JULY 8, 2015 \ WYNDHAM.STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
NEWS + SPORT + THE WEST’S BEST PROPERTY GUIDE
In the swim for Tokyo
(Damjan Janevski)
Could this be swimming’s next big thing? Hoppers Crossing teen Emmason McCurley has her sights set on making the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo – and according to coach Peter Botheras, she’s well on her way. “If she continues to improve the way she does, she’ll have times that will be competitive with the Australian team,” the Wyndham City Sharks Swimming Club national squad coach says. The 14-year-old has competed and won medals at a range of state and nationallevel swimming competitions. Her 100 metres backstroke time is two-tenths of a second off the national qualifying time. Emmason will compete at the Pacific School Games in Adelaide in November. She was one of three young people to receive Wyndham Mayoral Youth Awards late last month. The award came with a $500 grant to help with the cost of travelling to interstate competitions. Good News Lutheran College student April Knights and actress and filmmaker Jessica Ricci also received awards. Charlene Macaulay
Chief bids city farewell
Everyone deserves an amazing smile!
9742 6928
unfair dismissal claims lodged by five parks and gardens workers, who were sacked on the investigator’s word. Ms Thompson said facing such criticisms was part of her role. “I’m in the position of CEO and it’s the role you take. You have always got to be listening and evolving,” she said. Cr Maynard said Ms Thompson had been an “outstanding leader” for the council organisation and would be a great loss. The council will meet in coming days to work through the process of recruiting a new chief executive. It is believed the council’s top job comes with a salary of about $376,000. Ms Thompson, who is expected to leave the council in mid-August, hopes her replacement will be someone who can keep the momentum going and who will collaborate with staff and the community.
COMPREHENSIVE FAMILY DENTAL CARE
Dr M Lentini - B.D.Sc. (Melb) Mr R Privitelli – Hygienist
• All aspects of general dentistry • Early detection using laser technology • Minimal intervention using no drill air abrasion / microdentistry • Orthodontics tooth whitening • Computerised ceramic crowns & fillings completed in one appointment
at the council also made her personal list. Ms Thompson said Wyndham had faced a lot of challenges in the past five years, and she described the constant infrastructure lag as the biggest obstacle for the council. She said she understood the frustrations of the community, especially those who spent two hours commuting to work each day. Ms Thompson’s time at Wyndham council has not been without controversy, with more than 100 staff members passing a vote of no confidence in her in October 2013. The vote came just days after the Australian Services Union called for Ms Thompson to be sacked for spending almost $355,000 to hire a private investigator to spy on staff and fight
• Emergencies seen promptly • New patients welcome • Member of A.D.A. • Accredited by the Australian Society of Implant Dentistry • All stages of Dental Implants from diagnosis to completion
1135754-CG21-14
Wyndham council is searching for a new chief executive following Kerry Thompson’s surprise resignation after five years in the city’s top job. Mayor Peter Maynard announced Ms Thompson’s resignation on Monday afternoon, saying she was leaving the council to take on the role of chief executive at the Lost Dogs’ Home. Ms Thompson (pictured) was appointed as council chief executive in July 2010 and has worked in local government for 35 years. She said working in the not-for-profit sector was something she had always been interested in, adding she had always thought about leaving local government to work with animals or vulnerable people in the community. “I have been an animal lover since a kid. I was the kid who brought every animal home. I’m the person who stops on the freeway to rescue
the dog,” she said. “I think it is a lovely fit with my business skills.” Reflecting on her time at the council, Ms Thompson said the opening of Aquapulse and Encore Events Centre, and the stage one completion of Eagle Stadium were among her highlights. The old facilities had not been meeting the needs of the community, she added. Ms Thompson is also proud of the council’s advocacy work and its efforts to ensure that new developments roll out in an orderly way that keeps pace with infrastructure and services. Improvements to community engagement, the appearance of parks, good roads, development of neighbourhood hubs, increases to the city’s arts programs, and cultural changes
(Supplied)
By Laura Michell
ting Celebra Our In s 25 Year nity! Commu
Ask us about the Free Seminar Your Local All-on-Four Implant Centre 21 Princes Hwy, Werribee
www.lentinidental.com.au • www.dentistwerribee.com.au