Take a trip back millions of years with this life-size animatronics Dinosaur Exhibition on display through the Centre daily.
Mon 20 Jan - Sun 2 Feb Daily 11am - 2pm and 5pm - 8pm Thurs
Kids will learn about Palaeontologythe study of fossils, plus explore and dig for their very own Dinosaur fossil.
Tour with our Dinosaur Ranger through the amazing Dinosaur Discovery Expo and learn the history and facts of Dinosaurs, PLUS collect a FREE* Jigsaw Puzzle! Call 9749 5111 or register online at werribeeplaza.com.au for your Tour.
Register your details to become part of the Werribee Plaza Kids Club launching in 2014 and receive a FREE Dinosaur Jigsaw*
threat of ‘deliberately lit’ car blaze puts survival plans into action
POINT COOK
Police are hunting an arsonist over a grassfire that threatened houses in Point Cook on Saturday night.
e fire broke out in swampland off Featherbrook Drive about 10pm a er a car that had been dumped in the field caught fire. Police believe the car was stolen and deliberately torched.
About a dozen crews battled the blaze, with the CFA advising nearby residents to activate their bushfire survival plans.
Police were forced to cordon off part of the street amid concerns the fire would spread and threaten nearby homes.
Werribee CFA first lieutenant Darryl Wells said the fire was fairly serious, with police believe the car was torched
firefighters forced to wait for it to burn out because they were unable to drive trucks into the swamp. e car’s charred remains are being examined by Wyndham detectives.
Saturday’s fire was one of more than 30 blazes attended by the city’s firefighters since January 12.
Mr Wells said Werribee crews were called to 34 incidents between January 14 and
repeat date raises firebug fears
Little River CFA captain Terry Hedt believes January 14 “means something to someone” a er the town was threatened by a grassfire on that date for the second year in a row.
Water-bombing aircra and 27 fire crews were called to the town last Tuesday to fight a fast-moving grassfire that threatened properties. e fire, which started at Edgars Road about 11.45am and spread towards Bulban Road, ended up burning 113 hectares.
Firefighters took two hours to control the blaze, stopping it as it reached Bulban Road. Mr Hedt said the fire came close to three properties on the edge of the town, forcing the CFA to issue an emergency alert to residents, advising them they were in immediate danger.
17, including grassfires at Little River, Epping and Kangaroo Ground.
Point Cook station officer Sean Kennedy said the brigade had responded to 33 calls ranging from grassfires to blazes related to airconditioning.
He urged Wyndham residents to remain aware of their surroundings and keep their properties clear of long grass and other fire hazards. \ LL
Police confirmed the fire was suspicious and said they were investigating its cause.
A spokeswoman said police would examine if there were any links between the grassfire and other blazes in the town, including one that burnt 350 hectares on January 14, 2013.
Mr Hedt said this year’s blaze began two kilometres west of the 2013 fire.
“ at date means something to someone,” he said. “ e only difference between the fires was that this time there was a southerly wind. Last year, there was a strong northerly wind.” Locals fear a firebug is targeting Little River, with reports that a dark ute was seen driving away from Edgars Road at the time of last week’s fire.
Last year, police appealed for public help to find the driver of a green ute seen near Bulban and Edgars roads before the fire started. ey feared an arsonist was also responsible for a grassfire on Little River-Ripley Road eight days earlier.
No one was charged over last year’s blazes. \ LAURA LITTLE
» Information to Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000
LITTLE RIVER
Beating the blaze: Units from across the western suburbs helped fight a 113-hectare grassfire near Little River. (MARK SMITH)
show will go on: festival braves cuts
WERRIBEE
Council funding for this year’s Weerama Festival has been cut by about 30 per cent, but the show will go on according to festival director Warrick Lynch. He said Wyndham council had cut its funding from $50,985 last year to $34,650 this year. Festival members have fought the funding cut and initially considered reducing Wyndham’s biggest community event to one day. But Mr Lynch said this year’s festival
NEW VENUE FOR WYNDHAM PARTY
AUSTRALIA DAY
Wyndham’s official Australia Day celebrations have been moved to a new site a er snakes forced a last-minute shi from the Werribee South foreshore last year. e council has chosen to celebrate Australia Day and the city’s 150th anniversary at the Victoria University athletics track in Hoppers Lane, Werribee with fireworks and other activities.
An influx of snakes last year forced the council to shi its Australia Day celebrations to the VU centre shortly before the event.
‘‘Werribee South was not considered as a venue for this year’s celebrations as there is not sufficient space to accommodate carnival rides, a big screen and the large crowd expected on the day,’’ council CEO Kerry ompson said.
Sunday’s events begin at 5pm with rides, a tribute to Wyndham’s history and entertainment for all ages, including live music and an eight-minute fireworks display at dusk.
Manor Lakes Residents Association is also holding a free Australia Day celebration from 2-5pm at Hindmarsh Drive Reserve, Wyndham Vale, with children’s activities including a circus skills workshop. \ SH
will be a three-day event, celebrating its 35th anniversary with a new logo designed by Daniella Acciarito from the Wyndham Community Arts Alliance. e logo is inspired by Werribee River.
“We have worked hard to ensure this [funding cut] does not affect the quality of the festival,” he said.
Mr Lynch said organisers were seeking volunteers to help run the festival, which will start with a busking event on Friday, February 28. e festival attracts about
30,000 people annually. is year’s event will include a children’s ‘‘funfest” at Chirnside Park on March 1, a Bon Jovi and Pink show and other activities in Watton Street, and fireworks at Wyndham Park. A street parade and other activities will wrap up the festival the following day. Wyndham council did not respond before the Weekly went to print. \
SUE HEWITT
» To volunteer, email info@weerama.org.au
MY TOWN
t’s a quintessential part of being an Aussie, that run of hot summer days in January.
If you’ve been here for a while, it brings back childhood memories of long days by the ocean or munching ice-cold watermelon while lying half-naked under the fan.
If you’re new to an antipodean heatwave … welcome to Australia.
It’s when the ground burns your feet through the soles of your shoes and your brain feels like it will boil inside your skull; the feeling of icypoles melting in your hand before the first lick and sighing audibly when you feel a gust of airconditioning from a doorway.
It’s getting under a shower with just the cold tap running to feel the relief of chilled water on over-heated skin.
Or gingerly getting in the car, trying not to let your bare legs touch the hot leather seat or brand yourself with the roasting seatbelt buckle.
It’s trying to guess at what time in the evening the temperature outside is actually cooler than inside the house. Or wondering why on earth you didn’t install airconditioning.
January is wrapping an ice brick in a tea towel to sleep with, under a ceiling fan, with the windows open and turning the pillow over to find a cool spot.
It’s the beauty of electrical storms lighting up the night sky and the terror of bushfires racing across dry paddocks.
But most of all, it’s the anticipation and relief of the cool change, scudding clouds across a big sky and the patter of rain on a scorching tin roof and that first long breath of temperate air entering your lungs, returning your energy and goodwill.
And it’s remembering, for the rest of your life, those scorching days that mark you as a child of Australia. \
EMMA SUTCLIFFE
Emma Sutcliffe is a Little River-based freelance writer. Connect with her on Facebook at “Little River Emma”.
Party time: Lesley Knights and Hazel White, with Elena, 4, and Yianni, 6, will look the part for Wyndham’s 150th anniversary celebrations on Australia Day. (WAYNE HAWKINS)
demand for new schools, upgrades urgent: report
EDUCATION
Wyndham needs two new schools by 2016 and significant upgrades to three other schools to meet demand, a council report has revealed.
e report is being used to urge the Education Department to ensure the municipality receives funding for school projects in this year’s state budget.
In the report, advocacy director Bill Forrest said rapid population growth meant Wyndham would have a big problem with school capacity next year.
“In 2010-2011, Wyndham was the fastest
growing municipality in Australia with a growth rate of 7.8 per cent. is is significant as, although the growth rate has since eased a little, children born in that year will be starting school in 2015.
“With many schools already at capacity, this creates an immediate problem for school capacity.”
Mr Forrest found there was an urgent need for a new primary school at Tarneit West and a prep-year 9 school at Sanctuary Lakes.
College and Werribee Secondary College.
As reported by the Weekly, the Committee for Wyndham has mounted a campaign to secure $7 million in May’s budget for the third stage of Werribee Secondary College’s rebuild and to replace “dangerous” buildings.
“many schools are already at capacity”
e Grange College is also campaigning for funding to address its maintenance problems.
He also recommended the government provide funding to build the next stage of Werribee Primary School, e Grange
mice on ice in the heat
Icy treats and cold baths were in demand at Werribee Open Range Zoo last week as the animals sought relief from the extreme heat. Keepers braved the soaring temperatures to keep their animal friends cool, treating meerkats to frozen mice blocks. Hoses were turned on the zoo’s elephants and hippos, while monkeys were offered frozen fruit. A zoo spokeswoman said the animals were also given access to their dens during the day, allowing them to stay off display and out of the sun. \ LL
School council president Noel Moodie said no significant infrastructure had been added to the Hoppers Crossing senior campus since it was built 20 years ago. He said the school was suffering from water
damage, drainage and roofing problems and burst irrigation pipes.
Four wings of the secondary school have been without heating for 12 months. e primary school campus was built to accommodate 300 pupils but 800 are now enrolled.
Werribee Primary is also approaching its cap of 525 pupils and is seeking funding for stage four of its development.
An Education Department spokesman said the schools would be considered for funding in the budget but would not say if the department viewed the projects as necessary. \
Westbourne Grammar School invites all students wishing to be considered for a place in Year 7 or Year 9 to sit our upcoming Placement Testing and Scholarship Testing.
A Scholarship at Westbourne Grammar School provides an opportunity to attend a great school from Year 7 to 12. All students wishing to be considered for a General Excellence Scholarship must be academically sound and of outstanding all-round potential, be able to demonstrate that they will bene t from the School’s program and make a contribution to the life of the school.
Published by Metro Media Publishing Pty Ltd (ACN 141 396 741). All material is copyright and The Weekly
your voice
TRUGANINA JUNCTION A HEADACHE (Weekly, December 11)
Ԃ I, along with the residents of Truganina, am totally puzzled at Wyndham council’s logic in making it a left-turn only into Leakes Road. I wonder if the same logic will apply if and when Forsyth Road is upgraded. Will it mean that motorists will only be allowed to turn right into Old Geelong Road and not be allowed access to the freeway? Bring on the administrators.
MAX MENDES \ VIA WEB
Ԃ What a blunder by our council. It spent $1.8million and took three years to complete this dead-end road without a right turn to the city. Who took this decision without consulting the local community? Who will be accountable if any mishap happens, as people are now doing U-turns on busy Leakes Road? Let the mayor and Harrison ward councillors visit this area in morning peak time and see what’s going on.
ARVIN \ VIA WEB
Ԃ This really is a monumental disaster. Traffic lights are needed here, not a traffic island to try and ban right turns. And where is the six-lane upgrade to Leakes Road? When I built my Tarneit house in 2006, we were told the plan for a road upgrade would be completed by 2012. We are choking, Wyndham council. Do something about it!
AARON \ VIA WEB
WERRIBEE TIP AUDIT
(Weekly, December 18)
Ԃ Enough is enough, Wyndham council. Stop turning Wyndham into Melbourne’s dumping ground!
HUMBERT HUMBERT \ VIA WEB
BOOZE BUS PAGE ‘SENDING RIGHT MESSAGE’
(Weekly, December 18)
Ԃ You could tell all the drivers in the western suburbs the locations of every speed camera, marked police cars and booze bus, but there would still be a serious number of idiots who would thumb their noses at
the law. There is a massive attitude problem with drivers in the west when it comes to obeying road rules.
TONY A \ VIA WEB
JOB AGENCY PART OF PLAN
(Weekly, December 18)
Ԃ Our state government has few initiatives when it comes to job creation. There’s a naive assumption that adding population will create new demands for commodities and create jobs. However, it doesn’t work. Planning has come to mean property development, not long-term jobs.
MATILDA \ VIA WEB
The WEEKLY welcomes letters no longer than 200 words. All letters are subject to editing and must include a name, address and phone number.
POST \ The Editor, PO Box 740, Niddrie, 3042 EMAIL \ westletters@mmpgroup.com.au
POST A WEB COMMENT \ to any story at www.wyndhamweekly.com.au
My shout
I heard Premier Denis Napthine tell ABC Radio last week we face rolling blackouts and should each do our bit to save electricity during the heatwave. His comments almost made me throw the radio through a wall – no mean feat when you’re driving.
The sun and wind are increasing our demand for the power that our brown-coal-fired power stations can’t meet when they could be a major part of the solution.
Yet our state government has all but banned new wind farms and removed many of the incentives for people to install solar panels and deliver surplus energy to the electricity grid.
Of course, the government will feel pressure to meet increasing demands as heatwaves get longer and hotter. Ironically, it will most probably want to do this by building another dirty coal-fired power station. \
DAVID BONNICI \ EDITOR
GROWING DEMAND PUTS HEAT ON HOSPITAL
HEALTH
Rapid population growth is putting pressure on Werribee Mercy Hospital’s emergency department, resulting in longer waiting times for patients.
Data from the latest state government health services performance report reveals that 8902 people sought help from the hospital’s emergency department between July and September last year, up from 8581 the previous year.
e city’s population grew by about 10,000 people between September, 2012, and September, 2013.
e average waiting time has increased to 25 minutes, four minutes more than the state average of 21 minutes. Many patients were forced to wait close to 40 minutes for treatment.
Mercy Public Hospitals executive director Linda Mellors said the hospital was trying to meet growing demand for emergency care.
She said the opening of a new two-storey community rehabilitation centre and admission-risk program this year would help ease pressure on the emergency department.
“ ese increased services will provide an increased range of appropriate services to our patients and will aim to reduce emergency department presentations,” Dr Mellors said.
It is also hoped a plan to offer doctors tens of thousands of dollars to relocate to Wyndham will reduce emergency department attendances.
As reported by the Weekly, the city has 0.89
GPs for every 1000 residents, while the state average is 1.18.
Doctors who relocate to the municipality can receive up to $30,000 from the federal government, while those who set up new practices get $40,000. \
LAURA LITTLE
pair reach out to cemetery samaritan
Frank Mollica believes the actions of a quick-thinking good Samaritan aided the recovery of his mother-in-law a er a nasty fall at Werribee cemetery.
Madelena Campagnolo was visiting the cemetery with her daughter Anna on Christmas Day when she tripped and fell, hitting her face on the ground. e fall smashed her glasses, injuring her eyes.
A man driving past the cemetery saw Mrs Mollica struggling to pick up her mother and stopped his car.
e man jumped the cemetery fence and raced to Mrs Campagnolo’s aid, helping her to her daughter’s car.
At Werribee Mercy Hospital, doctors told Mrs Campagnolo that she had lost the sight in her le eye and would only be able to see directly in front of her from her right eye.
“Without that man’s help, Anna wouldn’t have been able to get her to the car and to the hospital,” Mr Mollica said. e couple hopes the good Samaritan will come forward so they can thank him properly. \ LL
» 9741 6923
‘savage’ cut hits students
EDUCATION
Schoolchildren in Wyndham could miss out on excursions and school camps if the federal government goes ahead with plans to scrap a schoolkids bonus.
e bonus, which is paid to parents in January and July each year, provides eligible families with $410 a year for primary-school children and $820 for secondary-school children.
Parents have already received their January installments but there are fears these payments will be the last.
As reported by the Weekly, the government is trying to pass legislation to scrap the bonus.
school camps,’’ she said. ‘‘ e average cost of a grade 6 camp is $350-$400 and parents just don’t have that type of money lying around these days.”
Ms Findlay said many Iramoo parents would use part of their January installment to pay for their children’s swimming lessons, while others would also use it for uniforms or school photographs.
13,000 families would be affected
e government says it cannot afford the payments, as they were funded by the underperforming mining tax which it hopes to repeal.
Iramoo Primary School principal Moira Findlay fears many of her pupils will miss out on “big-ticket” school events if the bonus is scrapped.
“Our families use that money really well for big-ticket items such as the children’s computers, which cost $200 in grade 4, $100 in grade 5 and $50 in grade 6, or
Parents normally used the July installment to pay for school camps, she said.
“ e children who can least afford it will be the ones who miss out.
“Camps and excursions are the things children remember when they are grown-ups. ey may not remember the day when they learnt how to use apostrophes, but they will remember the time they went to camp.”
Lalor Labor MP and former Moonee Ponds Central School principal Joanne Ryan said the end of the bonus would affect close to 13,000 families in Wyndham.
“I know how important this money is to local families to cover the costs of books, uniforms and excursions,” she said.
“ is is a savage cut.”
\
LAURA LITTLE
Point Cook’s Jayla Tran is a rising star on the tennis court. The seven-year-old was recently named MLC “Hot Shot of the Year” in recognition of her dedication to the sport. The competition recognised 12 top juniors, with one crowned the overall Hot Shot at an awards night during the Australian Open. Jayla said the contest had helped her fine-tune her tennis skills and had given her the chance to watch some of the best players in the world compete at the Open. “We’ve had the chance to see some of our favourite players on court,” she said.
“We will have a hit on Rod Laver Arena and hang out with Alicia Molik.” Jayla’s prize included $5000, one year of free tennis coaching and a visit from Molik for a private lesson with three friends. \ LL jayla’s having an ace time (SUPPLIED)
outer suburbs feel the pain
GROWING PAINS
Melbourne’s interface councils say the state government’s 40-year vision plan for Melbourne fails to address issues that are already affecting people and businesses in outer suburbs.
e 10 outer-fringe councils, including Melton and Wyndham, say Plan Melbourne needs to address inequity between inner-city and outer suburbs, especially in providing vital infrastructure and services.
ey have called for these inequities to be identified and addressed as a matter of priority.
e councils put their position in a joint submission on the plan, which aims to address the challenges of population growth and ensure economic prosperity and liveability until 2050.
services for the rapid population growth that these areas have already experienced.
“It is important to monitor growth on an annual basis and provide advice to the Department of Treasury and Finance on an annual basis,” their joint submission states.
“Tracking the rate should allow the department to make financial adjustments, to ensure that essential services and infrastructure are provided on a regular basis.”
councils in plea over funding failure
Councils have also forwarded individual submissions to the government planning inquiry. In their joint submission, they say they endorse improved planning outcomes underpinning the government’s plan and its policy of ensuring all families have access to services and opportunities wherever they live.
But the councils claim the government has already failed to fund infrastructure and
e submission calls on the government to acknowledge the long-term consequences of failing to fund growth appropriately.
In their One Melbourne or Two? report released last year, the councils said the government needed to allocate $9.8 billion over 15 years to help fund half the infrastructure and services already needed, including public transport.
In its submission, Melton council said appropriate funding and infrastructure must be delivered if the government’s growth strategy was to be successful.
Melton Labor MP Don Nardella said the strategy did not explain how employment opportunities and infrastructure would support population growth. \
TARA MURRAY
all those pretty horses
WERRIBEE
When Tarneit’s Rachel Craig steps out with Prince Tarrent, she pays more attention to the gelding’s make-up than her own.
“He has to look great, I only have to look good,” she says.
e pair will compete at the Royal Melbourne Horse Show at Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre this weekend. It’s Australia’s largest horse breed show, running from Friday to Monday, with more than 4000 horses and 40 breeds competing.
Craig, 22, is competing in dressage, which she says is all about how well the horse looks, the bond between horse and rider and how the horse responds to commands. She spends hours plaiting the tail of her Arabian-warmblood cross and creating rosettes in his mane, while using make-up to accentuate his features.
“I wash him with a glow-white shampoo, then use white chalk to emphasise his markings, black kohl around his eyes and more.” \ SH
» rasv.com.au/Events/RMHS_Home/
(WAYNE HAWKINS)
“
I’m generally pretty red up, so I need to bring myself down,” says Australia’s defending Olympic aerial skiing champion Lydia Lassila. “For me, it’s more of a challenge to stay calm, stay chilled out.”
Lassila is providing an insight into the silent minutes before a jump when she likes to visualise herself pulling it o .
In 2006, the freestyle skier became a household name when she claimed gold at the Vancouver Winter Olympics in Canada. Four years on, the prospect of becoming a legend at next month’s Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, is looming with Lassila hoping to bag back-to-back gold medals in the snow.
If successful, she will create history, becoming Australia’s rst dual Winter Olympics gold medallist.
Lassila grew up in Sunshine and began her sporting career as a gymnast at the Footscray City Gymnastics Club. When she was 12, her family moved to Diggers Rest and gymnastics became more than a pastime. She competed at the Niddrie Gymnastics Club and then moved into elite gymnastics at Methodist Ladies’ College in Kew. She nished high school at MLC, making the daily commute from Diggers Rest. By year 12, Lassila was coaching gymnastics and it was then she was quizzed about giving aerial skiing a go.
“I hadn’t skied before and had no idea about it,” she recalls. “ ey reeled me in by saying, ‘You might have a chance of going to an Olympics.’
“It was the carrot dangling for me. I thought the worst that could happen is that you learn how to ski,” she jokes. In fact, Lassila did spend 1999 learning to ski, with her skills as a gymnast helping her pick up the techniques easily.
A year later she was jumping and was hooked. e rapid rise continued and culminated with her competing at her rst Olympics in February, 2002, in Salt Lake City. Less than a decade later – Vancouver, 2010 – Lassila became an Olympic champion.
Her latest Olympic bid is now in full swing.
In Switzerland last year, Lassila undertook gruelling challenges to perfect a new routine that she hopes will li her to glory.
e quadruple-twisting triple somersault, which adds an extra twist to the routine that won her gold in Vancouver four years ago, has never been successfully completed by a woman on snow.
Understandably, training for the attempt has been physically and mentally draining. In the summer o -season, she practised every day on an arti cial surface, taking o a jump and landing in a pool.
She gradually built her skills, from single ips to double, then added twists and triple ips with twists. e process was repeated for days and weeks on end until it was clear in her head and she was con dent enough to nail it on snow.
“ ere’s a lot of impact on your body. It’s mentally draining to do this for six months. e harder the skill, the more di cult it gets mentally.”
With mental preparation an important factor in her performance, a key component of Lassila’s preparation occurs away from the slopes.
She employs sports hypnotist Je rey Hodges to increase her mental toughness and help her let go of any lingering negative experiences.
“We work on di erent skills, like relaxation, visualisation, or anchoring a positive experience or letting go of a bad one,” she says.
At home in her downtime, Lassila nds yoga the best way of recharging her batteries.
But she’s not home much. With no training facility in Australia, she’s forced to spend the summer o -season abroad, away from the home in Flemington she shares with her husband Lauri and two-and-a-half-year-old son Kai.
“Sometimes I can take Kai away with me. He travels with me and my mum, but then my husband is without Kai,” she laments.
Keeping a Lyd on it
Australian Olympic freestyle skier Lydia Lassila is playing it cool ahead of next month’s Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, writes ANGELA VALENTE
and it’s heartbreaking to leave him.” Lassila is unsure whether she will push on a er the Winter Olympics.
“I’m going to leave that decision for 10 seconds a er the nal to see what sort of feeling I get.”
Post Vancouver, she recalls thinking that if she won she’d have been satis ed given the roller coaster ride she’d been on.
“you have
“I thought I would get that feeling, but I got the opposite. I felt that I had more in me. So I’m waiting for that moment again.”
to be ready for anything”
e 32-year-old has been long campaigning for an Australian water ramp training facility and her decision about continuing in the sport will depend heavily on getting one. A new facility would mean less travel and more time at home with family. But in the end, she says, the sacri ces are worth it and she owes a lot to sport.
“So then my mum would y him back and I would be without Kai. I can function, but I hold a lot of anxiety
“It’s built me; it’s who I am. It’s stripped me bare and I’ve built myself up again and I can use that, and share
that,” she says. “In any world – corporate or sporting or a ‘mum’ world – you have days when you need motivation. You need to pick yourself up and that’s what sport has taught me.”
Lassila says she’s heading into the Sochi Games feeling well prepared.
ere is an air of added anticipation, excitement and pressure as the defending champion, and she describes it as both frightening and exciting. “My body feels great, and I need to stay calm and keep it all together for the day.”
e mechanics and aesthetics of jumping is what Lassila says she loves most, but it’s the adrenalin and fear it creates that keeps her coming back.
“You’re always on the edge, riding that ne line and that’s what I love about it – but also hate about it. A lot of variables can a ect you. You need to constantly adjust yourself. You have to be ready for anything.” \ avalente@mmpgroup.com.au
A Hoppers Crossing furniture shop will continue trading despite the collapse of its parent company, according to administrators appointed to run the business.
e Whitehorse Furniture and Bedding chain of five stores, with a reported turnover of $10 million a year, was placed into administration last week, but the level of its debt is unknown.
‘‘ e business is continuing to trade while we conduct this assessment.”
Calls to the Hoppers Crossing shop last Friday were not answered.
Mr Dixon said there were two reasons for the collapse of the Whitehorse chain.
“i think they expanded too quickly”
Twenty employees at five shops at Old Geelong Road, Hoppers Crossing, and Dandenong, Frankston, Moorabbin and Preston will keep their jobs in the short term, according to Stephen Dixon of administrators Grant ornton.
“We are continuing to trade the business while we conduct an assessment of each of the stores,” Mr Dixon said.
But the long-term future of employees is uncertain.
“Investigations are continuing about which [stores] are loss-making and which are not,’’ Mr Dixon said.
“Firstly, sales have declined compared to previous years and, secondly, I think they expanded too quickly,” Mr Dixon said.
“[ e owner] had three stores and went to five too quickly, in a short space of time.
‘‘ is put constraints on the working capital of the business and led to the current situation.
“Investigations are continuing in relation to the quantum of the debts, and the reason for the collapse of the firm.”
Mr Dixon said the business might be sold as a going concern. \
SUE HEWITT shewitt@mmpgroup.com.au
HAVE YOUR SAY www.wyndhamweekly.com.au
(WAYNE HAWKINS)
Werribee’s outdoor swimming pool was the place to be last week as Wyndham residents looked for ways to stay cool during the heatwave. Among those taking a dip was Mirnes, 5, (pictured), who spent the day at the Chirnside Park pool with his family last Thursday. Temperatures in Werribee topped 44 degrees last Tuesday and Friday for the first time since January, 2010. The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting cooler temperatures this week. The pool will host inflatable games for children today, Friday and Monday from 1-5pm. \ LL
LEARNING FUTURE
Applications close: Friday, 7 February 2014. Scholarship
The Geelong College invite applications for Academic, Boarding and Music Scholarships for entry into Years 6 to 11 in 2015.
and tours: Saturday, 15 February 2014 from 8.30am.
status quo for mobile homes
WYNDHAM
Mobile home owners in Wyndham have avoided paying an extra $800 a year in rent, a er the tax office backed away from plans to charge them GST.
Under a dra Australian Tax Office ruling released late last year, people living in mobile homes faced having to pay GST on their site rental for the first time. e ruling was set to overturn a Howard government decision to make mobile homes GST-exempt because they were deemed residential premises. e proposal would have affected about 900 Wyndham residents. But following a national backlash, the tax office announced it would not adopt the dra ruling.
Tax commissioner Chris Jordan said the ATO had changed its view that mobile homes were not residential premises. “We have carefully considered the legal arguments and practical implications and decided that we don’t need to change the existing GST treatment of these estates,” he said.
Bob Curtis, who lives in Werribee’s Ison Village, welcomed the tax office’s backdown. Mr Curtis said many of the village’s residents would have been unable to afford the 10 per cent increase in their rent.
Residents pay about $160 a week to rent a site for their mobile homes.
mobile home residents fear tax ruling
Lalor Labor MP Joanne Ryan said the decision was fantastic
and tenancy eviction already massive issues in Wyndham.
“ is backdown will provide some welcome relief to those living in mobile homes, particularly those on a pension or fixed retirement income,” she said.
\
LAURA LITTLE
Gordon Hospitality, Tourism, Events and Cookery graduates are in demand
As an established and well respected training institution, The Gordon provides students the skills, knowledge and professionalism industry demands.
level crossing investigation
An investigation into a fatal smash at Werribee’s Cherry Street level crossing has stopped short of recommending its removal. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau launched the probe after a Truganina woman, 65, died when a freight train crashed into the car in which she was a passenger in May 2012. The bureau recommended co-ordination of the boom gate and traffic signals at a nearby pedestrian crossing, installation of a vehicle refuge and short-range warning lights, and that the length of the crossing be reduced. \
man charged over brawl
A Werribee man has been charged over his alleged involvement in a brawl between rival soccer fans in December. The 19-year-old was one of four men arrested and charged by police over the December 28 brawl outside a pub in Bourke Street, Melbourne. He was charged with affray, conduct endangering serious injury, throwing or discharging a missile and possessing a flare. The man was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on May 20. \
sister school grant
Werribee Secondary College has received a $5000 state government grant to strengthen its relationship with sister schools in Japan, China, Italy, Spain and Singapore. Grants were provided to schools across Victoria to showcase the benefit of sister school relationships. \
Have award-winning chets such as Brendan Hill, winner ot the Black Hat Award, teach you your trade.
Through a hands-on approach to learning, our students continually practice their skills to make sure they are job-ready when they enter the worktorce. To kick-start your career, jump online or give us a call today. For further information phone 5225 0500 or visit thegordon.edu.au
03190
Celebrate VALENTINE’S Day
Friday 14th February 2014
Doors open from 6.30PM
Bring your sweet heart to the ISCW for a Romantic three course meal Including a glass of sparkling on arrival LIVE ENTERTAINMENT FROM “Remedy Duo” TICKETS $ 49.00 PER HEAD (Group Bookings Welcome) FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION PLEASE PHONE ON 9741 1225 OR VISIT US AT 601 HEATHS RD, WERRIBEE WWW.ISCW.COM.AU
SUBURB RENAMING PETITION
RENAMING A PART OF WYNDHAM VALE TO ‘MANOR LAKES’ Council has received a petition requesting the above renaming. The reasons supporting the change in the petition do not satisfy the State Government’s Guidelines or Council Policy. Council is now seeking further community feedback.
This feedback is needed for Council to further inform its view as to whether the suburb renaming proposal is needed under extraordinary circumstances, and whether it is likely to achieve total community support.
Written feedback must be received by no later than 28 February 2014. Please refer to Council’s website www.wyndham.vic.gov.au to complete an on-line form.
If you require further information, please contact Evvie Lambrianidis, Governance Officer, on 9742 0920.
www.wyndham.vic.gov.au
westie linfox workers go public in fight FOR parity
JOBS
Four hundred Linfox workers at the Coles Laverton distribution centre are poised to strike on Friday as they take their industrial campaign to customers in a bid to place pressure on the supermarket giant.
National Union of Workers members last week started lobbying customers in their fight for pay and conditions equal to those of other warehouse workers supplying Coles.
Linfox pickers and packers stopped work for 24 hours and collected signatures for a petition outside Coles at Altona last Friday.
Union organiser Matt Toner said western suburbs workers were paid about $5 to $6 an hour less than those doing the same job at other warehouses. He said they received only one paid 15-minute break while their counterparts elsewhere received two.
On Friday, hundreds of people signed the union’s petition, designed to put pressure on Coles and Linfox.
“ e reception from the western suburbs community was astounding – we were blown away by the level of support that people were offering,” Mr Toner said.
“I think a lot of shoppers – there were even suppliers and Linfox workers that we randomly met in the public – were critical of
Linfox and Coles, and very supportive of the workers. So, a big thank-you to the people of the western suburbs.
“We got hundreds of signatures. e customers want Coles to treat its workers equally. A lot of customers chose to shop elsewhere.”
Mr Toner said the union was aware of a Coles contingency plan, but the absence of 400 workers for a second consecutive Friday was bound to affect supplies.
Coles spokeswoman Anna Kelly said the industrial dispute was between the union and Linfox.
“Coles’ priority is to ensure our customers are unaffected by any strike action,” she said.
“We have put contingency plans in place to minimise the impact of any strike on our customers.”
Linfox declined to comment. \ GOYA DMYTRYSHCHAK
Equal treatment: A union member addresses Linfox workers at the Coles distribution centre. (SCOTT MCNAUGHTON)
The Lighthouse: A beacon of chic simplicity and style at Wyndham Harbour
Perhaps the last truly waterfront land being developed along Port Philip Bay, Wyndham Harbour is truly a unique integrated development with construction well under way. The first residents are already moving in to enjoy their new bay side homes and coastal lifestyle.
Following the success of the sold out Marina Quays apartments, including 104 apartments and 1000m2 of retail space, plans are now underway for the second apartment building launch in early 2014.
Aptly named The Lighthouse, award winning architectural firm SJB has been appointed, ensuring The Lighthouse becomes a beacon of style and will command spectacular views across Port Phillip Bay to the CBD. The predominant defining characteristic of the Lighthouse will be a crisp, white articulated façade, punctuated with a series of framed, habitable volumes of various sizes and proportions.
The Lighthouse will accommodate 137 dwellings ranging in size from 1 – 3 bedroom apartments, a penthouse and a retail space. Strategically positioned at the end of Quay Boulevard, The Lighthouse
will live up to its name as a striking, lightfilled five-storey medium density structure within the burgeoning Wyndham Harbour community.
SJB Director, Oliver Mayger says of the architectural approach for The Lighthouse;
“The design feature makes perception of the building a constantly changing experience according to the onlookers position to the façade and the light illuminating it. During the daytime, shadows generated by the continuous movement add a dynamic character to the building.
From the exterior individual apartments are not easily recognized – undulating rhythm of the structure both horizontally and vertically celebrates a sculptural composition over one of order.
The linear balustrade elements, slip in behind and alternate between sold and clear glazed materials, this format offers different views to the park and the distant CBD.”
“There has been a strong undercurrent of interest in Wyndham Harbour developments already,” says John Roysmith, CEO of Lyons Capital.
Lighthouse
and land packages, two new beaches, ten hectares of impressive landscaping with cycling and walking trails, a thriving cosmopolitan centre and abundant car spaces.
The
is one component of the Wyndham Harbour development which includes a marina, house
A total of 142 lots have been sold and settled and 11 owners have finalised their home designs and approvals. The Marina Quays apartment building is expected to top out before Christmas with its completion due in May 2014.
south stone sale mooted
WERRIBEE
Wyndham’s only public aged-care facility could be privatised, with the state government seeking expressions of interest from companies keen to run the centre.
e proposed sale of South Stone Lodge is part of a plan to reduce the government’s involvement in the aged-care sector.
As reported by the Weekly, budget documents show the government expects to save $75million in the next four years as private providers take over management of the state’s aged-care beds in Melbourne.
providers to play a role in helping us to better meet the care needs of aged-care residents, while at the same time investing in new state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure for Victorian communities in metropolitan Melbourne.”
Aged-care advocates fear the proposed privatisation of South Stone Lodge will lead to nursing cuts and fee hikes for residents.
fears of fee hikes, nursing cuts
e government recently began seeking expressions of interest for 1030 publicly managed beds across the metropolitan area. A spokesman for Ageing Minister David Davis said the government was yet to decide which centres would be privatised.
“ e government will consider proposals that are brought forward that will deliver high-quality residential aged-care services and better capital outcomes,” the spokesman said.
“ ere is an opportunity for not-for-profit and other aged-care service
Nursing union spokeswoman Robyn Asbury said the planned sale would negatively affect patient care.
She feared more nurses would be made redundant as private facilities shed staff and increased the proportion of ‘‘personal-care workers’’.
Tarneit Labor MP Tim Pallas said families were concerned that privately-run facilities would have non-qualified workers employed in place of nurses and would be without nurse to patient ratios.
However, Mr Davis’ spokesman said the same care standards applied to the private sector. \
LAURA LITTLE
it helps to think outside the square (SUPPLIED)
Study Deakin’s Bachelor of Early Childhood Education in 2014 at Kangan Institute – Craigieburn
• Specialise in early childhood education (birth – eight years)
• Stay close to home while you study and work
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Further information contact c.finnigan@deakin.edu.au or phone 03 5563 3087
Some of the events required competitors to be blindfolded, while in others they could use only one hand. \ LL
Aspiring Rubik’s cube champions, including Ben and Martin Wells and Conner Oliver (pictured), have put their “speed cubing” skills to the test in Tarneit. A competition at Tarneit Skies Retirement Village earlier this month also pitted the world’s oldest speed cubing competitor
Adelina Estevao, 84 – against world champion Feliks Zemdegs, 18, from Melbourne. Competitors tried to beat the clock using different-sized cubes.
creepy crawlies move in
WYNDHAM
Dangerous spiders and snakes are invading Wyndham homes and armies of ants are joining the offensive, according to local experts.
One resident recently found a venomous redback spider in his letterbox, and another found one in the bathroom, while other locals complained of an invasion of white-tailed spiders.
A Point Cook woman said a redback spider bit her before Christmas and she “nearly died” before being treated in hospital.
“People have been walking their dogs at night, but that’s when the snakes are out,” Dr Richards said.
e vet hospital had seen numerous cases of heat-stressed dogs, including one animal that died despite being kept inside with water, she said.
ere were also many cases of heat-stressed native wildlife and birds, including a possum and its baby found by the roadside.
snakes are active from 8pm to 9am
Hoppers Crossing snake catcher Adam Sapiano said last week’s hot weather had brought many snakes out at night.
He said he had caught five in the week to Friday, with a total of 25 for the summer.
Mr Sapiano said snakes suffered heat exhaustion and stayed out of the extreme daytime heat but were active from 8pm to 9am.
e night-time snake activity led to several dogs being bitten, according to Dr Leonie Richards of Werribee’s University of Melbourne Veterinary Hospital.
Dr Richards encouraged residents to leave water out under trees on their properties.
She said despite reports that the Lort Smith Animal Hospital was dealing with an outbreak of the deadly parvovirus in dogs in the western suburbs, the Werribee hospital had not seen an increase.
Alan Rust, of Rusty’s Pest Management Solutions, said Point Cook residents had been invaded by redback, white-tailed and other spiders because of the extreme weather.
He recently found three white-tailed spiders under a trampoline that children had been playing on in Point Cook. He urged parents to be vigilant. \
SUE HEWITT
A charity has established a program to assist the western suburbs’ most vulnerable families. The Caroline Chisholm Foundation has launched a Handy Home Helpers program, which will recruit men to be home-maintenance volunteers, assisting single mothers with work in their homes. The men will accompany social workers during their visits, undertaking tasks such as installing smoke alarms, setting up play equipment for children, fixing furniture and supporting the women in the safety and maintenance of their homes. Almost 2000 women seek help from the society every year. More than 75 per cent of these families are in Melbourne’s western suburbs. Caroline Chisholm chief executive officer Helen Cooney says the organisation will be working with Men’s Sheds and Lions Clubs to recruit men. “We encourage all men to apply,” Ms Cooney said. “There are specific skills required, but we would love to recruit more tradesmen who can assist the women in more specialised work.”
\ MELISSA CUNNINGHAM
DON’T MISS LOCAL NEWS AS IT HAPPENS
VOLUNTEER MICHAEL LYNCH
(WAYNE HAWKINS)
Handy helpers prove it: charity begins at home
smile: your dental caRE MAY BE freE
HEALTH
ousands of children in Melbourne’s west will receive free dental care under a scheme rolling out this month.
Medicare-funded dental care for children began on January 1 and will provide up to $1000 in dental services every two years for 3.4 million Australian children in families which receive Family Tax Benefit Part A. e $2.7 billion scheme is part of the $5 billion Dental Health Reform Package developed as part of an agreement secured by the Greens in forming a minority government with Labor.
Greens health spokesman Richard Di Natale said the package was the most significant reform of dental care in Australia’s history.
“one in three people can’t afford to see a dentist”
“One in three people are unable to afford to see a dentist, but all that is about to change,” he said.
“For too long we’ve treated the mouth as separate from the rest of the body, which has resulted in an oral health crisis in this country. is reform means millions of Australians will now be able to afford dental care. But it also lays the foundation for universal dental care in the years to come, building a healthier nation for all of us.”
Western Metropolitan Greens MP Colleen Hartland said the six-year reform package was aimed at people on low and middle incomes. As well as subsidised basic dental treatment for children, it includes $1.3 billion for about 1.4 million additional services for adults on low incomes.
Improve Your englIsh and general skIlls
Apply now for Certificate I to Certificate IV level courses.
Study at: Footscray Nicholson Campus 9919 8748 Sunshine Campus 9919 7202 St Albans Campus 9919 2924 Werribee Campus 9919 8239
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Your chance to visit our brand new ‘state of the art’ Year 7 & 8 centre
WEDNESDAY 12 FEBRUARY, 2014, 2PM – 6PM Last Guided Tour 5.30pm
• Nurturing faith and fostering positive, life giving relationships with others.
• Providing an engaging and innovative learning environment.
• Developing the capacity for independent thought and informed decision making.
Mr Di Natale wants the government to extend Medicare to cover dentistry by 2018.
Public dental services in the western suburbs include ISIS Primary Care in St Albans and Hoppers Crossing. \
BENJAMIN MILLAR
a season not so festive for felines
ANIMAL WELFARE
Wyndham animal lovers are being asked to open their hearts and foster one of 85 cats until non-profit group Unforgettable Creatures can find them a permanent home.
Food and worming treatment is paid for. e cats come desexed, with any vet fees covered.
Unforgettable Creatures member Mel Honeyman said the festive season had brought an influx of felines, some of them rescued from the pound, others handed in by people who can no longer care for them. e Woodend-based group focuses on rescuing, rehabilitating and re-homing animals.
“We’ve had trainers who have slept outside with dogs to gain their trust,’’ Ms Honeyman said. ‘‘It takes time for mistreated animals to relate to that loving care, but it’s so worth it when they do.”
Foster carers can apply for long-term adoption and staff can provide advice and support. \
» 0478 226 609
NOTICE TO AFFECTED PERSONS OF TREE CUTTING / REMOVAL
Under the Code of Practice for Electric Line Clearance
Powercor Australia Limited (Powercor Australia) must maintain vegetation clearance around powerlines in compliance with the Electricity Safety (Electric Line Clearance) Regulations 2010 (Vic) (Regulations) and the Code of Practice for Electric Line Clearance set out in the Schedule to the Regulations (Code)
Notice is hereby given by Powercor Australia pursuant to Clause 5 of the Code of cutting and removal works on trees that are on public land and within the boundaries of private properties.
These works are scheduled to occur in the municipalities of Wyndham, Melton, Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Moorabool, Golden Plains and Greater Geelong over the next 60 days in order to maintain the required clearance space around powerlines prescribed by the Code.
Where cutting or removal works are to occur on known trees of cultural or environmental significance (as defined in Clause 5 of the Regulations), the relevant party will be contacted and information pertaining to the (a) details of the impact of the cutting or removal and (b) the actions to be taken to minimise that impact, will be provided.
Enquiries can be made on 5338 3300.
• Recognising the goodness of all members of the Thomas Carr College community and treating all with respect.
• Equipping all students with knowledge, skills and attributes to take their place optimistically in a globalised world. For further information, please call the Registrar on 03 8734 2409.
All smiles: Viv, 6, and Greta Kernich (oral health therapist) at WRHC dental clinic in Footscray. (SCOTT MCNAUGHTON)
quays to a breezy lifestyle
WERRIBEE SOUTH
Samantha and Paul Darburn are among the first wave of new residents in Werribee South as Wyndham Harbour’s developer launches a second apartment complex.
e Darburns (pictured) will move into their new house with son Hunter, almost two, in a few weeks. Mrs Darburn’s mother Karen Bourke, will move in two doors away. “Mum bought land the day she came with us to buy ours in 2010, and both houses are almost complete,” Mrs Darburn said. “ ere’s a block between us for privacy, although we joke about buying it for my sister.”
Mr Darburn said the surrounding area, including the Werribee boat ramp, felt “like an escape” with all his boating and fishing fantasies on his doorstep.
While the couple chose a house in the
BRIEFS
labor vow on weekend transport
Werribee line trains will run 24 hours a day on weekends if Labor wins November’s state election. The opposition has pledged to spend $50 million on a 12-month trial of all-night Friday and Saturday public transport. Opposition public transport spokeswoman Jill Hennessy said the trial would start by New Year’s Eve and be reviewed after a year. “If passengers vote with their feet, 24-hour weekend public transport will be continued and expanded where necessary,” Ms Hennessy said. \
cat loseS paw in trap
Residents are being urged to check with Wyndham Council before setting animal traps after a cat got caught in an illegal trap, leading to one of its paws being amputated.
A Werribee man appeared in Werribee Magistrates Court on December 18, accused of setting the illegal rabbit trap in Riverside Avenue in July last year. No conviction was recorded against the man, but he was placed on a 12-month good behaviour bond and
multimillion-dollar development, the estate’s first apartment complex has sold out mainly to older “empty nesters”.
Due for completion mid-year, Marina Quays includes 104 apartments and 1000 square metres of cafes, restaurants and produce stores. With its curved front resembling the prow of a ship, the complex will include a “piazza” overlooking the first of two 400-berth marinas.
Ten-metre berths cost about $100,000.
Edward McAuliffe, senior development manager for developer Lyons Capital, said the next apartment complex, e Lighthouse, had 137 units starting at $350,000, a penthouse and retail space.
Of the 159 completed land lots, 145 had been sold, he said. ree of 40 waterfront lots selling for more than $1 million are still for sale. \
ordered to pay $1000 to the court fund and veterinary costs. Inquiries: 9742 0777 \
tip committee topped up Wyndham Council has increased the number of community representatives on the Wests Road tip reference group from five to seven. The council made the decision at its December meeting after it was informed that representatives from the Environment Protection Authority and Sustainability Victoria were unable to join the committee full-time. Reference group members include mayor Bob Fairclough, Cr Peter Maynard, council staff and representation from the Metropolitan Waste Management Group. The council hopes the committee will help increase community understanding about the tip’s operation. \
australia day on course
Enjoy a family fun day at Werribee racecourse on Australia Day. Activities will include face-painting, jumping castles and pony rides. Details: countryracing.com.au \
Completed Year 12 or mature-aged and wanting to return to study locally? Deakin at Your Doorstep currently offers three courses.
• ASSOCIATE DEGREE OF ARTS, BUSINESS AND SCIENCES
• pathway to a Deakin degree (up to 18 months credit)
• study one day a week
• entry not based on usual prerequisites or ATAR.
• BACHELOR OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
• BACHELOR OF PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE
To find out more come along to an information session at the Hume Multiversity, Hume Global Learning Centre, Craigieburn 75–95 Central Park Avenue, Craigieburn When?
Thursday 23 January 12–1 pm and 6–7 pm
Thursday 30 January 12–1 pm and 6–7 pm
Thursday 6 February 12–1 pm and 6–7 pm
Thursday 13 February 12–1 pm and 6–7 pm
For more information visit deakin.edu.au/doorstep or call 1300 753 680.
SUE HEWITT
(MICHAEL COPP)
Join in the fun
at Tarneit Gardens Shopping Centre this Australia Day weekend
Saturday January 25 & Sunday January 26 10am to 1pm
FREE
PROFILE
Growing up in Werribee, Josh Needham could only dream of one day performing his music to millions of people.
Gala. Nine Australian acts featured on an episode of the program, showcasing their music.
JumpingCastle Face Painter &giveaways
But a surprise phone call from Triple J last year made his dream come true.
• Best Bazaar • The Reject Shop • The Tummy Section
• BWS • Bubba Pizza • Tarneit Fresh Meats
• Chemist Warehouse • Tarneit Gardens Fish & Chips
• Express Cuts • Café Serrano’s
• Hunter French Real Estate • Flames Charcoal Chicken
• J&P Nails • Sunoom Chinese Massage • Tobacco Station
• Tarneit Gardens Lotto
Josh and his wife Alisha, who have performed as indie duo Syre and Fresko since 2012, received a call from Triple J’s Unearthed team, inviting them to feature in a nine-part television series to be aired in China.
e program, shown on Beijing TV, was part of a contest giving international acts the chance to perform at China’s biggest new year celebration – the Spring Festival Global
More than 20 million people tuned in to each episode, with viewers voting for the act they would most like to see perform at the gala. ey chose Syre and Fresko.
“We didn’t know we had been voted in until we were in China,” Josh says.
“We only found out during an interview with a Chinese news station. People in China must have related to our music.”
Earlier this month, the Needhams visited China for nine days, performing at the gala watched by 800 million people. ey also took part in interviews with
party for painters
The first rainbow crossing in Melbourne’s west will be painted on the road outside Altona’s Louis Joel centre on January 30. Hobsons Bay council is inviting the community to help paint the crossing between 4.30pm and 6.30pm, as part of Midsumma’s Go West festival. Council’s GLBTIQ committee head, Tony Briffa, said the crossing was aimed at letting people know they lived in a safe and respectful community. “The rainbow is a symbol of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer [GLBTIQ] pride,” Cr Briffa said. “By bringing the whole community together to walk the same colourful crossing, we are putting everyone on an equal footing, quite literally.’’ \ GD
» midsumma.org.au/program/gowest
Just add colour: The community is being invited to help paint a rainbow crossing like this in Altona. (BAMBULSHAKIBAEI)
JOSH AND ALISHA NEEDHAM
local television and radio shows, attended daily rehearsals for the gala and put their musical skills to the test by recording two songs in Mandarin.
Josh says gala organisers sent them an MP3 recording of one of the songs three days before they le Melbourne for Beijing.
But with no written lyrics to follow, the pair could only guess the words. “We only had two hours to learn and record both songs [on the first day],’’ he says. ‘‘We didn’t know what we were singing. Someone would say the words and we would repeat them back, adding the melody.”
Alisha says while Beijing’s heavily polluted air caused them both to fall ill during their trip and made looking a er their voices
difficult, the gala performance helped them make worthwhile connections.
viewers voted for syre and fresko
“ ere were 60 international acts performing, from every country you could think of,’’ she says. “We met a lot of different people there, which we hope means we might be able to go back for music festivals.
We want to get our original music out in the world.” \ llittle@mmpgroup.com.au
» triplejunearthed.com.au/SyreandFresko
(SCOTT M C NAUGHTON)
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pier jumping prompts
WATER SAFETY
A man broke his ankle a er leaping off Altona pier last week, prompting calls for more education as people continue to ignore warnings not to jump.
Altona lifesaver Alyson Cooper said the man injured himself a er jumping into shallows. “We can only advise that if they’re going to jump, to jump sensibly, whether that’s off the lower platform if it’s low tide – or just to not jump.”
Altona and Middle Brighton piers, and Brooks Jetty at St Kilda are three of Port Phillip Bay’s most treacherous spots due to shallows, shi ing tides and sand, and submerged debris.
In 2008, 26-year-old Dale Russ crushed his neck and died a er diving at St Kilda.
ree tourists were rescued at Altona last month a er jumping from the pier and becoming caught in a swell.
Ms Cooper urged swimmers not to fear asking for help if they got into trouble.
“I think sometimes they think that the lifesavers are there to tell them off or wreck their fun,” she said.
“We’re there to make sure they’re all right, so if they get hurt or if they see someone in trouble, they come and ask.
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“Unfortunately, when people jump off the pier they sometimes panic and grab on to the pier itself and the pylons are covered in barnacles and mussels and other creepy crawly things that can cut you up a bit.”
Despite the Weekly previously heeding Parks Victoria’s request not to publish pictures of pier jumping, during last week’s heatwave the phenomenon was more evident than ever at Altona.
Parks Victoria’s Graeme Davis said despite people not heeding warnings and serious injuries regularly occurring, education was favoured over enforcement.
Every year in Australia, there are up to 400 new cases of spinal cord injuries, 9 per
the gloves are on as women enjoy a bout of fisticuffs
BOXING
One of the country’s biggest gathering of women boxers will take place in Footscray over Australia Day weekend.
More than 20 women have registered for a boxing clinic at Victoria’s first female-owned and operated boxing gym.
Boxing Central was opened by former champion Mischa Merz – known for sparring with colourful characters and giving Brooklyn businessman Mick Gatto a “shiner”.
Merz said when she was starting out as a boxer, it was hard for women to find sparring partners and opponents to test their skills. is weekend’s clinic aims to create a network among women boxers. “I don’t think there’s actually been anything quite like it in Melbourne,” Merz said.
“I guess this is just a way of paying a bit more attention to them in their earlydevelopment stage and bringing along the
next generation of boxers.
“We really need each other – even if it is just to punch each other.”
Champion amateur boxer Bianca ‘Bam Bam’ Elmir, who qualified for the 2012 Olympics and is aiming for the Commonwealth Games, will be at this weekend’s gathering.
“It will be really nice for both Mischa and I to be able to contribute into the lives of the up-and-coming women,’’ Elmir said. “I think it’s a really nice opportunity to be able to mentor some girls in that infancy stage.
“I know that in Mischa’s case and mine as well, we lacked that, particularly with other female role models.
“If we can in any way shape another girl’s future in her boxing career, that makes me really happy and it makes what I do worthwhile.” \ GD
Role model: Bianca Elmir looks forward to helping young boxers. (MICHAEL COPP)
injury warning
Diving into trouble: Swimmers have been warned against pier jumping. (MATTHEW FURNEAUX)
cent of which are caused by water-related incidents.
Nazim Erdem, who became a quadriplegic at 20 a er diving off Elwood pier, said he was underwater for two and a half minutes before his mates realised something was wrong.
“A er I’d jumped off the pier and hit the bottom, I realised I couldn’t move any part of my body, which meant I couldn’t resurface,” he said. “Luckily, I’d been taught to hold my breath under water for up to three minutes.” \ GOYA DMYTRYSHCHAK
Your new career starts at The Gordon
If you have a creative flair for hair, make-up, merchandise or have thought of being in front of the camera, come along to our information sessions and find out how The Gordon can turn your dream into a reality.
See how our hands-on approach to learning and our work placements really get you job ready for the service sector.
Certificate II in Modelling
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INFORMATION SESSION
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I was recently visiting my newfound love, the online bookstore, and something caught my eye just as I was about to hand over my credit-card details. Admittedly, I do know them o by heart so there is not a lot of time between punching in the numbers, hitting con rm and high- ving myself for organising the speedy (and free!) delivery of yet another selection of books I do not have the time to read.
But there it was, causing a rare pause in my Pavlovian book-purchase response – a hardcover called Crap Dates. Just like the Summer Roll impulse buy at the checkout, I knew this baby had to be mine. And so it was.
A few days later, it arrived and I found myself stirring my chicken soup while chuckling over succinct recollections of the worst dates in history. Succinct because they come from an idea from Twitter to convey the most appalling date stories in history in just 140 characters. Irresistible. Here’s what I would have contributed. (All names have been changed to protect the unhinged.)
He thought saying he killed a robber with his own boot would impress me. So I agreed to another date because my friends begged me.
I’d met Kade through a friend and he seemed okay. A bit ruddy and greasy-looking, which I liked at the time because it indicated he had a fondness for wine, and in my late 20s this was as important as an ability to breathe. He was kind of annoying but his compulsive lying was so entertaining and I had no one else on the radar, so I saw him three or four times.
Dates would start at a restaurant and usually end up at my place so he could lie to me uninterrupted while I frantically tried to remember all the ridiculous things he’d say. My friends would religiously call me the next morning for a debrief.
e lies were fairly standard: he was the adopted son of the Ansell condom king; he was dropped on their doorstep with a $10 note attached to his romper suit.
Crap dates & motorbike loans
By Chrissie
You know, Fibs 101. He had also been an SAS soldier, which came in really handy, as it turned out, when he had to pin down a robber at his local milk bar with his army-issue boot until the thief expired. I’m sure it would have been spooky if it weren’t so darn HILARIOUS.
What he didn’t count on, though, was that I was really listening. He mentioned the milk bar where this heinous (and strangely unreported crime) was committed and, to his horror, I knew the place.
I get my milk and Helga’s from Dave, the owner, every day. “What are the odds!?” I said. “I’ll bring it up next time I see him!”
At this, Pinocchio got twitchy. He quickly suggested I shouldn’t mention it because it was so traumatic that Dave’s memory would have deleted any recollection of it for his own good.
Knowing I was vegetarian, he took me to a meat-pie shop. But not before visiting a bank to apply for a loan for a motorbike. While I waited.
is one was a ripper! Jimmy looked like Tim Finn, a look I’d long admired. He had a nervous habit of twirling his curly fringe into something resembling the hair that plumbers have to extract in one long piece from shower drainpipes. He picked me up and said he just had to pop into the bank.
summer reading
“Score!” I thought. “We’re not going Dutch!” I waited, xing my hair and readjusting the pale-blue Wayfarer knock-o s I’d bought from Target.
Really, Kade? Or here’s another theory, Kade. Maybe Dave wouldn’t recall the fact that someone had died in front of his mixed-lollies cabinet from a boot to the throat because, I don’t know … it didn’t happen. at was the last time I saw him, much to the great sadness of my friends. e best news about this “relationship” ending, though, was that it put the next one into perspective.
A er an hour, I started to empathise with those dogs you sometimes see tied to trolley barriers while their owners do the supermarket shopping. Will he ever come back? Why are all these people patting my head? Where is my water bowl?
A er 90 full minutes, he returned to the car thrilled to the back teeth because he’d been approved for a motorbike loan. By that stage, I was too busy snapping at my itchy bits like a ea-ridden dog to care. It’s easy to pass these o as what they undeniably are: crap dates. ey stink of disrespect and deceit. But are Is
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“He WAS KIND OF ANNOYING But HIS COMPULSIVE LYING WAS SO ENTERTAINING AND I HAD NO ONE ELSE...”
bad dates a waste of time? Not at all. I’d go on them all again (and, dear reader, there are MANY more stories where these come from).
ey’re funny. I love that the world is full of people not like me. And sometimes we have them in our living room and, yes, even in our bed.
My gran always used to say “every pot has its lid”, and it’s true. And as pots, we have to enjoy trying on as many lids as we can, even if sometimes they’re square and we’re round, or we’re teapots and they’re, well … crackpots.
I have no doubt that both Kade and Jimmy have found the loves of their lives now. ough I suspect Jimmy may have to register his one true love with the council. \
» www.nerobooks.com.au
READ » Extract from Is It Just Me? Confessions of an Over-Sharer, by Chrissie Swan – one of 10 books on the State Library of Victoria’s Summer Read list All books are available to borrow from participating public libraries across Victoria. For more information: www.slv.vic.gov.au/summer-read
WHAT’S ON
BUD-GRAFTING DAY
A free ‘budding workshop’ at Werribee Park Heritage Orchard will include heritage fruit tree sales, and visitors can watch experienced grafters budding fruit trees. Bring hat and sunscreen. Explore a bush tucker trail and enjoy ‘edible weed walks’. No experience necessary. Bring a picnic, make a day of it and enjoy the sausage sizzle and drinks on sale. 10am-2pm, February 16, at Werribee Park, K Road, Werribee, Victoria ■ 0438 690 048
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
Are nes legal? Are taxes voluntary? Who are the real lawmakers? Community Law
Resources Association has arrived in the west to inform people about constitutional and common law rights. The rst monthly meeting will be at 7pm on February 5 at Truganina Hall, corner Dohertys and Woods roads, Truganina. Cost: $7. Supper provided. ■ kelvingranger@hotmail.com
CHINESE SCHOOL
Sign up for Werribee Chinese School’s Saturday lessons from 9.30am-12.15pm and 1pm-3.45pm. Prep through to high school levels. Arndell Park Community Centre, 29-49 Federation Boulevard, Truganina. ■ 8742 2208 \
WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Email details by noon on the Wednesday before publication \ whatsonwest@mmpgroup.com.au
SUN RISES ON FILMMAKERS
e best lms from Melbourne’s west will light up the silver screen this March as part of the inaugural Setting Sun Short Film Festival. e event is aimed at supporting lmmakers lacking a suitable local outlet for their creativity.
Festival creator Anna Bourozikas (pictured with actor Stephen Brooks) says entries are open in a range of categories to recognise lmmakers from the western suburbs and beyond. e aspiring West Footscray lmmaker says there has been widespread
support for the festival, to be held at Yarraville’s Sun eatre from March 27-30. Most of the awards will go to lmmakers living or shooting in the west, but Bourozikas is encouraging entries from far and wide. Prizes will be awarded for ‘best’ in the categories of short feature, documentary, director, and screenplay, and lms by tertiary and secondary students. \
BENJAMIN MILLAR » settingsunshort lmfestival.com.au
(SUPPLIED)
STEPHEN BROOKS AND ANNA BOUROZIKAS
Caravan Burlesque. The pop-up Parisian emporium of performers from Buenos Aires, Paris, London and Australia will be at the Substation on the weekends of January 24 and 31.\
» Visit thesubstation.org.au
WIN THIS
In The Burger Book, the awardwinning crew at Smudge Publishing has assembled a team of passionate burger-lovers who’ve searched through Victoria’s pubs, cafes, restaurants and food trucks to compile a best-of guide to the nest burgers on offer. The book includes recipes, maps and a history of the beloved burger. The Weekly is giving away ve copies of the book. The total prize value is $199.75. Details: smudgepub.com.au
To enter the competition, visit winthisnow.com.au and follow the prompts. Entries close on Sunday at 11.59pm and will be drawn the next day at 10am (Melbourne local time) at the of ces of MMP Group, 214 Park Street, South Melbourne, VIC 3205. Winners will be noti ed in writing and their names published at winthisnow. com.au. Terms and conditions are available at this site.
The Wheels Car of the Year. Why drive anything else? The New GTi is here now.
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‘09 VW Passat CC TDi Luxurious Coupé, Full Electrics, Leather and More. XDB221
THOMAS ON SHIRAZ: WHEN THE HUNTER BECOMES THE HUNTED
When the weather warms up, refreshing whites and dry rosés become the order of the day. Nevertheless, it’s a given that when I’m drinking with friends there’s always someone who wants to stick to reds.
When you’ve sacri ced valuable fridge space to keep the wines cool, a red request can catch you by surprise on a hot summer’s day.
So here’s my tip. is summer, keep a few bottles of Hunter Valley shiraz handy. Generally low in alcohol (13-14 per cent compared with 15 per cent-plus blockbusters), it’s medium-bodied so drinks well on a warm day. Plus, savoury tannins hit the spot with meat from the barbecue. e 2011 vintage, which is pretty much the current vintage for most Hunter shirazes, was a cracker, too. I haven’t come across a bottle yet that is anything but delicious. ere’s only one problem – Hunter Valley shiraz can be hard to track down. It isn’t the most popular bottle on the shelf, and on a recent visit to a local chain store I found just two examples.
“I think when those wines were produced people weren’t as educated about wine as they are now and they identi ed those characters as being a Hunter character, when in fact it was sloppy winemaking,” omas says.
“Cellars weren’t set up properly, wine was aged in barrels in tin sheds without proper refrigeration and winemaking didn’t have the level of attention to detail that there is these days. e one-percenters that are required to make great shiraz just weren’t being done.”
“There’s a lot more freshness”
e reason for this, according to Hunter Valley winemaker Andrew omas, is historic, and much of the explanation lies with the Hunter Valley itself.
“I think the main problem is there’s a little hangover of an outdated perception of what Hunter Valley shiraz is. I think the Hunter only has itself to blame for people having that perception,” says omas.
Winemaking aside, the Hunter also su ered from an identity crisis. When massive shiraz from the Barossa and McLaren Vale was the order of the day, the Hunter tried to compete instead of staying true to its terroir. “In the late ’80s and ’90s, people weren’t interested in medium-bodied wine,” says omas. “As far as the market, wine shows and a number of journalists and opinion-makers were concerned, Australia went through a period of, ‘bigger was better’. “You can force the wines and try and get them as ripe as possible and load them up with oak and tweak them [to create a blockbuster], but what you end up doing is making a wine that isn’t true to itself and feels forced.
“ e style of shiraz coming from our region now is a completely di erent wine. ere’s a lot more freshness, vibrancy and aromatic fruit purity, but without compromising that signature of Hunter Valley shiraz, which is very much medium-bodied with that really savoury tannin structure.” \
He says “sloppy winemaking” in the past led to microbial problems that are known as brettanomyces, or brett for short. Brett’s safe to drink but imparts barnyard and sweaty saddle characters to a wine –hardly what you’re looking for during a romantic meal. TO READ MORE REVIEWS www.theweeklyreview.com.au/wine
bthomas@theweeklyreview.com.au
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LOOKING FOR
TO A
A PATHWAY
UNIVERSITY DEGREE IN 2014? AN OPPORTUNITY AWAITS AT WERRIBEE LEARNING CENTRE.
Completed Year 12 or mature-aged and wanting to return to study locally?
Deakin currently offers:
• ASSOCIATE DEGREE OF ARTS, BUSINESS AND SCIENCES
• pathway to a Deakin degree (up to 18 months credit)
• entry not based on usual prerequisites or ATAR.
• BACHELOR OF COMMERCE
• BACHELOR OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
To find out more come along to an information session at:
Werribee – Wyndham Cultural Centre 177 Watton Street (cnr Watton and Wedge Street)
Thursday 30 January, 1–2 pm and 6.30–7.30 pm
Point Cook – Community Learning Centre 1–21 Cheetham Street
Wednesday 29 January, 10–11 am and 4.30–5.30 pm
Hoppers Crossing – Yerambooee Community Centre 55 Maple Crescent Thursday 30 January 4.30–5.30 pm
For further information visit deakin.edu.au/doorstep or call 1300 753 680 .
ANDREW THOMAS
This south-side gem is set to impress. Not only is it brimming with character and quality craftsmanship, its position is what families will nd appealing, being within walking distance of schools, transport, shops and cafes.
Three plushly carpeted bedrooms provide space for the growing family and are complemented with roman blinds and ceiling fans.
The sparkling bathroom includes a skylight. Adorned with exposed hardwood beams, the lounge room is the place to unwind. With its splash of cafe latte colour and a ceiling fan, the room links to a study and family-meals area with polished oor tiles.
The kitchen has Smeg appliances and dishwasher and is galley style in design. The large rumpus/family room adds another dimension with its timber walls and ceiling, and Coonara. A host of notable features includes gas heating and air-conditioning.
Outside, no further work is required and there’s an in-ground pool, garage/workshop, a small covered entertainment area and an exposed, paved dining area.
There’s also a high-gabled carport and matured landscaped gardens, including a palm tree. \
Tucked away in an exclusive court location amongst house proud owners and in one of the nicest estates in Werribee is this stunning family home. Sure to set hearts racing with breathtaking landscape as you arrive through to the captivating gorgeous manicured backyard all established by the current Vendors and making you feel like you’re at your own private getaway.Three large fitted bedrooms, ensuite and walk-in robe to master, study or 4th bedroom, formal lounge with an open fireplace, formal dining, open plan informal family/meals arrangement, a fantastic all-weather entertainment area and a double oversized remote garage with access to the rear. Executive appointments include solid Tasmanian Oak timber floors throughout the living areas, Tasmanian Oak timber kitchen, 900mm stainless steel upright cooker, 2-draw stainless steel dishwasher, stainless steel splashbacks, red cedar timber venetian blinds and quality drapes, gas heating, evaporative cooling, halogen lighting, 2 garden sheds and much more… A truly magnificent lifestyle awaits on approximately 1011m2 land positioned within walking distance to lovely parklands, schools, Werribee River bike trails/walking tracks, shops and all amenities, sure to impress the fussiest of buyers!
191 Watton Street, Werribee
Werribee 2 Villa Walk
Superb Setting, Beautiful Presentation!
Set amongst picturesque established surroundings in a divine location is this truly loved family home on approx 1040m2 land. Spacious L-shaped formal lounge & dining room adjacent to the neat kitchen with ample cupboard space, meals area leading through to a good sized rumpus with a bar area, master BR with WIR & ensuite, and 2 other double sized fitted BRs. Appointed beautifully with ducted heating, split system A/C, ducted vac, ceiling fans, spa bathroom, double remote garage, unrestricted side access, matured pristine landscaped gardens & a generous backyard with enough room for the kids to kick the footy, play cricket or unlimited potential to add any other luxuries you desire. A magnificent establishment in the sought after Westleigh Gardens Estate make a move quickly.
Sensational Opportunity - South Side Werribee!
This lovely first home or investment opportunity is positioned perfectly within walking distance to all local amenities. Three BRs, central bathroom, lounge leading through to a study area & separate meals, modern kitchen & large rumpus/family room. Includes gas heating, A/C, wood fired combustion heater, ceiling fans t/out, IG swimming pool, large garage shed/workshop area, single carport & matured landscaped gardens.
Private Sale Contact Agent Inspect Sat 12.15-12.45pm Photo ID required Contact Bassam Tofaili 0411 449 821 Martin Nardo 0450 913 513
Private Sale $400,000 - $440,000
Inspect Sat 1-1.30pm
Photo ID required
Contact Bassam Tofaili 0411 449 821
Martin Nardo 0450 913 513
Shmick Presentation, Cute & Cosy!
Perfect for the first home buyer, elderly couple or investor looking to add a property to their portfolio, positioned perfectly in sought after location. Presenting fitted BRs, dual access bathroom, open plan lounge leading through to tiled kitchen meals area, 2nd toilet & pergola/BBQ area. Well appointed with 9ft ceilings, ducted heating, split system A/C, single LUG with internal & rear access, & low maint landscaped gardens.
Private Sale $305,000 - $318,000 Inspect Sat 10-10.30am
Lovingly maintained, this house raises the bar for presentation inside and out.
Floating oorboards complement much of the light- lled interior. There are three bedrooms tted with ceiling fans, a bathroom with modern decor including stylish tiling and ceiling bulkhead, a spacious sun-drenched lounge room, separate meals area and a neat kitchen with freestanding gas cooker. Features are gas heating, air-conditioning, venetian blinds, a four-car carport and a lovely entertainment area overlooking picturesque landscaped gardens with an array of fruit trees. The front yard also has terri c picturebook gardens easy on the upkeep. The property is priced in a range suited to the budgets of rst-home buyers and investors, and it’s within walking distance of schools, public transport, and shops. \
When you lose someone you love, you don’t need someone else telling you how it is. You need genuine empathy and support. You need clear arrangement details. You need things done the way you want. Most of all you need to feel included - like a family. How do we know? Because that’s what we do... Tender Moments - Tender Care
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Pricesshouldnotbequotedasbeing'excluding GST' or 'plus GST' or by the use of words or phrases conveying similar meaning.
Readers are entitled to expect that the advertised prices are the actual prices at which they can purchase the particular goods and services.
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Births
KOOLEN (Gray)
Megan and Daniel are thrilled to announce the safe arrival of their Daughter and li�le sister for Lincoln, Imogen Frances
Born 20th December 2013, weighing 8lbs 3oz Thanks to the Doctors and staff at St Vincents Private Hospital
Congratulations Rebecca and David on the safe arrival of our precious little Grandson Jax Stevens
Born 9th January 2014.
A very sincere thank you to Dr Michael Shembrey and the Medical Staff of St John of God Hospital Geelong. A Brother for Ned and Dan. Love Nannie and Pa Wareham
IT Computerrepair.Forall yourcomputerproblemsPCor Mac,callforaqualifiedMicrosoft certifiedsystemengineer.Call
Anita Di Pasquale and Brendan Breen together with Bruce and Leesa Lowe of Tauranga New Zealand are over joyed to announce the engagement of Marina and Matt on 14th December 2013. Love to you both.
DiBenedetto (Pegoraro)
David, Rebecca and Aliya are delighted to announce the arrival of their beautiful daughter and sister KIARA LILY
Born January 6th 2014
Weighing 6lbs
Many thanks to Dr Vich and sta at Frances Perry House.
White (Kulyk)
Congratula ons Maggie and Steve on the birth of
Born 12th December 2013 Love from all your Family.
Enquiries: Pam Ludge on 9932 1000. Applications must include a statement addressing the key selection criteria and close 5.00pm, Monday 3rd February 2014. Visit our website for further information.
www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au
Veterinary Hospital Director
Veterinary Hospital
Applications are invited for the position of Veterinary Hospital (VH) Director at the University of Melbourne Faculty of Veterinary Science. This position is located within the Veterinary Hospital which is the clinical training facility operated by the Faculty at the Werribee campus. A team of over 40 veterinarians treat the Hospital’s caseload of more than 19,000 annual accessions of mainly companion animals and horses. The VH Director will manage the people, services and facilities of this highly visible public unit in the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Veterinary Science, including the satellite University of Melbourne’s Geelong Animal Emergency (GAE) clinic. The position encompasses responsibility for provision of a suitable environment and case load for clinical teaching of veterinary students, residents and other trainees in the VH.
Salary: $128,268 p.a. including 17% super.
Job No: 0032265
For position information and to apply online go to www.hr.unimelb.edu.au/careers, click on ‘Job Search’ and search under the job title or job number. An Equal Opportunity employer. www.hr.unimelb.edu.au/careers
At Sutton Park in Melton South are looking for experienced and dedicated professionals(EEN’s and PCA’s) to join our growing team following the completion of the new extension in early February 2014. For further information please email resume to scrooks@mckenzieacg.com.
We are a horticultural company based in Bacchus Marsh and are looking for a Mechanic to join our fast paced team. This role is a full time position and the work consists mainly of tractor and farm machinery maintenance.
Relevant qualifications required, role is remunerated at $23.00 per hour and requires 50 hours per week.
Applicants who have previous experience will be highly regarded.
Please email resumes to hr@tripodfarmers.com.au
MC DRIVER
We are a commercial baby leaf salad company based in Bacchus Marsh and are looking for an MC Driver to join our fast paced team.
This role is a full time position with trips between our sites in Bacchus Marsh and Nangiloc.
Applicants must have roadranger experience and a forklift license. Duties will include MC driving together with forklift operation and labouring. Good communication skills will be highly regarded.
Email resume to hr@tripodfarmers.com.au
HORTICULTURAL TECHNICAL OFFICER
We are a commercial Salad Company located in Bacchus Marsh and are looking for a horticultural technical officer.
Diploma of Production Horticulture is essential. Evidence of previous experience in horticulture and management is an advantage.
This is a hands on approach in all aspects of production.
Please send resumes to hr@tripodfarmers.com.au
SituationsVacant Forklift Driver
We are a commercial salad company based in Bacchus Marsh and are looking for a Forklift Driver.
The position is full time (6 days per week) and the applicant must have a forklift license and basic computer skills. Responsibilities include order picking, loading and unloading trucks, despatch and forklift operation.
Please email resumes to hr@tripodfarmers.com.au
classifieds@yourweekly.com.au
MAINTENANCE WORKER
We are a commercial salad company based in Bacchus Marsh and are looking for a Maintenance Worker. This position is a full time position and the applicant must have a forklift, EWP and D license.
Responsibilities include maintenance on machinery and a hands on approach throughout our busy production facility. Experience with packaging machinery will be highly regarded including:
• Vertical form fill & seal
• Horizontal
• Multi Head Weighers • Conveyors
Email resume to hr@tripodfarmers.com.au
Program Lead –Healthy City
Temporary Full Time until 30 June 2015
info@triscott.com.au
www.triscott.com.au
1246, Healesville 3777
5962 2848, Fax: 5962 4796
Title
$81,394 pa plus superannuation
Please see our main advertisement in the (Title) Section.
Enquiries: Venita MacKinnon (03) 8734 5472
Applications close: Sunday 2 February 2014 For the full advertisement and a copy of the Position Description, please visit our website.
TECH TALK \ ROD EASDOWN
Early adopters rejoice: with the new year comes a fresh cache of gadgets to tempt your inner techie. Be the rst in your gang to snare one of these drool-worthy devices. \ reasdown@theweeklyreview.com.au
Teac Freestyler radio \ $169
e boom box is back, and this delightfully retro number has Bluetooth streaming as well as USB and a top slot for tablets. It operates on battery or mains power.
» www.teac.com.au
Lug Loc luggage locator \ $49.95 How many bags are lost every hour by airlines around the world? Try 3000. Put one of these in your suitcase and it will broadcast its location for up to 40 days.
» www.lugloc.com.au
Bose Companion 2 Series III computer speakers \ $149
Small footprint, terri c sound. ese are the best-sounding desktop speakers around for their size and price, and they have a headphone plug.
» www.bose.com.au
Logitech iPhone5 cases \ $49.95 (tilt)
$69.95 (drive)
Both very clever. e tilt case is magnetic and has an earbud cord wrap, while the drive stand has a twist-lever suction mount that attaches magnetically to the phone surround.
» www.logitech.com
Bose SoundTouch \ From $549
If you’re a fan of the online predictive music library Pandora, or internet radio or just the music on your phone or tablet, SoundTouch gives it to you with exquisite ease; you press one button.
» www.bose.com.au
Motionators formula 1 simulator \ $80 for 30 minutes
A replica formula one cockpit mounted on hydraulic li s faces a four-metre screen carrying 21 di erent race circuits. It’s as close as you’ll get to driving a real F1 car, but without the engine failures and embarrassing detours into the kitty litter. It’s at Docklands.
Magellan Explorist 710 navigator \ $649 Bushwalkers will love this. As well as showing the way back to camp, it indicates waterways and trail information, elevation and contours. ere’s a hunt and sh calendar and a sun and moon calendar.
» www.magellangps.com.au
Navman MiVue388 in-car camera \ $279
A black box for your car. is senses an impact with your car – even when it’s parked – and records what has happened, including impact direction, position and the speed you were travelling. And it can be removed to photograph any damage. Handy in court.
» www.navman.com.au
The Book Seat \ $39.95
Pretty much a beanbag book holder, complete with page holder. And it accommodates a Kindle or iPad as easily as a regular book. Rest it on your tummy while in bed or on the kitchen bench while cooking; it shapes to any surface. » www.thebookseat.com.au
PowerPill \ $29.95
Frustrated because your new iPad won’t charge from your computer’s USB? Two points; rst, you’re not alone, second, there’s a solution. It’s called PowerPill and it bumps up the charge enough to get an iPad interested. » www.mint-technology.com.au
No doubt about removing the middleman. Since Fiat took its Australian distribution away from an independent importer and moved it in-house, sales have exploded. When Puntos were launched in 2008, getting one for less than $20k was tough. Now they start at $16k drive away. Sales are up sixfold. You have to keep the sharp price in mind when you drive this car. Acceleration is, shall we say, leisurely and long hills get even longer. Load it up and you’ll de nitely need to factor in some extra journey time.
This is a motor that loves to work
e Punto is one of those cars you wind up through rst gear, slam into second and wind again till you’re really ying, and then discover you’re doing 55km/h. But hey, you’re having fun without breaking any laws and you’re not depleting a great deal of the world’s nonrenewable resources.
e interior is basic, and one that starts to look messy in no time unless you’re Fastidious with a capital F. e plastic surfaces are hard, the speedometer and centre data display aren’t easy to read and only the passenger gets a vanity mirror, but there’s no bare metal, the front seating isn’t bad at all (the rear seating is OK for two) and there’s a full-size spare.
A er a couple of days, the Punto really grew on me. It handles nicely and even when chucked into tight corners at the open road speed limit it’s surprisingly solid. It also rides well for a car of this size.
e motor has a nicely rorty note and is de nitely working at 110km/h, but this is a motor that loves to work, making this a delightfully entertaining drive.
Noise levels are about average for a small car, which is relatively high if you’re used to a large car but not enough to drown out the radio. ere’s no cruise control but you do get steering with adjustable weight, and this makes a noticeable di erence city to country.
ere are plenty of idiosyncrasies – the trip computer, for example – but, essentially, everything you need is here.
Put it all together – low price, low power, good handling, modest running costs and all the safety equipment you need, and you come up with a car that’s just about perfect for rst-time drivers. Especially if they are at all interested in learning how to drive better. \ reasdown@theweeklyreview.com.au
FIAT PUNTO POP WHAT IS IT?
Cheap and very cheerful
WHAT’S IN IT?
A 57-kilowatt 1.4-litre with a ve-speed manual gearbox.
IS IT THIRSTY? I used 8.5 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, six in the country. The of cial combined gure is 5.7.
Great price, fun to drive and cheap to run
THUMBS DOWN 57 kilowatts ain’t much and the interior is minimalist.
* These are manufacturer’s list prices.
THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT MOTORING …
There are many rude suggestions for what the Fiat acronym stands for ( x it again Tony, failure in automotive technology), but it’s actually Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino, literally Italian Automobile Factory of Turin.
•RoadTest&providewrittenStatusReport. Astra excludes diesel models & 2.2lt Z22 engine.Excludes Other parts and lubricants extra.
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6 Months / 10,000km Labour Warranty
2 Year/50,000km Fitted Warranty on Holden Approved parts
centurions in spirited win
VTCA
Werribee Centrals arrested their three-game losing streak with an upset win over top-four side Seddon in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association north A1 on Saturday.
e Centurions’ barren run had seen them slide into the bottom-four drop zone.
A positive result in this win-at-all-costs game ensured they avoided sinking deeper in the quicksand and kept their slim finals hopes alive.
“It was a great result for the club,” Centurions secretary Chris Duffin said.
“We’ve been in a position where we’ve had quite a few close losses, so it was great to finally put a complete performance together.”
Asked if the win had reignited the Centurions’ finals flame, Duffin was not looking that far down the track.
“It’s a topsy turvy year with the ladder and a lot of sides are beating each other,” he said. “You’ve got to take it week by week.”
e Centurions rocked Seddon’s batting line-up from the outset with opening bowlers Sam Crea (4-15) and Aaron Edrich (2-10) in a menacing mood.
At one stage, the visitors were 5-3 but their tail wagged for a final total of 79. Crea enjoyed season-best figures in his eight overs.
“He’s a bit of a barometer,” Duffin said. “When Sam is up and firing like last year, the side is generally in a good position.”
SCOREBOARD
CRICKET
VSDCA
EAST WEST 1ST XI: Mt Waverley 2-126 (Hodgson 62no) d Melton 125, Altona 4-197 (Maynard 81 Collins 56) d Bayswater 6-196, Williamstown 1-145 (Sheedy 64no Dervan 63no) d Endeavour Hills 9-144 (Allen 61), Werribee 7-152 d Croydon 147 (Pattinson 60no Pritchard 5-15), Noble Park 6-169 (Perera 54) d Sunshine 152 (Stone 71 Muldoon 5-25), Box Hill 5-227 (Gloury 67no Vosso 59) d Yarraville 178 (Maguire 79). EAST WEST 2ND XI: Bayswater 5-206 (Salter 105) d Altona 112, Williamstown 7-215 (Rainone 106no) d Endeavour Hills 149 (Baxter 62), Melton 5-213 (Wilson 119no Merlo 54) d Mt Waverley 142, Werribee 7-279 (Woolf 91 Burton 70) d Croydon 162,noble Park 9-171 (Maharaj 50) d Sunshine 143 (Vawser 5-19), Yarraville 8-178 d Box Hill 177 (Kreber 50). NORTH WEST 3RD XI: Plenty Valley 5-212 (Dixit 63) d Roxburgh Park-Broadmeadows 73, Kew 6-163 (Cubley 62) d Melton 161, Werribee 9-208 (Foster 75) d Preston 142, Williamstown 7-177 d Coburg 171, Brunswick 152 (Owen 50) d Sunshine 136, Balwyn 7-311 (Ranjee 67 Matinich 50 Boland 50) d Altona 5-308 (Hicks 148 Donazzon 66). NORTH WEST 4TH XI: Preston 110 d Werribee 109, Brunswick 5-245 (P Singh 70 H Singh 65no Gaur 68) d Sunshine 83 (Lekkas 5-22), Plenty Valley 6-147 d Roxburgh Park-Broadmeadows 7-145, Kew 7-211 (Hyde 55 Mastros 50) d Melton 7-160 (Rundell 87), Yarraville 7-155 d Ivanhoe 4-154 (Spargo 57no), Coburg 8-176 (Shahim 51) d Williamstown 172 (Lauder 59), Balwyn 5-219 (Greene 70 Mehta 62) d Altona 7-153.
METROPOLITAN
WESTERN SUBURBS UNITED CHURCHES: A: CSU 165 bt Altona Sports 109, Rockbank 6-136 bt Hoppers Crossing 130, Eynesbury Eagles 5-163 bt United Tarneit Sports Club 6-162, Avyukt Aryahi Maidstone 5-177 bt St Johns
e Centurions nervously passed the target five down to finish with 147 off 40 overs.
Shaun Jennings (44no) and Luke Simpson (41no) arrived at the crease with 19 needed for victory and guided the home side past the winning post.
2-175. B: Hoppers Crossing 3-164 bt Footscray ANA 7-160, Altona Roosters 6-268 bt St Johns 6-146, Kingsville Baptists 6-157 bt Altona Sports 7-147, United Tarneit SC 4-156 bt Williamstown Congs 6-140. C: Melton South PSCC 195 (Z Giblett 65) bt Manor Lakes CC 180, Western All Stars 2-101 bt St Andrews 88, United Tarneit SC 7-187 bt Western Lions 9-186.
VICTORIAN TURF: Rd 8: Sen Div: Hopp Cr 210 bt St Bern 8-202, Greenv 7-225 bt Beau, Old Ment 9-181 bt Strath 180, AWStC 5-152 bt Bent 100, Sth Caulf 7-212 bt Bri Dist 4-203, Y’ville Club 8-177 bt Keilor 122. Nth Div: Spots 9-174 bt RPB 4-172, PEGS 9-218 bt Laverton 91, W Cob 77 bt Will CYMS 73, Westm 4-208 bt Foot Utd 107, Tulla 136 bt Doutta 134, Keilor Pk 7-140 bt Alt Nth 133. Nth A: Haig Fawk 9-189 bt St Andrews-Foots 104, St Fran bt Sale 9-135, bt St Albans 79, W’bee Cent 5-147 bt Seddon 79, Alt Roost 152 bt Yould Park 73, Aberf 8-208 bt Suns Druids 120, Tay Lakes 150 bt Craigieb 136. BOWLS
BOWLS VICTORIA SATURDAY METRO PENNANT Rd 13: Premier Division: MELBOURNE 16-84 bt
MENTONE 2-71 (M Vesikko 15 lost to D Rushton
23 S Mortimer 21 bt C Green 20 B Leighton 25 bt B McCallum 13 R Green jnr 23 bt D Jones 15), BUNDOORA RSL 2-62 lost to ALTONA 1692 (L Aiello 20 bt B Dodd 17 D DiFlorio 17 lost to B Coad 26 N McIntyre 18 lost to B Foley 24 I Ewing 7 lost to M Rennox 25), ESSENDON 2-67 lost to CLAYTON 16-86 (A Flapper 15 lost to D Benwell 21 P Loe 26 bt G Archer 19 D Donaldson 12 lost to L Adams 25 A Tomkins 14 lost to D Holt 21), YARR/FOOTSCRAY 14-84
bt MOONEE PONDS 4-69 (W Roberts 31 bt M Kurta 11 A Dove 28 bt C Ball 9 J Pearce 14 lost to S Fordham 23 A Nardella 11 lost to A Galloway 26), BRIGHTON 14-85 bt BURWOOD
DISTRICT 4-70 (T Shannon 22 lost to M Wilson
23 G Maskell 12 lost to B Jackett 20 A Wilson
31 bt W Ogdon 14 C Twentymen 20 bt J Coles 13).
Div 1: Sec 1: Deer Pk (1) 4-65 Kings (1) 14-79,
Sec 1: Rich Uni (1) 4-77 Werribee (1) 14-79.
e Centurions face third-last Youlden Parkville away at the Ryder Oval in the ninth-round two-dayer in an encounter that will shape the trajectory of the rest of their season. \
LANCE JENKINSON
speedy cats make a play for finals spot
Hoppers Crossing is back in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division finals hunt a er a gutsy eight-run win over St Bernard’s Old Collegians in a one-day clash at Murphy Oval on Saturday.
e quick-fire Cats scored at better than five runs an over to build an imposing 8-210 off their 40 overs.
e Cats were in trouble at 4-43 before two big partnerships – both featuring Sanka Abeyruwan (61) – steadied the ship.
St Bernard’s threw everything into the run chase, finishing just short on 8-202.
e Snowdogs were stopped in their tracks by Darrel Brown (2-27), Dinesh Daminda (2-29) and Asif Jan (2-49).
In the west B1, Seabrook had a five-wicket win over Sunshine United, inspired by a century from Dale McLeod (124).
e surging Saints are just two points out of the top four.
Point Cook returned to the winners’ circle with a six-run win over Wyndhamvale in a low-scoring tussle at Saltwater Reserve.
e ladder-leading Warriors managed to defend a measly 93 on the back of a five-wicket haul for Troy Semmens. Semmens has taken 32 wickets at an incredible 5.8 average this summer. \ LJ
Double take: Werribee Centrals wicketkeeper Luke Simpson scrambles to claim a ball that Seddon’s Hayden Dryiski mishits. (WAYNE HAWKINS)
tiger hot streak continues as dean, pritchard shine
vsdca
Werribee captain Shaun Dean has started the new year like he finished the last.
He has red ink in his past three Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association innings with scores of 112, 42 and 35.
e No.3 batsman is back to his form of last summer and may have consigned his slow start to the season to cricket trivia.
“ e hundred before Christmas got my confidence back,” Dean said. “I’m seeing the ball quite well at the moment, so hopefully I can capitalise on that even more.
“Once you go through a bit of a rough trot and get some runs back, you don’t want to give it away – you want to stay out in the
middle as long as you can because you know how annoying it is when you’re sitting there watching.”
More importantly, Werribee’s hot streak as a team has continued into January with nine consecutive wins keeping it perched on top of the ladder.
e Tigers made hard work of a three-wicket win over Croydon at Chirnside Park on Saturday, but there was always the sense they would eventually come through with the result.
“he really split the game open”
said. “He’s not express or anything like that, but he’s been around a while in sub-district cricket so he’s quite a smart bowler.” ose expecting an early finish were a long way off the mark, with Croydon tailenders Hamish Paterson (60no) and Ross Dancey (17no) combining for a 79-run stand to push the visitors’ total to 9-147 off their allotted 45 overs.
Wily veteran Heath Pritchard took 5-15 off nine overs to have the Tigers in a strong position with Croydon struggling at 9-68.
“He really split the game open,” Dean
“Once they got to the 140, it wasn’t going to be an easy chase,” Dean said. While batting was tough on a green top, Werribee calmly negotiated its way to 71 before the first wicket of Adam Duxson (16).
One became two when Matthew Dean
Baseball
Werribee Giants survived a late scare to topple ladder-leaders Moorabbin Panthers in a Baseball Victoria summer league division 2 thriller.
e Giants held a commanding five-run lead heading into the ninth inning, but relief pitcher Wade Balzer ran into trouble, giving up two runs and loading the bases.
Chad Northcott, who had pitched in middle relief, was called back to the mound, giving up a further two runs before finally picking up the remaining outs to seal a 9-8 victory.
For Giants coach Phil Balzer, it was a nerve-racking finish the game.
departed for 36 on the same score and suddenly Croydon had a sniff. Tim O’Brien’s dismissal for 16 made it 3-94 and triggered a mini-collapse, with the Tigers losing five wickets for 33.
Shaun Dean was stoic amid the carnage, guiding the Tigers to the target with Kyle Andrews (7no).
It was a big day for Andrews, who recently returned from injury, taking four catches behind the stumps and playing a late cameo with the bat.
e win was no masterpiece from the Tigers, but it keeps their one-game lead over Oakleigh at the top of the table intact ahead of a trip to Melton for a grand final re-match. \
LANCE JENKINSON
scary win for GIANTS
metro west revels in underdog role Bowls
Metro West has shrugged off its underdog tag to claim its fi h Bowls Victoria state region title in eight years.
A feared side in years past, the west’s best were unfamiliar outsiders for this edition, but they were more than happy to play the role of giant-killers at the Corowa showdown.
“It was pretty satisfying because we didn’t go in as favourites as we had in other years,” captain Snowy Barker said.
Metro West was filled with players from only three clubs in the 19-club region.
Nine of the 12 players came out of metro premier club Altona.
Two came from Barker’s home club Werribee and one from Deer Park.
e concentration of players from only three clubs made it a seamless transition from club to representative level.
“ ere wasn’t that much needed to motivate them,” Barker said.
“We got together as a group on the Friday night and had a barbecue.
“I just spoke to them about having that commitment the whole weekend.”
“It got a bit close there in the end,” he said.
“Lucky we had the five-run lead. It’s a good win as we head towards the finals.
“We know we still have six games to go, but it keeps us two games clear in fourth spot.”
e Giants had four players register multiple hits.
Matthew Howe was the match-winner for the Giants with three hits and two walks.
Lewis Weldon picked up three hits and there were two apiece for Jonathan Lowe and Oliver Box.
Simon Riches came up big in the clutch with a two-run RBI in the last when he was substituted into the game at le field.
“ at’s the pleasing part, with this game
and the one before Christmas – we’re getting a really big spread of contributors,” Balzer said.
“If we keep that going, it’s going to take a good team to beat us.”
Wes De Jong started for the Giants and gave up four runs in five innings.
e youngster le with a one-run lead despite not being at his optimum level.
“He wasn’t at his sharpest,” Balzer conceded.
e Giants will host lowly Bonbeach on Sunday at President’s Park with a view to creating an even bigger wedge between the top four and the rest of the competition.
“ at’s one we expect to win,” Balzer said. \ LANCE JENKINSON
e finals were tight and tense.
Metro West shocked Sandbelt 46-44 in the semis to book a grand final date with Murray Mallee, the side that knocked them out at the semi-final stage last summer.
In the final, Metro West got up 47-43, but only a er surviving a late scare.
“ e final got pretty close,” Barker said. “It was definitely down to the wire.”
Meanwhile, Werribee had a narrow 79-77 road win over Richmond Union in an all-top-four division 1 blockbuster.
e Bees leapfrogged Union into third spot. \ LJ
Starting duties: Pitcher Wes De Jong left the game for the Werribee Giants in the fifth inning. (DARREN HOWE)
