Adam and Taurean are two standout dancers from Wyndham set to grace the stage at this year’s Victoria State School Spectacular (VSSS).
Taurean has been dancing for 11 years and Adam for two, with both 17-year-olds currently in year 12 at Hoppers Crossing Secondary College.
Taurean, who performed at last year’s VSSS as part of an independent group, sees dance as a platform to spread joy and positivity.
“What I love most about dancing is being able to dance for others and put a smile on their faces- I believe dancing was made to spread love and positivity,” he said.
Persevering through self-doubt can be challenging, but Adam is determined to not let his later start hold him or anyone else back.
“I have made it my mission to portray the message that it is never too late to start anything, especially if it is something that you deeply love,” he said.
And their favourite styles of dance?
“My favourite style of dance is hip hop. There’s so many styles and it’s so open to creativity and imaginationyou’re free to create whatever you want,” Taurean said.
“I don’t think I have a specific favourite style of dance, but I really love the original street-based styles such as popping, locking and breakdancing,” Adam said.
Road upgrades a ‘waste’ Dance duo set to star
By Jaidyn Kennedy
A Wyndham council project to upgrade roads in Little River has been labelled “the biggest waste of taxpayers’ money” by councillor Josh Gilligan.
Council approved the first stage of the Little River roads upgrade during its meeting last week, with construction to commence in the coming weeks.
The project will upgrade and resurface Old Melbourne Road and Rothwell Road from Old MelbourneRoadtoMcLeansRoad,withsealed lanes and shoulders.
Other improvement works such as drainage, will also be included.
The roads were selected due to their strategic locations within Little River and their role in connecting Werribee and Geelong, a report to council said.
Currently, the roads are only single-lane seal with soft shoulders due to poor road drainage.
These conditions have been identified as a road safety concern and are claimed to have caused a substantial increase in spending on maintenance and repairs, the report said.
However, Cr Gilligan passionately opposed the project and suggested that roads in Mount
Cottrell and the removal of problematic roundabouts were more pressing matters and worthier of council expenditure.
“The lack of thinking, the lack of appropriate rigor to this is embarrassing,” he said
He went on to dispute the decision on the grounds of it benefiting Lara residents without significant contribution from Greater Geelong.
“We’re paying for a road for Geelong and they’re giving zero dollars and zero cents – and that’s why this makes no sense,” he said.
Mayor Jennie Barrera said the “crucial” upgrades would provide the Little River community with more efficient travel, leading to better connectivity.
“These works form part of our Connecting Wyndham strategy – an investment into our future to better keep Wyndham connected,” she said.
Cr Heather Marcus said the upgrades were long-awaited.
“It’s been a long time coming – I’ve been on this council for 19 years and it’s great to see we are finally going to put some money into the Little River roads.” she said.
Details: wyndham.vic.gov.au/ connecting-wyndham
Adam and Taurean set to storm the stage. (Damjan Janevski) 427295_01
Hub supports school community
By Jaidyn Kennedy
Truganina South Primary’s Community Hub continues to make a difference in the lives of students and their families.
The Community Hub was started in 2019 as aplaceforallfamiliestoaccessvitalresources.
Some of the program’s resources include a food pantry, cooking courses, a second-hand uniformshop,Englishconversationclassesand a school paediatrician working outreach clinic. One benefit of the program’s structure is its
non-confrontational nature, allowing students and families to access the resources they need with anonymity.
Principal Paul Bombaci has witnessed the positive impact first-hand.
“We had a family who were going through a challenging time with finding housing and very quickly we were able to rustle up a few boxes of food.“ he said.
“I wouldn’t want to see it disappear because of the amount of students that use it.“
Vicki Haynes oversees the Community Hub.
“Communityhubshelpbuildsocialcohesion in Australia, they are welcoming places where families from diverse backgrounds, particularly mothers with preschool children, can come to connect, share and learn. The hub model is proven to generate significant social benefits not only for culturally diverse families but for the broader community.
“The most rewarding part of being in the Community Hub is providing programs to our families and local community and seeing the connections they make.“
Dr Karl gives climate change talk
The 2024 Wyndham Learning Festival launched on Saturday, August 31, with the program highlight WYNtalk featuring Dr Karl Kruszelnicki.
Taking place at Encore Events Centre, a crowd of over 300 attended to hear the renowned academic and pop culture figure, known affectionately as ‘Dr Karl’, deliver his ‘An Eco-Expedition into Sustainable Science and Climate’ talk.
The talk included a series of climate facts andpracticaltipsonmakingenvironmentally sustainable choices in day-to-day life.
Ms Haynes said not having a hub at the school would “create a disconnect and lack of engagement from families, which will mean they won’t be as active within the school and the wider community.“
While some funds are provided by Community Hubs Australia, the school also looks to the local community for grants to expand its projects.
Some programs like the toy library and school paediatric clinic are funded by external organisations and philanthropic partners.
Candidates ready to stand in the upcoming Wyndham council postal election are urged to use the Victorian Electoral Commission’s (VEC’s) newly refreshed Candidate Helper to get their applications ready for submission when nominations open on Monday, September 9.
Electoral commissioner Sven Bluemmel reminded candidates that there are several important steps they must complete before nominating.
‘If you want to represent your local community, make sure to confirm your eligibility and complete the mandatory online candidate training through Local Government Victoria before lodging your nomination. This rule applies to all candidates, including those who are currently or have previously been a councillor,’ Mr Bluemmel said.
The Candidate Handbook is also available on the VEC website.
Prospective candidates are also encouraged to attend the candidate information sessions being held in each electorate before the opening of nominations.
“There are four messages of good hope. One, we can fix climate change. Two, we are in the most peaceful time in human history. Three, today’s kids are the smartest generation ever and four, we can fix COVID.” Environmental issues such as the increase of microplastics in the local ecosystem were also discussed.
The Wyndham Learning Festival will continue to run until September 7, featuring an array of programs and activities with over 90 events, ensuring that all members of the community can find a learning event that interests them.
Dr Karl emphasised the need for clear and accurate communication on important issues such as climate change, warning of the harm that misinformation and “fake news” can cause.
This year’s festival will provide a range of events and activities, covering interests such as home cooking, weaving, building resilience, basic car maintenance and DIY skincare.
The Wyndham Learning Festival is led by the Wyndham Community and Education CentrewithsupportfromWyndhamcouncil.
The event seeks to promote education and display the social, economic, cultural and environmental benefits of learning, with this year’s theme being the empowerment of communities through lifelong learning.
Prospective candidates must make an appointment to submit their nomination forms and pay the $250 fee in person during business hours. They must provide evidence that they have completed the online candidate training, as this is required by law and will be shown on each candidate’s nomination form.
Candidatesmustmakeanappointment to submit their nomination form in personattheelectionofficebycallingthe Candidate Helpline 03 8620 1316 until Monday, September 9.
FromMonday,September9candidates can call 131 832 and they will be directed through to the relevant election office.
NominationscloseatnoononTuesday, September 17. Details: vec.vic.gov.au
Victoria Police launch new campaign to combat stalking
AnewcampaignfromCrimeStoppersVictoria and Victoria Police, ‘Stalking is a Crime’ has been launched to highlight to the community the seriousness of stalking.
Stalking is incredibly harmful behaviour. It is not a single incident, but a pattern of repeated behaviour by another person over time, which causes a victim to feel distressed, fearful or worried about their safety, or the safety of others.
Harmful behaviours can include loitering near a victim’s house, publishing material on social media, interfering with the victim’s property or keeping a victim under surveillance.
Someone who stalks can be an ex-partner,
a family member, or a friend. It could also be someone less well known, such as a colleague orsomeonewholivesintheneighbourhood,or even a complete stranger.
Figures from the Crime Statistics Agency show there were 2642 stalking offences reported in the year to March 2024.
More than half of these reports were related to family violence.
The campaign launched last week, with a panel discussion at Swinburne University, featuring experts from Victoria Police, Safe Steps and No to Violence. The panel provided an in-depth discussion about the dangers of stalking, how to recognise the signs of stalking and offered attendees insights into stalking
prevention.
Crime Stoppers Victoria chief executive Stella Smith shared that as family violence offences continue to rise, understanding stalking and the harm it causes has never been so important,.
“We want people to feel empowered to address any stalking behaviour and to know where to turn to for support,“ she said.
“Stalking is a serious crime and we want to ensure that Victorians understand the severity of stalking, that they are not alone, and that they are confident in seeking help.“
Victoria Police Family Violence Command acting superintendent Tom Nairn said that stalking is a growing problem, with the misuse
oftechnologyandsocialmediamakingiteasier for offenders to carry out the crime.
“Becoming a victim of stalking can happen to anyone at any time – so if you suspect or know it’s occurring to someone please speak up,“ he said. “It’s incredibly harmful behaviour – and perpetrators need to be held to account.
“The more information we have, the more we can do something about it to keep victims safe.”
If you have information about someone being stalked, share with Crime Stoppers Victoria online or call 1800 333 000
In an emergency, or if there is an immediate threat to life, always call triple-0. If you can’t gettoaphone,asksomeoneelsetodoitforyou.
Dr Karl speaking at WYNtalk. (Supplied)
VU industrial dispute escalates
By Cade Lucas
A workplace dispute between staff and management at Victoria University (VU) has turned ugly, with the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) claiming its members have been stood down for taking industrial action, while the university has accused the union of misrepresenting its position.
The two parties have been negotiating a new enterprise agreement, but last week the NTEU announced it would take protected industrial action from September 2, claiming management’slatestworkloadproposalwould leave staff worse off.
On Monday, the day before one week
work bans were due to begin, the NTEU accused university management of standing down staff participating in the industrial action by refusing to pay them or accept any work.
“This extreme and disproportionate reaction from VU management to legally protected industrial action speaks volumes about senior leadership’s attitude to staff,” NTEU Victorian Division secretary Sarah Roberts said.
“Instead of engaging in constructive negotiations for fairer pay and workloads, VU has opted to punish staff exercising their legal right to take industrial action.”
A spokesperson for Victoria University said the two parties had recently reached
an in-principal agreement on a majority of clausesinanewenterpriseagreementandthat the union’s actions were a setback.
“We are disappointed by this unnecessary action, which only delays the finalisation of a new agreement,” the spokesperson said.
Sarah Roberts accused university management of trying to emulate the 1998 waterfront dispute by attempting to organise non-union labour to break the industrial action.
“That’s just a red rag to a bull,” she said, addingthattheunionwaspreparedtoescalate industrial action in response.
The VU spokesperson rejected the union’s allegations.
“We are concerned that the NTEU have
Donate and help welcome refugees
West Welcome Wagon (WWW) launched its ‘Double the Difference’ campaign on Sunday, September 1
For the month, every dollar donated by the community will be matched (up to $20,000), meaning each donation will have double the impact.
WWW is aiming to raise $20,000 from community donations to be matched for a total of $40,000.
All donations will go towards West Welcome Wagon’s work to support refugees and people seeking asylum to rebuild their lives by providing them the items they need to establish a home as they settle into their new
lives in Australia.
Chief executive Colette McInerney said there was an urgent need for cash donations at this point in time.
“We’ve got a pause on material donations until mid-October,” she said.
“We really, really need funding.”
She said the cost of living crisis is putting stress on those who might usually donate.
Volunteer Carmen Tommasi has been volunteering with WWW for the last 18 months.
When asked about what she found most rewarding about volunteering with WWW, she observed the effect it can have on people.
“When they come and volunteer, I think it changes their attitude and a lot of times they’ll come back- so I think in that way it changes people.
“Most times they are so happy to receive the goods.
“For me it’s about supporting people who need to be heard.”
Since its founding in 2013, WWW has supported 8000 refugees and people seeking asylum and provided 2,200 comfortable homes.
To donate: https://www.givenow.com.au/ westwelcomewagon
Jaidyn Kennedy
chosen to misrepresent our response to their action, which is consistent with the Fair Work Act.”
The dispute centres on staff workload, with NTEU VU branch spokesperson Matthew Klugman claiming employees are currently being forced to work more than 50 hours per week, affecting their health and safety.
“Management is proposing worsening already dangerous conditions, and trying to send wages backwards in real terms,” Mr Klugman said.
A university spokesperson said they’ve offered staff new leave entitlements and a further salary increase, on top of a 4 per cent increase earlier this year.
A $400 school saving bonus announced in May’s state budget will also be able to be spent on textbooks, the state government has announced.
The government introduced the bonus to help cover the cost of uniforms,camps,excursionsandother extracurricular activities throughout the year for students at government schools and eligible students at non-government schools.
OnAugust28,PremierJacintaAllan and Education Minister Ben Carroll announced the $400 could also be spent on textbooks.
“Getting a world-class public education in Victoria will always be free – but supplies and extracurricular activities can really add up for families,“ Mr Carroll said.
The government said schools and families will receive more information about the bonus this week, with the $400 able to to be accessed from November.
Families will receive a code granting them access to the bonus. They will get to choose how much of the funds they want allocated to a uniform and textbook voucher, and how much they want to use on school activities – like camps, sports, excursions, graduations, and other eligible programs.
For families of students at a non-government school, the $400 will be provided directly to each school –to be managed in consultation with the student’s family.
Carmen Tommasi volunteering. (Supplied)
Comic brings down the house
By Afraa Kori
The highly anticipated Laugh House united diverse communities for a night of humour and connection at Yarraville’s Kindred Studios on August 28.
South Sudanese comedian Ciang Ajeic and African Youth Alliance (AYA), launched the Laugh House out of a demand for more black comedy rooms in Melbourne’s west.
The Laugh House lineup featured Ciang Ajeic, Matthew Vasquez, Dahn Rozario, Muddy Harrison, Mali Hawke, Mimi Shaheen and Mading Jock
Ciang said Laugh House was a space for everyone to shine.
“Not all the comics were black but they either know how to make black people laugh or they will learn how to do it. You just have to give them that chance and support them,” he said.
“Laugh House is more important than my other shows, even the shows where I get paid. It was more meaningful in terms of the black and brown community having a space they can feel like it’s their own and having a space where they feel like they could themselves try comedy out.
“I told the audience a couple of times during the show that it wasn’t just a random comedy show, it was our comedy show. A big part of Laugh House is making sure the crowd knows that this is a comedy room that caters to the black audience.”
HoppersCrossingresidentKevinUskokovic said Laugh House had a fearless approach to comedy, which bridged the gap between white comedians and black audiences.
“Seeing a comedian from west Melbourne is rare so someone coming from a nearby area was what drew me initially. My favourite part of the show was at some point in the middle there was a lot of engagement with the audience and hilarious exchanges between a
white comedian and black audience members.
“It was a place where white, brown and blackcomedianswereabletomakesometimes edgy jokes with each other, a very supportive environment for comedians and the audience to warm up to each other. It was many audience members first time at a comedy
show ever!”
Bundoora local, Moetu Tawhai described the atmosphere as homely, motivating people to come back for future shows.
“Ciang is one of the first Africans I’ve seen make that connection more relatable because I’m Pacific Islander. The crowd was more like
All systems go for MacKillop’s new campus
MacKillop College has confirmed the scheduled opening dates of its new Wyndham Vale campus.
The new K-12 campus is set to introduce its three-year-old and four-year-old kindergarteners in January 2027, while its primary component and first round of year 7s will follow in January 2028 as the school progressively streams a new year level in each year.
Situated in one of the fastest growing local government areas in the country, the local Catholic authority reached out to the school last October, requesting that it considers implementing a new campus to accommodate for the region’s growing demand for Catholic education.
The new campus will be constructed on the lot between Smile Crescent, Welcome Parade and Stanmore Crescent in Jubilee estate.
MacKillop principal Chris Caldow discussed how zoning between campuses would work.
“There will be a degree of flexibility around that (secondary) just because there might be a family that’s got three children at the Werribee campus already,” he said.
“With the primary school, we will have a fairly clearly defined zone.”
The same curriculum, assessments, programs, camps and retreats, and timetables willberunacrosstheWerribeeandWyndham Vale campuses.
In cases of subjects students need to complete being offered at another campus, the college says with will facilitate cross-campus travel.
Fundingwillbesourcedfromacombination of local community donations and grants from both state and federal governments.
A shortlist of architects have put forth concept designs for the new campus, with the decision expected to be announced in November. The total cost of the build is projected to be $160 million.
my people, people that are cultured. There were Pacific Islanders, Indians, Africans, Aboriginals and white people.
“I posted it up on my Instagram and all my family, cousins, a lot of our community and the Aboriginal community want to come to the next one.”
Come smell Wyndham Harbour
Wyndham Harbour will be the host of a smell walk this Saturday, September 7. Kicking off at 2pm, the walk will be hosted by Smell Art founder and scent designer Erin Adams.
After being provided with a clipboard and pen, participants will embark on a 45-minute self-guided walk where they will record all the scents they encounter. Participants can come solo, with a friend or family- and pets are welcome.
Wyndham Harbour’s combination of coast, cafes, farms and dirt patches make it an ideal location for smell hunting, described as a “hotspot for different smells.”
The walks will be followed by an afternoon tea, where Ms Adams will give a quick background on the science of smell and participants can share their experiences from the walks.
The results will form a ‘smell map’ of Wyndham as part of Dr Kate McLean’s upcoming book ‘An Atlas of Smells, Stinks and Scents’.
In the meantime, Ms Adams encourages everyone to think a little bit about smell during their days.
Tickets are $5 including afternoon tea, while children can attend free. .
The Werribee CBD Smell Walk is postponed until further notice.
Ivy and Noah are a living proof that laughter is the best medicine.
MacKillop principal Chris Caldow and Lotus Living (Jubilee estate developer) general manager Jen Severn. (Damjan Janevski) 425642_02
Filmmakers reclaim their voices
By Eddie Russell
A recent film by Melton-based organisation, African Youth Initiative (AYI), is “more than a documentary – it’s a movement”.
Reclaim Voices premiered on August 24 to a sold-out audience of 280 people from Melton, Brimbank and Wyndham at the Reading Cinemas at Woodgrove Shopping Centre.
AYI treasurer Malou Lueth, who appears on-screen, said the title of the project was an “important” detail that showed the bigger picture.
“A lot of the time our stories and identities have been distorted by the media, who continue to portray the African community as criminals,” he said.
“It puts stereotypes and biases in people’s minds and that’s something we wanted to break, so we came up with the documentary toreclaimourvoiceasacommunityandwrite our own narrative.”
African Youth Initiative (AYI) is a not-for-profit charity that works with disengaged youths in the western suburbs. It aims to promote positive behaviours through its initiatives to ‘transform’ the mentality of young Africans.
The film follows Sabir Banek, whose life story provides a case study for the type of people that AYI helps.
“His first-hand lived experience of the criminal justice system involved a lifestyle of crime and other things that were no good for him,” Mr Lueth said.
“That’s what the media shows you, but not the reasons behind that. We wanted to look into his story and see where things went wrong.”
For Mr Banek, the death of his father, compoundedbyalackofsupportandaccessto good role models, led to him getting expelled
from school and ending up in jail.
Mr Lueth said Mr Banek turned his life around while incarcerated and got to where he is today as a carpenter and amateur artist.
“He got the revelation to change in prison … the path he took was one of faith,” he said.
“He shares what it has done to help him find employment and take up hobbies like music and art … once he got that, he gave back to the community.”
ThetaleofredemptionissomethingthatMr Lueth hoped would resonate with residents and change their perception of African
youths.
“It’s not just voices of pain and struggle but resilience and hope,” he said.
“This is about education – our intention was to reach people who don’t know who we are or what we do and allow them to reflect on the way they respond to media [representation].”
More than a year of work culminated in one night as both familiar and unfamiliar faces packed the cinema.
“There were a lot of different people who were involved in the work we do – young people, volunteers, churchgoers – but we had
a lot of random people that we didn’t know,” Mr Lueth said.
“It was awesome seeing the community show up; it was really moving.”
The success of the premiere means AYI is now in the process of contacting schools and organisations for private screenings to expand its reach.
In August, the organisation received $85,000 in funding from the state government as part of the Supporting South Sudanese Australian Communities grant.
Retire to Point Cook Village
Here’s a rare opportunity to buy into one of the happiest villages in the West!
Your new villa is only just the beginning. As an extension of your new home, our residents share beautiful community facilities — from the Clubhouse to the pool, to the Bowling Green — there’s enough space to entertain and enjoy yourself.
Properties at Point Cook Village rarely come up for sale and don’t stay on the market for long, so be quick!
book a tour of the village, call
Malou Lueth. (Damjan Janevski) 428260_02
Hundreds explore RAAF base
Over 2000 people turned out for the Royal Australia Air Force (RAFF) Base Point Cook Open Day on Sunday, September 1.
Theevent, whichtookplaceonFather’sDay, enabled the defence forces to showcase their capabilities, with displays from the army and air force.
The Strike and Recce hangar was also open for the public to view aircraft including a Canberra Bomber, an F-111 and an F/A-18 Classic Hornet.
Visitors lined up to board a C27J Spartan, the air force’s latest light tactical airlift aircraft. The inside demonstrated how members travel to remote locations, and how they are able to land on unsurfaced airstrips to support humanitarian missions.
With over 300 jobs available, aspiring members had the opportunity to discover what defence careers offer. Australian Defence Force Careers representatives fielded enquiries from young men and women interested in joining.
Wing Commander Rob Gill is the Commanding Officer of No. 21 (City of Melbourne) Squadron located at RAAF Base Point Cook. He spoke about the importance of open days for facilitating community engagement.
“It’s an opportunity for further strengthening the relationship between the base and particularly the more local, immediate community, but also people from the broader region,” Wing Commander Gill said.
“It’s wonderful to see so many people
visiting the RAAF Base here at Point Cook today, especially as it’s the birthplace of our Air Force. We love meeting people and sharing what we do and why we do it.”
Point Cook’s role is to primarily look after and manage the local aerodrome, but also provide combat training to the Melbourne region, fitness classes and testing to personnel.
The RAAF Airfield Defence celebrates 95 years
On August 23 one of the oldest groups within the Royal Australian Air Force celebrated its 95th year.
To celebrate this milestone, an anniversary ball was held on Saturday August 24 at the Altona RSL. The event was the idea of two retired Airfield Defence Guards, myself (Mathew Howell) and Sean Carwardine, an idea dreamt up over a phone call between two old mates back in early 2022.
Airfield Defence, or as it was originally known, Aerodrome Defence, and what it’s known as today, Force Protection, was born in Victoria at the then No 1 Station Point Cook, coincidentally, the birthplace of the Royal Australian Air Force.
Aerodrome Defence’s founding father was Flight Lieutenant J. P. J. McCauley, who in 1957 become Air Marshal McCauley KBE, CB, Chief of Air Staff, using today’s terminology, Chief of Air Force.
Airfield Defence has for 95 years provided the ground defence for Air Force, its personnel and air assets, in particular, the aircraft. This responsibility belongs to the men and women knownasAirfieldDefenceGuardsandGround Defence Officers. It is a primarily infantry based role not that well known beyond the RAAF. The general public on seeing personnel wearing camouflage uniforms, body armour, helmet and carrying weapons assume them to be ’soldiers, army’. Simply not so; they are Airfield Defence Guards or ADGies and Ground Defence Officers or Ground Os as they are known within the wider Air Force.
RAAF’s Airfield Defence is the second oldest element of its kind in the world, only the Royal Air Force’s Royal Air Force Regiment is older. Airfield Defence personnel have served in every conflict since World War II. From North Africa, the South Pacific, Japan, Cambodia, Vietnam, the Middle East and Afghanistan, ADGies and Ground Os were there.
In July 2023 I researched the viability of conducting an anniversary event. My research led me to believe, this bird might just fly. With much hard work and determination I soon discovered that ‘yes’, the bird will fly.
Eighty-six guests and dignitaries including the current Deputy Chief of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal Harvey Reynolds AM, he
himself a former ADG, attended, along with the current Commanding Officers from numbers 1 and 2 Security Forces Sqaudrons and the current Commanding Officer of the RAAF School of Fire and Security, with Air Force Band’s Rock and Jazz group providing the night’s musical entertainment. As this function was a veteran-based event all financial support for it came about not from Defence funding but via individual veteran donations, sales of veterans’ own memorabilia andfromtheAirForceAssociationofAustralia – Victorian Branch, even more extraordinary, via the gathering and recycling of hundreds
of drink containers from the streets around Melbourne’s western suburbs. One veteran ADG in particular, who wishes to remain anonymous, generously donated over $11,000 in order to make the night possible.
In total, funds raised, were almost $20,000. As such, the event was at no cost to those attending, other than their flights and accommodation, it was a free evening.
The president of the evening and Ground Defence historian, Dr Sean Carwardine, said of the importance of the night, “Tonight is not about one person, one unit, or one mustering but the entire force protection family.“
Air Vice-Marshal Reynolds stated “The sacrifice of all is to be held as a valuable one, regardless of the type of service be it operational or training, the contribution of all is what makes us who we are…one family”. Anyone who has a family member with a RAAF Airfield Defence history - father, brother, grandfather etc - could they please contacttheGroundDefencehistorian,DrSean Carwardine via his email carbs99@bigpond. com. Dr Carwardine would love to hear from anyonewhocanassistinhishistoricalresearch.
Mathew Howell
The RAAF Museum is open for free on Thursdays and Sundays.
Jaidyn Kennedy
Main: The ball was attended by past and present Air Force Defence personnel. Left: Mat Howell AVM, Harvey Reynolds AM and Dr Sean Carwardine. Centre: The memorial cross commemorating the fallen. Right: The new generation of Force Protection. ( Pictures: Peter Skennerton)
The Silva family, Point Cook locals visit the 100 SQN hangar during the RAAF Base Point Cook Open Day.
Royal Australian Air Force executive officer of 100 Squadron, Squadron Leader Samuel De Graca Costa talks with children at the RAAF Base Point Cook Open Day. (Pictures: Supplied)
Members of the public line up to receive a tour onboard the C-27J Spartan during the RAAF Base Point Cook Open Day.
A celebration of youth
Young people in the west will be celebrated as part of Youth Fest ‘24.
Events and activities have been organised across the state throughout September to give young Victorians a chance to express their ideas and views and act on issues that affect their lives.
Youth Fest is a month-long celebration, highlighting the contributions and achievements of young people in their communities.
Hobsons Bay council will host Youth-Con
24 on Saturday, which will feature live bands and performances, a youth makers market, a pre-loved and vintage market, skate workshops, games, an art exhibition, beauty bar, barbecue and food trucks. It will be held at Laverton Community Hall, 95-105 Railway Avenue, Laverton, from noon to 5pm. Registrations required. Details: hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Community/ Whats-On/YOUTH-CON-24
Briefs
Teen arrested Police have arrested four teenagers following an alleged evasion in the western suburbs during the early hours of Friday, August 30. Officers caught sight of a blue Saab Tourer allegedly driving erratically in the Wyndham area about midnight. The Saab was eventually dumped on Spearmint Boulevard in Wyndham Vale. A 16-year-old Cobblebank boy, a 17-year-oldHarkness boy and a 16-year-old Manor Lakes girl were spoken to by police and released pending further inquiries. A 16-year-old Truganina girl was interviewed and released with an intention to be charged on summons for theft and driving offences.
Drug and driving charges
A man has been charged after allegedly evading police and being found in possession of drugs and a weapon in Hoppers Crossing on August 30. Police approached a stationary silver Mitsubishi Pajero in Don Avenue about midnight, before the car was driven away at speed. The car was eventually dumped at a property on Durham Crescent. A 40-year-old Hoppers Crossing man was charged with evading police, possessing controlled weapon, possesing methamphetamine and driving offences.
FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Wyndham Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
Aidan, Jacob and Alex from the band ‘Motion Blur’ will perform at Youth-Con 24. (Damjan Janevski) 428311_02
Fathers in arms caring for kids
As children across Melbourne’s western and northern suburbs took time to celebrate their dads on Sunday, Max Westwood spoke to the organisers of two fathers’ groups about what it means to be a modern dad.
Nowadays, the role of fathers extend far beyond past expectations.
Modern dads try to be engaged in every facet of their children’s lives, from balancing work and parenting to sharing household responsibilities.
This shift reflects a redefinition of fatherhood, highlighting fathers as equal partners in raising their children, rather than just being the ‘breadwinner.’
As these changes become more accepted in society, support is needed to help fathers understand their role in fostering growth and empathy in their children.
Nick Burnett joined the recently formed Sunbury Dads Group as a way to share what he has learnt on his own journey to becoming the best parent he could be.
And that began by becoming sober.
“I have actually just celebrated three years of sobriety just last weekend. I’ve been through the ringer and one of my big drivers was, you know,startingthatfamilyandkindofknowing that I am going to have to live up to that expectation to be all I can be and then some,” he said. “And now I am studying primary education, so teaching and moulding young minds is something that’s very passionate to me, and then also mental health and substance abuse among men, especially fathers.
“Going through it myself it’s almost self-motivating for me because I know what it’s like to be in dark places and male suicide is very high in Australia, so breaking down that stigma that it is OK to talk about it and it actually makes you stronger to talk about it.”
Creating a safe space for dads to talk about their current struggles is something the Support For Fathers program does and why programs leader Dom Alford is so proud to help fathers find acceptance amongst all the chaos.
“It’s just that they don’t take the time to reach out to other dads,” he said.
“So our job is to sort of guide them to other dads and say ‘how you going?’ and maybe it will be just a little bit better easier with a bunch of strangers just connecting in a strange way.”
Alford said a lot of the work the group does is about letting dads know that they are not alone in their worries.
‘‘ They always have the drive of I’m going to be the best dad possible, I’m going to be the best partner ever ... then reality hits and we realise we actually have no clue ’’ - Blair Keeble
“We talk about becoming a dad and transitioning into that role, and then we also talked about dad’s mental health as well,” he said. “We focus a lot on mental health before and after birth, so you know the expectations and the pressures leading up to birth, and then maybe even what they’ve experienced during birth, if it’s a traumatic birth, that trauma can stick with you.
“In the first six to 12 months, their lives are completely changed and turned upside down
and no one’s getting any sleep. All those issues there contribute towards poor mental health. And so we focus a lot on dads and how they look after themselves and understanding the warning signs of poor mental health and just lots of education around that.”
Dads group program manager Blair Keeble is at the forefront of advocating for a more nuanced understanding of what it means to be a dad and how new fathers are not alone in their struggles.
“Every person I meet, they always have the drive of I’m going to be the best dad possible, I’m going to be the best partner ever, I’m going to be the best support. And then reality hits and we realise we actually have no clue what we’re talking about. We have no clue what’s actually happening,” he said.
“And that can lead to some pretty dark places. Research shows us that one in 10 dads struggle from post natal depression.
“Now, that’s not a very well known stat amongst dads.
“Through either paternal classes, digital programmes or our community events ... we
normalise feelings and we normal normalise situations. So one thing we realise is that actually our situations aren’t unique to us. There’s so many situations that actually other people relate to.”
By changing perceptions and expectations, dad’s group is empowering fathers to play a more active and involved roles in their children’s lives and embrace what it means to be a modern father.
“We’re trying to change the culture of of fatherhood, and we’re seeing that culture already change, which is awesome,” Keeble said. “So we’re joining in on that and really working towards that cultural change, so you’re seeing more stay at home dads than ever before, you’re seeing more involved dads even, and just that awareness that you know, dads have a huge part to play in, even the the early stages of of kids birth.
“A lot of research coming in out of the Australian Father of Research Symposium that’s happened earlier this year ... showed the importance of dads in those early days of a child’s life.”
Members of the Sunbury Dads Group and their children.
Left: Members of the dads group. Right: Sunbury Dads Group facilitator Nick Burnett and his wife and child (top); Sunbury Dads Group in action. (Supplied)
Bladder leakage and what to do
Up to 38 per cent of Australian women experience bladder leakage. Whilst bladder leakage for women is common there is help. As a pelvic health physiotherapist, the most commonquestionsIgetaskedare-whatisthe cause of my bladder leakage and how can I fix it?
The main causes of bladder leakage can vary depending on your stage of life. In young women the cause can often be high intensity training. In peripartum women increased loads above the bladder or weakness below is often to blame. In perimenopausal women hormonal change can affect connective tissue strength.
Why do I leak?
Bladder leakage can be caused from too much pressure above the bladder or not enough support below.
The best way to describe the first phenomenon is to imagine your bladder is like a balloon filled with water and held below with an elastic band.
Sometimes the pressure above the balloon is too great for the elastic band to hold. This could be due to constipation, high abdominal weight, a chronic cough or repeated heavy lifting.
Alternatively, you could have a problem with the elastic band below. It may have been stretched with childbirth or hormonal change with menopause where the connective tissue within the elastic band weakens.
Oryoumayhaveaproblemwiththebladder
itself otherwise known as bladder urgency.
Do you go to the toilet more than your friends, are you often ‘busting to go’ or rushing to the toilet and sometimes there is hardly anything there?
Youmayhavebladderurgencyoranoveractive bladder. This is not due to weak pelvic floor muscles but a problem with the bladder itself. An overactive bladder is normally a genetic condition where you have always had an issue with going to the toilet more often than normal (up to 7 times per day) and often with urgency.
Or you may have developed an urgency problem associated with triggers. Possible triggers that may be causing a problem for you could be caffeine, fizzy drinks, artificial sugars, or alcohol.
For some of you it is more what you do, possibly thinking about drinking, washing your hands or running water, walking to the toilet or even driving home or that key in the door.
So how can I fix my leakage?
Well of course it depends on the cause, so gettinghelptodiagnosethecausewilladdress all the factors that are contributing to your leakage.
Ifitisapressureimbalance,physiotherapists like myself work on the loads above the bladder and the support below. If you have an overactivebladderthereisstrongevidencethat Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) can calm the bladder and stop the sensation of urgency or the contraction of the bladder.
If you have triggers, then holding the urge whenever you feel urgency helps break the cycle on those triggers.
Your pelvic health physiotherapist, GP and/ or urologist will be your support team in assisting you to better bladder health.
Director of Pelvic Health Melbourne, Alex Lopes.
Spring into lighter wines as the weather warms
In spring, many people prefer lighter and more refreshing wines to match the season’s milder temperatures and the emergence of fresh, vibrant flavors in food. Here are some types of wines that are commonly enjoyed in the spring:
White Wines:
Sauvignon Blanc: This wine is known for its bright acidity and notes of citrus, green apple, and grass. It pairs well with lighter dishes like salads, seafood, and goat cheese.
Chardonnay: Optforunoakedorlightlyoaked Chardonnays in the spring. They offer crisp apple and pear flavors with a hint of citrus. These pair well with grilled chicken, pasta with cream sauce, and seafood.
Pinot Grigio: A crisp and clean wine with notes of green apple, pear, and citrus. It’s a versatile choice for a variety of spring dishes, including salads, seafood, and chicken.
Chenin Blanc: Chenin Blanc offers a range of styles from dry to sweet, making it adaptable for various dishes. Try it with Asian cuisine, spicy dishes, or fruit salads.
Rose Wines: Rose: Rose wines are popular in the spring due to their light and refreshing nature. They
come in a range of styles, from bone-dry to slightly sweet. They pair well with a wide variety of springtime dishes, from grilled vegetables to charcuterie.
Sparkling Wines:
Prosecco: This Italian sparkling wine is known for its crispness and effervescence. It’s an excellent choice for brunches and can be enjoyed on its own or in cocktails like mimosas.
Champagne: Of course, Champagne is a classic choice for celebrations and can be enjoyed year-round. Its elegance and effervescence make it a great choice for spring parties and gatherings.
Light Red Wines:
Pinot Noir: While red wines tend to be less popular in the spring, Pinot Noir is a lighter and more versatile option. It pairs well with
3030 Waterfront Restaurant is a hidden gem on the beach in Werribee South.
Join the team this spring for an exciting series of events that will tantalise your taste buds and create lasting memories.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, we invite you to come and experience the charm and no fuss cuisine of 3030 Waterfront.
Locals’ Night:
We are back with a new Locals’ Night special: Pork & Cider.
Join us on Thursday nights for local
flavours, panoramic views and relaxed vibes, where Locals’ Night celebrates community, culinary excellence, and coastal charm.
Spring Series: Friday Nights
Indulge in the vibrant flavours of the season with our carefully curated Spring Series Menu. Each plate will celebrate the best of spring produce, from garden-fresh salads with broad beans and asparagus to succulent seafood dishes.
Functions:
Elevate your special occasions with our versatile indoor and outdoor function spaces,
9233 8533
grilledchicken,salmon,andmushroom-based dishes.
Aromatic Wines: Riesling: Riesling wines offer a delightful balance of sweetness and acidity. They pair well with spicy foods, Thai or Indian cuisine, and fruity desserts.
Crisp Italian Whites:
Vermentino: This Italian white wine is known for its bright acidity and citrusy notes. It’s a great choice with seafood, pasta, and Mediterranean dishes.
Ultimately, the best wine to drink in spring depends on your personal taste and the specific dishes you plan to enjoy. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different wines to find your favorites, and consider local wines and seasonal offerings to fully embrace the flavors of spring.
designed to create unforgettable moments against the backdrop of the bay.
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, wedding, engagement, anniversary, or work event, our stunning venue provides the perfect setting for any function. Choose from our many function offerings tailored to suit your needs, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience for you and your guests. From intimate gatherings to larger celebrations, we welcome all types of functions and events at 3030 Waterfront Restaurant.
Pan-fried Snapper, Potato Mash, Tomato, Olive, Caper Herb Salsa or Gnocchi, Basil Pesto, Green Beans, Leek, Broccolini, Kale, Pecorino
Hour Dough, Confit Garlic, Rosemary, Olive, Sea Salt
Baby Pizza Plate
Rose is a nice, light spring wine.
Asparagus, mangoes, avocados signal the start of spring
New season Victorian asparagus, the first Northern Territory Kensington Pride (KP) mangoes, top-quality Hass avocados from WA and a new crop of local tomatoes herald the start of spring produce, according to Melbourne Market, Victoria’s wholesale fruit, vegetable and cut flower trading centre.
Blueberries, broccoli and cauliflower are all currently in excellent quality and keenly priced, while apples and pears continue to be in abundance, with their season lasting throughout spring.
Mandarins remain in plentiful supply and are delicious at the moment - look out for the late-season variety Afourer, which are sweet if pithy - while broad beans are again being traded on the market floor to mark the start of spring.
According to Melbourne Market buyer Graham Gee from The Happy Apple, strawberries have had a tough winter season but are coming good now at the end (before reappearing again in late spring / summer) while recent weather has again affected supply (and price) of cabbages. Likewise weather has impacted supply of bananas and raspberries.
“But all varieties of mandarins and citrus in general is going strong and apples and pears remain in abundance. Broad beans are really nice at the moment and will only get better as the weather improves - including price - and the Hass avocados coming out of WA are top quality,” he said.
Melbourne Market buyer John Biviano from Biviano and Sons said new season asparagus had started appearing and, though expensive at the moment, will quickly drop in price as soon as the weather warms.
“The local season of pomegranate has finished and fruit imported from the US is yet to begin so is in limited supply, but local mandarins are in abundance, especially the
Mardarins remain in plentiful supply, and new seaon Victoria asparagus signal the start of spring produce.
Afourer variety, which are low seed and deliciously sweet,” he said.
Melbourne Market CEO Mark Maskiell said the onset of spring is a busy time at Victoria’s wholesale market.
“Melbourne Market is proud to be the key connection between our world-class farmers and independent greengrocers across the state,” he said.
“Melbourne Market means consumers can
access the freshest produce when they shop at their local fruit and veg store and they should always ask their greengrocer about what produce is at its best and at a good price - as they will know!”
New mental health partnership
By Jaidyn Kennedy
Victoria University (VU) has announced a new partnership with Orygen to deliver better mental health care to youth in Melbourne’s west.
Orygen, in partnership with VU, the Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH) and the Parkville Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Service (PYMHWS), have launched an integrated modelthatbringstogetherheadspaceWerribee and Orygen specialist program services at Victoria University’s Werribee campus.
Thepartnershipcamethroughacombination of federal and state-funded programs and will
provide vocational opportunities and graduate employment pathways for students studying mental health-related courses.
The centre is opening amid a surge of young people accessing mental health services in Melbourne’swestandnorth-west,witha27per cent increase in the number of young people accessing services since 2019.
Werribee is part of the fastest growing area in Australia, with young people making up 16 per cent of the population, and close to 5000 services were provided to young people by headspace Werribee last year.
VU Vice-Chancellor Adam Shoemaker said the university was proud to be demonstrating
an innovative approach to the crisis.
“As well as providing care to young people, the service will provide direct practical experienceandgraduateemploymentpathways for students.”
Orygen executive director Patrick McGorry described the partnership as a landmark in youth mental health services.
“The launch of this integrated youth mental health centre at Werribee is a huge milestone andwilloffertheopportunityforVUstudents to work with experts in the field, while also providing a seamless service offering for young people across all stages of ill-health,” he said.
Anthony Lipec, a 42-year-old resident of St Albans, has turned his passion for recycling into a remarkable community initiative known as Anthony’s Cans.
Despite living with an intellectual disability, Anthony has been running this initiative for almost a year, demonstrating that determination and a positive outlook can overcome any challenge.
Anthony started Anthony’s Cans in November 2023, driven by his love for the environment and the desire to make a meaningful contribution to his community. Hisrecyclingeffortsgobeyondjustcollecting cans and bottles; they embody his values of sustainability, community engagement, and giving back.
Through Anthony’s Cans, he offers a bottle
and can collection service to residents in the north-west region of Melbourne, with the help of his dedicated support worker.
Theprocessissimplebutimpactful.Anthony provides his clients with a bin or container to collect their recyclable cans and bottles.
Every week, fortnight, or month, he and his support worker visit these clients to empty the bins and take the recyclables to the local recycling depot.
Each can and bottle collected earns Anthony 10 cents, which he uses to support himself while donating a portion to a charity of his choice each month.
His chosen charities include Second Chance Animal Rescue, Foodbank, and Beyond Blue, reflecting his deep commitment to helping both people and animals in need.
For Anthony, recycling is more than just a task; it’s an opportunity to connect with his community, meet new people, and stay active.
His hobbies, including lawn bowls, pool, checkers, and tenpin bowling, showcase his love for staying engaged and active.
Anthony’s enthusiasm for recycling and his dedication to his community make him a local hero. His story is a testament to how a simple idea, fueled by passion and commitment, can bring about positive change.
If you’re interested in joining Anthony in his mission to recycle and support worthy causes, you can reach out to him via SMS at 0437 339 496 for more information.
“Together, we can make a difference, one can at a time,” he said.
Gerald Lynch
Co-locating and integrating a headspace centre with a specialist state youth mental health service will offer seamless primary and secondarymentalhealthcaretoyoungpeople, while our unique partnership with Victoria University will support a more coordinated, collaborative approach to tackling this crisis head-on.”
Maddie Roberts Castano, a member of the headspace Werribee youth advocacy group (YAG), said that the location would also help strengthen the community.
“By offering accessible support and engaging programs, the centre will help foster a more connected community.” she said.
Buy local campaign
Wyndham council has released its new ‘Love Your Local’ campaign, encouraging residents and businesses to buy locally.
The city-wide campaign will include opportunities for businesses to get involved, with events, marketing assets and opportunities to connect with suppliers.
Wyndham mayor Jennie Barrera said the campaign would bring awareness and support to Wyndham businesses.
“During the pandemic, we saw our community rally behind our local businesses and the Love Your Local campaign provides an opportunity to build on that support,” Cr Barrera said.
“Whether you’re purchasing a gift, dining out with your family or sourcing a local supplier for your business – that money stays local, circulating within the community, supporting local jobs and boosting our economy.”
According to the council, $67 out of every $100 spent at a local business stays in Wyndham, compared to $4 from spending at non-Wyndham or online businesses.
Councillor Mia Shaw encourages residents to track the campaign online.
“Keep an eye out for the Love Your Local campaign online and in your favourite shopping precincts and, if you’ve got a favourite business, help spread the word on social media using #LoveLocalWyndham”, Cr Shaw said.
Council said that shopping in Wyndham will also help keep jobs in the area, reduce environmental harm and keep the community unique with a diverse range of businesses.
Anthony at St Albans Library, cleaning up the community and fundraising. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 426301_01
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
ACROSS
1 Recording reproduction (8)
5 Expression (6) 10 Outdoor area adjoining a house (5) 11 Variety of nut (9) 12 Slanted font (6) 13 Southwest Pacific region (7) 14 Inflexible (8) 15 Art of dwarfing shrubs or trees (6)
Pathological self-admirer (9) 9 Capital of Norway (4)
Banishment (9)
Moon (9)
Keep (8) 19 Gives (7) 22 One of the Ionian islands (5)
Book of the Bible (4)
Unit of length (5)
Unsightly (4)
letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.
1 Nellie Lovett, Johanna Barker and Judge Turpin are all characters from which musical?
2 What breed of dog is used as a piece on the Monopoly board?
3 In what century did the Wars of the Roses occur?
4 And which two royal houses did they involve?
5 Rooney Mara (pictured) starred as the titular character in which biblical drama film?
6 Who wrote Charlotte’s Web TheTrumpetoftheSwan and Stuart Little?
7 What did the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution legalise?
8 What type of fruit is a cara cara navel?
9 How many Celtic languages are still spoken today?
In which US city did the first Starbucks open?
No. 202
No. 201
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Werribee Rotary Grants
Werribee Rotary is welcoming applicants for the 2024 Rotary grants. Applications close on September 30.Seven grants will be available to a maximum of $3000 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.
Steve, 0448 448 189 or https:// werribeerotary.org.au
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 2-5pm, 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
Adult drumming classes
If you ever wanted to try out your rhythmic skills, the first class is free and concessions apply for other classes. All hand drums supplied or BYO. No experience required, just bring an open heart and mind and enjoy making some great rhythms together. The class is friendly and welcoming to everyone. Thursdays, 7.30-8.30pm, during school terms, at Saltwater Community Centre, 153 Saltwater Parade, Point Cook.
0411 028 077 or bfmusic15@gmail.com
Wyndham Ladies Probus
Retired or semi-retired ladies are invited to join this very active social group. Enjoy impressive monthly guest speakers, interesting monthly outings and many lunches where the development of friendships is encouraged. The Ladies Probus Club of Wyndham meets on the first Wednesday of each month at Hotel 520, Sayers Road, Tarneit, at 10am.
Pat 0411 316 795
Laverton Community Choir
The choir is currently welcoming new members - especially male voices. If you love singing and would like to be part of a choir – come along and try out your vocal cords. There are no auditions and you don’t need to be able to read music. The group meets on Thursday evenings during school terms at Laverton P12 College, 91 Bladin Street, Laverton, from 7-9pm.
Sue, 0418 386 147 or lavertoncommunitychoir@gmail.com
Vegetarian cooking classes
The Vegetarian and Cultural Association is 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-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
Walking Netball
Walking Netball is a low impact, no running, no jumping version for those that love the fun, friendship and activity of a weekly game of netball. Sessions are run every Thursday during school terms, from 8pm, at Eagle Stadium, Ballan Road, Werribee. Come and try your first session for free, with stadium entry $2.
Phil, 0437 078 739
Wyndham Rotary
Wyndham Rotary welcomes people interested in helping people in need in the community. Interested in finding out more, come to the Italian Sports Club each Wednesday at 6.30pm for a meal, to share ideas and to work for a common cause.
Julie, 0406 196 630
With One Voice Wyndham Choir
With One Voice Wyndham Choir is a community choir open to all. The community choir welcomes all ages, abilities, faiths, cultures and genders and is directed by a very experienced and friendly professional conductor. Fun weekly rehearsals and amazing performance opportunities are provided. They sing for an hour and then have a cuppa. The first two visits are free; and then payment is by tax-deductible donation. Tuesday evenings, 7-8.30pm, at Wayaperri House, 106 Duncans Road, Werribee.
wyndham@withonevoice.org.au
Adult community garden group
The group meets on the first Tuesday of the month, 10-11.30am, at Iramoo Community Centre, 84 Honour Avenue, Wyndham Vale. Head down and join them as they maintain their rejuvenated community garden. Planting and harvesting produce that they grow.
8742 3688
Seniors House of Fun
The Grange Community Centre invites seniors of Wyndham to its weekly Seniors House of Fun. This is a free program running every Friday, 11am-12.30pm, at The Grange Community Centre, 260-280 Hogans Road, Hoppers Crossing.
Vanessa, 8742 8000, or enquires@ grangecommunity.org.au
Seniors club
The Werribee Senior Citizens Club meets at 80 Lonsdale Circuit, Hoppers Crossing. The group is open to all people 55-plus and it runs on Wednesdays, 10am-noon. Entry: $2, includes morning tea. 0403 041 499
Diabetes Support Group
The Werribee Diabetes support provides an opportunity to hear from experts on how to manage your diabetes, to share information on diabetes and to engage with other diabetics Meetings are at the old council shire buildings at 10am every second Friday of the month.
Bob, 0409 252872.
Western Budgerigar Club
The Western Suburbs Budgerigar Club meets at 7.30pm on the third Thursday of each month at Masonic Hall, 223 Watton Street, Werribee. Meet other members who are also passionate about breeding Budgerigars.
Don, 0414 975 862
Western Melbourne Men’s Chorus
Do you like to sing? The Western Melbourne Men’s Chorus wants you! Be part of a rewarding fraternity of fellow amateur musicians serving the community, sharing comradery and having fun. Rehearsals at 7pm Tuesday evenings at St. James Church, Hoppers Crossing. Chris, 0400 414 215
Beekeeping group
Werribeeks is a group for beekeepers in and around Werribee and surrounding suburbs that meet every third Monday of the month at the Wyndham Park Community Centre to share information, tips and ideas on beekeeping..
https://www.facebook.com/ WerriBeeksClub
This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Roger Benns who is selling off a big collection of collectible cars and vehicles. (Damjan Janevski) 427321_01
Taize gathering of hope
Melbourne’s Taize community is conducting its first gathering, aligning with the global Taize movement.
Taize gathering will be held at the Uniting ChurchinSeddononSeptember29, from7pm.
In the spirit of unity, locals are invited for an evening of prayer, reflection, music and food.
Yarraville Taize co-ordinator Patricia Stewart is excited for the local community to experience Taize firs-thand.
“It’s so well known. Apparently more young people, than any other spiritual thing, come
fromallovertheworldtosomewhereinFrance to do Taize gatherings,” she said.
“We encourage community and church connectionsothatpeoplecanexperiencethatin theirownuniqueway.Taizeiscompletelyopen toanybodyandeverybody,allnationalitiesand religions.”
Taize lead singer from Wyndham Vale, Suse Korzendorfe, is encouraging people to engage more with their emotional, heart, soulful selves.
“Taize will offer room for peaceful reflection
and connection with one self in a very calm and safe space. The intention is that people’s experience leaves them feeling lighter in their hearts and soul. The hope is that people can take away something very positively beautiful that they can share with the world,” she said.
“Thehopeisthatpeopleleavefeelingfulfilled emotionally and spiritually and want to come back.”
Melbourne Ganesh Utsav returns
Melbourne Ganesh Utsav will be returning for the ninth consecutive year at the Werribee Racecourse on Saturday, September 14.
The festival will celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi, a significant one-day festival in the Hindu community, where worshippers and community members come together to celebrate the birth of Lord Ganesh.
The free festival aims to unite people from diversebackgroundsinAustraliaandshowcase the rich traditions of one of Hinduism’s most celebrated festivals.
While Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated by Hindu communities all over across the world, Melbourne Ganesh Ustav takes pride in
makingthefestivalamulticulturalcelebration.
Running for eight hours, the event will feature food and market stalls, rides, and an entertainment stage.
Afive-footstatueofLordGaneshfromShree Dagadusheth Halwai Temple in the Indian state of Maharashtra will be prominently displayed for rituals.
Dance performances, traditional music, children’s games and the traditional “Laddu” auction in the evening will add to the occasion, while a fireworks display is set to dazzle.
Founder Vinyak Kolape has championed the event since its inception in 2016.
He spoke about the significance of the event.
“We organise multicultural festivals like Melbourne Ganesh Utsav to educate our children about Hindu traditions and to enhance community harmony,” he said.
To achieve this goal, Mr Kolape also establishedtheHinduCommunityFoundation Australia (HCFC Inc), an educational non-profit organisation that values all faiths and supports emerging communities.
The annual event is expecting 3000 people to attend and has plans on expanding the festival’s reach.
World renowned comedy duo The Listies are on their way to The Bowery Theatre in St Albans this weekend.
Fresh off touring the UK, the duo who has been seen on ABC kids produces a comedy concert for everyone aged four to 400.
The Listies are Richard ‘Rich’ Higgins and Matthew ‘Matt’ Kelly, a comedy double act who are serious about being silly. To date, they have written nine award-winning critically acclaimed live shows, collaborated with most major theatre companies and festivals in Australia, toured three continents, recordedfouralbums,andpublishedtwo books.
Matt said after taking the show overseas, they can’t wait to bring the show to Melbourne’s west.
“We’rereallyexcitedtobebringingthe showtoStAlbans,it’sgotlotsofclowning around and sketches,” he said.
“The reason our shows are so fun is thatadultscanhavejustasgoodofatime as the kids do.
“It’s kind of like watching an episode of Bluey, except Bluey squirts you with a waterpistolanddragsherbumacrossthe stage because she’s got worms.
“Come along, since, dance and have a really fun time.”
TheshowisthisSaturday,September7, from 3pm to 4pm.
The Listies will take over The Bowery Theatre on Saturday, September 7.
Plenty of choice at the Eynesbury Market
With the weather warming up, residents in the west are offered a relaxing day out at Eynesbury Market.
A short drive through the lovely green pastures will take attendees to the Eynesbury Homestead, where a wide range of stalls feature fresh produce, artisan crafts, and more.
Felicity Ashman runs Urban Markets, who operate the Eynesbury Market on the last Sunday of every month.
She said that the things on offer to attendees were countless.
“We have everything from classic farmers’ market stalls like fruit and veggies, baked goods, and honey to 3D printing and metal garden products,” said Ms Ashman.
“We have quite a number of community organisations like the Eynesbury Environmental Group and local Rotary Clubs… it is a really diverse crowd.”
In October, the Eynesbury Market will celebrate its 10th anniversary.
Ms Ashman said she was “rapt” that people had embraced it.
“I love the fact we’ve been able to establish
the market and have longevity,” she said. Frequenters of the market come from far and wide, including places like Ballarat, Box Hill, Ringwood, and Lilydale, said Ms Ashman.
“We have a surprising large number of visitors from well outside the area… on a fairly regular basis which is exciting.” Anywhere between 2000 to 2500 people come through Eynesbury Market each day. It is open from 9am to 2pm and is dog friendly, with the next edition to be held on Sunday September 22.
Felicity Ashman at the site of the Eynesbury Market. (Damjan Janevski) 426951_04
Suse Korzendorfer will lead Taize music. (Supplied)
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Triton falls short of a podium finish
By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring
Watching the Olympics, it’s all about who gets the gold. No one remembers anyone beyond the top three placings and so it goes with utes and the Australian new car market.
Ranger is the gold medalist, with a clear lead, followed by Hilux with the silver and the D-Max with the bronze.
Also-rans include the Mitsubishi Triton, back for a sixth crack at the record but still sitting a fair way back in fourth position out of medal contention.
Although its redesigned front now carries the Mitsubishi name, it doesn’t look terribly different from the previous model and even bears a passing resemblance to the Hyundai Palisade.
Styling
They now want more than $90,000 for the top of the line Ranger Raptor, even though it’s powered by a thirsty petrol V6.
The good news is that you can get into a Triton for much less and it comes with a sensible diesel engine, which pretty much sums up the Mitsubishi ute - it’s always been value for money.
Having said that, we were a bit surprised to find our test vehicle, the second from the top GLS, doesn’t come with leather or power-adjust seats.
But at least satnav is standard – it wasn’t that long ago that even top spec Mitsus missed out on built-in navigation.
Standard equipment includes climate air with roof-mounted vents for the rear seat, auto high beam, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, auto lights and wipers and front and rear parking sensors.
GLS adds 18-inch alloys, road tyres, dual zone climate air, leather wheel, shifter and parking brake, LED head and daytime running lights, power-fold door mirrors, keyless entry and push-button start, an auto dimming rear view mirror, plus premium sound.
Infotainment
Infotainment includes a 9.0-inch touchscreen (up from 7.0 inches), built-in navigation, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, Bluetooth connectivity with voice and steering wheel controls, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto along with a six-speaker audio system.
USB-A, USB-C ports and a 12-volt outlet are located in the front, with the same setup for rear-seat passengers and a wireless phone charger in GLS and GSR.
A physical control knob is provided to control audio volume.
Safety
New Triton scores a five-star safety rating, with eight airbags, a 360-degree overhead camera and a comprehensive safety suite that offers two class firsts: Front Cross Traffic Alert and Driver Monitoring System.
Blind Spot, Rear AEB, Forward Collision Mitigation with pedestrian detection, cyclist detection and junction assist add to the list. A centre airbag is offered for the first time.
Engines/transmissions
The ‘new’ 2.4-litre four cylinder diesel features two turbochargers, one small for faster response at low revs, and a larger one to boost the top end.
Itdevelops150kWofpowerat3500rpm,with a 470Nm peak torque figure that’s available from just 1500 to 2750 rpm.
Both 4 x 2 and 4 x 4 drivetrains are offered with an updated six-speed auto, while a six-speed manual will become available later with some variants.
Driving
New Triton features a longer wheelbase and it is slightly longer and wider, providing more space, comfort and load capacity.
The tub itself measures 1555mm in length (+35mm), 1545mm in width (+25mm) and 526mm in depth (+51mm) and includes a tray
liner in this variant.
And for the first time, Triton earns a 3.5-tonne braked tow rating and can carry a one-tonne payload across the range.
A new three-dimensional door handle allows easy opening in any hand position while a new steering wheel features soft-touch materials with enhanced thumb-rests for added comfort.
The start button has been relocated inboard and the larger, but not that large touchscreen, is now freestanding. The instrument dials have been pushed further apart to make way for a larger information panel which now includes digital speed. But the dials themselves are still old-school analogue with no customisation available to play with. Guess the customer focus group didn’t express any interest in this?
On the road the new Triton certainly feels smoother and more refined, but is otherwise unexceptional.
Power is up from 133 to 150kW and torque from 430 to 470Nm, the latter available much earlier in the rev range.
The new engine and gearbox are designed to produce better response and more low-down power, with flat torque delivery throughout the rev range, along with better fuel economy.
Part-time high and low range 4×4 is offered in two forms, Easy Select and Super Select II for GLS and GSR, with selectable drive modes and a rear diff lock — the latter confined to GLX+, GLS and GSR.
Active yaw control automatically brakes the rear wheels to reduce over and understeer in corners.
Fuel consumption in the case of our GLS has dropped from 8.6 to a claimed 7.7L/100km. We trimmed a little bit off this, returning 7.6L/100km from the 75-litre tank after close to 400km of mixed driving.
Auto engine stop-start is fitted to enhance efficiency, with a 17-litre AdBlue tank to reduce NOx emissions.
However, the engine takes about half a second too slow to restart when the lights go green and it had other motorists beeping us for being a slowcoach. We’re told more than 100 front and rear suspension combinations were tested in Australia over several months.
After extensive benchmarking against competitors and the current model, a unique front shock absorber and spring combination was selected, along with a unique specification for the rear shocks.
Rear leaf springs are retained across the board, but the number and thickness of the leaves has been reduced, with both heavy duty and standard duty versions - the latter for GLS and GSR.
The rear brakes remain drums and it has a mechanical parking brake.
It all sounds promising and while the ride is generally smoother and more controlled, the suspension still produces an annoying staccato over across the low amplitude bumps common to our roads.
Upon reflection, it doesn’t bode well for equally common corrugated dirt roads. Maybe we should go with them next time?
The 4x4 benefits from a low-range ratio of 2.566, further enhancing low-speed response and pulling power.
Ground clearance is 228mm and seven off road drive modes are offered with the GLS and GSR: Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock.
GLX and GLX+ get 265/65 all terrain rubber, GLX 2WD, GLS and GSR get more road focused 265/60 profile highway terrain tyres. A full-size spare is provided (alloy for GLX+, GLS and GSR).
A class first driver monitoring system watches for fatigue and issues an alert if it detects distraction. It’s an absolute shocker and Mitsubishi has issued a fix which will be retrofitted to vehicles already on the road. If fatigue is detected by the steering wheel-mounted camera, Forward Collision Mitigation and Lane Departure Warning are calibratedtokickinearlier.Itresultsinsomany false alerts that we soon tried to turn it off, only todiscoverthatitreactivatedateachstart.Even picking your nose triggers the bloody thing.
Summing up
In a sea of 4×4 dual cab clones, only the distinctive grille sets the Mitsubishi Triton apart.
The latest model is definitely a step up, with a contemporary cabin, the requisite touchscreen and wireless charge pad. But so too is the price, with the review GLS now $10,000 more than it cost 12 months ago.
You get what you pay for as they say but the problem is there’s nothing that really screams ‘buy me’ from where we’re sitting. It’snotenoughtojustmatchthecompetition, you have to catch and pass them.
Sorry.
Mitsubishi Triton is back for a sixth crack at the record but still sits a fair way back. (Pictures: Supplied)
Finals fever is heating up across Melbourne’s north-west.StarWeeklyphotographer Ljubica Vrankovic was out shooting some of the action.
Finals excitement ramps up
Werribee Centrals coach Jade De La Rue and captain Lauren Basto. 428526_60
Yarraville Seddon’s Akol Deng tackles Jack Heron. 428570_02
A big Werribee crowd. 428574_19
Tarneit United’s Hassan Ahmed. 428575_01
Heartbreak for Caroline Springs. 428526_52
A rainbow above the action. 428526_01
Maidstone United’s Julian Vu. 428575_08
Yarraville Seddon’s William Kliszewski is tackled by Cooper Pepi and Jamie Ristoski. 428570_04
Werribee Centrals’ Abuk Akec. 428526_26
Sam Paea, Kaelan Bradtke and Jesse Clark raffle a mark. 428574_03
Vinnie Turcinovich steps down as Tarneit coach
Tarneit has announced senior coach Vinnie Turcinovich will be stepping down from his role, marking the end of a significant chapter for the club.
Turcinovich, who joined the club late last year,enduredachallengingseasonatthehelm with the Titans only managing three wins for the year in the Western Football League division 2.
Turcinovich said he would miss being around the club, but ultimately the decision to step down was one that had to be made for his well-being.
“The [lack] numbers we had at training really made my decision a little bit easier, but it’s a fantastic club and probably the best club I have been to,” he said.
“And we communicated as coaches and I got to know the coaches really well. But they were exhausted because we were going into games not really wanting to be there, because you know you are going to lose by 200-plus points.”
He said the league’s decision to move the Titans up to division two from division three as the competition went to two divisions, caused a ripple effect within the club, and it was always going to be an uphill battle this season.
“We lost our reserves coach, we lost our
senior assistant during the year,” he said. “I stuck it out as long as I could because that’s just me as a person.”
Turcinovich said it’s going to be a long way back now for the Titans to taste success, but he hopes the club can find a successor who can bring some talented players with them.
“I wish them all the best and as I said they
Warriors’ stunning form
By Tara Murray
Hoppers Crossing’s remarkable turnaround has continued with the Warriors through to a WesternFootballLeaguedivision1semifinal.
After winning just two games last season and finishing bottom, the Warriors made massive improvements this season and managed to make finals.
On Sunday, they were impressive as they ended Altona’s season in an elimination final.
In tricky conditions, the Warriors led by 14 points at quarter time and increased it to 41 points at the main break.
When the Warriors kicked the first goal in the third quarter that was game over.
The Warriors were able to run away with a 15.14 (104)-3.7 (25) win.
Warriors president John Semertzidis was thrilled with the result.
“Itwasprettyimpressive,”hesaid.“Wewere disappointed to start with as the reserves lost by four points.
“But the senior boys were ready to go and they jumped out of the blocks and they could
not catch up.”
Semertzidis said it was a tricky wind which sort of went across the ground which slightly favoured one end of the ground.
He said they were able to really turn it on in the second quarter and left the Vikings on the back foot.
Riley Fisher and Ryan Kitchen kicked three goals each for the Warriors.
Riley Fisher, Jed Anderson and Kitchen were named their best.
Semertzidis, who was vice-president last season, said the committee would have loved to have doubled their wins from last season, but didn’t predict this much improvement.
He said last year was the year they needed to have looking back at it as it woke everyone up to where the club was at.
Semertzidis said things were already looking bright for the future.
“We signed our senior coach Jared Polec for two years and we’ve extended his contract for another two years,” he said.
“He has been banging down the door to recommit and we were more than happy to do
are a great club, it’s pretty hard where they are situated but hopefully they can find a coach that can bring five or six players.”
As the Titans begin their search for a new coach in season 2025, Turcinovich said the demand of being a senior coach will most likely require him to take some time off from coaching.
“I do need a break but I never say never,” he said.
“I’ve got players I coached ten years ago that I keep in contact with that are struggling with depression, so it never ends. It’s probably a good time to sit down and reflect about what I am really after.”
The Titans acknowledged the impact Turcinovich had on the players.
“Vinnieleftnostoneunturnedinhispursuit of excellence,” they said on social media.
“He has left a mark on many of our Titans and his contributions will not be forgotten.”
Thomas Ingleton
It was a straight set exit for Werribee Centrals in the Geelong and District Football League finals on Sunday.
After entering the finals with so much hope, the Centurions failed to fire when it counted most.
On Sunday in a knockout semi final, the Centurions faced Thomson as St Albans Reserve.
The Centurions led at quarter time with all the score on the board but were wasteful,kicking1.5andfailingtomake the most of their opportunities.
Thomson wasn’t convincing with the wind in the second quarter either but were able to kick three goals to hit the front.
Itwasgoalforgoalinthethirdquarter as Thomson maintained its lead heading into the final quarter.
Thomson exploded in the last quarter with a massive 17 scoring shots to one to blow the final margin out to 12.18 (90)-3.12 (30).
It was all single goal kickers for the Centurions.
Bryce Linehan-Cunningham, Patrick Daley and Bradley Carlton were named the Centurions best.
It wasn’t all bad news for the Centurions with the reserves along with B-grade and under-19 netball winning through to grand finals.
The under-15 and under-17 netball teams will play off in preliminary finals this Saturday to join them.
that.”
“We’ve re-signed all bar two of our senior group for another two years as well.”
The Warriors immediate focus though is on Sunday as they face Yarraville Seddon in a knockout semi final.
The Eagles lost their qualifying final against CarolineSpringsbyonepoint.TheLakersface Werribee Districts for a spot in the grand final in the other semi final.
Semertzidissaiditwouldbeagoodchallenge this week at Yarraville Oval on Sunday.
Meanwhile in division 2, Wyndhamvale’s season has come to an end.
The Falcons faced Newport in a knockout semi final on Sunday.
The Panthers jumped out to an early lead and were able to stay in front all day, winning 11.10 (76)-6.7 (43).
Tyler Tessari, Liam Scarborough and James Tessari were named their best.
Daniel Smith kicked three goals in the loss.
The Panthers now face Sunshine in a preliminary final with Albion awaiting the winner in the grand final.
In other Centurions news, the club has announced that coach Rhyce Prismall has signed on for next season along with star player Michael Culliver.
Tyler Crennan. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 405186_14
Vinnie Turcinovich is stepping down as Tarneit coach. (Supplied)
Daniel Smith jumped at the chance to take on the senior coaching role at Wyndhamvale for next year’s Western Football League division 2 season.
Smith, who has been the club’s reserves coach, will take over from Rob May and Jason Parker, who have decided to step down after two years in the role.
Smith said it’s an exciting new challenge.
“I retired from playing football and then took on the reserves job [this year] to stay in footy,” he said. “They needed a coach and I put my hand up and I was lucky enough to get it.
“With Rob and Jason not going on, an opportunity arose to coach the senior side. I was more than happy to throw my hat in the ring.”
Smith, who has played more than 300 games of football, is no stranger to coaching.
He first started when he was just 16.
“It’s always something that I’ve done,” he said. “Once my playing days were over I wanted to stay involved in footy, that is the best way to stay involved.”
Smith said taking on the role at a club he’s been heavily involved with makes stepping into the role easier.
He takes on the role at an interesting time.
There will be no promotion of relegation next season, meaning the Falcons will play in division 2 no matter the results. With the other three teams in this year’s top four being promoted,theywillbetheteamtobeatheading into next season.
Smith said it was a slightly weird situation.
“I have two years to really push my game plan and get the guys up to a division 1 standard,” he said.
“We’ll do a lot of work over the next couple ofyears.Tobesuccessfulindivision1youneed
a good junior program and under-18s coming through.”
Smith was in the action on Sunday for the Falcons.
He kicked three goals for the Falcons seniors semi final loss to Newport.
“I played one reserves game this season and Rob and Jason said you are playing seniors,” he said.
“Hopefully I’m playing this weekend. If I’m not, I’ll do anything off field to help them win.”
Having retired once, Smith said this season will be his final season playing and he will just focus on coaching.
“I’m 40 at the end of the year,” he said. “The mind is still willing, the body is starting to let me down.
“I think I’d be divorced if I still played on.”
Tara Murray
Centurions claim their first title
By Tara Murray
Werribee Centrals created a slice of history on Saturday, winning their first Western Football League women’s premiership.
Having been in the mix for the last three years, the Centurions won through to the grand final for the first time this season.
It was a case of a Centurions side playing in their first grand final and Caroline Springs playing off in its fifth straight.
For much of the game, it seemed like the Lakers were going to come out on top.
A plucky Centurions side though wasn’t going to give up without a win.
They kicked the last three goals of the game to come away with a 6.3 (39)-5.7 (37) win.
Speaking straight after the game, Centurions coach Jade De La Rue was speechless at what they had achieved.
“This week leading up to this game was so different, you know, we put a lot of preparation in but it was mainly just focusing on our strengths,” she said.
“So I think round one of the finals we kind of came in and shut down this person, shut down this person, shut down this person.
“Losing that game probably did the best thing for us because we came back last week stuck to our structure and did everything the way we needed to do it and it came out with a big win.”
De La Rue said heading into the grand final they were focused on sticking to their structures.
It paid off early on as they repelled multiple inside 50s from the Lakers.
“Our defensive 50 has been the best one all year in the entire competition,” she said.
“That has never been a worry of ours. We know between Meg [Meghann Basto], Buk [Abuk Akec] and all those girls back there are always going to take those marks and take them in the most important minutes and they did that again.”
Having kicked two goals late in the second quarter, the Centurions took the lead and confidence into the half time break.
De La Rue said they felt like they were in a
good spot.
She said the third quarter didn’t go the way they wanted. In the end it came down to the final 10 minutes.
The Centurions trailed by 18 points at that stage.
“Usually our thing is we tend to drop our heads a bit but everybody was saying to everybody get your head up don’t drop it like get back into the game and that’s what we managed to do,” De La Rue said.
“It was literally just every single person just going up taping each other on the back saying get the job done.
“Make sure that you’re not dropping your head staying in the game and it worked as everybody lifted when we needed him to lift and we were smart across that half forward flank as well, slowing it down and playing kick mark sort of thing.”
De La Rue said they talked about who wanted it more and they weren’t going to let it go in those final minutes.
Julia Nash was awarded the best on ground medal.
De La Rue said she’s an incredible athlete with the way that she trains.
The premiership caps off a stunning first season as coach for De La Rue.
She said she felt a little bit of imposter syndrome earlier in the season, but knows she belongs now.
“Over the last couple of weeks the group has made me realise, that this is where I’m meant to be,” she said.
“I couldn’t imagine not playing and coaching this year, it’s an amazing thing. Just grateful to be part of it.”
De La Rue said they would probably have a “three-day bender” before focusing on growing the program next season.
She said they want to build on what they’ve done.
“Creating that club culture, which we have grown really strong across the board,” she said.
“Spend more time with the juniors and help them develop more and create a good space, which has been really successive this year.”
Suns coach Dean Cachia feels it’s time for a new voice to lead the Western Football League division 2 club heading into the future.
Cachia, who took over as coach in 2019, decided to step away from coaching at the end of this season.
While he will remain at the club as a player, Cachia is content with stepping away from leading the club.
“I told them a couple of months ago,” he said. “With work commitments and family… It’s been six years, going on seven years.
“I need to take a step back and enjoy the last couple of years being able to just play.”
Cachia said the club always told him the role was his until he didn’t want it.
He said everybody has a use by date in football before they get a little stale.
“We were still able to play finals and we played some good football towards the end of
the year.
“To continue to improve going forward, we need a more experienced coach and I can just focus on playing and having fun.”
Cachia said he steps away from coaching happy with how he has left things and the club in a better place.
A division 3 premiership in 2023 is the highlight on field in that time.
This year the Suns exited finals in the first week.
Cachia said it had been a different year playing against the top sides in division 2.
“We played finals which is where we wanted tobe,”hesaid.“Thelastfewyearsallourlosses have been two to three goals.
“We haven’t been beaten by 100 points like this year. Newport comprehensively beat us in the final.”
Cachia said one of the most pleasing things
was he gives up the role knowing the club is in a better place than when he took over.
“When I took over at the end 2018, we were staring down folding,” he said. “We claimed the minor premiership in the Covid year, lost a grand final in 2022, won a grand final last year and made division 2 finals this year.
“I’m proud that we are in a much stronger position.”
The club paid tribute to Cachia on social media.
“His leadership and passion have been an integral part to our growth and success,” the club wrote. “Dean has not only been a remarkable coach but also an outstanding player. During this period Dean has kicked over 348 goals, achieved 38 best on ground performances and played over 71 games as our senior playing coach. Dean also led our seniors to a premiership last year.” Dean Cachia. (Supplied)
Double Big V joy for Wyndham
By Tara Murray
It was double joy for Wyndham in the Big V championship grand finals on Saturday night.
After having to make the grand finals the hard way, both Wyndham sides were able to win thrillers to make it two championships in three years.
The club became the first club to win both championship titles in 2022 and repeated history this year.
The women’s side was in action against the BulleenBoomersfirstatDandenongBasketball Stadium.
The sides were facing off for a third straight grand final. The first year, Wyndham won when it was underdogs, the second Wyndham was favourites before falling short.
This year, Wyndham was the top team all year before the Boomers knocked it off in the first week of finals.
OnSaturdaynight,itwasalowscoringaffair.
After three quarters scores were level and a thriller was on the cards. Neither side could buy a basketball in the final quarter.
Wyndham did just enough to win the final
quarter 6-4 and the game, 50-48.
Wyndham president Mike White said the match was what they expected.
“For the women it was a constant tussle all night which was to be expected with such evenly matched teams,” he said.
“Amanda Paschal showed why she was voted the MVP [most valuable player] for the game.
“We truly appreciated Lauren Jones for coming back all the way from the USA in order to play in this one game before getting back on the plane. It was dedication-plus.”
Paschal finished with 23 points and 14 rebounds. It’s a second grand final most valuable player award, having won it in the 2022 grand final.
Speaking with Big V media before the game, Paschal said they were super excited for the grand final.
“Focusing on our team and doing what we needed to do,” she said was the focus leading into the game.
“Wewentbackandreviewedalotoffilmand fixed the mistakes we needed to fix and we’re ready to play.”
Paschal thanked the Wyndham supporters
for their endless support this season.
With the women’s team having claimed the title, the men’s side was then in action against McKinnon Cougars.
In 2022, the teams played at different locations but this year they were in one allowing all the Wyndham supporters to be there for both games.
The Cougars were the defending champions.
The match went down to the wire, with Wyndham winning 80-79 after a 23-15 final quarter.
“The men’s game was equally thrilling having been down by as much as 16 points in the last quarter,” White said.
“Some vital three point shooting from Daniaell [Herbert] closed the gap. With a critical block by Tomi [Ayilara] late in the quartercausingaturnovertoOskar[Jones]and the final three point bucket by Myles [Thomas] that enabled us to win with only 6.7 seconds on the shot clock made the stadium erupt.
“It was a great team effort that started from defence. Yet more critical blocks that denied McKinnon the win and a final steal by Troyce [Manassa]puttingtheresultbeyonddoubtwho
then took off with the ball around the stadium.
“This was truly heart attack material for most of us.”
Manassa was awarded the game most valuable player, finishing with 26 points and five assists.
Ayilara told Big V media before the game thattheteamwassuperexcitedandreadytogo. He said they were keen to get some revenge for the last game they played against them.
Ayilara also thanked the supporters. It wasn’t just the players on the court for Wyndham.
Two Wyndham technical officials on the scoretable in Dale Wheatland and Saxon Gibbon, while court announcer Wes Cusworth was part of the commentary team.
White said the wins were not only a testament to the players, coaches and support staff but also for the pathways for the youth of Wyndham. Ayilara (Woodville), Aaron Dolny and Kane Hynes (St Andrews), Herbert, Beau Koscak and Joshua Norling (St Peters), Emmanwiel Deng (Hoppers/Flames), Jones and Mackenzie Drew (Iramoo) have all come through the Wyndham system.
The men’s championship team. (Torch Chavez)
Tigers go into preliminary final
By Tara Murray
Werribee is through to a second straight Victorian Football League preliminary final after a tough win against Geelong on Saturday.
The weather played a massive part in the game, making it challenging for both sides.
Werribee kicked the only three goals of the first quarter before increasing the last to 29 points at half time.
TheTigerswereabletomaintainthemargin a gap in the second half to come away with an 8.9 (57)-5.6 (36) win.
Tigers coach Jimmy Allan said the conditions were different to what they were used to seeing at Avalon Airport Oval.
“They were very tricky and swirling to one end a little bit,” he said. “It was hard to gauge at the same time. Normally it’s pretty sheltered and the wind goes straight down the ground to one end.
“It was blowing a gale which made it tricky.” Allan said Geelong had the slight scoring end in the first quarter. He said they were able to weather the storm early on and build from there.
“They out marked us early on,” he said. “We won a fair share of the ball and defended as well as we have for a long time.
“We set it up early but we didn’t take our chances in the second quarter to put that scoreboard pressure on.”
Allan said while it was a decent lead they didn’t feel comfortable enough that they’d done enough to have the game in the bag.
He said they were able to handle what was being thrown at them though.
“They came hard in the third quarter and we managed to weather the storm,” he said. “We managed to get a goal right at three quarter time.
“We were then able to play well in the last quarter and shut the game down late.”
Riley Bice had 35 disposals for the Tigers, while Dom Brew was his usual self with 33 in the middle of the ground.
Allan said they had a lot of contributors.
“Our midfield was outstanding,” he said. “Dom Brew and Jack Henderson were exceptional.
“Sam Conway was really good in the ruck.
“Nathan Cooper returned and showed how good he is after missing 10 weeks and keeping Gary Rohan to zero possessions in the first half.
“Sam Azzi, Louis Pinnuck, Riley Bice, Jesse Clark and Matthew Keast down back. Keast is in a different role and played well.
“Our forward did the hard work. It was so hard to pick the best players.”
In a promising sign for the Tigers, Allan said they seem to have got through the game unscathed.
The Tigers now have a week off before the preliminary final.
Allan said there would be players pushing for selection.
“Selection will be tough for the right reasons,” he said. “Stefan Radovanovic, Jaelen Pavlidis and Angus Hicks will be working really hard to come back in.
“They’re had medium to long term injuries and haven’t played for a while. It will give them another week to be in the mix.”
Allan said the group had no issues with another week off despite having had two already in the last month.
He said it would give the group the chance to rest up before the preliminary final which will be held at Avalon Airport Oval.
“On the weekend and the Box Hill game we started well after having a bye,” Allen said. “The boys were a bit banged up and they will be able to rest up.
“We’lltrainTuesdayandThursdayandhave a solid hit out on Saturday before preparing for the week after.”
Jack Henderson looks to get a handball away. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 428574_02
