Children across Melbourne’s western suburbs, including Harrison, 9, are eagerly counting down the days until the big man in red arrives. As the end of 2024 draws near, the team at StarWeeklywould like to wish readers and advertisers a Merry Christmas and safe and happy 2025. The first edition for 2025 will be out on Wednesday, January 8.
The state government announced the completion of ten new houses in Werribee for young people aged 16-24 years on Thursday, December 12.
Minister for Housing Harriet Shing visited the newly completed apartments, which the state government said will provide a safe, supportive home for young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, including those leaving care.
The apartments were built with a $3.6 millioninvestmentfromthestategovernment and $800,000 in support from Melbourne
City Mission, the latter of whom will provide ongoing support for residents.
The new homes will use the core and cluster housing model, which are specifically designed to provide independent living spaces close to support systems such as education, employment and therapeutic services.
Also at the launch was Tara Booth, a young person who just over a year ago was struggling with youth homelessness. Tara has been exposed first hand to the “challenges, amount of resilience, stigma and barriers
that homelessness inflicts upon young people“.
“Housing like this is a step in the right direction in eradicating the youth homelessness epidemic. It supports us by allowing us to focus on the important things whilst having the support such as with education, physical and mental health, social support as well as allowing us the space to breathe and feel safe,“ Tara said.
“Having a home has gifted me back my independence, sense of security and allowed me to have a safe place to call mine.“
The Feed a Family Project delivered a record number of hampers to those in need at Manor Lakes Community Centre on Monday, December 9.
Following several months collecting donations, 31 food hampers, 20 toiletry packages and 21 bundles of toys are expected to reach between 35-45 families in Wyndham.
Founder Julie McDonald, who has been running the project for three years, said she was blown away by the community’s generosity.
“I was so overwhelmed with the response from the community, I was truly touched,” she said.
“This started out as a project after noticing people financially struggling within the community especially during the festive season.”
The mission of one has become the mission of many, with the gift of giving proving contagious in Wyndham.
“My passion has turned into a passion with a troop of helpers I have throughout the year,” Ms McDonald said.
For many donors and volunteers this year, Feed a Family Project has a deeper meaning.
“They were once recipients of hampers like this throughout their childhood, that’s how
they had a Christmas meal,” Ms McDonald said.
“Now they are in a financial position to help, they are so grateful to be able to pay it forward.”
After another successful year, Ms McDonald said there are no signs of slowing down.
“We plan to continue the tradition and it will be our fourth year,” she said.
“I had to build shelves in my garage to store everything like a mini supermarket– we start collecting in September.”
Jaidyn Kennedy
Eight kindergartens in Wyndham were announced as recipients of the state government’smostrecentroundofbush kinder grants.
Quanin Binnah Community Centre, Busy Bees at Wyndham Vale, Woodville Child Care Centre, Amiga Montessori Tarneit, Amiga Montessori Alamanda, Amiga Montessori Wallace Ave, Grow Early Education Tarneit, Hoppers Crossing Montessori Centre will each receive a one-off grant of $6000.
According to the state government, the grants will help kindergartens buy the items and equipment they need to run bush kinder programs, educational sessions for children that take place outdoors in nature.
Among the outdoor sites kindergarteners will visit are metropolitan parks, regional parks, local bushland, local beaches and visitor sites within national and state parks.
Children’sMinisterLizzieBlandthorn said the teaching children about the great outdoors is good for their wellbeing, physical development and connection to nature.
“Kids have so much to learn from regular bush, beach and park-based kinder programs, where each visit offers new opportunities to learn about and discover our great outdoors,” she said.
The state government said bush kinder programs help children understand things like science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in a hands-on way.
Point Cook MP Mathew Hilakari said support for more bush kinder would help young learners to know and love nature.
Tarneit MP Dylan Wight said, “Children can gain a wealth of knowledge from outdoor kinder programs held in the bush, at the beach, or in the parks”.
“Every visit provides fresh opportunities to explore and learn about the natural world.”
Building larger schools could save taxpayers up to $1.5 billion as Victoria is projected to need almost 1000 new kindergartens and government schools in the next decade to keep up with demand.
The state will need about 900 new kindergartens, 60 new government schools and 20 per cent more space for TAFE by 2036, according to Infrastructure Victoria’s Learning for Life report.
While private and not-for-profit providers can meet some of the need for kindergartens, Infrastructure Victoria said the government
must step up to fill in investment gaps.
The north, west and southeast growth areas of Melbourne would benefit the most from this investment.
Victoria will need 138,000 more kindergarten places by 2036 and that could cost up to $17 billion if the government delivers all 900 new facilities for three- to four-year-olds.
But depending on the level of private investment, this could cost between $6.1 billion to $11 billion.
Most demand for government schools will
be in Melbourne’s fast-growing communities withanestimated10,000to17,000enrolments by 2036 in Wyndham and Melton in the west, Whittlesea in the north and Casey in the southeast.
The state should also expand existing schools in Melbourne’s inner and middle suburbsandbeginneweducationdeliveriesby 2030, Infrastructure Victoria chief executive Jonathan Spear said.
“Our modelling shows the best way to deliver the schools we will need beyond 2026 is to build larger new schools and expand
existing schools where there is land to do so,” he said.
Building larger new schools could cost $5.9 billion, a saving of $1.5 billion, compared with the government’s historical approach to delivering school infrastructure.
Strong demands for TAFE will require the government to find an extra 125,000 square metres, or 20 per cent, of space by 2030 for Melbourne’s west, north and southeast growth areas.
William Ton, AAP
By William Ton, AAP
Major surgeries will be halted at a major hospital as hundreds of nurses and midwives strike in their ongoing fight for better staffing levels amid wage negotiations.
Nurses and midwives at St Vincent’s Private Hospitals, including those working in Werribee, began rolling protected industrial action across morning, afternoon, and night shifts on Friday.
The health workers are taking the “unprecedented” action to secure more nurses and midwives in the private hospital sector because workers are increasingly
suffering burn out, the Victorian branch of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation said.
While patients may face some disruptions, safety and welfare will not be at risk, and no more than one-third of rostered nurses will stop work on any shift in larger wards, the union said.
Understaffing is leading to missed patient care and workforce exhaustion, the union’s Victoria assistant secretary Madeleine Harradence said.
“Perversely having expensive health insurance as a patient in a Victorian private hospitalcurrentlymeansyouhavefewernurses
andmidwivestocareforyouthanifyouwerea patient in a public hospital,” she said.
“They’re escalating their action as a last resort because management is not listening and not responding to their concerns.”
Burned-out workers are increasingly refusing to answer calls to cover shifts.
Another example of unacceptable workload was having two nurses assigned to 18 patients during overnight shifts in the acute medical surgical ward across all sites, the union said.
The union has been locked in negotiations over wages and conditions for members at St Vincent’s Private Hospitals in Fitzroy, East Melbourne, Werribee and Kew since June
and clients commemorate the last ‘Lunch
The Lunch with a Bunch program run by Wyndham council came to an end on Tuesday, December 10, with the program’s volunteers andclientsimploringthecounciltoreinstateit.
The program was a social lunch group for older residents, aiming to encourage independence and reduce social isolation.
Volunteer Margaret Bennett said the weekly event was the only social event many participants had.
“This is the only occasion that 80 per cent oftheclientswouldbeoutofthehousefortwo hours,” she said.
“They are not going to have a social life.”
A council spokesperson said the federal
government has appointed Mecwacare and Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association (AVWA) to take over the delivery of social support and planned activity groups from January 1.
“Council is currently in negotiations with both providers to enable them to deliver activities from the same venues that residents are currently attending and at the same times,” the spokesperson said.
“Clients who would like to continue to access programs at the current location they attend may still be able to do so.”
Ms Bennett said volunteers are trying to keep the current social group intact, but will
struggle without council support.
“We have to pick and choose who we pick up from month to another- there’s no option for a car or buses from the council,” she said.
An AVWA spokesperson said the organisation is excited to collaborate with council to ensure a seamless transition by offering like-for-like services at the same venue and will try and retain as many Wyndham staff where possible.
A Mecwacare spokerson said it will work closely with clients to address any concerns and ensure they continue to receive the care they need.
Jaidyn Kennedy
2024.
St Vincent’s Private Hospitals chief executive Janine Loader reassured patients their safety was her top priority during the action.
The institution has previously offered an 11.5 per cent pay increase over 2 years from February 2025 but that was rejected.
“It is disappointing the union has not accepted two offers that would have delivered a significant pay rise and improved conditions forournursesandmidwives,”MsLoadersaid.
“However, we will continue negotiating in good faith to achieve the best possible agreement.”
New and altered bus routes will run in Point Cook and Werribee South in 2025 to make it easier for students to get to school.
In term two, a new school special servicewillgivemorepublictransport options to students of Homestead Senior Secondary College, Alamanda K-9 College and Saltwater P-9 College living in Sanctuary Lakes.
Changes will also be introduced to the existing Werribee South-Alamanda special service which the state government said will give more options to students of the school living in Wyndham Harbour.
Point Cook MP Mathew Hilakari said the government was listening to local parents and students about the need for better school bus services that connect them directly to local schools.
“We’re giving Victorians parents and students what they need with better public transport including more buses to schools in Melbourne’s growing west,“ he said.
“Through Victoria’s Bus Plan we’re providing more frequent and reliable public transport that better connects people to schools, jobs and other key destinations over more days of the week and more hours of the day.”
Alamanda K-9 College principal Lyn Jobson said the school was happy about the extra bus services.
Summer works on the West Gate Freeway between Grieve Parade and Williamstown Road will see lanes reduced in sections and ramps closed 24/7 from 9pm Monday 6 January to 5am Saturday 8 March. Delays of up to 30 minutes can be expected with detours in place. Check before you travel and allow extra time.
By Tara Cosoleto, William Ton AAP
Former Melton councillor and expelled Western Metropolitan Region MP Moira Deeming says she wants to rejoin the Liberal Party after the leader who banished her was found to have defamed her.
Victorian Opposition Leader John Pesutto lost the Federal Court battle on Thursday, after JusticeDavidO’Callaghanruledhediddefame Mrs Deeming by implying she was associated with Nazis.
Mr Pesutto made the defamatory comments in media interviews and a party expulsion motion following a March 2023 rally Mrs Deeming attended.
Mrs Deeming, who was expelled from the Liberals in May 2023, said she wanted to be let back into the party.
“I was unjustly expelled,“ she told reporters on Thursday afternoon.
“I have every right to be there. All the accusations that were made about me – they were just disproven in court.“
Mrs Deeming launched the legal action againstMrPesuttoinDecember2023,claiming he defamed her by suggesting or implying she was a Nazi or Nazi sympathiser following the Let Women Speak rally.
The trans-critical event in March 2023, which Mrs Deeming addressed and helped organise, was attended by men in black who performed the Nazi salute on the steps of state parliament.
Justice O’Callaghan found Mr Pesutto defamed Mrs Deeming in a media release, two radio interviews, a press conference and in a party expulsion motion following the rally.
Mr Pesutto implied she was unfit to be in the parliamentary Liberal Party because she was associated with Nazis, the judge ruled.
He also implied Mrs Deeming participated in the rally and knowingly worked with other organisers to help promote a Nazi agenda and white supremacist views, Justice O’Callaghan found.
“The imputations that I have found to have been carried are very serious ones,“ he said in his judgment.
“They were inherently likely, using mass mediatocommunicateamessagetothegeneral publicinVictoria,tocauseseriousharmtoMrs Deeming’s reputation.“
JusticeO’CallaghandeterminedMrPesutto’s defences of public interest, honest opinion and qualified privilege had failed.
He also rejected Mr Pesutto’s submissions thatMrsDeemingalreadyhadabadreputation
prior to the rally.
“The evidence established that she, like all politicians, has her detractors on the other ’side’ of politics,“ the judgment said.
“That may be a reflection of what nowadays passes for political debate, but it is not ... evidence of the fact that Mrs Deeming has hateful views or gives succour to them.“
The judge ordered $300,000 in damages be awarded to Mrs Deeming.
WhenaskedbyreporterswhetherMrPesutto should remain leader of the Victorian Liberals, MrsDeemingsaiditwasn’tupforhertodecide.
“I don’t think he has proven himself to be trustworthy but it’s not up to me to make that call,“ she said.
MrPesuttosaidtherulingwasdisappointing
but he would not step down as Liberal leader.
“I’ve always been a fighter and I’ve always been a fighter for the right reasons and for the right people - the Victorian people,“ he said on Thursday afternoon.
“That’s why I will continue in this role now, more than ever.“
MrPesuttostareddownapossibleleadership coup earlier in October, but a spill motion was not ultimately put to the partyroom after MPs were unable to agree on a replacement candidate.
Mr Pesutto could face another leadership challenge following Thursday’s outcome.
Mrs Deeming was initially suspended from the Liberals in March 2023 then expelled two months later.
Werribee MP and long-time Treasurer Tim Pallas has announced he is resigning from state parliament.
On Monday, Mr Pallas announced that he was stepping down after 18 years in parliament.
He served as the member of Tarneit before becoming the member for Werribee when electoral boundaries were redrawn.
Current Tarneit MP Dylan Wight thanked the outgoing parliamentarian.
“I would like to thank Tim for his many yearsofservicetotheWerribeeandVictorian community and I wish him and his family all the best for the future,“ he said.
Mr Pallas served 14 years as a minister and 10 years as treasurer. More recently, as well
as being treasurer, he has been industrial relations and economic growth minister.
“I have been honoured and humbled to serve the Victorian people,“ Mr Pallas said in a statement.
The holiday season should be a time for joy and not tragedy, which is why Werribee Fire Brigade wants the community to stay fire ready.
December has already been action-packed, with firefighters responding to 36 calls for assistance in the first 10 days of the month.
The hot start to summer has been a continuationofthebusiestmonthsonrecord, that saw more than 100 incidents responded to in November.
Fires do not stop, so neither can training for them, which is why firefighters have spent five weeks dedicated to training for grass and bush fires in a season where predictions indicate an increased risk of fire activity across the west of the state.
Firefighter Aiden Trifilo said he enjoys the
challenges of a busy period.
The volunteer brigade has also been busy educating the community.
During the month, the brigade was involved in 13 community safety and education events, including a joint training day at the Werribee Fire Station with the Alfred Hospital Trauma team.
The brigade has also been helping Santa, who has to adjust his winter ways for summer down under, visit the local children at childcare centres.
Those who want to keep up to date with their local firies, can check them out on Werribee Fire Brigade – CFA and @ WerrribeeCFA on Instagram.
Jaidyn Kenned
“Renewal is important, and after 10 years as treasurer it is time for me to hand over the reins.
“Importantly, this will allow the government to establish the strong team that will contest the 2026 election.“
Mr Pallas thanked the staff he had worked with, the Australian trade union movement he come from, and the people of Werribee and Victoria.
Ms Allan paid tribute to Mr Pallas. The two met when Ms Allan was elected in 1999 and Mr Pallas was chief of staff to the premier.
“Over the next 25 years, we would work together as MPs, cabinet colleagues, collaborators and builders,“ she said.
“Most importantly, as mates.
“Bondedbyoursharedpassionforbuilding infrastructure, karaoke – and our steadfast belief that Labor governments change lives.“ Ms Allan said while Mr Pallas served many roles, his most precious role was was representing the people of Werribee. She said he had been a staunch voice for the western suburbs and the people who call them home.
Committee for Wyndham chief executive Leanne Down said that the region has seen key investments achieved under Mr Pallas’ stewardship.
“Over the past decade, Tim has worked closely with us on initiatives that have fostered the growth and development of our region.”
Melbourne’s west is full of excitement this summer, offering a mix of festive celebrations, live music, and unique experiences.
Celebrate Christmas with a magical dinner at OvernewtonCastleinKeilor.Thisthree-course feast, accompanied by live entertainment, is the perfect way to embrace the festive spirit on December 19 and 20.
For last-minute Christmas shopping, visit the Eynesbury Christmas Market on December 22.
New Year’s Eve promises fun for all ages in Melbourne’s west. Grazeland in Spotswood is offering a night of food, drinks and music leading into the new year, with a prime fireworks viewing position.
Footscray Park offers a family-friendly celebration with live performances from Aussie legends Tim Rogers and Lance
Ferguson. Bring a picnic, enjoy the food trucks, and watch a dazzling fireworks display at 9.30pm. Alternatively, head to Melton Entertainment Park for a lively evening with dining packages, kids’ rides, a DJ, harness racing, and fireworks.
Music and festival lovers won’t want to miss Let Them Eat Cake on New Year’s Day at Werribee Park Mansion.
Later in January, Boiler Room x Sugar Mountain Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary with two days of cutting-edge electronic music at Seaworks, Williamstown.
For a laid-back summer evening, the Palace Penny Lane Rooftop Cinema in Moonee Ponds offers the perfect escape.
Running nightly, it combines blockbuster hits, cult classics, and exclusive previews with city views.
The recipients of the 2024 Community Grants Presentation Night (Supplied).
Werribee Rotary Club held its annual Community Grants Presentation Night at the Italian Sports Club of Werribee on Wednesday, December 4, where it presented cheques to nine local groups.
Therewasnodifficultyinscoutingtalent,as the 1st Hoppers Crossing Scout Group and 1st Iramoo Scout Group graciously thanked the club for the chance to teach young Wyndham residents important skills.
The new SES Point Cook Unit received a grant ahead of its opening on Friday, December 6.
Kyokusin Karate Association and Werribee Little Athletics Centre were provided funds to bolster their sporting programs, while WynFMgotaboosttoitsvolunteerbroadcast.
Iramoo Community Centre, Werribee Theatre Company and United Seniors Club were also grateful for grants.
Community grants chair Steve Weston said “These grants are more than financial
support—they are a beacon of hope, uplifting lives and inspiring others to join our cause.“
“Together, we are proving that collective kindness can transform the world, one act of generosity at a time.”
Lalor MP Joanne Ryan was in attendance and said she believed that Wyndham could become of the most successful multicultural societies on the planet.
‘What inspires me to believe that we can do that is when I walk into our classrooms and I see 25 kids potentially from 25 different parts of the world,” she said.
“AllIseeisthepotentialandtheopportunity of us becoming one of the most successful multicultural communities on the planet.
“The notion that it’s not a government grant, that it is a community grant, that’s equally gold.”
Jaidyn Kennedy
Police have charged a Williams Landing man, 22, over an alleged carjacking on Saturday, December 14. Police allege two victims were sitting in their vehicle parked on Eureka Drive, when they were approached by two males armed with machetes about 11pm. Police said the offenders forced the victims out of the car, before stealing the red Hyundai wagon. Officers spotted the vehicle near Taylors Lakes before it headed west along the Calder Fwy, on the wrong side of the road, before coming to a stop near Organs Pipe Road. Police said the pair fled on foot into grassland. One of the offenders was arrested shortly afterwards. The second offender was not located. The Williams Landing man will be charged with aggravated carjacking, intentionally causing injury and conduct endangering serious injury.
A 24-year-old Werribee motorcyclist died in hospital on Friday afternoon from injuries sustained in the collision on the West Gate Freeway. Police said the motorcyclist was struck by two trucks near the Williamstown Road exit at about 4.30pm on December 12. Police said one truck driver stopped at the scene, while the other did not.
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The end-of-year holiday period can be heaps of fun – an opportunity to catch up with friends and family and generally celebrate the good things in life.
But it can also turn into a time of stress, exhaustion and sadness.
However, there are ways to manage the different demands at this very busy time of year. Here is our handy guide to taking care of your mental health as 2024 ends and 2025 begins.
Don’t be afraid to say no: From work functions to family gatherings, the holiday period can be full of invitations and expectations. Opportunities to catch up with colleagues, friends or relatives can quickly turn into a packed social schedule. When the prospect of a get-together makes you feel more worried than excited, then it’s probably time to gently decline the invitation.
Pace yourself: It can be good to realise that you have invitations to lots of different occasions in a short period of time – but it can be exhausting to accept them all! It’s important to protect your energy reserves and your privacy during this period. Think carefully about which invitations to accept. Make sure you schedule some rest time between events. If you’re tired and grumpy, neither you nor anyone else will enjoy themselves.
Bekind: When talking to friends and family about holiday season commitments, using polite and considerate language just makes everything flow more smoothly.
Declining an invitation to a party can feel challenging – we may feel pressure to please others–butdoingsogentlyandfirmlymakes the process much easier.
Practiceself-care: What do you like to do to relax? Perhaps you like to go swimming, or ride a bicycle, or read a book, or do yoga. It’s important to make sure you quarantine time for yourself. Everything works better when you’re rested and refreshed.
Watch your wallet: At this time of year it is very easy to spend lots of money, and run up hefty credit card bills. Buying presents for people we care for can make us feel good and fulfilled – but that feeling can turn to sadness and resentment if we drain our bank accounts to do so.
It’s a cliché, but it’s not the cost of the gift that counts – it’s the thought.
Manageyourexpectations: Sometimes, with the best will in the world, things don’t go as planned. Trains run late. Cars break down. You can wake up feeling poorly – or just more tired than you expected. Sometimesyou’regoingtodisappointothers,
There will be no waste bin collections on christmas day 25 December, 2024 and new years day 1 January, 2025.
If your regular collection falls on:It will be picked up on:
Monday 23 December, 2024 No change in collection
Tuesday 24 December, 2024 No change in collection
Wednesday 25 December, 2024 Thursday 26 December, 2024
Thursday 26 December, 2024 Friday 27 December, 2024
Friday 27 December, 2024Saturday 28 December, 2024
The following changes have been made to the garbage, recycling and green waste collections during the Christmas/New Year period.
If your regular collection falls on:It will be picked up on:
Monday 30 December, 2024 No change in collection
Tuesday 31 December, 2024 No change in collection
Wednesday 01 January, 2025Thursday 02 January, 2025
Thursday 02 January, 2025Friday 03 January, 2025
Friday 03 January, 2025Saturday 04 January, 2025
Please ensure that all bins are placed out the night before these collection days.
Note: There will no bin deliveries or repairs during public holidays.
There will be no hard waste collections on Christmas Day 25 December, 2024, Boxing Day 26 December, 2024 and New Years Day 1 January, 2025. For further information please go to: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/services/ waste-recycling/bin-collections
or disappoint yourself. And you know what? It doesn’t matter. Forgive yourself. Let go of the idea of perfection. Enjoy the moments that happen, and forget about the ones that don’t.
Not all family moments are happy moments: The holiday period can be a time of big family gatherings. For some this can be an occasion for joy and togetherness. For others, though, it can be a time of friction and argument.
Some family members may hold views with which you disagree. Is a big reunion the right time to mount a challenge, or is it better to simply avoid the subject?
Your mental and physical health are more important than once-a-year family obligations. Don’t be afraid to turn down invitationsifthethoughtofattendingdoesn’t fill you with joy.
A chicken is not a vegetable: Family feasts
and end-of-year work dinners can be stressful for people with dietary restrictions. What you choose to eat is no one’s business but your own.
Take time before each event to gently let hosts know of your food needs. You’re not being picky or fussy – you’re being true to yourself.
Remember, not everyone has a family: This time of year is full of family catch-ups, but not everyone is connected.
For some members of your community, this can be a time of loneliness and isolation. Perhaps think about reaching out and checking in on your acquaintances, making sure they are okay.
Reach out when you need to: At this time of year, it’s not unusual to feel lonely or sad. Friends and family can sometimes provide help – but sometimes too it’s good to reach out to others.
Head To Health is a free national service that can help you find the help you need, in the right place at the right time. Dedicated mental health counsellors will talk with you and link you with the most appropriate service to provide you with support and care. You can make contact through the website – headtohealth.gov. au -- or make a free call on 1800 595 212 between 8.30am - 5pm weekdays (except public holidays).
If it’s urgent, here’s what to do: Head to Health is not a crisis or emergency service. For urgent support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. If you need immediate help or are at risk of harm to yourself or others, call 000.
This article was provided by North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network.
The first-ever Australian Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) exhibition match will be held in Melbourne on Saturday, December 28 and someofitssuperfansinMelbourne’snorthand west cannot wait.
For those not already in on the craze, Kabaddi is a contact sport played between two teams of seven players and traces its origins to northern India.
Thesport’smainobjectiveistograbpointsby raiding into the opponent’s court and touching as many opponent players as possible without getting caught on a single breath.
WilliamsLandingresidentKamaldipKahma said the sport was popular among Australia’s India diaspora.
“It’s an aggressive game – it’s a mixture of a couple of games and that’s what people want to see,” he said.
“Whentwobullsfight,itislikethat,sothatis why everyone loves it.
‘Kabaddi is in our blood.”
The gladiatorial nature of the sport may grab the attention of spectators, but the skill required should not be dismissed.
“It’s not an easy game, you need a lot of stamina, strength and even a lot of techniques as well,“ Mr Kahma said. “The hardest part is how the players have to save themselves from injuries, a lot of injuries happen in this match.”
Describing Kabaddi as “a non-stop thrill,“ Werribee resident Vijay Sahora said the game has grown in popularity.
“It has grown massively – Kabaddi players are coming from everywhere.”
“Now it’s got more popularity because they are showing it on the TV, earlier they didn’t have that much reach.
Saying that he enjoyed teamwork and sportsmanship, Kuldeep Singh from Aintree showed that much of the sport’s appeal stems from the camaraderie.
The Pro Kabaddi Melbourne Raid will be held at John Cain Arena on December 28, following day three of the Boxing Day Test between Australia and India at the MCG. PKL was launched in 2014 and is the most popular professional kabaddi league in the world.
JaidynKennedy
Pelvic pain is an umbrella term to describe pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic and intimate areas.
The pain is usually caused by:
• painful periods (35-50% )
• endometriosis or excessive uterine tissue in the abdominal cavity (10%)
• adenomyosis which is when glandular tissue of the uterus goes into the uterine wall (20-50%)
• polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) the symptoms of which are possible high testosterone, irregular periods, cystic ovaries, increased hair growth, weight gain, acne (8-12%)
• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) which can cause constipation, diarrhea or both with pain (3.5-10%)
• overactive bladder when you get the urge to go more often (12 %).
Overtimetheseconditionscandeveloppain sensitisation where you become more sensitive to pain.
How can I fix my pelvic pain?
With pelvic pain it is important to have the right team around you and, thankfully, in Australia the government has invested significantly in developing endometriosis
and pelvic pain clinics. Your pelvic health physiotherapist will be a part of this team.
The physical stuff
Your pelvic health physiotherapist can help.
• How often are you clenching your body? Tension and gripping behaviours can aggravate your pain. Draw a big circle on your hand and every time you see this circle scan you body for tension and take notice. Are you gripping? Where? What percent? LET IT GO!
• Ice or heat can also help
• Breathing and stretches. Try box breathing –
in for 4, hold for 4 out for 4 and repeat.
• Stretches – refer to the Pelvic Pain Australia website for great stretches https://www. pelvicpain.org.au
• TENS – electrical current over your painful area to help calm the nerves
• Massage, dry needling, spinal mobility, exercises for pain and movement
The mental stuff
• Try to limit the amount of time you are thinking about your pain
• If you do think about your pain try saying to yourself “I will get better”
• Challenge yourself to stop avoiding activities due to pain. Gently push your boundaries
• Mindfulnessandmeditation,whateverworks for you to relax and breath
The biological Seeing your GP or a pain physician for appropriate pain medication can be the turning point - this is not codeine or opiates but medication that works on the brain and spinal cord to help normalise the pain signals to your body. We wish you well with your pelvic health journey and know that help is now out there.
The Deeble family is synonymous with baseball in Melbourne’s west and across the world. Tara Murray chats with Jon Deeble, who has just returned to Australia after winning his sixth Major Baseball League World Series championship.
Jon Deeble is living the dream as he spends his year chasing the baseball seasons.
Deeble, who grew up in Melbourne’s west, was raised around baseball and has continued his father’s legacy.
He is currently the coach of the Melbourne Aces in the Australian Baseball League, while also a director with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“I’m sort of on the road for half the year around the world,” he said. “I’m in Melbourne for a couple of months, coaching the Melbourne Aces.
“I’ve been doing it for eight years. I come home and do the Melbourne Aces in the off season, and then get back on the road.”
Deeble said it can get busy going from one to the other but it’s something he loves.
It’s been a long journey for Deeble since his first visit to America in 1993.
Coaching in Melbourne at the time, Deeble initially said no to moving to the states when he was first asked.
‘‘ I got to LA and thought, ‘what am I doing as an Australian guy teaching Americans how to play baseball?’ ’’ - Jon Deeble
“IwasplayingwiththeMelbourneMonarchs down at Altona, then their licence was taken away,”hesaid.“IplayedfortheWaverleyReds for a couple of years, then the Monarchs were coming back into existence and they were owned by the Western Bulldogs and they were going to be affiliated with the Florida Marlins.
“They asked me to coach the Melbourne Monarchs. From there, John Boles and Rick Freeman, who were both with the Marlins, offered me a job in the states.
“The first year I didn’t accept it, as I was working with the Bulldogs, but ended up going over there the next year.
“I got to LA and thought, ’what am I doing as an Australian guy teaching Americans how to play baseball?’
“So that is why it started.”
Deeble was with the Marlins when he won the world championship in 1997 before he moved to the Boston Red Sox when the Marlins owner bought the Sox.
He was there for 16 years and won three more championship rings, before he was head hunted by the Dodgers.
“I coached Major League in 2005. I’ve spent alotoftimecoachingintheminorleaguesand at the same time scouting Asia.
“I’ve sort of had multiple jobs.”
The Dodgers recently won the World Series
Championships to give Deeble his sixth championshipringandsecondattheDodgers.
Deeble said every ring was different.
“At the start it was really exciting and it’s still really exciting, because you want to win,” hesaid. “MypartofitistheAsiandepartment, director of the Asia Pacific.
“We had Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitch the second game of the World Series and he dominated, he’s one of the guys that I’ve signed.
“Shohei Ohtani is another. We’ve been very active in the Asian region, not just with major league guys, but minor league guys as well.
“That part of it is really interesting and exciting.”
Deeble said he could have never imagined where his career would take him when he first started out.
He said how it has ended up as a dream come true.
“It’s all I’ve known for work for the past 33 years,” he said.
“Tommy Lasorda, who is a legend of the
Los Angeles Dodgers, passed away a couple of years ago. He is the original Mr Dodger and he signed a photo of himself and gave it to me in 1978 and it said ’Jon, a future Dodger’.
“I’ve still got the photo which is really unrealthatIwouldendupworkingthereasan Australian guy.
“It’s been a great ride and I’ve met a lot of people and I have a lot of friends in the states. It’sbeenahellofaride,theDodgershavebeen an unbelievable organisation.”
It’s no surprise that Deeble entered into baseball when he was young.
His father Don Deeble played for Australia and was among the first inducted into the Baseball Australia Hall of Fame.
Star Weekly isasponsoroftheSunshineand Western Region Sports Club’s Don Deeble award which recognises him.
Jon Deeble is also a member of the hall of fame, while his brother Michael Deeble also played for Australia.
“I’m sure he would be pretty proud,” Jon said of his father.
“He was also one that was very quiet, never one to pat you on the back.
“He was very quiet or never gave any advice, he just stayed out of it to be honest.”
Deeblesaidhe’shappywithwherehiscareer is and doesn’t want to climb any higher up the ladder in the states.
Among his achievements is coaching the Australian Olympic baseball team for 19 years.
For now, Deeble is focused on the Aces’ season.
It hasn’t been the ideal start with rain affecting several of their games, but the Aces were still sitting in second spot heading into the weekend’s matches which were after deadline.
“Expectations were to win everything, win the final and that has not changed,” he said.
“The first week we lost our Australian players, they were away on the Australian team that is six players.
“That was a little tough, now home for two weeks it will start to tell the tale, we need to get better.”
20 Dec 2024 –18 May 2025
By Jaidyn Kennedy
Three friends at Point Cook Senior have proved that teamwork can be the dream work as they claimed three of the top four ATAR scores at the school.
Avesta Ghods Hosseini, the school dux with an ATAR of 98.20, came to Australia from Tehran, Iran in 2022 at the age of 15.
Despite his mother’s desire for him to study at a private or selective entry school, he decided to remain at Point Cook Senior.
“It’s partly because in Iran, we used to think only private schools get the highest
scores,” Avesta said.
“I could see other people getting high scores in public schools as well, so then I kind of challengedmymumandsaidthatIdon’twant to go.”
Avesta studied biology, chemistry, English as a second language (EAL), Persian (Farsi), math methods and physics.
He achieved a perfect study score of 50 in chemistry, which along with physics was a favourite subjects.
“Chemistry is like the LEGO of the real world in that you can make things using it,” he said.
“I always viewed them [chemistry and physics] as subjects that teach you about the world around you, so that makes me excited.”
Hoang Tran made the journey to Australia in 2021 from Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.
Achieving a 98 ATAR with EAL, general mathematics,mathsmethods,specialistmaths and physics, his mathematical knowledge proved invaluable to the trio’s study sessions.
“Hoang was really good at maths, so when I wanted to know something about math methods I asked him,” Avesta said.
“The way he explained from different perspectives made it easier to understand.”
The Committee for Wyndham (CFW) hosted its end-of-year celebration, bringing together business leaders, stakeholder and community members to commemorate the year that was. Held over a game of polo, the occasion was used as an opportunity to showcase the region’s tourism capabilities.
Werribee Open Range Zoo, Equestrian Victoria, ShadowFax Winery, Werribee Mansion, The Refectory, K Road Cliffs and Werribee Golf Course and Lancemore Hotels were among the attractions featured. Among the event’s most notable moments was the announcement of the CFW’s rebrand and new website, introducing a revised logo.
The new logo will feature three overlapping pillars that represent core focus areas and adopt a refreshed colour palette that reflects the natural landscape of Wyndham, from its agricultural roots to its urban, business and coastal growth.
The new logo symbolises the CFW’s strategic priorities of advocacy, connection, and education— while capturing the interconnectedness of the region and the organisation’s commitment to progress.
Chief executive Leanne Down said the previous logo had been the organisation’s
emblem since establishment in 1998.
“We are excited to unveil our new logo and branding,whichreflectsourrenewedfocuson community engagement and highlights the dynamic spirit of Wyndham,” she said.
“This event marks a new chapter for the committee as we continue to support local businesses and initiatives.”
Chair Craig Kennedy said, “The year ahead is full of promise, and we look forward to continuing to collaborate with our stakeholders to drive the growth and success of Wyndham”.
- Jaidyn Kennedy
Milan Kovacevic, who achieved the fourth highest ATAR at the school, made his way to Australia from Serbia in 2013.
He studied English, maths methods, physics, biology, chemistry and specialist mathematics on his way to scoring 94. While they started life far from each other, the three will be geographically close for the foreseeable future, with all intending to study at Monash University.
Avesta will decide between medicine or biomedical science, Hoang intends to study mechanical engineering and Milan expressed the desire to study engineering.
Tvisha Joshi and Pratham Joshi were announced as the joint winners of Wyndham council’s Young Person of the Month for November.
Tvisha earned recognition for her time volunteering in a range of activities, including tutoring refugees and children from marginalised communities and raising much needed funds for charities, such as Kids Helpline and Relay for Life.
Shewasalsorecognisedforleadership qualities, which were exhibited by her captaincy of the women’s team at Werribee Cricket Club. In this role she inspired other women and girls to be resilient in their sporting endeavours.
Tvisha also collaborates on global STEM initiatives, researching and developing innovative solutions to global challenges.
Pratham received the nod for championing diversity, sustainability and personal growth.
He represented his school at the Werribee RSL Anzac March and was recently awarded the Truganina College Citizenship Award for recognition of school values of learning, respect, responsibility, and resilience.
A passionate diversity advocate, Pratham encourages young people to explore new cultures and traditions and to immerse in the vibrant tapestry of traditions, cultural practices, music, dance, cuisine and celebrate cultural heritage within Wyndham.
One Wyndham recipients are residents aged between 12 to 25 who positively contribute to the Wyndham communityandarerolemodelstoother young people.
WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication
Beach programs
Wyndham City and Life Saving Victoria have partnered to run two Diversity and Inclusion Beach Programs on Monday, January 13 and Tuesday, January 21. Come along and learn how to keep family and friends safe while cooling off this summer.
www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/beachsessions
Wyndham Rotary
If you have an hour or two to volunteer in a local project Wyndham Rotary would love to hear from you. If you have an idea and you want some help taking the idea to action, contact us. If you want to connect with friendly, like-minded people, come and chat to us. Meeting locally each week, you will be made welcome.
Julie, 0406 196 630
Employment support program
Are you 50+ and want assistance from someone who understands? Employment Support strives to connect mentors and mentees to make this happen. Reach out to learn more
9655 2131 or EmploymentSupport@cotavic.org.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. There is 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. Hear interesting speakers and make new friendships. The group meets on the second Tuesday of each month at Iramoo Community Centre, Honour Ave, Wyndham Vale. Meetings commence at 1pm.
Judy Marsh, 0411 034 311 or wcpc1306@gmail.com
Point Cook Combined Probus Club 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
Point Cook VIEW
The Point Cook Day VIEW Club (for ladies) meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month at the Point Cook Library, 1-21 Cheetham Street, Point Cook. Members enjoy afternoon teas and outings. New members welcome. VIEW Is part of the Smith Family.
Catherine, 0407 726 852
Watton Group
A support group providing a social space for carers to get together in a safe and compassionate environment. Gives carers an opportunity to connect, share their experiences and offers emotional and practical support. The group meets at the Eco-Living Centre at 10am, every fourth Tuesday of the month.
Patricia, 0434 487 360, or wattongroup131@gmail.com.
All Abilities Netball
All Abilities Netball for 10-to-25-year-olds is run by Wyndham Netball Association every Saturday morning during school terms, from 10.30am, on outside court 14 at Eagle Stadium, Ballan Road, Werribee. Intellectual, physical and social disabilities are catered for in a fun and supported group. Come and try your first session for free, with stadium entry $2.
Phil, 0437 078 739
Walking Netball
Walking Netball is a low impact, no running, no jumping version for those that love the fun, friendship and activity of a weekly game of netball. Sessions are run every Thursday during school terms, from 8pm, at Eagle Stadium, Ballan Road, Werribee. Come and try your first session for free, with stadium entry $2.
Phil, 0437 078 739
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
Bingo for all
The Werribee RSL hosts Bingo every Monday between 12.30-2.30pm.
9741 5525
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
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
Diabetes Support Group
The Werribee Diabetes support provides an opportunity to hear from experts on how to manage your diabetes, to share information on diabetes and to engage with other diabetics Meetings are at the old council shire buildings at 10am every second Friday of the month.
Bob, 0409 252 872
U3A Werribee
The group is a not-for-profit community organisation for semi-retired and retired Wyndham residents. They hold a variety of classes-activities specifically designed for seniors, including, light physical and mental wellbeing sessions, arts, games and craft, and general classes such as current affairs, history and lunch groups. Most classes-activities are held at Wyndham community centres.
Rick, 0402 299 220
Western Budgerigar Club
The Western Suburbs Budgerigar Club meets at 7.30pm on the third Thursday of each month at Masonic Hall, 223 Watton Street, Werribee. Meet other members who are also passionate about breeding
Budgerigars.
Don, 0414 975 862
Western Melbourne Men’s Chorus
Do you like to sing? The Western Melbourne Men’s Chorus wants you! Be part of a rewarding fraternity of fellow amateur musicians serving the community, sharing comradery and having fun. Rehearsals at 7pm Tuesday evenings at St. James Church, Hoppers Crossing.
Chris, 0400 414 215
Beekeeping group
Werribeeks is a group for beekeepers in and around Werribee and surrounding suburbs that meet every third Monday of the month at the Wyndham Park Community Centre to share information, tips and ideas on beekeeping.
https://www.facebook.com/ WerriBeeksClub
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
Werribee River Association
New volunteers to support Landcare work along the Werribee River. A great way to give back, get outdoors and work at your own pace.
Lisa Field, 0433 559 530, admin@werribeeriver.org.au, or www.werribeeriver.org.au
Werribee Open Range Zoo (WROZ) is the place to be this Christmas Day, with the zoo open from 9am to 5pm with a full schedule of fascinating keeper talks and walking paths.
Guests can gander at gorillas, lions, hippos, monkeys and all types of African wildlife doing their thing on the savannah.
The iconic safari buses will be shuttling to-and-fro, giving visitors the opportunity to learn about species like giraffe, zebra and antelope.
If you are lucky, you might catch a glimpse of Jabulani– the 3-month-old southern white rhino calf who has become something of a celebrity these days.
Christmas will be jolly, but the fun will last all summer.
From January 26, the splash park will be in full swing at Hippo Beach where kids can beat the summer heat and play in the water while looking out at the three gorgeous hippo girls.
There will also be a kid-friendly DJ playing jungle beats at hippo beach daily.
Every Saturday from January 4 to March 8, WORZ’s iconic Sunset Safari event will also be up and running.
Visitors will be able to adventure onto the savannah for an intimate, extended safari tour in the evening and delight in immersive Africanperformances,whileenjoyingcocktails
and snacks at Hippo Beach or feast with family and friends on a traditional African braai barbecue.
Christmas may be a holiday for us, but Zoos Victoria wants the public to know it is important to respect other creatures.
While research suggests that anthropomorphising wildlife may increase visitor-animalconnection,itrisksperpetuating the idea that the animal would make a good pet.
Giving animals in captivity the control and choice is key to maintaining their positive welfare.
Jaidyn Kennedy
For 30 years, Melton local Sandra Brogan has spread Christmas cheer around her neighbourhood with an annual Christmas display at her home.
The annual display started when Sandra’s dad started decorating for Christmas with some blow-up reindeer and Father Christmas at his home, and when he moved to Melton, he continued to do it for the kids in the neighbourhood.
Three decades later, Sandra continues the tradition.
“One Christmas Eve, we had nearly 300 people come,” Sandra said. “You can’t get a park in our street or the street opposite me.
“Theyparkaroundthecornerandwalkback.
“It’s really quite nice.”
The theme changes yearly – this year’s is white Christmas – but one consistent part of it is her daughter, Kelli, performing carols.
“Growing up we didn’t have expensive decorations,” Kelli said. =“As a family we made decorations, always had a Christmas tree and always celebrated together.
“WewouldwatchChristmasmoviesandtalk abouthowcoolitmustbeinAmericatoseethe houses decorated.”
Last year, she released her Christmas song, Joy When we Believe, to celebrate the holidays.
“My family’s love of Christmas was the inspiration for my song Joy When We Believe,” Kellisaid.“Thelyricsdescribethepleasureand wonder we see in children at Christmas time and the togetherness of families at Christmas.
“EverythingIexperiencedasachildandeven now at Christmas is what I tried to capture in the lyrics of that song.”
Kelli said she loves performing at her mum’s house for Christmas.
“In the past, when I was living at mum’s, I performed most nights during December,” she said. “I will perform this weekend and every night from next Thursday through and including Christmas Eve.
“It is always so much fun as the community enjoys the live music and the atmosphere it creates while looking at the lights.
“Someevenhaverequests,astheycomeback each year.”
Besidesthedisplayandmusicalperformance byKelli,Sandrahasalsopreparedasurprisefor the children.
“On Christmas Eve, we have characters coming,” she said. “This year, we have Bluey and Bingo, Father Christmas, The Grinch, Mother Christmas is coming.
“We’re also having Olaf and Elsa from Frozen.”
Faith Macale
Hobsons Bay isn’t short of locations to bring in the new year, but few are as refined as the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria (RYCV) in Williamstown.
On December 31, the RYCV will open its clubroomsandtheirexpansiveviewsofthecity to revellers who want to bring in 2025 with a touch of elegance.
RYCV food and beverage operations managerSimoneKiencsaidNewYearsEvewas an opportunity to enjoy the finer things in life.
“It’s the perfect evening to indulge in delicious seasonal produce, paired with some delicious drops from across Australia, while enjoying live music from DJ Retro Red and the best seat in Melbourne to watch the fireworks light up the night sky.”
Whiletheclub’soutdoordeckofferstheideal vantage point to view the midnight fireworks, Ms Kienc said the kitchen and dining room
Set the date in your calendar’s now, as the busy Sunshine shopping precinct on Hampshire Road is set to be overrun by The Sunshine Lunar New Year Festival on Sunday, January 26.
Presented by the Sunshine Business Association, the free multicultural event runs every year, celebrating the lunar calendar, a time of renewal and for friends and family to come together to celebrate the start of a new year.
The Sunshine Lunar New Year Festival or Tét Festival will bring the culturally diverse community together in a safe and fun environment.
A huge day of free family fun, live entertainment, children’s rides, street performers, music, dancing, street food, face-painting, magical Lion and Dragon dancing, red-pockets and firecrackers ending with spectacular fireworks.
A large performance stage with seating area will burst with exciting musical acts, live multicultural bands and dance groups will entertain the communityandshowcasetheircultural heritage and talented musicians.
A wide array of street food stalls of many nations, super fun small and large children’s rides including the massive Ferris Wheel, face-painting, showbags, street-performers cultural kid’s activity zone will take over Hampshire Road.
Sunshine’s favourite local sporting groups will also attend and present fun kid’s activities.
A vibrant Lion and Dragon dance complete with long string fireworks will take place at 6pm at the stage ending with a traditional Lunar New Year display of fireworks at 9pm. Hampshire Road, between Devonshire and Foundry Roads will be closed to traffic on the day.
were where the evening’s most spectacular highlights would take place.
“Our chef sources the freshest ingredients and food sustainability is at the heart of our kitchen,” she said.
“Chef Leicester O’Loughlin brings you delicious flavours which change with the seasons and is creating a feast for NYE. Our bonza barbecue buffet will include a selection of top quality proteins, vegetarian delights, fresh seasonal salads, and an array of house made condiments.”
Entry is $85 for RYCV members, $95 for non-members, $30 for kids, with indoor, outdoor deck and picnic table seating options available.
Roaming canapes will be offered from 6pm followed by a bonza barbecue buffet and fireworks at 9.30pm and again at midnight.
Bookings: https://bit.ly/bookrycv
1. The Mighty Jills compete for Australia in which sport?
2. Former AFL players James Hird, Gary Ablett Snr and Nathan Buckley all wore what number guernsey?
3. A standard game of table tennis is a race to what score?
4. Ronnie O’Sullivan and Stephen Hendry are famous players of what sport?
5. Who is the current interim coach of the Matildas?
6. Which high jump technique was popularised by a US gold medal winner at the 1968 Olympics?
7. Originating in Finland, which humorous hobby sport is most popular with teenage girls?
8. The PWHL has announced teams will play how many regular-season games, an increase from their inaugural year?
The festive 2024 rom-com ChristmasintheSpotlight is inspired by the real-life relationship of which famous athlete?
Before starting her career as a rugby player, NZ powerhouse Portia Woodman played which other team sport professionally?
11. Which Australian racing driver made his Formula One debut in the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi?
Which Australian fast bowler missed the second Test against India due to a side strain injury?
13. How many goals did the Brisbane Lions score in their loss to North Melbourne in the AFLW grand final?
14. Basketballer Bryce Cotton scored how many points in an NBL game in the Perth Wildcats’ win over New Zealand?
15. True or false: Australia finished ahead of France in the Paris 2024 Olympics medal tally.
16. Which Aussie Rules club was known as the Prince Imperials in 1880–81, named in honour of Napoleon III’s only son?
17. South African-born Brydon Carse took 10 wickets in a match representing which Test cricket nation?
18. Which Kookaburras legend has retired from hockey with a record 451 international appearances for Australia?
19. Grey’sAnatomy star Patrick Dempsey finished in what position in the 2015 Le Mans 24 Hour motor race?
20. Gout Gout is the name of a 16-year-old Australian competing in which track and field discipline?
21. Olympic medallist skateboarder Arisa Trew was recently given which pet animal as a reward for her win?
22. The International Cricket Council recently criticised Australia for refusing to play which nation?
23. How many Matildas players scored their first international goals in their first friendly match against Chinese Taipei?
24. Which Australian city recently withdrew its bid for the 2030 Gay Games?
25. Jerry West is the player silhouette featured in the logo of which sporting league?
26. The NHL has a new team in 2024/25 based in which US state?
27. How many teams are competing in the 2024/25 WNBL season?
28. How many games did the North Melbourne AFL Women’s side lose in the 2024 season?
29. The late Neale Fraser was a champion in which sport?
30. With her 2024 win, how many consecutive Best and Fairest awards has AFLW player Monique Conti now won at Richmond and the Western Bulldogs?
- Email: statplanning@wyndham.vic.gov.au An objection must be made to the Responsible Authority in
include the reasons for the
and state how the objector would be affected. If you object, the Responsible
and
ACROSS
1 Rule (3)
3 Request form (11)
9 Determination (7)
10 Bestowed (7)
11 Negatively charged subatomic particle (8)
12 Reddish metal (6)
14 Tavern (3)
15 Means (11)
17 Regions (11)
19 Possess (3)
20 Eight-legged animal (6)
21 Resonant (8)
24 Realm of an independent Islamic chieftain (7)
25 Grain from cassava (7)
26 Leader of a cause (11)
27 Prosecute (3)
DOWN
1 Thief (9)
2 Cowboy literary genre (7)
3 Assign (5)
4 Extraordinary thing (10)
5 Formerly Persia (4)
6 Comparative conclusions (9)
7 Thoroughgoing, exhaustive (2,5)
8 Lowest point (5)
13 Rotorcraft (10)
15 Suppress (9)
16 Painting of the countryside (9)
18 Wetter in terms of weather (7)
19 Redolent (7)
20 Sugary (5)
22 Of equal value (2,3)
23 To dispense, to – out (4)
1 Riga is the capital of which country?
2 Actor Ryan Reynolds (pictured) is co-owner of which UK soccer team?
3 Which film won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2001?
4 Where in the human body does carpal tunnel occur?
5 How many times was England's King Henry VIII married?
6 In chess, how many different game pieces are there?
7 Which Brontë sister wrote the 1847 novel AgnesGrey?
8 And under what pseudonym was it published?
9 In what century was Genghis Khan born?
10 Which Chinese city is situated at the mouth of the Yangtze River?
RATINGS
Looks: 8/10
Performance: 7/10
Safety: 7/10
Thirst: 5/10
Practicality: 7/10
Comfort: 7/10
Tech: 8/10
Value: 6/10
By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring
Intheidealautomobiletrifectaofperformance, economy and little nasty pollution Alfa Romeo has its money on plug-in hybrid electric vehicle technology, with the Tonale Plug-in Hybrid Q4 carrying top weight.
The new edition to the premium SUV line-up has form – sprinting from rest to 100km/h in 6.2 seconds, the ability to travel up to 60 kilometres on electric power alone with 34g/km CO2 tailpipe emissions. Top speed is 135km/h in full electric mode and 206km/h in hybrid.
While the figures speak for themselves, like SUVs of this ilk, the Veloce spec vehicle comes at a hefty price – from $77,500, plus on-road costs. Options of 20-inch alloys add $1500, or two premium paint finishes $1600 or $2500 respectively.
Equipped with the Alfa Q4 all-wheel drive system, the front wheels are powered by the petrol engine, the rear wheels by an electric motor, providing up to 208kW of power. The car takes advantage of a 7.4kW AC on-board charger and a Type 2 Smart Charging Port that enables home AC or public AC charging.
The Tonale Veloce Plug-in Hybrid Q4 is covered by a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty and Alfa Romeo roadside assist support package.
Styling
On the outside there’s plenty going on with Dark Miron body kit with matte inserts, Dark Miron ‘Scudetto’ front grille finish, Veloce badging and in line with the ‘electrification’, Alfa’shistoriclogohasbeenreinterpretedinan elegant elettro-biscione serigraphy on the dark tinted privacy glass left rear window.
Automatic LED matrix headlamps with adaptive beam and dynamic turn indicators share space with gloss black painted power foldingheatedexteriormirrorswithItalianflag.
The Tonale Plug-in Hybrid rolls on 19-inch diamond cut alloy wheels with stand-out Brembo red brake callipers.
Interior
Inside the cabin is luxury all round with perforated black leather-accented seats with embroidered Alfa Romeo logo and dark grey doublestitching,plusdarkgreyaccentstitching on front centre armrest and door trims. Front seats are heated and ventilated.
Aluminium door sills, steering wheelmounted shift paddles and floor pedals add a sporting touch, while customisable ambient lighting has found its place on board from post-September models.
Infotainment
A 10.25-inch touchscreen taps into infotainment and navigation, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto join Alfa Connect services and DAB+ digital radio being fed through a supreme 465W 14-speaker Harman/ Kardon sound system. There is a wireless chargingpadandfrontandrearUSB-Aand-C ports.
Engines/transmissions
The Tonale Plug-in Hybrid Q4 powertrain combines a 132kW 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated with a six-speed automatic transmission providing traction to the front axle with an electric motor supplying 90kW of peak power and 250Nm of torque to the rear axle.
A306V15.5kWhlithium-ionbatteryisgood
for up to 60km electric range or in tandem with the petrol engine. A 7.4kW AC on-board charger and a Type 2 Smart Charging Port enables domestic AC charging or public AC charging.
Alfa Romeo says it takes less than two-and-a-half hours to fully charge the battery from the on-board system. The test car battery was topped up by 20 per cent in 90 minutes through a home three-pin plug set-up.ThelocalType2publicchargerrequired a BYO cable. Sadly, this Tonale was bereft of one.
The Tonale Plug-in Hybrid has earned a five-star Euro safety rating. Nothing from ANCAP yet. Autonomous driving features include active blind spot assist with rear cross trafficalert,adaptivecruisecontrolwithstop and go, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane support system, and driver behaviour alert. There’s a 360-degree camera with dynamic guidelines, front, rear and side parking sensors and Magic Park, plus traffic sign recognition and intelligent speed control.
Driving
Alfa Romeo has attached to the Tonale Plug-in Hybrid that much (over)used term DNA to describe a series of driver assistance systems
that point the way to an incomparable driving experience.
From the get-go there’s a hint of excitement from the Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce Plug-in Hybrid, with its instant torque electric motor. And there’s no letting up with a surprising rangeofadvancedautomobilesystemsonoffer. For example, with its rotary drive selector, it is capable of calling on Dynamic, Natural or Advanced efficiency (DNA), plus ESC Off modes, to arouse the interest of any driver. Dynamic has the petrol engine and electric motor combining for sporty performance; Natural produces optimum power with minimum fuel consumption; and Advanced Efficiency uses electric power only for low emissions in city traffic. ESC Off has the driver in full mechanical control of the vehicle in Dynamic mode.
Alfa Link stumps up the suspension with variable damping for optimum handling and comfort, and rear axle geometry comes into action on fast cornering. Then there’s e-Coasting Descent, which intervenes in place of the exhaust brake, even when the throttle is released, to recover energy when slowing, even when the brake pedal is released.
Summary
AlfaRomeohastakentheTonaleVelocePlug-in beyondtherangeoftherun-of-the-millpetrol/ electric hybrid.
The summer season is finally heating up and with it there has been some cracker matches including on Saturday. StarWeekly photographer Ljubica Vrankovic was out shooting the some of the action.
By Tara Murray
Someofthemosttalentedathletesinthewestern suburbs will be vying for the prestigious 2024 Don Deeble Sports Star award next month.
The Deeble committee will reveal the name of this year’s champion athlete at an awards dinner on the last Wednesday in January.
The first nominee was Mia Gordon, a multi-talented rising star in cricket and football.
The scholarship holder at Maribyrnong Sports Academy has spent three full years in the under-16 cricket program and had been hoping for a spot in the under-19 program. She was also named in the Western Jets squad for this year.
Golfer Jesse Trembath was the second nominee for the year.
Trembathtookupgolfwhenhewasfouryears old under the guidance of his grandmother Susan.
Playing on local courses at Kooringal and Sanctuary Lakes, Trembath continued his
improvement and was soon identified by Golf Victoria.
Another golfer, Georgia Schwartz was the April nominee.
“I tried swimming and tennis for a while, but I got bored with them pretty quickly,” she said. “I didn’t feel they suited me, I need to be challenged.
“I went to the driving range with dad and really liked the challenge of hitting the ball.”
MaynomineeRubyGortonwasmadetoplay hockey.
With her dad heavily involved, she was soon playing herself and has never looked back.
Gorton’s skills blossomed in 2019 when she was selected in the School Sport Victoria under-12 team and the regional team, the Western Wildcats under-13s.
Gortonhasnowbeenselectedinthoseteams every year including the 2024.
June nominee Taye Ragheb had a big 2024 on the cards. Ragheb attends the Maribyrnong Sports Academy where he spends six hours a week training.
He then heads to the Victorian Institute of Sportthreetimesperweekforhisperformance pathway training and then his club training at Notorious Taekwondo a further three nights per week.
July nominee Lucy Cleveland is a running star.
She is now the holder of more than 30 Western Athletics club records and has competed at state and national level and is looking to represent Australia.
AugustnomineeRomanCooteisabaseballer like the man the award is named after
In the summer of 2017, Roman Coote was asked by one of his primary school friends to come play baseball at the Williamstown Baseball Club and the rest is now history.
“For me, 2023 was certainly my breakout year. I went from just your average player to making the under-16 Australian team.
October nominee Reikken Brodie was a frustrated kid for years watching his younger sister,Honor,trainandplaynetball,coachedby their mother Mary.
Ten elite young western suburbs athletes will be vying for the prestigious 2024 Don
Mia Gordon
School/Club: Maribyrnong
Sports Academy/Western Jets
Sport: Cricket/football
Achievements: Western Jets under-18 and Cricket
Victoria’s Vic Metro under-16 emerging players squad.
Quote: “I really enjoy playing both sports and all of my coaches are very supportive of me playing the two sports at the moment,” Gordon said. “Cricket is number one, but AFL is right up there.”
Jesse Trembath
Club: Kooringal Golf Club
Sport: Golf
Achievements: He holds the current course record at Kooringal Golf Club shooting a 63 in April last year, while he was a 2023 state team member, Golf Victoria high performance team member and a Callaway Next Program representative.
Quote: “I learned very quickly that if you are not having fun you get down on yourself and you stop playing well,” he said.
Georgia Schwartz
School/Club: Maribyrnong Sports Academy/ Medway Golf Club
Sport: Golf
Achievements: Won the Bendigo Junior Open and was second at the Royal Melbourne Junior Open as well as the Portarlington Junior Open.
Quote: “I always want to get better, but I am wanting to win as well.”
Ruby Gorton
School: Footscray Hockey Club
Sport: Hockey
Achievements: Gorton has been selected in Footscray’s women’s premier league team since she was 13. This year she competed in the under-16 outdoor and indoor teams and under-15 outdoor team to play at the Australian Games at the Gold Coast in June.
Quote: “I think I have karma on my side now with my parents spending their time taking me to club, regional and state training.”
Taye Ragheb
Club: Maribyrnong Sports Academy/Notorious Taekwondo
Sport: Taekwondo
Achievements: Ragheb has travelled to two overseas competitions.
Quote: “I was very competitive and loved being able to improve. When I started winning medals in competitions I liked it even more.”
He finally got his chance on court as a fill-in inunder-13sandhe’snowpartoftheAustralian under-20 team.
October nominee Sierra Grieves is set to live her AFLW dream this week.
Grieves started playing in an under-nines boys team as a seven-year-old.
She would start training with the Western Jets as 13-year-old but could play until she turned 15.
This year she became one of the star players of the Coates Talent League and under-18 championships.
Sliding door moments are as true in sport as in everyday life, just ask November’s Don Deeble nominee, Astin Hewett.
HewonascholarshiptoMaribyrnongSports Academy for football and he was focused on that dream.
After all, his extended family connections had made AFL lists and he was playing in the Coates Talent League with the Western Jets. Life was a dream, his targets had been set until he was introduced to gridiron.
Sports Star award next month.
Lucy Cleveland
Club/School: Western Athletics
Sport: Athletics
Achievements: A qualifying standard for the World under-20 Track and Field Championships. Earlier this year, Cleveland won gold at the Victorian championships in the 3000 metres, 1500 metres and 800 metres in the under-17 state age group.
Quote: “Running against Olympic athletes gave me the confidence to know I can compete at that level and be successful.”
Roman Coote Club: Williamstown Baseball Club/ Maribyrnong Sports Academy Sport: Baseball
Achievements: In September, Coote played Team Australia in the Under-16 Perfect Game World Series.
Quote: “The baseball club is like family. The senior players are like my older brothers and my coaches just got involved to make us all better. It is a good place to be.”
Reikken Brodie
Club/School: Mackillop College
Sport: Netball/Football
Achievements: Brodie was then selected to play for the Australian under-20 team, His single crowning moment was being awarded the most valuable player in the under-23 division as a 17-year-old.
Quote: “I love them both, footy gives me a good fitness base which definitely helps me on the court, and netball gives me that 360 awareness in tight spaces which conditions me for the midfield on the footy ground.”
Sierra Grieves
School: Maribyrnong Sports Academy/ Yarraville Seddon Sport: Football
Achievements: Grieves was named the player of the national championships this year, while also winning the Vic Metro most valuable player award. Part of the AFLW Academy.
Quote: “I just love the challenge of playing the best game in the world to the best of my ability.”
Astin Hewett
School: Maribyrnong Sports Academy/ Western Crusaders
Sport: Gridiron
Achievements: Captained the Australian Outback gridiron under-20 team this year.
Quote: “It was an amazing experience,” he said. “Unfortunately, we only won one of our three games, but it was the first time an Australian team had won a game in a tournament for many years.”
It couldn’t have worked out much better for Sydney draftee Riley Bice.
Twelve months ago, Bice wasn’t even on a VictorianFootballLeaguelistandwasplaying local footy.
BiceplayedthreegamesfortheGWSGiants in 2022 and decided that he was keen to give it one more crack this year.
Some connections with players saw him head to Werribee.
He became one of the breakout stars for the VFL season and was a star in Werribee’s premiership run.
It also put him on the radar of AFL clubs includingtheSwanswhichtookhimatpick41 in last month’s national draft.
Speaking with the media last week, Bice said was loving it so far.
“I’m really enjoying the lifestyle, the boys have been really welcoming and enjoying it,” he said.
“I was a Swans supporter growing up. It definitely means a lot [and I’m] looking forward to it.”
from the region, mentioned it in one of their first conversations.
Bice is hoping that his experience in the VFL will help him heading into the AFL season next year.
He was nominated for the FothergillRound-Mitchell Medal, which recognises the bestplayerunder-23intheVFLasheaveraged 21.1 disposals, 6.9 marks and 4.8 intercepts.
“Playing VFL at higher level than some of the other draftees I have the confidence that I have performed at the level.”
Bice will wear the number 26 for the Swans next year.
It was the number that he wore at Werribee andthatofformerSwanscaptainLukeParker.
Bice said it was a number that he wanted.
Bice told Star Weekly after the grand final that attending the draft combine and being on the radar of clubs wasn’t something he thought of at the start of the season.
The boy from Albury said the hard work had paid off.
“I’m very grateful for the opportunity here at the Swans,” he said last week. “I’m looking forward to getting to work and see what happens.
“A lot of hard work has gone into it. I’m very grateful for a lot of people who have been in my corner, supporting me and pushing me along the way.”
Bice is one of a number of current and past SwansplayersfromtheAlburyregion.Hesaid now-former coach John Longmire, who was
By Tara Murray, with AAP
Western Athletics star Jack Rayner has joined some famous names after snaring his fourth consecutive 10,000 metre national title with victory at the Zatopek:10 track challenge in Melbourne.
Rayner won Saturday night’s event in a time of 28 minutes 26.12 seconds to claim his fourth straight national crown.
The legendary Ron Clarke holds the overall record with five national men’s 10,000 metre titles, ahead of Steve Moneghetti, Andrew Lloyd and Rayner with four apiece.
Last year, Rayner was overtaken by IrishmanAndrewCoscoranonthefinalbend, but the Victorian still took the national title as the first home runner over the line in 27:57.87.
On Saturday night, Rayner finished first out of all runners, and held up four fingers shortly after crossing the line.
TasmanianSamuelCliffordfinishedsecond, while Kiwi Oliver Chignell was third.
Marathoner and 2020 winner Brett Robinson set the pace for most of the race but
faded to finish fourth.
Fellow Western Athletics runner Liam Cashinfinished14th,whileanotherteammate Ben Chamberlain failed to finish.
“They don’t come easy, so very stoked to get another one,” Rayner said.
“Last year was bittersweet coming second but winning the Australian title, so it is nice to win the whole race. Hopefully I can add another one next year to make it five, I will do it for as long as I can.
“This event has gone to another level worldwide and it just means we have to get better as well.”
It capped off a topsy-turvy year for Rayner, whose hopes of competing at the Paris Olympics were dashed when he missed selection.
Rayner had broken his own national record competing in California in March, crossing in 27:09.57, but injury meant he was unable to crack the Paris qualifying mark for the 10,000m.
InOctober,hewontheMelbourneMarathon at his first attempt having previously won the
past three half marathons.
He told Star Weekly after that win that his focus was on winning the 10,000 metres national championship and then he would decide which direction his career would take.
In the women’s 10,000m race, Rose Davies won her third Zatopek:10 title after producing an excellent late kick.
Paris Olympian and Australian record-holder Lauren Ryan took the lead with 300m to go, but Davies hit back with a huge sprint finish to win in a time of 32:21.71.
Ryan finished second in 32:23.30, while Leanne Pompeani was third in 32:32.51.
Inotherraces,WesternAthletics’Alexander Cameron-Smith finished fourth in the male under-20 3000 metres de Castella race.
Lucy Cleveland finished fifth in the under-20 3000 Ondieki race, while Zayd Al Sayd finished ninth and Matthew Hussey in the male open 3000 metre race.
Leanne Ellis finished seventh in the female under-17 nationals all schools event.
“It’s a massive privilege to follow in him, a champion of the club, captain of the club, it’s massive.
“Being a Swans supporter growing up, I looked up to Parks a lot.”
Tara Murray
Allan extends his contract
Werribee premiership coach Jimmy Allan and football manager Ash Collins havesignedonuntiltheenduntilatleast the end of the 2026 Victorian Football League season.
The Tigers announced on Wednesday that the pair would be at the club for at least the next two seasons.
They joined the club last off season and helped guide the club to its first premiership in more than 30 years.
President Martin Carter said it is a fitting end to an incredible season for the club.
“Everyone at the club has celebrated the premiership success and rightly so, but now it is time to look ahead and we have the two best football people secured,” he said. “I hope supporters will become members, members will re-sign early and the community joins us to share in this very exciting time for the club”
Training and planning for the 2025 season is well under way for both Allan and Collins along with the finalisation of the playing list and changes to staff.
Allan is pleased with how things are developing.
“The premiership changed where we areasaclubinmanywaysbutinternally it has not changed our values, work ethic and commitment,” he said.
“For Ash and I having the stability of this long-term commitment allows us to focus on our core objectives for the club.
“We are grateful that the board has seen fit to extend our time and we’re excited about the opportunity to continue to play our part in leading the club forward. The 2024 premiership is now part of the club’s rich history. Let’s move onto the next chapter.”
WesternJetsandYarravilleSeddonpairSierra
Grieves and Lou-Lou Field have followed the same journey through their football careers.
Both have played at Yarraville Seddon, the Jets and been part of Victoria Metro squads including this year.
On Monday night, they took the next step in their careers after being selected in the AFLW draft.
Grieves, who was earlier named as the National Championships most valuable player among other awards, was selected by Richmond at pick 11.
Grieves said it was a remarkable feeling.
“Honestly it’s great, I’m grateful for this opportunity,” she said on the draft broadcast after being invited to the draft. “Honestly it has been great and all the programs I have been in I’ve learned so many new things. “It’s been awesome.”
Grieves told Star Weekly earlier this year that she had started to take her footy seriously
after Covid having been with the Western Jets since she was 13.
“It was a bit tough at the start,” she said on the draft coverage. “I knew I wanted to play midfieldandIwentawayandworkedonitwith my brother especially who was a big help.”
Grieves played her local football at Yarraville Seddon, where her family has a number of connections. She lives in Tarneit.
Grieves’ biggest inspiration on the football field has been Richmond star Monique Conti.
Like Conti, Grieves went to school at Maribyrnong Sports Academy. It was Conti that presented Grieves with her jumper.
“I can’t believe it,” she said.
Field, who says her game is like North MelbournecaptainEmmaKearney,wastaken by the Blues at pick 46.
Speaking before the draft, Field said it was a dream come true to get drafted.
“It is crazy. I’ve played footy my whole life and the next level is literally just around the corner.”
Field was also a talented cricketer but her loveoffootballsawherstickwiththeovalball.
She played junior football at Werribee Districts before moving to the Eagles.
CarltonheadofAFLWAshNaultysaidthey
By Tara Murray
Hoppers Crossing’s batters made the most of getting out in the middle in its Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association south-west win against Malvern. After not spending much time in the middle in recent weeks due to rain, the Cats welcomed the opportunity against Malvern.
Malvern had made 179 on day one of the match which Cats captain-coach Simon Lambert said they felt was below par.
“We were rapt with anything under 250,” he said. “It gave us a chance to win it convincingly, which is what we did.”
Lambert said the most pleasing thing out of day one was Shijit Chandran taking six wickets. He said he’d struggled to get wickets
this season.
With a total they were happy with, the Warriors got the runs for the loss of just three wickets.
Instead of calling the game, they decided to bat out of the 80 overs, finishing 7-340.
Lambert said the guys were craving some time in the middle.
“It’s the first time we’d batted in a month and there were a few guyswhohadbeenoutoftheruns needed some time in the middle,” he said.
“I was pleased with how they came in even though the game was over and we take a lot of confidence from it that we can continue into the second half of the season.”
Chandrantopscoredwith98to complete an all round game.
Lambertsaidhehadgothimself
back in some form and that he would hopefully build on that.
Bibek Virk scored his first 50 in the side which Lambert said was pleasing to see.
“It’s his first 50 for us,” he said. “We’ve been working hard at training.
“I have a lot of faith in him. He hadn’t quite scored as many as he would have liked.”
The win has the Cats in fourth spot, only percentage off second spot.
This week they turn their attentiontotheT20formatforthe last game before the Christmas break, which will be for points. Usually the T20 matches are played separately during the week.
The match is one of the side’s biggest of the years as they face
were really happy to have Field join Carlton saying she was someone who has been on draft radars ever since her first Coates Talent League game three years ago.
“A prolific defender, Lou-Lou has really impressive intercept ability, but what stands out most is her football IQ and her understanding of the game. She’s played footy ever since a young age and some of the traits she has are hard to teach.
“She’s a natural leader at just 18, having captained the Jets this year. We feel like we’ve added some exciting talent to our backline and we’re really looking forward to seeing what she can achieve in Navy Blue, working under the likes of Kerryn Peterson and Mimi Hill.”
The Western Bulldogs have looked within their Victorian Football League Women’s program for one of their picks, selecting Keeley Hardingham.
The young ruck was named the VFLW rising star this year.
Point Cook Centrals made it three wins from as many matches in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association T20 competition.
The Sharks sits atop the Waugh pool after beating Altona North on Tuesday night.
AltonaNorthmade8-96fromitsovers with Trent Frydas top scoring with 28. Three players took two wickets each for the Sharks. The Sharks made 5-99 in reply in nearly 15 overs. Krishan Alang continued his good form, finishing 38 not out.
Meanwhile also in that group, Newport Digman also got the points, beating Williamstown Imperials.
The Bulls made 5-153 from their overs with Shannon Evans top scoring with 60 not out. Ryan Schaufler took three wickets for the Imperials.
The Imperials fell just short, finishing 9-148.
Joshua van Zyl top scored with 40. Wyndham Vale forfeited its match against Point Cook.
InthePontinggroup,Bellbridgelostto Sunshine United.
The Tigers made 3-157 from their overs with Tauron Gibson top scoring with55notout.Bellbridgefinished8-102 in reply. Henro Dias top scored with 30 not out.
The Bears have a win and a loss from their two matches.
Lambert said it was interesting to go from red ball cricket to T20s.
“I think it suits our team well,” he said. “We’re aggressive with the bat and go after the ball.
“Hopefully we can put on a good showing and get another win against our local rival.”
Werribee comes into the match on the back of its second win of the season, beating Melton.
The Tigers had made 6-285 on day one of the match before bowling the Lions out for 118 on Saturday.
Jackson Hopper took four wickets, while Jonathon Burton took three.
The Tigers are in 12th spot.
In the Border group, Yarraville Club made it a tough night for Werribee Centrals. The Clubbers made quick work of the Centurions bowling them out for 56.
Joel Russell, with 15, was the only player to score double figures.
Supreeth Reddy Bhimavarapu took four wickets.
The Clubbers got the runs in nine overs, finishing 2-57.
Somecatchupmatcheswillbeplayed this week before the competition resumes on January 14.
2024 has been a hard slog! The West is one of the fastest-growing areas in the country but is still decades behind the rest of Melbourne — meanwhile, our government continues to splash endless cash on the eastern suburbs. We’re fighting for better outcomes for the West — and we’ve had a few wins this year. We’ve driven the debate on better public transport in the West and expect to see positive changes next year. Plus, we stopped a giant multinational from destroying highly sensitive grasslands.
Here’s a few things we put on the agenda for the West this year. And we’ll keep slogging away for the West in 2025!
Thanks to our hard work, medicinal cannabis prescription holders will be spared automatic loss of licence if they test positive to THC at a roadside drug test from March 1, 2025.
Did you know that the West has fewer public pools per head of population than the rest of Melbourne? With a hot summer ahead, we need to travel further to cool off.
I campaigned with the community of Little River to protect their much-loved green wedge from an environmentally irresponsible industrial development.
surface, and that filtration is needed to protect residents.
I initiated a debate calling on the government to improve the efficiency, frequency and connectivity of the bus network in the West.
Next year we’re redoubling our efforts to bring about sensible cannabis law reform, with a Parliamentary Committee set to investigate our model for change. See you in 2025!
I introduced a motion calling for more investment to boost tree cover, as the western suburbs have among the lowest tree canopy levels in Melbourne.