JANUARY 10, 2017 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
NEWS + SPORT + THE WEST’S BEST PROPERTY GUIDE
One formula for success Taylors Lakes teen Nick Schembri has a dream to make it in the fast-paced world of Formula One racing … and he is well on his way to making this dream reality. Schembri, 14, has been racing go karts since he was 10 years old, but this year he is making the step up to the Formula Ford circuit to continue his climb. “I always wanted to go fast as a kid,” Schembri said. “I took it a bit more seriously as a I moved through juniors, and now I’m in Formula Ford, which is hard but still good. The hardest thing was learning manual, but now I’m used to it.” He has done trial laps at Winton Motor Raceway in recent months, and is getting ready to race across the state in 2017. Schembri has been running a raffle at Watergardens shopping centre to raise money for the upcoming season, with his sponsors, Preston Hire and Penrite Oil, donating prizes. Tickets are still available via his Facebook page, Nick Star Racing. “Hopefully, I can do Formula Ford for a few years and then move up a bit before, hopefully, getting to the V8s … then maybe Formula One, eventually,” Schembri said. Ewen McRae
Taylors Lakes go-karter Nick Schembri is gearing up for a move to Formula Fords. (Ben Roehlen)
Sports revamp kicks off By Ewen McRae Ardeer Reserve will get a new $1.3 million soccer pavilion, keeping up with demand for better local sporting facilities. Brimbank council has contracted Melbcon Pty Ltd to demolish the dilapidated old pavilion and build the new one at the home ground of Westgate Football Club. Westgate FC has contributed $150,000 towards the project, with Brimbank council making up the rest of the $1,397,419.91 tender
price. Brimbank mayor John Hedditch said the project is part of a concerted push by the council to boost sporting opportunities. “Sport and recreation are important to our community, and this project will deliver the kind of soccer facility Ardeer needs,” Cr Hedditch said. He said the upgrade had been identified as a priority project in the council’s sports facility development strategy plan for managing and developing Brimbank’s sport and recreation spaces.
The new pavilion will include two change rooms, a social room and associated amenities, an umpires’ room and first aid room, storage and public amenities. Westgate FC president Steve Kunesevic said it had been a long process to get the project up and running, but news of its go-ahead was hugely exciting. “It’s a very important announcement, especially for the division we are in, and the way we want to improve as a club and attract players,” Mr Kunesevic said.
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“The old rooms were pretty run down, lots of portables, showers didn’t work etc, so creating a more family friendly environment and a more welcoming place for ladies is what we want to do. “It’s massive for the club, but also the whole community because we want to open the rooms up … so the benefits are endless.” Westgate will play its 2017 season elsewhere as construction takes place, but will still train at Ardeer Reserve. Construction is due to start in February, and end by September/October.
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