Werribee man Casey Dejong, 45, was living a normal life until a shock diagnosis of kidney failure in 2017 turned everything upside-down.
“I didn’t even know what a kidney was let alone what it does,” said Mr Dejong, who unsurprisingly, didn’t know much about kidney failure or what can cause it, either.
“I was smoking and drinking and all that sort of party going sort of stuff.
“Now I’ve gone through my own journey, I know a lot more now and I want to get the message out to other people to be aware of their health.”
Mr Dejong was diagnosed with IgA Nephropathy, a progressive kidney disease that destroys kidney function.
As his health deteriorated, he was placed on the transplant waitlist, only surviving by beinghookeduptoadialysismachinefornine hours a day, for two and a half years.
It was a difficult and lonely journey for Mr Dejong who is single and had only his doctors for support.
“I guess I was all over the place,” he recalled. “Ididn’tknowwhatmyfuturewas.Previous to it, I had goals of what I wanted to do and when I got diagnosed with kidney failure it all just went blank. I had to restart my whole life again.”
That starting point arrived last year when a matched kidney became available for Mr Dejong, thanks to a donor and the donor’s family, who made the decision to donate their loved one’s organs.
After having his kidney transplant at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and he hasn’t looked back.
“I’mayearoutandforaboutsixmonthsnow I’ve felt back to normal,” said Mr Dejong, who has hit all his medical milestones, returned to full-time work as a forklift operator and in his spare time dotes on dotes on his four pet lorikeets.
He’s even explored the possibility of becoming an organ donor himself.
“I’m looking into it but because of the medication I’m on, it lowers my immune system so they might not accept them,” Mr
Dejong said.
“If I can, I’ll be one of the many people to register.”
In the lead up to DonateLife Week –Australia’s main national awareness raising week for organ and tissue donation – Mr Dejong is urging others to register to become organ donors too.
“Become an organ donor, it will save a life and also change their life for the better. It’s the
other side of things as well” he said.
According to DonateLife, four in five Australians say they support donation, but only one in three are registered to be a donor on the Australian Organ Donor Register (AODR).
One organ donor can save the lives of up to seven people and help many more through eye and tissue donation.
About 1800 Australians are on the organ
transplant waitlist and 14,000 on dialysis for kidney failure, just as Mr Dejong was before his organ donor came forward.
It’s an act of generosity he’ll never forget.
“I’m forever grateful for what they’ve done, giving me a new life.”
DonateLife Week runs from July 28 to August 4.
Details: https://www.donatelife.gov.au/
Werribee man Casey Dejong is a kidney transplant recipient and is encouraging others to become organ donors ahead of DonateLife Week. (Damjan Janevski) 417068_03
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Housing market flat in Wyndham
By Cade Lucas
Despite Melbourne’s west dominating Victoria’s house price growth in the last quarter, prices in Wyndham remained relatively flat.
According to the Real Estate Institute of Victoria’s(REIV)medianpricesforthequarter ending June 30, Victoria’s metropolitan house prices fell 1.5 per cent to $912,000.
Melbourne’s western suburbs, greater Geelong and greater Bendigo bucked the
trend, with some areas experiencing double digit growth.
Little River was again by far the best performer in Wyndham with its median sale price soaring to $1,505,000, up 20.4 per cent. However elsewhere in Wyndham most suburbs enjoyed only tepid growth and some declined. Point Cook’s median sale price dropped by 3.6 per cent to $742,000 and Williams Landing’s dropped by the same amount to $800,000. Wyndham Vale, previouslyoneofWyndham’sbestperformers,
dropped 3.4 per cent to $570,000.
Werribee grew by 3.3 per cent to $620,000 while neighbouring Werribee South remained unchanged on $860,000. Tarneit, Truganina, Manor Lakes, Mambourin and Hoppers Crossing had negligible movement either way.
YPAWyndhamCitydirectorandauctioneer
Kristy Cunningham said the results needed to be put into perspective, arguing Wyndham’s size meant big movements were unlikely.
“Wyndham has so much available so I think it’s very diverse,” said Ms Cunningham of the
Students to stage a spooky show
Werribee Secondary College’s Joy Bevan Theatre will be transformed into the spooky home of the Addams Family ahead of opening night of the school’s latest production.
Students have been perfecting their lines, learning dance routines and music and creating sets ahead of the show, which will be staged on July 24 and 25 at 7.30pm.
Werribee Secondary College performing arts leader Jayden Anderson said the students chose The Addams Family as this year’s production from a list of potential options.
“The students have been working on this musical since the start of the year with great enthusiasm,” he said.
“This is one of the first musicals where the whole school is involved. The art department helping with sets, the English department participating in advertising, the design technology department creating props for us use.
“Our main cast have been working hard to learn lines, songs and dances in order to portray the characters in a recognisable way
while also putting their own flair on the character.
“The ensemble cast have worked as a team to make sure the ancestors of the Addams keep some normality within the family.”
The performance will be the first to be staged in the school’s revamped theatre, which features state-of-the-art lights and sound system and a new projector to display backdrops.
Tickets: trybooking.com/CTBCL
area’s housing market.
“If certain areas are small and supply and demand is more pronounced you’ll see more movement, whereas Wyndham’s huge. There are certain pockets that will sell really quickly and other areas where there may be more available and take a little bit longer.”
REIV president Jacob Caine said the same trend was noticeable statewide. “While overall price movement was minimal throughout the year, each suburb and town has varied greatly in performance,” he said.
Cliff works commence
Improvement works have begun at the famed K Road Cliffs within the Werribee Park tourism precinct.
The $32.2 million project, executed in two stages, is aimed at improving the visitor experience at the well known attraction, as well as upgrading surrounding infrastructure.
The first stage of construction, which is expected to conclude by early 2025, will focus on essential enhancements, including significant drainage works to mitigate erosion along the cliffs.
The K Road Cliffs overlook the Werribee River which forms a natural boundary between the traditional lands of the Wadawurrung and Bunurong peoples.
The project features a new cliff-top walking path with lookout points while also including a staircase leading down to the river, a new car park, a picnic shelter, and some interpretive signage. Following the completion of the first stage, the second stage will commence, focusing on the reconstruction of 2.8 kilometres of K Road, between Duncans Road and the K Road Cliffs.
Wyndham mayor Jennie Barrera said the enhancements would protect K Road Cliffs for both tourists and locals.
“The K Road Cliffs hold a special place intheheartofWerribeeSouth,servingas one of its most unique natural assets,” Cr Barrera said.
The state government contributed $1.5 million towards the project with Melbourne Water adding $25,000.
The improvement works form part of the K Road Cliffs masterplan.
Wyndham council welcomes Changzhou delegation
Wyndham council hosted a delegation of nine officials from Changzhou, China, as part of its friendly city program.
The delegates had a tour of Wyndham, including visiting local industries, before a luncheon at the civic centre.
Wyndham and Changzhou established a friendly city relationship in 2019 and mayor Jennie Barrera said the visit was indicative of how strong relations had grown since.
“Wyndham city has been a member of
sister cities Australia for over 30 years and has actively established and fostered ongoing sister city and friendly city relationships during this time,” Cr Barrera said.
“Since the inception of our friendship city agreement with Changzhou, Wyndham city has had the privilege of engaging in numerous cultural,educational,andeconomicexchanges. These interactions have not only fostered mutual understanding and respect but have also paved the way for collaborative initiatives
that benefit both our communities.”
Cr Barrera said Wyndham was known for its diverse community and global outlook and its relationships with foreign cities such as Changzhou were a prime example.
“Oursistercitiesprogram,withrelationships spanning across Costa Mesa in California, Chiryu in Japan, and Changzhou in China, showcases our dedication to fostering internationalgoodwill,culturalawareness,and global cooperation,” she said.
“Changzhou, a city rich in history, dates back over 3000 years. It’s modern roots and culturearelocatedwithintheJiangsuprovince, Victoria’s sister state and holds a special place in our sister cities program. This relationship, nurtured through delegations and exchanges, exemplifies our commitment to building strong international bonds.”
The July 17 visit was the first post-Covid engagement between the two cities.
Cade
Lucas
Werribee Secondary College students will perform The Addams Family on July 24 and 25. (Damjan Janevski) 420256_08
Mortgage stress high in Wyndham
By Eddie Russell
Homeowners in Wyndham are feeling the crunch of living in their own house, analysis from the West of Melbourne Economic Development Alliance (WoMEDA) has revealed.
According to WoMEDA, Melton has the ninth highest level of mortgage stress in Victoria.
Close to 10 per cent of households in Wyndham experienced mortgage stress in 2023, compared to the national average of 6.5 per cent, the WoMEDA analysis found. Community legal centre Mortgage
Stress Victoria provides free help to people experiencingmortgagestressthroughitsteam of specialist lawyers, financial counsellors and social workers.
Mortgage stress is defined as a household that allocates more than 30 per cent of its income to mortgage repayments. It impacts people’s disposable income and household consumption.
MSV chief executive Nadia Harrison said “a high proportion” of those seeking help are young families and migrants.
Mortgage stress is also high in Melton, which had the second highest rate in Victoria.
Ms Harrison said homeowners in Melton,
Wyndham, and Brimbank all suffered more than most places in Australia.
“Our data reflects that mortgage stress is highest in the growth corridors – areas squarely within the outer suburban fringe,” she said.
“It’s really what people loosely call the mortgage belt; that outer suburban corridor and peri-urban areas.
Confronting the issue as soon as possible was the best thing to do, Ms Harrison said.
“It’s never too early to get help. The overwhelming majority of our clients come to us at the early stages of mortgage stress, and we far prefer that before the debt has spiralled
Help the Wyndham tool library grow
The Wyndham Park Tool Library (WPTL) is hosting a sausage sizzle and tool donation drive on July 30 in an effort to expand its community collection.
The event will be held at the Wyndham Park Community Shed from 11am-1pm, where $2 sausages will be a main feature.
Inspired by National Tree Day, the WPTL decided to celebrate its community garden andtheenvironmentthroughitscommitment to waste reduction and sustainability.
ToolLibraryandCommunityShedmanager
Daniel Schultheis said the group is seeking tools of any description so long as members of the community can find a use for them.
“What we’re after is weird and wonderful tools. We have about 400 tools already, mostly donated and restored tools as well, we’ve got a lot of DIY tools, but we’re really interested in other tools that the community might like to borrow, “ Mr Schultheis said.
The WPTL is open Wednesday, Friday
and Saturday, and also has a bike recycling program.
Wyndham Park Tool Library is a community-led initiative of Wyndham Park Community Centre.
Anyone interested can visit the Wyndham Park Community Centre at 55-57 Kookaburra Aveune, Werribee.
Jaidyn Kennedy
into crisis,” she said.
“It’s much easier to manage and it’s much better for the client.”
In an effort to help homeowners experiencing mortgage stress, the state government has announced additional funding for not-for-profit community service organisations to help provide financial counselling services.
The additional funding will help more homeowners experiencing financial hardship and address the high demand for financial counselling following 13 interest rate rises, increasing rents and cost-of-living pressures, the government said.
support local businesses
The first Proudly Wyndham Business Expo will be held this October.
The event is designed to support Wyndham businesses and provide them with an opportunity showcase their products, build their profile and generate new leads and sales.
“We’re always looking for new ways to support Wyndham businesses,” Wyndham mayor Jennie Barrera said.
“This expo aims to help businesses connect with local suppliers and service providers to build a vibrant local supply chain of producers, suppliers and distributors of goods and services - because we know that when we buy local, that money stays local.”
Cr Barrera encouraged local businesses to not only attend the inaugural expo, but apply to be exhibitors too.
“The expo will also feature a variety of workshops, providing businesses with practical tips and resources to help grow their business to the next level. We look forward to seeing a wide array of businesses exhibit, from accounting and IT solutions, to manufacturing, education, engineering and more.”
The expo will be held on Friday, October 18 from 9am–4pm at Encore Events Centre in Hoppers Crossing.
Exhibitor applications are open and will close on August 18 at: wyndham. vic.gov.au/proudlywyndham
Cade Lucas
Wyndham Park Tool Library members Peter Vaux, Margaret McDonald, Ian Donaldson and Mandy Herrity. (Damjan Janevski) 420633
1000 goals for Falcons’ Cook
By Tara Murray
City West Falcons Jane Cook rewrote the Victorian Netball League record books on Wednesday night.
The star championship division shooter put up her 1000th goal for the season in the third quarter, becoming what is believed to be the first person to achieve that in the VNL.
Cook needed 56 goals going into the game, with her teammates well aware of that and throwing her plenty of ball.
She finished with 63 for the match, earning a well earned rest in the final quarter.
Cook said she could have never imagined shooting that many goals in a season.
“Originally I just wanted to beat last year’s tally,” she said.
“We got to that, the coach is like, Toddy [Jacinta Todd] had worked out the stats and was like, on average you could get 1000.
“We kept it on the low, good to get it in the final game of the season.”
Cook averaged 50 goals a game for the regular season, the best outing a perfect 86 from 86 against the Peninsula Waves.
It was her highest individual total in a game.
“The closest I had come was 80 in a county league game somewhere.”
While Cook is the one doing a lot of the shooting she knows that she can’t do it without her teammates.
She was quick to give them praise.
“They have a lot of faith in me which is good,” she said. “I couldn’t shoot a 1000 goals without then, obviously our defenders getting the ball.
“And then our middies and all the other attackers getting the ball in and having the faith to feed to me.
“It’s certainly not a solo achievement, simply a team one.”
Cook has been part of the Falcons for more than a decade.
The only time the 200 centimetre shooter has played elsewhere was when she was part of the Adelaide Thunderbirds squad in 2017.
She said the Falcons were home.
“They’re my family,” she said.
“They’re just pretty much the second family home away from home really being not from Melbourne originally.
“So I love it. I think particularly I’ve played with Maggie [Lind] for years now so having her and then the team and just the culture that our head coach [Marg Lind] brings and filters down from her, it’s something special.
“You certainly won’t find that at any other club.”
While Cook has reached the 1000-goal milestone and wrapped up another hot shot award, it’s only the beginning of things for her this season.
The Falcons claimed the minor premiership and will go into finals as red hot favourites.
The side is keen to make it three championships in a row.
“Team focus now heading into finals,” Cook said.
“Taking it week by week, game by game.
“We see finals as season two, part two of the season.”
Jane Cook. (Robbab Photography)
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Youth mentors wanted in west
By Cade Lucas
Dozens of vulnerable youth in Wyndham in need of adult mentors are going without due to an ongoing shortage.
Youth services social enterprise Sparkways run a mentoring program for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds across the western suburbs.
Yet despite repeated appeals over the last year, Wyndham, along with Melton and Brimbank, still face a shortage of adults willing tobementorsasthenumberofyoungpeoplein need of them continues to grow.
“Wehaveover30youngpeopleinWyndham
whoneedamentoratmoment,”saidSparkways team leader Fletcher Curnow, adding that the demographics of Wyndham make filling the shortfall particularly challenging.
“Ithinkit’sahighneedareaandit’sagrowing community as well.”
Sparkways currently have about 10 mentors matched with a young person in Wyndham, many of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds, have experienced trauma, have a disability or come from broken homes.
He said that once young people in the program are matched with the right mentor, the benefits to them are obvious.
“Because they lack adult role models they
Swimming for a medal
Melbourne West Special Olympics hosted its Regional Games at the Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre on July 13.
Special Olympics Australia brought sport, joy, and inclusion to people with intellectual disabilities and autism.
The Regional Games featured many athletes from around the state who competed in different disciplines of swimming from 25-metrebackstrokeupto400-metrefreestyle and 200-metre butterfly and individual medleys.
Athletes needed to compete in two regional games to qualify for swimming at the State Games held in September, which are the qualifyingeventfortheNationalGamesbeing held in 2025.
firstofallgettobuildconnectionswithpositive adult role models and therefore they get to set and achieve goals that are important to them,” Mr Curnow said.
According to Sparkways 100 per cent of young people report feeling happier, and more confident after being matched with a mentor for at least a year, while 82 per cent report being more aware of how to take care of their own needs and 78 per cent say they know more about how to support their friends.
Three-quarters say they know more about how to look after themselves, while 70 per cent report an interest in pursuing further education.
In order for this to happen though, appropriate mentors need to be found, with Mr Curnow saying finding men willing to become mentors was especially difficult, with most of their applicants being women.
The program is open to adults of all ages and Mr Curnow said eligibility requirements weren’t stringent. “We provide lots of training and support and really the main thing we need is people who are willing to give back, have lots of empathy and a willingness to learn.”
Mentorships involve fortnightly catch-ups over a 12 months period.
Melbourne West Special Olympics provides a range of sport, recreation, social, and health opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities, allowing them to have fun, build self-esteem, demonstrate courage, and make friends.
Many Melbourne west swimmers have competed at a national level and have grown in skill and confidence from appearing at this level of competition.
Be energised with Zumba
BrooklynresidentscanjoinaZumbaexperience at Brooklyn Community Hall on Tuesdays.
Instructor Michelle O’Loughlin said Zumba has been good for keeping her active.
Zumba is a high-energy dance fitness programthatcombinesLatinandinternational music with dynamic dance moves.
It improves cardiovascular health, aids in weight management and enhances muscle tone and flexibility.
Ms O’Loughlin said Zumba has also helped her overcome osteoporosis.
Diagnosed with the condition at 38, she is now 63 and completely free of it, she said.
“I don’t have to take any medication or anything like that. It’s just through exercise and doing Zumba,” Ms O’Loughlin said.
Her passion for Zumba began at a sports convention, leading her to introduce it in her women’s gym, and she has been dedicated ever
since.
In her classes, Ms O’Loughlin said she has a diverse group of participants, from 20-year-olds to 80-year-olds.
“Theyjustdoitattheirownlevel.Theycome, they enjoy the class, the people around them, the music, and just have fun,” Ms O’Loughlin said.
Byfosteringafunandinclusiveenvironment, Zumba builds community connections and promotes mental wellbeing, she said.
Hobsons Bay Council sponsors these sessions.
Join the Zumba fun at the Brooklyn Community Hall, 35 Nolan Avenue, Brooklyn, on Tuesdays at 6pm.
Details: hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Community/ Whats-On/Zumba-with-Michelle-atBrooklyn-Community-Hall Anne Parisianne
Swimmer Marcus Miceli. (Pictures: Supplied)
Michelle O’Loughlin. (Damjan Janevski) 420000_01
New chapter for house
One of Wyndham’s most historic buildings is set for a new chapter, with the Wyndham council calling for a hospitality operator to rejuvenate the Doherty’s House bluestone by transforming into a cafe and community meeting point.
Considered an important part of the area’s European heritage, the circa-1870s building at 1 Sapling Boulevard was devastated by a fire in 1969.
The ruins laid in place until preservation works were completed in 2022.
Fitzroys’ James Lockwood and Ned Murray have been appointed to run an expressions of interest campaign that will close on July 26.
Wyndham mayor Jennie Barrera said council was seeking an experienced operator withacompellingvisionthatcomplementsand elevates the unique conversion of the heritage ruin into a hub for the Tarneit community.
Council wants to secure a tenant before completing works and is in the process of obtainingplanningpermissionforthebuilding
works.
The new 158sqm building would retain the current bluestone feature walls and comprise indoor dining spaces and commercial kitchen, while a pitched roof, toilets and cool room would be added.
With its outdoor dining area, ample on-street parking and proximity to an adjacent playground, the site offers the chance to gain local exposure.
“This is a great opportunity to refurbish a piece of Melbourne’s history and create a landmark hospitality offering that the community can cherish,” Mr Lockwood said.
Mr Murray said the offering would provide a “point of difference” in the area, which currently has a lack of heritage and character hospitality offerings.
A Tarneit man was one of two people arrested in relation to an arson attack on a Cohuna tobacco store on July 7. Police executed a search warrant at a residential address in Tarneit on July 16. A 37-year-old Tarneit man was charged with two counts of criminal damage by fire, two counts of theft of a motor vehicle, theft, theft from a motor vehicle, possessing cannabis, possessing a prohibited weapon and failing to provide a pin. He was remanded to appear at Mildura Magistrates’ Court on October 9. A 44-year-old Broadmeadows man was charged with two counts of criminal damage by fire and three counts of theft of motor vehicle. He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on July 22.
Correction World War II coastwatcher Ronald (Dixie) Lee, who died on Monday, July 8, was Australia’s last surviving coastwatcher. Mr Lee died just four days after his 100th birthday and a day after Australia’s only other surviving coastwatcher, 101-year-old Jim Burrowes, also died. A story in the July 17 edition of StarWeekly incorrectly stated that Mr Lee died a day before Mr Burrowes.
FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT
Web: starweekly.com.au
Wyndham Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
Wyndham council is seeking expressions of interest from hospitality owners keen
Donherty’s House into a cafe. (Supplied)
Acknowledging women’s pain
By Gerald Lynch
Women experience chronic pain at higher rates than men, according to Northern Health head of gynaecology Josephine Vivian-Taylor.
Dr Vivian-Taylor said women are disproportionately affected by chronic pain condition, creating unique challenges for them.
“In part, this is because women experience chronic pelvic pain, period pain, bladder and bowel pain, particularly at the time of their life they are having periods and ovulating,” she said.
Dr Vivian-Taylor’s comments come as National Pain Week (July 22-28) aims to draw attention to the experience of people living with chronic pain and, by doing so, helps reduce the social and other barriers related to living and managing chronic pain.
Conditions such as chronic pelvic pain, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, migraines, and arthritis are common culprits of women’s pain.
Recent research into women’s experiences within the healthcare system reveals a concerning trend; women presenting with gynaecological pain are more likely to have their pain disregarded.
This dismissal can lead to delayed referrals, diagnoses, and treatments, often exacerbating the chronic nature of their pain and making it harder to treat effectively.
“Pervasive ideas such as ‘it is normal for sex to be painful’ and ‘period pain is normal’ mean that girls and women who experience pain, particularly when it is excessive and negatively impacting their lives, are less likely to seek help in the first place,” Dr Vivian-Taylor said.
Many patients internalise these messages, believing it is ‘normal’ to be bedridden for two days each month during their periods,” she said. “When we tell them that their experience is not ‘normal’ and that we can help, they express relief that they are not ‘going crazy.”
Dr Vivian-Taylor said chronic pain significantly impacts women’s quality of life and mental health.
Young women with chronic pelvic pain often struggle to participate in life like their peers, care for children, or fulfil their career potential, leading to devastating effects, she said.
“I am in awe of these women’s strength to ‘push through’ and fight in the face of such pain. But why should they have to? Women are tough, but if we could help them manage their pain better, they could put this amazing resilience and energy into all the other aspects of their lives,” she said.
Themosteffectivetreatmentforchronicpain involves a multidisciplinary team, including GPs, pain specialists, physiotherapists, pain psychologists, nurses, dieticians, and gynaecologists.
While the evidence for this approach is well established, Dr Vivian-Taylor said delivering
this model of care in our healthcare system is still evolving.
“The women’s health clinics being rolled out by the Victorian government across the state over the next four years, along with endometriosis clinics in general practice and healthcare plans for pelvic health physiotherapyandpsychology,aimtoimprove access to this type of care in Victoria,” she said. “There is no one solution to treat chronic pelvic pain, so shared decision-making, with women at the centre of the care we deliver, is an essential aspect of this care.”
Dr Vivian-Taylorsharedapoignantstoryof a patient who had undergone a hysterectomy for chronic pelvic pain.
This patient had suffered for years, with every aspect of her life impacted by the pain.
Despite constant appeals to her doctors, her
feelings were disregarded until she finally had a hysterectomy.
“When I asked her if her pain improved after the hysterectomy, it was an emphatic yes! Pure joy on her face! Successfully treating women’s pain, often after many years of suffering,isaverysatisfyingaspectofmyjob,” she recounted.
“I would like to say ‘we see you and we believe you’ to all women experiencing chronic pain.”
For those who have been put off accessing care due to poor experiences or fear of not being believed, she encourages them to advocate for treatment again.
She also urges women to explore all aspects of multidisciplinary treatment available for chronic pain to find the combination that works best for them.
Tips for managing stress and maintaining health
By Carly Dober, director, Australian Association of Psychologists and owner of Enriching Lives Psychology
Stress management is crucial for maintaining overall well-being and coping effectively with life’s challenges. Stress, while a natural response to demanding situations, can become detrimentalifnotmanagedproperly.Adopting various strategies can significantly alleviate stress and promote mental resilience.
Oneeffectiveapproachtostressmanagement is engaging in regular physical activity. Exercise has been consistently shown to reduce stress levels by promoting the release of endorphins, often referred to as “feel-good“ hormones. These chemicals interact with the brain receptors, triggering a positive feeling in the body. Moreover, physical activity helps in reducing the levels of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which are elevated during stressful periods. Whether it’s a brisk walk, yoga, or a gym session, incorporating movement into daily routines can significantly contribute to stress reduction.
Another powerful technique for managing stress is deep breathing exercises. Deep breathing involves taking slow, deep breaths from the diaphragm rather than shallow breaths from the chest. This technique helps to activate the body’s relaxation response, which counters the physiological effects of stress. Deep breathing increases oxygen flow to the brain and stimulates the parasympathetic nervoussystem,promotingasenseofcalmness and reducing heart rate and blood pressure. By regularly practicing deep breathing exercises, we can train our bodies to respond to stress in a more effective manner.
Seekingsocialsupportfromclosefriendsand family members is equally vital in managing stress. Sharing our feelings and concerns with trusted people can provide emotional comfort andperspective.Socialconnectionsofferasense ofbelongingandsecurity,bufferingagainstthe negative effects of stress. Whether through a heartfelt conversation, seeking advice, or simply spending quality time together, nurturing relationships can significantly enhance resilience to stress. Engaging in fun and pleasurable activities is also essential for stress management. Participating in hobbies, interests, or leisure activities provides a mental break from stressors and promotes relaxation. Activities such as reading, hiking, listening to
music, or engaging in creative pursuits allow individualstounwindandrecharge.Bymaking time and space for enjoyable activities, we can cultivate a sense of fulfilment and balance in our lives, reducing overall stress levels.
Adopting healthy lifestyle habits, such as maintaining a balanced diet, getting adequate sleep, and managing time effectively, complements stress management efforts. Proper nutrition supports overall well-being and helps regulate mood, while sufficient sleep enhances cognitive function and emotional resilience.
Stress management involves adopting a multifaceted approach that addresses both physiological and psychological aspects of stress. Regular physical activity promotes endorphin release and reduces stress hormones, while deep breathing exercises induce relaxation responses. Seeking social support fosters emotional connections and provides a sense of security, while engaging in enjoyable activities promotes mental well-being. By incorporating these strategies into daily routines, individuals can effectively manage stress, enhance resilience, and maintain optimal mental health. Taking proactive steps towards stress management not onlyimprovesqualityoflifebutalsoempowers individuals to navigate challenges with greater ease and positivity.
If you are concerned about how you handle stress or need some expert tools for stress management, a psychologist might be able to help.
Northern Health head of gynaecology Dr Josephine Vivian-Taylor. (Damjan Janevski) 414632_07
Campaign calls for driving change
By Gerald Lynch
A campaign to give medicinal cannabis users an exemption to drive with traces of the drug in their systems is being advocated for in Melbourne’s west.
Tradies and parents prescribed medicinal cannabis have joined with Western Metropolitan MP David Ettershank and Legalise Cannabis party member Rachel Payne to launch a campaign, pushing for altered driving laws.
‘‘ I keep taking medicinal cannabis because I don’t have a choice. My life before medicinal cannabis is not an option ’’ - Alice Davy
Theyareadvocatingforthestategovernment to immediately establish a legal defence for medicinal cannabis prescription holders who are charged with the presence of drugs in their system, if the medication was taken in accordance with a prescription and they were not impaired when tested.
The campaign follows the government’s announcement it has partnered with Swinburne University on an 18-month, $4.9 million trial to determine whether Victorians who use medicinal cannabis can drive safely.
The Legalise Cannabis Party said the legal defence needed to be introduced now, rather in acoupleofyears’timeoncethetrialiscomplete.
Ms Payne said former premier Dan Andrews had promised to address the issue in 2023.
“Now, with a new premier, it’s mid-2026 at best. She’s in the slow lane,” Ms Payne said.
“How many times will this government betray patients when it comes just giving an answer on medical cannabis driving?
“Around three per cent of Australians use cannabis for medical purposes, but any trace elements of the cannabinoid, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in your system, despite being unimpaired, will automatically result in a loss of licence.
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“Victorian Police carry out about 150,000 random roadside drug tests every year … these saliva tests do not determine whether a driver is impaired … often just small traces from medication consumed days before that have no impact on driving.”
Mr Ettershank said it is time for Victoria to align its laws with other areas of the country, such as Tasmania, where exceptions are made.
“More than a million medicinal cannabis prescriptions have been issued in Australia. In Tasmania medical cannabis prescription holders have a legal defence and don’t lose their licenseifunimpairedbuttracesofcannabinoid chemicals are in their system,” he said.
Alice Davy, who lives in Melton, is a single mother who has stage-four endometriosis and multiple sclerosis, and a turned to medicinal cannabis after using countless other medications which failed to help her conditions.
“I was very sick, cannabis saved my life. I can now maintain a healthy weight. I’m calmer for mykidsandtheseveretremorinmyrighthand is gone,” she said.
Ms Davy never drives when she is impaired and believes medicinal cannabis has improved her driving.
“Of course, I follow my doctor’s directions –a doctor is the expert to tell you how to take a medication,” she said.
“Despite the law, I keep taking medicinal cannabis because I don’t have a choice. My life before medicinal cannabis is not an option. “I amsureourpremierwouldknowsomeonewith a terminal illness or autoimmune condition who would benefit from medicinal cannabis.”
A state government spokesperson ensured work was being complete to get the trial under way. “Victoria was the first state in Australia to legalise access to medicinal cannabis – now, we’re the first in the world to test how it affects real-world patients in real-world conditions,” the spokesperson said.
“There is nowhere in the world that has a standard way of measuring impairment when it comes to medicinal cannabis.
“We will never compromise on road safety, and that’s why we’ve engaged Swinburne in this world first trial to take an evidence-based approach to ensure we get this right.”
A general election for Wyndham City Council will be held in October 2024. To be able to vote in the election, you must be enrolled by the close of roll at 4 pm on Wednesday 7 August 2024. Two categories of voters can be enrolled to vote in the Wyndham City Council election: State-enrolled voters and Council-enrolled voters.
State-enrolled voters
Am I enrolled to vote?
You are automatically enrolled for this election if:
•you will be 18 years of age or over on Saturday 26 October 2024 and
•you live in the City of Wyndham and you are on the State electoral roll for your current address.
You need to enrol if:
•you are an Australian citizen aged 18 or over on Saturday 26 October 2024 and
•you live in the City of Wyndham and you are not on the State electoral roll or
•you have lived at your current residential address within the City of Wyndham for at least a month and have not yet updated your enrolment details, including any changes to your postal address.
How do I enrol?
You can enrol online at vec.vic.gov.au
You can also download an enrolment form from the website. All enrolment applications must be received by the Victorian Electoral Commission by the close of roll at 4 pm on Wednesday 7 August 2024.
How can I check my State enrolment?
You can check your enrolment details online at vec.vic.gov.au at any time, or call 131 832.
Council-enrolled voters
Am I enrolled to vote?
To be a Council-enrolled voter, you must be:
•18 years of age or over on Saturday 26 October 2024 and
•not a State-enrolled voter within the City of Wyndham.
New rules mean you are no longer automatically enrolled if you are a non-resident property owner (e.g. a landlord or a business owner that pays rates). If you are a non-resident property owner within the City of Wyndham, you need to apply to enrol if you wish to vote in the Wyndham City Council election.
Who else can enrol & vote?
You may also apply to enrol if:
•you have purchased a rateable property within the City of Wyndham since the last election but you are not a resident of the City of Wyndham, or
•you are not an Australian citizen and you live in, and pay rates for, a property within the City of Wyndham, or
•you pay rates on a property you occupy within the City of Wyndham and have no other voting entitlement within the City of Wyndham, for example you are a shop tenant and pay rates to the Council for your tenancy, and you have no other voting entitlement within the City of Wyndham, or
•you are a director or company secretary of a corporation within the City of Wyndham that pays rates to Wyndham City Council and you have no other voting entitlement within the City of Wyndham.
How do I apply to be a Council-enrolled voter?
If you meet any of the above criteria and wish to enrol, contact Wyndham City Council on 1300 023 411 for a council enrolment form. Council enrolment forms must be received by the Council by the close of roll at 4 pm on Wednesday 7 August 2024
How can I check if I am Council-enrolled?
You can check your enrolment details by contacting the Council on 1300 023 411.
Thinking about standing for election?
To nominate as a candidate for Wyndham City Council, you must:
•be an Australian citizen and enrolled on the voters’ roll for Wyndham City Council and •be eligible to become a councillor and •have completed the mandatory candidate training provided by Local Government Victoria before lodging your nomination with the Election Manager.
For further information, visit vec.vic.gov.au
Enrolment closes 4 pm Wednesday 7 August 2024
State-enrolled voters can register for free VoterAlert SMS and email reminders at vec.vic.gov.au
Melton’s Alice Davy has used medicinal cannabis to treat multiple chronic pain conditions. (Supplied)
Sessions educate the educators
By Cade Lucas
A new suite of training programs from the Western Region Centre Against Sexual Assault (WestCASA) are in full swing, with the education and community sectors a particular focus.
The Werribee centre has recently been running training programs on topics such as responding to disclosures of sexual assault, affirmative consent and healthy relationships at universities and not-for-profits across the western suburbs.
WestCASA community education manager
Adrian Smith said education providers and community organisations were two of their target areas for sexual assault education.
“They’re definitely areas of priority for us because they have a direct impact on the community,” Mr Smith said.
“They work directly with the community and have the best opportunity to meet the community at their level.”
Mr Smith said new catalogue of training programs provided by WestCASA focused not just on the prevention of sexual assault, but what to do afterwards.
“The main one at the moment is responding
to disclosures of sexual assault,” he said of situations where people reveal they’ve been sexually assaulted, something they often do years after it occurred.
“It’s a comprehensive training program which also focuses heavily on affirmative consent,” he added.
Mr Smith said demand for training programs had noticeably increased over the past three months, a mixture of organisations comingtothemandalsoaresultofWestCASA promoting its services in the community.
Regardless of the motivation, he said was vital that people from all walks of life go
Free CPR training could help save a life
St John Ambulance Victoria is providing free CPR training as part of the Defib in your Street Community Program.
Classes are held every Tuesday at the West Sunshine Community Centre, from 10am to 12.30pm, and every Friday, from 2pm to 4.30pm, at the Visy Cares Hub. Program organiser Marj Devereux implored everybody to take advantage of the program and learn a skill that could save a life.
“CPR is a really important skill in the chain of survival,” she said.
“Early intervention is so important, and learning through this course may help you save a life.
“Wearealsoaimingtodestigmatisetheskill level people think it requires … you can be fully trained up after a two -and-a -half-hour course.”
Registration is essential and participants will receive a certificate upon completion.
Register: defibinyourstreet.org.au
Gerald Lynch
through training on issues relating to sexual assault and building healthy relationships.
“It is each individual’s responsibility to inform themselves on what steps can be taken to eliminate sexual violence in our communities, and this is the focus of our education and information workshops at WestCASA.”
As well as running training programs, WestCASA also provides support to victim survivors of sexual violence in the western suburbs and advocates on their behalf.
Details: training@westcasa.org.au or 9216 0444
Sunday tree day in Wyndham
Wyndham’s green thumbs are being called into action ahead of National Tree Day this weekend.
Wyndham council is hosting a community planting event on Sunday, July28atCambridgeReserveinHoppers Crossing, where 3000 trees are expected to be planted. Wyndham mayor Jennie Barrera encouraged all local residents to get their hands dirty and join in.
“This is a great opportunity to reconnect with nature, help cool the climate, provide homes for native wildlife and make your local community a happier and healthier place to live,” Cr Barrera said.
“Over 26 million trees have been planted across Australia by volunteers since National Tree Day first began in 1996 and we are excited to support the goal of getting another million native plants in the ground this year.”
Wyndham councillor Robert Szatkowski said National Tree Day was aligned with council’s environmental goals.
“Through events such as these, our annual tree planting program and our commitment to have at least one tree planted in every suitable nature strip by the year 2030, we’re on track to making Wyndham greener,” Cr Szatkowski said.
The Wyndham National Tree Day community planting event will be held from 10am to noon.
Participants are encouraged to bring theirownglovesandweatherappropriate clothing.
Hoppers Crossing Rotary will be providingafreebarbecuelunchandthere will also be a coffee van and information stalls on site.
Details: wyndham.vic.gov.au/ national-tree-day
Annual expo to help raise awareness about Parkinson’s
ParKanDo will hold its annual community expo on Saturday, August 17, at the Newport Community Hub.
ParKanDoisagrassrootspeersupportgroup run entirely by volunteers who have lived experiences with Parkinson’s. The expo offers attendees an opportunity to build connections, share experiences and gain support from a community.
This free event, including a light lunch, aims to provide valuable information about Parkinson’s disease to affected individuals and the broader community.
Parkinson’s disease is the fastest-growing degenerative neurological condition worldwide.
The expo will feature the Florey Institute’s professor David Finkelstein, who will offer
insights into ongoing scientific efforts to understand and treat the condition.
Other speakers include Fight Parkinson’s chief executive Emma Collin, speech therapist Caitlin Grima, exercise physiologist Kimberley Peden, family carer Janice Reardon, and Marty Rankin, who has young Parkinson’s onset.
Mr Rankin, who was diagnosed at 53, said there’s not a lot of support for younger people.
So Mr Rankin tries to help younger people with Parkinson’s symptoms in the community “to understand that it’s a progressive disease, butifyoucanmanageitasearlyaspossible,the outcomes are much better if you put your head in the sand and don’t do anything about it.”
The event will conclude with an interactive question and answer session, during which attendees will be able to interact directly with the panel of experts. This session aims to address individual concerns and provide a deeper understanding oflivingwithParkinson’sandavailablesupport systems.
ParkAndo community expo will be held at the Newport Community Hub, 13 Mason Street, Newport, and online via Zoom. The event is on Saturday, August 17, from 10.30am to 1pm.
Details: https://parkando.org.au/. Anne Parisianne
Emily Jans performing CPR training on a dummy in Sunshine. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 419403
ParKanDo members. (Damjan Janevski) 416593_02
Deposit depot to open
By Cade Lucas
Wyndham’s first recycling depot for Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) will open by the end of July.
“We’ll officially get the keys on the 24th,” said Rob Brown, chief chance creator at social enterprise Recycle4Change who are the Wyndham network operator for the CDS and who will operate the Point Cook facility.
“The equipment is already installed and has beencommissionedandwewillbesingulating containers by the end of the month.”
The opening will come almost 12 months after Wyndham council voted in favour of leasing a vacant property in Wallace Avenue to Recycle4Change so it could establish a container deposit recycling facility there.
However, the close proximity of the proposed depot to the Wyndham pound and animal adoption centre, led to fierce opposition from vets and animal welfare campaigners concerned about the impact of machinery noise on dogs and cats next door.
After agreeing to strict conditions including restricted operating hours and acoustic and vibration testing, Recycle4Change’s proposal was narrowly approved by council’s planning committee in December.
Mr Brown said there have been further delays since, but thanked Wyndham council for its support.
“We had to do some refitting to the building and obviously and to get through the proper planning processes, but council have been fantastic,” he said.
“The support from council since we got the agreement to use the building has been stunning.”
Mr Brown said 14 people had already been employed to work at the Point Cook depot and were currently undergoing training at
Recycle4Change’s existing recycling depot in Geelong.
“They’re primarily women and juveniles who’ve been exposed to or impacted by the justice system,” he said.
Recycle4Change and sister organisation Fruit2Work are social enterprises that specialise in employing ex-prisoners.
Mr Brown said the depot’s workforce would likely double in the next 18 months, with the Point Cook facility expected to be 30 per cent
busier than its North Geelong counterpart.
With each container attracting a 10 cent refund, he said that would mean more money coming into Point Cook and Wyndham.
“We’ve done 6 million containers already at our North Geelong site since November. That’sallowedtheschemetocreate$600,000 worthofrevenueandincomeformarginalised people of North Geelong and we expect it will do the same for Wyndham if not more so.”
Get into the Olympic spirit
With the 2024 Olympics about to start, Wyndham residents are being encouraged to get a taste of the sports that will feature in Paris at a series of come and try sessions.
The come and try sessions will run from July26toSeptember8andinclude sports such as athletics, gymnastics, table tennis and taekwondo.
Wyndham mayor Jennie Barrera urged locals to get into the spirit of the Paris games and give some Olympic sports a go.
“We look forward to our community being inspired by the Paris Olympics and Paralympics and making the most of the ‘come and try’ sessions that are on offer in Wyndham,” she said.
For those too young for the come and try sessions, colouring-in sheets depicting Olympic sports can be downloaded from Wyndham council’s website and once completed, dropped in at any council run community centre where they will be put on display.
Olympic-themed story times will also be offered at Tarneit, Point Cook and ManorLakeslibraries.Withanumberof Wyndham athletes competing in Paris, Cr Barrera said the local community would also be provided the opportunity to show their support.
“We’ve listed those athletes who are connected to Wyndham and will be competing in the Olympics and Paralympics on our website, to help you follow along and support them.”
Details: wyndham.vic.gov.au/ games-2024
Recycle4Change chief chance creator Rob Brown at the site of its proposed recycling depot in Point Cook. (Damjan Janevski) 392083_01
Women say ‘no more’ violence
By Cade Lucas
A national rally calling for action to end gendered, sexual, domestic, and family violence will come to Wyndham this weekend.
No More: A National Rally Against Violence, will be held at locations across the country from July 26 to 27, with the Wyndham event taking place on Saturday at Station Place in Werribee.
Organised by anti-sexual violence not-for-profit, What Were You Wearing (WWYW), the latest round of ‘No More’
rallies follow on from initial protests in April that attracted more than 100,000 people across the country.
Saturday’s rally in Werribee is being jointly organised by Wyndham women Kylie Borg and Kylie Borely.
“As a resident of Hoppers Crossing, I felt this rally was needed in Wyndham due to the high percentage of violence against women and children in our community,” explained Ms Borg as to how the idea for the Werribee rally came about.
At the Werribee rally, a flower tribute honouring 53 women killed as a result of
gendered violence this year will be presented.
Asatallotherrallies,protestersinWerribee will also be pushing for two national demands: mandatory trauma-informed training for first responders across Australia and funding for grassroots organisations in the domestic, family, and sexual violence sector, including women’s refuges and men’s behaviour change programs.
WWYW chief financial officer and long-timevolunteerEthanFraseremphasised the importance of male support on this issue.
“Whenit’susmenwhoarethepredominant perpetrators of violence, it shouldn’t be left to
everyone else and the victims to address and fight the issue.
If we aren’t willing to support and continue to deny there’s a problem, nothing will change,” he said.
The Werribee rally is one of 25 to be held at locations across the country this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Protesters will gather in Station Place at 2pm, with Wyndham mayor Jennie Barrera among those who will give speeches.
Performances, organised activities and support services for survivor victims will also be on offer.
Planting event marks partnership milestone
The Werribee River Association (WRA) celebrated the anniversary of its partnership with quarry operator Holcim with a tree planting event in Presidents Park on Wednesday.
Thirty volunteers participated in the planting event, including Werribee River Association members, the Werribee Riverkeeper, Wyndhamcouncilconservation crew members and Holcim staff.
About 3000 plants were put in during the morning event, which WRA interim executive officer Lisa Field said was a fitting way to mark the milestone.
“The partnership with Holcim is usually two events per annum. We do a big planting day and we do a big clean up event,” she said. “Holicm bring along about 15-20 people and they extend the invitation to their contractors as well.”
Holcim runs a quarry in Wests Road,
Werribee, one of 80 sites the company has across Australia.
The quarry operator and building supplies company first approached the WRA about a possible partnership in 2012 with the aim of supporting the ecology of the Werribee River, parklands and catchment waterways.
The partnership began with significant plantings around the Cheetham Wetlands near Point Cook before other sites were developed, including Presidents Park, with both Holcim and the WRA working closely with Wyndham council who manage the park.
Ms Field said the partnership has resulted in over 25,000 trees, scrubs and grasses being plantedandtheremovalofsixtonnesoflitter.
YOUR NEW CAREER ... starts here
Childhood inspires art
TheChineseRestaurantPlaygroundexhibition, featuring the work of artist Steffie Yee, is now on display at Footscray Community Arts.
This solo exhibition showcases diverse art forms, including animations, illustrations, sculptures, archival videos and photographs.
Wales.
The restaurant is located at the front of her childhood home, so the Yee and her siblings often spent hours there.
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.
The exhibition includes a striking large papermachesculpture,whichoccupiesitsown room within the gallery.
Yee said she completed a four-month residency at Footscray Community Arts, which provided her with a workspace and professional support in designing her art for the exhibition.
Yee, who holds a bachelor of design and animation from the University of Technology Sydney, brings a unique blend of commercial animation and video editing to her artistic practice.
For the art in this exhibition, Yee said she drew inspiration from her childhood memories of growing up in her parents’ Chinese restaurant in Branxton, New South
“Chinese restaurants have been a part of history for centuries in Australia,” Yee said. Yee, who lives in Melbourne now, said the exhibition showcases the lives of Chinese restaurant owners and their families beyond their businesses.
“I hope people walk away with a sense of nostalgia. But I also hope the exhibition helps humanise people behind Chinese restaurants,” Yee said.
Looking ahead, Yee plans to tour the Chinese Restaurant Playground exhibition across Australia.
The exhibition is at Footscray Community Arts unitl September 15.
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
Cade Lucas
Wyndham council’s Jeff Canada, Holcim’s Graeme Jones and Stuart Tate and Werribee River Association’s Lisa Field. (Supplied) 420329_01
Steffie Yee with one of her artworks. (Damjan Janevski) 417899_03
A tale of two artists uniting
Two artists with different styles came together to create a stunning piece of public art. Anne Parisianne delves into their journeys to uncover the inspirations behind their artwork.
In May, Jarrod Grech and Divjot Kaur gathered in Thyme Park, Wollert, to create a mural.
Grech, an established artist, painted a landscape of green mountains illuminated by the light of the sun.
Kaur, an emerging artist and local student, added her purple henna creation to the side of the painting, infusing the mural with a touch of her style.
The mural, vibrantly spread across the 15 metresbythreemetreswallbehindabasketball hoop, adds serenity to the trees beyond.
Far from being a renegade action or an unlawful act of graffiti, the duo created the mural at the request of Whittlesea council.
With Grech mentoring, they aimed to promote community connection and pride as part of the council’s Love Where We Live campaign.
Grech said his artistic journey began in early childhood, about the age of five.
Throughout his childhood and teenage years, he drew on and off.
He put his pencils down after year 12 and didn’t pick them up again until 2018.
The death of his best friend drove Grech to draw again.
“After my best mate passed away, I thought I bettermakesomethingofmyself.Ithoughtthe only way I can do that is through art,” Grech said. “I thought I’m gonna make something, the best of what I have, while I’m here.”
Grech has been creating art ever since, with his works taking the form of canvases and murals.
When he started creating again, Grech was motivated to make art for his personal satisfaction.
But seeing the joy that his creations bring people, he realised it’s not about him.
“It’s about bringing joy to people, to the community,” he said.
Grech said he enjoyed creating landscapes, like the one in Thyme Park.
He also likes to portray Australian heroes or legends who have inspired him.
One of his most notable pieces is a tribute to the late cricketer Shane Warne. Painted on an abandoned building, this mural landed him in court and brought him media attention.
Despite the legal troubles, the court spared him, allowing him to continue his artistic journey.
For Grech, the process of creating a mural is a blend of technology and tradition.
Before putting layers of spray paint on a wall, Grech begins by photographing the wall, finding the image he’d like to create, then using software on his iPad to design the mural digitally.
This allows him to measure and plan each element precisely; to create graffiti, the
measurements need to be exact.
Just recently, Grech created another piece featuring a breathtaking scene of a St Kilda sunset, with ombre colours falling into the horizon.
The visual texture appears smooth yet layered, inviting viewers to trace their fingers over the imagined brushstrokes, connecting them to the artist’s intricate process.
Grech shared that the feeling he gets after finishing an artwork is like being on cloud nine.
“The feeling I get is the best feeling in the world. There’s nothing that compares to it,” he said. “You feel like crying because it feels so good.”
At just 16 years old, Kaur has already made a significant impact with her art. Her design on the mural at Thyme Park wasn’t her first henna artwork.
Henna, a natural dye made from henna
leaves, produces temporary tattoos that last from one to three weeks, depending on skin type and care.
It symbolises beauty, cultural tradition and personal expression, often marking significant life events and celebrations.
Women across various cultures and religions–includingthosefromIndia,Pakistan andBangladesh–usehennaforthesepurposes.
Kaur’s journey into the world of henna art began during the lockdown when she was just 13.
At the time, she would sit on a dining chair and diligently draw line after line, creating a variety of henna designs on her hands and her mother’s hands.
Now, Kaur designs henna for her female friends, family members, and others who want intricate patterns on their hands.
“When I do (henna), it makes my mum happy, and it makes everyone else happy. So I
think, ‘Ok, they enjoy it and I enjoy it, I could do something with it,” Kaur said.
One of her most memorable henna artworks was depicting her parents’ portraits on her mum’s inner wrists as a wedding anniversary gift to her mother, Karnbir Kaur.
The fine lines and detailed work of her parents’ faces on her mum’s hands made the henna designs look almost like photographs.
For the mural at Thyme Park in Wollert, Kaur said the council and the artists decided she should incorporate henna designs on one corner of Grech’s wall painting, as it is an art form she excels in and felt the community could connect with.
“The area where we did the mural has a big population of Asian and Middle Eastern people. So that could be relevant to them, to us,” Kaur said.
For now, Kaur plans to continue her art alongside her academic pursuits.
Left: Jarrod Grech and one of his artworks. (Supplied) Right: Divjot Kaur. (Damjan Janevski) 415871_04
The mural in Thyme Park, Wollert. (Supplied)
Daughters of the West get active
Daughters of the West is under way, with Cobblebank kicking off the 10-week free health and wellness program.
Sessions begun on Tuesday, July 16, at Cobblebank Stadium with women who live or work in the Melton area participating in exercises lead by trained staff.
InWyndham,sessionsruneveryWednesday from 11.30am-1.30pm and 6.30pm-8.30pm at Eagle Stadium.
Women of all fitness levels can take part in exercise under the guidance of trained staff. Details: westernbulldogs.com.au/foundation/ programs/daughters-of-the-west/registration
FROM THE ARCHIVES
Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors
40 years ago
July 25, 1984
Werribee ALP president Ray Cody has slammed a mistake in the advertising of shire election nominations and called for a full investigation.
30 years ago
July 20, 1994
The princely profile of the world’s most endangered species, the Addax, was added to the already impressive collection of wild creatures at the Werribee Zoo last Thursday.
The sessions are aimed at making healthy lifestyle choices and fostering social connection achievable for
Participants can safely take part in the
20 years ago
July 21, 2004
Police have lifted the lid on the tough working conditions at Werribee police station, where 16-hour shifts, frequent assaults on officers and stress caused by inadequate resourcing is putting their health and safety at risk.
10 years ago
July 23, 2014
Wyndham council has declared it will get behind a campaign to bring more police to the area. Star Weekly understands police numbers in the city are set to become a major issue, with a large number of officers working in Werribee about to be transferred to a new 24-hour station in Waurn Ponds .
Attendees of the first Daughters of the West session in Cobblebank enjoyed a morning of fun activity. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 415739_14
Personal trainer Rachel Baratta facilitated the activities.
Cobblebank Stadium will host nine more sessions over the next two months.
Ball sports were a prominent feature of the session.
Women of all fitness abilities are encouraged to join in.
exercise element of the program.
local women.
Olympians Melbourne’s of
Athletics
For Linden Hall it’s a third Olympics Games, for Amy Cashin it’s a second.
Celeste Mucci and Chris Mitrevski get their first shot after just missing out at Tokyo, while Joseph Deng’s rise back to prominence is complete with selection for his first Games.
Hall, who grew up in Riddells Creek, will represent Australia in the 1500 metres.
She said this time round felt different.
“The last couple of times I’ve been able to be selected a little bit earlier,” she said. “This time I had to wait a bit longer.
Hall enters the Games on the back of some strong form, just recently breaking her personal best.
Hall’s focus for the Games is simple.
“There are two rounds to make it through to get to finals,” she said. “Each race is different and is one of the more tactical events on the program.”
A couple of years ago, Mitrevski was struggling with the yips and he had no idea how his long jump events would go.
Fast forward to July 2024 and the Keilor Downs resident will be donning the green and gold.
A stunning jump at the Australian
Archery
After just missing out on the Olympics last time round, Doreen’s Laura Paeglis will be shooting for gold in the archery at these Olympics. Paeglis was named in the two-person archery team to represent Australia at the Games.
“This time around I managed to come out ahead in the race for the single female spot available to Australia at the Paris Olympics,” she said. “Again it came down to three of us competing at the last event in Turkey a few weeks ago.
“Last week in Sydney my selection was formally announced. I was over the moon, after so many years and the ups and downs of two selection campaigns I had finally made it.
“I think it took a few days to sink in but I’m finally feeling like it’s real.”
Paeglis’ love for archery started as many dreamsdo,byseeingsomethinginthemovies.
She was just 10 when she tried archery after watching HungerGames
Championships in April gave him automatic selection for the Olympics.
“I was very confident that I would make this one but I wasn’t really expecting to jump the qualifying time so early, that came as a shock.
“I was more looking at getting in through my world ranking which basically cuts off at the end of June.“
When Mitrevski jumped 8.32 at the Australian Championships it changed his perspective heading into the Olympics.
He became the sixth best Australian ever with that jump and it’s the longest by an Aussie in seven years.
Itwasaninesecondpersonalbestandwould have been a good enough jump to win a medal at every Olympics since 1992.
“You do that at the Olympics you’re every chance to medal, so just changed my thinking frommakingtheOlympicstowhoknowswhat can happen now,” he said.
“Let’s push for a medal that has definitely changed my focus for sure.
Mucci thought her chances of making the Australian team were over when she ruptured her hamstring earlier in the year.
The injury required surgery and it was expected to take three months to heal. Mucci had just four months to lock in a qualifying time.
“I got injured in February in my second race
“I really wanted to try and hassled my parents constantly to take me,” she said. “We were not an archery family and I don’t think they thought I was serious.
“My grandfather finally cracked and took me down to the local club for a come and try day. Which by the way is the best way for anyone to get involved.
“Diamond Valley archers in Yarrambat run them on most weekends.”
Paeglis has already headed to Paris. Until recently it’s been all about selection.
“Now my focus is completely on delivering my best performance in Paris,” she said.
“Australia is not ranked highly in world archery.
“But there have been some outstanding performances over the years. An individual men’s gold in Sydney. A men’s team bronze in Rio. I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent Australia and will be giving it my best.”
back. My chances were then very slim.
“Everything in my rehab went as well as possible. The last five weeks I’ve managed to stay racing.”
Mucci qualified as the 36th best athlete on times in the qualifying period. Only the top 40 are selected for the Games.
The Seaholme resident said she didn’t care if she was ranked 40th, as long as she made the team.
Mucci, who has been part of Williamstown Athletics since she was 12, said she did everything she could to ensure she made the team.
“In May and June I raced as much as I could. It’s more than I have in my life.
“Iracedeachweekandallaroundtheworld.”
She’s hoping to be at her best in Paris.
“I’ve got no real expectations,” she said. “I want to run a personal best and focus on myself.
“I want to get into the semi finals, that is a goal of mine for sure. Anything can happen in hurdles.”
Cashin said it feels unreal to be competing at a second Olympics.
The Western Athletics steeplechaser made her Australian senior debut at the Tokyo Games running her second fastest time at that stage of her career.
“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 would make it, however, you never truly know. Obviously there is an incredible amount of girls right now running fast so nothing is ever for sure, however I knew I was capable of being 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.”
Deng, a 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.
Former Wyndham resident Marissa Williamson Pohlman’s Olympic dream has come true after being named in Australia’s boxing team for the Paris Games.
WilliamsonPohlmanisthefirstIndigenous woman to represent Australia in boxing. She grew up in Wyndham living in a number of different homes.
The 22-year-old said competing at the top level continued the journey of a “naughty fosterkid”fromMelbourne’swesternsuburbs.
“I started boxing when I was 17 … I was getting into fights at school, I just loved to punch-on,” she said.
“Boxing really resonated with me, being
allowedtoactuallydoit,andthenIjustsortof fell in love with the sport.”
The Ngarrindjeri woman said representing Indigenous Australians – both inside and outside the ring – drove her on.
“I like putting my people on the map, sometimes when I’m going overseas, people don’t even know Australia has a black history and a black future,” she said.
“I’m walking in two worlds, competing for Australia, but also working outside of the sport I have a career in Aboriginal affairs and I’m keen to keep pursuing that once my Olympic journey is over.”
– with AAP
Taekwondo
Maribyrnong Sports Academy coach Leon Sejranovic said it was pretty special to get the phone call he had been waiting for, saying he was off to the Olympics in taekwondo.
He will compete in the 80 kilogram men’s competition.
“It’s definitely a dream come true and I think for everyone that does taekwondo or most Olympics sports as a young kid, the dream is always to become an Olympian one day and to represent Australia, do Australia proud,” he said.
“So to have the opportunity to be able to do that is surreal.”
SejranovicreallyputhisnameintoOlympic contention last year when he won bronze at the World Taekwondo Championships. He became the first Australian male to medal at a world championships in nearly 25 years. While he had the standout performance, he still needed to wait to find out if he made the Olympic team.
He said there was a sense of relief because he expected that he had done enough, but there’s always a bit of doubt in the mind.
“Instead of worrying about qualifying, now
Cycling
It’s from the Kyneton Velodrome to the roads of Paris for Lauretta Hanson.
Hanson, who learned to ride in Kyneton and still calls the Macedon Ranges home despite moving away, has been named in her first Olympic team.
Hanson is part of the Australian cycling women’s road race team.
“It’s an incredible feeling,” she said. “Cycling has been my passion since I was junior and it has given me so much in life.
“I have many friends and have been able to travel the world through my sport, but when I first started at the Kyneton Velodrome, I never thought it would lead me to where I am now.
“I never imagined that I’d make it to a professional level, let alone the Olympics. It’s incredibly humbling to look back on my career, the journey it took to get here and all of those that have helped along the way.”
Hanson said making the Olympics was something that she dreamed of, but never truly allowed herself to believe it would happen.
She comes from a cycling family.
Her mum won a national championship in
I can just put all eyes on performing at the Games,” he said.
Sejranovic believes he could medal at the Olympics.
“I know that when I’m at my absolute best, I feel like there’s not anyone that I can’t beat,” he said. “I feel like when I’m at my best I have the ability to beat anyone that’s in that bracket at the Olympics.
“To be at my best requires me to have that consistency, like making sure you do everything right leading into the tournament, so you are primed on fight day.”
Werribee’s Bailey Lewis is hoping to end his career on a high after qualifying for his first Olympics. Lewis narrowly missed out on the last Olympics.
“It was nice,” he said. “We had a fair idea for myself for the last two years now [that he’d make the team].
“I had good results and won the selections about a month ago. That was pretty much it.”
Lewis said qualifying for the Olympics was always a dream – before he even knew which sport he loved.
“As long as I can remember with school
1981 but the family moved away from the sport when her grandfather was hit and killed in 2000.
Hanson and her cousins later picked up the sport and she’s never looked back.
She said making an Olympic team feels significant. “It is the ultimate world stage and you have a whole nation behind you whether they follow cycling or not. It’s going to be a fantastic experience and I’m incredibly honoured to represent Australia.”
Hanson said Australia has a strong team with herself, Grace Brown and Ruby Roseman-Gannon.
Shesaidhergoalistosupportherteammates and to help Australia to the best result possible.
Joining Hanson at the Games is Luke Platt.
The former Maribyrnong resident and Maribyrnong Sports Academy student is going to his second Olympics.
Plattwastheyoungestmemberofthepursuit team in 2020, which had a crash in qualifying. Platt came into the line-up and helped the side win bronze.
This Olympics, Platt has been named as part of Australia’s road team.
Volleyball
An almost accidental combination that grew out of shared injury rehabilitation has Victorian beach volleyballer Thomas Hodges on the path to the Paris Olympics. Hodges, who went to school at Heathdale Christian College, Werribee, grew up in Melbourne and played indoor volleyball at school and also competed at state level in athletics, swimming, cross country running and cycling.
After graduating, he continued to compete in indoor volleyball, but also experimented with beach volleyball. Indoors, he was part of the University of Melbourne team that won the national championships in 2010, 2011 and 2012. He made his debut with the Australian team in 2014 in a match against China, and went on to play more than 75 games for his country. He also played in the college system in the United States, mostly with UC Irvine, and played professionally in Italy and Germany.
He was also drawn to competing on the beach volleyball Pro Tour and had some success with a variety of partners. But after suffering a major shoulder injury that required surgery, he found himself doing rehabilitation with South Australian Zachery Schubert.
“We were both doing rehab together while the other pairs were out overseas playing,” Hodges said in his Olympic profile.
The duo hit it off and began competing as a pair in 2022, reaching the podium six times at futures, national or continental tournaments.
projects,IwantedtobeanOlympian,”hesaid.
“I didn’t even know what an Olympian was.
“I tried lots of sports as a kid. I saw a taekwondo demo at a shopping centre and I thoughtitwasprettycoolwithlotsofflipsand boards.”
While Lewis soon found out that wasn’t what taekwondo was, he fell in love with the sport and has put in plenty of hours since to reach the Olympics. “There’s lots of ups and downs as a junior,” he said.
“I wasn’t the best at taekwondo, but I learnt a lot. “In my senior years I’ve got some good results. I just missed out on the last Olympics which was quite heartbreaking.
“I felt like I had a good shot.”
Lewis will compete in the 58 kilogram men’s event. He said this will be his swan song to competing in the sport despite being just 26.
Lewissaidhewashopingtofinishonahigh.
“I’m hoping to medal,” he said. “I think that I’m good enough and have beaten enough of the past medallists.
“At the grand prix, I’m the only Australian who has medalled in two events.”
The following season, they broke into the world top 10 for the first time when they won the Jurmala Challenge in Latvia, before making it to the round 16 at the 2023 world championships in Tiaxcala, Mexico. They also triumphed at the 2023 Asian Beach Volleyball Championship, dominating the four-day tournament in Pingtan, China, to claim the title.
Marissa Williamson Pohlman. (Joe Mastroianni)
Thomas Hodges. (AAP Image/Matt Turner)
Leon Sejranovic, and right, Bailey Lewis. (Pictures: Australian Taekwondo)
Lauretta Hanson. (AusCycling/Josh Chadwick)
KatharinaHaeckerandAoifeCoughlan. (Supplied)
Judo Aoife Coughlan and Kingsville’s Katharina Haecker have both spent plenty of time preparing for the Olympics in Melbourne’s west.
The pair have been named in Australia’s three-person judo team for the Olympics
Coughlanwillbecomeatwo-timeOlympian afterbeingselectedforthe70kilogramwomen’s event, while Haecker equals the most Olympic judo appearances by an Australian woman at her third Games.
CoughlancomesintotheGameshavingwon gold at the Commonwealth Games in 2022.
The Resilience Training Centre athlete is ranked number seven in the world.
“My performances over the past two years have shown that I’m absolutely capable of standing on that podium come comp day,” she said. “Winning the Commonwealth Games plus my other podium performances over the
past two years absolutely gives me confidence in my abilities. It shows that I am able to perform on bigger stages and under pressure.
“As long as I perform in a way that does all of the hard work I’ve put in justice, I’ll be satisfied regardless of the outcome.”
Not surprisingly, Coughlan will be surrounded by family at the Games.
Her parents met doing judo in university in Ireland and when they moved to Australia, they happened to move to a town that had a club nearby.
Coughlan’s brother Eoin competed at the Olympics in 2016 and her sister, Maeve, is one of her main training partners.
Haecker will compete in the 63 kilogram division.
Haecker enters the Games in good form having won Grand Prix silver and bronze this year. She said it feels amazing to be officially selected for her third Olympic team. She made
The strength of basketball in Melbourne’s north-westwillbereflectedontheworldstage at the Olympics.
Dante Exum and Josh Giddey have been named in the Boomers squad, while Ezi Magbegor and Tess Madgen will pull on the green and gold for the Opals.
Exum, who grew up in Seabrook and spent time on the courts at Keilor and Werribee, will play in his second Olympics, after being part of the bronze medal team at Tokyo.
It’s been a big 12 months for Exum, who returned to the NBA and featured in the championship series for Dallas Mavericks against Boston.
Giddey, who grew up in Yarraville, will be going to his first Olympics after just missing out last time.
“It’s an absolute honour to represent my country,” he said.
“To make my debut in Paris is a childhood dream and I can’t wait to get on the court in front of my family and friends who have all made this journey possible for me.
“To be part of the Boomers legacy, well it’s everything. We have a really great group, we know what we need to do and we are just ready to get into it.”
Ezi Magbegor grew up in Craigieburn before hitting the big lights.
She dominated in the WNBL and is now one of the dominant defenders in the WNBA.
It will be her second Olympics.
She’s one of seven WNBA players that will join the squad for Paris.
Opals skipper Tess Magden is drawing on
the round of 16 at both the Rio and Tokyo Games and is hoping to go even further this time round.
“ThistimeIfeelveryprepared,”shesaid.“I’ve had some amazing results over the qualifying period, and I am feeling ready to step it up in Paris.
“A lot of hard work goes into competing in judo.
“The sports require a lot of commitment, discipline and just trusting the process. When I step out in Paris, I want to give my best, do myself justice and get that medal.”
InherOlympicbio,Haeckersaidshebelieves she was not naturally talented at judo, but it is her love for the sport that has gotten her so far.
“[It] takes a lot of hard work,” she said. “So much … A lot of commitment.
“I would say commitment is the most important thing. Discipline [and] trust the process and just stick to it.”
Artistic swimming
As a child growing up in Werribee, Putu Anastasia Kusmawan loved swimming and gymnastics. Nadia Comaneci, the legendary Romaniangymnastwhowonfivegoldmedals at the Montreal and Moscow Olympics, was her sporting hero.
At the age of seven she discovered a sport that brought together her two first loves. “Synchro was the perfect combination of the two,” she said.
That has led her to her first Olympic Games team.
KusmawancompetedinherfirstAustralian championships in 2014 as a nine-year-old. In 2020,shewontheBarbaraSchembriPerpetual Trophy, awarded to the highest score from an athlete aged 13 to 15 at the Victorian State Championships.
At the 2023 World Aquatic Championships in Japan, Kusmawan was part of the Australian team that qualified for the Paris Olympics with a top-10 finish in the Team Free.
They produced another top-10 finish at the 2024 world championships in Doha. And there was marked improvement at the World Aquatics Cup in Beijing in April 2024, with Kusmawan and the team winning silver medals in the free and technical categories and bronze in the acrobatic.
the legacy of the Opals to inspire the team going to Paris.
Madgen, who now lives in Williamstown, wasapartoftheOpalsteamthatwasknocked out in the quarter finals at the 2020 Games in Tokyo.
“I can’t believe I’m talking about going to my second Olympics, it feels very surreal,” she said.
“We have the absolute best team of athletes, we are much more than a team, we are a sisterhood and we carry with us all the Opals from the past and we draw on their strength. Every time I put on the green and gold it gives me goosebumps, it’s hard to really put into words what it means. We are all so grateful to be here and make no mistake we are very hungry so bring on Paris.”
Others to keep an eye on: •KathrynMitchell–javelin. (FormerWesternAthleticsathlete) •JamesWillett–shooting. (WerribeeVictorianClayTargetClub) •SergeiEvglesvki–shooting. (FormerVictoriaUniversitystudent) •LiamAdams–Marathon. (FormerVictoriaUniversitystudent) •SouthSudanmen’sbasketballteam –threeKeilorThunderplayerswere namedintheinitial25-mansquad; JuniorMadut,KuanyKuanyandDeng Acuoth.MangokMathiangandDeng Adelalsohaveconnectionstothe west.Thefinalteamhadnotbeen announcedatthetimeofprinting.
By Christopher Carter, chief executive, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network
During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, things such as staying at home, wearing masks in public and social distancing were essential for reducing the spread of the virus.
A happy by-product of this was that many other infectious diseases were also impacted, resulting in record low case numbers.
You’ve probably already heard how, now that people are moving about, conditions such as flu and colds (and Covid, by the way) are increasing again.
But another illness making a big and unwanted comeback is whooping cough – a bacterial infection that can be really serious and, in all cases, pretty unpleasant.
Whoopingcoughisalsoknownaspertussis.
In first six months of last year in Melbourne’s north and west there were 85 recorded cases. In the first six months of this year, that number jumped to 904 . That’s pretty much back to pre-pandemic levels.
Whooping cough generally starts like a mild cold – some snot and sneezing, a mild cough and maybe a fever. After a week or two the cold symptoms tend to get better, but the cough gets worse . And worse. And worse.
At its peak it can feel difficult to catch a breath between the coughs – which is why people end up making that ‘whoop-whoop’ sound as they quickly inhale.
In most cases, the worst of it will go away after a couple more weeks, but the coughing can linger for months. This why another name for pertussis is “the 100-day cough”.
Whooping cough can be particularly harmful to babies and young children. For this reason, the Australian Government’s National Immunisation Program provides
free vaccinations against the bacterium at two, four, six and 18 months, and four years.
Kids aged 12 and 13 can also receive a free vaccination though schools-based programs.
Lots of other people can also get either a free initial vaccination (if they missed out in childhood) or a booster. These include anyone under 20, humanitarian arrivals, health care workers, childcare workers and teachers, and pregnant or breastfeeding women .
Of course, it’s important to remember that these vaccinations (like many others) won’t
necessarily prevent someone from catching whooping cough, but they will lessen the chances of doing so and lessen the chances of things turning really nasty of they do.
For this reason, it makes sense to err on the side of caution if you or your children develop what looks like a mild cold with a bit of a cough and make an appointment to see a doctor.
Given the rise in cases, GPs are now looking at cold symptoms with what’s called “a high index of suspicion”. That means they will
consider pertussis in cases where there has been a prolonged cough, and then test for it.
The good news is that the infection can be treated with antibiotics, which will make life a bit easier, although they might not make it any shorter. Pertussis is very contagious, so people with it should stay at home, away from work or school, for at least three weeks after the cough starts, or until they’ve finished the course of antibiotics.
That can be a difficult thing to do, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
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Whooping cough vaccinations are available.
How plants recover after fire
On February 13 this year, a bushfire raged through the beautiful Grampians area of Victoria where my family and I are fortunate enough to have a property. The bushfire began at Bellfield and ravaged an area of 2726 hectares.
The fires began because of lightning strikes as extreme storms hit Victoria after a series of hot days. The other contributing factor was that the bushfire fuel, such as grasses, leaves and undergrowth, had a low moisture content after a long, dry summer, meaning that combustion was rapid, and the fire spread easily
When we finally witnessed the damage to our 2.5-hectare property a week later, a large shed and its contents had been destroyed and the landscape across the whole area was a moonscape, charred and shrivelled with tree trunks still burning and smoking. Our family have a dedicated firefighting crew to thank for the survival of our house, which fortunately remained untouched.
What has struck me as remarkable about the recovery after the fires is that the plants have intuitively begun the regeneration processwithoutanyintervention.Theinternal mechanisms and processes plants undergo ensures that they are equipped to tackle post-fire recovery better than any animal, including humans.
Some trees and plants refuse to die even in the face of 1100 degrees celsius flames,
the maximum temperature at the base of tall flames. To the naked eye, plants scarred very recently by fire can look as if they have died. However given a week or so, the plant springs into action and begins to regrow in the way it knows how. Plants that can survive a fire are called ‘resprouters’ and those killed by fire are called ‘fire sensitive’.
There are three main ways that a plant resprouts after fire:
1/ Trees and some shrubs have dormant buds beneath their bark and these buds survive the heat of a fire. This growth known as Epicormic growth can occur in Eucalyptus and small trees. What you will see is sprouting leaf
growth that is almost feathery in appearance along most of the tree’s trunk area and into its branches.
2/ Many shrubs, grasses, sedges, lilies, terrestrial orchids and ferns regrow after fire from dormant buds in underground organs. These are protected from the heat of fires by the soil. This is particularly striking in the grass trees on our property which have resprouted like bright green fibre optics from the blackened trunk.
3/ Some plants regrow from buds protected fromtheheatoffiresbyleavesoroldleafbases. These tiny plants emerge from a seemingly arid, empty patch in the darkened soil.
42 Apricot Circuit, Tarneit
This titled vacant block of land spanning 350 (approx.) square meters boasts a rare and exceptional opportunity. This prime plot offers an unparalleled canvas for creating your dream abode. Seize this extraordinary chance to build the life you’ve always envisioned in one of Melbourne’s most coveted communities.
• 350m2 (approx.) block of land
• Convenient rectangular shape
• Situated in the sought-after suburb of Tarneit
• Short drive to Tarneit Station
• Convenient access to Tarneit Central Shopping Centre
• Princes Freeway easily accessible through Leaks Road
• Melbourne CBD, beaches, medical facilities, dining, and entertainment opportunities all close at hand
The growing suburb of Tarneit offers a range of amenities and facilities, with easy access to beaches and waterways, lovely lifestyle perks, fantastic opportunities for professionals and students, as well as not being located too far from Melbourne City itself. This block is quite close to everything this welcoming suburb and surrounding areas have to offer, providing a peaceful and convenient lifestyle for potential residents. Public transport, medical facilities, retail, grocery stores and much more are all situated within the vicinity of this highly appealing block. Zoned to Brinbeal Secondary College.
Then there are the plants that are fire sensitive. Of the plants that do die when burned by fire, these plants have two ways of regenerating that rely on accessing the plant’s seed bank. Firstly, the plant may store these seeds in the woody fruits of the branches, and they will be opened by fire. Alternatively, the plant stores it’s seeds in the soil and the seeds will wait until the fires have passed before germinating . Just goes to show the resilience of the plant world!
So, four months on from the fires, the plants have begun to assert themselves once more. Blackened tree trunks and branches have a leaf cover of epicormic growth, bracken ferns have replaced the blackened sandy soils and fresh sprouting leaves emerge from what appears to be a barren, bare and flimsy shrub. Where possible, it is best to leave plants to recover with minimal human intervention after bushfire. The fires were tough on animal life too; accordingly, part of the recovery humans can help with is to leave behind burnt logs and some debris as homes for wildlife. If you are interested in being more prepared for a fire, you may wish to know more about fire resistant plants. The key to using fire resistant plants is to choose plants with high water content to reduce and slow the spread of fire. It is also smart to use trees or hedges, where possible to reduce wind speed, radiant heat and to filter embers.
There are books and websites that can offer advice on plant choice and provide you with further information. A couple of reliable sources are The Diggers Club website The Diggers Club – Australia’s No.1 Gardening Club and Lesley Corbett’s thoroughly researched book called Safer Gardens: Plant Flammability & Planning For Fire Safer Gardens: Plant Flammability & Planning For Fire – Australian Scholarly Publishing.
Auction Saturday 17th August at 11:30am
Contact
Paul Caine 0421 551 051
Erica Aggett 0405 756 318
LJ Hooker Property Point 9975 7080
Please see property link below if you need further information:-
A gum tree recovers after being damaged by fire. (iStock: Lovleah)
PUZZLES
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
ACROSS
1 Sharp struggle (6)
4 Island group in the Indian Ocean (8)
10 Neighbour of Mexico (9)
11 Japanese dish of balls or rolls of rice with garnish (5)
12 Not difficult (4)
13 Hostile (4)
14 Ancient tongue (5)
16 Corrosion (4)
17 Differ (8)
20 Nullify (8)
22 Scottish loch (4)
25 Gutter (5)
26 Ancient harp (4)
28 Middling (4)
30 Rebuke (5)
31 Journeyed (9)
32 To be mildly concussed (3,5)
33 Moniker (coll) (6) DOWN
1 Marked with graffiti (6)
2 More thinly scattered (7)
3 Sprawls (4)
No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.
5 Detailed examination of the elements or structure of something (8)
6 Annoyed (10)
7 Caller (7)
8 Evidence-based disciplines (8)
9 Sharp tooth (4)
15 Styptic (10)
18 Leads an orchestra (8)
19 Devotee (8)
21 Inspect (7)
23 Played for time (7)
24 Clear river bed (6)
27 Actor, – Reynolds (4)
29 Self-referential (4)
1 What is red food dye often made from?
2 The novel A Town Called Alice was written by which author?
3 Escapologist Harry Houdini performed what feat first in Australian history?
4 Danny McGuire is played by which actor in the film Xanadu?
5 Athena is the Greek goddess of what?
6 What does a campanologist play?
7 How many musicals has Andrew Lloyd Webber (pictured) created?
8 Which country is the leading producer of oranges worldwide?
9 Jules Verne, Victor Hugo and George Sand were all what?
10 A standard grand piano has how many keys?
No. 195 No. 195
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication
Lions Club
The Lions Club of Point Cook meets at the Featherbrook Community Centre on the third Monday of the month at 7.30 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. We are located at the 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
Vegetarian cooking classes
The Vegetarian & Cultural Association Incorporated are a non-profit organisation that promotes vegetarianism and principles of a humanitarian way of life. They run cooking classes at Manor Lakes Community Learning Center every first Saturday of the month from 9.30am to 12pm.
■ info@nurtureland.com.au
Point Cook VIEW
The Point Cook Day VIEW Club (for ladies) meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month at the Point Cook Library, 1-21 Cheetham Street, Point Cook. Members enjoy afternoon teas and outings. New members welcome. VIEW Is part of the Smith Family.
■ Catherine, 0407 726 852.
Watton Group
A support group providing a social space for carers to get together in a safe and compassionate environment. Gives carers an opportunity to connect, share their experiences and offers emotional and practical support. The group meets at the 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
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
Werribee Rotary Grants
Werribee Rotary are welcoming applicants for the 2024 Rotary Grants. Applications open on August 1 and close on September 30 2024.Seven grants will be available to a maximum of $3,000 each. Applicants must be registered as an approved community organisation within Wyndham and the project should directly benefit a larger number of persons or community groups in the municipality. Approved applications will be awarded in November. Applications can only be submitted for consideration at the web site: https:// werribeerotary.org.au
■ Steve Weston Rotary Werribee 0448448189
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 252872.
Hoppers Crossing Ladies Probus
The friendly and vibrant group meet at Hotel 520 on the second Wednesday of each month from 10am. They have a guest speaker each month as well as social lunches, outings and theatre trips.
■ 0408 123 669
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
This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of performers Amy Watts, Lore Burns, Lucy May Knight and Jackson Cross. (Damjan Janevski) 417734_01
Book combines poetry and music
By Eddie Russell
Music, literature, and poetry enthusiasts in Moorabool are in for a treat.
On Sunday, July 28, singer-songwriter, poet, and author Vanessa Craven will launch her book, UndertheMopTopTree,at Ballan Arts Space. The session will run from 2-4pm at 117b Inglis Street.
The tree from the book’s front cover exists in the front yard of Craven’s home and is where she gets her inspiration.
“Of all the things I treasure about where I live, it comes back to this tree,” Craven said.
A
“It’s got such beautiful shade, the birds hide in it and I’ve got a table and chair underneath … where I often sit to get my inspiration writing poetry and songs.”
Originally from Mussoorie, India, Craven also takes inspiration from her upbringing in the foothills of the Himalayas.
One of the songs is called Winterline, based onthephenomenonofthefalsehorizoncreated by a winter sunset.
The sensation only occurs in certain mountainous parts of the world.
“When I grew up in northern India I would always see it. I used those memories of a really
rich childhood as a launching pad for writing.”
Craven said it occurred to her that the book would be a way to combine her songs and poems, which fall into three groups – facts of life, fables, and fantasy.
“I wrote lots of poetry and I thought I must publish them, but now some of them have morphed into songs … I’ve always had this interest in my bones for music,” she said.
Originally a librarian, Craven came to Australia in 1977 and has been here since.
“When I took early retirement I decided I would do music, writing, and art – things that you can’t do when you are working.”
‘dazzling’ high school production
Copperfield College is booking out the Bowery Theatreforanunforgettablerenditionofclassic production, HighSchoolMusical
For two nights on Thursday, August 8, and Friday, August 9, the show will be played from 6pm to 8.30pm.
Students from years 7 to 12 from across the college’s Sydenham, Kings Park and Delahey campuses are part of the show on and off the stage.
The soundtrack will also be performed by Copperfield College’s band.
Copperfield College performing arts leader Taylor Van Orsouw said the students have worked extremely hard and can’t wait to put on a show next month.
“We started rehearsals in February and have worked the whole time since, everyone is really excited to get it on stage,” she said.
“We rehearse every Wednesday, with all three campuses meeting up in Sydenham.
“The backstage crew has put everything together, sourcing everything and creating projected backgrounds.“
Copperfield College is excited to be partneringwithCreativeBrimbanktowelcome the production into St Alban’s Bowery Theatre, with tickets priced at $20 and family packages also available.
“Step into the world of East High as our talented students bring the beloved Disney classic HighSchoolMusical to life on stage! Experience the drama, the music, and the excitement as Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay, and the restoftheWildcatsnavigatetheupsanddowns of high school life,” the school said online.
“With dazzling choreography, catchy songs, and a heart-warming story about friendship, love, and following your dreams, this production promises to be a spectacular event for all ages.”
Tickets: trybooking.com/events/ landing/1255776
Gerald Lynch
Experience the magic of Wonderland
The Williamstown Musical Theatre Company (WMTC) is set to enchant audiences with its latest production, Alice in Wonderland Jr , a whimsical blend of classic Disney charm and Tim Burton’s distinctive flair.
This play promises a delightful journey of Alice navigating the curious world of Wonderland on a journey of self-discovery. When young Alice finds herself in a strange world where everything seems upside down, she must find her way home, and find herself along the way.
In Wonderland, she encounters iconic characters, including the ever-tardy White Rabbit, the grinning Cheshire Cat, a cool Caterpillar, the wacky Mad Hatter and the hot-tempered Queen of Hearts.
WMTC director Ang Cuy said the talented cast of 34 young performers, aged between eight and 18, has been diligently rehearsing for about seven weeks now.
Most members of the cast reside in the
Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong areas.
Cuy said the cast members meet three times a week to hone their singing, dancing, and acting skills.
A unique feature of this production is the portrayal of Alice by three different actors, reflecting the character’s various size changes throughout the story and offering audiences triple the fun.
“Being able to work with those young people and create something really memorable is a really special and impactful opportunity for them.Sowe’rereallycommittedtogivingthose young people that chance to build community and build skills,“ Cuy said.
AliceinWonderlandJrwill be performed at Altona Theatre, 115 Civic Parade, Altona, from August 2 to 11.
The songs of Olivia Newton John, as well as those of other Australian favourites, will ring out at Werribee RSL on the morning of July 30 when Melbourne performer Jennifer Lee brings her tribute show to the venue.
Lee began performing her Olivia NewtonJohnandFriendsshow in 2018, four years before the legendary singer and actress died from cancer.
“I never thought when I started that I’d be singing her songs after she passed away,” she said.
“I’ve always been a fan of her and her musicandtheshowtracessongsfromher very beginnings, from the 60’s through to the hits of the 80’s.”
Given how much Newton John’s music and career changed over that time, that’s much easier said than done.
“It’s a difficult thing with Olivia, because she starts off singing country, then the Grease stuff, then you move through to Xanadu where she’s in this disco outfit on roller skates,” Lee said.
“I gave up trying to find an outfit that covers all those areas.”
Lee performs the show by herself, adding songs from other influential Australian artists of the time such as The Seekers, Helen Reddy, and Debra Byrne for good measure.
However, she said it’s the work of Newton John that really strikes a chord with the audience.
“Just about everyone I meet has a soft sport for Olivia,” Lee said.
“She’s one of those iconic Australian figures people just love.”
The show is on from 11am to noon on Tuesday, July 30, as part of Werribee RSL’s Morning Melodies series.
Details: werribeersl.com.au/whatson Cade Lucas
Melbourne performer Jennifer Lee is bringing her Olivia Newton John show to Werribee RSL on July 30. (Supplied)
Anne Parisianne Madison Agius as Alice and Roy Marshall as White Rabbit. (Supplied)
Students of Copperfield College are rehearsing hard, preparing for next month’s production of HighSchoolMusical (Damjan Janevski) 419807_01
Author Vanessa Craven with her new book, UndertheMopTopTree (Damjan Janevski) 420116_02
SPORTS QUIZ
1. The Boomers will play which three teams in the group stage at the 2024 Olympics?
2. Australian runner Jessica Hull broke the world record for which event?
3. Mixed martial arts event UFC 305 will be held in which Australian state capital?
4. Nigeria-born, New Zealand-based mixed martial artist Israel Adesanya is set to fight which South African at
5. The Opals will play which three teams in the group stage at the 2024 Olympics?
6. Australian basketballer Johnny Furphy signed with which NBA team?
7. Which Formula One driver won the 2024 British Grand Prix?
8. Australian athlete Bradman Best plays which sport professionally?
9. The Utah Hockey Club is set to join the NHL for the 2024–25 season after the demise of which team?
Australian-based athlete Kimia Yousofi will represent Afghanistan in which event at the 2024 Olympics?
Which British motorcycle race is regarded as the world’s most dangerous racing event?
The Southern Thunder and Emeralds are the nicknames for the Australian national teams that play which sport?
Which AFL coach was recently sacked after 11 years in charge at West Coast?
14. The Mission Whitten Oval is the home ground of which AFL Women’s team?
15. How many teams currently compete in the Super Netball competition?
16. Which Australian tennis player made a return at Wimbledon in a Legends’ Invitational Event?
17. Wests Tigers’ star Fonua Pole grew up in which Australian state?
18. Who did Spain defeat in the semifinal of the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament?
19. Macquarie Point Stadium is a proposed sporting stadium to be built in what capital city?
20. What nationality are Formula 1 drivers Oliver Bearman and George Russell?
21. The San Francisco Unicorns are a franchise team in which league, whose first edition was held in 2023?
22. Three-time Supercars champion Scott McLaughlin now competes in which US motor racing series?
23. Which Sydney Swans player was suspended for one week for striking in Round 17, putting him out of contention for the Brownlow Medal?
24. In the Tour de France, which jersey design is given to the rider that gains the most points for reaching mountain summits first?
25. A toxophilite is the formal name for a competitor or expert of which sport?
26. What brand-new nickname was recently adopted by Australia’s rowing teams?
27. Fifty years ago, in 1974, which US tennis player won three of the four grand slams?
29. The late actor and comedian
30. In which year did Amsterdam host the
28. British F1 racer Lewis Hamilton will drive for which famous team in 2025?
Robin Williams described which sport as like ‘baseball on valium’?
Summer Olympic Games?
Long way round for Santa Fe
By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring
Millennials and Gen-Xers are not noted for beingfansofthegreatoutdoors,orsoIthought, but according to research neither is averse to channelling a touch of Tarzan of the Jungle.
With this in mind, Hyundai has come up with the ‘Open to More’ concept of expanding customers’ experiences by connecting inside with the outside. Enter the fifth-generation Santa Fe, a spacious and well-equipped SUV with fuel-saving hybrid technology.
A triple-trim line-up is out to appeal to the young tech-savvy Tarzan or Jane with curved panoramic instrument display, front-row relaxation seating, two-way accessible centre console and UV-C sterilisation tray.
The Big Fella can call on Hyundai’s Bluelink Connected Car Services, stay up to date with Over-The-Air software capability or rest easy with SmartSense safety.
The new Santa Fe is powered by a 1.6 litre petrol engine helped out by a 44.2kW electric motor fed by a 1.49kWh lithium-ion polymer battery, mated with a six-speed automatic transmission and front- or all-wheel drive. The hybrids will be joined later in the year by a muscular 2.5T-GDi power plant.
On test was the entry-level Santa Fe seven-seater with front-wheel drive, which kicks off the pricing at $55,500, plus on-road costs. All-wheel drive adds $3000 to the price. Next on the list is the Elite seven-seat all-wheel drive only, at $65,000, with the range topping Calligraphy AWD kicking in at $65,000.Forafurther$500theCalligraphycan bekittedoutwithapairofsecond-rowcaptain’s chairs. Premium paint options are available for up to $1000 across the board.
The Santa Fe Hybrid is covered by Hyundai’s five-year unlimited kilometre warranty and eight-year 160,000km high voltage battery. A lifetime service plan is complemented by a Premium Roadside Support Plan and Sat Nav update Plan while the vehicle is serviced by the maker.
Styling
At almost five metres long, the new Santa Fe ‘pulls a serious face’ with a high-set level bonnet, H-shaped headlamps and lower front valance that draw cues from the new squashed Hyundai ‘H’ logo.
A chiselled profile features clean sculpting and flat roofline, robust wheel arches’ a short front overhang and arty 2-inch alloy wheels. From the rear a wide-opening tailgate speaks to stability, while H-shaped tail lamps ape the front of the vehicle.
The Santa Fe is available in 10 exterior colours, including standard Creamy White mica and Terracotta Orange. Premium mica coloursincludeMagneticForce(grey)as‘worn’ by the test vehicle.
Interior
At almost five metres long, close to three metres wheelbase, the new Santa Fe gains are substantial in occupant and cargo space, the latter also winning out with a 145mm wider tailgate opening than its predecessor.
The power tailgate is smart too, opening to different heights at varying speeds remotely by using the key or by simply standing close to the tailgate for a few seconds. An already generous luggage area (628 litres) with all seatbacks up swells to 1949 litres with the back two rows folded flat.
Onceagain,anH-shapemotifispredominant on the instrument panel and air vents, with a curved panoramic display incorporating a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and infotainment layout.
Eco-friendly materials are put to good use on many of the cabin’s soft surfaces, such as the headliner, seat backs, instrument panel, door trim and seat coverings.
And storage deserves a special mention with two-level centre console with twin-hinged lid making a large cubby equally accessible to the first and second row occupants.
Also on hand are intuitive 6.6-inch climate control display and high-speed dual wireless smartphone charging.
Infotainment
The new Santa Fe sees the introduction of Hyundai’s award-winning Seon Connected Car Next Generation Cockpit, incorporating multimedia and instrumentation in the one interface.
The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is standard across the new Santa Fe range and gives access to visual alerts from SmartSense safety systems as well as the speedometer, tacho, fuel and temperature.
Multimedia functions covered include AM/ FM and DAB+ radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Hyundai Bluelink with calendar, Over The Air updates, Bluetooth, quiet and valet modes and Quick Control (swipe down) menu.
Bluelink features include Automatic CollisionNotification,emergencycallfunction, connected routing with traffic updates, remote control climate and vehicle functions.
Engines/transmissions
The 1.6 litre petrol engine is matched with a 44.2kW electric motor fed by a 1.49kWh lithium-ion polymer battery. Hooked up to a six-speed automatic transmission, and in the case of the test car, front-wheel drive. The petrol/electric hybrid powertrain develops a combined 172kW of power and 367Nm of torque.
Safety
Hyundai SmartSense is an extensive system of occupant protection via a standard suite of advanced driver assistance, including forward collision avoidance, steering assist, driver attention warning, smart cruise control, blind spot monitor and surround view monitor.
The Santa Fe has been subjected to increased body rigidity measures and the inclusion of ten airbags – driver and passenger airbags, first and second-row side thorax and pelvis airbags, driver knee airbag, an advanced front centre side airbag and curtain airbags.
Driving
Hyundai says the all-new Santa Fe Hybrid is designed with the idea of engaging the driver more, while at the same time maximising the fuel efficiency of the petrol/electric powertrain.
A dedicated hybrid information display features a charge/power gauge, battery charge level indicator and regenerative braking information, while the multimedia unit chips inwithfueleconomyandelectricmotorgraphs.
Regen braking can be adjusted in three steps via steering column-mounted paddles.
The driver is given greater braking control and the opportunity to improve fuel efficiency in varied driving conditions. After a week’s work the test vehicle recorded average petrol consumption of 5.6 litres per 100 kilometres.
Handling, stability and general driving control are optimised by e-Motion Drive, a new electric dynamic torque vectoring control system, by easing instability that can be caused by loss of traction of an inner wheel during cornering.
This was particularly efficient in keeping the long Santa Fe Hybrid on an even keel on fast bends and tight corners. The long wheelbase and local suspension tuning turned rough road into its level best. Only tyre noise got through to the cabin.
Occupants had little to complain about with head, leg and shoulder room to spare, even with a full load. Parking provided some angst among drivers, especially in crowded shopping centres.
Summary
Social studies and hybrid technology have resulted in Hyundai approaching Santa Fe from a new direction.
The fifth-generation Santa Fe, a spacious and well-equipped SUV with fuel-saving hybrid technology. (Pictures: Supplied)
Sports people of all ages braved the elements on Saturday to take to the field and court in what one coach said were the worst conditions he’s played in for a number of years. StarWeeklyphotographer Ljubica Vrankovic was also out in the wet weather to shoot some of the action.
Braving the elements in sport
Darley’s Emmerson Hitch.(420267)
Bacchus Marsh’s Elise Cook getting tackled by Darley’s Sarah Tabone. (420267)
Gisborne’s Flynn Lakey. (420265)
Dandenong Rangers’ Ashten Prechtel and Keilor’s Isabelle Bourne. (420269)
The Suns finals hopes are in their own hands in the Western Football League division 2 competition.
Last season’s division 3 premiers sit in fifth spot after 14 rounds with the top six teams to play finals.
Suns coach Dean Cachia said it’s nice to know that they have some control over their fate with four rounds remaining.
“We’ve had some challenges this year,” he said. “It’s a really even competition in the middle.
“The top two are pretty far ahead of the rest of the competition.
“We want to play finals and our destiny is in our own hands. There’s four teams fighting for the last two spots.
“We’ll put the effort in at training and we have three games at home, anything can happen.”
Cachia said they’d had a lot of injuries this year with three to four changes every week which hadn’t helped with settling the side.
He said they had shown positive signs
against the top sides, sides they’d never played before.
“Were competitive for the first quarter against Sunshine and we were in the game at three quarter time against Newport,” he said.
“We’re not too far off in certain parts of the game. Their experience shows where we need to be for future seasons..
“We’re under no illusions where we sit.”
On Saturday, the Suns snuck home for a win against Laverton.
There was nothing between the two teams all day, with the Suns winning 7.11 (53)-7.6 (48).
Cachia said it was the worst conditions he’s played in for three to four years. He said it was the side that adapted to the conditions better that got the win.
“Laverton has improved a lot this year,” he said. “It was a really tough day and we lost two of our three starting mids as late outs.
“It was really muddy and it made it slippery. Both teams had chances and we were able to
kick a late goal.
“Had we lost it would have left us in a dangerous position.”
Cachia said they kicked the winning goal with three to four minutes left on the clock with neither team really looking like they would score another.
JohnTomeltykickedthreegoalsfortheSuns and was the clear best on ground according to Cachia.
He said Chris Lear in the backline was good and then the next three best players on the ground were from Laverton.
The Suns this week host West Footscray on the club’s sponsors day.
Cachia said they were hoping to get a few players back from injury.
In other results, Tarneit upset Braybrook and Wyndhamvale beat West Footscray.
- Tara Murray
Titans stun Brookers
By Tara Murray
Tarneit pulled off the upset of the Western Football League division 2 season so far, beating Braybrook on Saturday.
The Titans only win of the season entering the match was against cellar dwellers, North Sunshine, and they had been disappointing against the Western Rams the week before.
It meant little on Saturday against the Brookers, who are pushing for a top six spot.
Game plans went out the window with wet and windy weather with the Titans doing enough to win, 6.10 (46)-5.9 (39).
For Titans coach Vinny Turcinovich it was still sinking in the following day that they’d got the win.
“It’s amazing,” he said. “We had not won since round two.
“Theyhadafewoutandwehadafewplayers out. We struggled to get a side on the park and we had a couple of first games.”
With wet and windy conditions both sides
had to make adjustments to the way they play.
It was the Titans that adjusted to the conditions the best and had a bit of luck go their way as well.
The Titans led by 13 points at quarter time before the margin was reduced to five points and then two points at the next two breaks.
They kicked the only goal of the final quarter to seal the win.
Turcinovich said the game became about playing basic wet weather football.
“It was more about commitment to the footy rather than structure,” he said. “We adjusted a bit quicker than they did which was good.
“Youhadtohavesomeluck.Itwasaboutless handball and more long kicks to gain territory and hoping it fell our way which it did.”
It was all single goal kickers for the Titans in the win.
Turcinovich said it was a solid team performance that got them across the line.
“Luke [Meyrich] in the ruck played one of
Sports shorts
Coates Talent League
The Western Jets boys fell short against the Tassie Devils in the Coates Talent League on Saturday. The Jets made the trip down to Tasmania hoping to claim the points, but were hurt by poor goal kicking, losing 10.12 (72)-7.16 (58). Thomas McGuane was named the Jets best. The Jets sit in eighth spot. The Jets girls match with the Devils was postponed after issues with the Jets flight meant they couldn’t get to Tasmania.
VPL
Werribee City had to settle for a draw against Northcote City in the Victorian Premier League 1 competition on Friday night. Neither team scored in the first half, before both teams found a goal in the second half in the 1-1 result. The Bees remain in 13th spot, six points behind Brunswick City in the relegation battle.
FV
Hoppers Crossing came away with points for a second week in a row in the FV state league 2 north-west. The Reds trailed 2-1 at half time against Craigieburn City, but were able to find an equaliser through Harry Kilpatrick in the second half to share the points. Kilpatrick scored both of the Reds goals. The Reds remain bottom, eight points behind Craigieburn City which sits third bottom.
A-League
his better games,” he said. “He’s been solid all year and he was everywhere in wet conditions.
“Luke Hobson down back was solid and Luke Mann was everywhere. Started in the midfield and then went up forward and down back when they were coming back.
“He and Jalen [Jaimangal] both made it harder for them.”
The win moves the Titans to eight points but they still sit second bottom. With a match up against North Sunshine this week, the Titans have the chance to make it two in a row.
Turcinovich said they were hoping this win would give them some confidence.
“We were disappointed last week playing the Western Rams as we thought we were a good chance,” he said.
“We seem to play better against the better sides and have the mindset, commitment and attack on the footy that is better.
“Hopefully the boys can play the same style of footy and we can get another win.”
Fixtures for the A-League unite round have been confirmed. The round is back for a second year, with teams from both the A-League men’s and women’s competitions taking part in a special round across Sydney. The round was introduced for the 2023-24 season as part of a partnership between the Australian Professional Leagues and Destination NSW, seeing the A-Leagues stage the first full men’s and women’s round in a single city of any Australian sporting code. United’s men’s side will play a twilight match on November 22 against Perth Glory and the women’s side will play the Newcastle Jets the following day.
FOR MORE SPORT, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Wyndham Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
Blake Jago. (Jacob Pattison) 357617_12
Tarneit before its win against Braybrook. (Supplied)
Changes galore at Wyndham Basketball Assoc
Championship winning coaches Gerard Hillier and Lucas Allen are departing the Wyndham Basketball Association.
In a statement from president Mike White on Wednesday, it was announced that Hillier and Allen were resigning from their roles at the club. Hillier has been the player and coach development manager and Allen the coaching lead, along with holding the women’s and men’s championship coaching roles.
Both have offered to see out the season as the championship coaches to minimise disruptions, with both sides sitting atop the ladder.
White said they had contingency plans in place to ensure the smooth continuation of our programs and thanked the pair.
He said the resignations of the pair along with programs administrator Jenna McCormick, while significant, wasn’t entirely
Gerard Hillier. (Supplied)
unexpected.
”As you may recall, last year, Basketball Victoriainformedusthatourattempttoreach
NBL1 [National Basketball League 1] was unsuccessful, resulting in our exclusion for at least two years,” White said.
“The reasons cited included lack of attendance, staff turnover and stability.
Despite multiple conversations and plans, we ultimately did not receive permission to
participate in NBL1 this year.
“With the expectation of playing NBL1 and subsequently not having a position available this year some individuals are understandably lookingtowardstheirowncareeraspirations.”
White highlighted there had been a lot of challenges for the association since the annual general meeting in February.
Among that is the club losing all its major sponsors, bar one since last year.
White said the association was committed to transparency and regular communication with all of their stakeholders.
He said their programs are showing positive results and they have initiated a strategic review involving stakeholders from various groups -including externally- to develop an actionable plan.
White said he was heartened by the sheer volume and number of individuals who have
Palavi stars with Swifts
By Tara Murray
City West Falcons star Uneeq Palavi put her name in lights in her short Suncorp Super NetballstintwiththeNewSouthWalesSwifts.
Palavi spent three weeks with the Swifts and managed to get court time in all four games, starting in two.
Now back in Melbourne, Palavi said it’s been a crazy ride.
“It’s been such a rush,” she said. “It’s been going so fast.
“I feel like it was just yesterday that Briony [Akle, Swifts coach] gave me the call that she was considering me to come play and now I’m back at Falcons and it feels good to be home.
“I was so shocked when she [Akle] asked what I thought about it and I went, ‘are you sure?’ and we had a little bit of a giggle.
“I was so grateful that she even thought about me to put me in that position to show Suncorp what I can do and I’m grateful for it.”
Palavi said the Swifts did everything they could to make her time comfortable, making sure she was fed, picking her up for training and offered for her to stay at their houses.
“I loved that environment they made my debut so smooth, they couldn’t have managed it being even more smoother than that.”
For Palavi, it’s the third Super Netball club she has been involved with after being a training partner for Collingwood previously and for the Melbourne Mavericks this season but the first time being in a game day team.
Palavi said when she went to Sydney she expected that she would spend most of her time on the bench.
Instead she was thrust into the spotlight. In the Swifts game against the Giants she shot 43 goals from 45 in regular time and one super shot and was the SSN named her its player of the round.
“To get a starting seven twice, I just felt blessed that she even gave me the opportunity and taken me to be a starting seven,” she said. “It was pretty cool. Even coming up against Shamara [Sterling-Humphrey], everyone was like how to you feel about coming up against Shamara, obviously a bit nerve-wracking, but after playing it, it was another game of netball that we all know and love.”
Palvai said sharing the goal circle with English star Helen Housby was incredible calling her the goat and made her job so much easier.
On top of her SSN debut, Palavi came off another standout performance representing Tonga at the Pacific Nations Series, where she won the most valuable player award.
With the Swifts season over, Palavi will be a keyplayerintheFalconschampionshiphopes.
“It’s good because I missed this club and although I would have loved to see Swifts in the finals, Winning that last game it felt like a grand final regardless.”
With those games under her belt, Palavi is hoping there are more opportunities in the future for her in SSN.
“It honestly does but at the same time, I’m not going to whine and cry about if I don’t get
reached out, expressing interest in returning to Wyndham in light of these changes.
“The positive responses outweigh the concerns, and we believe this transition will allow us to restructure our staffing and achieve the growth we envision.”
On Saturday, both the men’s and women’s sides recorded wins.
The men’s side had 125-112 win on the road against Blackburn Vikings.
Import Troyce Manassa came off the bench butitdidn’tlimithisimpact,scoring27points.
Adetomi Ayilara and Joshua Norling also scored 20 points or more.
The women’s side just snuck home against the Sunbury Jets, winning 111-109.
After trailing for much of the last quarter, Wyndham hit the front late to take the win.
Amanda Paschal top scored with 28 points, while also having 13 rebounds and 12 assists.
Centrals enjoy key wins
Werribee Centrals continued their good form on Saturday claiming the points against Anakie in the Geelong and District Football League.
Looking to lock in a top two spot, the Centurions were tested on Saturday by Anakie. in horrible conditions.
The margin was two points quarter time and it slightly increased to four points at half time with both teams kicking two goals each for the squad.
Five goals to one in the third quarter opened the game up in the favour of the Centurions, leading by 31 points at three quarter time.
Anakie didn’t give up in the last quarter and were able to win it, as the Centurions kicked 1.6 missing several opportunities.
The Centurions claimed the win, 10.16 (76)-8.9 (57).
Joshua MacDonald and Carmelo Saliba kicked three goals for the Centurions.
Bradley Carlton, Daryl Chesterman and Robert Sutherland were named the Centurions best.
The Centurions remain in second spotwith12winsfromtheir14matches.
IntheA-gradenetball,theCenturions came away with a massive win in the context of their season.
Facing Anakie, the Centurions were able to build on a one goal quarter time lead to win, 49-33.
Eliza Moodie shot 35 goals for the Centurions while Olivia Edwards shot 14 goals.
The Centurions now sit in sixth spot only a game behind Anakie in the first for a top five spot.
The Centurions are on the road this week against Winchelsea.
an opportunity because I understand that the game is the game and being a goal shooter, there’s an expected high limit and that I don’t exceed.
“I was glad to be able to show everyone that you don’t really need the height, regardless it was good to show my flare and what I could add to the game.”
Joshua MacDonald. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 405186_06
Uneeq Palavi (Robbab Photography)
Werribee wins in the wet – again
By Tara Murray
Werribee overcame the conditions and the Northern Bullants to get its 10th win in a row in the Victorian Football League.
Both sides were greeted by wet and windy conditions on Saturday at Avalon Airport Oval, as the Melbourne winter hit hard.
The Tigers were the first to fire and led 45-0 at quarter time.
The Bullants fought back in the second quarter before the Werribee steadied in the second half to come away with a 15.13 (103)-7.7 (49) win.
Tigers coach Jimmy Allan said it was really trying conditions.
“It was really windy for most of the day,” he said. “It seemed to calm down in the second half.
“There was rain in the second quarter.
“I said to the fans after the game that it was a good effort to sit through and brave the conditions. It was freezing.”
On field, it was all the Tigers early on. Allan said they’ve had their challenges with wet weather at times but in the first quarter they were able to handle it well.
Hesaidtheyweren’tabletodoitconsistently for four quarters.
“We had a strong breeze in the first quarter and were really good that quarter,” he said.
“We were 45-0 up at quarter time. They smashed us around the ball in the second quarter and we could not get the ball forward.
“We kicked one point and they got back into the game. We tidied a couple of things up in the third quarter.
“In the last quarter we put the score on the board. At times we just tried to play too cute, perfect football, instead of just getting it forward.
“We didn’t want to use it as an excuse. The first quarter and second half showed we can still play well in those conditions.”
Hudson Garoni kicked five goals for Werribee, while Jay Dahlhaus kicked four goals and Aidan Johnson finished with three goals.
Dom Brew had plenty of the ball with 32 disposals, 13 more than the next best Tiger.
Allan said they again had a number of contributors.
“Aidan Johnson had a strong presence up forward,” he said. “Hudson Garoni played well and got his reward.
“Jay Dahlhaus returned from injury and
kicked our first goal and picked up where he left off before injury.
“Dom Brew was his ever reliable self, Daly Andrews had a job on one of their prime movers and did a good job.
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.
“Flynn Young played up forward and made a lot of good decisions.”
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.
Allan said for a rare time this season, he thinks they escaped without any injuries.
While the Tigers got the win, it was a double celebration with Jack Henderson becoming the latest Tigers player to play 100 VFL games.
“He is very reliable and a really popular player,” he said. “He’s a great player and he embraces the values of the club and sets good standards.
“Itwasgoodtohavesomeofhisfamilydown and we were stoked to have them down here.” Werribee has increased its gap at the top of the ladder to six points with Footscray Bulldogs having a draw on the weekend.
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.
The Tigers this week face Port Melbourne at Port Melbourne on Saturday afternoon.
The framework will be a guide for staged development in the area and for attracting investment over the next 30 years.
AllansaiditwasaspecialdayforHenderson.
Allan said despite Port Melbourne sitting 15th on the ladder, he was expecting a tough match.
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.
Please register for an information session to find out more:
“They’ve had a hard season,” he said. “They will be keen to finish the year on a high. “We will not be taking them lightly by any stretch.”
• • 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
Jay Dahlhaus celebrates a goal. (Belinda Vitacca Photography)
Jack Henderson is carried from the field after game 100.
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