due to my ongoing recovery from being hit by a car last year and being unsure of how I would go physically, but it’s been so much fun that even whenI’mexhaustedIfeelsupportedandhappy.

“I’ve never had to play cello whilst simultaneously delivering a monologue before, so that’s been a fun/scary challenge and something very unique in the show.”

Details: https://events.humanitix.com/ sevenfold-theatre-company-inc-presents-amidsummer-night-s-dream.

Exhibition brings a taste of Italy to St Albans

VivaItalia!iscomingtotheBoweryTheatrethis week,showcasingaseriesofworksbasedonthe Italian travels of local artist John Barcham.

The exhibition is a collection of some of Barcham’s most esteemed pieces, all under the umbrella of his wife’s heritage and their trips together.

“The creation of this series of works spans about 10 years. They are my response as an artist to my involvement with Melbourne’s Sammachese (people who come from San Marco in Lamis) community as well as trips with my Sammachese wife to Italy and San

Marco in Lamis in the beautiful Gargano region of the province of Puglia,” he said.

“The works have never been shown in their entiretyandshowntogethercontainanarrative of my personal Italian journey. All the works are created from direct experience using my own photography as studio reference.

“The response by people, particularly Italians, to the work is quite extraordinary. During the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s Italians were often subject to ethnic vilification. This coupled with the then government policy of assimilation rather than today’s policies of

Comedy at Crossroads

For a play about a disappointing Friday night at the pub, the Wyndham Theatre Company putting its latest production, After Dinner , on Friday and Saturday nights might seem like a brave move.

But director and WTC member Fiona Scarlett is confident audience members leaving the Crossroads Theatre, where AfterDinneris on until July 20, will have had a much more enjoyable evening than the characters depicted in the play.

“It’s definitely very funny and the cast bringalotofcomedytotheroleandreally good character work,” Scarlett said.

“The narrative is very simple but the characters are really well developed.”

Those characters include Paula, Monika, Dympie. Stephen and Gordon who all just want have a good night at the pub.

But when the band doesn’t play, the waiters ignore them and people can’t keep their issues to themselves, the farce begins.

Written by Australian playwright Andrew Bovell in 1987, After Dinner features costumes and a soundtrack which will transport audience members back to the Friday night dance floors of almost four decades ago.

Scarlett said this was one of the factors that attracted WTC to the play.

“We were searching around for theatre pieces that had a smallish cast and a simple set and I’d come across this play yearsandyearsagoanditjuststuckinmy mind as a nice snapshot of Australiana,” she said, highlighting Werribee local Katrina Gauci as Dympie and James Hammond as Stephen as performances audience members should look out for.

After Dinner is on at Crossroads Theatre on July19 and 20 at 8pm, with a 2pm matinee on Saturday.

Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/ CSIKJ

Cade Lucas

multiculturalism has meant that subsequent generations have lost touch with much of their language and culture.”

The exhibtion will be unveiled at a launch event on Friday, July 19, at the Bowery Theatre in St Albans, from 6pm to 8pm, and will then be available for free, public viewing from 9am to 5pm every weekday until September 7.

The Sevenfold Theatre Company performers Amy Watts, Lore Burns, Lucy May Knight and Jackson Cross. (Damjan Janevski) 416680_04

John Barcham in his home studio with a piece that will be on display in the gallery. (Supplied)

Gerald Lynch

Cast member David Prince in his costume for character ‘Orcus’. (Supplied)

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in the offer.

Cannon fires first shot in EV race

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

The GWM Cannon has become the first full electric utility in Australia, the Alpha Ultra Hybrid muscling in between the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and Isuzu D-Mac and the full-sized pick-ups from Chevrolet, Ford, Ram and Toyota.

The Cannon dual cab flagship also strengthens GWM’s New Energy Vehicle strategy, becoming the brand’s sixth NEV offering following the Jolion Hybrid, Tank 300 and 500 hybrids and Ora EV.

Coming in three variants with a 2.4-litre turbocharged diesel engine, or 2-litre turbo petrol motor, the latter linked with a hybrid powertrain, all are mated with a nine-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4×4 system.

Prices start at $51,990 for the Cannon Alpha Lux diesel, the Alpha Ultra diesel comes in from $57,990, while the hybrid Alpha Ultra takes flagship honours from $64,990. All are drive-away prices. . All are covered by the maker’s seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty.

Standard equipment includes LED headlights, a 360-degree camera, dual zone climate control, locking rear diff, 12.3-inch instrument cluster, 12.3-inch information screen, wireless smartphone mirroring, six speaker audio, power adjustable driver’s seat, leather-style upholstery and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The Ultra grade adds panoramic sunroof, 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, heated, ventilated, massaging front seats with power adjustment, while the Ultra Hybrid takes on head-up windscreen display, power folding exterior mirrors with memory, semi-automatic parking assist and auto reverse assist.

GWM Cannon Alpha Ultra Hybrid buyers enjoy a seven-year, unlimited kilometre warranty, seven years roadside assist and five years of capped price servicing.

Styling

As mentioned above, the new Cannon Alpha leaves the opposition (literally) in the shade, with dimensions of 5445mm long, 1992mm

wide,1924mmheight,and3350mmwheelbase, and 35mm longer overall, 57mm wider, 38mm tallerand120mmlongerbetweenthefrontand rear wheels than the standard GWM Cannon Ute.

This gives the newbie a solid stance on the street and the test vehicle’s black paintwork offers maximum contrast, with just enough chrome work, and LED headlamps.

The tailgate holds a few surprises. The whole soft-open gate folds down at the press of a button in the centre of the GWM hallmark. Touch the same button for a second and the 60/40 gate opens barn door-style for ease of loading and unloading the tub.

Interior

Nappa leather upholstery and heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats are complemented by a heated steering wheel, plus two-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated rear seats with welcome function and wireless phone charger.

Rear leg and head room are generous and occupants can take advantage of a panoramic roof and sliding rear window as in the Nissan Navara for extra ventilation.

Infotainment

Inside, there is a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 10-speaker Infinity sound system, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, head-up windscreen display and wireless smartphone charger. An unusual addition is an analogue clock, found more in top-shelf saloons such as Bentley and Lexus, and 64-colour ambient lighting,

Engines/transmissions

The range-topping 2-litre turbo petrol hybrid enginedeliversacombined255kWofpowerand 648Nmoftorqueagainst135kWand480Nmof the 2.4-litre turbodiesel. Both are hooked up to a nine-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive with lock-up front and rear differentials.

The Ram 1500 V8 pick-up has been available with a mild-hybrid system for some years.

This is no mild hybrid where the electric motor only assists the internal combustion

engine and cannot drive the wheels without using the ICE, as with the Ultra Hybrid.

Safety

No word on the Cannon Alpha Ultra Hybrid ANCAP safety rating yet but the GWM Tank 500 SUV, which shares much of its platform and cabin with the Alpha ute was recently awarded a top five-star rating by ANCAP.

Standardsafetyfeaturesincludeautonomous emergencybraking(withpedestrianandcyclist detection), adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, front and rear cross-traffic assist, lane-keep assist, lane centring, emergency lane-keeping, traffic sign recognition and surround-view camera with transparent chassis mode.

Cannon diesels have four parking sensors up front and four at the rear, while the Ultra Hybrid has six up front and six at the back.

The Alpha offers seven airbags, including a front-centre bag between the driver and front-seat passenger.

Driving

First up, just a word about the ‘voice of the vehicle’: Has driving come to this? During time with the Cannon Alpha Ultra Hybrid the person behind the wheel (and passengers) were ‘assaulted’ by a constant stream of inane audio and visual female pleas to ‘concentrate on driving’ for seemingly little reason. ‘Florence’ in the machine even urged the driver to ‘take a break’.

The source of all this ‘evil eye’ was a camera attached to the A-pillar focused on the driver –so distracting. In the end, this driver could not even bother to seek out a way to switch off the system: too busy concentrating on driving.

Fromrest,theturbo-petrolwasatadtardyon the take-up and when engaged had a tendency to lurch off the mark. On the move, the big fella was relatively easy to get on with, although the suspension had a habit of resisting easy going over blemished bitumen.

Overtaking was capably executed, and light steering came into its own on slow parking manoeuvres, which were not the ‘friendliest’ with such a bulky vehicle. GWM claims a fuel consumption of 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres in the combined urban/highway cycle.

The test hybrid recorded at worst, more than 15 litres per 100 kilometres around town and 8.1 litres per 100 kilometres on a trip down the motorway.

Three all-terrain drive modes, eco, normal, sport, are very much set and forget for the driver. Sport mode reduces throttle power regeneration, while Normal/Eco mode increases deceleration of system-regenerating energy. It can also lock front and rear differentials.

Towing capacity is a healthy 3500kg braked and 750kg unbraked. Wading depth is up to 800mm.

Summary

The GWM Cannon Alpha is big on things like interior space and towing strength, and the Ultra Hybrid frugal on fuel use. On the downside, the touchscreen is not easy to manipulate while on the move. As for the intrusions of ‘Florence’ in the machine, if that’s artificial intelligence, you can shove it!

The Cannon dual cab flagship strengthens GWM’s New Energy Vehicle strategy. (Supplied)

Snapping around the grounds

There was plenty of action across Melbourne’s north-west at the weekend. StarWeeklyphotographer Ljubica Vrankovic shot some of the action.

Sunbury Lions’ Brock Landt. 418821_23

Brightness behind the clouds for Hillside and West Coburg’s game. 418823_06

Melton’s Kimberly Phillips. 418824_11

Hillside’s Josh Covelli. 418823_09

Yarraville Seddon pushed Caroline Springs. 418793_18

Sunbury Lions’ Sarah Croft and Melton’s Emma Vitalone. 418824_03

Melton goalkeeper Taylar Storier. 418820_02

Melton and Werribee teams. 418820_21

Melton’s Ryan Carter (left) and Sunbury Lions’ Ben Eales. 418821_12

Caroline Springs came out on top against Yarraville Seddon. 418793_04

Werribee Centrals ready to fight for finals spot

Werribee Centrals know they have a task ahead of them to play in the Geelong and District Netball League finals, but aren’t giving up without a fight.

Last season’s premiers have struggled to recapture last season’s form with a changing of the guard in the side having an impact.

TheCenturionssittwogamesoutsidethetop five after 13 rounds, ahead of a clash with fifth placed Anakie this Saturday.

Centrals’ Ellie Tubbs said they will have to fight hard if they’re to play finals. She said they play a lot of the big name teams in the run home.

“Wehaveareallystrongrunhome,”shesaid.

“We played some good netball on the weekend and against Corio a couple of weeks ago.

“We have one of the toughest runs home. I think if we can play some good netball we will be OK.

“Anything can happen from fifth as we know well from past years.”

Tubbs said to be part of the best they need to beat the top sides and it’s a challenge they are ready for.

She said the group which was a lot younger than in previous years was slowly coming together.

Tubbs said the group was starting to understand how to play each other and were improving every week.

“There’sbeenabitmoregellingandfocusing on specific roles and development,” she said.

“I’m proud of them.”

The Centurions have been boosted by the return of star defender Amanda O’Malley, who won last season’s league best and fairest award.

Tubbs said O’Malley’s experience was second to none and added some depth to their

defensive end.

Elsewhere in the club, the Centurions B-grade side are on track to play finals.

She said the majority of the group had been together for five to six years.

Tubbs said Evie Christopher who is still playing 17 and unders, had been impressive in that side.

The under-19 side are still undefeated and continue to play some strong netball.

“Tubbs said they had young players going through all their sides.

“When we reflect on this year, it’s been a good development season,” she said.

“There’s been a lot of maturing from a lot of the players.

“It is really positive to have home grown players coming through, I’m to proud.”

Tara Murray

Reds finally get first win

By Tara Murray

Hoppers Crossing is finally on the board in the FV state league 2 north-west competition.

After being so close to getting their first win of the season the last couple of weeks, the Reds wereabletofindawaytogetthepointsagainst Hume United on Saturday, winning 2-1.

Reds coach Kevin Smart told Hoppers SC TV he was thrilled to see the playing group finally get some reward for effort.

“We showed some good maturity,” he said. “I thought we started really, it was very positive.

“We looked solid in our backline as the luck has had this year, they scored and you go 1-0 down.

“I thought the boys responded really well.

“The group has all stuck together even when its looked dire. I could not ask for a better bunch of boys who are putting in the effort week in week out.”

Humehitthefrontwithin15minutesbefore the Reds scored an equaliser before half time.

Smart said they went too high and stuffed around with the ball which saw them concede.

The Reds goal was via a rebound after a penalty shot,

“The rub of the green [and] luck goes our way,” Smart said.

“The boys deserve that luck after the last couple of weeks where the ball doesn’t seem to go our way, today it does.”

Earlyinthesecondhalfbothteamsattacked heavily and Smart said it was a good game to watch from the side lines.

The game changed when Hume United goalkeeper Kaede Kosaka was given a red card.

“Against 10 men doesn’t always result in a win, as we’ve seen against Mill Park,” he said.

“The boys were switched on and we didn’t change anything and kept playing the way we wanted to play.”

Christopher Widmar-Mavrantonis and Harry Kilpatrick were the goal scorers for the Reds.

Smart said it was good to bring some younger players on the field in the back half of the match to give them more experience.

The win moves the Reds to five points for the season.

Sports shorts

VPL

Werribee City had a tough night out against Western United in the Victorian Premier League 1 competition on Friday. United scored twice in the first half to take control of the match and that would be the final margin. The Bees sit in 13th spot, seven points behind Brunswick City.

A-League

Daniel Penha will depart Western United after one of the great individual seasons in the A-League men’s club’s history, with the Brazilian opting to play closer to home due to family reasons. The 25-year-old played the 2023-24 season on loan at Western United from Atletico Mineiro, recording seven goals and three assists in 22 appearances. Conversations had been ongoing throughout the off-season to extend Penha’s stay, however due to personal reasons he has made the difficult decision to remain closer to Brazil.

Big V

They still sit bottom but are now only two points behind Geelong Rangers.

This week the Reds face Craigieburn City which sits in 10th spot.

Smart said their focus remains on what they’re doing.

“We don’t worry about what the other team is doing,” he said. “We worry about what we are doing, look to be defensive, play the football we have the last three weeks.

“We’ve played really good football, we’ve looked like scoring and we’ve looked the better team.”

In state league 3 north-west, Point Cook had a 1-0 win against Brunswick Zebras.

Hakan Bayrakli was the goal scorer.

It was the Jets second win of the season but they remain bottom of the table.

In state league 4 west, West Point lost to Surf Coast 2-1, while Truganina Hornets lost to Keilor Wolves, 2-1.

BothTarneitUnitedandWyndhamsuffered lossesinstateleague5westtoLaraUnitedand Maidstone United respectively.

Tara Murray

Wyndham suffered an upset loss to the Hume City Broncos in the Big V men’s championship on Saturday night. The Broncos led by eight points on their home court at half time, before Wyndham reduced it to five at three quarter time. The Broncos finished strongly though to come away with an 111-95 win. Myles Thomas finished with 24 points coming off the bench. In the women’s championship match, Wyndham beat the Broncos, 120-50. Tanielle Knight top scored with 22 points as every player scored at least seven points in the win.

Western FL

Werribee Centrals had a night out against North Sunshine in the Western Football League women’s competition on Friday night. The Centurions were switched on and able to win 35.20 (230)-1.0 (6). Larissa Renaut kicked 13 goals in a best on ground performance for the Centurions. In other matches, Wyndhamvale lost to West Footscray, 4.9 (33)-2.4 (16).

Caitlin Hendrickson. (Jacob Pattison) 354750_05

Kevin Smart. (Jacob Pattison) 343144_08

Club success at state, national championships

It was a successful National and State Indoor Championships for the Werribee Archery Club.

The national event was shot all around Australia on the same weekend, with five Werribee Archery members and two associate membersrepresentingthestateintheArchery Victorian RGB teams as well as competing in the state titles.

Lily Helleren came away with three top three finishes from her events.

“I came second overall in Australia for the under 14 female compound and first in the state.,” she said.

“I was also in the Victorian state team that came third. I am really happy with how I shot, I did my best and shot consistently in both of the sessions. I was beaten by one point but it was still an amazing event.

“Last year I won the under 14 female compound category, so that definitely gave

me an idea of how this event would go and the National Youth in April this year helped give that perspective.

“I didn’t win but I beat the score from last year by a lot so I am really happy.

Sophie Helleren also finished with three top finishes including finishing third in the national youth compound with Lily.

“I was very happy with how I went in the events,” she said. “I tried my hardest and got near my personal best which is a great success in a state and national indoor competition.

“I thought I could have done better on the first day... The second day felt much better.

The past indoor state and national event that I entered was last year and I have achieved much better scores this year with a third place medal [nationally]. I’m very happy.

Peyton Jarosz also claimed a national title in the under-16 female recurve event. She finished fourth nationally.

She finished fourth nationally in the youth recurve as well with Archer Grey.

“This year’s championships were a bit tricky for me because it was my last time shooting my old bow, so the pressure was high,” she said. “Day one of the competition I didn’t do my best so I was in sixth place.

“Day two I had a major comeback, I was in the right mental state. So I ended up in fourth place which I was very happy with because my competition was shooting very well.

“After my results of the second day I would say yes I executed my expectations.”

Amelie Lu won the under-18 state female recurve and finished fourth in the open female recurve.

She finished third and 14th nationally respectively.

“It was a good weekend of shooting and I was happy that I shot better than I had been in the lead up to the competition, coming

Second shot at Olympics

By Tara Murray

Western

Athletics

Amy Cashin will get a second shot at the Olympics.

The steeplechaser was named in the Australian athletics team of 75 that will head to the games.

Cashin, who claimed her second national title in the women’s steeplechase earlier this year, will keep in her second Games. She made her Australian senior debut at the Tokyo Games running her second fastest time at that stage of her career.

The Western Athletics star is based in America.

Cashin said it feels unreal to be competing at a second Olympics.

“I’m stoked and super excited to be able to put on the green and gold again at the highest level,” she said. “A lot of hours have been put into this, and it makes it so much sweeter when you get to live out a childhood dream for a second time.

“At the start of the year I was not as confident, last year was a wee bit rough, and I was mentally struggling, however as soon as I started to feel more like myself and was truly enjoying all the steps I knew that I had a great chance of making the team.

“The last few months I was quite confident I wouldmakeit,however,younevertrulyknow.

Obviously there is an incredible amount of girls right now running fast so nothing is ever forsure,howeverIknewIwascapableofbeing competitive with them and that if I just kept following the plan then it would work out.

“I took the mindset that if I am doing everything I can and in my control and I don’t make it then I simply was not good enough this year and would need to work towards the next cycle- I think that helped to alleviate a lot of internal pressure.”

Cashin said for her she wants to race a race that she is proud of. A finals spot would be amazing

third nationally and first in Victoria,” she said.

“I was pleased to have been a part of the senior state team that ranked second nationally.

“[I’ve been] climbing up in the rankings for my age group with each year and this year fell a little short of those previous results. There’s much room for improvement and will have to work harder to make the higher scores again.”

Caroline Helleran won the 50-plus female compound in Victoria, finishing third nationally. She was part of the Victorian team that finished second in the senior compound event.

“I am very happy with how I shot on both days. I was consistent from one day to the next which was the most pleasing.

“I did not focus on my competitors scores during the shoot which helped me to stay calm and relaxed.”

Tigers stay strong against Warriors

Werribee Districts got the bragging rightsagainstoldrivalHoppersCrossing in the Western Football League division 1 competition on Saturday.

The leader leading Tigers were able to open up a two goal lead and hold onto it heading into the second half.

Five goals to two opened the game up in the favour of the Tigers, who led by 33 points at three quarter time.

The Warriors came home hard in the last quarter, but were too far back with the Tigers winning 13.18 (96)-11.7 (73).

Lachlan Smith kicked three goals for the Tigers.

Reigning league best and fairest winner Dillon Viojo-Rainbow was named their best.

For the Warriors, Harry Maguire was named their best for his six goal performance.

The Tigers remain two points clear at the top of the table and the Warriors in fourth spot.

Point Cook Centrals fell just short of making it two wins in a row, losing a thriller to Yarraville Seddon.

The two teams traded the lead throughout the contest, with the Sharks leading by 20 points heading into the final quarter.

The Eagles kicked three goals to none in the final quarter to claim a 9.14 (68)-10.7 (67) win.

“I would like to run faster than I ever have before.”

After her family had to watch on TV last Olympics, they will make the trip across to Pari along with five close friends and two coaches.

Cashin said right now its just fine tuning things in the lead up, getting in some hard training sessions before heading over to France for the Aussie staging camp on July 24.

Joining Cashin at the Olympics is Joseph Deng, who has been named in his first Olympic team.

The Truganina resident will compete in the men’s 800 metres.

He recaptured the national record in the 800 metres in late 2023 having previously set it five years before.

Deng, who is currently in Africa, said he’s excited that he’ll be part of the track and field team.

Mitch Palma kicked three goals for theSharksandwasamongthebestalong with Haidyn Shade and Gerolemou.

The Sharks remain in ninth.

Point Cook had the bye.

In division 2, Wyndhamvale bounced back against Laverton.

The Falcons got the win, 15.15 (105)-5.8 (38).

Brodie Meadows and Liam Scarborough were named the best for the Falcons.

The Falcons remain in the top four.

The Suns proved no match for Albion, with the Cats winning 23.19 (157)-3.3 (21).

Tarneitwasunabletogetasecondwin on the board against the Western Rams.

After trailing at quarter time, the Rams won, 10.19 (79)-9.6 (60).

Amy Cashin (Casey Sims/Athletics Australia)

Tigers’ stunning second half

By Tara Murray

Werribee got going after a slow start against Coburg to come away with one of its biggest wins of the Victorian Football League season.

The Tigers failed to execute their game plan early on despite leading on the scoreboard at quarter time.

They finally started to get going in the second half of the second quarter before playing some of their best football for the season after half time.

The Tigers ran away for a 19.16 (130)-7.9 (51) win.

Tigers coach Jimmy Allan said after struggling early they got their game going.

“I wasn’t happy with the way we started the first quarter,” he said. “We were up five goals to three but we didn’t play the way we wanted to.

“From about the 15-minute mark of the second quarter we played pretty good after that.”

Allan said in the first half they struggled to get the balance correct between winning the ball on the inside and getting it on the outside.

He said they were giving it away too much back to Coburg, which is more competitive than what its position shows.

“The first quarter they played some really good football,” he said. “We then looked after the ball a little bit more and didn’t give them opportunities to get the ball in the open.

“The third quarter was as good as the footy we have played all year. It didn’t look like they would get it in their defensive 50 for a long time.

“We were making good decisions with the ball and better control of the footy that early on when we turned it over.”

Up forward the Tigers shared the ball

around with six multiple goal kickers.

Hudson Garoni and Zac Banch kicked four goals each, while four players kicked two goals each.

Allan said there was a real mix of contributors up forward.

“The forward line worked well,” he said.

“On the weekend there were opportunities to score.

“We didn’t do it as much early on but there were plenty of opportunities and we took those chances later.”

Allan said Banch was really good up forward with his four goals coming on the back of pressure.

There were plenty of other standouts.

“Riley Bice on half back if not for him in

the first quarter the score line could have been different,” Allan said.

“He took eight marks, intercept marks. Dom Brew and Jack Henderson were good and Aidan Johnson had a patch.

by it all.

The vision for a vibrant Tarneit is outlined in the draft Tarneit Major Town Centre Urban Design Framework which Wyndham City has released for community feedback.

“Harry Grintell was clean when others weren’t. He was back on the wing.”

“He will come back and do what he needs to do,” he said. “Hopefully he’ll be back for finals.”

Werribee remains a game clear at the top of the table.

The Tarneit Major Town Centre is designed to be a hub of economic prosperity, that is beautifully designed with green corridors, and has the capacity to accommodate a centre for art, health and education.

The match was a good celebration for Louis Pinnuck who celebrated his 100th VFL game.

The win was marred by a couple of injuries.

It offers quality recreational and retail opportunities and housing while celebrating the area’s Indigenous and cultural heritage – making it a dynamic destination of choice.

Nick Hayes was a late withdrawal with a corkie. Allan said he could have played but they were cautious.

This week the Tigers face the Northern Bullants at Avalon Airport Oval on Saturday at 2.05pm.

Allansaiditwasanotheroneofthosegames they had to make sure they didn’t take lightly.

The framework will be a guide for staged development in the area and for attracting investment over the next 30 years.

Skipper Nick Coughlan hurt his hamstring.

Allan said Coughlan, who has missed most of the season with injury, was frustrated

It will help to ensure the town centre meets the needs of the growing population in Tarneit with the centre ultimately providing a capacity of 8,000 jobs and a home to more than 10,000 people.

“I wasn’t overly happy at quarter time on Saturday and told them we had a certain way that we wanted to play regardless of the opposition.

Please register for an information session to find out more:

“We need to respect who we are playing so it will hold us in good stead come finals.”

• • Questions can be emailed to tarneitudf@wyndham.vic.gov.au and feedback shared on the Loop by 20 March on https://theloop.wyndham.vic.gov.au/tarneitudf

Louis Pinnuck gets chaired off after game 100. (Belinda Vitacca Photography)

Michael Selsby celebrates a goal in his first game of the season. (Belinda Vitacca Photography)

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