A shock last-minute candidate has thrown his hat in the ring for next month’s Werribee by-election.
Aidan McLindon is mayor of outer north growth council Whittlesea, and now he has pledged to stop Werribee residents from being “walked over” by the major parties.
Describing his candidacy as a “publicity stunt”, he said he was in a position to lead an outer suburban charge against Labor and Liberal.
‘‘It’s time we bring these people to account, because they have taken Werribee for an absolute ride. ’’
-Aidan McLindon.
“They need help and I’m the person to bring that help to them.
“Without more publicity stunts, Werribee is going to continue to be walked over.”
Former independent candidate and WyndhamGPJoeGarra,whoisnowaffiliated with the West Party founded by by-election candidate Paul Hopper, took to X (formerly Twitter) to question why Cr McLindon was contesting the election.
“He has no connection to Werribee,” he wrote.
This is not the first time Cr McLindon has contested a state election. He stood in the seat of Mulgrave against former premier Daniel Andrews at the 2022 state election and served as a state MP in Queensland.
This time, Cr McLindon is standing on a five-policy platform comprised of four issues he said are impacting the outer suburbs –especially the City of Whittlesea.
They are the four proposed waste to energy plants in outer suburbs, the state government’s Local Government Act reforms, payroll tax and Australia Day.
His fifth policy calls for retired Werribee MP Tim Pallas to face a public inquiry over his travel expenses, including $72,683 spent on a trip to the UK and Europe just weeks before he resigned.
Cr McLindon said he won’t step down from Whittlesea’s top job while he contests the state election and conceded he is taking advantage of his election platform to “ensure these issues that aren’t being heard by the state government will be considered”.
“restrictive” and impacting the ability of councillors to interact with the community.
“IdobelieveIcouldfindmyselfinasituation where my preferences are determining the outcome of the seat,” he said.
One of the items on Cr McLendon’s wish list is for the state government to withdraw plans for four waste to energy plants in Melbourne’s outer suburbs at Wollert (in Whittlesea), Dandenong South, Laverton North and Lara.
Cr McLindon said the government also needed to review changes made to the Local Government Act, which he said were
He said he will give Premier Jacinta Allan and opposition leader Brad Battin one week to respond to his wishes before deciding where to direct his preferences.
“The councillor code of conduct is exhaustive. If I put something on Facebook and someone makes a derogatory comment, the onus is on me to remove it, but often you don’t see it,” he said.
“You can’t banter or talk out policy … robust local representatives are restricted.”
When announcing the reforms in November 2023, the state government said the changes would improve the performance and accountability of councillors.
Also on Cr McLindon’s wish list is for a
minute’s silence to be observed on Australia Day and for citizenship ceremonies and Australia Day celebrations to be held on January 26.
He said holding a minute’s silence at 11.59am on Australia Day would acknowledge the “atrocities” of the past. Under his proposal, a bell would then ring at noon, signalling the start of celebrations.
He also wants small businesses with a turnover of $10 million or less to be exempt from payroll tax as long as they employ an extra person.
Whittlesea mayor Aidan McLindon will stand for the Werribee by-election (Attie Mohebali) 454260_01
Free employment program empowers women
A free online 12-week program is seeking to level the playing field for multicultural women across Melbourne’s west, including Brimbank, by helping participants hone their financial acumen and develop key skills.
The Future Fit initiative, a collaborative undertaking between two social enterprises –The Financially Empowered and The Creative Co-operative – is being funded by Bank Australia to empower multicultural and First Nations women, aged between 18 to 45. It is designed to provide tailored support for eligible candidates seeking to either advance in the workforce, or explore entrepreneurship opportunities.
According to The Financially Empowered
founder Grace Mugabe, the program serves as a “catalyst” for “societal transformation”, especially for local women.
“It will equip women with the tools and confidence needed to excel in the digital age,” she said.
“The program supports participants with practical [knowledge], facilitating them to achieveeconomicindependence,andovercome workplace barriers.”
Topics expected to be covered in the course include budgeting, cash-flow management, financial goals setting, business planning and useofartificialintelligencetoboostproductivity.
Ms Mugabe said it was essential women from multicultural backgrounds were given an
opportunity to increase their financial literacy to obtain economic independence.
“It is often inaccessible due to systemic barriers like unrecognised qualifications, discrimination, lack of culturally relevant resources and limited job opportunities,” she said.
“By addressing this gap, the program will support women in taking charge of their personal or business finances, supporting their families, and confidently pursuing their career or entrepreneurial goals.
“Mainstream programs do not take into account that many multicultural — and migrant — women have the added responsibility of supporting their family or
Arson death heartbreak
By Adrian Black and Holly Hales, AAP
Agrievingmothersaysherfamilywill“neverbe the same“ after her daughter was killed in a fire in an apparent case of mistaken identity.
Tracey Tangey’s daughter Katie, 27, died after becoming trapped while house-sitting her brother’s three-storey townhouse in Truganina, on Thursday, January 16.
The Hoppers Crossing woman, a popular burlesque performer, called emergency services for help but did not survive the blaze.
Tracey said the arson has devastated the family, including her son and his wife who had beenontheirhoneymoonbeforetragedystruck.
“My son and daughter in-law have lost everything they own, their sister, their dog Sunny ... we will never be the same again,“ she wrote on Instagram. “l need to wrap my love
around them ... thank you all, she would have been so humbled by all your love.“
In an earlier post, she described her own grief over her daughter’s death.
“I am completely broken and don’t know how we are going to heal from this devastating news,“ she wrote.
“Mum loves you more than you will ever know, you are and always will be my best friend and the love of my life.
“My heart will be forever broken.“
The burlesque community also remembered Katie, who performed under the name Vivien May-Royale, in tributes on social media.
“Our hearts are breaking and a very big hole will be felt in our industry,“ The Apprentease
Victoria wrote on Facebook.
“Vale Vivien May-Royale, our hearts go out to your family and we will continue to celebrate
you and your sparkly life.“
Friend Chanie Hyde has banded together with other members of Melbourne’s burlesque scene to raise funds for Katie’s family after her life was “tragically cut short“.
“Proceeds will go directly to Katie’s mother, Tracey, to support her living expenses and funeral costs during this insurmountable time of grief,“ Ms Hyde wrote on a GoFundMe page which has raised more than $16,000.
Katie’s death is being treated as a homicide after two people were seen getting out of a car and pouring accelerant inside the house before it was engulfed in flames.
Police believe the offenders had targeted the wrong address.
“She’s been subjecte d to the most appalling, despicable act one could imagine,“ Detective Inspector Chris Murray said.
Bring the new year in with a bang
Melbourne’s west is bursting with excitement this January. From Lunar New Year to sunset safaris, the westside is teeming with fun activities for all to start the year. Welcome the year of the wood snake with multiple Chinese New year events across the west, including Sunshine, Wyndham, and Williamstown.
The Sunshine Lunar New Year Festival 2025 will be on Sunday, January 26, from noon until 10pm at Hampshire Road, Sunshine. Party the night away at Braybrook with the Quang Minh Tet Festival on Tuesday, January 28, from 6pm to 1am, at Quang Minh Temple.
Live racing meets Lunar New Year at Moonee Valley Racing Club on Friday, February 7, with gates opening at 5.15pm, and the first race scheduled for 6.15pm.
Admission to this event is free, but bookings are required.
Wyndham Multicultural Lunar Festival welcomestheyearofthewoodsnakeonSunday, February 9 at Stockland Point Cook Shopping Centre, Point Cook, from 11am to 9pm.
Williamstown will close the Lunar New Year festivities in the west with the Qi Qi Lunar New Year Celebrations on Saturday, February 15 from 11pm to 3pm at the Commonwealth Reserve, Williamstown. Watch Melbourne’s west come alive with Midsumma Westside’s vibrant program of exhibitions, drag, live music, performances, circus, pool parties and walks to Altona, Footscray, Laverton, St Albans and Werribee.
Sit back and relax with outdoor movies this summer at the new Sun Theatre in
relatives overseas.”
Another challenge, Ms Mugabe said, was the cultural difference in attitude towards money.
“Some cultures view debt as a negative and shameful thing to be avoided at all costs,” she said.
“Culturally inclusive programs like ‘Future Fit’ sensitively address such topics, opening up the possibility of considering ‘good debt’ like a house, which can be a good long-term investment.”
Applicationsareavailableatfuture-fit.super. site/ and will close on January 27, 11 pm –spots are limited.
Shake-up for health
Werribee residents are expected to benefit from a better-connected health systemwiththeestablishmentofLocal Health Service Networks, including one consisting of Western Health and Werribee Mercy Hospital under the ‘West Metro’ umbrella.
Set up by the state government, these networks are grouped together bygeographicregionsandwillsupport improved co-operation between local services,ensuredoctorsandspecialists are available to care for patients closer to where they live, deliver clearer pathways in and out of hospital, and support better waitlist management across regions.
According to Western Health acting chief executive, adjunct professor Shane Crowe, the move will enhance local services.
“The West Metro Network has been grouped according to population growth, community need, clinical capability, and distance between services — it was also informed by the expert advisory committee that developed the health services plan and input from our leadership team here at Western Health,” he said.
“By working together more closely across the region we’ll be able to deliver greater benefits for patients.”
In early 2025, health services will come together to discuss the priorities and arrangements for their network, focusing on four key priority areas –access and flow, workforce, clinical governance, and sustainability –before networks commence operation on July 1.
Williamstown, and at the Movies by the Bay in Hobsons Bay.
Enjoy the magic of the African savannah as the sun goes down with an extended Safari Tour, cocktails, performances and a traditional African Braai barbeque at the Werribee Open Range Zoo. This year, the event introduces a heart-warming new addition – a Southern White Rhino calf, sure to capture the hearts of visitors. Bookings are essential for this activity.
In the mood for a nice picnic surrounded by nature? The Melton Botanic Garden Walking Tour is the perfect way to do just that. Explore diverse dry climate plants and flowers on a 2.5km self-guided walk at Melton Botanic Gardens with Walking Maps Australia.
Prealene Khera
Fire completely destroyed the three-storey townhouse. (AAP Image/Diego Fedele)
Wyndham still waiting for rail
By Jaidyn Kennedy
Delays to the state government’s Western Rail PlanarecostingWyndhamresidentstimeand money, according to several of the region’s key stakeholders.
The Western Rail Plan, which was first announced by the state government in 2018 and would involve the electrification of tracks to extend Metro services to Wyndham Vale was meant to have its planning stages completed by 2023.
Committee for Wyndham chief executive Leanne Down said the plan is essential for addressing the region’s long-term
development.
“I believe the plan should be fully implemented by 2028, which aligns with projected population milestones for Wyndham and the ongoing infrastructure pressures that will intensify during this period,” she said.
“Ideally, it should already have been delivered and completed.
“Weurgebothstateandfederalgovernments to prioritise this critical infrastructure to support the evolving needs of the Wyndham community and the broader western region.”
MsDownalsosaidtheexecutionoftheplan would increase property values, stimulate
tourism and make the region more attractive for investment.
“With better transport options, Wyndham can attract more businesses and industries, which will create jobs and stimulate the local economy,” she said.
Wyndham mayor Mia Shaw said including the realisation of the Western Rail Plan was listed as a critical priority in Wyndham’s Advocacy Strategy 2024-2026.
“Melbourne’s west is continually growing and desperately needs a coordinated and coherent future rail plan,” she said.
“Currently we have no certainty or confidence in what the Suburban Rail
Loop looks like for the west or clarity on a government plan for the Western Rail Plan.”
According to Cr Shaw, a lack of rail is costing residents time in traffic.
“Currently almost 70 per cent of Wyndham residents work outside of the municipality, many spending up to two hours driving every day – the equivalent of four weeks per year,” she said.
“Better transport infrastructure will reduce congestion in Wyndham, strengthen regional connectivity, increase employment opportunities and boost economic growth.”
The Department of Transport and Planning was contacted for comment.
Cricket club hosts a high tea to fight cancer
Point Cook Centrals Cricket Club (PCCCC) is inviting you to its Ladies Day High Tea on Saturday, February 22 at the Featherbrook Clubhouse in Point Cook to support an important cause.
From 2-6pm, the club will run a fundraiser with great prizes to help raise vital funds for the Melanoma Institute, in a bid to battle cancer.
While the club is mad about cricket, vice president Brett Talbot said there is always morethancenturiesandhattrickstocelebrate.
“Having the ladies get together is a lovely way for the wives, girlfriends, mothers, daughters of the club to get together, without any actual talk about cricket,” he said.
“At PCCCC, we like to give back to the communityandorganisingafundraiserforan important cause, in this case, the Melanoma Institute, is our way of doing that.”
The battle against cancer is a fight near and dear to the heart of the club, with the tea also serving as a chance to remember late founder Paul Pritchard, who was affectionately known as ‘Pritch.’
Pritch founded the club and served as president for nine years. Last year he died following his own battle with cancer.
“[He]wasanincrediblycommunityminded man who gave a lot of himself to the cricket club,” Mr Talbot said.
Tickets are $50 per person and include the high tea, drinks, a lucky door prize ticket and champagne on arrival.
For those wanting to donate to the fundraiser but are unable to attend, virtual seats will be available for purchase.
Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/5fk9y9tm
Jaidyn Kennedy
People head to the beach to cool off in Werribee South
Star Weekly photographer Attie Mohebali captured locals beating the summer heat at Werribee South beach.
The 5K Foam Fest kicks off at Myrniong on Saturday, November 30. (Supplied)
School offers new hope to youths
By Jaidyn Kennedy
The Hester Hornbrook Academy (HHA) is getting set to open its Werribee campus to provide an alternative to the mainstream education system for disengaged young people in Melbourne’s west.
Opening on Wednesday January 29, the independent school will provide free and flexible services to help young people aged 15-25 to improve numeracy and literacy skills, as well as complete secondary school qualifications certificate.
Each classroom will hold 22 students who
will be supported by three youth workers, while meals, showers and laundry facilities will be available.
Many of the HHA’s students come from disruptive circumstances such as poverty or family violence and might find otherwise traditional schools prohibitive to learning.
Executive principal Sally Lasslett said coming to school and learning is pretty difficult and the focus of a student’s brain isn’t on learning if they haven’t been able to sleep or eat and do what’s important.
“When they are able to tap into
psychological support, their lives do change,” she said.
According to Ms Lasslett, the lack of tailored support resources at mainstream schools and the time each individual student needs are key factors that necessitate alternative models of learning.
Ms Lasslett said that more than 180 students from across Melbourne’s west are currently enrolled and the school is expected to reach its capacity of 200 by the end of March.
“It goes to the nature of the need for alternative school settings in the area,”
she said.
“When they are empowered, extend [their] learning, social connections and peer relationships, they become role models for junior members that come.
“We look forward to becoming part of the Werribee and Wyndham Community and inviting the community to see the school.”
Part of the Melbourne City Mission Group, HHA currently has campuses in the CBD, Prahran, South Melbourne and Sunshine.
Come welcome Year of the Snake in Wyndham
The Wyndham Multicultural Lunar Festival is back for 2025 and will showcase more than 300 performances from no less than a dozen countries across the globe.
The festival is promising to take the Point Cook Town Centre by storm for 10 hours on Saturday, February 9, with non-stop multicultural performances, delectable food, vibrant stalls, and a fireworks show to cap off the night.
Hosted by the Point Cook Cultural Community (PCCC), the free event will celebrate the Chinese New Year and usher in the Year of the Snake which symbolises wisdom, intuition and transformation.
Fixtures of Chinese New Year like dragon and lion dances will be on full display, but the best of the rest of the world will make themselves known through breath-taking dances, songs, instrumental music, magic, acrobatics and martial arts. Chinese lantern making and other craft activities will allow guests to get hands on,
while the variety of street foods from across Asia and the world will excite taste buds before filling stomachs.
Using the occasion to reflect on the themes of growth, renewal, and new beginnings, the event will focus on celebrating Wyndham’s cultural diversity.
PCCC artistic director Becky Cui said that “the festival will provide an unparalleled opportunity for our local talented artists to perform in front of a widely enthusiastic audience.”
“Whether you’re bringing your little ones to enjoy the kids’ activities, or coming with friends to enjoy the live performances, there’s something for everyone to enjoy throughout the day,” she said. Everyone is invited to enjoy the festival between 11am-9pm and encouraged to catch the fireworks display that will illuminate the night sky.
Jaidyn Kennedy
Becki Cui, Lizzy Li, Ziva Patel 14, Dhyani Patel 14 and Tharuni Enumula 14 get ready to celebrate the lunar new year. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 452320_01
MY PLACE
Chee Wei Tay is an internationally acclaimed film and music composer. He shares his favourite sites, sounds and observations in Wyndham
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?
I am a Singapore-born film music composer who migrated to Melbourne over 12 years ago. My work spans composing and producing original music scores for films, TV dramas, documentaries, commercials, corporate videos, exhibitions, theme parks, and theatre productions. Additionally, I provide post-production sound services, including sound design for screen and stage. Recently, with encouragement and support from international industry peers, I’ve ventured into directing and producing documentaries—a new and exciting chapter in my creative journey.
What is your connection to Wyndham? Wyndham, specifically Point Cook, has been my home since I migrated to Australia. It’s where I’ve re-built my life, found inspiration for my music, and connected with a vibrant, multicultural community. From the serenity of Werribee South to the dynamic growth of the area, Wyndham has provided the perfect blend of calm and creativity, shaping both my personal and professional journey.
What are some of your favourite things to listen to in Wyndham?
Coming from the urban jungle of Singapore, the soundscape here in Wyndham—or across much of Australia—is a striking contrast. The calming sounds of nature and the peaceful ambiance are a welcome change. That is, of course, until the serenity is shattered by police helicopters circling overhead in the middle of the night or the blaring sirens racing down Sneydes Road or Point Cook Road in pursuit of hoons!
Where are some of your favourite places you go to?
My absolute favourite spot to unwind or shake off a bout of writer’s (or composer’s) block is Werribee South—specifically the beach around Campbells Cove. I love driving down, parkingthecarfacingthesea,rollingdownthe windows (weather permitting), and pulling out my manuscript paper to start writing. The beauty of this spot is its solitude—it’s usually so deserted that I often have the entire area to myself.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
What not many people know about me is that I’m also an animal rescuer. I volunteer as a transport provider and rescuer for Purrs of Point Cook, a local cat rescue group and registeredcharityrunentirelybyvolunteers.If you’re an animal lover, I highly encourage you to check them out and support their amazing
work. Beyond Purrs, I also collaborate with several other animal rescues across Victoria, helping to save all kinds of injured animals— fromcatsandpigeons(notinthesamecarrier, of course!) to koalas, kangaroos, and even blue-tongue lizards.
That said, I do have one hard limit: no snakes! I’m more than happy to leave those rescues to the professionals. Does anyone else remember the movie “Snakes on a Plane”? No thanks!
What would you change about where you live?
I’m generally content with living in Wyndham (aside from the rent increases!), or I’d have moved long ago. However, if I had to nitpick, I’d definitely change how Point Cook Road is being upgraded. The approach to widening small sections of the road over the years has baffled me. Don’t people realise that expanding just a short stretch of a one-lane road to two lanes doesn’t ease congestion? It merely shifts the bottleneck 100 meters down the road! It’s like putting a band-aid on a much bigger issue! Many residents would agree that we need a police station here in Point Cook! Come on, make it happen already!
What kind of score would you write for a film based in Point Cook that you were the lead actor in?
If it’s a thriller comedy, the score would absolutely have to reflect Wyndham’s vibrant multiculturalessence!Pictureafullorchestral score interwoven with an eclectic blend of modern and ethnic beats and flavours—truly a musical melting pot.
Can we make this happen yet? Any film directors in Wyndham ready to take on this exhilarating challenge? Let’s do this!
Seaworks prepares for ocean exhibition
Staff at the Seawork’s in Williamstown are putting the final touches on preparations for one of the maritime precinct’s biggest and most ambitious events yet.
Opening January 29, the The Ocean Photographer of the Year exhibition will showcasemorethan100photosrecentlyjudged as the world’s best at competition in London.
“We’re building it out now and it looking amazing,” said Seaworks executive officer Glenn Jones of the exhibition which will be on display for six months.
He said visitors will quickly realise the quality of photography on display.
“The first one that welcomes you is one of a whale about to devour a whole school of sardines,” he said.
“It’s actually the winning photo of the whole competitionandit’sabouttwoandahalfmetres by three metres in size. It’s a large image.”
The rest of the images on display are from a
varietydifferentcategories,includingadventure photography, best female photographer and young photographer of the year, there’s a fine art category.
Mr Jones said photography aficionados should look for images from fine art category in particular.
“They’re quite obscure photographs that you have to look at a few times to work out what they’re about.”
However, he said the broader theme of the exhibition was much more obvious.
“It tells the story of the ocean in different ways and how important it is to us as humans.”
Seaworks is the only place in Victoria to host The Ocean Photographer of the Year exhibition,whichisexpectedtoreturnwiththe 2025 winners by the end of the year.
Tickets and information: www.seaworks. com.au
Cade Lucas
Seaworks executive officer Glenn Jones stands in front of Rafael Fernandez Caballero’s winning entry in the Ocean Photographer of the Year awards which is on display at the Williamstown venue from January 29. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 452872_11
Chee Wei Tay is a world-renowned composer. (Damjan Janevski) 446393_04
Local libraries proving popular
Libraries are continuing to prove a popular destination in Wyndham, according to recent figures released by council.
In 2024, 963,999 visitors flocked to the city’s libraries, where 1,58 million loans and renewals of books, magazines, DVDs were recorded and 5147 programs were delivered to 122,914 participants.
Library memberships in Wyndham are free, giving members access to a range of reading material and audio-visual resources, both in print and digital formats.
Additionally, members also gain access to computers, printers and study areas.
School holidays are a great time to visit
your local library, with plenty of educational and recreational events on offer.
Those looking for their nearest library in Wyndham can visit Hoppers Crossing, Manor Lakes, Point Cook, Tarneit, Truganina, Williams Landing, the book locker in Williams Landing or even the pop-up library.
All items are free to borrow and can be returnedtoanyofWyndham’slibraries,with members allowed to borrow up to 60 items at a time. Renewals can be done in person, over the phone or online.
Aadhvik is a voracious reader. (Attie Mohebali) 453073_06
Jerenimo looking for a good movie. (Attie Mohebali) 453073_10 Shaan looks at the camera as he looks for a book. (Attie Mohebali) 453073_01
Gisele is happy with her choice. (Attie Mohebali) 453073_02
A tapestry of fashion
Twenty creatives with connections to Wyndham will showcase their best fashion designs at the Melbourne Fashion Festival’s independentprogramme2025.
The participants will display their wearable fashion designs at the Tapestry of Culture Showcase Immigration Museum on Saturday, March1.
The event will serve as the culmination of a 15-week program in which the creatives, who arefromanarrayofbackgrounds,reflectedthe beauty,heritage,andnarrativesoftheirdiverse cultures. As a wearable art program, both artists and admirers will have the opportunity to build skills in making, promoting, and harnessingthestoriesoftheirlivesandcultures throughfashion
Each design is a unique reflection of the artist’s vision, crafted with an emphasis on sustainability, experimentation, and originality.
Unique reflections of the artist’s personal visions, the pieces will be crafted with an emphasis on sustainability, experimentation andoriginality.
Wyndham mayor Mia Shaw said the show highlights the vibrant and dynamic works of artists who have explored the significance of clothingbeyondmereaesthetics.
“Each unique design and bespoke pieces tell a story, blending traditional techniques with contemporaryfashionpracticestoembodythe spirit of cultural appreciation and diversity,” shesaid.
“The result is an eclectic collection of wearable art that challenges norms, celebrates identity,andinvitesaudiencestoseefashionas atapestryofstories,histories,andemotions.”
Residents are encouraged to come along and support the local talent, and witness how fashion can unite and stimulate deeper discussions.
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Briefs
GoFundMe for Lino Atem
A GoFundMe has been established to help support the family of Lino ‘Jum’ Atem, who was killed in an attack in Wyndham Vale on Friday, January 10. The 24-year-old man was described as “Not only a devoted son and brother, but he was a constant source of light, love, and strength for everyone fortunate enough to know him,” by organiser Aker Mawith. Mr Atem’s death occurred less than two years after the fatal shooting of his older brother Atem Atem, who died in a separate incident in February 2023. To donate https://www.gofundme.com/f/ lino-jam-atem
Help bring Woofie home
The family of Woofie, a beloved 13-year-old Maltese/Shitzu white terrier, is desperately seeking the public’s assistance in locating their cherished pet. Woofie went missing from Upper Point Cook on Saturday, January 11, and despite a frantic search effort, there have been no sightings when Star Weekly went to print. Wolfie wears a red collar, has several missing teeth and is nervous when approached by strangers. Anyone who might spot him should refrain from making loud noises, take a photo and text it to his family along with his location. Contact Colleen or Hector on 0412 316 648.
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Web: starweekly.com.au
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LEGALISE
Tapestry of Culture artists will showcase their work at Melbourne Fashi
Let’s talk about intimacy pain
Alex Lopes is a pelvic health physiotherapist, the director of Pelvic Health Melbourne in Altona North, and past national chair of the Australian Physiotherapy Association’s Women’s Men’s and Pelvic Health Group. This week she writes about intimacy pain.
One of the major reasons women come into our clinic is due to new or long term intimacy pain.
Intimacypaincanbeamajorsourceofstress for women and their partners. The pain means both partners refrain from being intimate which can lead to guilt, anger, anxiety and miscommunication.
Why do women experience intimacy pain?
Young women may get pain due to tight pelvic floor muscles or because the area is pain sensitised. Pain sensitisation usually involves a nerve problem. This pain sensitisation can develop from excessive painful periods, endometriosis, adenomyosis or polycystic ovaries (PCO) or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
For pregnant or postnatal women hormonal changes may contribute to vagina dryness causing new intimacy pain or from new increasing pelvic floor muscle tension. After childbirth women may experience pain from recovering scarring from birth trauma or tissue dryness.
Perimenopausal women (from 40 - 44 years oldandbeyond)oftenexperiencenewintimacy pains as the vagina shrinks both in length and width as well as vaginal dryness.
So how can I fix my intimacy pain?
It depends on the cause, so getting help from an excellent women’s health GP, gynaecologist or pelvic health physiotherapist is ideal to diagnose the cause and address all the factors that are contributing to your pain.
But some good tricks to try at home include:
• Forvaginaldrynesstryasiliconbasedlubeas this does not absorb into the tissue like water
basedlubesdo.Itcanalsoincreaseyourtissue sensitivity for the mature woman.
• For just a little bit of pesky scar tissue don’t be afraid to gently feel your bits and you can massage that scar tissue away just like you would on any other part of your body. If you are unsure see your pelvic health physio for guidance.
• If you are perimenopausal talk to your GP about the merit of a topical oestrogen cream which can bring back the bounce in your vagina making the tissue stretchier and improves your natural lubrication significantly. Please note the cream needs to be applied to the outside as well as inside. Ovestin cream is better than the vaginal pessaries.
Finally a word of caution. If you have pelvic pain, which means your intimacy pain is burning and lasts for the duration of intimacy and continues afterwards beyond minutes, then this is normally a nerve issue and needs treatment.
Conditions such as vulvodynia, vestibulodynia, clitorodynia, vaginismus, anal pain, proctalgia, perineal pain and abdominal pain are all under the umbrella term pelvic pain.
The team at Pelvic Health Melbourne.
Discover your next adventure at cruise expo
Geelong Travel’s highly anticipated Travel and World Cruise Expo returns to the city on Sunday, February 2, at GMHBA Stadium.
The annual event promises to be packed with fantastic holiday ideas, exclusive travel deals and expert advice – all with free entry.
With more than 25 engaging travel presentations covering everything from luxury ocean and river cruises to outback Aussie adventures, this expo is your one-stop destination for travel planning.
It’s your chance to meet representatives from the world’s top travel companies, who are ready to help you design your dream itinerary and secure exclusive offers.
Among the expo guests will be celebrity chef Gabriel Gate who will serve up a French cooking demonstration and highlights of Scenic Tour’s luxury European river cruises.
Stuart Coffield, who heads up the family-owned and operated Geelong Travel company, said the popular event’s winning attraction is its lineup of expert travellers.
“We don’t have people reading from brochures or clicking on YouTube links,” he said.
“You get to talk to people who have been on the tours and have real experience – their presentations are amazing.”
Geelong Travel’s 20 experienced team memberswillbeonhandtohelpexpovisitors with enquiries and bookings.
And there’s a travel experience to suit everyone. Among the exciting presentations will be:
The Ghan and Indian Pacific – Australia’s Great Rail Journeys;
· The wonders of Canada and Alaska with APT and Travelmarvel;
Explore the new world of Viking’s Ocean, Rivers & Expeditions;
Trafalgar’s Tour Differently – the experts, the icons, and hidden secrets of travelling with ease;
Bucket list adventures including The Kimberley, Africa, South America and Asia with APT and Travelmarvel;
· Mustsee places and Immersive cultural experiences throughout Asia and beyond with Wendy Wu;
· Travelling to Antarctica and the Arctic with Quark Expeditions;
· New Zealand coach tours with Grand Pacific Tours; and Small group fourwheeldrive expeditions throughout Australia with Outback Spirit.
Don’tmissthechancetomakeyourultimate travel plans a reality.
Visit the Travel and Cruise World Expo from 10am to 4pm. To register, visit geelongtravel.com.au, or call the Geelong Travel team on 5244 3666.
Study
Animal Studies
The Cinque Terra.
Gabriel Gate will serve up a French cooking demonstration and highlights of Scenic Tour’s luxury European river cruises. (Supplied)
Santorini.
Eden Academy’s new childcare centre opening soon
Staff are thrilled to announce the upcoming opening of Eden Academy’s brand-new childcare centre in Werribee, offering exceptional early education for children aged six weeks to five years.
With doors set to open in early 2025, staff are excited to bring high-quality childcare services to the local community.
At Eden Academy, staff don’t just care for children – they nurture young minds, creating a foundation for lifelong learning.
The new, purpose-built centre has been designed with the needs of young learners in mind,featuringspacious,modernclassrooms, expansive outdoor play areas, and a wealth of resourcestostimulatecuriosityandcreativity.
Every detail of the centre has been carefully considered to ensure a safe, welcoming, and inspiring environment for your child to grow and develop.
The team of passionate educators is dedicated to providing personalised care and engaging learning experiences. Through a play-based curriculum, children are encouraged to explore, discover, and learn at theirownpace,buildingkeyskillsinlanguage, problem-solving, social development, and emotional intelligence. At Eden Academy, staff believe every child is unique, and work closely with families to ensure that each child’s individual needs and strengths are celebrated.
The safety and wellbeing of your child is the highest priority.
The centre is equipped with secure facilities and staffed by qualified educators who adhere to the highest standards of care and professionalism.
At Eden Academy Werribee, staff are committed to fostering a supportive community where children and families can thrive together. Enrolments are now open, and the team would love to welcome your family to Eden
Academy. Come and discover how the centre can help shape your child’s learning journey in a nurturing, enriching
Rotary makes history with time capsule opening in 2025
Preparations are under way to open the Hobsons Bay time capsule buried 25 years ago at the pinnacle of Truganina Park.
Messages from over 12,000 people lie beneath the enigmatic Time Beacon sculpture created by artist Cameron Robbins. The project was a collaboration between Altona City Rotary Club, Altona City Rotaract Club and Hobsons Bay Council. Engaging the entire municipality, it strengthened multicultural community ties and encouraged a sense of belonging to the city’s history.
The capsule was buried in a 12-tonne concrete vault on Australia Day 2000 and inaugurated by then Hobsons Bay Mayor Dick Murdoch. The messages were largely from children from 32 local primary and high schools. Following the theme ‘For the Future’ they were prompted to write their impressions of some aspect of their lives.
“The project had a strong youth focus, and is a legacy for them,” said Leonie Duane, then president of Altona City Rotaract Club.
Money raised funded an achievement award for young people living in the area. The three recipients received $1000 each to pursue excellence in their respective fields.
For a quarter of a century, the time capsule resided beneath land with sweeping views spanning Melbourne city, Port Phillip Bay, Cheetham Wetlands and the You Yangs. After retrieval in December, their messages will proffer insights for current generations.
Learn more about the Hobsons Bay Time Capsule project at a special Australia Day 2025 event at Central Square in Altona Meadows featuring time capsule displays, live music and great family activities.
Formerstudents’messageswillbereturned to Hobsons Bay schools early in the 2025
school year and they’ll arrange their return to alumni. Later in 2025, Rotary will organise a curated display of donated messages on the
Assisted by the Australian Government through the National Australia
Venue: 1-23 Central Avenue, Altona Meadows
Date: 26 January Time: 10.00am to 2.00pm
Hobsons Bay City Council civic centre foyer gallery. For more information visit http:// www.altonacityrotary.org.au/timecapsule.
• Register for Time Capsule (TC info and play an inspiring TC video at: www.altonacityrotary.com.au/timecapsule
• Visit Central Square Shopping Centre on 26 Jan 2025 to see Time Capsule exhibits.
• If you attended a Hobsons Bay school in 1999, contact your former school (from term one 2025 onwards) to collect your time Capsule message.
• Donate a copy of your message to Rotary for development of a curated display at HB Council offices:
• Scan and email to: Info@altonacityrotary.org.au
• or mail a copy to PO Box 84 , Altona 3018
(400 @ $10.00 each, 1 per person, 26
This project is supported by Hobsons Bay City Council through its Make it Happen Grants program
Messages from over 12,000 people lie beneath the enigmatic Time Beacon sculpture. Inset: The time capsule was buried 25 years ago.
Discover the Viking difference
For those dreaming of a vacation experience created for curious travellers, let us introduce you to Viking and the Viking Difference.
The cruise line is destination focused and culturally enriching and for those who prefer an elegant, serene ship ambiance, more time in each port and an inclusive experience complete with exquisite dining and thoughtfully curated shore excursions.
Viking are often credited with inventing modern river cruising in 1997. In 2015, they turned their attention to ocean cruising. In 2022, they began perfecting expedition cruising with journeys to the ends of the earth and closer to their Norwegian home on board the Viking Polaris and the Viking Octantis.
The cruise line’s attention to detail and destination-focused approach is what has helped make Viking the world’s leading exploration company.
With offerings on all seven continents, the company invites you to reawaken your spirit of discovery and celebrate a return to sailing and exploring the world in comfort.
Viking offers a shore excursion in every port and an onboard and onshore enrichment program that provides deep immersion in the destination through performances of music and art, cooking demonstrations, informative port talks and carefully selected guest lecturers.
In 2015, Viking introduced its first ocean ship with the naming of the 930-guest all-veranda Viking Star. One year later, they launched their second ocean ship, the Viking Sea, which was joined by sister ship the Viking Sky in 2017, the Viking Orion in 2018, the Viking Jupiter in 2019 and the Viking Venus in 2021. Identical sister ships the Viking Mars, and the Viking Neptune joined the fleet in 2022; the Viking Saturn joined in 2023. Ocean itineraries are designed to maximize the amount of time travellers spend in their destination. These enriching itineraries include base and combination voyages around the world, with particular focus in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand, Asia, Alaska, North and South America and Africa.
The popular European river voyages range from eight to twenty-three days, with itineraries featuring Europe’s Rhine, Main, Danube, Seine, Rhone, Douro, Moselle, Elbe, Dordogne, Garonne and Gironde Rivers.
Viking also offers voyages on Egypt’s Nile River and Southeast Asia’s Mekong River.
Sailing Europe’s storied rivers, the award-winning fleet of identical Viking Longships® offer a variety of stateroom
categories and true two-room suites with full-sizeverandas.Onboardamenitiesinclude a restaurant, bar and lounge, library and expansive sun deck. The ships feature al fresco dining on the revolutionary indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace, elegant Scandinavian design and environmentally considerate features, such as solar panels, an onboard organic herb garden and energy-efficient hybrid engines for a remarkably smooth ride.
Viking launched destination-focused travel experiences on the Mississippi River in 2022, with sailings ranging from eight to fifteen days between New Orleans, Louisiana and St. Paul,Minnesota.TheVikingMississippihosts 386 guests and features some of the largest staterooms across the cruise industry, where each guest has a sweeping view of the river and landscape beyond.
In 2022, they launched their expedition voyages with the arrival of the 378-guest Polar Class Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris. Both ships sail expedition voyages in Antarctica, the Arctic and North America’s Great Lakes.
The Viking Sun was renamed the Viking Yi Dun in 2024 and will exclusively sail the coast of China. Viking Vela, Viking’s twelfth oceanshipdebutedinNovember2024andthe Viking Vesta will launch this year. Viking are excited to also announce the Viking Mira is due to be delivered in 2026.
For further information visit www.viking. com or phone reservations (AU) 138 747.
LEE MCCARTHY
The 378-guest Polar Class Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris sail expedition voyages in Antarctica, the Arctic and North America’s Great Lakes.
Viking offers voyages on Egypt’s Nile River and Southeast Asia’s Mekong River.
Viking information sessions
Vikinghasopenedregistrationsforitspopular regionalAustraliainformationsessionsaimed atcurioustravellerslookingforinspirationfor their next voyage.
The sessions, to be held in 44 regional locations across all states and the Australian Capital Territory starting in Ipswich, Queensland, on Tuesday 4 February going through to 3 April.
The sessions provide the perfect opportunity for travellers to connect with VikingCommercialManagersandpastguests to discover the “Viking difference” through Viking’s award-winning river, ocean, and expedition journeys.
Attendees will also find out more about Viking’s newly launched Scandinavian, Northern European and Mediterranean itineraries, new Viking destinations, their culturally enriching onshore experiences and onboard enrichment.
The sessions are scheduled twice daily at 10am and 6:30pm, running for 75 minutes. Complimentary light refreshments will be served during the 30 minutes prior to each session, providing an opportunity for networking amongst new and past guests, travel agents and Viking Commercial Managers.
Viking believes attendees will not only leave the session informed and inspired to book their next Viking cruise but will also receive an exclusive offer, to assist them to secure their booking within 14 days of the event.
Registration is essential as availability is limited, and places are expected to fill fast.
For group bookings of four or more, please email infosessions.anz@vikingcruises.com.
Viking is planning a series of metropolitan Australian information sessions for travel agents and their clients in late 2025.
More information about these sessions will be available in the second half of the year.
Queensland
Ipswich: Tuesday, 4 February | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
Mooloolaba: Tuesday, 11 February | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
Noosa: Thursday, 13 February | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
Bribie Island: Tuesday, 18 February | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
Townsville: Tuesday, 25 February | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
Cairns: Thursday, 27 February | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
Toowoomba: Wednesday, 5 March | 10.30
am & 6.30 pm
Bundaberg: Tuesday, 1 April | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
Hervey Bay: Thursday, 3 April | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
To register please visit https://www. eventbrite.com/cc/viking-explorer-sessionsqueensland-3904113
South Australia
Victor Harbor: Tuesday, 18 March | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
Stirling: Wednesday, 19 March | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
Barossa Valley: Thursday, 20 March | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
To register please visit https://www. eventbrite.com/cc/viking-explorer-sessionssouth-australia-3904203
Tasmania Hobart: Tuesday, 18 February | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
Launceston: Wednesday, 19 February | 11.30 am & 6.30 pm
Devonport: Thursday, 20 February | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
To register please visit https://www. eventbrite.com/cc/viking-explorer-sessionstasmania-3904183?just_published=true
Victoria
Brighton: Tuesday, 4 February | 10.30am & 6.30pm
Mornington Peninsula: Thursday, 6 February | 10.30am & 6.30pm
Ballarat: Tuesday, 11 February | 10.30am & 6.30pm
Sale: Thursday, 20 February | 10.30am & 6.30pm
Bendigo: Tuesday, 4 March | 10.30am & 6.30pm
Shepparton: Thursday, 6 March | 10.30am & 6.30pm
Warrnambool: Thursday, 13 March | 10.30am & 6.30pm
Geelong: Wednesday, 26 March | 10.30am & 6.30pm
To register please visit https://www. eventbrite.com/cc/viking-explorer-sessionsvictoria-3896763
Australian Capital Territory Canberra: Tuesday, 11 February | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
To register please visit https://www. eventbrite.com/cc/viking-explorer-sessionsact-3896753
New South Wales
HunterValley: Tuesday,18February|10.30 am & 6.30 pm
Newcastle: Thursday, 20 February | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
Coffs Harbour: Tuesday, 25 February | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
Penrith: Wednesday, 26 February | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
Bathurst: Tuesday, 4 March | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
Orange: Wednesday, 5 March | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
Central Coast: Tuesday, 11 March | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
Ballina: Tuesday, 11 March | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
Wollongong: Tuesday, 11 March | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
Southern Highlands: Thursday, 13 March | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
Nelson Bay: Tuesday, 18 March | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
Albury: Wednesday,19March|10.30am&
6.30 pm
Forster: Thursday, 20 March | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
Port Macquarie: Tuesday, 25 March | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
Tamworth: Tuesday, 1 April | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
Armidale: Thursday, 3 April | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
To register please visit https://www. eventbrite.com/cc/viking-explorer-sessionsnew-south-wales-3904123
Western Australia
Albany: Tuesday, 25 February | 10.30am & 6.30pm
Mandurah: Thursday, 6 March | 10.30am & 6.30pm
Bunbury: Wednesday, 12 March | 10.30am & 6.30pm
Busselton: Thursday,13March|10.30am& 6.30pm
To register please visit https://www. eventbrite.com/cc/viking-explorer-sessionswestern-australia-3904193
Michelle Black, from Viking said, “Our sessions are perfect for those new to Viking as well as our loyal past guests. Whether attendees are interested in polar expeditions, new ports, European river journeys, or Mediterranean, Scandinavian or Asia ocean voyages our information sessions are relevant to every curious traveller’s agenda,” said Michelle Black, Viking Managing Director ANZ.
“Thesesessionsaresovaluableineducating, engagingandmotivatingclientstomaketheir next travel booking, making attending these sessions a smart business decision for savvy agents,” said Black.
Guests and Viking Commercial Manager’s at Viking’s explorer information sessions 2023. (Supplied)
LEE MCCARTHY
SCENIC SCANDINAVIA & BALTIC JEWELS
Bergen to Stockholm or vice versa
15 DAYS | 4 COUNTRIES | 12 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL: MAY-SEP 2027
From $13,595pp in Veranda Stateroom
From $16,195pp in Penthouse Veranda
SCANDINAVIA & BALTIC CAPITALS
Oslo to Copenhagen or vice versa
15 DAYS | 8 COUNTRIES | 10 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL: MAY-SEP 2027
From $13,595pp in Veranda Stateroom
From $16,195pp in Penthouse Veranda
EXPL RER
Sailing to all
Enjoy free flight offers with selected river, ocean or expedition voyages, valued up to AU$2,400 per person. Plus AU$500 shipboard credit with any ocean and expedition booking. Available for a limited time only, offers end 31 March 2025.
Bergen to Copenhagen
22 DAYS | 8 COUNTRIES | 17 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL: MAY-SEP 2027
From $19,795pp in Veranda Stateroom
From $24,295pp in Penthouse Veranda
Curious about exploring the world with the most-awarded cruise line? Join one of our free information sessions and discover the unique Viking way of exploration. Book quickly, sessions fill fast.
VISIT viking.com/explorer-sessions or scan the QR code to register.
Luxury Mediterranean Cunard Voyage, Duo of Italian Lakes & Scenic Swiss Rail
Discover the enchanting Mediterranean, from the breathtaking Italian Lakes and the spectacular Swiss Alps to the remarkable treasures scattered along its coastline.
Following an overnight hotel stay in Rome, you will board Cunard’s elegant Queen Victoria for a luxurious 14-night Mediterranean cruise. The voyage will take you to stunning destinations, including Toulon, Alghero, and Messina, before continuing to Naples and Civitavecchia. You will also explore the idyllic islands of Cephalonia and Corfu, followed by the scenic beauty of Kotor and historic Dubrovnik.
Disembarking in Trieste, you will transfer to the serene Lake Maggiore for a five-night escape. Here, you’ll experience the beauty of the surrounding mountains and tranquil waters, including a scenic Centovalli Railway journey that offers breathtaking views and a tour of nearby Lake Como, known for its picturesque villages and stunning villas.
Queen Victoria
From her elegantly decorated public rooms and opulent lounge venues to her gourmet fine dining and luxurious, spacious cabins, Cunard’s illustrious vessel exudes class with the splendour evocative of great cruise liners past.
ï 1 night four-star stay in Rome at the Starhotels Metropole
ï 5 night four-star stay in Lake Maggiore at the Zacchera Hotels Collection
ï All hotel stays include breakfast Fully Escorted Tour
ï Lake Como tour
Rail Journey
ï Scenic rail journey on board the Centovalli Railway
All Flights, Taxes and Transfers
ï Overnight flights
Journey on board the Centovalli Railway
This panoramic train journey from Domodossola in Italy to Locarno in Switzerland travels through the picturesque Centovalli “One Hundred Valleys”. It traverses the foothills of the Lepontine Alps, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Pass deep gorges and crevices with glittering cascading waterfalls. Glide across colourful alpine wildflower meadows, over numerous bridges and through vineyards and forests of chestnut trees. This scenic rail journey through a timeless landscape is unmissable.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
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.
Women Working Together
Are you 50-plus 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
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
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
113 Hummingbird Boulevard Tarneit
This contemporary residence offers easy living for families and professionals alike. With an abundance of space throughout, it includes two living zones, four bedrooms, two bathrooms, low maintenance gardens and secure parking for two vehicles. Perfectly positioned for lifestyle convenience, this property is within walking distance of local shops, quality schools and leafy parklands.
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
Bingo for all
The Werribee RSL hosts Bingo every Monday between 12.30-2.30pm.
9741 5525
Western Budgerigar Club
The Western Suburbs Budgerigar Club meets at 7.30pm on the third Thursday of each month at Masonic Hall, 223 Watton Street, Werribee. Meet other members who are also passionate about breeding Budgerigars.
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
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
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
1 Kardak Street Tarneit
The growing suburb of Tarneit offers a range of amenities and facilities, with easy access to beaches and waterways, lovely lifestyle perks, fantastic opportunities for professionals and students, as well as not being located too far from Melbourne City itself. This block is quite close to everything this welcoming suburb and surrounding areas have to offer, providing a peaceful and convenient lifestyle for potential residents.
This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Addison, Eva and Olivia escaping the heat at the Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre. (Attie Mohebali)
Benevolent bushfire brigade
Founded in the early 1900s and known to be one of the first bushfire brigades in Australia, the Riddells Creek Fire Brigade has always played an active role in protecting and serving the bushfire-prone town and its surrounds. Visiting the brigade during a day of extreme heat and elevated fire danger, Star Weekly reporter OSCAR PARRY spoke with Riddells Creek CFA volunteers about bushfire preparation and the unique role of country fire brigades.
The Riddells Creek Fire Brigade was first formed in 1904 after a public meeting called by Walter J. Smith from Smith’s Nursery, with no specific incident known to have inspired the meeting.
Back then, firefighting equipment was basic, wherebrigademembersswattedoutfiresusing branches from gum trees and beaters – a stick with a piece of wet canvas attached.
Brigade captain Gill Metz has been involved with the brigade for 25 years.
She said the brigade was originally formed out of a community need, because without a united effort, fires could not be contained.
This community spirit remains strong in the brigade today.
“Forus,beingontheurbanfringe,we’revery much about needing to be in our community and work with our community to help them be safe,” Ms Metz said.
“We make sure that we are embedded in our community … you need to become trusted – we run the Anzac dawn service for the community so they know us, and it opens up those conversations to be had. The same [with] doing the Royal Children’s Hospital Appeal, it’s all about being in the community and part of it.
“We support the school in doing things, we support the kinders, we work with the neighbourhood house … we’re very much involved with the community.”
Riddells Creek Brigade firefighter David Thompson, a member of the brigade for 38 years, said this community spirit often extends beyond just Riddells Creek.
“All of [our] preparation is done with neighbouring brigades, so that we’re all working to a bigger picture … it’s not in isolation, and we have our things that we need to concentrate on, but it all has to fit into a bigger picture,” Mr Thompson said.
Firefighter preparation for the bushfire season begins in September, where brigade members complete skills maintenance training including burnover drills, tree hazard education, and several other training exercises.
Mr Thompson said that in country brigades, there is still a sense of self-preservation and necessity among landowners – who are often brigade members themselves.
“You still see a lot of brigades today where a lot of it is farmers … it’s all those farmers coming together and saying ‘we’ve got to stop this fire’, and they will come from all their farms … to the one farm where the fire is and put it out because they don’t want it spreading to their crops,” he said.
“It’s exactly the way it still happens in places like Mallee and the Wimmera and the grazing countries now out to the west and the north … they’re using their own trucks, they will go out and they will just get out in their own trucks and they will put the fire out, because they’re just looking after each other and themselves … it still goes on [today].”
Ms Metz said joining a fire brigade offers a chance to learn new skills, make friends, and “do things that you never thought you would”.
“We are always looking for volunteers from the community, because we need succession planning … some of us have been around in the brigade for a long time, but you need to get people coming continuously in,” she said.
“To grow those skills … it’s not just about getting that qualification, it’s about that experience. Being able to read what’s happening on a bad day, being able to read what’s happening at an incident. Every fire is a bit different.”
Mr Thompson said gaining this bushfire sense is like “an art form on top of a science”.
Ms Metz said preparing a bushfire plan, downloadingandsettinguptheVicEmergency
app with alerts, and learning what you can and cannot do during summer are some of the ways community members can prepare for bushfires.
She said the brigade can offer support
with these and regularly hosts community education sessions – including roadside fire preparation information meetings.
“Itdoesn’tmatterwhetheryou’re[on]abush block, a farm block, or in town. Everybody has
to have their own plan for fire,” she said. The brigade encourages expressions of interest from community members interested in joining, with an application form available on the CFA website
One of the brigade’s fire trucks. (Oscar Parry)
Brigade members performing a truck swap. (Oscar Parry)
Riddells Creek CFA Fire Brigade members at the front of the station. (Oscar Parry)
Art honours mothers and daughters
A multimedia artwork currently displayed at the Brimbank and Sunshine Projection Galleries is a pictorial ode from a daughter to her mother.
Trước nhà con (at the front of my house) is a projection art piece by Liên Ta that incorporates poetry, photography, animation, and language to depict a familial love story recognisable to many immigrant parents and children.
“I wanted to create something to honour my mother, and also honour Sunshine’s Vietnamese community, where I grew up,” Liên said.
“In mother-daughter relationships with a language barrier, it’s difficult to communicate loveinawaythatseemstotranslate. Thiswork is how I communicate my love, and whether or not it translates, I’m glad I could be able to express it in a way that feels right to me.”
Liên said the work pushed viewers to come out thinking more about the poem and guardian-child relationships.
“The poem itself is intentionally vague, and I hope each person finds their own meaning in it,” Liên said.
“The projection can be viewed at 294 and 301 Hampshire Road, Sunshine — the projection at 301 Hampshire Road is at the rear of the building.
A bloomin’ good day out
Friends of the Melton Botanic Garden is promoting sustainable living through a guided tour on Sunday, February 9 at 10am starting at the garden’s depot and nursery.
The guided tour is a part of the National Sustainability Festival, an Australia-wide event that runs through February.
FriendsofMeltonBotanicGardenpresident John Bentley said the group operates with a set of underlying sustainability principles.
“Many years ago Sustainable Living Festival, as it was called when it started, we noticedtheydidgardentours,andwethought that that would fit very well with what we do in the garden,” he said.
“The plants themselves are the main thing that people come to the garden to see, and our
technique for planting plants helps maximise water capture from rainfall.”
The guided walking tour is a gentle 90-minute tour that will showcase the northern section of the Melton Botanic Gardentoseeplantsthattolerateadryclimate and have low water requirements.
The Friends of Melton Botanic Garden has beentakingpartintheNationalSustainability Festival since 2014.
“What they can learn through the tour are plants that are suitable for the Melton area, what we have done around the depot and the gardenforreusingandrepurposing,andwork towards sustainability,” Mr Bentley said.
MrBentleysaidthegardenstrytobecarbon neutral.
“Wehavedonecalculations,andthroughout the extensive planting we’ve done, we’re doing great carbon sequestration in the botanic garden.
“Plus, creating a green environment helps to reduce the temperature, and the other great thing is we increase the diversity of flora and fauna.”
Mr Bentley encouraged others to “consider planting for sustainability, and look at ways that you can personally reduce your cost because sustainability starts with each of us.”
Tickets and bookings available at: https:// fmbg.org.au/
Faith Macale
Pride event at Kelly Park
Park Lounge is returning with pride and glory to Kelly Park in Werribee on Saturday, February 1 as part of Melbourne’s Midsumma Festival.
An evening celebrating queer culture and expression, Park Lounge will showcase a new line-up of LGBTQIA+ artists and allies who promise to dazzle with dance, music and performance between 6-10pm.
A fantastic stage arrangement will be front and centre, with host Aysha Buffet introducing audiences to performances by Saint Ergo, Barr Bee Doll, Squid Nebula, DJ Gaff E and the Arcoiris Queer Latin Group.
Country and disco will also feature as alt country crooner Leroy Macqueen, Sunshine and Disco Faith Choir and Disco Rodeo Boot Scooting will be strutting their stuff.
Now in its 13th year, the event is by no means confined to colourful performances, providing a little of something for everybody.
A range of craft stalls will allow attendeestotransformtheiroldclothes into interesting pieces of wearable art and jewellery.
Leading the charge will be the Ballarat Trans & Gender Diverse Swap Shop with many new outfits to be swapped or donated, in a bid to help people fit in.
Guests are encouraged to have a picnic, get something from one of the on-site food trucks or sample many of the diverse flavours found in the restaurants of Werribee.
Whilesomeseatingwillbeprovided, guests are welcome to bring their own chairs.
For more information on accessibility: https://www.wyndham. vic.gov.au/whats-on/park-lounge
Summer concert series to pop-up in central Spotswood
A street in central Spotswood has been convertedintoalivemusicvenueforaseriesof freeconcertsrunningfromJanuarytoMarch.
The Spotswood Summer Sessions began last Saturday afternoon at a pop-up stage on Forrest Street, the first four concerts to be heldatthemakeshiftvenuecalled‘TheVillage Spot’.
Organiser Cameron Tait said the concerts will make use of vacant council space on the street.
“I applied for some funding to activate that space and that’s where these concerts have come from” said Mr Tait who received a grant from the West Gate Neighbourhood Fund to make the Spotswood Summer Sessions possible.
Once the funding was locked in, he hired local musician Fem Belling and her company Bandwagon Live to put the line-up together.
“She’s booked a range of musicians such as jazzartists,smallpopduosandDJ’sandthey’ll
be doing hour-long sets over four dates,” said MrTaitofMsBellingwhowillalsoperformat the concert on January 30.
A member of the Spotwood Traders Association,MrTaitsaidthesummersessions would do more than just entertain the local community and showcase local artists.
“It’s about the traders giving back to the community and to increase the attractiveness of Spotswood and attract more visitors and celebrate all that Sportswood has to offer,” he said.
And if it goes well, the pop-up stage on Forrest Street could become more permanent.
“The goal would be for this to be an annual series,” Mr Tait said.
The Spotwood Summer Sessions run from 12-4pm on February 8 and March 1 and from 4pm-8pm on Thursday, January 30.
A band performs on the Band Wagon pop-up stage which will be used for the Spotswood Summer Sessions. (supplied)
Liên Ta’s artwork was created to honour her mother and culture. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 453873_05
John Bentley, president of the Friends of Melton Botanic Garden, peeping through the lemon beauty heads (Ljubica Vrankovic) 453707_01
SPORTS QUIZ
1. Recently retired Tohu Harris was captain of which NRL team?
2. Phil ‘The Power' Taylor won a record 16 world championships in which sport?
3. Which Olympics was the first to include synchronised diving?
4. Noah Balta most recently played for which AFL club?
5. Which Australian basketballer was first to reach 1000 NBA games played?
6. Which two US college teams will play off in the 2025 national championship game?
Australia’s Daniel Sanders competed in which vehicle category of the 2025 Dakar Rally?
Luke Sayers was most recently the president of which AFL club?
In what year is a Papua New Guineabased team set to debut in the NRL?
What is the real name of US golf professional Fuzzy Zoeller?
Bernard Tomic made his only Grand Slam quarterfinals appearance at Wimbledon in which
What is the name of Britain’s top level rugby league competition?
13. Which Australian horse race has the highest prize value?
14. Who was the only cricketer to take over 30 wickets in the 2024–25 Border Gavaskar Trophy series?
15. Canadian basketballer Shai Gilgeous-Alexander plays for which NBA team?
16. What is the most popular sport in India?
17. The upcoming sports action drama film F1 will star which actor as driver Sonny Hayes?
18. Titleist is a popular brand that manufactures balls used in which sport?
19. Suncorp Stadium is located in which suburb of Brisbane?
20. In which year was the A-League Women’s division founded?
21. Glenn Maxwell plays for which Big Bash League team?
22. What is the title of the recent documentary charting the life of tennis great Jelena Dokic?
PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE VODAFONE & OPTUS
MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION (INCLUDING 5G) AT: HOGANS CORNER SHOPPING CENTRE CNR HOGANS ROAD & DERRIMUT ROAD, HOPPERS CROSSING VIC 3029 RFNSA SITE NO. 3029010
1.The proposed facility consists of the addition of new Optus and Vodafone equipment and associated works as follows (including 5G):
Installation of twelve (12) remote radio units
Installation of four (4) active antenna units (less than 750mm in length)
Installation of four (4) longer antenna mounts
Installation of one (1) GPS
The installation and removal of ancillary equipment including but not limited to transceivers, antenna mounts, feeders, cabling, combiners, diplexers, signage, MHA and fibre, reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and in the existing equipment shelter
2.Optus & Vodafone regards the proposed installation as a Low-impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”) based on the description above.
3.In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: communityconsultation@ventia.com or Level 1, South Tower, 10 Browning Street, West End QLD 4101 Australia by COB Thursday, 6 February 2025. 12743992-KF05-25
23. The Belinda Clark Medal is awarded to the women’s player of the year in which sport?
24. Brisbane Broncos player Ezra Mam recently received a ban of how many NRL matches?
25. How many matches make up the 2025 Women’s Ashes cricket series?
26. And which ground is hosting its first-ever daynight Test match during the Women’s Ashes series?
27. Who currently sits third on Australia’s all-time men’s Test wicket tally with 539 scalps?
28. How many combined Olympic medals have sisters Jess and Noemie Fox won?
29. The Adelaide Giants, Sydney Blue Sox and Melbourne Aces are all teams that play which sport?
30. In what year was a pink cricket ball first used in Test matches?
HOME SERVICES PETS & SERVICES
PUBLIC NOTICES AND EVENT
PUBLIC NOTICES AND EVENT
PUZZLES
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine
ACROSS 1 Postal receipt (5) 4 Female cleaner (9) 9 US writer (1817–62), Henry David – (7) 10 Distribute (food) (5,2) 11 Rear (9) 12 ‘70s dance genre (5) 13 Twenty-first letter of the Greek alphabet (3) 14 Melodramatic (11) 16 Able to be maintained consistently (11) 19 Male sheep (3) 20 Baghdad native (5) 22 Lasting (9) 25 First (7) 26 Mournful (7) 27 US state (9) 28 Persuasion (5)
Scheme (3-2) 2 Qualities of a room that determine audibility (9)
Bit (5)
Wariness (7)
European country (7)
Universal (9)
Satisfies (5) 8 'Not to worry' (2,7)
Assumes the worst (9)
Keep steady (9)
Beatles song, – Wood (9)
Attacks with thickened petrol bombs (7)
Language of Myanmar (7)
23 Vigilant; observant (5)
24 Unspoken (5)
1 The prancing horse is the logo for which prestige car company?
2 Brass is an alloy of which two metals?
3 Who wrote the classic children's book TheVery HungryCaterpillar?
4 Name the British monarch that abdicated from the throne in 1936.
5 Which Dutch artist painted TheNightWatch?
6 Christoph Waltz (pictured) won an Oscar for his portrayal of Dr. King
7 Is Mavis Staples a famous a) basketball player, b) singer or c) cinematographer?
8 Phoenix dactylifera is a palm species that produces which fruit?
9 In the title of the television series, what does the acronym M*A*S*H
MOTOR
Nissan’s latest and greatest
By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring
Meet Nissan’s latest and greatest X-Trail crossover, the N-Trek edition.
Originally conceived as a limited edition of 500 vehicles, X-Trail joins the Navara and Pathfinder N-Trek editions.
Based on the ST-L grade, back then it came with larger 19-inch alloys, built-in navigation, premium Bose eight-speaker audio, smoked coloured bonnet protector, slim line front and rearweathershields,frontandrearkickplates and carpet mats in the five-seat version - all standard equipment.
Now it rides on 18s and has six-speaker unbranded audio. Satnav remains but the other nick-nacks have gone - what’s more the car costs an extra $10,000.
STYLING
N-Trekisavailableintwo-andall-wheeldrive form, and in five- or seven-seat configuration.
The five-seat is priced from $48,540, the seven-seater (they’re small) is priced from $51,640 - before on-road costs.
That’s around $3600 more than the mid-range ST-L on which it is based.
In effect N-Trek is not much more than a black edition of the X-Trail, with most of the changes of a cosmetic nature.
There’s a new dark finish for the Nissan ‘V-motion grille’, with a black finish for the door mirrors, handles and roof rails, while new and unique 18-inch alloys feature a black-and-silver theme.
Along with a redesign new LED fog lights have been integrated into the lower front bumper which is finished in a gunmetal colour.
Inside, N-Trek adopts the 12.3-inch infotainment screen and 12.3-inch digital dash from the flagship Ti, together with heads-up display.
The seats are trimmed in a new water-resistant synthetic-leather, designed to give owners the confidence to go further and get muddier.
In September wireless charging, walk-away locking, a hands-free automatic tailgate and wireless Android Auto were added, however none of these functions were present in our test vehicle.
Standard equipment includes synthetic leather and two-zone climate air, with rear air vents, heated front seats, power adjust driver’s seat, auto high beam, LED head and tail lights, traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control,electricparkingbrake,auto-dimming rear view mirrors, auto lights and wipers, heated auto-folding exterior mirrors, plus front and rear parking sensors.
X-Trail comes with a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, five years roadside assistance and capped-price service plans are available to purchase when buying the car. Servicingintervalsare12months/10,000km.
A space-saver spare wheel is provided.
INFOTAINMENT
Infotainment consists of a 12.3-inch touchscreen and six-speaker audio, with built-in navigation, AM/FM radio and DAB+ digital Radio, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, with voice recognition, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
There’salsowirelessphonecharging,USBA and C front and back, and 12V outlets in the front console and luggage area.
SAFETY
A five-star ANCAP safety rating applies to all variants.
The rating for the Nissan X-Trail is based on testing of its partner model, the Nissan Qashqai, conducted in 2021.
ANCAP was provided with technical information and additional tests were conducted to show the Qashqai rating is also
applicable to X-Trail.
Dual frontal, side chest-protecting and side head-protecting airbags are standard.
A centre airbag which provides added protection to front seat occupants in side impact crashes is also standard.
Autonomous emergency braking (Car-to-Car, Vulnerable Road User, Junction Assist and Backover) as well as a lane support system with lane keep assist (LKA), lane departure warning (LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK) and an advanced speed assistance system (SAS) are standard on all variants.
ISOFix child seat anchors are provided for the two outer second-row seats, as well as top tethers for all second row seats.
There are anchor points for the third row.
ENGINES/TRANSMISSIONS
The 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four cylinder engine in the N-Trek produces 135kW of power at 6000 rpm and 244Nm of torque at 3600 rpm, with drive to all four wheels on demand through a CVT-style continuously variable automatic transmission.
That’s an increase of 9kW/19Nm over the previous model.
With two electric motors the ePOWER version produces a combined 157kW of power (no combined torque figure is offered).
The petrol version has eight steps or simulated gears and gear change paddles for the especially enthusiastic driver.
DRIVING
At4680mm,X-Trailhasgrownintoamid-size SUVthesedays.Whiletheoriginalmodelwas surprisingly adept off road, the latest version with a different mindset and just 205mm of ground clearance has taken a step back.
The only four-wheel driving it is up for these days is the odd dirt road, despite any advertising claims to the contrary.
At least we wouldn’t be venturing too far off the bitumen.
Although our test vehicle is a seven-seater, the pair of seats that comprise the third row are tiny and suitable only for small children and then over short distances.
The second row does, however, slide backwards or forwards to provide more legroom for the second or third row as circumstances dictate.
The seats are reasonably comfortable, with heating for winter and a steering wheel that is both reach and height adjustable, with power adjustment for the driver so you should be able to find a comfortable driving position.
There’s plenty of storage in the front too, with a two-tier console, good-sized bottle holders and a split-lid console box.
Glad to hear Android Auto has gone wireless. The wired connection of our test vehicle suffered from constant drop outs, making navigation difficult.
Meanwhile, built-in navigation could not understand even the simplest voice commands.
X-Trail ST, ST-L and N-Trek are offered in two-wheel drive with five seats or all-wheel drive with seven seats.
Power comes from a 2.5-litre petrol engine, or Nissan’s innovative e-POWER with e-4ORCE technology.
The latter pairs a turbocharged 1.5-litre, three-cylinder variable compression petrol engine with two electric motors - one for each axle.
Top of the range Ti and Ti-L are five seat and all-wheel drive, and both offer the option of e-POWER with e-4ORCE technology.
There are five drive modes: Off-road, Snow, Auto, Eco and Sport, selected via a rotary dial in the centre console.
Fuel consumption is a claimed 7.4L/100km and it takes standard 91 unleaded. We were getting a reasonable 7.5L/100km after more than 570km.
And it can tow a 2000kg braked load.
Performance is adequate without being exciting. Unless you prod the throttle hard enough, forward progress is likely to be sluggish.
Give it the boot, however, and the thing surges forward, albeit with some initial hesitation.
Although not designed to circulate quickly, we gave the N-Trek a bit of stick on the Old Pacific Highway out of Sydney and were pleasantly surprised by the amount of grip it exhibited.
Ditto for the brakes and steering. Let’s just say it’s a lot more fun than many of the Chinese offerings that we have driven. Notably, the electronic assistance systems are refreshingly unintrusive, unlike many cars and SUVs that we have driven in recent times. Hallelujah.
SUMMING UP
To be frank, we expected more. More style, more power and more equipment. At least somedecalsidentifythisX-Trailassomething special-thefactthatitdoesn’tspeaksvolumes. Foravehiclethatsupposedlyhasanoff-road focus, some clarity is required because none of the additional features support this suggestion. Those considerations aside, the N-Trek is an attractive offering that is comfortable, well equipped and easy to drive. And that’s what most people want.
The N-Trek is an attractive offering that is comfortable, well equipped and easy to drive. (pictures supplied)
Weekend sport action heats up
There was plenty of action going on the sporting fields on Saturday, including some local rivalries. Star Weekly photographer Ljubica Vrankovic was out shooting some of theaction.
Werribee Centrals’ Jacob Russell. 454170_01
Bellbridge’s Henro Dias. 454169_17
Sunshine YCW’s Bailey Williamson. 454170_16
Laverton’s Palwinder Brar. 454169_04
Williamstown Congs’ Joshua Lanciana. 454171_01
Burnside Springs United’s Tim Stephens. 454171_07
Barkly St Uniting’s Raj Aiyappan. 454174_13
Barkly St Uniting’s Raj Aiyappan. 454174_04
Newport Rams’ David Tongue. 454166_09
Williamstown’s Samuel Reale. 454166_05
Werribee keep their finals hopes alive after win
It’s must win for Werribee for the rest of the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association south-west competition if it’s any chance of playing finals.
The Tigers had an up and down first part of theseasonandstartedthenewyearwithaloss putting them behind the eight ball.
It meant Saturday’s match with Moorabbin and the rest of the season are a must win if they want to play finals according to captain Tim O’Brien.
They ticked that first box with a convincing win against Moorabbin.
“It was good to get back on the winners list afterlastweek,”hesaid.“Wehavetowinevery game, it’s do or die for us.
“Last week was disappointing as we were in a position to win. We were able to get the
winyesterday[Saturday]andnowfaceTaylors Lakes which has started the year well but have dropped a couple of games.”
The Tigers were in action against Moorabbin, which sits second bottom, on Saturday.O’Briensaidtheyknewtheycouldn’t
take it for granted.
Thebowlersdidthejob,bowlingMoorabbin out for just 80.
“Ourguysbowledreallywellatthestartand got early wickets,” he said. “Jonathan Burton and Stephen Plumridge started the day well and then the spinners in Jackson Hopper and Adam Alifraco came on.
“It was good to see Maahi Patel get his first wicket for the club.
“We were able to maintain that momentum and were able to bowl them out cheaply.”
BurtonandHoppertookthreewicketseach.
Withonlyasmallrunchase,theTigerswere still wary about getting the job done.
O’Brien said they just focused on getting off to a good start.
“We got to 1-40 before Ryan Alifraco came
Bears pull off a big win
By Tara Murray
It was a bittersweet win for Bellbridge in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Evans-Clark Shield on Saturday. ItwasadominantperformancebytheBears against Laverton with the side easily claiming the points.
For the Bears, it was a slight bit of disappointmentafterfallingtwowicketsshort of claiming an outright win which would have pushed them further up the ladder.
Bears captain Dillon Hinge said there were more positives out of the game than negatives. “It was good to get over the line, but a little bittersweet as it was a good win but we didn’t get the outright win as well which hurts.”
TheBearsmade231ondayoneofthematch with Hinge top scoring with 98. He said the first focus on day two was to make sure that they secured the win.
Theyneededjust37.2overstobowlLaverton out for 60.
JamesLake,AndrewWilksandChristopher Armstrong took three wickets each.
Not surprisingly the Bears sent Laverton straight back in.
“We created enough chances to get the outright,” Hinge said. “We didn’t take enough in the end.
“Our bowlers toiled away in pretty hot conditions and we let them down in the field. You can’t dwell on one or two errors, when there were 18 positives out of the game.”
Laverton finished its second innings at 8-101.
James Lake, Colin Weller and Henro Dias took two wickets each for the Bears.
Despite the win, the Bears slipped outside the top four after East Coburg claimed an outright win against Roxburgh Park.
Hingesaidtheyhadputthemselvesinagood position to be in the mix come finals time.
ThisweektheyfacebottomsideStAndrew’s Footscray in a one-dayer.
“It’s a must win for us,” he said. “With one day cricket it’s not always the better side that gets the win, it’s the team that performs on the day.
“We respect St Andrew’s and won’t take
in at the end and finished it off for us.”
Matthew Harmer finished 25 not out with Ryan Alifraco 22 not out.
The Tigers are now 11th on the ladder, 15 points outside the top six.
It wasn’t as happy a day for Hoppers Crossing as it lost to Altona at J.K Grant Reserve in its match.
The Cats were bowled out for just 119 with no player scoring more than 25.
Shijit Chandran top scored with 22. Altona lost two early wickets before settling andgettingthejobdoneeasily,finishing2-121. The Cats have slipped to fourth following the loss.
It faces Moorabbin this Saturday in another one-dayer this Saturday.
Tara Murray
VTCA T20 action returns
The Victorian Turf Cricket Association T20 competition resumed on Tuesday night with plenty of key match ups. There were more than bragging rights on the line on Tuesday night between Sunshine United and Sunshine Heights in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association T20 competition.
In the Waugh pool, Altona North continued its good form with a win against the Williamstown Imperials. Altona North made 8-189 from its overs with Haydn Wilkinson top scoring with 75 at the top of the order. Oliver Castro took four wickets for the Imperials.
The Imperials set a good platform at 2-102 but started to lose wickets at the wrong time.
They finished 7-162.
Point Cook Centrals got the win against Wyndham Vale.
TheValesweremade4-117fromtheir overs with Jessraj Badhaan top scoring with 66 not out. The Sharks made the runs in the 16th over, finishing 4-121. Krishan Alang finished 56 not out.
The Sharks have four wins from their four matches. Point Cook came away withthewinagainstNewport-Digman.
The Warriors made 8-184 with Bhavesh Seth top scoring with 51.
The Bulls fell well short, finishing 4-147.
Shannon Evans made 78 not out.
Meanwhile,DeerParkbeatBellbridge in the other Ponting group match. The Bears were bowled out for 99 on the final ball of the 20 overs.
Christopher Armstrong held the innings together, making 42.
them lightly.”
It was a good Saturday for the Bears, with all four men’s sides getting wins on Saturday.
“It was a terrific performance and a lot of hard work has been done behind the scenes at training,” Hinge said.
In other matches, Werribee Centrals upset top side Sunshine YCW.
After making 249 on day one, the Centurions bowled the Cougars out for 200.
Jacob Russell took four wickets for the Centurions.
the Centurions sit in seventh spot, 10 points outside the top four.
In the Roy Picone Shield, Point Cook and Point Cook Centrals both had wins.
Defending 177, Point Cook was able to bowl Gellibrand out for 132.
Point Cook Centrals moved to the top of the ladder with a win against Caroline Springs.
After making 110, the Sharks bowled the Falcons out for 81. The Sharks were 2-52 in their second innings.
In the Russell Pollock Shield, Wyndham Vale lost to Barkly St Uniting outright.
Aaron Shellie took three wickets for the Lions. After losing an early wicket, the Lions made light work of the chase, finishing 2-100.
Shellie top scored with 51 not out at the top of the order.
The Lions are undefeated after three games.
MeanwhileintheBenaudpool,PEGS had a big win against St Andrew’s Footscray
St Andrew’s Footscray was restricted to 4-73, before PEGS made the runs in 7.4 overs, finishing 2-74.
PEGS sits on top with one round remaining, with three wins from its four matches.
In the Lawrie group, St Albans had a big win against East Keilor
The Saints made 3-137 from their overs with Arosh Janoda top scoring with 60 not out.
Afterlosingawicketwithoutscoring, East Keilor was always behind the eight ball, finishing 9-83.
Adam Alifraco. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 440859_16
James Lake. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 454169_06
Hicks, Conway re-sign, Bennett back at Werribee
PremiershipforwardAngusHicksisbackfora second season with Werribee in the Victorian Football League.
The 25-year-old forward joined Werribee last season from Richmond’s VFL program and made an immediate impact, both on and off the field.
Before making his club debut, Hicks was inducted into the leadership group, having made the switch to Werribee after serving as Richmond’s vice-captain in 2023;
Although his pre-season preparations were interrupted by injury, Hicks made his Werribee debut in round two.
In a thrilling encounter against Southport, hekickedthewinninggoal,convertingaclutch set-shot after winning a holding-the-ball free kick inside 50, and securing a three-point victory for Werribee.
A best-on-ground performance against Williamstown on Anzac Day kickstarted a
standout stretch of form between rounds five and eight, where he averaged 20 disposals and more than two goals per game.
As Hicks played his 14th game of the season in round 18 against Port Melbourne, he also marked his 50th VFL game, a milestone seven
years in the making for the forward.
Despite suffering an injury in the dying stages of Werribee’s round 19 loss that threatenedtosidelinehimforthefinals,Hicks worked his way back to recover in time for the grand final.
Hewasthesoleinclusionforthepremiership decider.
The experienced forward played a pivotal role in the team’s draught-breaking victory, being the third-highest rated player on the ground after half-time as Werribee mounted their second half comeback.
Football manager Ash Collins said Hicks’ leadership and experience would continue to be valuable heading into 2025.
“Having one of our leaders like Angus back with the group is huge,” he said. “He’s really experienced at this level, and with the likes of Nick Hayes, Nathan Cooper and Nick Coughlan departing, he’ll play an important
Lohmann ready to play
By Tara Murray
New Werribee recruit Jake Lohmann isn’t afraid to take a chance as he chases his AFL dream.
The small forward moved to Brisbane last yeartoplaywiththeBrisbaneLions’Victorian Football League, having previously played 26 games for the Sandringham Zebras.
WhileheenjoyedtheexperienceinBrisbane and he got to play with his brother, Lohmann wanted more opportunities.
“I’m a bit of a risk taker and took the risk to go to Brisbane,” he said. “With the alignment with the Brisbane Lions, I didn’t get much opportunity to play week in, week out.
“Werribeecameaskingtosignwiththemfor 2025. From afar, I’d how successful Werribee has been in the last few years in particular.
“I knew Joel Cadman and Jack Riding… They have that community culture which I love and it was a big drawing card in getting me to sign.”
Lohmann said he got so much out of his time at Brisbane with the AFL and VFL teams spending a lot of time together
The VFL team made the preliminary final last year, before being beaten by Werribee, while the AFL side won the premiership.
“It was a big drawing card,” he said. “Being in a better environment makes you a better player and pushes those behaviours of a successful team.
“It helps on your journey and it makes you a better footballer.”
Lohmann said the opportunity to play with his brother Kai Lohmann while at the Lions was one of his highlights.
His brother went on to be one of the stars in the Lions’ AFL premiership run.
“It was pretty special,” he said. “I’d played a couple of games with him at Lake Wendouree in his draft year.
“We lifted the cup together in under-14s at Maryborough when Kai played up. I knew then he was going to be a pretty good player. Mum was president at the club and dad ran water, it wasn’t just the two of us.”
Lohmann, who grew up in Victoria, said his girlfriend, who he had done long distance with last year, and his family were happy to have him back home.
He joked that he was hoping his tan would hold up in the colder weather.
Lohmann said his dream of still being draftedwasdrivinghisfootballgoingforward.
He knows it won’t be easy as he tries to
role in leading our team in 2025.”
TheTigershavealsoannouncedthesignings of rucks Sam Conway and Darcy Bennett. Conway played a key role for the Tigers in the back half of the year in their premiership run.
“We’re pumped to have Sticks back on board,” Collins said. “Down by three goals at halftime in the grand final, he set the tone for the second half with his first contest after the break. He is really important to our mix in contests and stoppages.”
Bennett returns to the Tigers for his second stint, having previously been at the club between 2019-21.
He played eight games in that time.
“Darcy is an untapped gem,” Collins said. “We’re excited to get some continuity into his body and training loads. He set himself up well last year, and we can’t wait for him to do it again.
Sports Brief
GDNL
Werribee Centrals have lost multiple premiership player Brigitte Ardossi for this year’s Geelong and District Netball League season. Opposition side Bell Post Hill announced that Ardossi had signed with the club after moving to the area. Ardossi was vital for the Centurions, being able to play either end.
Western FL
Point Cook has added a second recruit with AFL experience for the Western Football League division 1 season. Carter Michael has made the move to the club having spent most of his career in Queensland. Hailing from Maroochydore in Queensland, Michael was drafted by the Brisbane Lions in 2020 and made his AFL debut in 2022 where he kicked a goal off the half back flank on debut. Michael is a Williamstown Victorian Football League-listed player and has nominated the Bulldogs as his local iclub for 2025.
Baseball
break into a premiership team.
“It’s going to be a big challenge coming in,” he said. “If you want to be the best you have to compete with the best.
“Jimmy [Allan]and Ash [Collins] have been transparent. I want to play that small-medium forward. There’s Zac Banch, Flynn Young, Jack Riding already.
“It’s exciting to be part of it. I’m looking to play round one and the last game of the year as well.”
Lohmann said training had been a bit of fresh air and he was really enjoying himself.
He said pre-season was starting to heat up.
“The boys,staff and coaches have been so welcoming,” he said. “I’m an extravert and they’ve allowed me to be myself right from the start.
“They looked after us before Christmas, but they have started to crack the whips post Christmas.
“We’re starting to get to 30 kilometres a week. I’ve been put into the main group after Christmas after having a small hamstring pre-Christmas.
“I’m learning to play with the with the group and how we want to play. I’m ready to get to work.”
Werribee Giants tough start to the new year in the Baseball Victoria summer league premier 1st nine competition. The Giants faced the Sunshine Eagles on Wednesday night and lost 7-0 before losing to Fitzroy 10-6 on Saturday in a bottom of the table battle. The Giants remain in 15th spot. The Giants women had a 6-2 loss to Melbourne in the state league competition. The Giants sit in 14th.
A-League
Western United striker Noah Botic scored a spectacular brace to guide his side to a commanding 3-1 victory over Newcastle Jets in the A-League Men at Ironbark Fields on Friday evening. Botic scored twice, either side of half time after Riku Danzaki had lifted the home crowd in Tarneit with the opening goal after just 15 minutes. The 23-year-old now has six goals and four assists this season. United is up to fourth on the ladder after 14 games. United’s women’s side had a 1-1 draw with Melbourne City.
Angus Hicks. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 432956_24
Jake Lohmann. (Supplied)
United star Botic shouldn’t rush overseas: Aloisi
Emerging striker Noah Botic could play for the Socceroos at a World Cup but shouldn’t rush to leave the A-League Men for an overseas move, says Western United coach John Aloisi.
Botic was the star of the show at Ironbark Fields on Friday evening, scoring a bullet header in the 37th minute then unleashing an extraordinary long-range bomb in the 54th in United’s 3-1 win over Newcastle.
The 23-year-old now has six goals and four assists this season.
“People might say that I’m being selfish because I’m coaching Western United, but I’d still love him to stay here a little bit longer,” Aloisi said.
also for Noah Botic, I still think that he still needs to improve his game and work on his game,andwe’llseemoreandmorefromhim.
“He’s got six goals this season so far, and I know he can score a lot more.”
Botic pulled up sore with an apparent left groin injury and was substituted in the 64th minute, but he and Aloisi played the ailment down as cramp.
Western broke through when Abel Walatee brilliantly slipped through in-form midfielder Angus Thurgate, whose deflected cutback landed for Riku Danzaki to tap home at the back post.
United went two up when Ben Garuccio lifted a wonderful cross to the near post, where Botic steamed in and powered the ball into the roof of the net.
Walatee was substituted at half-time with hamstring tightness.
“If he goes early overseas, which when the opportunity does come, sometimes you can get lost in that period, and then he might not end up going to a World Cup.
“So I’m looking at both sides and then thinking, yes, it would be great for us, but
“I think that if he stays here and has a really good end of the season and even a good season next year, if the Socceroos, which I believe they will, go to a World Cup, I think he’ll be in contention.
“Yeah, (it’s) good. To be honest, I think it’s just a bit of cramp, but I didn’t want to risk it any more,” Botic told Paramount Plus.
“I felt it as I was just pushing on, first couple of steps and I thought, ‘I just don’t want to risk it’.”
United have won six of their past seven matches and rise to third on the tablebehind Melbourne City and Adelaide on goal difference - while the Jets sit 10th.
Taranto relishing return
By Tara Murray
It hasn’t been the season that Western United women had been after so far, but one of the highlights has been the return of Adriana Taranto to the field.
OneofWestern’sinauguralplayers,Taranto injured her knee in March requiring her to have a knee reconstruction.
After months on the sidelines, Taranto made her return as a substitute in United’s first match of 2025.
“It was so exciting,” she said. “It had been a pretty long year, a different year.
“I was so happy to be out there again. It’s something you can’t take for granted.
“You want to get back out there and help get the win and get some consistency and hopefully get two wins in a row.”
Taranto said while she was disappointed to be on the sidelines, the break away from the field was kind of a blessing in disguise.
She said you see a different side of things on the sidelines.
“You don’t know how long you are going to be playing at a professional level,” she said. “There’s a lot of credit to the girls and myself that have gone through this, it takes a lot to go through it.
“There’s so many people that threw their support around me.”
Taranto said she was lucky much of her recovery time was in the off season.
“There was a lot of club support,’ she said. “It ended up being a smooth process in the terms of an ACL.
“You hear stories and different things about setbacks. I was able to hit my benchmarks and worked really hard as well.
“Ihadtherightpeoplearoundme.Iwentoff how I felt and I felt good and got used to it.”
Taranto said when she went down injured, she didn’t set a concrete date that she had targeted as her return.
Round10wasthegameshehadbeenhoping for, which is what she achieved.
Taranto’s first game was an extra special game, with her twin sister Mel becoming the second United women’s player to play 50 games for the club.
Adriana said it just happened to be luck that it turned out that way.
“Ididn’tplanthat,”shesaid.“Iwasumming and arring about the week before, but we decided to leave it one more week.
“It just happened to be her 50th which was pretty special. I came on in the 75th minute and she said it gave her an extra boost.”
Having played all their soccer together, Adriana said Mel had felt weird without her sister being there with her.
Adriana had been through that situation
when Mel did her ACL a number of years ago. Now back on the field, Taranto is keen to continue on building.
“I’m trying to find that balance and not putting pressure on myself,” she said. “I want to get my minutes up and get my fitness up.
“It’s important to get the little things right.”
As a team Taranto said they wanted to find that consistency which they know that they have and win some more games to put them into finals contention again.
Botic gave United breathing space when he received the ball in midfield, burst forward and rifled it into the top corner.
Four minutes later, the Jets pulled back a goal when Will Dobson beat Garuccio to a long ball, then slipped through Lachie Rose to score.
-Anna Harrington, AAP
Seagulls, Cats win thrillers
Williamstown and Hoppers Crossing both won thrillers in the opening round of the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association T20 competition.
The Seagulls snuck home by one run against Strathmore at Lebanon Reserve on Tuesday night.
The Seagulls made 9-79 from their overs with Piran Kent top scoring with 20 at the top of the order.
The match went down to the final over with Strathmore needing 10 for the win.
A wicket on the second last ball left Strathmore needing four off the final ball. It could only manage two and was restricted to 9-78.
Sean Sturrock took three wickets for the Seagulls.
Hoppers Crossing also got over the line in the final over, beating Yarraville.
The Cats made 149 as they were bowled out with five balls remaining. Haseeb Qureshi top scored with 28.
William Sheffield and Tejas Hari took three wickets each.
The Eagles needed 11 runs off the final over for victory. A wicket on the second last ball didn’t help the Eagles case. It left four needed off the final ball. They only got one to finish 6-147.
Josh Hahnel top scored with 45 at the top of the order.
Simon Lambert took two wickets for the Cats.
Melton came away with the points against Werribee in its match at Macpherson Park.
The Tigers batted first and made 5-103 from their overs. Jacob Knight top scored with 24 not out.
Joel Mitchener took two wickets for the Lions.
The Lions were able to put together a solid innings, hitting the winning runs with nearly four overs remaining.
William Chesterman top scored with 57 not out.
Spotswood had a convincing win against Altona in its match.
The A’s made 7-117 from their overs with Matthew Turcinovich top scoring with 52.
Patrick McArdle took 3-13 from the Woodsmen.
The Woodsmen had no trouble in the run chase, getting the runs in 12.2 overs, finishing 2-118.
Declan O’Brien top scored with 42. Taylors Lakes lost its first game against St Bernard’s OC.
Noah Botic. (AAP Image/Will Murray)
Adriana Taranto. (Supplied)
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