Everyone is invited to Featherbrook Reserve on Sunday, March 30, to join the battle against melanoma and make sure people understand the importance of regular skin checks.
The Remembering Jeff Butcher campaign is a continuation of the mission of the man whose name the campaign bears.
After receiving his diagnosis shortly after his 40th birthday, the father, husband and Point Cook Centrals stalwart set about spreading awareness of melanoma.
Jeff’s message was pretty simple - he did not want anyone else or any other family to go through his experience. He died on April 30 last year, aged 44.
His wife Christine and their three children are now fighting to spread his message.
“When you have kids re-iterating his message and having his sunscreen hanging off their school bags, you know that his legacy lives on in our next generation of sun smart kids,” Christine said. “It is a cancer that can be prevented.”
Christine also said it felt like a duty to keep Jeff’s legacy alive.
“We have an innate responsibility to do something, and there should be something to come from it,“ she said. The event is on from 3pm.
New chapter for libraries Taking on melanoma
By Jaidyn Kennedy
Wyndham council says it needs more money from the state government to build two new libraries and expand existing facilities, an investment that a Truganina resident says is urgently needed.
Mayor Mia Shaw said council has plans to construct two new libraries over the next 10 years.
She said a library cost about $30 million to deliver, with the cost split 50/50 between council and the state government in the past, but the majority of cost had been shifted back on to council.
“Over the years, the state’s contribution has declined to just 17 per cent, leaving councils to covertheremaining83percent,”CrShawsaid.
“This cost-shifting has got to stop. Why should ratepayers be forced to fund essential community infrastructure like libraries and aquatic centres?”
Truganina resident Jawad Muhammed said the Truganina Library Lounge, the closest library facility to his house and also the existing facility council said needed the most upgrading,istoosmallandlackstheresources his five children need to study.
He said that due to the lack of a viable
library service in the suburb, he has to drive his five children to either the Tarneit or Point Cook libraries.
“There’s too much traffic on the roads and both the libraries are about 15 minutes drive away from Truganina centre to begin with,” he said.
According to Mr Muhammed, the growing populationoftheregionandculturaldiversity among the youth makes the investments even more urgent.
“Nowadays, kids need books to read in order to help them improve their vocabulary –especially if English is not their first language.
“We need more libraries and they need to
be bigger, because they are good spaces, they are safe, and that means our kids are doing productive things.”
A state government spokesperson said financial support to councils had increased by $161 million this year.
According to the government, Wyndham has received $2.45 million from Living Libraries Infrastructure Program for four projectssince2015–theexpansionofHoppers Crossing library, Truganina Community Centre, Wyndham mobile library van and the Point Cook library expansion – and $14.66 million under the Public Libraries Funding Program.
Christine Toon, her kids Lachlan, 15, Elyse, 9, and Chloe, 9. (Damjan Janevski) 465157_01
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Tougher bail laws under scrutiny
By Gladys Barreta
Victoria’s new package of bail reforms is being criticised for imposing tougher bail conditions on youth offenders, which are seen as a deterrent rather than a solution to breaking the cycle of reoffending.
The state government is labelling the reforms as the toughest bail laws to be introduced in Australia, making it harder for repeat adult and youth offenders to get bail.
Premier Jacinta Allan said the current laws are not meeting community expectations regarding the repeated pattern of offending.
Ms Allan admitted that the government
“got it wrong” when it introduced previous changes to the bail laws in 2023.
Youthoffendersconvictedofseriouscrimes havebeenplacedonthesamefootingasadults under a new test, which will prevent them from being granted bail after committing an indictable offence while on bail. The “second strike rule” will also introduce breaking bail conditions or failing to meet curfew as an offence.
“Our tough bail laws will jolt the system — putting community safety above all, creating the toughest bail laws ever, and ensuring bail rules are respected,” Ms Allan said.
Westjustice children and young people’s
program legal director Anoushka Jeronimus has raised concerns about whether incarcerating young people is the answer to rehabilitation.
“Bail changes haven’t worked in the past, so weareconcernedthattheselawswillnotmake the community any safer and may actually push young people toward reoffending,” Ms Jeronimus said.
“What needs to happen as a high-priority focus is proper funding for the Youth Justice Act, which was introduced in December 2024, to ensure its full implementation.”
MsJeronimusaddedthatthecostofkeeping a young person in custody is $7775 a day
College hosts special Holi guest
Wyndham Central College had a Holi to remember on Friday, March 14, with a very special guest making an appearance.
The Consul General of India, Dr Sushil Kumar, joined in the celebration of light over darkness and a colour run at Galvin Park across the road.
The occasion was a big one for the multicultural community and student body, manyofwhombelongtotheAustralian-Indian diaspora.
DrKumarsaidthecelebrationstrengthened the cultural identity of young people and made them feel more connected to their roots.
which could be better used for rehabilitation and resources.
Victoria Legal Aid has labelled the tightening of Victoria’s bail laws as a backward step.
Executive director Kate Bundrock said the changes will cause serious harm to people in the community who need the most support.
“We need to look at increasing access to bail support programs and early intervention and prevention programs, which have been showntosignificantlyreducereoffendingand improve other health and wellbeing outcomes for children and families.”
Jameson Way nearly done
Stage one of upgrades to the Jamieson Way Community Centre and Reserve expansion are nearing completion and stage two works will begin in coming weeks.
To date a third kindergarten room, expanded kindergarten outdoor play area, new multipurpose meeting spaces, upgraded staff facilities, new maternal and child health consulting rooms, a new reception area and a community kitchen have been completed.
Stage two works will include the additionofanewindoormultisportsports venue, netball pavilion with two new netball courts, landscaping, and a new playgroundwithsupportingamenities. It also includes the demolition of two tennis courts to make way for a new car park to service the upgraded reserve.
The two remaining tennis courts and four netball courts will remain and are ready for use.
Featherbrook Ward councillor Jasmine Hill said the completion of stage one was a significant achievement for Point Cook.
“These new facilities are already benefitting families and community groups in Point Cook,” she said.
Cheetham Ward councillor Susan McIntyre said the project will make the precinctahubforcommunityconnection.
“It helps young people appreciate diversity, foster a sense of unity and prepares them to contribute positively to a diverse world.”
He said the exchange of knowledge and culture is vital in a multicultural society, as it promotes mutual respect, empathy and understanding.
“It aligns with ancient Indian philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ which means the world is one family,” he said.
“Holi strengthens the community bond, as families, students and even workplaces come together, making it a celebration beyond cultural and religious lines.”
“When young people are exposed to different cultures, they learn different traditions, languages and develop a global perspective,” he said.
He said the Holi events, honour the festival of colours that signifies victory of good over evil, in Melbourne attract not just Indian communities but people from all walks of life, making it a truly multicultural celebration.
For Dr Kumar, young people embracing an ancient celebration is personally rewarding.
“The most rewarding aspect about celebrating important events in school is fostering cultural awareness and understanding in children.”
“This helps children develop respect for diversity while creating memorable learning experiences.”
JaidynKennedy
“This project is all about future-proofing this important community space so that it can continue toservethegrowingneedsofPointCook residents for years to come,” she said. Details : www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/ jamiesonway-cc-master-plan
Urgent call for people to donate blood following Alfred
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood urgently needs an additional 6000 people to donate blood this week to replenish supplies depleted by ex-Cyclone Alfred.
An unprecedented number of donor centre closures and a surge in hospital orders preceding the Queensland emergency has drastically reduced the organisation’s blood stocks this week.
A major boost in donations is urgently needed now to ensure blood continues to be available for patients in need.
Acting chief executive officer Stuart
Chesneau said Lifeblood was particularly focused on replenishing stocks of platelets, whicharemadefromblooddonationsandhave a shelf-life of just five days after they’re tested.
“We pre-emptively sent extra supplies of bloodproducts,includingplatelets,tohospitals intheimpactedregionaheadofAlfredlanding, but many of those platelets are now close to expiring,” Mr Chesneau said.
“They are used to help people undergoing chemotherapy or to stop bleeding during surgery or after a major trauma.”
Lifeblood was forced to cancel 3,500
appointments with the closure of 22 donor centres in Queensland and northern New South Wales from Thursday to Sunday.
“Between the shortfall in donations, combined with the pre-emptive drain on our blood stocks, it means we now urgently need to replenish blood supplies right across the country,” Mr Chesneau added.
“We’re asking anyone who may be eligible to donate to book an appointment now, and we also need new donors to step up. Our regular donorshaveseenusthroughtheChristmasand NewYearperiod,andmanywon’tbeeligibleto
donate blood for a while. New donors will be needed to see us through the coming weeks.
“If you’ve been waiting to find a reason to become a donor or have been thinking about coming back to donate, this is the time to act.“
Almost 4,000 bags of blood are needed by hospitals every day across Australia to help patients in times of trauma, major surgery, cancer treatment, childbirth, and for a range of other medical conditions.
To book a donation call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or download the Donate Blood App..
Consular General of India Dr Shushil Kumar and acting principal Bryan Woolard. of Wyndham Central College. (Damjan Janevski) 460725_02
We’re building an alternative to the West Gate Bridge and there will be transport disruptions
As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re putting the finishing touches on the new West Gate Tunnel, an alternative to the West Gate Bridge. When the tunnel opens in 2025, you can enter on the West Gate Freeway near Williamstown Road, and take advantage of new exits to Footscray Road, Dynon Road or CityLink.
Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions
Sunbury Line 29 to 30 March
Road disruptions: Closed roads, lanes and ramps
North Melbourne to Sunshine
Princes Freeway, Laverton North At times until late MarchCitybound ramp to M80 Ring Road
West Gate Freeway, Spotswood Until late March
Millers Road, Brooklyn Until late March
Grieve Parade, Brooklyn Until late March
M80 Ring Road, Laverton North At times until early April
Citybound lane from Millers to Williamstown roads
Citybound exit ramp to Williamstown Road
Citybound entry ramp to West Gate Freeway
Citybound entry ramp to West Gate Freeway
Greensborough-bound between Boundary Road and Western Freeway
Altona-bound between Western Freeway and Boundary Road
Diggers Rest-Coimadai Road, Diggers Rest Until 6am, 14 AprilBetween Welcome Road and Pepper Close
Calls for Point Cook police boost
By Jaidyn Kennedy
A Point Cook resident is calling on the state government to increase the police presence in the suburb ahead of the projected opening of a new police station next year.
Anand Patil, whose wife was allegedly threatened with a knife near the Point Cook Town Centre last year, said he has observed crimeworsenintheareasincethepairarrived from India 17 years ago. He said that since the incident, the pair had felt the need to ramp up security in their own
homes and be more careful going about their day-to-day lives.
“We have installed every security mechanism we can, such as security, alarms and cameras,” he said.
“We don’t take any chances.”
Crime Statistics Agency data shows there were were 2927 offences recorded in Point Cook in the year to September 2024, up from 2460 in the previous 12 months.
The state government is building a police station on Homestead Road. It is expected to open in mid-2026.
Mr Patil said the future police station will help, but an increased police presence would do more to solve the problem.
“A police station is welcome, but we need more police on the street rather than just at a station,” he said.
“I changed houses about eights years ago in Point Cook, because I thought I wasn’t in a safe area.”
Western Metropolitan Liberal MP Trung Luu said his office was inundated with local residents expressing fears for their safety.
“My office regularly receives calls, emails
has two go-kart
Mila races towards the finish line
A teenager is making waves in the go-karting community following two consecutive podium finishes.
Mila Siskovski, 13, from Point Cook, achieved a second-place finish on March 2, just after she placed third on her grandfather’s 70th birthday at the Geelong Go-Kart Club (GKC).
Mila said she was excited to have two podium finishes under her belt while following in her father’s and grandfather’s footsteps, both of whom have experience in racing.
She races under kart number 21, a tribute to her grandfather, who competed in
motorsport hillclimbing under the same number in the 1960s.
“It feels really good to finish third on my grandpa’s birthday and second a couple of weeks ago because it was my first two podiums so far,” Mila said.
“I love go-karting... and when I’m not racing, I think about go-karting. Otherwise, I will watch F1 (Formula 1 Racing) or hang out with my friends.
“I love everything about go-karting, like the competition, speed, and adrenaline... I also really like the Geelong GKC track, and I like everyone there and the people.”
Mila’s dad, Danny Siskovski, said his
daughter’s love for racing started when she visited a go-kart track and finished first among over 20 drivers, some as old as 40.
Her debut led Mila’s family to invest in a second-hand go-kart and enrol her in club-level racing at GKC, where she competes in the Junior Light category.
“It’s great seeing her confidence skyrocket with each race,” Mr Siskovski said.
“Sheabsolutelylovedthethrillofit(racing) from that very first race. She got off the track with a huge smile and asked if she could do it seriously.”
Jena Carr
and visits from residents who have either been victims of crime or are fed up with the government’s weakening of the justice system,” he said.
Mr Luu also said he is also telling personal acquaintances to be mindful in the area.
“I tell my staff and friends to always be wary of your surroundings – it is a great concern whenyoumustadvisepeopletobemoreaware of their surroundings in suburban residential areas.”
Police Minister Anthony Carbines was contacted for comment.
Arrests over stabbing death
Thirteen people have been interviewed regarding the death of Lino Atem in Wyndham Vale in January.
Mr Atem, a 24-year-old Wyndham Valeman,wasfatallystabbedonHaines Drive near Ribblesdale Avenue, about 11.30pm on Friday, January 10 when he and two friends were confronted by another group.
Fifteen warrants were executed on the the morning of Tuesday, March 11 in Aintree, Deer Park, Manor Lakes, Sunshine West, Albanvale, Mornington, Werribee, Deanside, Hoppers Crossing, Melton South, Keilor and Braybrook.
Police arrested a 22-year-old and 20-year-old man from Hoppers Crossing,a18-year-oldWerribeeman,a 23-year-old Deanside man, 19-year-old Melton South man, a 20-year-old Braybrook man, a 17-year-old boy from the Mornington Peninsula area and six teenage boys from the northern suburbs.
All thirteen will now be interviewed by police.
Police also seized a number of items from the addresses including two motor vehicles.
Detective Acting Inspector Adam Shoesmith said the arrests were made after two months of investigations and that he hopes it will open up more leads on the case.
“We are hopeful that today’s arrests and warrants provide investigators with further avenues of inquiry,” he said.
“Lino was simply enjoying a night in the park socialising with friends when he was attacked.”
“While we believe this incident was targeted, there is nothing to indicate why the group was attacked and police believe it is likely a case of mistaken identity.”
Father and son rhino duo meet at Werribee Open Range
Werribee Open Range Zoo (WROZ) wants familiestoknowitistheplacetobeinautumn, and rhinos are in season.
The new twist to this family affair began when seven-month-old southern white rhino calf Jabulani met his father Kifaru last month. Jabulani would have been forgiven for being nervous when he saw his father, who weighs two tonnes and is five times his size, come bounding across the savannah.
Never one to shy away from the moment, Jabulani, who has been making headlines since his birth in August, stood his ground and handled the meeting with a nonchalant
touching of horns.
A real chip off the old block, he did all this while casually enjoying his lunch.
Savannah keeper Lance Weldhagen said the young calf had plenty of backup.
“Jabulani is a curious young rhino, but it certainly helps when there are eight tonnes of ‘rhino bodyguards’ between him and Kifaru – Jabulani’s mother Kipenzi, grandma Sisi, great grandma Make and herd member Letaba,” he said.
The duo’s meeting a few months after Jabulani’s birth is part of a planned approach by keepers to replicate the wild herd cohesion
of rhinos at the zoo.
In the wild, male southern white rhinos lead mostly solitary lives and have minimal involvement with their calves, which is why caution had to be exercised.
The mother and female herd members take on the responsibility of protecting and nurturing their young, while males accept females and their calves passing through and living in their territory.
“We are all super proud of the entire rhino herd. It’s incredibly exciting to see the group dynamics the herd together,” Mr Weldhagen said.
Jabulani with his parents, Kipenzi and Kifaru (Supplied)
Thirteen-year-old Mila Siskovski
podium finishes under her belt. (Supplied)
Clothes for boys needed
Big Group Hug (BGH) is calling on the community to donate much needed boys clothing to its Thomastown and Tarneit locations.
The charity group is in urgent need of boys’ apparel for sizes 5-16, with winter clothing and sleepwear at the top of the list.
BGH receives hundreds of requests each month for clothes for local kids, but at the moment the charity is completely out of some sizes of long sleeve tops, jackets, pants and pyjamas.
Pre-loved or new is welcome, however clothes must be in near-new condition, without stains, rips or pilling.
The goal is for each clothing pack to be the equivalent of a week’s wardrobe and for an aid pack to give children a sense of joy and respect.
Any donation is an appreciated act of generosity,butnoteverythingcanbeaccepted.
BGH cannot accept items that are stained
or damaged, nor items with strong references to family members like “Daddy’s little boy“ or “Nana’s favourite“ due to the high volume of family trauma experienced by recipients.
Seasonal items such as Easter clothing are also something the group cannot accept.
Fundraising organiser Maria Quigley said that quality donations can make a world of difference.
“For their parents and caregivers, buying new clothes for fast-growing children is expensive, items the community can provide means parents can save money and redirect it toward essentials like food or housing.
“No child should feel left out because they don’t have decent clothes.”
Baby items like car seats and cots are also in high demand.
Full list of requirements: biggrouphug.org
Jaidyn Kennedy
Ramming charge
A 35-year-old Footscray man has been charged after allegedly ramming police in Tarneit on March 12. Police spotted a silver Ford Ranger driven erratically on the Princes Freeway near Laverton at about 1am. After police failed to intercept the driver, he continued along Palmers Road, before almost colliding with a truck on Forsyth Road.. The driver eventually came to a stop on Dylan Street where he allegedly reversed into a police vehicle. The officers inside were not injured and the man was arrested at the scene and charged with resisting a police officer, driving under the influence and possessing a controlled weapon along with other driving related charges. He was bailed to appear before Werribee Magistrates’ Court on September 1.
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Maria Quigley of Big Group Hug. (Damjan Janevski) 464184_02
Research into ‘neglected’ issue
Researchers are investigating causes and potential treatments for perinatal intrusions —intenseandvividthoughtsthatimpactmost people during and after pregnancy.
Intrusive and distressing thoughts affect virtually all mothers during pregnancy and beyond, but little is known about their causes andwaystotreatthem,duetoalackofevidence in what a UNSW scientist calls a “completely neglected” field of research.
Now researchers from UNSW Sydney and the George Institute will redress this knowledge gap by embarking on a five year study into ‘perinatal intrusions’, which they outline in a focus article published in the journal Science Advances.
“Intrusions are thoughts of infant-related harm that women can have during the pregnancy,ormorecommonly,inthefirstyear after childbirth, or postpartum,” says Scientia Associate Professor Susanne Schweizer, who is leading the research in UNSW Science.
“So the type of thoughts that most women will have are thoughts of accidental harm –like imagining the baby falling off a changing table, or a pram rolling away – and these are quite vivid images that seem to come out of nowhere.”
Butperhapsmoredistressing,nottomention isolating, are thoughts of causing intentional harm to the infants.
“Half of all women who give birth will additionally have thoughts of intentionally harming their baby. Again, these thoughts
come out of nowhere and it’s one of the worst things you can think of as a human being.”
Associate Professor Schweizer stresses that these thoughts are very common and are not linked to behaviour that goes beyond these thoughts and is acted upon. She compares it to the fleeting thought about stepping off the ledge of a high cliff when in close proximity to a lethal drop that many people experience.
“It makes sense from an evolutionary perspective that women are extremely sensitized to threats in the caregiving environment, because their infant is entirely dependent on them being alert to those threats,” she says.
But knowing that it may have evolutionary roots and may be designed to keep mothers andinfantssafedoesn’tstopthethoughtsfrom causingdistress.AssociateProfessorSchweizer says some women will be particularly vulnerable to these perinatal intrusions
developing into an anxiety disorder that could negatively affect both mother and infant.
“There is barely a handful of people worldwide looking into this at the moment, mainly because the perinatal period is a completely neglected area of research.
“So we’re trying to redress that and understand why women are vulnerable to these thoughts. We know that more intense, more distressing, more frequent, intrusive thoughts are associated with worse perinatal outcomes, not just in the mental health for the mother, but also in terms of the baby’s emotional wellbeing.”
Hormones
The research that the UNSW team and collaborators in India and Canada are embarking on will focus on the social, biologicalandcognitivefactorsthatcontribute to the heightened vulnerability for mental
health problems women experience in the perinatal period. One part of the study will look at the role hormones play on a mother’s cognition and mood during the perinatal period.
“We already know from menstrual cycle researchthatsomewomenareverysusceptible tothehormonalchangesthatoccurduringthe cycle,” Associate Professor Schweizer says.
“For some, it’s so extreme that it can lead to actual symptoms of depression, complete hopelessness and an inability to be motivated to do anything, and a lack of pleasure.”
The researchers are planning to map hormone fluctuations across the perinatal period to see if any patterns emerge.
“Identifying who is susceptible to hormone sensitivity,andwhy,iscrucialtoimplementing early intervention, and even prevention, strategies to bolster women’s mental health during the peripartum,” the researchers say in the article.
Looking ahead
The research team is currently working with women with lived experience of perinatal mental health problems to design the research materialsforafirststudyfromthisprojectthat is launching in the next few weeks. This study will track women across the perinatal period and measure intrusive thoughts and how they are associated with mothers’ mental health through a range of possible factors such as women’s thinking styles, hormone sensitivity and social connectedness.
Associate Professor Schweizer says this work is much needed, and she hopes that the knowledge this research advances will ensure expectant parents as well as their healthcare providers are better prepared and informed about the range of experiences women may have in this unique period of life.
Family-friendly gym set to open for everyday champions
Lavertonisabouttowelcomebackalegendary fitness legacy, with Team Ellis Gym opening a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility in Laverton North this May.
For those who know the history, Keith Ellis and Lester Ellis both trained in Laverton decades ago. Now, after all these years, they are coming back to where it all started — but this time, it’s about more than just boxing.
AtTeamEllisGym,theyknowfirsthandhow boxing has transformed into one of the best ways for everyday people to get fit, stay strong, and build confidence.
Jake Ellis, Lester’s middle child, sums it up perfectly when he says “Boxing has changed so much since my dad last trained here. I love that it’s become popular as a fitness exercise for everyday people. It’s a great way to train, get fit, and feel stronger, both physically and mentally.“
The gym will be a family-friendly space for men,women,andkidsasyoungasfive.Whether youwanttoloseweight,buildconfidence,orbe part of a supportive community, you’ll find a home with Team Ellis.
Over the last eight years, Team Ellis has helped hundreds of families in Keilor East transform their lives through fitness, and with the gym now completely full, they knew it was time to give back to Laverton North.
Theteamalsobelieveinthepoweroftraining to improve mental health and build resilience. Many members have discovered a new found sense of confidence, energy, and motivation through their training. The next generation is looking bright, and Team Ellis can’t wait to welcome them.
The gym will be led by former Light Heavyweight Australian Champion and Laverton local Lucas Miller, alongside trainers Kodi Jacques (ex-Essendon FC player and amateurboxer)andNicholasScerri(undefeated
professional boxer).
To celebrate, Team Ellis is offering Foundation Memberships at the lowest rates ever, with early access before the official opening.
Call 0420 700 337 to lock in your spot!
The grand opening in mid to late May will
More special guests to be announced—stay tuned!
Major news stations and media outlets will be covering this special event, ensuring Team Ellis Gym’s grand opening makes headlines
across the country. More TV personalities, influencers, and sporting stars will be announcedasthedategetscloser,sostaytuned for updates!
LavertonNorth,getreadytobecomethebest version of yourself —Team Ellis is coming!
feature Tayla Harris, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Lester Ellis, Barry Michael, and major media coverage.
The New Zealand rugby team.
Successful female boxer Tayla Harris.
Nelson Asofa-Solomona in action.
Executive director at Team Ellis Antoni Topic (right) with Collingwood player Jack Crisp.
‘‘ It’s like there are other nerds out there and now I just wear it like a badge, like “yeah, I paint little things” ’’
- Matt Mak
Neurodiversity fires creativity
With Neurodiversity Celebration Week underway, Cade Lucas spoke to South Kingsville artist Matt Mak and partner Lauren Kerr about his recent ADHD diagnosis, the link between neurodiversity and creativity and his drive to help other young neurodiverse artists.
Set in a grim, dark time in the future where a stagnant human civilisation is beset by hostile aliens and supernatural creatures, Warhammer 40,000 is the world’s most popular tabletop wargaming franchise.
First released in 1987, Warhammer, unsurprisingly, involves players waging war on one another with miniature models of humans, aliens and fighting vehicles on a tabletop battlefield.
It’s this fictional future dystopia where South Kingsville’s Matt Mak spends most of his spare time, though not as a participant.
“I’ve never been into playing those games,” said Mak of Warhammer 40,000 and similar tabletop games.
Instead, the 46-year-old graphic designer and artist paints the miniature models and figurinesthatWarhammerplayersusetobattle each other.
“I’vealwaysjustseenitasanoutlettopickup abrushandpaintsomethingasdetailedandas nice as I wanted to paint it, that’s about as far as it goes for me,” said Mak of his interest in painting the miniature models, some of which are less than three centimetres tall.
As it turns out, that interest has still taken him quite far.
Miniature model art has a following every bit as committed and dedicated as the tabletop games they’re used for and within this artistic community – a niche within a niche if you like – Mak’s paintings of small figurines have become a very big deal.
An Instagram account he started a couple of years to showcase his work – Matties Minis –now has 18,000 followers, while Mak has been recognisedatnationalandglobalcompetitions and is regularly asked to judge them too.
“It’s a really good outlet,” said Mak of his hobby and the like-minded community it’s unexpectedly drawn him into.
“It’s really helped encourage me. It’s really made me feel like being into that stuff
(miniature model art) is not so taboo. It’s like there are other nerds out there and now I just wear it like a badge, like “yeah, I paint little things.”
Mak also said immersing himself in the fictional world of Warhammer allowed him to escape some of difficulties he faced living in the real one.
“I guess it’s a really good way to kind of treat myself like just emotionally and mentally, especially because, you know, you still face life and things that just kind of get you down.”
In March last year, Mak learnt that the reason for him feeling down in the real world was the same thing that led him towards the imaginary world of Warhammer art: he was diagnosed with ADHD and autism.
The diagnosis came about after visits to a psychologist then a psychiatrist following an extended period of stress, anxiety and mental health issues.
However,accordingtohislong-timepartner, Lauren Kerr, the signs were there for much longer.
“We often talked about how Matt struggled with noise, stress, interruptions, and changes in plans – how all of these things made it hard for him to regulate his emotions and feel at
peace,” she said. “He’s carried these feelings for his entire life, and throughout our 13 years together.”
Kerr said prior to his diagnosis, it had been heart-breaking watching her partner struggle with common symptoms related to neurodiversity (a lack of organisation, an inability to focus, forgetfullness, hyper-sensitivity) and the mental health issues that often followed (those with ADHD are far more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety andothermood disorders thanthosewithout).
“For most of his life, Matt believed he was the problem. He spent decades masking his true self, trying to fit into workplaces and friendships that didn’t understand his needs.”
She said the difference since his diagnosis had been stark.
“It helped him see that he was never broken, just navigating a world that wasn’t built for him. Now, he surrounds himself with people and environments that truly accept and support him.”
That includes the miniature model painting community where having ADHD, autism and other neurodiverse conditions is not only common, but celebrated.
“The hobby community, the painting side
of things, and I think it is rife with neurodivergence,” said Mak.
“I just think the whole, you know, sit down at a table, look through a littlemagnifyingglassthereforthree hours,paintlittlethings,don’ttalkto anyone.Thatwholething,it’slikeyou couldn’tgetamoreperfectactivityfor someone (who’s neurodiverse).”
Since his diagnosis Mak has been taking Ritalin and Lexapro, which havehelpedhimimprovehisfocusand productivity.
“I didn’t know what it was like to, it sounds very basic, but just sit down and focus on something for a few hours and just not realise the time.”
But rather than dulling the creativity and quirkiness behind his art, he believes medication has actually enhanced it.
“Where I needed to be creative at work or in hobbies, if the focus wasn’t there, or if the confidence wasn’t there, that just kills the creativity,” said Mak, who often found his struggles working as a graphic designer drained him of the creativity needed for his hobby.
“Now it’s really invigorated that side of me so that once I put the tools down now, I just want to paint.”
Such has been the transformation in Mak, that he and Laura are using Neurodiversity CelebrationWeekfromMarch17to23tospeak out in an effort to help others, particularly young neurodiverse artists struggling to fit in.
“We live in a constructed world that isn’t tailored to some of us,” said Mak.
Providing support and professional pathways to young neurodiverse creatives will be incredible.”
To view Matt Mak’s Warhammer art, visit: https://www.instagram.com/matties_ minis/?hl=en
For more information on Neurodiversity Week, go to: https://www.neurodiversityweek. com/
South Kingsville artist Matt Mak with his Warhammer minature models. (Attie Mohebali) 463410_01
Mak’s minature model paintings have won a huge following online and won national and international awards. (Pictures: Supplied)
FEDERALELECTIONSURVEY
What issues matter most this Federal Election in suburban Australia?
As one of the largest publishers of independent community news in Victoria, Star News Group is conducting this simple survey to gauge community sentiment around the forthcoming federal election.
Please take 5 minutes to have your say and be part of this important conversation. The results of the survey will help us gauge the appetite of readers toward the forthcoming Federal Election and we will share results with our readers.
You can either fill in the survey below and email in or complete the survey online (Simply scan the QR code below)
1. What do you see as the single most important issue in the upcoming federal election?
8. Regarding immigration policy, do you believe the next government should:
Increase immigration
Reduce Immigration
Keep it about the same
9. At this point are you more likely to vote for:
2. Please select the top 5 of the following issues that are "Extremely Important" to you:
Electricity Prices
Climate Change Policies
Inflation (Cost of Living)
Health Services
Immigration and border control
National roads and rail infrastructure
Water infrastructure
Broadband interenet access
Please specify:
3. Please select the top 5 of the following issues that are "Least Important" to you:
Electricity Prices
Climate Change Policies
Inflation (Cost of Living)
Health Services
Immigration and border control
National roads and rail infrastructure
Water infrastructure
Broadband interenet access
Please specify:
4. Which is more important to you?
Cheapest electricity possible
Reducing carbon emissions
5. Do you support nuclear energy in Australia?
Yes No
6. Would you support a nuclear plant in your local area?
Yes No
7. Where would you most like to see a local increase in federal funding, and why?
Local hospitals
Local national highways
Local infrastructure project Defence
Other
Once completed, please scan or photograph your completed survey and email to:
A major party (Labor or Coalition)
A minor party
An independent
10. On a scale of 1 to 5, (5 the highest), how significant do you think the influence of social media is on public discourse and political decisionmaking in Australia?
1 2 3 4 5 Why?
11. On a scale of 1 to 5, (5 the highest), how concerned are you about global security currently?
1 2 3 4 5 Why?
12. On a scale of 1 to 5, (5 the highest), how concerned are you about housing affordability in your region? 1 2 3 4 5
13. In your opinion, how important is improved national road and transport infrastructure in your region? 1 2 3 4 5
14. What specific infrastructure projects do you believe should be prioritised in your region?
15. Are there any other local or regional issues that you feel are not getting enough attention in the federal election campaign? Please share your thoughts.
16. What age group do you fall into? 0-25 26-40 41-60 61-75 Over 76
First Name: Last Name: Daytime Contact Phone No:
Thank you for completing the survey. We really appreciate your support and value your opinion - Star Weekly Team
Machetes to be banned in Vic
By Willliam Ton, AAP
An Australian-first machete ban may be ineffective in stemming the tide of knife crime, with thugs likely to ignore it or turn to substitute weapons.
The Victorian government will move laws in parliament to ban the sale and possession of machetes from September 1 to combat their rising use.
There were 265 aggravated burglaries in the state over the past 12 months involving machetes.
The wide-bladed weapons were also part of three homicides in the past six months.
Victorian police confiscated more than 15,000 edged-weapons in 2024, a 10-year high, acting Chief Commissioner Rick Nugent said.
Machetes were increasingly being used by youth gangs in street fights, assaults, carjackings, aggravated burglaries and home invasions. Under the legislation to hit the upper house this week, those caught carrying a machete would face up to two years in prison or fines of more than $47,000.
The state government hasn’t settled on what constitutes a machete but said they can be broadly defined as a knife with a blade of more than 20cm.
A three-month amnesty from September 1 to November 30 allows people to dispose of machetes in secure bins at sites such as police stations without facing penalties.
Exemptions after the ban will only be provided in limited circumstances, including for hunting and agriculture.
Natalia Antolak-Saper, a senior lecturer in law at Monash University, said the proposed ban might reduce visibility but was unlikely to significantly deter determined offenders.
“This proposal feels more like a response to political optics (i.e. visible weapons, media-fuelled crime anxiety) than a comprehensive crime prevention strategy,” Dr Antolak-Saper told AAP.
Health campaign close to her heart
It might be approaching seven years ago now, but for Laverton’s Clare Delaney, memories of the night her father Anthony died remain as raw and as vivid as they were back in November 2018.
“My father was coming home. He worked nightshift and he was complaining earlier that day that he felt unwell,” she recalled of the events leading up to Anthony Delaney - a 59 year old rail worker - suffering a fatal heart attack at his family’s Kyneton home.
“Both my mother and I were in the room,” said Ms Delaney of the moment it happened.
“That night was not a fun night.”
Today, Clare Delaney has a family of her
own, living in Laverton with her partner and young daughter.
Her father’s life being cruelly cut short has inspired her to help ensure other families, including her own, don’t suffer a similar fate.
“Afterthedeathofmyfatheritspurredmeto check my own health out,” she said.
“I have regular tests with my own GP, I changed my diet and became more health conscious. I run and I cycle, but the big thing is that I advocate for heart health and for everyone to get checked.”
For Ms Delaney, that campaigning usually occursinFebruary-HeartResearchAustralia’s heart awareness month - and in November,
coinciding with the anniversary of her father’s death.
But with heart disease being Australia’s biggest killer, she said spreading the heart health message was a year round endeavour.
“I think it’s a common misconception that hearthealthisonlyimportantforolderpeople,”
Ms Delaney said.
“Research suggests it can affect everyone. Every ten minutes someone suffers a heart attack and two in three people will die.”
To learn more about Heart Research Australia, visit: www.heartresearch.com.au.
Cade Lucas
She pointed out people carrying machetes with the intent to commit crimes are likely already disregarding existing weapons laws.
“Offenders may simply substitute machetes with other weapons, such as knives, bats, or tools,whichraisesconcernsaboutdisplacement, not deterrence,” Dr Antolak-Saper said.
Machetes were made a controlled weapon in March 2024, meaning they could not be possessed, carried, or used without a lawful excuse or sold to anyone under 18.
The premier wants major retailers to stop ordering machetes ahead of the ban, and Victoriawillwritetothefederalgovernmentto take action on imports and explore a national ban.
Explore trails with new map
A new online shared user path map will makeiteasierforWyndhamresidentsto explore new trails in their backyard.
The interactive map on Wyndham council’s website allows users to search for nearby walking and cycling paths, and provides detailed information about some of Wyndham’s bigger trails, including the Werribee River Trail, Wyndham Bay Trail and Lollypop Creek Bike Trail.
The map will be updated over time as more existing shared paths are added and the shared user path network expands, council said.
MayorMiaShawencouragedresidents to check out the map for themselves.
“Whether you are travelling to work or school, or just looking for a great leisure experience, Wyndham has many bike trails and walking paths for you to explore,” Cr Shaw said.
“The shared user path map is a fantasticresourcethatwillhelpresidents discover new routes and enjoy the many beautiful trails Wyndham has to offer.
“It also builds on Wyndham City’s ongoing efforts to improve our footpath and shared path network in line with the Active Transport Strategy, which aims to make it easier for residents to get around on foot or bike.
“Most recently Wyndham City, in collaboration with Melbourne Water and an adjacent landowner, completed a new 720-metre path that connects the Federation Trail with the existing Laverton Creek path to Dohertys Road, enhancing the shared path network in the Truganina Employment Precinct.”
Laverton’s Clare Delaney campaigns on the the importance of cardiovascular health following her father’s fatal heart attack. (Ljubica Vrankovic: 457116)
The new Viking Vest launches
IN exciting news for travellers, Viking have announced the launch of their twelfth ocean vessel, the stunning Viking Vesta where guests are offered a superb inclusive experience.
Viking ocean ships are designed as upscale hotels, with identical sister ships engineered at a scale that allows direct access into most ports where larger ships cannot dock.
Thestate-of-the-artshipsfeatureunderstated elegance, modern Scandinavian design, are 227.2 metres long with 465 verandah staterooms and carry only 998 guests.
The fleet is known for their award-winning service with more than 450 Swiss-trained, English-speaking crew onboard to look after passenger’s needs.
The smaller guest numbers allow for a much easier embarkation and debarkation process, less and quicker tendering and access to more ports with the ability to dock in the heart of small towns.
Guests enjoy an included excursion in every port and onboard port talks, lectures, demonstrations and performances.
Each ship has one hundred per cent balcony staterooms,fullpromenadedeck,largeoutdoor deck space, two level explorers lounge with two-hundred-and-seventy-degree viewing, eight dining venues and more al fresco options than any other ship.
Viking ships boast delightful light design with use of natural materials offering minimalist, modern and elegant features and all include Nordic spa facilities which must be seen to be believed.
Thecruiseitinerariesaredesignedtoprovide everything guests need without opening their wallet including on board meals and beverages includingwine,beerandsoftdrinkswithlunch and dinner; specialty coffee, tea and bottled water; unlimited wi-fi; all onboard gratuities, port charges and taxes, use of the LivNordic Spa, self-serve laundries and twenty-four-hour room service.
Viking ships traverse the world’s oceans from Scandinavia and Northern Europe to the Mediterranean, the Americas and the Caribbean, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
The ships destinations are in high demand and with Viking ships originating from Scandinavia, the Vesta offers a genuine insight into the origins and hidden corners of this spectacular region.
The Viking Vesta sails guests through the stunning Viking Homelands and through Iceland’s Majestic Landscapes; it explores ancient Adriatic treasures and the Amalfi Coast, Africa and Iberia; Iconic Mediterranean treasures; and a Greek Odyssey
to name just a few.
Why not embark on a twenty-nine-day Scandinavia and the British Isles cruise from London to Stockholm which includes twenty-two tours, eleven countries $500 shipboard credit and free companion flights (conditions apply) sound?
Or a sixteen-day Iconic Western Mediterranean round trip from Barcelona sailing to Malta, Morocco and the Mediterranean with nine included tours, visiting seven countries for only $12,695?
Guests will jump at the chance to experience thenewJewelsoftheMediterraneancruisewith a roundtrip from Rome visiting five countries over fifteen days with ten tours included for only $10,995!
For Iceland lovers, take a fifteen-day Iceland, British Isles and Iberia cruise from Reykjavik toBarcelonavisitingfivecountriesandoffering eight tours for only $10,195 per person. What an extraordinarily perfect way to explore cities such as Liverpool, Lisbon and Granada with time to immerse in their distinctive cultures.
Stopping at Dublin, Ireland’s UNESCO City of Literature and famed as the birthplace of many of Ireland’s finest writers as well as most famous landmarks and historic buildings.
Australians have a kinship with Ireland and this cruise offers guests a chance to
taste Ireland’s famous ruby-black nectar and discover its origin on a visit to Dublin’s Guinness Storehouse.
Also visit Dublin’s oldest university, renowned for its notable alumni, and see the BookofKellsinitslibrary;Enjoyaperformance of Irish folk music with a brief introduction to theintricaciesofIrishdancing;beimmersedin a cooking demonstration by Catherine Fulvio, a highly acclaimed TV chef and food writer at Ballyknocken House and Cookery School and discover how flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, butter, cream and eggs can create the perfect teatime delicacy, scones.
Discover the ‘water of life’ at Jameson Distillery where guests can savour the smooth aroma of John Jameson’s Irish whiskey and compare selected Irish whiskeys against varieties of Scotch and Bourbon.
For architecture fans admire the natural splendour of the ‘Garden of Ireland’ with a panoramic excursion through the manicured beauty of Powerscourt House and Gardens, a lavish estate set against the backdrop of the Wicklow Mountains
For history buffs, travel to Glendalough, nestled in a tranquil mountain valley for a tour of the surviving ruins of a 6th-century monastic settlement.
It is all there, on every cruise with Viking,
there is something for everyone and guests can enjoy as little or as much as they desire.
Viking’s purpose-built ships offer a wide variety of staterooms for selection from Veranda Staterooms to the abundance of extra perks and amenities in the Explorer Suites; all beautifully designed and spacious and all offering superb comfort and privacy.
Each Viking cruise is destination focused, culturallyenriching,carefullycuratedandthat is why people choose to travel with Viking over other cruise lines again and again.
CruisingwithVikingisadifferentexperience, everything the company do is focused on making guests time aboard and onshore truly memorable and they have reinvented cruising.
Don’t hesitate to book a trip before 31 March to receive free companion flight offers and $500 shipboard credit per stateroom, saving even more money on your dream holiday. (conditions apply)
For further information please visit www.viking.com or phone 138 747.
Viking Vesta
Only 998 guests
• Length: 784 feet
Beam: 101 feet
• Class: small ships
Year built: 2025
LEE MCCARTHY
Viking welcome new ocean cruise ship Viking Vesta to its fleet.
With more than 450 Swiss-trained, English-speaking staff on each ocean ship, guests can relax and enjoy their holiday.
With eight eating venues and the stunning Explorers Lounge guests can relax between shore excursions in style.
RHINE CASTLES & SWISS ALPS
CHRISTMAS MARKETS
7-night river cruise from Amsterdam to Basel 2 nights Amsterdam pre cruise 2 nights Zurich post cruise 22 November - 3 December 2025 | AmaVenita
From $8495 per person
Book and deposit of $1000 per person by Friday 28 March
Nov 22AmsterdamArrival in Amsterdam and hotel check in
Nov 23AmsterdamVisit to Christmas market
Nov 24AmsterdamZaanse Schans Visit EMBARKATION
Nov 25AmsterdamCanal cruise Scenic cruising
Nov 26Cologne
Nov 27Rhine Gorge
Cologne walking tour and Kölsch beer tasting OR Cologne Cathedral Architecture tour OR Cologne bike tour
Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising Gondola ride with Christmas market OR Vineyard hike OR Guided bike tour of the Rheingau
Rudesheim Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet OR Rüdesheimer Coffee
Nov 28Ludwigshafen
Nov 29Strasbourg
Nov 30Basel
Romantic Heidelberg tour and Christmas markets OR Medieval Speyer and Christmas markets
The Gem of Alsace tour with Christmas markets OR Strasbourg bike tour
City of Art tour with Christmas market OR Lucerne Full-Day Tour with Christmas market OR Three Countries bike tour
Half-day Lucerne excursion with Christmas markets
Dec 1Basel DISEMBARKATION Transfer to Zurich
Dec 2ZurichVisit Christmas market
Dec 3ZurichFarewell and departure
ONBOARD CRUISE INCLUSIONS:
» 7-night river cruise in elegantly appointed accommodations
» Fine dining on board in multiple venues
» Unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
» Smallgroupguidedshoreexcursionswithavarietyofchoices,including exclusive Special Interest, hiking and biking tours
» Professionally trained Wellness Host leading wellness activities
» Live local entertainment
» Unlimited complimentary Wi-Fi access
BOOK EARLY AND SAVE
To make your reservation contact: The Departure Lounge Travel and Cruise 03 9769 5722 | enquiries@tdlb.com.au terms and conditions apply
YOUR HOST, LAUREN
Join us on our exclusive, fully hosted 2025 European Christmas market tour for an immersive, worry-free experience. As your personal hosts, we’ll be with you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth trip and offering personalised attention. Enjoy a welcome reception, a farewell dinner, and a close-knit, friendly atmosphere. The tour features a twonight stay in vibrant Amsterdam before the Christmas markets cruise, and two nights in picturesque Zurich afterward. With experienced hosts, you can relax and savour Europe’s festive markets,knowingeverydetailishandled.
Rhine Gorge, Germany
Don’t miss out—this
RER
MOROCCO & THE MEDITERRANEAN
Roundtrip Barcelona, Spain
16 DAYS | 7 COUNTRIES | 9 GUIDED TOURS
2026; FEB-MAY, JUL 2027
From $23,095pp in Veranda Stateroom
From $27,595pp in Penthouse Veranda
SET SAIL: NOV-DEC 2025; JAN-FEB, OCT, DEC 2026; JAN-FEB, APR-MAY, JUN, AUG 2027
From $12,695pp in Veranda Stateroom
From $15,895pp in Penthouse Veranda MEDITERRANEAN ODYSSEY
Barcelona to Venice or vice versa
13 DAYS | 6 COUNTRIES | 10 GUIDED TOURS
SET SAIL: JUN-AUG, OCT 2025; JAN, MAR-OCT 2026; FEB-AUG 2027
From $8,995pp in Deluxe Veranda
From $10,395pp in Penthouse Veranda
ATHENS, GREECE
SEVILLE, SPAIN
Christmas & New Year New Zealand & South Australia Discovery Voyage.
Sydney, Fiordland National Park (scenic cruising), Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Napier, Gisborne, Tauranga, Auckland, Bay of Islands, Sydney, Phillip Island, Burnie, Adelaide, Kangaroo Island, Hobart, Port Arthur, Melbourne, Eden, Sydney
Celebrate the festive season on board Holland America Line’s illustrious Noordam as she navigates the coasts of New Zealand and southern Australia.
Encounter untamed natural beauty, tranquil coastal towns and bustling metropolises during a 28-night roundtrip voyage that begins with a one-night Sydney hotel stay. Marvel at the landscapes of Fiordland National Park and the glistening Bay of Islands. Experience a slower pace of life in Napier and Gisborne, and explore the cosmopolitan allure of Wellington and Auckland.
In Australia, embrace the island communities of Philip Island and Tasmania before sailing out to celebrate Christmas at sea, when Noordam puts on a feast for all the senses. Native wildlife awaits on Kangaroo Island ahead of a New Year’s Eve extravaganza as your ship cruises to Melbourne and finally Sydney, where your voyage concludes.
Your holiday includes
Full-Board Cruise
28 night full-board cruise on board Noordam
Visiting: Sydney, Fiordland National Park (scenic cruising), Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Napier, Gisborne, Tauranga, Auckland, Bay of Islands, Sydney, Phillip Island, Burnie, Adelaide, Kangaroo Island, Hobart, Port Arthur, Melbourne, Eden, Sydney
Noordam is an awardwinning ship offering excellent hospitality, luxurious amenities, and world-class restaurants. With ultra-modern entertainment and extensive spa treatments, you won’t be short of luxuries on board.
Complimentary Hotel Stay
1 night four-star hotel stay in Sydney at the Rydges World Square with breakfast
Complimentary Flights & Taxes
Saver Fare
Enjoy the same exceptional value with our holiday packages featuring hotel stays, memorable tours, and iconic rail journeys around the world, all without transfers* included – travel your way with Imagine Holidays.
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or
ACROSS
1 Even-tempered (7)
5 Herbaceous plant (7)
9 Dividing screen (9)
10 Wanderer (5)
11 Contributes (6)
12 Heavenly (8)
14 Soldiers (6)
15 Average (4)
19 Sporting side (4)
20 Oral (6)
24 Rapturous (8)
25 Limited (6)
27 Size (5)
28 Conglomeration of fabric scraps (9)
29 Stableman (7)
30 Depict (7)
DOWN
1 Verve (6)
2 Unready, green (6)
3 Irritated skin bubbles (8)
4 Arrange (4)
5 Mild cranial trauma (10)
6 Custodian (6)
7 Plant yielding fragrant oil (8)
8 Having impaired vision (arch) (8)
13 Devotee (10)
16 Intensity (8)
17 Masters of music (8)
18 Decode (8)
21 Friends character, – Green (6)
22 Diligence (6)
23 Every seven days (6)
26 Pace (4)
1 Diamonds are made up of what chemical element?
2 Name the famous English poem in which a bird says 'Nevermore'.
3 Do piranhas live in freshwater or saltwater?
4 Which 2003 film starring Tobey Maguire (pictured) is loosely based on the life of a champion racehorse?
5 The Wrath of Cortex is a video game in which franchise?
6 What is a zither?
7 As of 2025, which country most recently gained independence?
8 What type of art is Banksy best known for?
9 In which US state was the fast food chain Taco Bell founded?
10 The Limousin is a breed of which farm animal?
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication
National seniors meeting
On the first Wednesday of every month at 1.30pm, the metro west branch of national seniors meets atthe Deer Park Club, with meals available to purchase. The group also holds lunches on different Fridays each month, as well as activities such as theatre visits, bus trips and more.
0425 713 004, or lesley1.collins@outlook. com
Kiwi lunch
Come to the Youth Services Centre in Hoppers Crossing On Sunday, March 30 and learn about pathways to dual Australian and New Zealand citizenship over a light Kiwi lunch. Listen to and ask questions of guest speakers from the Department of Home Affairs and the Wyndham Health, Housing and Homelessness Alliance. Starts at 11.40am, registration closes March 21.
h3@wyndham.vic.gov.au
Mossfiel Community Garden
Wyndham City Council needs to hear from community members interested in volunteering to manage a new community garden or reserving a plot at Mossfiel Reserve in Hoppers Crossing.
Lukas, 9742-0959 Andy, 8734-6164 or Parksfeedback@wyndham.vic.gov.au..
Laverton Community Choir
Open to new members and everyone is welcome. If you enjoy singing, and are curious about joining a choir, come along and try out your vocal cords with our fun and inclusive group. No audience or musical knowledge required. Meets on Thursday evenings during school terms at Laverton P12 College, 91 Bladin Street, Laverton from 7-9pm, with supper provided.
Sue 0418386147 or lavertoncommunitychoir@gmail.com
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.
Rotary Club of Wyndham Harbour
Assist with service projects in the local community and overseas. The club meets at 7pm on the first Tuesday of the month at the ‘By the Bay Cafe’ in Wyndham Harbour.
Mamode, 0469 888 126
Lions Club
The Lions Club of Point Cook meets at the Featherbrook Community Centre on the third Monday of the month at 7.30 pm. The club is seeking to grow the Lions free vision screening in schools team. Volunteers needed to work with the region’s schools in combating undiagnosed children’s vision issues. You do not have to be a Lions member but must obtain a working with children check.
Robert Eyton, 0417 549 684, or robeyton@bigpond.com
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
Watton Group
A support group providing a social space for carers to get together in a safe and compassionate environment. Gives carers an opportunity to connect, share their experiences and offers emotional and practical support. The group meets at the Eco-Living Centre at 10am, every fourth Tuesday of the month.
Patricia, 0434 487 360, or wattongroup131@gmail.com.
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 Wednesday of the month, 10-11am, at Iramoo Community Centre, 84 Honour Avenue, Wyndham Vale. Head down and join them as they maintain their rejuvenated community garden. Planting and harvesting produce that they grow.
8742 3688
Seniors House of Fun
The Grange Community Centre invites seniors of Wyndham to its weekly Seniors House of Fun. This is a free program running every Friday, 11am-12.30pm, at The Grange Community Centre, 260-280
Hogans Road, Hoppers Crossing.
Vanessa, 8742 8000, or enquires@ grangecommunity.org.au
Seniors club
The Werribee Senior Citizens Club meets at 80 Lonsdale Circuit, Hoppers Crossing. The group is open to all people 55-plus and it runs on Wednesdays, 10am-noon. Entry: $2, includes morning tea.
0403 041 499
Diabetes Support Group
The Werribee Diabetes support provides an opportunity to hear from experts on how to manage your diabetes, to share information on diabetes and to engage with other diabetics Meetings are at the old council shire buildings at 10am every second Friday of the month.
Bob, 0409 252872.
Hoppers Crossing Ladies Probus
The friendly and vibrant group meet at Hotel 520 on the second Wednesday of each month from 10am. They have a guest speaker each month as well as social lunches, outings and theatre trips.
0408 123 669
U3A Werribee
The group is a not-for-profit community organisation for semi-retired and retired Wyndham residents. They hold a variety of classes-activities specifically designed for 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.
Don, 0414 975 862
Western Melbourne Men’s Chorus Do you like to sing? The Western Melbourne Men’s Chorus wants you! Be part of a rewarding fraternity of fellow amateur musicians serving the community, sharing comradery and having fun. Rehearsals at 7pm Tuesday evenings at St. James Church, Hoppers Crossing. Chris, 0400 414 215
Beekeeping group
Werribeeks is a group for beekeepers in and around Werribee and surrounding suburbs that meet every third Monday of the month at the Wyndham Park Community Centre to share information, tips and ideas on beekeeping..
https://www.facebook.com/ WerriBeeksClub
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.
admin@werribeeriver.org.au, or www. werribeeriver.org.au
Wyndham Park Community Shed
A place to connect, share skills, get hands on, and have fun. New members and volunteers welcome. Mens Shed open Tuesdays and Thursdays, Womens Shed open Monday and Shed for All Abilities open Sunday. Tool Library open on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. 0437270791 shed@wyndhamparkcc. com.au
This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Sunshine Golden Age Garden Club member Stanton Halik. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 465239_01
The beginning of a new chapter
Tarneit’s Ciang Ajeic decided it was time to perform his first solo show as a stand-up comedian, and that is the only reason he needed to take the leap.
The 26-year-old is about to unleash ‘IN THE BENINGING’ and himself in the process.
The show, which will take place at Kindred Studios in Yarraville on April 4 at 6pm and April 6 at 4pm, will be an unapologetic portrayal of his thoughts, fears, opinions and life experiences.
“It’s a play on my whole journey, starting
comedy as well as my life and upbringing,” he said.
Arriving in Australia as a refugee in 2004 and starting his comedy journey in the middle of the pandemic, Ajeic knows there is no point in waiting for the right moment.
“It’s the beginning of me pursuing comedy as a full time career, and I am trying to find my style and my audience,” he said.
“I feel like I am at that level where I want to make the next transition into show business.”
In a world where trepidation stops many, the message is clear - do it anyway.
“The fear I am feeling right now is what stops people doing what they want to do,” he said.
“I’m going to get vulnerable about my life because we are all flawed in our own ways.
“I’ll talk about it for everyone else and make it funny.”
They say laughter is the best medicine, so book your appointment with Dr Ajeic: https://linktr.ee/ciangajeic
The Brimbank colour festival returns for its second year, bringing colour, activity, and fun for all members of the family.
The event run by the Women of Brimbank is open to everyone, it is a cultural event and every age group is welcome.
The Women of Brimbank, established in 2013, runs a number of events and programs related to female empowerment, community gathering and support.
Women of Brimbank president Poonam Singh said there will be a lot of performances from different cultures, food, music and kids
activities to get involved with at the festival.
Whether it be dancing to Bollywood beats or savouring festive treats, this event is the perfect way to come together as a community to celebrate the spirit of Holi, she said.
“There will be kid performances as well… we are giving them the space to perform to encourage them to participate in our cultural event and to share our culture,” Ms Singh said.
In addition, to this there will be live performances from singers and Bangla dancing.
Organised by the Women of Brimbank, this is an entirely female-run event. More than 300 people are expected to attend this year.
Brimbank women encourage any small businesses who wish to sell their products at the event to get in contact.
The event is on Saturday, April 5 at Cyril Clements Reserve.
Tickets are free and can be booked online at: https://www.trybooking.com/events/ landing/1359205
Katya Ewing
Country music will come to the banks of the Maribyrnong on Sunday, March 30 whenSummerSoundsontheRivertakes place.
Held on the Maribyrnong River Reserve Landings between the Joseph Road apartments and the Heavenly Queen Temple, the second annual concert is supported through Maribyrnong council’s Love Your West grants program and is organised by local resident, Sue Kirk.
“We put on an afternoon of jazz last year with a couple of food trucks, a stage and some sound equipment,” said Ms Kirk of 2024’s inaugural concert.
“This year we’re running it again featuring country music as our live entertainment.”
Ms Kirk said she chose country music for no other reason than to offer something different.
“Next year it could even be heavy metal,” she laughed.
Rather than a full line-up, Melbourne country music supergroup, The Silver Saddles,featuringStKildamusicidentity Freg Negro, will play a number of sets from 4pm to 7pm.
“I just want to provide some entertainment in a fun and healthy environment,“ she said of her motivation for organising the low-key event, which is free of charge, free of alcohol and has a capacity for about 300 people.
“There’s plenty of space down there,” Ms Kirk said of the Reserve Landings venue.
“I wouldn’t want it so packed that people were crawling over each other.
“Come down, enjoy a picnic or the small number of food trucks and enjoy and meet your local community.”
Cade Lucas
Make a beeline for The 25th Putnam County Spelling Bee
There’s something special about watching a story unfold on stage — especially when that story is packed with humor, heart and a little friendly competition.
FromApril10–12attheMeltonCommunity Centre, audiences will have the chance to step into the world of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, a musical that celebrates the awkward, hilarious, and surprisingly moving journey of six young spellers chasing their moment of glory. What makes this Melton Performing Arts production truly shine is its cast — a group of talented performers who bring these quirky characters to life with warmth and energy. Each contestant has their own story, their own dreams, and their own way of handling the pressure of the bee. Whether it’s through song, sharp comedic timing, or the raw emotion that sneaks up in unexpected moments, they make it easy to see a little of ourselves in them.
But it’s not just the spellers who get in on the fun — audience participation keeps every performance fresh, making each show a unique experience. Under the direction of Derek Bendall, with musical director Carla Bendall, producer Josh Tooth, and producer/ choreographer Rachel Chetcuti guiding the way, this production promises a night filled with laughter, heartwarming surprises, and maybeevenafewunexpectedspellinglessons.
Spelling Bee marks the second successful musical and fourth successful production overall for Melton Performing Arts, a non-profit community performing arts organisation dedicated to creating and maintaining performing arts opportunities in the Melton area.
For those who love theatre, Spelling Bee is a reminder of why live performance is so special—it’s unpredictable, it’s electric, and it brings people together in the most wonderful way.
Catch the show from Thursday April 10 until Saturday April 12 at the Melton Community Hall. Tickets at https://www. trybooking.com/CYMED
The cast of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. (Supplied)
Tarneit comedian is ready to take it to the next level. (Kuti Kalo)
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Tarneit Mum of Six Brings Serenity Kids to Hobsons Bay!
A first-of-its-kind baby and kids store is opening in Hobsons Bay this coming April giving local families a go-to destination for baby essentials, furniture, prams, kidswear, toys, and gifts.
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Bump, Baby & Beyond
At Serenity Kids, we believe in cherishing every moment with your little ones. We offer everything you need from the very first kick to your child’s growing years. Our curated collection includes newborn must-haves, kids’ toys, furniture, prams, clothing, and gifts, all designed to support your child’s growth and development. Founded by a mum of six, Serenity Kids understands the joys and challenges of parenthood because we’re on this journey too. Each item is handpicked for quality, aesthetics, and practicality—helping families nurture, play, and thrive at every stage of childhood, making every moment special. Serenity Kids is where families
everything they need to create a loving,
Peacefully & Wonderfully. Visit serenitykids.com.au follow us on Instagram @_serenity.kids for the latest New
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SPORTS QUIZ
1. Which basketball team did Bendigo Spirit defeat to win the 2025 WNBL Grand Final Series?
2. Before winning the 2025 Puerto Rico Open, how many PGA Tour tournaments had Australian golfer Karl Vilips played?
3. Which rodents share a name with Michael J.
4. Name any of the four European countries whose teams played in the transatlantic American football league NFL Europe before its official closure in 2007.
5. Which state men’s cricket team has won the right to host the final of the Sheffield Shield?
6. Which NBA team has announced plans to play exhibition games in Melbourne in October
And which two NBL teams are they set to
Which club is reportedly being audited by the AFL in regard to third-party player payments?
Nick Kyrgios was forced to retire hurt from the 2025 Indian Wells Open due to pain from an injury to what body part?
Dylan Brown has announced he will be leaving the Parramatta Eels and joining which club for the 2026 NRL season?
11. Which AFL club was once known as the magentas, due to their pink uniform?
12. F1 favourite Oscar Piastri teamed up with which burger chain to release a limited-edition burger?
13. Which 2024 biographical sports drama tells the story of Anthony Robles, a wrestler born without a leg who overcame significant obstacles?
14. Which NBA legend famously proclaimed his love for McDonald’s, claiming he would eat it before practices?
15. Which NBL player scored a historic 41 points, including 10 three-pointers, to lead Melbourne United to a win over Perth Wildcats in the NBL25 Play-offs?
16. What is the maximum score available in a game of tenpin bowling?
17. What are the two most popular forms of hockey?
18. What does NASCAR stand for?
19. Which NRL team has the westernmost home ground?
20. Which of the following sports has featured at a Summer Olympics: darts, ballooning, squash or wakeboarding?
21. ‘Silly point’ is a field position in which sport?
22. In what year did Melbourne Storm win their first premiership?
23. Trinity Fatu is the real name of which WWE wrestler?
24. Mars Stadium is located where?
25. The Steelers play NFL out of which city?
26. How many players are on field per team in a baseball game?
27. Which nation won the ICC Champions Trophy?
28. And who did they beat?
29. In golf, how many shots under par is an albatross?
30. NHL player Brad Marchand was recently traded to the Florida Panthers after spending his whole career with which other team?
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Oscar Piastri Oscar
The Suzuki Vitara has run its race
By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring
The Suzuki Vitara occupies a special place in Australian off-road folklore.
It used to be able to go anywhere the big 4x4s like Patrol and Land Cruiser could go – it laughed in the face of danger.
But this all changed with the arrival of the fourth and current generation of Vitara that no longer sits on a ladder chassis and is no longer a real off-roader.
In fact, it shares a chassis with the S-Cross model which is about as soft as they come, with front or all-wheel drive variants.
Still, Vitara remains the third best-selling model in a five model range of vehicles.
Styling
There’s three grades from which to choose:
Vitara 1.6 2WD, priced from $29,990, Vitara Turbo 1.4 2WD from $36,490 and Vitara Turbo ALLGRIP, from $40,490 – all plus on-road costs.
As you can see ALLGRIP adds a hefty $4000 premium to the price of the car.
Metallic paint is an extra $695 and two-tone with a different coloured roof is another $1295.
If you had struck while the iron was hot, you could have got 10 per cent off the driveway price before the end of January.
It doesn’t hurt to ask.
The entry grade is powered by a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated four cylinder petrol engine, while the turbo gets a punchier, 1.4-litre turbocharged unit that produces 20 percent more power and 40 percent more torque.
The latter is the more significant of these numbers.
Thecabinisdeckedoutinaleatherandsuede combo trim stitched in an interesting tyre tread pattern, along with a leather-clad steering wheel and single zone climate control air.
Standard kit includes keyless entry and start, tilt and reach adjust steering wheel, 17-inch alloys, rear view camera, LED DRLs, auto LED headlights, auto wipers, adaptive cruise control and a panoramic sunroof.
Vitara is covered by a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty with capped-price servicing and roadside assistance for the first five years.
Service is due every 12 months or 10,000km.
Infotainment
Infotainment consists of an aftermarket 9.0-inch touchscreen, with Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, AM/FM radio and six-speaker audio.
Missing is DAB+ digital radio.
Safety
Vitara remains unrated by ANCAP, but comes withsevenairbagsincludingadriver’skneebag plus a rear-view camera.
The turbo adds Adaptive cruise control, Autonomous emergency braking (AEB), Blind-spot monitoring, Lane departure warning, Rear cross-traffic alert and Weaving Alert.
Two Isofix and three tether style child seat anchor points are provided.
Engines/transmissions
The 1.6-litre naturally aspirated engine in the entry model produces 86kW at 6000 revs and 156Nm of torque from 4400 revs.
The turbocharged 1.4-litre engine in our test vehicle, however, produces 103kW of power at 5500 revs and 220Nm of torque from 1500-4000 revs.
Drive is through a six-speed auto to all four wheels when required.
Driving
Vitara is starting to show its age.
Although it sits in the budget buy category, the cabin and instrumentation looks and feels dated.
But older drivers may well be drawn to the dated dash layout with its buttons and gauges, althoughtheywon’tfindthecheaphardplastics attractive.
Rear legroom is okay thanks to scooped out seatbacks in front, but that’s not saying much.
It’s still pretty tight and lacks air outlets, or really anything for back seat passengers.
Cargo capacity with the rear set in use is 375 litres, with a hidden area under the floor which in turn hides a space saver spare.
Vitara is 4175mm long, with just 185mm of ground clearance and this model weighs in at 1260kg.
It’s a no brainer. We’d take the turbo every time.
Fuel consumption is a claimed 6.2L/100km and it takes standard 91 RON unleaded.
Small engines aren’t necessarily bad, or even relativelylowpoweroutput,dependingonwhat they are being asked to push or pull.
The turbo addresses this problem.
It’s an easy, fun car to drive, but lacks refinement.
The six-speed auto sometimes feels like an old four-speed the way it carries on, changing down and roaring dramatically to life if you punch the accelerator.
Also, and this has been well documented, reefing the transmission selector back for drive will see manual mode selected and the engine max out before you’ve figured out what is going on. It becomes tiresome.
Suspension is Mac strut at the front with a basic, torsion beam rear setup, and it rides on 17 inch alloys with 215/55 profile rubber.
The car sits flat, feels taught and has a firmish ride, and can be driven enthusiastically with confidence. In fact, the suspension is excellent on backroads.
Steering is sharp and accurate and the brakes are confident.
But the Continental tyres are a bit of a disappointment as they lack grip.
The analogue clock between the air vents is a classy touch, but we’d swap it for a digital speedo.
Why do so many car companies regard this as not necessary?
You do however get some other totally irrelevant information cycling through the trip computer, including graphs for power and torque.
The infotainment system is well laid out and easy to use, but lacks digital radio and the navigation could do with speed camera warnings.
There’s one USB and one 12 volt socket in the lower centre console, with another 12 volt socket in the luggage area.
Ratedat6.2L/100km,witha47-litrefueltank, we were getting 7.0L/100km after 507km of mixed driving.It takes 95 premium unleaded.
Summing up
It’s not surprising to learn Vitara is in runout. It’s even older than the Mitsubishi ASX and that’s saying something.
Time has caught up with the Vitara which simply no longer offers enough of anything for the price.
Time has caught up with the Vitara which simply no longer offers enough of anything for the price. (Pictures: Supplied)
It was Melbourne at its finest on the weekend as finals fever took over. Players were greeted by heat on Saturday and then rain on Sunday, putting grand final plans into disarray for many teams. Star Weekly photographer Ljubica Vrankovic was out on Saturday shooting some of the action.
It’ll be a new looking Wyndham in the Big V men’s championship season.
All of last season’s championship squad had moved on, with a squad mixed with some higher level experience and youth.
New coach Stuart McMurray said the side was entering an excited new chapter and primed to make a significant impact on the championship division.
“The squad boasts a fresh roster of talented players, primarily homegrown talents from the Wyndham area,” he said. “These athletes are eager to showcase their honed skills and determination as they return to Melbourne’s competitive scene.
“As they gear up for their season opener against Keysborough on March 30, this young and hungry Wyndham team has set its sights firmly on a finals berth.
“This season is about more than just wins; it’s a journey of learning, progression, and building a strong community. The players are committed to giving their all on the court, inspiring the next generation of aspiring
basketball players in the Wyndham region and proving they are a force to be reckoned with.”
The squad had a number of players who have played at a higher level.
Junior Garbrah said he was excited for the amazing opportunity.
Born in Melbourne, he moved to America to play basketball and played against NBA talent like LaMelo Ball.
Garbrah played college at division 2 school Fort Lewis College playing more than 100 games and captaining the side.
He played in the NBL1 west competition with the Geraldton Buccaneers.
Mayuol Makuac is another who joins Wyndham after playing in the NBL1 West competition.
It was a good off season for Makuac, who won the Country Basketball north-west most valuable player award while playing for Bacchus Marsh.
He averaged more than 21 points a game.
Beau Koscak is another with NBL1
experience.
He played for the Melbourne Tigers in 2022-23 and then played professional 3x3 basketball in Japan.
Xavier Cotton has been at NBL1 West club South West Slammers. He averaged five points a game.
Maluk Adut is a two-time South Sudanese Australian National Basketball Association champion. He has played some Big V with Sunbury Jets.
Spencer Smith has come through the pathways at Wyndham.
He was part of the Wyndham under-18 team last season at the National Junior Classic.
He scored at least 10 points in every game of that tournament.
Gojco Stevkovski comes from college basketball in America and this is his first professional contract.
Wyndham will kick off its season against Keysborough at Rowville Secondary College. Tara Murray
Cats through to semis
By Tara Murray
A frustrating day for Hoppers Crossing ended in smiles as it progressed through to the second week of finals in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association south-west.
The Cats fought hard with the bat on Saturday to put a solid score on the board against Malvern.
Then heavy rain fell on Sunday morning putting day two at risk.
Play eventually started after 3pm and despite some few nervous moments, the game was declared a draw and the Cats moved through.
Cats captain-coach Simon Lambert said they were relieved to have done enough to get through to the next round.
“We thought we got the rough end in terms of conditions, with the pitch soft on day one,” he said.
“It was a bit of a rollercoaster that is for sure. As soon as it stopped raining, we knew that we
would get out and play.”
Lambert said it was hard work with the bat early before some contributions from the lower order helped the side push to 223.
“Our lower order made a score with the bat and pushed it to 223,” he said. “For a long time we were looking at 150-180.
“We were rapt with how it turned out.”
Justin Goegan top scored with 35, while the bottom three batters all scored 28 or more to boost the score.
On Sunday, the rain stopped about 2pm and with the ground’s good drainage play was able to start after 3pm.
Lambert said he would have done the same thing as Malvern and pushed to get out there had he been in that situation.
Malvern made the most of it early on.
“It was going to be a tall order,” he said. “The ball ended up flying off the bat and we got into a spot of bother.
“The rain then came again.”
There was then a bit of confusion over how
Sports shorts
Basketball
Wyndham’s Deng Yak and Roshaun Bakinen have been named in Victorian under-16 squads for the national basketball championships in July. Both are part of the men’s Vic Metro side. The championships will be held in Bendigo.
A-League
Western United’s Charbel Shamoon has been recognised for his outstanding breakout season with Western United, earning selection to the Iraq senior national team. This is the 21-year-old’s maiden call-up at senior level having previously been a regular for the Iraq under-20s and also represented Australia with the under-23s in November. Shamoon will join the Iraq squad for a pair of crucial FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Kuwait and Palestine. The call-up comes on the back of a stunning A-League Men campaign for the full-back, his first as a contracted senior player, having played in 13 matches and having started 12.
Western NL
many overs were remaining once the match resumed.
Malvern thought it was 17, Hoppers Crossing thought it was seven.
The umpires agreed with the Cats and it left Malvern needing 100 off seven overs.
Malvern finished 5-176 off 29 overs with the match ending in a draw.
Brett Smith took three wickets for the Cats.
The Cats now face Oakleigh for a spot in the grand final.
With Oakleigh, which was the minor premier, losing in the first week of finals, the Cats are now the number one ranked team.
“They’ve had a couple of poor results and hopefully we can exploit that and win through to the grand final,” Lambert said.
“It’s the first time we’re hosting a semi final which is great for the club. If we could host a grand final, that would be really exciting.”
The Cats second XI also won through on the weekend, while their fourth XI will play off in a grand final this weekend.
Several Western Netball League stars were part of the Elmer team which claimed the open title at the recently held state titles. Elmer claimed two titles. In the 17-and-under male division, Elmer reclaimed its spot as the number one team in the state, defeating Jika’s inaugural male team, 13-8. Blake Morison from Elmer was awarded the player of the match. The Elmer region backed up that performance with a thrilling comeback win in the open division on Monday, also defeating an inaugural team in the division, East Gippsland, 21-20, with Elmer’s Majar Hikuroa-Betham winning player of the match. Glen Orden’s Bec Hicks was the coach of the open side.
Australia Cup Point Cook was knocked out of the Australia Cup on Friday night by Whittlesea Ranges. It was a dominant performance by the Ranges, who won 4-0. Werribee City won its match on Tuesday night against Watsonia Heights, 7-0.
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Xavier Cotton. (Supplied)
Dheeman Thakar. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 465584_02
Werribee and North Melbourne join VFLW forces
Werribee is partnering with North Melbourne across its Victorian Football League Women’s and Next Generation Academy programs.
The three-year partnership will see North Melbourne’s VFLW team named the North Melbourne Werribee Kangaroos and play up to four games a season at Werribee’s home of Avalon Airport Oval, including two games confirmed for 2025.
Werribee will also expand its support for the delivery of North Melbourne’s NGA program in Wyndham, designed to identify and develop young multicultural and Indigenous footballers from the region, after first joining forces in 2023.
NorthMelbournewomen’sfootballgeneral manager Erin Lorenzini said the partnership was an opportunity to invest further in the game in the Wyndham region.
“This new partnership with the Werribee Football Club builds on North Melbourne’s long-standing connection to the City of Wyndham and is a fantastic opportunity to strengthen both the game’s presence in the
region and our women’s football and talent pathway programs,” she said.
“Our VFLW team will continue to train and play games at North Melbourne’s home of Arden Street Oval but will now have access to Werribee’s state-of-the-art facilities at Avalon Airport Oval.
“Werribee is an important hub in the City of Wyndham, and we look forward to working with them to introduce more people to football and grow the pipeline of talent in the region.”
Werribee chief executive Mark Penaluna said the partnership would support greater local participation in women’s football.
“This partnership will provide enormous opportunities for local female players to take that important and challenging step to the elite level and enable our club to begin our journey into women’s football,” he said.
“The ongoing relationship we have with North Melbourne has been beneficial to both clubs, to football and the community, and this venture is a natural progression for both.
“We believe this model is the best outcome
for growing the female game in Wyndham for current and future players, plus others wishing to get involved in women’s football.”
North Melbourne’s connection to Wyndham spans more than 16 years.
The club’s VFL program was affiliated with the Werribee from 2008-2017, while its community arm, The Huddle, operating out of its satellite office at Avalon Airport Oval, has delivered programs to more than 50,000 children and young people across the region since 2016 to strengthen their education and employment outcomes through the power of sport.
Most recently, members of North Melbourne’s AFL team visited schools and hosted a clinic in the region as part of the AFL’s annual community camp program.
TheNorthMelbourneWerribeeKangaroos and reigning VFLW premiers kick off their 2025 campaign on Friday, April 18 against Carlton at Arden Street Oval.
Tara Murray
Tigers are ready to roar
By Tara Murray
Reigning premiers Werribee enter the Victorian Football League season in a similar spot to 12 months ago.
The Tigers have turned over more than half theirlistintheoffseason,withanumberofkey departures.
It leaves an exciting time for coach Jimmy Allanaheadoftheseasonkickingoffthisweek.
“I’m really excited for it, it’s been a long pre-season,” he said. “We’ve played a couple of gamesnowandthejuicesareflowingandwe’re ready to get up to Southport and see how we go..
“I guess it’s the nature of the best. Thirty-one inandoutoftheclubwithalistof52withtrain ons.
“It’s a high turnover and it will take some time for us to play our best footy together.
“We are pretty confident that we will be competitive and the signs so far are pretty good.”
Allan said they have the nucleus of a good side with plenty of premiership stars staying at the club.
He said they would expect them to start to take the next step.
“Wehavesomeguyswhobecameestablished players in the competition last year,” he said. “The next step in their development is to start
to lead and provide some guidance for guys who are in the same position as they were not too long ago.”
New skipper Jesse Clark is front and centre of that. Allan said everyone loves what he does.
“It’s a great story,” he said “He started off in our emerging leaders program and progressed to an official leadership role within the group last year and now takes over as skipper, does everything we want from a leader.”
Also part of the leadership group is premiership captain Dom Brew. The star midfielder spent the off season with the WesternBulldogsashetriedtomaketheirAFL list.
AllansaiditwasdisappointingthatBrewhad to achieve his dream, but wasn’t complaining that he was back in Werribee colours.
“It’s a funny one with the draft and the SSP,” he said. “We lost Jack Henderson… you build great relationships with these guys, you really care about them and want them to get to where they want to go, that is AFL level
“I would be lying if I didn’t say I was happy that Dom is here.
“HetoldmeI’llbecalmandeasebackin,and it took him one night and he was back barking orders. It’s like he was never away.”
The Tigers have added a number of recruits
Tigers sign up new players
Werribee is close to finalising its list after securing the signatures of three former Port Melbourne teammates for the Victorian Football League season.
Sam Allen, Spencer Johnson, and Cameron Wild have all joined the club, with Johnson making his return at Werribee after originally spending the 2022 season as a rookie.
This season will be Johnson’s fourth season at VFL level. His 2023 season with the Northern Bullants was a breakout campaign, playing 17 games, averaging more 21 disposals and five marks per match.
He finished third in the Bullants’ best and fairest and was a finalist for the league’s Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal.
Johnson moved to Port Melbourne last year, playing six games.
The 23-year-old Johnson currently plays for Altona at the local level, having also played his junior football there before representing the Western Jets in the Coates Talent League during his under-18 years.
in the off season, many with some VFL experience.
Allan said while they have some idea what to expect, most didn’t have a lot of experience.
“We rolled out a side on the weekend and the average number of games played was 10,” he said. “Take Brewy out, the average was six and you have 15 players who haven’t played yet.
“It is exciting and that is what it is all about.
“The step up from Coates League and local footy,isquitesignificantandittakessometime tobuildtheconfidenceandhavethatbeliefthat they belong at that level.”
Allan said Ryan Eyers, Harry Maguire and Noah Tullio were three recruits that had impressed him, while Jake Smith and Jaelen Pavlidis are two he expects to take the next step.
Werribee starts its season against Southport on March 22 at Southport in a grand final rematch.
Allan said they requested to travel early in the season.
“It’s great for our boys to get together, we get to see really early in the season how we are travelling,” he said. “I have a lot of respect for them.
“I’m looking forward getting up there and testingourselvesagainstwhowerateasthebest side in the competition.”
Cam Wild joins Werribee after spending the 2024 season with Port Melbourne. The 23-year-old inside midfielder makes the switch with 16 games of VFL experience under his belt.
Like Johnson, Wild played for the Bullants in 2023 before moving to Port Melbourne last season.
Wildbringsawealthofseniorfootball experience to Werribee, having debuted at state league level. He has also played in the Northern Territory, representing Northern Territory Football League clubs Nightcliff and Waratah, and currently represents Hurstbridge in the Northern Football League.
Sam Allen rounds out the trio of new recruits, with the 23-year-old making his VFL debut with Port Melbourne in 2024 after previously spending time with Box Hill.
The key defender finished last season on a strong note, taking six marks in a round 21 win over the Northern Bullants. At local level, he played with Park Orchards in the Eastern Football League, playing a key role in their grand final campaign. Allen has impressed throughout Werribee’s pre-season, featuring in all three practice matches so far.
Jaelen Pavlidis is one player that Jimmy Allan is looking forward to seeing. (Ljubica Vrankovic: 431496)
City West Falcons coach Marg Lind was left pleasantly surprised by her side’s opening round win against the Western Warriors in the Victorian Netball League.
The Falcons haven’t been the best starters in recent seasons, having not won the past three seasons in round one before going on to win the championship.
On Wednesday night, they made a winning start against the Warriors despite missing four players from their squad.
It was a dominant performance with the Falcons winning, 85-41.
“I’m pretty happy,” Lind said. “It was a nice win and a little bit surprising as we were pretty low on numbers with no Soli [Ropati], Mel [Oloamanu], Uneeq [Palavi] and Mon [Holmes].
“We couldn’t cover them all.”
InablowfortheFalcons,Ropatiwillmissthe seasonaftertearingherACLandfracturingher leg at the Pacific Games.
Oloamanu is being managed following the games, while Holmes and Palavi were both out with Super Netball commitments.
The Falcons led by seven at the first break and the margin blew out to 20 at half time.
The Falcons continued to put the foot down in the second half to run away with a big win.
Lind said they had a strong game across the court.
“I thought we had a good attack end and were a bit more organised,” she said.
“Charity [Nasalio], Sophie [Hanrahan], Lucia [Fauonuku] and Sussu [Liai] were solid defensively and put the pressure on the Warriors.”
Jane Cook finished with 76 goals for the Falcons.
Maddie Romios made a successful return after having her first child, playing half a game at goal attack, rotating with Olivia Cameron.
Lind said Nasalio looked good on debut for the Falcons and said the decision to take an extra defender into the season was now crucial with Ropati out.
The other debutant for the Falcons was Ella Leith.
Leithisanunder-19splayerwiththeFalcons.
“We didn’t want to take anyone out of the
under-23s, they need to get that game time together,” Lind said.
“Ella played 11 and unders at Altona and I really like her.
“I’m not going to lie, it was a risk with her being so young and it shocked everyone. She did a pretty good job and gave us fresh legs.”
Lind said they had a number of under-19s run through with them in the off season and they would look at giving opportunities throughout the season.
The under-23s also started the season with a win, beating the Warriors, 54-39.
Lind said they showed some really good signs early.
“The scoring rate was better than last year,” she said. “The mid court additions were good and there’s a lot of growth to come.
“It was a good scoreline, they beat us last time.”
The Falcons face the Gippsland Stars this week.
Tara Murray
Big V season underway
By Tara Murray
A new era kicked off for Wyndham in the Big V competition on Saturday.
After a summer of change, the first two Big V sides were in action.
While the two senior sides don’t kick off until March 30, the two youth league sides were in action on the weekend.
In the men’s Victorian youth championship competition, Wyndham went down in a close one to the Diamond Valley Eagles at home.
The Eagles led by three points at quarter time and then six at the main break.
That would be the difference as they won 91-86. It would be the closest that Wyndham got in the final quarter.
Captain Brodie Salter was the standout for Wyndham with 28 points, seven rebounds and four assists.
AdamArkadiohad16points,ninerebounds and five steals while Spencer Smith had 15 points and seven rebounds.
CoachAaronBenstedsaiditwasasolidfirst
round game from the group.
“Big learnings we can take out of it where we can see what it begins to take to physically compete at this level,” he said. “We take away a few positives that we can continue to build on this season with our young group.”
The youth league women’s division 1 side started the season with a back-to-back.
It kicked off the season away to the Coburg Giants. It was a tough start, with the Giants winning 98-71.
Coach Matt Stephens said it was a highly competitive and physical game.
“While the result didn’t go our way, the team’s spirit and energy were outstanding,” he said.
“We’re especially proud of Freya Byrne, Nada Elmaghraby, Aluk Kuol, and Elena Papakirikou for making their Big V debuts.
“Their effort and composure set a strong foundation for what’s to come.”
Wyndham was then back in action at home on Sunday against the Albury Wodonga Bandits.
Work to do for Tarneit
Tarneit Central has its work cut out for it in the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association George Luscombe Shield grand final.
Both sides are aiming for their first NWMCA Luscombe Shield title, while Tarneit is aiming for a second title this season having won the Western Suburbs Churches and Community Cricket Association T20 title.
Aiming to upset the Merrifield Panthers, which has been the team to beatallseason,Tarneitisonthebackfoot after day one of the match.
Day two was set down for Sunday, but due to heavy rain throughout the day, it was postponed to the reserve day this Saturday.
Tarneit entered the grand final full of confidence having upset minor premiers Darebin Chargers in the semi final. It is also the only team to beat the Panthers this year, showing that it can be done.
Tarneit’sbowlerswereontopearlyand put the pressure back on the Panthers.
Talwinder Prince and Rocky Sharma turned the game in the favour of the Panthers.
After only having 115 on the board at tea, the Panthers scored nearly 200 to push the score past 300.
It was a hard fought tussle, with Wyndham getting the win, 51-44.
Wyndham led by four points at half time and eight points at the main break and were able to hold the Bandits.
Kiana Dayao had 13 points and three steals, Jayda Guzel scored nine points while Anaam Ali had four points, six rebounds and three assists.
Stephens said it was good to see the side back it up that way.
“Coming off a tough game the night before, the team showed incredible resilience and determination,” he said.
“It was a hard-fought contest, and to come away with the win is a testament to their grit and teamwork.
“Everyone contributed, and we had some standout performances with players really stepping up when it mattered most.”
The Wyndham youth league men’s side faces Eltham and Frankston this weekend, while the youth league women’s side faces Eltham and Geelong United.
They finished with 307 on the board as they were bowled out with four balls remaining.
Sharmamade100andPrincemade90.
Anil Bhatia took four wickets for Tarneit, while Daljit Singh and Simranjeet Singh Cheema took two wickets each.
Two day will start at 1pm on Saturday.
Charity Nasalio. (Grant Treeby/Netball Victoria)
Skipper Mandeep Singh will be a key on day two. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 455344_19
