Star Weekly - Wyndham - 4th December 2024 by Star Weekly

Giddy-up it’s the cup!

The Werribee Cup is back and promising to be bigger and better than ever.

From 11.30am to 6.30pm on Sunday, December 8, the Werribee Racecourse will be rocking as Wyndham’s premier race meet is set to have guests on the edge of their seats.

You would be hard-pressed to ﬁnd a better way to gather family, friends and colleagues in the summer weather to celebrate Christmas, reward a year of good work or just have a blast on a great day out.

Racegoers won’t have to worry about the sun, as there will be plenty of outside grandstand seating for those wanting to watch the races in the shade.

A range of packages and activities means that there will be something for everyone.

Those not interested in the pomp and pageantry found at Flemington will be pleased to know that country casual is encouraged.

Umbrella, marquee and dining packages are available, parking is free, and youngsters under 17 go free with an accompanying adult.

Tickets: https://country.racing.com/ werribee/calendar/werribee-cup

Nurse strike hits hospital

By Jaidyn Kennedy

Nurses from St Vincent’s Private Hospital in Werribee were among those who stopped work last week in demand of better working conditions.

Nurses and midwives from St Vincent’s Private in Werribee, Fitzroy, East Melbourne and Kew stopped work for more than two hours as part of an escalation of The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation’s (Victorian Branch) industrial

Despite conceding that St Vincent’s Private managementhaveofferedsomeimprovements to pay and working conditions, the ANMF said there has been a refusal to address understaffing and high patient workloads.

ANMF senior industrial officer Leigh Hubbard said the lack of mandated staff to patient ratios across the organisation’s private hospitals was unfair to nurses and midwives and their patients.

“How is it that other St Vincent’s public and

private hospitals have ratios and Victoria’s St Vincent’s Private Hospitals don’t?” he said.

“Members tell us they want to give quality care and are unable to.

“Nurses are stressed and leave work exhausted because they are missing breaks just to make sure patients are getting care –St Vincent’s Private needs to listen to their employees because it is unsafe.”

Victorian public hospitals have had minimum ratios in the enterprise agreement since 2001 and in legislation since 2015,

which research shows has improved quality and safety of patient care, reducing incidents of patient complications and even patient deaths, according to the ANMF.

St Vincent’s Private chief executive Janine Loader said she was “disappointed” the union rejected the hospital’s two initial offers.

“As a not-for-profit hospital, St Vincent’s is committed to achieving a fair agreement for our nurses and midwives. We will continue negotiating in good faith to achieve this,” she said.

Beena Jutarat Phetmeeka and Rachael Dawson are ready for the Werribee Cup. (Damjan Janevski) 446490_05

New party to represent the west

By Cade Lucas

A new political party in Melbourne’s west could become a home for disgruntled Labor voters, according to a prominent pollster.

The West Party has been established by Wyndham businessman Paul Hopper with the aim of running candidates in all western suburbs seats at the 2026 state election.

RedbridgeGrouppollsterKosSamarassaid the new party could capitalise on growing discontent with the Labor government in its traditional heartland.

“They may provide license for voters who’ve never voted Liberal to vote for something other than the Labor Party” said

Mr Samaras, a former Labor strategist.

The ALP has long dominated western suburbs politics and currently holds every state and federal lower house seat in the area.

But Mr Samaras said after almost a decade in power, cost of living pressures and a growing sense of neglect, that could be about to change.

“The Labor brand in the western suburbs of Melbourne is now under possibly the most extreme levels of pressure since the 1950’s split with the DLP,” he said.

“We should expect at least one or two seats in the west to fall at the next state election.”

Mr Samaras said it was too early to tell which seats the ALP would lose or who

would win them, but West Party founder Paul Hopper agreed the opportunity was there.

“The window is opening,” he said of his party’s chances.

After failing to be elected as independent candidate at the last state election and the recent council elections, Mr Hopper created the West Party alongside fellow independent candidate, Dr Joe Garra, the Werribee Historical Society’s Lisa Heinrichs, business consultant Brendan Callister and former Wyndham councillor Sahana Ramesh.

“None of our founders wake up everyday dreaming of being politicians,” said Mr Hopper of their motivation for forming the

Help the Giants and help baseball

The Werribee Giants are calling on the state government and community to help them improve their facilities and make sport more accessible for everyone.

Club president David Bishop-Worn said the main concern was the women’s changerooms.

“They’re having to get changed in or behind our dugouts and it’s hard to encourage more women to be involved if we don’t have the facilities there,” he said.

“The guys get changed on the bench as well and it’s a bit awkward for everyone.”

Having a place to get changed in private and freshen up can be the difference between getting people playing baseball or not.

“It definitely puts some women off playing, because they come along, they are all keen and wehaveabitofarainygameoreventheweather is hot, and there’s nowhere to get changed,” Mr Bishop-Worn said.

Far from afterthought , the club sees itself and baseball as another option for those who mayhaveprematurelyconcludedthatsportjust isn’t for them.

“So if somebody is not good at football or cricket, it’s just something else everyone can come and have a go at,” Mr Bishop-Worn said.

Fielding sides tee-ball for children young as four, the Giants cater to male and female juniors and seniors.

Those with spare balls, bats, gloves, plates and anything baseball related can get in touch with the club to donate them.

Jaidyn Kennedy

party which still needs 500 members to be formally registered.

“We come to this with a desire to serve and genuine care for the community.”

Mr Hopper said Labor’s dominance of the west meant it had been taken for granted even as its population exploded.

He nominated public safety, public health, schools, roads and jobs as areas of focus for the party which would have a centrist, non-ideological approach to politics.

“We’re not left, we’re not right, we’re west,” said Mr Hopper repeating the West Party’s slogan.

“Our focus will be on things that matter to the west.”

Tobacco crackdown

Three Wyndham residents were among those arrested or charged by police as part of a national operation targeting the Comanchero Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (MCG).

Investigators searched stores in Norlane, Drysdale and Castlemaine on Friday, November 22, resulting in charges being laid against men from Point Cook and Tarneit.

A 43-year-old Point Cook man was charged with two counts of possessing tobacco with the intent to defraud the Commonwealth, supplying vapes and possessing a schedule 4 poison. He was bailed to appear at Geelong Magistrates’ Court on February 5.

A 24-year-old Tarneit man was charged with possessing tobacco and possessing tobacco with the intent to defraud the Commonwealth. He was bailed to appear at Geelong Magistrates’ Court on February 5.

A 44-year-old Truganina man is among three people who are expected to be charged on summons with offences includingthepossessionandsaleofillicit tobacco, vapes, possession of proceeds of crime and possession of prohibited weapons following a search of two stores in West Melbourne and one store in Windsor.

Warrants were executed at 12 stores withestablishedlinkstoorganisedcrime syndicates, including OMCGs, across Victoria. Police said that in Victoria the operation was particularly focused on the link between OMCGs and their connections to the illicit tobacco trade andotherformsofassociatedcriminality.

David Bishop-Worn and Addison Bishop-Worn want to show the world how good baseball is. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 445132_03

Werribee police walk oﬀ the job

By Jaidyn Kennedy

Werribee police officers walked off the job in two separate strikes across November 27-28 to demand better pay and working conditions from the state government.

In a bid to bring Victoria Police back to the negotiating table, protective services officers (PSOs)stoppedworkat4.40pmonWednesday, November 27, while uniformed members followed suit the next day at 10am.

Leading Senior Constable Grace Buckley

said police in Werribee and across the state “just don’t feel recognised by the organisation“.

“All the people sitting in these high positions of power and decision-making are police, so that is what’s really disappointing,” she said.

“They’ve been in our position, but now they are turning around and saying you should be happy with what you get.”

She said many officers are frustrated by protocols they deemed a hindrance to their capacity to respond.

“People join because they do want to help

people and then they don’t realise that we have so many archaic admin and computer systems,” she said.

“A family violence job might be half an hour on the job but then at least two hours of paper work.”

“The paper work is exhausting.

“In our jobs we see things that the average person will never ever see.”

The Police Association of Victoria (TPAV) secretary Wayne Gatt said members want Victoria Police to return to the bargaining

Uniting to spread Christmas cheer

Uniting VicTas Wyndham needs your help to ensure families will be able to experience the fun and joy of Christmas.

The Christmas Gifts for Families Appeal will be accepting new gifts such as toys and puzzles, sporting equipment, books, new clothes, e-gift cards, movie vouchers and gifts for adults.

With the housing and cost-of-living crises putting a strain on many in the community, more families than ever are expected to ask for assistance this year.

Uniting Vic.Tas Wyndham emergency relief co-ordinator Maddy Farnaby said

cost-of-living pressures have stretched many budgets to breaking point.

“Whether it’s the cost of rent, gas and electricity or putting fuel in the car, we know people are really struggling. Affording the necessities is now out of reach for many and they’re having to choose between putting food on the table and paying their bills,” she said.

With tough times comes the opportunity to make a difference and make the world a little brighter for some.

“Putting smiles on the faces of families and providing gifts to deserving children

and young people is so rewarding. We hope you; your group, school, workplace or family can make sure there are gifts under every Christmas tree in our community,” Ms Farnaby said.

Uniting are also looking for donations of non-perishable food, so that families have something to put on the table for Christmas Day.

Donations can be made in-person at 1 Duncans Road, Werribee or by 9051 1200 and werribee.hub.reception@vt.uniting.org

Jaidyn Kennedy

table.

TPAV said its members are seeking a 6 per cent pay rise per annum over four years and an end to unpaid work.

A state government spokesperson said it had delivered a record $4.5 billion for Victoria Police and sought the assistance of the Fair Work Commission in progressing bargaining.

“Victoria Police officers play a critical role in protecting the community and saving lives, and we are grateful for their vital service to the state,” the spokesperson said.

Help with school costs

The state government has begun rolling out its $400 School Saving Bonus, which is aimed at helping families with the cost of living.

Parents with kids at a government school won’t need to apply for their bonus: it is free, automatic and universal.

Families will receive an email giving them access to $400 per child.

Premier Jacinta Allan said the program will give parents “one less thing to worry about”.

“Families want the best for their kids. The best education, the right textbook, a fresh uniform, the camps and excursions they’ll remember forever,” she said.

Families will be able to choose how they allocate their funds, whether it’s a uniform and textbook voucher – or adding money to their school account for camps, excursions or other extracurricular activities.

The voucher for uniforms and textbooks will be redeemable at local school-approved uniform or book suppliers, while funds allocated to activities will be credited to the family’s school account.

Textbookanduniformvoucherswill be valid until June 30.

Unspent funds will automatically transfer to a family’s school account once the uniform and textbook voucher period expires, with parents able to use the remaining funds on future school activities.

Non-government school families who are eligible for the means-tested Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund, including healthcare and concession card holders, are also eligible for the School Saving Bonus.

Woolworths distribution centre workers continue strike

Warehouse workers in Laverton North have joined more than 1500 across Victoria and New South Wales in a strike for better wages and working conditions.

The Woolworths Melbourne Liquor Distribution in Laverton North is one of the four sites across Australia where the indefinite strike against the major retailer’s “framework” has reached its second week.

The United Workers Union (UWU) described the ‘framework’ as a high-risk management approach that pushes workers to work faster and undermines safety.

The union said the framework allocate

workers a certain time for a task, then ranks their performance out of 100, which workers said puts undue pressure on them and has a negative impact on wellbeing.

The strike action has seen supermarket shelves across Victoria stripped, with scenes akin to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Customers can expect to see ongoing empty shelves after the union failed to agree to allow workers to return to work as a result of the ongoing strikes, Woolworths said.

UWU National Secretary Tim Kennedy saidworkerswerestrikingfor acost-of-living wage increase and to be paid the same rate of pay for doing the same work under a national agreement.

“Workers do not want to feel pressured to cut corners and work unsafely for fear of losing their job,” he said.

the company and union returned to the negotiating table on Monday.

“We are hopeful of a breakthrough because our workers deserve to be safe at work,” Mr Kennedy said.

In a statement attributed on behalf of Woolworths said the framework being criticised by the union has been developed with safety as an inherent component.

“The measure of work which sits behind the framework has been developed based on the time it should take a person with

reasonable skill, applying reasonable effort, working at a safe and conscientious pace, that can be maintained for the duration of a shift, to complete a task,” the statement said.

“Over the past seven years, team members at these four [distribution centres] have had pay rises above inflation, and the most common earnings for full time team members is between $85,000 and $95,000. Our latest offers would have taken hourly rates at these sites to approximately 40 - 60 per cent above the Storage Services Award, and well above inflation.”

Jaidyn Kennedy, with AAP

Case managers Rachel Dutson, Natalie Ward and Amberley Kelly. (Damjan Janevski) 47018_01

New truck for volunteers

The Werribee Volunteer Coast Guard has received a grant worth $98,251 from the state government towards a new truck.

ThegrantispartoftheVolunteerEmergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) grants, which the state government said will allow volunteers to better assist the community during an emergency.

Commander Chris Bie said the new vehicle will help the coast guard to launch and retrieve its vessel.

“For the wider Emergency Management Victoriacommunity,itmeansourvesselcanbe transported to where it is needed, if such a call out was requested,” he said.

“It’s important we have the right gear for the job.”

Since the start of the year, the flotilla has performed 90 taskings, 38 of which have come since the beginning of July.

“The coastguard receives a sum of money from the Victorian government, which we are grateful for, however coast guard is a lesser known organisation compared to the CFA or SES,” Commander Bie said.

“Increased funding from the government would allow us to operate more safely and efficiently.”

“I’d like to see coastguard funding reflect that of other organisations in the years to come.”

As a volunteer unit, Mr Bie said VF10 depends on investment and involvement to keep on keeping people safe on the water.

“Operating a coastguard flotilla and accompanyingassetscostsalotofmoney-there is always repairs, maintenance and training that needs to be undertaken, all with a price.”

The summer season is the busy season for the volunteer coastguards in Werribee South, which is why the flotilla wants members of the community to be vigilant.

“Throughout the summer its important members of the public carry all the required safety gear, ensure their vessel is maintained and performing to its best standard, and know

what to do in case of an emergency,” Mr Bie said.

To volunteer: https://coastguard.com.au/ volunteer/

Trailers for recycling

Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) Vic West Zone operator TOMRA Cleanaway hasannouncedthelaunchofcommunity events trailers just in time for the summer season, available in partnership with depots across Melbourne’s west.

Designed to make large-scale eligible drink container collection easier and more efficient, these trailers are perfect for sporting groups, schools, community clubs, and public event organisers looking to cash in on refunds while makingapositiveenvironmentalimpact.

Whether you’re organising a footy club fundraiser, hosting a music festival, or planning a community clean-up, the new community events trailers are your ticket to collecting and returning a large volume of eligible containers quickly and hassle-free.

TOMRA Cleanaway chief executive James Dorney said the trailers will make it far easier to recycle during big events.

“Ourfreetrailersnotonlyhelpincrease container refunds but also support local initiatives to reduce waste and promote recycling. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

The trailers provide ample space to collect eligible drink containers, maximising fundraising opportunities or event profits.

Organisers can book one of the many trailers available across CDS Vic depots in the nort- west, including in Ravenhall, Melton, Point Cook, Williamstown, and Campbellfield. TOMRA Cleanaway can be contacted at 1800 237 842 to connect organisers with their local depot operator.

Henry Trusiak, Rachel Wang, Karen Lechner, Ros Maddox, Joe Gatty and David Walker of the Werribee Volunteer Coast Guard. (Damjan Janevski) 439291_01

United celebrates Africa

A celebration of African culture will take place at Ironbark Fields ahead of Western United’s round seven clash with MacarthurFConSaturday,December7.

The women’s and men’s African Cup of Nations Victoria Grand Finals will be in collaboration with host organisations AfricaDayAustralia(ADA).

In addition to African and diaspora footballing excellence, traditional foods and performances will be on full display inaneventthatunitesthousandsofpeople fromallAfricanbackgroundseachyear.

A festival atmosphere will include authentic music, food trucks and market stalls representing each unique culture fromtheworld’ssecondlargestcontinent.

The match will be a repeat of the club’s first ever men’s match in Tarneit where an incredible comeback secured a 4-2 win in frontofthehomefansatIronbarkFields.

ADApPresident Qiniso Dube said “Africa Day Australia and African Football Victoria are thrilled to showcase the unifying power of football across Victoria”.

“We look forward to building and strengthening our connection with the residents of Wyndham and with Western United.”

The women’s match will kick off at 12pm before the men’s game at 2pm, with Western United vs Macarthur starting at 6pm.

Information and tickets: https:// premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/Show. aspx?sh=WESTM0725

Jaidyn Kennedy

Abel Walatee will be among the action against Macarthur. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 417037_02

Briefs

Money for sick kids

The Werribee Ladies for Kids November fundraiser to help patients at the Royal Children’s Hospital, which was featured recently in Star Weekly, was a resounding success, raising over $10,000. Across 11 days at Pacific Werribee, the ladies sold a diverse range of handcrafts at their stall. A community effort from top to bottom, donors, customers, sales staff, supporters and volunteers all played their part for a good cause. President Heather Brett thanked the community for their generosity.

Liquor theft charges

Three Truganina men have been charged over their alleged involvement in the theft of more than $320,000 worth of alcohol from liquor stores across Melbourne. A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged with 68 offences including the theft of $76,000 worth of alcohol. A 30-year-old man, who police believe is one of the leaders of the syndicate, will be charged on summons with 23 offences including the theft of more than $18,000 worth of alcohol. A 29-year-old man was charged with 17 offences, including the theft of almost $40,000 worth of alcohol. It will be alleged the men were working as part of a syndicate where some would steal from stores while others waited in a getaway vehicle outside.

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Fertility issues? You’re not alone

By Dr Isabela Dos Anjos Siqueira

Becoming a parent is a cherished dream for many and the moment you finally hold your baby in your arms is truly unforgettable.

I’ve been fortunate to experience that profound happiness myself with the birth of my son last year. It’s a feeling that fills your heart in a way words can’t fully express. But as a fertility specialist I know all too well the frustration and confusion people who struggletobecomepregnantcanfeel.Myheart goes out to everyone navigating this path.

AccordingtotheFertilitySocietyofAustralia and New Zealand, one in six Australian couples will have trouble conceiving.

However, there are steps you can take to improve your chances of pregnancy and many treatment options if you need medical assistance, whether you are in a heterosexual or same sex relationship or are seeking to become a parent on your own.

The first step is to be as healthy as possible –thatmeansquittingsmoking,reducingalcohol intake, exercising, eating a balanced diet and getting a good night’s sleep. Good health not only boosts your chances of conception, it also provides a healthy environment for your baby to grow.

Whetheryouhaveeggsorsperm,youshould consider if you need a fertility assessment. This is especially important if there are known fertility problems in your family, such as early menopause. Intense period pain, irregular

or no periods at all, could also be a red flag. Depending on your individual circumstances, a fertility check could involve a blood test, ultrasound or a semen analysis.

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians recommends that anyone planning a pregnancy be offered pre-conception genetic carrier screening. This

allows you to find out your risk of having a baby with certain serious genetic conditions. If after months of trying to get pregnant you still find yourself unable to conceive, make an appointment with your GP and discuss whether it is time to see a fertility specialist.

Finding a specialist who makes you feel heard, understood, and supported is essential.

There’s a good reason why I set aside a whole hour for the first appointment with new fertility patients. This allows me to connect with my patients, understand their story, their feelings and the impact on their lives. It also gives us time to arrange and discuss tests and next steps without feeling rushed. And no, the next step isn’t always IVF—there are other options we might explore first, including ovulation tracking, adjustments in timed intercourse, medications for ovulation induction or intrauterine insemination.

Trying to conceive can stir up a whirlwind of emotions. Many people question their bodiesandfeelguiltorshamewhenpregnancy doesn’t happen as quickly as they expected. It’s important to recognise these emotions, as they are a natural part of this deeply personal experience.

Seeking the right advice can make all the difference.

If you’re under 35, it is recommended you try for 12 months before seeing a fertility specialist. For those over 35, seeking medical advice after six months is advisable.

The chances of conception naturally decrease with age, so the earlier you act the more chance you will have of making your baby dreams become a reality.

Dr Isabela Dos Anjos Siqueira is a fertility specialistatMonashIVF.SheconsultsatEssence Healthcare, 25 Wests Road, Maribyrnong.

Dr Isabela Dos Anjos Siqueira. (Damjan Janevski) 435500_02

Plane spotting is no light breeze

Aircraft spotting has become a fun pastime for many aviation enthusiasts. Gerald Lynch finds out what the buzz is all about.

In the suburb of Cairnlea, where the buzz of planes from Melbourne Airport is part of the daily soundscape causing an annoyance for many residents, Victor Pody finds joy in a niche yet captivating hobby –plane spotting.

For many, the roar of a passing aircraft is little more than background noise, a distant reminder of the hustle and bustle of travel, but for Victor, each passing plane tells a story.

Victor is member of the Melbourne Aircraft Spotters Group, which began as a modest Facebook community, and has grown into a vibrant hub of more than 6000 aviation enthusiasts.

Victor said the group thrives on its collaborative nature, with members sharing their experiences through photographs and videos at every opportunity.

“We come from diverse backgrounds but share a common love for aviation,” he said.

“It’s more than just a hobby; it’s a community. We support each other, share tips, and celebrate each other’s successes.”

Victor’s fascination with aviation took root at the age of four, sparked by the simple act of watching aircraft soar overhead with his parents.

“Watching those magnificent machines ignited a fascination that only grew,” he said.

‘‘ We care deeply about the aviation industry and want to protect it. We’re not just observers, we’re participants ’’ - Victor Pody

“I was gifted model planes as a child, and those early experiences instilled in me a lifelong appreciation for aviation.”

He described the model planes he had as not just toys, but symbols of a world that seemed vast and full of possibilities.

“I remember every detail – the sounds, the sights, the feeling of looking up and seeing something so powerful and graceful. It felt like magic.”

Those early memories set the stage for a passion that would shape Victor’s life in unexpected ways.

Plane spotting, he explained, is far more than a casual pastime. It’s a blend of photography, adventure, and community.

“The excitement lies in capturing the sheer beauty of aviation through photography,” he said.

“Meeting fellow enthusiasts and industry professionals enriches the experience, and sharing my photos with the community is incredibly rewarding.”

His passion has taken him far beyond the familiar flight paths of Melbourne Airport, leading him on journeys across Australia and beyond.

Each new location offers a fresh perspective, a different angle, and the thrill of capturing something extraordinary.

“Every trip feels like a new adventure. You never know what you might see or who you might meet.”

His favourite aircraft wasn’t easy to choose, almost like a parent choosing a favourite child, but he admitted he has “a soft spot for classics like the 727, DC-10, and 747 … Their timeless charm is unmatched.Theyremindmeofthe goldenageofaviation,atimewhen flying was a rare and glamorous experience“.

a dream for many enthusiasts. Sadly, its tragic fate during recent conflicts adds a sombre note to its legacy.”

The Antonov’s visit to Perth was a rare event, drawing enthusiasts from all across the country.

“There was a sense of history being made, and being part of that moment was somethingI’llneverforget.It’sareminder of how fleeting these experiences can be,” he said.

The camaraderie among the spotters group is strong, especially when a special aircraft is due to arrive.

“But modern jets fascinate me too; they showcase cutting-edge technology and the incredible progress we’ve made. Each aircraft is unique, and that’s what makes plane spotting so special – you never run out of

things to discover,“ he said.

One aircraft, however, holds a particularly special place in his memory – the Antonov 225.

“Seeing it in Perth was unforgettable. Its sheer size and unique capabilities made it

“There’s a buzz of excitement as we prepare to capture those moments,” Victor said.

He describes the atmosphere on those days as electric, with spotters gathering at their favourite locations, cameras at the ready.

“Everyone has their own technique, their own perspective. It’s amazing to see how different people capture the same moment in completely unique ways.”

A beloved tradition within the group is the weekly cover photo change on their Facebook page, giving members a chance to showcase their work and be celebrated by peers.

“It’s a small thing, but it means a lot. It’s a way of recognising the talent and passion within our community.”

Despite their dedication, plane spotters often face misconceptions, particularly around security.

“Far from being a threat, plane spotters are an asset. We’re often the eyes and ears on the ground, providing valuable information to authorities and media when needed.”

He said that on many occasions, spotters have played a crucial role in reporting unusual activity or providing evidence during investigations.

“We care deeply about the aviation industry andwanttoprotectit.We’renotjustobservers, we’re participants.”

Victor envisions a bright future for plane spotting, especially with technological advancements and evolving airport policies.

“Collaborating with Melbourne Airport could lead to dedicated viewing platforms, enriching the experience for both enthusiasts and the public,” he said.

“Imagine a space where families can come and learn about the aircraft they see, where kids can be inspired the way I was. That’s the dream.”

For Victor, the true reward lies in sharing his passion.

“Seeing new enthusiasts embrace the marvel of flight and connecting with others whosharethisfascinationisdeeplyfulfilling,” he said.

“Every flight tells a story. And being part of that story, even in a small way, is something truly special.”

Above: Victor Pody with his camera. Inset: Qantas aircraft shots by Victor. (Pictures: Supplied)

AquaPulse upgrades unveiled to promote wellness

In a landmark initiative to strengthen health and wellness throughout the community, WynActive, in collaboration with Wyndham City, proudly announces the completion of significant upgrades to the gyms at AquaPulse and Eagle Stadium.

ThisrevitalisationunderscoresWynActive’s commitment to enabling a healthy, active, and connected community within Wyndham.

The extensive enhancements feature the installation of brand-new, top-tier equipment, the creation of specialised workout zones, integrated stretch and rollout spaces, and improved technology to enhance the fitness experience.

Additionally, a newly revamped member’s app is being introduced to heighten engagement, allowing seamless integration with users’ preferred fitness apps and devices.

This new app provides members the convenience of accessing personalised workout programs anytime, whether in the gym or on the go.

The upgraded facilities also boast workout screens and equipment that support wireless charging and offer access to popular apps and channels, enriching the overall exercise environment.

Our mission at WynActive is to provide an exceptional health and wellness experience that meets the needs of our growing community.

“These upgrades at AquaPulse and Eagle Gym reflect our commitment to providing innovative, accessible wellness solutions to keep our community active and engaged,” said WynActive stadium and participation manager Kelly Fereti.

With these enhancements, WynActive

everyone — from seasoned athletes to those embarking on their fitness journey— to experience the newly upgraded gyms that

to diverse needs.

the Wyndham community in achieving their

Joshua Doyle is the health and ﬁtness coordinator at WynActive.

Discover a vibrant lifestyle at Lifestyle Communities

At Lifestyle Communities, we believe in creating more than just beautiful homes – we build vibrant, connected communities where over 50s can truly thrive.

Our stunning, low-maintenance homes are nestled within lush, professionally landscaped gardens that offer a peaceful retreat, while our state-of-the-art clubhouses serve as the heart of our communities.

Living at Lifestyle Communities means more than just a new home; it’s a chance to embrace a whole new way of living. With a wide range of social activities on offer, there’s something for everyone. From bowls and yoga to workshops and movie nights, our monthly calendar is packed with fun events, giving homeowners endless opportunities to connect and stay active. Whether you’re looking to improve your fitness, try a new hobby, or simply relax with good company, there’s always something happening.

One of the greatest benefits of our communities is the low-maintenance lifestyle, which frees up time for homeowners to enjoy the things they love most. Say goodbye to endless house chores and gardening and hello to a life filled with adventure, connection, and fun.

Come and experience for yourself how a move to Lifestyle Communities can change your life – it’s the best decision you’ll ever make!

Trust your Home care Package to Nurse Next Door

Nurse Next Door Werribee is thrilled to announce that it is now an approved provider of Home Care Packages (HCP), offering premiumin-homecareserviceswithoneofthe lowest fees in the market.

With a commitment to ‘Making Lives Better’, Nurse Next Door empowers seniors to live independently and with purpose, all while staying in the comfort of their own homes.

Home Care Packages are a government-funded initiative that allows older Australians to access the care they need to remain safe, independent, and connected to their communities.

AtNurseNextDoorWerribee,weprovidean all-inclusive10percentmanagementfee,which covers both care and package management. Thisensuresmoreofyourfundinggoesdirectly towards your care, offering up to 56 hours of care per month at Level 4 funding compared to 41 hours with providers charging higher fees.

Our personalised services are designed to meet the diverse needs of our clients and include:

• Personal care

• Nursing care

• Companionship

• Dementia and Alzheimer’s care

• Transportation

• Meal preparation

• Wound care

• Allied health support

• Caregiver relief and respite care

Every care journey begins with a thorough consultation conducted by a registered nurse, who will oversee your care plan and ensure a perfect match between you and our extraordinary caregivers. This personalised approach, underpinned by our ‘Happier Ageing’ philosophy, focuses on possibility and purpose, helping seniors reconnect with the

Snap up a snapper

Summer equals snapper season and if you or anyone you know comes back from the bay with a haul, here’s how you can put these tasty fish to good use in the kitchen. Snapper is also a great dish to order when you’re dining out.

Baked Snapper with Lemon and Herbs

Ingredients

1 whole snapper (about 1kg), cleaned and scaled

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 lemons (one for juice, one sliced)

4 cloves garlic, minced Fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, or dill), chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: cherry tomatoes or olives for garnish

Method

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 190°C.

Prepare the snapper: Rinse the snapper under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Make three diagonal cuts on each side of the fish, about 2.5cm apart.

Season the ﬁsh: In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, minced garlic, juice of one lemon, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the fish, including inside the cavity and into the cuts.

Add herbs and lemon: Stuff the cavity of the fish with fresh herbs and some lemon slices. You can also place a few lemon slices on top of the fish.

Bake: Place the fish on a baking sheet

lined with parchment paper or in a baking dish. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Serve: Carefully transfer the fish to a serving platter. Garnish with additional herbs, cherry tomatoes, or olives if desired. Serve with extra lemon wedges on the side.

Tips:

• You can add vegetables like asparagus or zucchini to the baking sheet for a complete meal.

• Serve with a side of rice or crusty bread to soak up the juices.

• Enjoy your flavourful baked snapper.

Welcome the new year in style at 3030 Waterfront

Nestled by the bay’s tranquil waters, 3030 Waterfront offers a dining experience that marries scenic beauty with exceptional cuisine.

The restaurant, known for its fresh seafood and intimate atmosphere, has quickly become a local favourite, especially with its exciting special offerings. This festive season, 3030 Waterfront is pulling out all the stops with a delicious five course New Year’s Eve special that promises to be the highlight of your celebrations.

The five course NYE menu is a feast for the senses, offering everything from delicate appetisers to decadent desserts. Highlights include oysters from Coffin Bay with a pampelle and grapefruit granita and a fresh grilled seafood salad.

But 3030 Waterfront isn’t just about special events. Every Thursday and Friday, the restaurant introduces a lunch special that showcases a rotating fish dish, ensuring that no two visits are ever quite the same. Whether it’s the delicate flavours of seared tuna or a hearty grilled barramundi, the changing menu promises a delightful surprise each week. The meal starts with a charming baby pizza, a perfect bite-sized appetiser.

The restaurant’s commitment to seasonal ingredients, local fish and innovative cooking makes it an ideal spot for those seeking variety and consistency. Whether celebrating the year’s end or enjoying a laid-back weekday lunch, 3030 Waterfront is a must-visit destination for food lovers.

Enjoy new season cherries for breakfast, lunch and dinner

Sweet Dishes

Cherry Clafoutis: A classic French dessert made with cherries baked in a custard-like batter. It’s simple, elegant, and highlights the fruit’s natural sweetness. Serve it warm with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Cherry Pie or Tart: Use fresh cherries to create a juicy filling for a traditional cherry pie or opt for a rustic galette for a more casual presentation.

Cherry Sorbet or Ice Cream: Blend fresh cherries with sugar and lemon juice for a refreshing sorbet or incorporate them into a creamy ice cream base for a decadent treat.

CherryCheesecake: Top a baked cheesecake with fresh cherry compote for a fruity twist on the classic dessert.

Chocolate-Dipped Cherries: Dip whole cherries in melted dark or white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed nuts or sea salt for an easy yet indulgent snack.

Savory Dishes

Cherry Salad: Add pitted cherries to a salad with mixed greens, goat cheese, candied pecans, and a balsamic vinaigrette. The cherries provide a burst of sweetness that balances the tangy dressing.

Cherry Glazed Meats: Make a glaze using fresh cherries, honey, and balsamic vinegar for pork tenderloin, roasted duck, or grilled chicken.

Cherry Salsa: Combine chopped cherries with red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and

board. Add crackers, nuts, and honey for a sophisticated appetiser.

Breakfast and Snacks

Cherry Pancakes or Waffles: Fold fresh cherries into pancake or waffle batter for a fruity start to the day. Top with whipped creamandacherrysauceforextraindulgence.

CherrySmoothie: Blendcherrieswithyogurt, almond milk, and a banana for a refreshing and healthy drink.

Cherry Jam or Preserves: Make homemade cherry jam to spread on toast or use as a filling for pastries.

Cherry Muffins or Scones: Add cherries to muffin or scone batter for a delightful breakfast or teatime treat.

Cocktails and Beverages

Cherry Mojito: Muddle cherries with mint, lime, and sugar, then top with soda water and rum for a vibrant twist on the classic mojito.

Cherry Sangria: Add fresh cherries to a mix of red wine, orange juice, and brandy for a fruity and festive sangria.

Cherry Lemonade: Blend cherries with lemonade for a refreshing summer drink. Add sparkling water for a fizzy variation.

Cherry Infused Water: Add sliced cherries to a pitcher of water for a subtly sweet and refreshing hydration option.

Fresh cherries shine in both their natural state and as part of more elaborate recipes. Whether you’re looking for a casual snack or a show-stopping dish, these ideas offer delicious ways to incorporate cherries into your meals.

jalapeño for a unique salsa that pairs well with grilled fish or chicken.

Cherry and Cheese Pairing: Serve fresh

cherries alongside creamy cheeses like brie or camembert on a charcuterie

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

English Program

Free English classes with free child care will be coming to the Tarneit Community Learning Centre between 9am and 3pm on Wednesday, December 4 and Thursday, December 5. Make new friends, learn skills to be job ready, help your children with their school work and learn about your neighbourhood. Face-to-face or online options are available.

 Wyndham Community and Education or 9742 4013, or enquiries@wyndhamcec.org. au

Money Mindset workshop

Join WIRE during the 16 Days of Activism to empower yourself by learning about setting ﬁnancial goals, planning and budgeting, and exploring helpful tools to start respectful conversations about money. The workshop will be held at the Julia Gillard Library, Tarneit on 5 December, 6.30-7.30pm. Bookings required.

 8734 8999 or adultlibraryprograms@wyndham.vic.gov.au

Walking football

A modiﬁed version of soccer suitable for all regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or ability played in a safe environment with no running or contact. All ages: 10.30am-12pm on Thursdays at Featherbrook Reserve, Point Cook and 12.30-1.30pm on Fridays at Eagle Stadium, Werribee. All abilities: 2-3pm on Fridays at Eagle Stadium, Werribee. $5 per person or $4 for senior citizens and carers card holders.

 Mick, 0430 163 550 or m.trim@wf4hvic.onmicrosoft.com

Wyndham Combined Probus

A social club for retired or semi-retired people. We have a broad range of social activities to suit all interests such as lunches and brunches each month, day trips, theatre outings and longer trips away. We have interesting speakers and our aim is to encourage friendships and support for each other. We meet on the second Tuesday of each month at Iramoo Community Centre, Honour Avenue, Wyndham Vale. Meetings commence at 1pm.

 Judy Marsh, 0411 034 311 or wcpc1306@gmail.com

Point Cook Combined Probus Retired or semi-retired people are invited to join this active social group. Enjoy an impressive and interesting monthly guest speaker. Interesting monthly outings, and fortnightly lunches where the development of friendships are encouraged. The Point Cook Combined Probus Club meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 10am. at The Brook Point Cook, 215 Sneydes Road, Point Cook.

 Cathy Guiterrez 0421 188 129 or cathyguiterrez@tpg.com.au

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 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

This week’s photographer’s choice pic is of Bella Paige, a former Voice runner-up and Eurovision contestant who is releasing her new single. (Damjan Janevski) 445582_01

Wyndham Ladies Probus

Retired or semi-retired ladies are invited to join this very active social group. Enjoy impressive monthly guest speakers, interesting monthly outings and many lunches where the development of friendships is encouraged. The Ladies Probus Club of Wyndham meets on the ﬁrst Wednesday of each month at Hotel 520, Sayers Road, Tarneit, at 10am.

 Pat, 0411 316 795

Vegetarian cooking classes

The Vegetarian 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

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

Lions Club

Lions Club of Werribee meets at the RSL Club, 2a Synnot Street, Werribee on the ﬁrst and third Wednesday of the month at 6.30pm.

 Jorge, 0433 566 575

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

Bingo for all

The Werribee RSL hosts Bingo every Monday between 12.30-2.30pm.

 9741 5525

Dementia Carers Group

IPC Health Dementia Carers Group is held on the ﬁrst Tuesday of the month, from 12.30-2.30pm. The group is for people who care for someone with dementia or a similar condition associated with memory loss. It empowers carers through education, social connectedness and emotional support while socialising and meeting people in similar situations. Registration is essential.

 Leah Hewitt or Joyce Chan, 1300 472 432 or https://bit.ly/48QFwBa

Baha’is of Wyndham

Baha’is Children’s Classes are held 11.30am every Saturday at the Point Cook Community & Learning Centre (Room 1). Children’s classes nurture the tender hearts and minds of children through stories, games, arts and music. Walk-ins welcome  Raksha, 0437 999 920

Baha’is of Wyndham

Soul Food at the Point Cook Community & Learning Centre (Room 1). Held every Saturday between 10.30-11.30am, Soul Food provides a space for people of all backgrounds to share ideas and promote intellectual growth and development.  Raksha, 0437 999 920

Morning Melodies with Rhonda

Rhonda Burchmore is ready to entertain you with some marvellous Morning Melodies at the Encore Events Centre in Hoppers Crossing on Tuesday, December 10.

Between 2.30-3.30pm, listeners will be enchanted by the iconic Australian entertainer who has stolen the show from Sydney to London’s West End, to the depths of the South African jungle.

Sporting a smile that has been described as being bright enough to light up the Sydney Opera House, Burchmore has been dazzling crowds for over 35 years – and shows no sign of slowing down.

Going from strength to strength, the

flame-haired sensation keeps endearing audiences and earning acclaim from critics in one of the toughest most unforgiving industries.

Few Australian entertainers have shared Burchmore’s status and enduring popularity among both fans and peers, with her kindness and generosity to give back the industry that shaped her career a hallmark of hers.

Morning Melodies is the feel-good music series held on the second Tuesday of each month, so keep your eyes peeled for the next show to blow your mind.

Ticketsareonly$14andguestswillbetreated to a delicious morning tea with the price of admission.

While anyone is welcome to come enjoy a musical masterclass, seniors are encouraged to come and enjoy a lovely outing.

Thedoorsopenat2pm,sobesurenottomiss out on a spectacle.

Tickets: https://tickets.wyndham.vic.gov.au/ Events/Rhonda-Burchmore/ Jaidyn Kennedy

Paper Cranes releases music video

‘Too embarrassed to ask for help’.

That is a line on Melton artist Lauren Keighery’s new music video, Too Far Gone.

Too Far Gone dives into the overwhelming feeling of being trapped, with the walls seemingly closing in.

The song reflects on those moments of desperation when one turns to God for help navigating the darkness.

“I wanted to make a song about something relatable because I feel like we all feel like that at some point in our life,” said Keighery, also known as Paper Cranes.

“The people that I had, or still do have in my life, a lot of them go through that sort of thing.

“I can see them struggling and wanting to get out of the mess that they’re in.

“This song is about that mess and feeling overwhelmed like the walls are closing in on you.”

This is Paper Cranes’ first music video, and she is excited that it is now out in the world.

“I wrote this song about a year and a half ago,” she said.

“I feel so excited. I’ve been wanting to release a song for a very very long time.

“ I couldn’t be happier.”

Keighery has been a musician since she was 18 years old, and on her YouTube Channel she dives into topics about mental health through her vlogs.

Too Far Gone was in the works for a long time,andherfriendsandfamilyalmostranout of patience waiting for it to come out as it had to be postponed due to a number of different factors.

“They were excited because they know how long I’ve been waiting for this and how much work I’ve put into my music,” she said.

“Peopleweregettingmadatmelike,‘Where’s this song?’ or ‘Laure, please get it out’.

“Finally, they are all happy, and they can just relax and go listen to it.”

Now that Keighery has taken the first step, she’s got big hopes for the future.

“I’ll just see where life takes me,” she said.

“I’m a pretty go-with-the-flow person, but I hope to record another song when I get the chance.

“Hopefully, record an EP and release that, and who knows? Maybe another music video down the track somewhere.”

Faith Macale

Enjoy the sounds and tastes of Jamaica

“If you’ve ever thought of going to Jamaica and thought it was too expensive, worry not. We’ll bring it to you in Williamstown.”

That’s Jamaican Music and Food Festival organiser Stick Mareebo’s pitch to get punters along to the annual event at Seaworks on Saturday, December 7.

And given the Caribbean nation famous for its tropical beaches, laid back lifestyle, food, music and cricket is more than half a world away, it’s pretty convincing.

“A very good friend of mine described it as a smorgasbord of food and culture, like a Disneyland of Jamaica,” said Mareebo of the festival which he not only organises, but programs, produces and founded almost a decade ago.

“It’s my baby,” he added.

Likeallbabiesthough,thefestivalhasgrown, with the ninth edition featuring a wide variety

of music and food, not just the reggae and jerk

chicken Jamaica is most famous for.

“All different genres of Jamaican music, ska,

Thisweek,theopportunitytobeinspired with a side of breakfast presents itself at the Overnewton Castle in Keilor.

From 7am to 9am, on Thursday, December 5, AFL premiership coach Luke Beveridge from the Western Bulldogs will be the guest speaker at the Brimbank Business Breakfast.

Opportunities to network with other businesses will also be possible. It is set to be an inspirational and thought-provoking morning of networking with Western Bulldogs AFL premiership coach, Luke Beveridge. An outstanding leader with elite communication and coaching skills, Beveridge famously fostered a winning culture that quickly transformed his struggling team into AFL Premiers in 2016.

Beveridge will share his insights on success and building a successful culture gained over his incredible leadership journey spanning the corporate and sporting worlds.

The 54-year-old has been head coach of the Western Bulldogs since 2015, and coached a total of 230 matches.

Beforehesteppedintothecoachesbox, Beveridge amassed 118 VFL/AFL games from 1989 to 1999, whilst also kicking 107 goals for three clubs in Melbourne, Western Bulldogs (then Footscray), and St Kilda.

Don’t miss the chance to learn from this exceptional coach and leader.

Also take the opportunity to visit the Overnewton Castle.

Bookings are essential as seats are limited, tickets are $35.

Tickets: https://shorturl.at/3RIAP

rocksteady, dance hall, lovers rock, jungle, drum n bass and roots,” said Mareebo of the lineup which will be spread across three stages and is presented as part of the state government’s Always Live music program.

Therangeofcuisineonofferwillbesimilarly eclectic.

“We will have 25 different food vendors, about seven of them are strictly Jamaican cuisine,” Mareebo said, adding that vegan options, including Ital food favoured by the Rastafarianmovement,wouldalsobeavailable.

“It has no meat, no fin, no feathers, nothing with a face,” he said, describing Ital.

The festival kicks off at 11am and goes through to 9pm in the evening and with it being a long day, Mareebo had this final piece of advice to anyone thinking of attending.

“Wear proper dancing shoes.”

Information and tickets: jmff.com.au

Lauren Keighery, also known as Paper Cranes, released her ﬁrst music video, Too Far Gone. (Supplied)

The crowd gets its groove on at last year’s Jamaican Food and Music Festival at Seaworks in Williamstown. (Supplied)

Rhonda Burchmore is set to dazzle for another Morning Melodies. (Supplied)

Luke Beveridge. (Shawn Smits) 205491_02

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Who is the youngest-ever Australian to win a gold medal?

2. In which country did hobby horsing originate?

3. Zendaya's 2024 film Challengers revolves around which sport?

4. In which sport would you compete for the Claret Jug?

5. Who was the highestpaid female athlete of 2023?

6. Which two countries have faced each other the most times in Davis Cup history, with their rivalry dating back to 1905?

7. Who was selected by Richmond as the No.1 pick in the 2024 AFL Draft?

8. Which Australian sailor, part of three SailGP championship wins, left Team Australia ahead of the 2025 season?

9. And which rival team did that sailor join after leaving Team Australia?

10. Which four-nation soccer tournament will the Matildas compete in for the first time in February 2025, featuring matches against the US, Japan and Colombia?

11. How old was Mike Tyson when he lost the highlypublicised boxing match against Jake Paul?

An objection must be made to the Responsible Authority in writing, include the reasons for the objection and state how the objector would be affected.

If you object, the Responsible Authority will tell you of its decision.

12. Which Spanish tennis legend has announced his retirement from the sport?

13. And how many grand slam titles did he win in total in his career?

14. Which driver secured his first Supercars drivers’ championship at the Adelaide 500?

15. Which four-time premiership-winning AFL coach has joined Fox Footy as part of its 2025 commentary team?

16. What trophy will cricketing nations Australia and India be playing for in the five-match Test series?

17. Who is the all-time leading goalscorer of the Australian men’s soccer team with 50 goals?

18. Since 2000, the Australian PGA Championship golf tournament has been held in which state?

19. How old will Sir Lewis Hamilton be when he drives his first race for Ferrari in 2025?

20. Which AFL club has reached a settlement with former Indigenous players amid a racism scandal?

21. Which Aussie NBA player has the nickname 'Great Barrier Thief'?

22. Which batsman made his Test debut for Australia in the first Test against India?

23. Elvis Smylie, winner of the 2024 Australian PGA Championship, hails from which state?

24. And Elvis’ mum Liz was a champion in which sport?

25. Max Verstappen’s 2024 Formula One title win took his tally to how many career F1 titles?

Optus plans to upgrade the telecommunications facilities at the below mentioned address with the addition of new 5G equipment:

Pacific Werribee, 250 Heaths Rd, Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029 (RFNSA: 3030004)

The proposed 5G upgrade will consists of:

•Replacement of six (6) existing panel antennas with three (3) new panel antennas (each not more than 2.8m in length) at a higher elevation;

•Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antenna (each not more than 0.8m in length);

• Removal of one (1) existing parabolic antenna;

• Installation of nine (9) new Remote Radio Units (RRUs);

•Installation, relocation and removal of ancillary equipment, including a GPS antenna, mounts, feeders, cabling, combiners, and other associated equipment; and

• Internal works within existing equipment shelter.

Optus regards the proposed installation as a Low-impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”), the based on the description above. The proposed infrastructure will comply with ACMA EME regulatory arrangements.

In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code 2020, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Vanessa Wan at Service Stream Limited, 0447 240 015, Optus.Submissions@servicestream.com.au or Zenith Tower B, Level 3, 821 Pacific Hwy, Chatswood NSW 2067 by 5pm, Thursday 19 December 2024.

If you would like to know more about the site, further information can be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/3030004

ADVERTISERS

PLEASE NOTE

Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identiﬁcation number. It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identiﬁcation number is included in the advertisement or notice. For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au

12423634-SN31-19

26. Which two teams featured in the 2024 AFL Women’s Grand Final for a second straight year?

27. A documentary titled Unbreakable chronicles the life of which Australian sporting hero?

28. Which three AFL teams have rebranded with new logos for the 2025 AFL season?

29. The Matildas played which two nations in a recent series of friendlies?

30. How many Caribbean nation-states and territories make up the West Indies cricket team?

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear

ACROSS 1 Billiards stick (3) 3 Doctor with superior knowledge in a specific field (10) 10 Primes (7) 11 Counter (7) 12 Despise (9) 13 Simple (4) 15 Unbend (10) 17 Copier (4) 19 German automobile manufacturer (4)

20 Kentucky’s largest city (10)

23 French abbot (4)

25 Gaseous fuel (9)

27 Erected once more (7)

28 Manager of a fund for another’s benefit (7) 29 Sent off (10)

30 Decay (3)

1 Relating to molar teeth of a carnivore (10)

2 Feeling a strong affection (9) 4 Variety of nut (9)

Arc (5)

Reply (6)

False gods (5) 8 Ned Flanders’ son in TheSimpsons (4) 9 Two-piece swimsuit (6) 14 Profane (10)

16 Point above focus of an earthquake (9) 18 Synthetic material (9) 21 Someone who watches (6) 22 Part of the eye (6) 24 Nurslings (5)

25 Ancient Mexican (5) 26 Poke (4)

Doris Pilkington

is the author of which 1996 book based on her true story?

3 What product did fashion icon Louis Vuitton first design?

4 Which singer is the only person to have performed more than one theme song for the James Bond movies?

5 Natives of Belfast commonly respond 'She was fine when she left

6 Clarabelle Cow is the best friend of which Disney character?

7 In which country is golf said to have been invented?

8 The Higgs Boson is commonly referred to as what?

9 What is considered the national flower of Japan?

10 Sarah Michelle Gellar

The fully electric Chery Omoda

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

E5 is the fully-electric version of the Chery Omoda that we drove 12 months ago.

It doesn’t look radically different from the rear or in profile, but the front has been extensively redesigned to accommodate the missing radiator grille.

Any air still required for cooling is drawn in through a smaller, blacked out ribbed opening below the front bumper.

Looks aside, the E5 is considerably more powerful than the petrol-model, which it is sold alongside, with significantly more torque available almost instantly when the accelerator is pressed.

So, it is with EVs, but expect to pay extra for one - a lot extra in most cases.

Styling

Looking a touch more futuristic than its flashy petrol sibling, the redesigned front is still visor-like in execution.

It also hides the charging port, a la MG, located in the centre of the bumper, a location that we prefer, enabling the car to be nosed in rather than having to continually reverse.

A fastback silhouette and two-tier rear wing not only serve to set the vehicle apart, but also improve the aerodynamics.

T-shaped running lights and piano-style tail lights make it stand out at night.

The wheels are also different, alloys but with plasticfill-instomakethemmoreaerodynamic, with 215/55 profile Kumho PS71 EV tyres.

E5 is offered in two grades, BX priced from $42,990 and EX from $45,990.

Premium paint is an extra $500.

Both BX and EX are powered by a single electric motor, producing 150kW of power and 340Nm of torque, that powers the front wheels.

Five colours are offered: Titan Green (base colour), Lunar White, Saturn Silver, Space Black and Martian Red.

EX model Titan Green and Lunar White modelscanbepairedwithablackrooffor$600.

Standard kit includes two-zone climate control with rear vents, cloth trim with synthetic leather bolsters, and a tilt and reach-adjust plastic steering wheel.

Therearealso18-inchalloys,LEDlights,auto high beam, speed limit recognition, adaptive cruise control, walk-away locking, auto lights and wipers and power-fold mirrors, front and rear park sensors, but the rear vision mirror is not auto-dimming.

Stepping up to the EX adds full synthetic leather, ambient interior lighting, power-adjust front seats, heated synthetic leather steering wheel, heated front and rear seats (outboard), puddle lights, sequential rear indicators, a sunroof and power-operated tailgate.

There is also a full-size spare wheel which is rare in an electric vehicle.

E5 is covered by a seven-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, seven-year capped price servicing and up to seven years of roadside assistance.

With an eight-year battery warranty, service is due every 12 months or 20,000km.

Infotainment

Infotainment consists of a 12.3-inch touchscreen, plus another 12.3-inch screen for the driver, an increase on the 10.25-inch screens in the petrol- model - all housed in a single sweeping console.

The system boasts built-in navigation, AM/ FM and DAB+ digital radio, Bluetooth with voice control, wired CarPlay and wireless Android Auto and six-speaker sound. EX adds eight-speaker Sony sound.

Chery’s voice command system enables drivers to change radio stations, open windows and make changes to the air conditioning without taking their hands off the steering wheel.

There’s USB-A and USB-C ports front and back, another USB-A port near the rear vision mirror, plus 12 volt outlets in the front and cargo area. Wireless phone charging is also standard.

Safety

Although it is yet to be rated for safety, E5 features a comprehensive list of active and passive safety features, including a reverse camera and seven airbags including a centre bag.

Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) integrating 18 kinds of intelligent driving assist functions, including adaptive cruise control (ACC), autonomous emergency braking (AEB), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), lane keeping assistance (LKA), and rear cross traffic braking (RCTB) - to mention a few.

There are also rear child safety locks, two ISOFix child seat anchors and three top tethers.

EX adds a 360-degree camera.

Engines/transmissions

Omoda E5 is powered by a single electric motor that drives the front wheels through a single, reduction gear.

It produces 150kW of power and 340Nm of torque, with the dash from 0-100km/h taking 7.6 seconds.

Driving Getting into the vehicle and driving off for the first time is a different experience.

The car unlocks on approach and relocks itself again as you walk away from the vehicle.

There’s no start button as such. Simply move the column selector to D and press the accelerator.

And although you put it in Park when you pull up, you don’t actually turn it off - which is a bit unnerving.

The bulky key fob makes no provision for attachment to a key ring, but in the context of the walk-away locking it will probably spend all of its time in your pocket or purse. Otherwise, you can purchase an optional key case with a strap for $29.99.

7/10 Performance: 7/10 Safety: 5/10

Thirst: 7/10

Practicality: 7/10

Comfort: 6/10

Tech: 7/10 Value: 7.5 Overall: 6.7/10

At 4.4 metres Omoda sits towards the larger end of the small SUV segment.

Rear legroom is pretty good with plenty of storage space thanks to a double-decker centre console.

A storage bin under the front bonnet is perfect for stashing the charge cable.

The driver seat is form-fitting, with generous padding for the thighs, but lacks padding for your butt where the squab joins the seat back.

Unfortunately, the longer you spend in the car the harder the seat becomes.

The rear view mirror in this version is better, but over the shoulder vision is still hindered by large rear pillars.

Given that the E5 is a cutting-edge EV, the instrument display lacks for much in the way of configuration and the lack of a physical volume control for the audio stops the front passenger from intervening.

The boot is small but hides a full size spare which is a rare commodity in an EV.

Witha61.1kWhbattery,energyconsumption is a claimed 15.5 kWh/100km and driving range is up to 430km (WLTP).

Charging from a 10A household power point takes 31 hours. Installing a home charger reduces this figure to 9.25 hours.

A DC fast charger will deliver a 50 per cent charge at a rate of up to 80kW in 28 minutes.

Note that E5 does NOT come with a portable charger or cable of any kind which means you need to buy one separately (not cheap).

Driving the E5 is far from a relaxing experience. One is continually fighting the steering wheel and lane centring assistance. Best practice is to use a light touch and let the system do its stuff, otherwise your arms will quickly tire.

Lift off the accelerator and instead of free-wheeling, the car slows because of the regenerative braking, which of course can be modulated.

Finding a happy medium is difficult, while an endless stream of warning beeps and system corrections quickly becomes annoying. There are just the two gears, forward and reverse, with Eco, Normal and Sport drive modes. But changing quickly between them can sometimes yield unexpected results as we discovered on more than one occasion. Expecting the car to move forward, it started to move backwards again - that could be embarrassing.

Being a column shift, it is easy to confuse the gear selector for the indicator stalk. Make the mistake of moving the selector up to turn left, thinking it is the indicator and the car goes into neutral.

You can’t get it back into drive again without applying the foot brake. This almost led to my wife being rear-ended. This happened twice, but I could not replicate the problem.

Ride quality is pretty good around town but quickly deteriorates on secondary roads. So does the expected range if you start to get up it.

Unfortunately, the trip computer shows only average consumption for the current trip.

To find the long-term average required a calculator and a little maths.

By our reckoning we were getting 16.4 kWh after around 300km of mixed driving. That’s more than the claimed 15.5 kWh/100k and gives the E5 a real world range of about 373km.

Summing up

E5 is Chery’s first EV and a pretty good effort, especially at the price.

The styling is contemporary and the cabin has an upmarket feel, with soft-touch surfaces.

But it could be even better with a little tweaking. More range would be nice, while the driving experience is overly busy and the fiddly gear selector needs some work.

E5 is Chery’s first EV and a pretty good effort, especially at the price. (Pictures: Supplied)

Aloisi fumes after loss to Melbourne Victory

Western United coach John Aloisi has hit out at his side’s lack of intensity after their 3-1 loss to Melbourne Victory in the A-League Westgate Derby at AAMI Park.

Taking control of Sunday’s game almost straight from the opening kickoff, Victory led after just nine minutes through Zinedene Machach.

Noah Botic equalised for United against the run of play in the 19th minute but there were tobenorepeatsofthatinthesecondhalfasthe hosts fell to their third defeat on the season.

Nikos Vergas restored Victory’s lead just three minutes into the second half, and Bruno Fornaroli sealed the result moments after coming on in the 67th minute - to a rapturous reception from the Victory faithful as he gained his most minutes since a round one start.

Without skipper Ben Garuccio, who was a late withdrawal due to a calf injury, it could have been even worse for United, with their rivalsspurningamultitudeofchancestostreak ahead, especially in the opening exchanges. Cutting a furious figure post-game, Aloisi lamented his side’s inability to match Victory’s intensity

“The first thing is to match the fight, that’s the first thing,” the United coach said. “We’re

losing every second ball at the start of the game. That’s why they got on top of us.

“You can have a bad day, you can play a bad game but you can always run and you can always fight.”

After six matches, United has just one match and two draws and sit 13th on the table.

United will host Macarthur next week on Saturday night at Ironbark Stadium and the coach promised a reaction.

“We’ve shown in the first five games of the season that, I don’t care who we put out there, we’re matching it with everyone,” said Aloisi.

“We want effort next game and we will get effort next game because we’ll demand effort.

“It’s not all doom and gloom because one bad performance out of the first six games is not doom and gloom.”

Victory coach Patrick Kisnorbo, in contrast, was pleased with his side’s move to immediately take control of the game and their ability to maintain this level across the subsequent exchanges.

He did, however, note that he wanted to see his side be more ruthless.

“We scored some goals, which is good,” he said. “But I still think we need to keep improving in our final third finishing aspect becausewe’regettingintosomegreatpositions,

and it’s great for the players for doing that, but we need to capitalise on that.”

Huge month for Logarzo

By Tara Murray

It’s been a big few weeks for Western United captain Chloe Logarzo.

The star was recalled to the Matildas squad for two matches early next year, while she married her partner McKenzie Berryhill in the space of a couple of days.

Logarzo, who is back on board for Western, said she had been pretty blessed.

“One of my most memorable weeks you could say,” she said. “I got told when I was away at the wedding and kind of put it in the back of my mind to enjoy my family and friends and obviously my wife.

“I’ve let it sink in now, looking forward to being back in camp with the girls and the opportunity to potentially play on the field with the green and gold again.”

Having had a number of injuries and also notbeingselectedforothercamps,Logarzohas missed some big tournaments for the Matildas in recent years.

Shesaidgettingherfootbackinthedoorwas a unique opportunity.

“We’re playing four games outside the window,” she said. “I’m coming in for the second portion of it. I’m just here to enjoy myself and have a good time, find the love of the game again.

“I’m loving aspects and thoroughly enjoying and challenging myself. I find myself here at Western and giving back to the game as much as I can.

“Through that I am finding enjoyment back in it. The national team and getting back in camp, I think will definitely give me a kick in therightdirection,letmefeelallthethingsthat I used to feel.”

It was a different off season for Logarzo, who competed on the television show, the Amazing Race.

She said after playing professionally for so many years it was nice to have that break and come back injury free.

“I had the time off that I needed to have off, and built a really good base for the three months that I was in America,” she said.

“It’s something I have not done in my whole entire career, just crazy to think about.

“I’m feeling really good with the base that I haveandtryingtomaintainmyfitnessandgive back to everything.

“The body is changing a little bit so I am changing the tactics a little with the things that I do and the way that I operate.

“I’m enjoying myself. I like Western, I like

the girls and it’s nice being back playing some football and being consistent.”

Logarzo, who has bought a home in the Wyndham area, said it was nice to put some roots down. She has been named sole captain this season, which she said was a privledge.

She said she wanted the chance to give back to the club that gave her so much when she really needed it.

“I think it has been really important for me, hopefully slowly leaving the legacy that I intended to do, while I was here.”

Ithasn’tbeenthestarttotheyearforWestern it would have been hoping for with just one

win out of four games. Western was set to face Sydney on Sunday, after deadline.

She said they were slowly coming together andwerehopingitwillleadthemtowherethey need to be at the end of the season.

“Results we are talking about but not necessarily the thing that is the main focus,” she said.

“We really need to start understanding the shapeandplayofhowwearegoingandtowork together.

“We’vegotsomenewplayerscomingintothe team and we’re really try and form the bond that we need make us consistently winning team.”

Rain halts play

Wet weather played havoc for the second round of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association T20 competition on Tuesday.

Many matches were postponed after heavy rain on Sunday and Monday, left pitches too wet to play.

In the Border pool group, Seddon got the win against Yarraville Club.

The Dockers were sent in by the Clubbers that had a bye in the first round.

They made 134, bowled out with one ball remaining.

Mitch Johnstone took four wickets for the Clubbers.

The Clubbers struggled to get partnerships going and were bowled out for 118.

Jack Dyson took three wickets for the Dockers who are undefeated after two rounds.

In the other match in that pool, Werribee Centrals beat Seabook to open its account.

TheCenturionsmade8-133fromtheir overs before restricting Seabrook to 114. In the Waugh group, Altona North’s and Point Cook’s match was postponed and will be played this week.

Meanwhile, Point Cook Centrals had a big win against the Williamstown Imperials

The Sharks made 8-168 from their overs with Mayank Sharma top scoring with 62.

The Imperials never got going in their innings and were bowled out for just 65. Reyansh Jain and Krishan Alang took three wickets each for the Sharks. Wyndham Vale came away with the points against Newport Digman.

The Bulls made 8-116 from their overs with Nick Strangio top scoring with 37.

Ben Funnell and Jay Dolliver took two wickets each for the Vales.

The Vales made the runs with nearly three overs remaining, finishing 5-117.

Skipper Liam McLaughlin was unbeaten on 36.

Elsewhere in the Lawrie group, SunburygotasecondwinwithFootscray Angliss forfeiting.

The rest of the matches were all postponed, with most scheduled to be played this week ahead of round three next week.

Chloe Logarzo. (Supplied)

The club’s two women’s sides will face on

Sunday after having the week off due to a split round.

Joey Lynch, AAP

Noah Botic scored his ﬁrst goal of the season. (Supplied)

Premiership defender Nathan Cooper retires

Werribee full back Nathan Cooper has called time on his Victorian Football League career.

Cooper finishes his career on the ultimate high, stepping away as a premiership player after a four-year career with Werribee, where he built the reputation as one of the VFL’s best key defenders.

Heplayedmorethan50gamesfortheTigers and more than 100 at the state league level. Cooper said he had absolutely loved his time at Werribee.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved with the club both on and off field for making it such a great place to play footy,” he said.

“To top it off with a premiership is truly unforgettable.“

Nathan Cooper joined Werribee ahead of the 2021 season with four years and 45 games in the North East Australian Football League He made the move south to Richmond VFL

in 2020, but when the season was cancelled withoutamatchbeingplayedduetotheCovid pandemic.

Cooper made the switch to Werribee for the next season and debuted in round one.

After an injury riddled 2022, 2023 was a breakout season for the key defender.

He managed to play all 21 games in Werribee’s grand final campaign, the first season he failed to miss a match in his state league career.

He was rewarded with Werribee’s defensive player of the year and earned his first top five best-and-fairest finish for the club.

The defender showed no signs of slowing down in 2024, playing every game up until round 13, before picking up a syndesmosis injury the week later sidelining him until finals.

After nine weeks on the sidelines, Cooper

returned for finals playing a key role in the premiership run.

At the VFL awards night the defender was awarded with his first career team of the year selection, and at Werribee’s Bruce MontgomeryTrophynightclaimedhissecond consecutive best defensive player award.

Cooper will still be having a kick with Wangaratta Rovers in the Ovens and Murray Football Netball League.

Cooper is the second retiree from the Tigers premiership side with Nick Haynes hanging up the boots.

Aidan Johnson and Riley Bice have also departed after earning AFL spots.

Meanwhile, captain Dom Brew is training with the Western Bulldogs in the pre-season to try and earn a spot during the supplemental selection period.

Tara Murray

Penny keen for challenge

By Tara Murray

New Werribee recruit Rye Penny is keen to get back to playing consistent Victorian Football League matches and put his name back on the radar of AFL clubs.

Penny, who played with Gisborne and the CalderCannonsgrowingup,attendedtheAFL state combine in 2022 and was in contention for the AFL mid-season draft in 2023.

But this year he managed just two VFL games for Collingwood, as he spent the majority of the season playing with Bacchus Marsh in the Ballarat Football League.

Penny said he wanted a fresh start and Werribee seemed like the ideal spot to do that.

“I can’t wait,” he said. “We started training a few weeks ago.

“Thebigoneformewasmostlyaboutgetting more opportunities. At standalone clubs there are more sports available.

“I was seeking that changed environment as something wasn’t working at Collingwood this year.

“I loved the people there but footy wise, Werribee was looking good for that.”

Penny said the Tigers approached him and there were a few clubs that he had

been chatting to.

He said Werribee was one of the keener teams and it worked out well.

“Theyseemtobeoneofthebetterstructured clubs and the environment they have, I’m already enjoying it,“ he said.

“The facilities are good and there’s so many goodthings,itwasn’ttoohardadecisioninthe end.”

Penny said while he enjoyed his first season with Bacchus Marsh and playing with his schoolmates, he was keen to play at that higher level more consistency.

Comingintoasidethatwonthepremiership, Pennyknowshe’llhavetofightforaspotinthe line and it’s something he’s up for it.

While he’s keen to cement a spot in the Tigers lineup, he’s keen to keep his AFL dream alive.

Four players have been drafted from the Werribee the past two seasons, while Dom Brew is training with the Western Bulldogs during the pre-season to try and secure a spot.

“I felt I was so close in my draft year and last year,” Penny said. “This year changed and I played more local footy.

“It’ll be good to get back out there playing VFL footy. The club [Werribee] is becoming

Sports shorts

Football Victoria

The fixtures for the top flight Football Victoria competitions have been revealed. The National Premier League men’s season will start on February 6 with the women’s season to state on March 14. Melbourne Knights will kick off the men’s season against Heidelberg United. The first round of the women’s competition will include Springs Hills making its NPLW debut against the Preston Lions The Victorian Premier League and VPL2 men’s seasons will begin on the weekend of February 9 and conclude on the weekend of August 24. In 2025, the VPLW season will kick-off on the weekend of March 26 and conclude with the seniors grand final on September 14.

Western FL

Klyde Milroy has joined Hoppers Crossing for next year’s Western Football League season. Originally coming from Queensland, Milroy has played the last few seasons at Yarraville-Seddon. The Warriors said he was another player to beef up their o nball mid rotations. “Klyde’s hard edge of contested footy and high pressure will certainly complement the team,“ the club said.

Bowls

a prominent place to get recruited from as mature age picks.

“The dream is still alive and I can hopefully work towards that again.”

Penny and the group have already hit the track for pre-season. He said he was enjoying it so far.

“There’s heaps of focus on recovery as I’ve had a lot of overuse injuries in preseason.”

Meanwhile the Tigers have announced two more recruits for next year.

Anthony Depasquale and Archer Gardiner are the latest signings.

Gardiner continues Werribee’s strong connection with the Ovens and Murray League.

The 19-year-old midfielder arrives at WerribeefromNorthAlbury,thehomeclubof premiership players Dom Brew and Sam Azzi.

Gardiner joins the VFL with over three seasons of senior football experience.

Depasquale joins Werribee after a standout 2024 campaign, with the 21-year-old forward coming to the club from Kyabram in the Goulburn Valley Football League.

He has spent three seasons with Kyabram, consistentlyshowcasinghisstronggoalkicking ability, booting more than 130 goals.

Point Cook claimed the points against Palm Lake in the Bowls Victoria weekend pennant, division 4, section 1 competition. Many matches were washed out on Saturday, but Point Cook and Palm Lake played out a thriller, with Point Cook winning 79 (14)-71 (4). Brian Turner and Barry Watson were the winning skips for Point Cook. The win moves Point Cook to fifth spot, seven points outside the top four. Hoppers match with Altona 4 was washed out. It was the same for Werribee in division 2, section 1.

Basketball

Wyndham Basketball Association has signed a memorandum of understanding to officially incorporate the Wyndham All Abilities Basketball Club into the association. The MOU also marks the establishment of an inclusion and welfare officer for the association.

Nathan Cooper. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 432956_56

Rye Penny. (Supplied)

Tough loss for Werribee, Sharks don’t get on

Werribee fell short against Melbourne University(2)intheCricketVictoriaWomen’s Community Cricket Competition Shield 2 competition on Sunday.

While there wasn’t any cricket action on Saturday, the skies cleared enough for the majority of games to go ahead on Sunday.

The Tigers headed to Princes Park to face Melbourne University, seeking its fifth win of the season.

The Tigers batted first after being sent in and made 8-138 from their overs.

Skipper Damandeep Kaur top scored with 52 not out before having to retire as she reached 50.

Melbourne University got off a solid start and seemed on track for victory.

The Tigers took 4-8 to have some hope.

Melbourne University was able to do enough to win, finishing 7-139.

Neelima Bhatt and Gurbani Nehal took two wickets each.

Meanwhile, Point Cook Centrals’ match with Parkfield was abandoned with the ground still unplayable after heavy rain the day before.

Point Cook Centrals sit in fifth spot after 10 rounds, with Werribee a spot further back.

This week Point Cook Centrals are on the

Keighton Matofai-Forbes. (Supplied)

road against Melton, while Werribee is at home to Coburg (2).

In the Victorian Turf Cricket Association women’s competition, Point Cook lost to Maribyrnong Park St Marys

The Warriors made 6-57 from their 20 overs with Midhurna Jothi top scoring with 12 at the top of the order.

The Lions had little trouble in the run chase as they hit the runs with still 10 overs remaining.

The Lions finished 1-61.

After seven rounds, the Warriors sit bottom without a win.

There is a women’s competition bye this weekend.

In the North West Metropolitan Cricket Associationwomen’scompetition,PointCook Centrals had a draw with Maribyrnong Park St Marys in the Geoff Law Shield competition.

The Sharks made 3-141 from their overs with the Lions finishing 4-141 in reply.

Amandeep Bhalla and Sharon D’Silva took two wickets each for the Sharks.

The result moves the Sharks to 18 points for the season, having also had two wins.

The Sharks face Westmeadows Gold this Sunday.

In the Georgie McElligott Shield, Bellbridge

Werribee suffered a loss on Sunday. (Supplied)

lost to the Greenvale Kangaroos.

The Kangaroos batted first and made 4-123 from their overs.

Karla Templeton took two wickets for the Sharks.

Bellbridge finished 6-95 in reply. Templeton

Matofai-Forbes is a Cat

By Tara Murray

Western Jets’ Keighton Matofai-Forbes was keeping an eager eye on Geelong’s picks in the AFL national draft.

After an injury riddled two seasons, Matofai-Forbes wasn’t on the radar of a lot of clubs coming into the draft.

Butallittakesisjustoneclubbeinginterested and for Matofai-Forbes, it was the Cats who selected him at pick 69.

“I think it will settle in soon,” he said. “On draft night, I thought it might happen.

“I spoke with Geelong in the lead up and if I was going to get selected it was going to be by them.

“Iwashopeful.Ididn’tthinktoomuchabout it after they selected Joe [Pike] with their first pick.”

The nerves turned to tears when his name was called out with plenty of emotion in the room.

Matofai-Forbes had always played football, but didn’t think about getting drafted until the

last few years.

He played two years at Burnside Heights and then moved to Hillside for the rest of his junior days.

The forward then moved to Essendon District Football League powerhouse Keilor.

“The culture down there is really good and I had a lot of friends down there,” he said. “They’ve got some good coaching staff under Mick McGuane.”

Matofai-Forbes kicked nine goals in his first two senior games for the Blues, while also on the Western Jets list.

That’s when he started to think more about his football.

“It was about that time I seriously considered taking my footy very seriously.”

A couple of hamstring injuries limited his impact the past two years, but still showed enough for the Cats to take notice.

This year he managed seven Coates Talent League matches, while managing to play one game for Vic Metro at the under-18 national championships.

Theyearbeforehemanagedonlyfourgames, but did enough in the pre-season to be named the Jets co-captain with Lucca Grego.

“I made becoming captain something that I had focused on,” he said. “I was passionate that I could lead by example and I was really proud to be captain alongside Lucca.”

Thetwoco-captainsweretheonlyJetspicked up in the draft.

Matofai-Forbessaidthetwospokeanditwas a pretty emotional moment between the two of them.

Notimewaswastedingettinginvolvedatthe Cats, with Matofai-Forbes and the rest of the firsttothirdyearplayersgoingawayonacamp.

Matofai-Forbes said it was good to get to know his new teammates.

Now he’s just focused on making a good impression on the track.

“I’m not thinking about my first game,” he said.“Iwanttogetmyfitnessupandbethebest player I can be at this club.

“I want to get the body right and everything will roll from there.”

top scored with 37 for the Sharks at the top of the order.

The Bears sit seventh on the ladder.

In division 4, Hoppers Crossing had the bye. It will face Gellibrand on Sunday in round nine.

WNL focuses on umpires

New Western Netball League umpire director Woody Tangaroa wants to help the league become a leader in the umpire development space.

Tangaroa has taken on the role as the league grows from 59 teams to more than 70 for next year’s competition.

With the influx of players, the league is keen to ensure that the umpires with the right skills are also on court.

Thecompetitionwillbeplayedattwo possibly three locations next season.

Netball and events operations coordinator Jordan Dalliston said they were trying to change the structure of the umpire space.

“I’ve created a totally new structure that will facilitate education to all club and league umpires towards a B badge,“ she said.

“Also a new thing in 2025, is B-grade badging in the west. It makes us the fourth competition in metro Melbourne to facilitate this.”

Tangaroa, who has been at the Hoppers Crossing Netball Association, said the league has a fantastic opportunity to become a leader in umpiredevelopmentspaceinthemetro region.

“We’reinafantasticpositionwiththe league growing as it is and the quality of competition to provide our umpires with everything necessary to become the next group of high performing umpires in the state,“ he said.

“We want to create an environment where anyone from the complete novice to an aspiring high performance umpire feels supported and has the resources from the league to go on and succeed in the space.

“I’m eager to take the challenge on but also really excited to see how much growth I can contribute to within not only the WFNL but also the wider community.”

Meanwhile,theWNLhasannounced that Eagle Stadium in Werribee would be its third location for the netball competition next year.

Tara Murray

Undermanned Giants have tough day on the ﬁeld

An undermanned Werribee Giants weren’t able to match it with Moorabbin on Saturday in the Baseball Victoria summer league premier 1st nine competition.

After a mid-week loss to Essendon, the rain cleared enough for the Giants to get on the diamond against Moorabbin on Saturday afternoon.

Majority of the matches on Saturday morning were called off, as we were many that were held earlier in the afternoon.

The Giants struggled against Moorabbin, losing 8-0.

Giants co-coach Andrew Christou said they struggled to create run opportunities in the defeat.

“We had a few players out this week,” he said. “We were missing five out of our nine regular starters in the first first, it was a bit of a struggle.

“They were similar to where we were on the ladder, but we struggled to score runs. The guys fought hard though.”

Christou said they had a mixture of youth and experience come into the top side to fill in the gaps and even though they played well, it wasn’t enough to get the win.

The result came after a 7-2 loss to Essendon in the midweek game on Tuesday. Matthew Howe and Wesley De Jong were the run scorers for the Giants.

Christou said they were beaten by a better side on the day in that match, with the Bombers sitting in fourth spot.

The Giants sit second bottom after 12 rounds with two wins.

They were due to face bottom side Doncaster on Tuesday night, after deadline. Like the Giants, Doncaster entered the match with two wins.

Christou said they were likely to have a full side back for that match in as they prepare for the last part of the first half of the season.

“We were talking about it, that we only have five or six matches left before Christmas,” he said. “We want to get a bit of momentum going into the break and then we come back after the break with a little bit more to play with.

“It helps the morale of the group.”

Meanwhile,theGiantswomen’smatchwith Waverley ended in a draw with heavy rain on Saturday morning meaning the match didn’t go ahead.

The Giants sit in third spot with four wins and four losses.

The Giants next match is on Saturday at Presidents Park against Research.

Titans unveil a new look

By Tara Murray

It’s exciting times ahead for Tarneit in the Western Football League division 2. After a tough time in 2024, the club has a new committee, new coach and set to debut a new look.

MaxineModrichhastakenonthepresidency role and is excited for the challenge.

“I’m excited now before the season starts,” she said. “There were a number of different reasons why I put my hand up. Since Sue [Thomas] stepped down, no one had put their hand up.

“I knew I would have the backing of the committee which I needed. I’m a single mum with two boys and there’s a lot on my plate.

“MyboysplayattheclubandI’vebeenonthe general committee for five years.”

Modrich takes on the role as they look to bounce back from a tough 2024.

The senior and reserves sides won just three

matches each after the competitions went from three divisions to two.

Modrich said while there were some tough results, especially for the reserves, the group was able to stick together and fight out each game.

She said early signs in the pre-season had been good and there was plenty of positivity.

“We had 47 at the first night of training, that is more than we were getting throughout last season,” she said. “Come Monday we had 43 and some of them had not been the first night.”

Max De Groot has come on as senior coach after coaching the reserves last season.

Modrich said that De Groot had the respect of the playing group.

“Heisgreatandtheboyslookuptohim,”she said. “Max is a mate but steps up to be coach when he needs to be.”

Helping with the numbers is the reintroduction of an under-18s side for the first time since 2021.

Modrich said it was exciting for the club to have that full pathway into senior football.

“Troy [Dumbleton] has coached them to three grand finals, two under-16s and one under-14s,” she said. “Some of those boys have made the step up and had to go straight into reserves football and it’s a huge jump.

“With the 18s, the boys are making those senior and reserved boys step back and take notice.

“It is great to try and make the senior guys try a bit harder.”

The club has also seen growth in its Auskick program which has grown from 21 children to 55 in the space of 12 months.

Off field, the club is in the works of a new football jumper and new logo as it enters the new era, while after some delays the club’s new electronic scoreboard will be working for next year.

Modrich said that was all exciting for the club.

The weather claimed another scalp with the majority of cricket matches on Saturday abandoned due to rain. Competitions had been hopeful of getting some action in, but slowly on Saturday morning the cancellations came in as the rain continued to fall.

In the Victorian Turf, Victorian Sub-District and North West Metropolitan cricket associations, matches were half way through with day one played in 35-degree heat.

In the VTCA, it’s the fourth round out of six that has either been called off completely or half way through.

This round there were three matches in the six senior men’s divisions that managed results on day one.

In the Isaacs Howarth Shield, Haig Fawkner defeated the Druids, in the Evans-Clark Shield,

FootscrayAnglissdefeatedStAndrew’s Footscray and in the Russell Pollock Shield Pascoe Vale Central was too good for the Williamstown Congs.

In the Subbie competition, only St BernardsgotawinagainstStrathmorein the north-west competition.

Victorian Premier Cricket had scheduled three rounds of T20 matches with each team to play two games. It was report to grounds of the first match, before they were all abandoned and the rest of the games called off.

TheGisborneandDistrict,andBallarat cricketassociationstopgradeswillrevert to one-dayers next week.

The Diamond Valley Cricket Association was one association that didn’t cancel the round with matches half way through.

Despite this, all games in the top three grades were abandoned.

A common scene at cricket grounds on Saturday. (Ljubica

Tara Murray Joe Jaco. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 443946_05

Tarneit is keen for 2025. (Supplied)