Moves towards a federal subsidy for a life-prolonging cystic fibrosis drug give hope to a Tarneit family Ԃ PAGE 9
Hundreds of jobs are expected to flow from a $370m Werribee Plaza redevelopment
PAGE 3
IN THE WEST Steve Bracks urges the state government to acknowledge Wyndham’s potential
Rock-solid innings gives Werribee upper hand in derby Ԃ PAGE 29
A Royal Australian Air Force C-130J Hercules took to the skies above Melbourne last Friday to promote the Centenary of Military Aviation Air Show at RAAF Williams Point Cook. e airshow, on March 1 and 2, will mark the 100th anniversary of Australia’s first military
flight at Point Cook. It will feature dozens of current and historic aircra , from a replica of the Bristol Boxkite that made that historic flight to the state-of-the-art F/A18 Super Hornet. Ticket prices include the cost of public transport and shuttle buses from Williams
and several stops in Point Cook. More details: airforce.gov.au \ DAVID BONNICI
Video and picture gallery: wyndhamweekly.com.au
• 266 Individual buyer enquiries in January
• Highest number of sales in January since 2010
• Top prices being paid
If you have been thinking of selling,
students have their spray
Manor Lakes College students have taken to public property with spray cans in a bid to reduce vandalism at Presidents Park in Wyndham Vale. Students Marco, Jayden and Temania and youth worker Aaron Tiananga (pictured) added their signature colours to the recreation area’s skate park as part of a legal graffiti project. The students, who designed the murals, worked with Wyndham council on the $7700 initiative funded by a state crime prevention grant. Mayor Bob Fairclough said similar murals at Boardwalk Boulevard skate park in Point Cook and Mossfiel Drive skate park in Hoppers Crossing had dramatically reduced illegal tagging. Since the murals were painted last year, there have been only six reports of graffiti at these skate parks. \ SH
plaza, jobs to grow
HOPPERS CROSSING
Hundreds of construction and retail jobs will be created in Wyndham through a $370 million expansion of Werribee Plaza. e redevelopment – announced last week by the centre’s owners, the Pacific Group of Companies – will take two years to complete and will add 35,000 square metres to the Derrimut Road shopping centre.
e expansion will include a two-storey Myer store, 120 new shops, a Target store, a new fresh food precinct including Woolworths and Aldi, two goldclass cinemas, outdoor eateries and 1500 additional parking spaces. A 10-bus interchange is expected to be completed in a few months.
field the opportunity for entry-level labourer positions,’’ he said.
‘‘ ese opportunities can provide the necessary training and experience to lay the foundation for the possibility of ongoing employment.
“An investment of this level can give those currently employed in the retail sector additional experience and possible promotion to management.
1500 retail jobs will be created
‘‘Such promotion then opens the door for more entry-level positions.” e centre’s owners originally announced a major expansion in 2009, but planning changes and an economic downturn delayed progress. General manager Fiona Mackenzie said the new centre had been designed to meet the needs of the growing Wyndham community.
(MICHAEL COPP)
e centre’s name will be changed to Pacific Werribee.
A Pacific Group spokeswoman said 300 to 500 jobs would be created during construction, with 1500 retail jobs to follow.
Werribee-based employment agency WISE Employment said the expansion would benefit the city’s long-term unemployed by offering entry-level jobs.
Westgate region disability services manager Peter Gallagher said construction, retail and hospitality were major sources of employment across the region.
“Generally, construction roles that come about as the result of such investments can give people who don’t have experience in the
“ is plan has been developed to meet our customers’ needs and create a first-choice destination when it comes to retail and lifestyle experiences in the west.” \
LAURA LITTLE
If it wasn’t for this property’s angular roof, its street frontage would suggest it was a modest brick veneer on a leafy block.
But its contemporary extension paints a different picture and is sure to impress buyers looking for something stylistically urban and edgy without sacri cing space.
Living rooms include a carpeted lounge room near the entrance, a light- lled dining area beyond the oating staircase and a
big living room at the back which has exposed timber joists, two ceiling fans and storage closets.
The main bedroom is close to the entrance. Its huge tted dressing room is any fashion lover’s dream and takes advantage of the space that was once a foyer; it also has decorative cornices and links to a spa en suite and tall mirror-fronted built-in wardrobes.
A downstairs powder room off the passage can also be accessed from the en suite.
Ascend the open-tread staircase to four rst- oor bedrooms. One large bedroom has vaulted ceilings and attic storage while the three remaining bedrooms all have built-in wardrobes. Two also have built-in shelving.
On this level there’s also a separate toilet, open-plan rumpus room and sparkling bathroom.
With
To
Back downstairs, splashes of burgundy add a pop of colour in the kitchen while access to two small elevated decks open up the space.
The main entertainment deck is well shaded by established trees and is bordered by a brick wall which is part of the house’s original exterior.
Step down to a brick-paved pathway which leads to the private backyard, a carport with peaked roof and a garage with roller door.
The property’s south-side position ensures a shady front yard while the backyard is bathed in sunlight. \
MARK BUNKER
ambo call-outs pinpoint hot spots
HEALTH
Point Cook, Werribee and parts of Hoppers Crossing are among Melbourne’s most vulnerable suburbs during a heatwave, research reveals.
A Monash University study released last week used ambulance call-outs during heatwaves to pinpoint urban populations most at risk of the effects of stress and dehydration.
Professor Nigel Tapper’s research found that residents in Werribee, Point Cook and sections of Hoppers Crossing were extremely vulnerable.
e number of elderly people living in a suburb, the proportion of land covered by
with help, he’s a cool customer
WERRIBEE
Wyndham Lodge resident Vincent Hindson (pictured) credits cool drinks, extra fans and the occasional ice-cream with keeping him cool during recent heatwaves.
With research warning that elderly people are particularly vulnerable during hot spells, the nursing home’s staff have been doing all they can to keep residents healthy.
Baptcare spokeswoman Fiona Collie said Wyndham Lodge was air-conditioned, but staff regularly checked up on residents to ensure they were coping.
She said residents were reminded to increase their fluid intake to prevent dehydration and were offered ice-creams and icy poles.
“For those living on their own, without close family, Baptcare will call them to advise a heatwave is predicted and offer tips to cope with the heatwave and what to monitor in their own health.”
buildings and the amount of open space were key factors in determining vulnerability.
“In areas that are covered by buildings, urban warming occurs that can increase local temperatures by around four degrees,’’ he said. “ is can take the temperature over the threshold where human health is threatened.”
Professor Tapper urged town planners to include more street trees, shady parks and better building designs in future housing developments.
government to approve new landscape guidelines that would result in more open spaces and trees being included in precinct structure plans for new communities.
“heat impacts are considered in planning”
“Wyndham City also undertakes work directly to increase open space and add to the number of trees in the municipality,’’ he said.
MY TOWN
f you’re on social media or have visited a homewares shop lately, you will have noticed the current predilection for wisdom.
Modernised proverbs proclaiming ways to achieve happiness and snappy one-liners discussing life’s journey are all over the place.
Wyndham mayor Bob Fairclough said the council would use the research to manage risks across the municipality.
He said the council wanted the state
‘‘Heat impacts are considered when planning local parks and open spaces, and our street tree policy aims to increase the green canopy and recognises the health benefits of more trees, including a reduction of the heat island effect and general reduction in temperatures from their shade.” \
LAURA LITTLE
Accompanied by inspirational photos, it seems we need reminding on a daily basis how, for what and why to live our lives.
e only one that’s ever rung true with me is the one about kindness. Recalling words to the effect of “be kind to everyone you meet because you don’t know what they’re going through”, it’s always been something I’ve tried to do.
However, sometimes you come across people who are just a nasty piece of work (NPW). NPWs aren’t evil at heart – it’s more that they just want to spread a little bit of misery wherever they go.
e NPWs I’ve encountered have no appreciation for others’ efforts and, while they bask in admiration when things are going well, they point the finger when they’re not.
ey take immediate offence to the smallest comment or perceived slight and hold that grudge for as long as they can. eir first words when they see you will be to point out a minor failing or make a “friendly” suggestion about how you can improve yourself, your life or your family.
But next time you encounter a NPW, remember the modern proverb: Be kind, smile, don’t let them get under your skin and say something nice – even though you might feel like smacking them in the chops.
Because you just don’t know what they’re going through in their lives. And it will probably really annoy them. \
EMMA SUTCLIFFE
Emma Sutcliffe is a Little River-based freelance writer. You can find her on Facebook at ‘‘Little River Emma’’.
(MICHAEL COPP)
This architecturally designed house, tall enough to provide terri c tree-top views to the Werribee River, truly stands out from the crowd.
The two-level house with high, square-set ceilings is smart and practical.
It includes a ground oor with a home cinema and two large bedrooms.
Then there’s a study or optional fourth bedroom and a bathroom.
Upstairs has a main bedroom with en suite and a large open-plan area incorporating a family-meals and living room with replace and plush carpets.
The upstairs kitchen has stone benchtops, porcelain tiles and a red glass splashback.
The kitchen links to the expansive outdoor entertainment area and rooftop terrace, which has stunning views.
The backyard, which is also immaculately presented, includes full decking and Colorbond and glass fencing around the solar-heated pool and gas-heated spa.
An external staircase leads to a paved, ground-level courtyard.
Extras include feature plastering, refrigerated cooling and ducted heating.
There’s space at the front for off-street parking. \
WERRIBEE SOUTH
Point Cook performer King Bell shares a joy through his music despite personal pain.
Born in the Congo to parents from Angola, he’s an exile from his African homeland and only returned there last month a er 33 years.
“ e poverty was unbelievable, but they dance, they sing, they enjoy – these people know how to live,” he says.
e singer, percussionist and dancer – who is performing in Werribee zoo’s Rhythm of Africa series – imbues his performances with band Soukous Ba Congo with this love of life.
Bell moved from the Congo to Angola only to face forced conscription into the national army, despite being a member of the National Ballet of Angola.
He fled to Brazil from Angola in the late 1980s and was offered asylum elsewhere.
“ e UN [United Nations] told me I would go to Australia, but I thought they meant Austria. I’m so glad I was wrong,” Bell says. Since arriving in Australia he has appeared at WOMADelaide, the Port Fairy and Queenscliff music festivals, and he won the 2003 Boite Australian World Music Act with his band.
Rhythm of Africa is on the next two Saturdays, from 4.30-9pm. \
zoo.org.au
tip lowers wyndham property values: landowners
WERRIBEE
Landowners in Wyndham’s west fear the Wests Road landfill will bring down property values.
e landowners, many of whom have land that was assigned to be within the urban growth boundary in recent years, fear that no one will want to live in the municipality’s west if the tip continues to expand.
As reported by the Weekly, the council is seeking Environment Protection Authority approval to expand cell 4C at the tip to 24 metres above ground.
e EPA has granted approval for cells 4A and 4B to be built to the same height.
Landowners Lindsay and Karen Ingram believe the expanding tip is beginning to affect all of Wyndham.
“It is a severe nuisance because of odour, stigma, truck traffic, noise pollution and the blowing of trash in the wind,” Mr Ingram said.
“People won’t want to move to the area.”
least 500 tonnes of rubbish per day decreased property values by an average of 13.7 per cent.
“the tip is near several proposed estates”
Western Region Environment Centre director Harry van Moorst said a 2005 US study found that landfills which accepted at
“ e Wests Road landfill accepts more than 1200 tonnes of waste per day, is very visible at 24 metres above ground level and has had growing numbers of odour complaints since rising above ground, according to its opponents. It is also near several proposed new housing estates,” he said.
But council chief executive Kerry ompson said it was “extremely difficult” to analyse the effect the tip had on property
values, because it had been at the current site for more than 30 years.
RMIT property valuation expert Matt Myers said the effect of landfills on property values was influenced by distance, odour, the type of tip, its proximity to urban areas and its visual impact. However, he said it would be difficult to measure the difference that the construction of a third cell at 24 metres above ground would make to property values. \ LAURA LITTLE
SUE HEWITT
This house in popular Rose Grange estate is designed for families who want all the mod-cons and a chance to spread out in comfort. The professionally landscaped front garden sets the scene for the house’s immaculate presentation. Four plushly-carpeted bedrooms keep company with two deluxe bathrooms. A real highlight is the chic kitchen, with D-pull drawers and cabinets, stainless-steel oven and electric hotplates. It links to a family-meals room with plantation shutters and direct access to the covered outdoor dining area, which is downlight-studded and has low-sheen oor tiles. Other features include ducted gas heating, split-system and a double garage with drive-through access. The property is handy to Wyndham Village shopping centre, Thomas Carr College, the planned Tarneit railway station and the freeway. \
(ACN 141 396 741). All material is copyright and The Weekly Review endorses the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance’s
your voice
WANT GREEN WEDGE REMOVED
(Weekly, January 29)
Ԃ
Let’s not forget that Melbourne is growing in population and the Werribee South intensive agriculture precinct comprises 3000 hectares of land worth an estimated $200 million.
It generates a large percentage of the total annual Victorian production of vegetables.
The precinct is 40 kilometres from the centre of Melbourne, where the population is 4.35 million people and expected to grow to 8 million by 2050.
It would seem that the council has made the right decision in protecting our food bowl for future generations to enable our children to enjoy the quality of vegetables that we have taken for granted.
Let’s improve the plight of farmers and focus on opportunities that will help them improve profits to keep feeding this wonderful city for many more generations to come VISION \ VIA WEB
JOB WELL DONE
Ԃ I congratulate Wyndham City Council for a well organised and enjoyable Australia Day celebration.
The entertainment had a mix of local talent and a rock band with a fantastic sound and banter.
With free rides, face-painting for the kids and a big screen with the tennis, there was something for everyone. The video of Wyndham’s 150-year history was a great way for people to learn about how this city started, and the fireworks had everyone enthralled.
All the staff and the volunteers involved deserve recognition for a job well done.
ANDREW ELSBURY \ WESTERN METROPOLITAN MP
SENIORS’ CONTRIBUTIONS
Ԃ Senior citizens are criticised for every conceivable deficiency of the modern world, real or imaginary. However, it was NOT the senior citizens who took: The pride out of appearance,
The courtesy out of driving, The romance out of love, The commitment out of marriage, The responsibility out of parenthood, The learning out of education, The service out of patriotism, The civility out of behaviour, The refinement out of language, The dedication out of employment, The prudence out of spending or God out of government and school. So, before you criticise senior citizens, take a long hard look at yourself and ask what you have contributed to this great country.
BILL HUTTON \ WERRIBEE SOUTH
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
Congratulations to ABC managing director Mark Scott for refusing to apologise to the Royal Australian Navy for reporting claims about the mistreatment of asylum seekers. The media’s role is to hold such institutions to account. The ABC didn’t accuse the navy of mistreatment, it just reported claims by asylum seekers and gave the navy right of reply. To suggest this was a betrayal of “Team Australia” is ludicrous. A robust society needs a balanced media free to question those in authority without fear. We’re often accused of bias or shoddy reporting when we publish negative stories about officials or organisations. If that’s the only response we get, that means we’re probably doing it right.
Sometimes we do get it wrong. And sometimes we give air to trivial issues. But that’s more forgiveable than failing to hold those in power to account. \
DAVID BONNICI / EDITOR
slow council response to dog attack ‘pathetic’
WERRIBEE
Wyndham council officers have come under fire a er a dog attacked a loved family pet, ripping its chest open and leaving its owners with a huge vet bill.
Emma Leunig said her boxer Harry was mauled in Riversdale Drive, Werribee, on January30 and despite reporting immediately, it took a week for council rangers to visit.
She said council staff apologised for the delay and said it was because they were “understaffed”.
“It hit Harry with such ferocity that I didn’t have a chance to protect him,” she said.
“It grabbed his shoulder then Harry’s chest and latched on, trying to shake him.”
“to my husband and i, harry is our son”
People from the house jumped on the attacking dog, kicking it savagely, but it hung on, she said.
When it finally let go, a man she presumed was the owner yelled at her to run, so she said she picked up Harry and ran while calling her husband for help. Harry underwent emergency surgery at Melbourne University’s
“ is is a dangerous dog and even if the owners have moved it from their property, it is somewhere out there in the community posing a threat to children, pets and people,” Ms Leunig said.
“Harry is a rescue dog, but to my husband and I, he’s our son.”
Ms Leunig said she was walking Harry on lead about 9.30pm when the other dog “charged” through the open door of a house in Riversdale Drive and attacked without warning.
Werribee veterinary hospital and was kept overnight because vets suspected he’d suffered a heart attack.
“It was a horrific attack, but where is the council follow-up?” Ms Leunig said. “It’s pathetic.”
Wyndham council did not respond before the Weekly went to print. \
SUE HEWITT
HAVE YOUR SAY www.wyndhamweekly.com.au
Family anzac history a muse for laura
Westbourne Grammar student Laura Bishop looked back into history to go forward and win one of 12 Premier’s Spirit of Anzac student awards. The year 10 student drew on her family’s past to make sense of the Anzac spirit in today’s society. She wrote a poem based on her great-grandfather, World War I veteran Josiah Mills, impressing the judges and winning a study tour of battlefield sites. “The Anzacs are renowned for their easygoing nature and strong mateship and are respected for their loyalty during war,” she said. “As Australians, we should all be proud of the legacy the soldiers left.” Laura will travel to Gallipoli, the Western Front and Greece from April 5-20. Fellow year 10 student Anastasia Busy was among 16 runners-up and will visit Canberra for a study tour later this year. \ SH
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. For further information, please call the Registrar on 03 8734 2409.
Two friends who were involved in a confrontation with a Werribee man on a Fitzroy street when he was fatally stabbed by a passerby last year have avoided jail for their role in his “senseless” death.
e Supreme Court heard last Wednesday that Shaun Wright, 21, became involved in a confrontation with Sydenham man Deyar Musa, 21, and Burnside woman Shewit Wubneh, also 21, a er he threw a piece of wood at their car about 3.30am on March 17.
the
part of Mr Wright’s body two or three times before picking up an umbrella and swinging it at him.
A passerby then attacked Mr Wright several times to the neck and body with a broken bottle.
Musa and Wubneh fled the scene a er seeing that Mr Wright was bleeding.
cause of death was a stab injury
Justice John Dixon said there was no evidence of any damage to the car, but Musa wanted Mr Wright’s details for a possible insurance claim.
Mr Wright ran away when he was confronted by Wubneh and others.
He was later spotted near the Tankerville Arms Hotel in Johnstone Street, where Musa stopped the car and set off a er him.
Musa and Wubneh again confronted Mr Wright and asked for his identification details.
e court heard that Mr Wright tried to get away from Musa, who had grabbed and punched him. Wubneh then kicked the lower
Mr Wright collapsed on Johnston Street, where he later died. e cause of death was a stab injury to the neck.
e passerby has been charged with Mr Wright’s death and faces a separate trial.
Justice Dixon accepted that Musa and Wubneh, who pleaded guilty to affray and assault, did not intend, or cause, Mr Wright’s death. But he said the “pointless and tragic loss of life” that followed their conduct was “so easily avoidable”. “ e confrontation you initiated did rapidly escalate out of your control and it resulted in the senseless death of a young man for failing to give you his particulars in relation to an incident where a hire car was not damaged,” he said.
Musa and Wubneh were both sentenced to a 12-month community corrections order and 100 hours of unpaid community work. \
LAURA LITTLE
gillard spills all about pm’s cup
TARNEIT
Victoria University student Sam Wharton has been delving into the private AFL passion of former prime minister Julia Gillard.
e final-year sports management student quizzed Ms Gillard about her love of the Western Bulldogs and why she created the Prime Minister’s Cup competition between the Footscray club and Greater Western Sydney in 2012.
Mr Wharton, 24, posed questions to the former PM as part of the university’s summer school program.
“She was working as a lawyer at Slater and Gordon during the Footscray Fightback Campaign,” he said.
e then-principal of the firm, Peter Gordon, drove the 1989 campaign to stop the merger of the Bulldogs and Fitzroy.
“I found out she [Gillard] was part of the campaign, fund-raising and helping out the club, and she has been a strong supporter since,” Mr Wharton said.
He said Ms Gillard told him she created the PM’s Cup because both teams were working-class clubs.
Mr Wharton will present the club with his research and hopes it will be displayed in the Bulldogs’ museum. \ SH
Cheer squad: Sam Wharton spent his summer studying Julia Gillard’s passion for the Bulldogs. (WAYNE HAWKINS)
cystic fibrosis drug offers a brighter future for brody
TARNEIT
A Tarneit couple are hoping a new cystic fibrosis drug will be added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme sooner rather than later, prolonging the life of their son and the lives of hundreds of children battling the disease.
In December, the pharmaceutical benefits advisory committee recommended that Kalydeco be placed on the PBS and subsidised by the federal government. e drug, which costs a single user about $300,000 a year, has been found to significantly improve the lung function of cystic fibrosis patients aged six and older.
the gene. Mrs MacPherson said they knew something was wrong with Brody when he was constantly feeding and unsettled and wouldn’t put on weight.
But they never imagined it could be cystic fibrosis.
“It was out of the blue. We have no family history of cystic fibrosis. We knew nothing about it before he was diagnosed,” she said.
“kids can lead a normal life”
e committee will meet next month to decide when the drug should be listed and how much it will cost.
Brody, the son of Kate and Steve MacPherson, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis in December when he was four weeks old. Doctors discovered he had the rare gene G551D, which does not allow salt and fluid to flow through his body.
e result is a build-up of sticky mucus in his lungs and digestive system.
About 8 per cent of cystic fibrosis patients in Australia, or about 200 people, have
While Brody won’t be able to take Kalydeco until he is six, Mrs MacPherson hopes the government will subsidise it so the family can afford to buy it when the time comes.
“If we can keep him as healthy as possible for the next six years, there will be something to help him,” she said. “Kids can lead a normal life on Kalydeco..”
Cystic Fibrosis Australia chief executive David Jack said Kalydeco was the most important development in the treatment of the disease since the discovery of the cystic fibrosis gene in 1989.
He said he was confident that once pricing negotiations concluded, Health Minister Peter Dutton would deliver a listing date. \
LAURA LITTLE
» cysticfibrosis.org.au
STEVE AND KATE MACPHERSON WITH ELISA, 3, AND BRODY
e state government should recognise Werribee as a key growth and development precinct, according to former Victorian premier Steve Bracks.
Mr Bracks, who will address a sold-out Committee for Wyndham breakfast on February 19, said the area had substantial attractions for business, industry, education and health service.
He said Melbourne’s west – “particularly the corridor around Werribee” – had significant advantages over other metropolitan regions in Melbourne.
“It has superior logistical advantages, which we undersell but could profit from much more,” he said.
“We have access to three major highways, standard-gauge rail and a curfew-free airport.
“Most capital cities would lust a er such a logistical superiority, and that gives us an advantage in the choice of location of industry, where development will occur and how we can capitalise on that.”
Mr Bracks said the government should recognise Werribee as a key development precinct, invest in infrastructure and actively encourage industry to the area.
“A key issue is the improvement of
infrastructure in the west where growth has outstripped the necessary infrastructure.
‘‘It’s important that we address the freeway system, the road system off the freeway, the separation between road and rail, and improved rail access into the city.
“ is is one of the precincts that should be developed.
“Victoria has the Parkville precinct with biotechnology and the Monash precinct with IT, and we’ve got Werribee with life
sciences such as horticulture and animal health. It requires significant intervention from government, which should say, ‘ is is a precinct we want to develop’.”
Mr Bracks, who is patron of Western Melbourne Tourism, said Werribee’s numerous attractions could also be a boon for future employment growth.
“Don’t underestimate the pull of tourism,” he said. \
SUE HEWITT
BRIEFS
man killed on freeway
A man died following a crash in Little River on Sunday. Police said a bus was travelling on the Princes Freeway towards Geelong when a dispute occurred between several passengers about 12.40am. The bus pulled over on the side of the road and three men got out and began walking along the freeway. One of the men crossed onto the wrong side of the road and was struck by a car travelling inbound on the freeway. The man died at the scene. The car driver was not injured and is assisting police. Information to Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 \
callout to buskers
Wyndham entertainers are invited to sign up for a slot in the free Busk at Dusk festival. They will perform in Station Place, Werribee, on Friday, February 28, from 4-8pm. Details: 9742 0777 \
longest lunch
The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival comes to Wyndham next month, with Shadowfax Winery taking part in the World’s Longest Lunch. The event will feature live jazz and a five-course meal with matched wines. It’s on March 14 from noon-4pm. Details: ticketek.com.au \
(MICHAEL COPP)
STEVE BRACKS
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See sales consultant on site - unit 29 / 22 Ventosa Way Werribee
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Shop 20, Manor Lakes Central Shopping Centre Manor
A Toyota worker made redundant three years ago says Prime Minister Tony Abbott should “think very carefully” about new jobs for workers hit by the closure of Toyota’s Altona manufacturing plant in 2017.
Former union shop steward Fadi Hassan told e Weekly he was still out of work three years a er being made redundant.
“Mr Abbott, he’d better think very carefully how he’s going to find jobs for all these people,” he said.
“I am 50 years old and nobody wants to take me, you know.
Hobsons Bay mayor Sandra Wilson said the council was committed to the long-term economic success of the city.
“ ere are many opportunities for new investment, diversification and the creation of new jobs,” she said.
“nobody wants to take me”
“I have no disability, I have no sickness, I don’t even have blood pressure, and I can’t find a job.”
Mr Hassan’s comments were echoed by community leaders, who expressed their disappointment at the federal government’s inability to save the plant, which is one of the west’s biggest employers.
Hobsons Bay councillor Luba Grigorovitch, who heads a Victorian union, posted on Facebook that “by his own admission, Tony Abbott couldn’t answer the phone when Toyota rang as he was too busy announcing the anti-union witch-hunt.”
Toyota Australia president and chief executive Max Yasuda said on Monday that 2500 workers directly involved in manufacturing would be impacted when the plant stopped building cars in Australia at the end of 2017.
e plant has been building cars in Australia since 1963.
Australian Manufacturing Workers Union organiser Darren Dwyer said 200,000 jobs could be affected.
He said the closure became inevitable a er previous departure announcements by Ford and Holden.
“ at supplier base can’t really support one company,” he said. “And that was really probably the end of it.
“ is was the last one. e industry’s gone now.”
e Weekly asked Toyota global president and chief executive Akio Toyoda his thoughts on union claims that 200,000 people could be affected by Toyota’s decision.
“First of all, when I think of what kind of anxieties that our employees may have hearing this decision about their future, it is extremely heartbreaking,” he said.
“Because of that I did want to come here directly for myself and to speak with my own
words directly to our people.
“ erefore, when we knew when this decision was going to be made, even though it was a short lead time, I had made arrangements to prioritise being here.” \
GOYA DMYTRYSHCHAK
Horrible news: Toyota workers leave the Altona factory after being told their jobs will be gone by 2017. (ANGELA WYLIE)
Hoppers Crossing’s Les Porter spends much of his time volunteering for Wyndham City Salvation Army. “I aim to do God’s work by assisting people in the community,” Porter says. We asked him:
What’s your connection to the community?
I’ve been volunteering with Wyndham City Salvation Army for 15 years. I help with children’s services such as playgroup and Mainly Music, a program for preschoolers. I founded the ‘Wyndham 1000’ four years ago. It involves a 1000-kilometre ride around Wyndham on my adult tricycle. So far, we have raised more than $50,000, which the Salvos use to provide welfare services to Wyndham residents in need.
How do you spend your downtime?
I like to train for the Wyndham 1000 along Werribee River. I love the birds and watching the trees and owers changing with the seasons. My family and I enjoy spending time in Wonthaggi and have a caravan there. I’m starting a Wonthaggi 500 in March, based on the Wyndham 1000, but I’ll also work with the Salvation Army down there, with schools and community groups.
What’s your favourite place to get co ee and a bite to eat?
Co ee Pot in Watton Street. ey make good co ee and food. e sta are always friendly.
What would you like to change in your neighbourhood?
I’d like to see an improvement in the roads and transport as they’re not appropriate for city tra c and our growing population. \
PEOPLE LIVING IN THE SUBURBS
ARE AT RISK FROM FIRE TOO.
Homes near grasslands or bush are at risk from fire. Know what to do when one starts. Visit the VicEmergency website.
DO YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO?
visit emergency.vic.gov.au call 1800 240 667
download the FireReady app
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 St. Wednesday 12 February, 6–7 pm.
Wyndham Vale – Community Learning Centre, 86 Manor Lakes Blvd. Thursday 13 February, 6–7 pm.
Hoppers Crossing – Yerambooee Community Centre, 55 Maple Crescent. Friday 14 February 6–7 pm.
Visit deakin.edu.au/doorstep or call 1300 753 680
offer, limited time only.
Four years ago, I started practicing Bikram Yoga after my brother recommended me. After two weeks the benefits started to appear.
No more muscle aches, back pain was gone and the excess weight was disappearing. Now I feel fantastic, have a greater sense of calmness and mental clarity. The instructors are supportive, informative and most of all friendly along with all the other students.
Thank you Bikram Yoga you’ve changed me and my way of life for the better.
I do Bikram Yoga at Werribee, do you?
Graeme Traynor
ride of way for health
Pupils at St James the Apostle Primary School will have a safe place to leave their bicycles after the school was given a parking rack for 20 cycles by Bicycle Network in recognition of its commitment to healthy living. The Hoppers Crossing school regularly takes part in the network’s Ride2School days and encourages pupils such as Arden (pictured, front) to make active travel a normal part of the school day. Bicycle Network’s ‘behaviour change’ general manager, Tess Allaway, said the school had “walked the walk”. “We know that childhood is the critical window for creating lifelong active habits and building resilience. St James the Apostle school is getting its students off on the right foot.” \ LL
WEERAMA FESTIVAL TIMES
Friday 28th February
Picnic at the Park – featuring Busk at Dusk At Station Place Park Watton Street
Saturday 1st March
• Wonderland Fun Park
Children’s Funfest 1pm-5pm At Chirnside Park
• YPA
Main stage performances 5PM - 9PM Located outside of Bridge Hotel Watton Street
• Weerama Firework Display 9PM
Sunday 2nd March
Watton Street Werribee
• Hoppers Club Street Parade 11AM-12PM
• YPA Main Stage performances 12-4PM
• W Factor youth Talent Competition
• Werribee Plaza Kids Zone
• Craft Market
• Youth activities and
more.
Opulent Two Storey Splendour Set In The Lavish Werribee South Coast
It has to be said that when those wonderful & always rare opportunities arise, people will flurry to such chances & these opportunities will go a stray for those who don’t act quickly. Believe us, this is definitely one of those not only rare, but also especially wonderful opportunities here & now! Presenting this luxury residence that has been constructed with extreme detail & set in one of Wyndham’s finest & most desirable locations! With its modern façade, you are greeted with solid battened Tasmanian Oak flooring & a detailed solid timber staircase, while the open design also features 2.7m ceilings. Of its many standout features the sublime 2-pack finished kitchen entails solid Caesar stone bench tops, prestige upgraded appliances & a walk-in pantry, while adjoining the large open meals room with attached study alcove & separate sizable formal living. While all bedrooms are quite generous in size, the master suite features ensuite & there are a total of 3 bathrooms. Refrigerated ducted cooling & reverse cycle heating plus an additional split system air conditioner certainly make light work of summer & winter all year round. The huge pergola is ideal for entertaining & can act as an additional carport on top of the adjoining garage complete with internal, automated & rear access. You have an opportunity to live a dream lifestyle away from hustle & bustle, enjoy sea breezes or go fishing all within 30 minutes from Melbourne.
bowled along by world record quest
HOPPERS CROSSING
Players from Hoppers Crossing Bowls Club braved the heat last ursday to help Daylesford man Frank Peniguel’s world record quest.
Mr Peniguel is travelling around the country as part of an attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the most lawn bowls clubs played at by an individual in 12 months.
e Hoppers Crossing club was stop 39 on a journey that began on January 10. Mr Peniguel hopes to play at 900 clubs this year. His journey has got off to a slow start, with some clubs cancelling games because of the heat.
But he’s confident he will make up for the lost time as he makes his way around Victoria before heading to Tasmania next month.
Mr Peniguel’s world record attempt began as a desire to travel around the country in his Kombi van, playing bowls along the way for fun.
“I was getting ready for retirement at 70 and then one day I wondered if there was a world record for the most lawn bowls clubs played at, so I contacted the people at Guinness World Records and there wasn’t.
“Sixteen months later, I’m on the road.”
Mr Peniguel hopes to encourage more young people to play lawn bowls.
“Sixteen per cent of all bowlers over 70 don’t
chance for kids to be part of class act
It will be lights, camera and action for children at Point Cook when new acting classes start at a local primary school.
Actors Lelda Kapsis and Nick Colla are launching classes at St Mary of the Cross Catholic Primary School later this month for pupils in prep to year 12.
“Acting is a fantastic opportunity for kids to develop empathy, build selfesteem, express themselves creatively and be part of a community,” says Kapsis, who has specialised in stage productions and earned a Green Room Award nomination for a musical. “Whether students hope to pursue a career in the field or are just looking for a creative and social extracurricular activity, these classes can be extremely enriching and a whole lot of fun.”
e classes will include theatre sports and voice and movement skills.
Colla, who has appeared in television dramas Neighbours, Blue Heelers, City Homicide and Winners & Losers, has a close association with the school; his father Leon is the principal. \ SH
resume playing and they are not replaced,” he said. “Anyone of any age can bowl.” \ LAURA LITTLE
» info@act1school.com
Lawn order: Frank Peniguel is trying to set a world record for the most bowls clubs played at in 12 months. (MICHAEL COPP)
Affordable And Well-Located
This exceptional and centrally located home has so much to offer and would make an ideal home or investment.
Offering 2 bedrooms plus study or potential 3rd bedroom, large formal lounge and a central kitchen with gas appliances. Built with quality the home offers gas heating, solid brick and terracotta roof construction, 9ft ceilings, corner allotment, garage. Currently leased until November 2014 at 260pw it makes the ideal investment or for those looking to enter the property market.
Located within close proximity to Werribee Racecourse, Werribee Train Station and Werribee CBD, Thomas Chirnside Primary School, Manorvale Primary School, Werribee Recreation Centre and Werribee River.
It’s a certainty that this one won’t last long, call to inspect today!
7777 191 Watton Street, Werribee
WHAT’S ON
GARDEN OPEN DAY
Pick up tips on growing the perfect garden or create your own work of art at Iramoo Studio and Shoestring Gardening’s open day this Friday. Eco-Living Centre, 28 Ridge Drive, Wyndham Vale.
■ 8742 3688
LOSE WEIGHT
Members of T.O.W.N – Take Off Weight Naturally – compete for weight-loss awards each week. The Wyndham club meets Fridays from 9.30-11.30am at The Grange Community Centre, Hoppers Crossing.
■ 0434 088 240
FIND YOUR RHYTHM
BLOSSOM AS A VOLUNTEER
Wyndham City will be undertaking rabbit baiting at the following sites:
Werribee
• Open space along the east side of the Werribee River between Old Ford Road and Degaris Place.
• Open space along the west side of the Werribee River adjoining Weeden Drive.
• Open space along both sides of the Werribee River between Werribee Street and the Princes Freeway.
Werribee South
• Open space along the east side of the Werribee River at K Road cliffs.
• Grahams Wetland Reserve.
Point Cook
• Open space along both sides of Skeleton Creek between Palmers Road and Forsyth Road.
Laverton North
• Lawrie Emmins Reserve.
Transport yourself to a traditional African village with a visit to Werribee Open Range Zoo. The zoo comes alive with African drumming workshops, live music and African games every Saturday until February 22. Rhythm of Africa will feature musical acts for kids and Ethiopian coffee ceremonies. Safari tours are included in the entry price.
■ zoo.org.au
CHILDREN’S MARKET
Looking for a bargain? Head to the Bumble Bee baby and children’s market at the Italian Sports Club of Werribee from 10am-1pm this Sunday. Pre-loved, new and handmade goods. Entry: $2 for adults, children free.
■ thebumblebees.com.au
Learn how to grow roses and help look after one of Wyndham’s renowned tourist attractions by volunteering with the Friends of the State Rose Garden. No experience necessary. Volunteers meet on Wednesday and Saturday morning at Werribee Park.
■ 9395 3880
FAMILY FUN
Take a ride on a double-decker bus or enjoy a leisurely spin on a ferris wheel at Featherbrook estate’s open day. There will also be live music, an animal farm, free barbecue and drinks. It’s on February 22 from 10am-5pm.
■ 1800 782 665 \
WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Email details by noon on the Wednesday before publication \ whatsonwest@mmpgroup.com.au
Hoppers Crossing
• Open space along the east side of the D1 drain in Heathdale Glen Orden Wetlands reserve.
Little River
• Open space along the east side of Little River between Malcolm Road and You Yangs Road.
• Open space along the east side of Little River between Malcolm Road and William Road.
• Open space along the west and north sides of Little River from Gleesons Road to downstream for 1km and, the unsealed section of Gleesons Road.
• Open space in the Rothwell Reserve on the south side of Rothwell Road.
• Open space along the east side of Little River at the end of Mouyong Road.
Weather permitting, the program at all sites will run between Monday 10 February 2014 and Friday 28 February 2014.
Council recommends that pet animals not be taken into these areas during this period.
Baits of chopped carrot, treated with ‘PINDONE’ (an anticoagulant poison) will be laid by a DEPI licensed contractor in accordance with the Pindone manufacturer’s directions. The poison baits will be dyed green and distributed along trails where rabbits usually feed. Vitamin K1 is the antidote for Pindone in case of accidental poisoning and is available from local vets. Any carrot pieces or rabbits found (alive or dead) in these areas should not be handled. Warning signs will be placed at entrances to the reserves/ sites before the campaign commences.
For further information please contact Trevor Prowd, Council’s Land Management Officer, on 9742 0717.
Take A Dip In Your Own Pool While Living In Cambridge On Nearly 1200m2!
With all the hard work done and a super combination to boot, this home is ready and waiting for its next lucky owner. Comprising 4 full sized bedrooms with master entailing ensuite, separate study, a huge formal lounge also features soaring cathedral ceilings. The recently renovated kitchen features a quality appliance upgrade including an Asko dishwasher, while there is a huge adjoining meals and second separate living or rumpus room. Both ducted heating and cooling are here also. Freshly painted and using the latest in flooring technologies, all the work is pretty much done and done well! Outdoors offers the perfect entertainment opportunity with a huge covered pergola on offer and enclosed inground heated pool, perfect and ready for the summer months! A double garage is also on offer for the budding handyman or to keep the cars happy too. Set on a huge 1189m2 approx, there is an abundance of space, yet also being conveniently located in a quiet court a short stroll to Werribee Plaza. Seriously great value and catering for all your family’s needs and desires!
191 Watton Street, Werribee
Hoppers
Most youngsters get up to mischief, but Point Cook teenager Jake Wilkinson gets up to magic.
It started when he was 11 and watched a television program revealing the tricks of stage magicians.
“I got a couple of coins and started practising making them vanish and appear – and it worked,” he says.
Now 16, the year 11 Bayside College student hopes to conjure up a career of magic. He’s been practising his tricks professionally at various shows and parties for the past two years.
Following in the footsteps of Australian illusionist Cosentino, who nished second in the 2011 series of television’s Australia’s Got Talent, Wilkinson auditioned for the show last year and will try again this year.
“ ere were three auditions and I got through two, but didn’t make the nal cut,” he says.
Wilkinson says he is o en compared to Steven Frayne, the magician known as Dynamo.
“Dynamo is from Manchester [England] and so am I,” he says. “I like to take the best from people like Dynamo and Cosentino and make the magic my own.”
Wilkinson’s tricks involve cards – including “mind reading” what card a participant will choose – and linking and unlinking metal rings.
A favourite with audiences is putting a bottle on one side of a table and a glass on the other, covering each with a metal tube and switching their location. He has mastered the Harry Houdini trick of getting out of a straitjacket. But
unlike the great illusionist, he’s not allowed to test his skills under water.
Wilkinson regularly performs for children at e Brook on Sneydes, a Point Cook venue, but now he’s branching out to adult shows.
“ ere is a trick behind every bit of magic,” he says. But when asked how he transfers a ball from
his hand to a child’s palm, he answers: “magic”.
A er all, he has spent too many years learning and practising the tricks to give away the secrets so easily. \ shewitt@mmpgroup.com.au
» jakewilkinsonmagic.com
WIN THIS
No More Tears Colic Relief is a practical guide to relieving the painful symptoms of baby colic, affecting 40 per cent of newborns. Written by pharmacist Gai Williams, the book includes vital tips from her and a number of baby health experts for settling incessant colic. It’s a must-read for new mums. Details: nomoretearscolicrelief.com
The Weekly is giving away six copies. The total prize value is $119.70.
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.
Tucked away in an exclusive court location amongst house proud owners, in one of the nicest estates in Werribee is this stunning family home. Three large fitted BRs, ensuite & WIR to master, study/4th BR, formal lounge with open fireplace, formal dining, open plan informal family/meals arrangement, a fantastic all-weather entertainment area & a double oversized remote garage with access to the rear. Includes solid Tas Oak timber floors throughout the living areas, Tas Oak timber kitchen, 900mm SS upright cooker, SS splashbacks, red cedar timber venetian blinds & quality drapes, gas heating, evap cooling, halogen lighting, 2 garden sheds & more. Set on approx 1011m2 land, within walking distance to lovely parklands, schools, Werribee River bike trails/walking tracks, shops & all amenities.
Set on an 1020m2 approx in central Werribee amongst matured surroundings is this superb property featuring terracotta tiles, 9ft ceilings, decorative cornicing, a stunning hostess kitchen, halogen lighting, classy light fittings & the list goes on… ducted heating, 3 A/C reverse cycle split systems, ducted vac & security system. Presenting an open plan formal lounge leading through to the tiled family meals area, 3 large BRs with BIRs, central bathroom, storage room/attic in roof & laundry. Outdoors, a sensational timber decked entertainment area with its own fixed rangehood for your BBQ, a driveway to accommodate a caravan, boat, trailer & cars, double remote garage, kids cubby house, grey watering system with pumps, 20,000L inground watering tank & meticulous landscaped gardens.
191 Watton Street, Werribee
Auction Sat 22nd February at 12noon (Unless sold prior)
Price Range Contact Agent
Werribee 31 Parker Street
Point Cook 81 Hemsley Promenade
LapOfLuxuryIn YourOwnUrbanSecludedParadise!
Presenting a magnificent lifestyle with this gorgeous family home in a picturesque prestige location, with parklands/wetlands right opposite & all amenities one could ask for only minutes away. Stunning contemporary décor such as polished Tas Oak timber floors throughout, exquisite gloss kitchen, floor to ceiling tiled bathrooms, ducted heating, evap cooling, security system, high ceilings, double oversized remote garage with rear/internal access & the most incredible indoor IG heated LAP POOL & spa with their own private bathroom. Five bedrooms, ensuite & WIR to master, formal lounge/dining, hotel style bathroom, a massive open plan family meals area, and outdoors a no maintenance timber decked area perfect for your BBQ/outdoor setting surrounded by neat manicured gardens.
ThePinnacleOfLuxuryLiving
With its modern inspired colour schemes, the open interior plan features a 2-pack hostess kitchen adjoining meals & family room, separate formal living, ensuite to master BR & there is also a study. Includes ducted heating & cooling, alarm, powered roller shutters, solar electricity system & oversized auto double garage with internal access. Outdoors offers a pergola, feature walls, decked planter boxes & powered weather blind.
Private Sale Contact Agent Inspect Sat 1.15-1.45pm Photo ID required Contact Bassam Tofaili 0411 449 821 Tony Vercher 0421 734 414
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.
Classifieds
Perfect Presentation In The Rosegrange Estate
This home comprises 3 fitted BRs, the master also entails a FES, while the open plan design offers a generous modern laminate kitchen adjoining meals & large main living room. Ducted heating & split system cooling also feature, while outdoors, the established gardens are great for the kids to run free in full view of the parents! A lock-up garage also keeps the car happy too! Superbly presented in a brilliant location.
AFamilyHome That TicksAll TheBoxes
Classy design featuring 4 fitted BRs, master with ensuite & WIR, contemporary kitchen with open plan family/ meals area, heating, cooling & security system. Multiple living zones inc formal lounge, open plan family area that leads out to an all-weather alfresco area, fully established & low maint gardens on approx 590m2 Close to the future Tarneit railway station, walking trails, schools, Wyndham Village SC & easy access to freeway.
StylishLiving WithParkland Views
Positioned in Kingston Gardens is this family home boasting 3 fitted BRs plus study/4th BR, downstairs master with ensuite, formal living/theatre room, family meals area & a great sized kitchen. Upstairs, a living area, 2 BRs & roof access. Features heating, cooling & rainwater tank. Outside, a double remote garage with drive thru access to a huge entertaining area or space for another 4 cars, neat landscape & resort style gardens.
Tarneit Splendour In An Amazing Location!
A fantastic first home or investment opportunity positioned in a quiet court with schools, public transport, Werribee River bike trails, parklands & Tarneit West SC all within walking distance. Spacious fitted BRs, ensuite, study, formal lounge, kitchen/meals area, split system heating & cooling, floating floor boards, double remote garage, stencilled concrete area perfect for the outdoor setting/BBQ area & a very generous backyard.
PUBLIC NOTICE APPLICATION TO CONSTRUCT A BORE & TO EXTRACT GROUNDWATER PARISH OF WERRIBEE
Southern Rural Water wishes to advise of an application to construct a bore to extract 205.0 megalitres of Groundwater per year for industrial purposes to be used on property described as Lot 13 on Plan of Subdivision 221963T, Cobbledicksford Road, Wyndhamvale.VICROADSMapreferenceB78. It is proposed that the bore will be approximately 300 metres in depth and constructed in accordance with the Minimum Construction Requirements forWater Bores in Australia.
All groundwater proposed to be extracted will be sourced from a Non Groundwater ManagementArea.
Southern Rural Water is committed to an appropriate consultation process to ensure the proper consideration of relevant matters as prescribed by theWaterAct 1989.
We therefore seek comment from any interested person or party that considers that theyareormaybeaffectedbythisapplication. Submissionsonthisproposalwillbeaccepted until 4pm on 5 March 2014 and will be taken into account in determining this application. Please direct enquiries and submissions to: Heidi Reese Assessment Officer
There’s plenty to think about for buyers purchasing their first home, and the process can o en prove arduous and stressful. But there are ways for first-time buyers to avoid becoming overwhelmed and making decisions later regretted. It comes down to doing your research and asking yourself some fundamental questions:
What do you need?
Know exactly the type of property you need to purchase, and weigh up the reasons for buying it, considering things such as investment, location, price, floor plan, room to extend, etc. Knowing your needs allows you to streamline your property search, shortening the time spent. Buyers can also tell agencies what they need and have the latter do some searching around – buyers’ agents/advocates, for example. Be realistic. A growing family can’t live in a small apartment forever. A single person generally doesn’t need a high-maintenance block of land. Figure out the style of property that best suits your lifestyle. Bigger or newer is not always better.
What about the area?
Is the property handy to work or lifestyle perks such as a beach, or walking tracks? Is there a railway station nearby? Is the council planning for services upgrades? Are things like crime and pollution driving residents away?
Understand the demographics of the area and spend time inspecting changing traffic conditions at different times of the day on the street you intend to buy on.
Know the supply-to-demand ratio of the area: is it easier to buy in it than sell? Investigate property cycles.
What’s your personal situation?
While we can’t see into the future, it’s important to plan
for hurdles along the way, especially financial. Have a buffer account for unexpected costs, such as increases in council and strata fees and interest rates. ere are always maintenance costs to consider. Knowing your limits is key to a successful first home purchase. \
First-home dreams: Research can avert a nightmare. (SUPPLIED)
Jarryd and Ashley are excited to announce the birth of their little brother
Tristan Scott
Born 19th January 2014
Weighing 7lbs 12oz at 10.10pm
Jon and Leanne would like to thank the staff at Werribee Mercy Hospital.
BirthdayGreetings
Happy 80Th Birthday Giovanna 11/02/2014
Love and best wishes from your family. Your husband Luciano and children Nino, Mimma, Tina, daughter-in-law Cristy, sons-in-law George and Joe, grandchildren Carmela, Justin, James, Adrian, Daniel, Luciano and Roberta.
Homebuyers who want to live close to the city for work but away from the hustle and bustle can do so at Williams Landing, developed by Cedar Woods.
The suburb is 19 kilometres from the CBD, which is now more accessible with the new $110 million Williams Landing railway station and Palmers Road Freeway interchange.
Williams Landing has a suburban feel, with parks, gardens and reserves dotted around its four residential pockets, while residents also have access to a 24-kilometre bike trail and –in future – their own nine-hectare oval.
Shopping will be easy, with building having started on the new Williams Landing town centre. It will be home to a supermarket, medical centre and 20 specialty stores and is expected to open in 2015. A major home improvement warehouse has already opened.
Nathan Blackburne, state manager of Cedar Woods, says the easy access to Williams Landing from the city makes it an ideal location for families.
“The vision for Williams Landing is coming to life in the town centre and residential
Developer \ Cedar Woods
Price \ Land from $259,000
Address\ 3 Opsum Way, Williams Landing
Opening hours \ 11am-5pm daily
Phone \ 1300 112 202
neighbourhoods,” Mr Blackburne says.
“There’s strong interest from families wanting to build premium houses in the suburb and from business people wanting to be involved in the town centre.”
Land in Williams Landing ranges from 336 square metres to 519 square metres and is priced from $259,000 to $359,000.
There are 45 homes from 15 builders available to explore in the Cedar Woods display village.
For more information on building a house in Williams Landing, contact the sales team. \
WILLIAMS LANDING
Weekly Classifieds
MacKillop College
MacKillop is a Catholic Coeduca onal Secondary College inspired by the spirit of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop. An opportunity exists within the College for the following posi ons:
Posi on 1: Integra on Aide (Numeracy)
This is a full me posi on commencing immediately or at a mutually convenient me
Posi on 2: Integra on Aide
(English as an Addi onal Language/Dialect)
This is a part me posi on (approx. 0.4) commencing immediately or at a mutually convenient me
The successful applicant must support the philosophy of Catholic educa on and have a current Working With Children Check and Na onal Police Record Check.
Applica ons, including C.V., names of three referees and their contact numbers are to be addressed to:
MacKillop is a Catholic Coeduca onal Secondary College inspired by the spirit of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop. An opportunity exists within the College for the following posi ons: College Cleaner
Posi�on 1 - Hours of work (4:00pm 6:00pm)
Posi�on 2 - Hours of work (3:00pm 7:00pm)
These posi ons commence immediately or at a mutually convenient me. These contracts conclude on 27 June 2014, with the possibility of ongoing employment a er this date.
The successful applicant must support the philosophy of Catholic educa on and have a current Working With Children Check and Na onal Police Record Check.
Applica ons, including C.V., names of three referees and their contact numbers are to be addressed to:
The Principal - MacKillop College P.O. Box 522, WERRIBEE VIC, 3030 Tel: (03) 8734 5200 Fax: (03) 8734 5271
Email: principal@mackillop.vic.edu.au
Applica ons close on Monday 17 February 2014
School Crossing Supervisors
Permanent Part Time
Title
$47,418 pro rata ($23.99 per hour), plus superannuation
Enquiries: Adrienne Christodoulou (03) 9742 0876
Please see our main advertisement in the (Title) Section.
Applications close: Sunday 23 February 2014
For the full advertisement and a copy of the Position Description, please visit our website.
Start a 1st Year Apprenticeship with a reputable local company. We are looking for a confident and motivated individual that can grow and learn with an aim of becoming a team leader. If you are looking for a bright future earning while you gain a recognised qualification, please bring your resume to: CASABENE GROUP
Enquiries: Janet Dawes on 9932 1000. Applications must include a statement addressing the key selection criteria and close 5.00pm, Friday 21st February 2014. Please visit our website for further information.
www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au
or call
you 15–24 years old?
The Brotherhood of St Laurence is offering a FREE 7 week full time training program including two weeks work placement to help you get ready to join the
When 17 February – 4 April 2014 (Mon–Fri) Where Laverton Community Hub 95-105 Railway Ave Laverton 3028
Contact
Call: (03) 8368 0140 or (03) 8368 0141
Email: youthemployment@bsl.org.au
Website: www.bsl.org.au/Youth-Transitions
Weekly Classifieds
Free information session
VENUE Curl Up n Dye
48A Watton Street Werribee
DATE Monday 24th February
TIME 11:00 am
Aleisha
To advertise or place your wedding photo in this section contact one of our friendly staff on 1300 138 910
Civil Marriage Celebrant Ceremonies for all occasions. 9748 5654 0427 091 602
MOTORING \ ROD EASDOWN TRIES OUT THE NAME GAME
How many Volkswagens are called Herbie? Being a big, boofy insensitive bloke, I don’t really hold with naming my car, and I must admit to becoming quite impatient with people who call their Volkswagen Herbie. But some people do get it right. e guy over the road has twin BMWs that he calls Donner and Blitzen. And my favourite is the Mercedes with the personalised plate “Was his”. en there was a mate of mine who bought a 15-year-old jet-black Cadillac in San Francisco and drove it to New York, where he sold it for $200 more than he paid for it. He called it Darth Vader because it spent much of its time revealing his dark side.
“about a quarter of owners name their car”
A survey by the Auto Alliance, an organisation of 12 car companies in the US, found that about a quarter of owners name their vehicle, largely based on its appearance. e under-35s are more likely to name their car, and women are more likely to do it than men. But men are more emotionally attached to their cars and those who do choose a name usually go for one that’s famous, such as a historical or movie character. e name tends to be female, be it complimentary (Sweet Sue) or not (Black Betty).
Now an insurance company has used the
THINGS YOU DIDN’T
KNOW ABOUT
survey to publicise a touchy feely approach it is taking in its phone room, where operators will have the car’s name on their screen when the client calls in. So they get “Hullo Mrs Smith, how’s ‘ e Diet Coke Man’ today?”
Of course, there’s complementary advertising as well, one featuring a 10-year-old sedan named Lola driving beautifully along a country road while the soundtrack is a cover of the gutsy old Kinks standard, Lola. I didn’t get it.
For all of those uncaring folk who haven’t named their cars, the insurance company has introduced a website nickname generator that makes suggestions a er quizzing car owners about their hobbies and the car’s model, colour and odometer reading.
e odometer reading was the bit that got me so I asked the company. It seems that the older a car gets, the more emotionally attached (read silly) its owner becomes. Nor is it a money thing; people are generally more fond of faithful old bangers than new, highfalutin’ plushmobiles.
I gave the nickname generator a go, feeding in the details of the road test car I was in at the time and some stu about myself. It suggested Barbie. So that’s something I’ll never do again in my life. \
•RoadTest&providewrittenStatusReport. Astra excludes diesel models & 2.2lt Z22 engine.Excludes Other parts and lubricants extra.
•Onestopshopincludingnewtyres.
6 Months / 10,000km Labour Warranty
2 Year/50,000km Fitted Warranty on Holden Approved parts
MOTORING … Rear-hinged car doors, like those on the Rolls-Royce Phantom, are commonly known as suicide doors. Rolls-Royce
four-way test in the west
Bowls
Hoppers Crossing is jousting with three western rivals for premium home final positions in Bowls Victoria’s division 3. In an incredibly tight race, Hoppers, Melton, Altona and Werribee all have 11 wins, four losses and a draw.
e third-last round was supposed to offer an insight into which of these clubs would poke its head in front in the race for the top two, but matches were cancelled at the weekend because of the heatwave.
Hoppers president Daryl Marendaz was pragmatic about an unavoidable situation. “I suppose that’s all right – we’ll share the points,” he said.
Hoppers Crossing had displayed great consistency this summer – until its shock home loss to Sunshine VRI in the last round. Marendaz is confident it was just a blip, even if it did cost his side top spot.
“ ey’ve had a pretty good year,” he said of his outfit. “ ey’ll give a good account of themselves for the finals.”
Hoppers Crossing is keen to seal promotion this season.
Skips Dennis Hewitt, Keith Vanderpol, Bill Russell and Grant Baxter will leave no stone unturned in their bid to see the club achieve its goal of returning to division 2.
Marendaz says it’s important for his club to play at a higher level to attract younger players.
SCOREBOARD
CRICKET
METROPOLITAN
VICTORIAN TURF: Sen: St Bern v Keilor 7-172, Yarrav Club v Bent 2-128, Hopp Cross 1-28 v Old Ment 177, Sth Caulf v Greenv 4-176, Beau v Strath 4-182. Nth: Spotsw v Keil Pk 2-83, Alt Nth 183 v Westm 2-6, RPB v W Cob 7-140, Foot Utd 64 v Tulla 0-29, Doutta v Laverton 9-71, PEGS v Will CYMS 6-96. Nth A: Haig Fawk v Craigieb 2-173, Tay Lakes v Yould Park 5-51, St Andrews-Foots v W’bee Cent 8-120, Alt Roost 206 v Aberf, Suns Druids 4-115 v St Fran, St Albans 8-73 v Seddon.
VSDCA: EAST WEST 1ST XI: Sunshine 137 (Allen 7-42) v Melton, Werribee 9-238 (O’Brien 106no) v Williamstown, Bayswater 7-268 (Flynn 72no Sugamar 68no Osborne 52) v Endeavour Hills, Oakleigh 195 v Mt Waverley, Altona 217 (Maynard 111 Hewet 5-50) v Yarraville, Croydon 8-233(Shakespeare89no)vNoblePark,BoxHill 109 v Roxburgh Park-Broadmeadows 4-52. 2ND XI: Williamstown 239 (Rainone 98) v Werribee, Croydon 169 v Noble Park 0-29, Melton 5-320 (Merlo 98 Cristofaro 83) v Sunshine, Bayswater 6-281 (Mitrevski 85no Salter 64) v Endeavour Hills, Mt Waverley 68 v Oakleigh 1-59, Yarraville 182 (Janka 57 Rafferty 6-59) v Altona 0-9, Roxburgh Park-Broadmeadows 9-172 v Box Hill.
DANDENONG: Turf 1: Parkfield 1-2 v Buckley Ridges 241, North Dandenong v Springvale South 8-245, Hallam Kalora Park 215 v Heinz Southern Districts, Mordialloc 193 v Berwick 0-2, Coomoora 0-7 v Narre Warren 152, Dandenong West 8-284 v Lyndale. Turf 2: Hampton Park 146 v Keysborough 4-58, Narre South 0-30 v Narre North 85, Parkdale 4-21 v Silverton 224, Southern Pirates 190 v Fountain Gate 1-34, Cranbourne 215 v St Mary’s 1-18. Turf 3: Buckley Ridges 1-1 v Doveton North 244, Springvale South 206 v North Dandenong 0-1, Narre Warren 205 v Cranbourne 0-2, Dingley 3-191 v Dandenong West 57, Heinz Southern Districts 201 v Hallam Kalora Park 0-2, Berwick 151 v Mordialloc 1-27.
“We’ve got a pretty good loyal membership, but it would be nice to have a few more younger ones,” he said.
“If we can win that division, we might pick up another couple of players because success breeds success.
“ e higher you go in the competition, the more that will come.”
Werribee Devils are back for a second season in the Big V basketball men’s championship. The Devils will tip it off in a home clash with the Eltham Wildcats at the Werribee Sports and Fitness Centre on March 16. The women’s division 1 team is also at home first up, taking on the Sunbury Jets a night earlier at the Ballan Road venue.
Football
Wyndham All Abilities Football Club is on the lookout for new players for the Football Integration Development Association’s new season. The club calls Warringa Crescent in Hoppers Crossing home and that’s where its pre-season training will begin on March 13 from 4.30pm. The team is open to men and women aged 14-45 with a disability. The regular season will commence on April 6. \
VFL
Werribee Tigers are hoping that mature-aged ruckman/key position player Dylan Reid can fill a void in its big-man department. The Tigers’ ruck stocks were hit hard with Ben Brown drafted into the AFL and youngster Darcy Fort moving to Footscray. Reid, 25, has been super-impressive with Aspley in the NEAFL competition in recent seasons and his experience will be a valuable addition to the Tigers’ squad. \
2, Springvale 5 bt Essendon Black 4, Newport 10 bt Sandringham 1, Geelong v Blackburn abandoned. AA: Cheltenham 7 bt Williamstown 2, Sunshine 10 bt Upwey FTG Y 1, all other games abandoned. U-14 State: Newport 9 bt Essendon 1, Berwick 9 bt Preston 0, Malvern v Melbourne abandoned. Metro East Central: Waverley 15 bt Ormond GH 4, Upwey FTG 8 bt Melbourne 3, Moorabbin 13 bt Berwick White 7, all other games abandoned. Metro West: Werribee/Sunshine 7 drew Doncaster 7, all other games abandoned. U-12 State: Cheltenham 8 bt Sandringham 3, Preston 8 bt Melbourne 2, Newport 2 drew Sunshine 2, all other games abandoned. Metro East Central: Springvale 5 bt Doncaster 1, Berwick Blue 14 bt Upwey FTG 2, Berwick Grey bt Mulgrave fft, all other games abandoned. Metro West: Essendon Black 21 bt Preston 2, Geelong v Fitzroy Cubs abandoned.
Steady hand: Albert Wy sends one down for Hoppers Crossing. (WAYNE HAWKINS)
centurions split honours with ‘payback’ saints
vtca
Werribee Centrals secretary Chris Duffin declared it “honours even” a er the opening day of the grand final rematch between the Centurions and St Andrews.
e sides that squared off in last summer’s Victorian Turf Cricket Association west B1 final have reignited their blossoming rivalry in the north A1.
It is a critical game for the Centurions, who are in fourth last spot on the ladder, a position that would send them back to the bottom tier with the Saints if the season ended today.
e Saints, occupying last place and with their relegation fate sealed, are yearning for a bit of payback – and what better way than to put a spanner in the works of the Centurion survival hopes.
To spice things up even more, former Centurions player-coach Phil Crea is in the enemy camp with the Saints a er making a mid-season switch.
“We have to come away with a win to get further away from the relegation zone,”
Duffin said. “And they want to extract some revenge for the grand final. We had a couple of guys that played for our club before who are
now playing for St Andrews, so it was always going to be a big battle.”
e Centurions eked out 8-128 on day one, a respectable total considering it was shortened to 41 overs because of Melbourne’s heatwave.
e tailenders have some work to do upon resumption of play on Saturday if the Centurions are to post an imposing total.
“ e guys were a bit disappointed,” Duffin said.
“ e most important thing is we bat the [19] overs we’ve got le ... anywhere upwards of 140 or 150 will be a good total.”
tough ton a tiger tonic
that O’Brien had the concentration to battle it out and prop up the innings.
contribute 40 to the partnership, with O’Brien simply letting him go to work.
Shaun Jennings was the shining light for the Centurions with 54. He featured in a face-saving 72-run fi h wicket stand with Luke Allister (21).
Allister has a knack of figuring in important partnerships at just the right times for Werribee.
“ ere’s been a few times when he’s been able to put on a crucial partnership for our side and get us out of a bit of trouble,” Duffin said.
e Centurions must get it right on Saturday or face a nerve-racking final round a week later. \ LJ
cat in a hot spin
Sanka Abeyruwan has spun Hoppers Crossing into a winning position against Old Mentonians in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association’s senior division.
e exciting young Cats leg-spinner snared 5-48 off 18 overs in the heat at Hogans Road as the visitors were dismissed for 177.
Abeyruwan, 21, arrived from Sri Lanka with big expectations and he’s starting to deliver.
He took a while to settle in and understand the local wickets, but in the past two matches he has taken consecutive five-wicket hauls to have 22 wickets at 18.9.
e ever reliable Darrel Brown claimed 2-41 off 14, while Dinesh Daminda took an efficient 1-25 off 14, including the prized scalp of Mentone opener Ross Zelem for 87.
e Cats faced 13 overs before stumps, finishing on 1-28, with opener Cameron Nicol (7) and Ryan Latham (13) still alive. A further 150 will see the Cats claim their third win in five games. In west B1, the Wyndhamvale Falcons fought back late on day one to get within touching distance of victory against Kingsville Baptists at Wyndhamvale Reserve.
Tim O’Brien’s steely resolve on a baking-hot Saturday has given Werribee the upper hand over Williamstown on day one of the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association western derby.
O’Brien refused to yield to the inconsistent bounce of the Chirnside Park pitch or the Melbourne heatwave, producing a rock-steady 106 not out to create a slight wedge between the two sides.
e top-of-the-ladder Tigers finished on 9-238 from 65 overs, an imposing total on a day when 15 overs were lost to the heat policy.
Tigers captain Shaun Dean was thankful
“Every time we looked to accelerate, we had to consolidate again because we’d lose a few wickets in a row,” he said.
“When wickets were falling around him, he brought the innings back and pulled the ascendancy our way.”
e Tigers were at a crossroads on 3-59.
e cavalier David Wolfe had come and gone for an entertaining 31, while Dean lost an arm wrestle with Matthew Inness to be out for 16.
A 66-run fourth wicket partnership between O’Brien and the free-wheeling Michael Freeman turned the tide. Freeman scored at a run-a-ball to
“When ‘Frees’ came in, the game could’ve gone either way,” Dean said.
“But he came out and really punished them.”
When the heat got the better of Freeman, O’Brien picked up the slack.
It was O’Brien’s second century of the summer, but it did break a barren run of scores in his past five digs, in which he’s averaged just 6.25.
e Tigers will be taking aim at their 11th straight victory when the Seagulls’ run chase starts on Saturday. \ LANCE JENKINSON ljenkinson@mmpgroup.com.au
e Falcons managed only a meagre total of 149, Stuart Crowe top-scoring with 34.
e bowlers, led by Jae Styles (4-18), hit back to have Kingsville reeling on 9-82 at stumps.
Seabrook (3-43) is locked in a tight battle with Deer Park-Ardeer (158) at Bruce Comben Reserve.
It’s a must-win game for the Brookers, who are clinging to a spot in the top four by just one point.
ere’s plenty still to unfold in the match between top-of-the-table Point Cook (5-103) and Barkly Street Uniting at Maribyrnong Reserve. \ LJ
vtca
Nick of time: Werribee’s Tim O’Brien timed his century run to perfection. (WAYNE HAWKINS)
GIANT BATS LET WIN SLIP AWAY
Baseball
Werribee Giants frittered away chances in the batter’s box and wasted a quality start from young pitcher Wes De Jong to lose 4-3 to the Williamstown Wolves in Baseball Victoria’s summer league division 2 western derby at Presidents Park on Sunday.
“ e difference in the game was that we had 14 strikeouts and they only had five,” Giants coach Phil Balzer said.
De Jong produced one of his best outings of the season in unfavourably windy conditions.
He departed the game two outs into the eighth inning with the scores level a er a strong 97-pitch battle with Wolves starter Jason Lester.
“It was a challenging game given the conditions,” Balzer said.
“ e wind was blowing across the field towards le field. at made it difficult to catch fly balls. ey were swirling around.
“Usually in those conditions, pitchers don’t do that well, but both pitchers did an outstanding job to keep the opposition down to only a few runs.”
De Jong is a strong candidate to play US college baseball, according to Balzer.
“He’s been pretty strong in almost every
outing this year,” he said. “He’s quite accurate with his pitches; he’s learning from one outing to the next and he doesn’t make many mistakes.”
Matthew Howe was the only Giant who took to the visitors’ pitching. He hit two-from-three and had a walk in a stand-out performance.
e Giants had extra innings in sight when a squeeze bunt was laid down with Andrew Christou at third base, but Jason
Touching base: Chad Northcott slides into second for the Werribee Giants.
(DARREN HOWE)
Christou ploughed into Wolves catcher Jason McDonald a split second late a er a jaw-dropping play by pitcher Josh Lee.
“Andrew was charging home and the pitcher dove forward and in one action just flicked it up to the catcher,” Balzer said.
“It was a miraculous play; I’ve never seen it done before.”
e Giants will be hoping to bounce back against St Kilda on the road on Sunday. \
LANCE JENKINSON
bees’ ‘toil’ gets them into premier league
Werribee City is one of 30 clubs to have been invited into the inaugural National Premier League Victoria (NPL) competition.
e Bees will join Green Gully Cavaliers, Melbourne Knights, St Albans Saints and Sunshine George Cross as the western suburbs’ representatives.
Bees sports director Giorgio Pastorini said “hours and hours” of toil was needed to make the submission a successful one.
“ e club is excited to know we’re in,” he said.
e structure of the inaugural NPL is yet to see the light of day outside Football Federation Victoria headquarters.
Pastorini strongly believes it will be a two division promotion and relegation system for year one.
“We presume they will make two divisions, but we don’t know which one we’ll be added in,” he said.
“We should be in the top one given that we gained promotion last season, but you never know.
“We don’t know anything else until this week because they are really giving us information drop by drop.”
e NPL itinerary will be released on February 26. \ LJ
Thursdays & Fridays, includes pot of beer, gls house wine or pot of soft drink. Selections include Parma’s, Roast, Calamari and more….
Bistro open for lunch
Thursday & Fridays as well as dinner Thursday to Saturday.
