Elspeth Neale, Ian MacGowan and son Finlay: “We couldn’t be happier with our experience at Brian Mark. We were happy with the team approach that Brian Mark takes and felt as though everyone was working towards getting the best result for us. To top it off, we only had one day of inspections and sold for more than our asking price. Fantastic! “
John Henry & Anne McPherson: “Congratulations to the team at Brian Mark for selling our house in just over a week. We have been very happy with their service & communication, also with the easy process for us to sell our home.”
Vanessa Beggs with son Braydon: “A huge thank you to Brad and the team at Brian Mark for the fast sale of my house. 5 days is that a record? Friendly and helpful, they were a pleasure to deal with. “
Iris Zimmermann: “Brian Mark Real Estate understood what we wanted and made it happen. A great hassle-free experience we can recommend.”
Anthony Preston: “I would like to commend Brian Mark for their professionalism, authentic and integral approach to selling my home. It only took one week for this to occur and throughout this time an agent called Brad and his team ������������������������������������������������������������� job exceptionally well done Brian Mark.”
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call for rail tunnel as jobs solution
TRANSPORT
e federal and state governments are being urged to provide funding for a metro rail tunnel to improve public transport services and boost employment in the wake of Toyota’s decision to close its Altona factory in 2017.
Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS) chief executive Emma King said that by investing in services and infrastructure, governments could ensure that communities hit by job losses weathered the current crisis and began to build a strong economic future.
“ e Victorian government should
immediately seek federal funding for comprehensive public transport infrastructure, which has the potential to be genuinely transformative and increase productivity and economic participation across the state,” Ms King said.
While the state government remains committed to building a rail project that would increase capacity on Melbourne’s rail network, the federal government has repeatedly ruled out funding urban rail projects.
Minister Tony Abbott could help western suburbs residents find work and relieve pressure on the public transport system by investing in the metro tunnel.
mr abbott has made $3 Billion in cuts
Lalor Labor MP Joanne Ryan said Prime
She urged Mr Abbott to reverse his decision to cut $3 billion promised for the project by the former Labor government.
“I know how much this kind of investment would mean for local workers worried about their future, as well as helping residents using public transport,” Ms Ryan said. \
LAURA LITTLE
delays a continuing curse for sardine commuters
werribee
Werribee passengers continue to travel on packed peak-hour trains, with no increase in the number of peak services on the line since October 2010.
Latest passenger load survey results from Public Transport Victoria reveal that five of Melbourne’s train lines are overcrowded during the morning and evening peaks. e surveys, conducted on 12 weekdays in October, found that nine of the Werribee line’s 41 peak-period trains were overcrowded.
During the morning peak, 20 per cent of passengers travelled on overcrowded trains, while 23.8 per cent of commuters used packed evening trains. Other overcrowded lines were Dandenong, Craigieburn, Sandringham and Frankston.
University student and Wyndham Transport Advisory Committee member Cameron Nash said overcrowding on the Werribee line caused delays, meaning he regularly missed his connecting train.
“It can be a very frustrating ride, with the train stopping for lengthy periods at Laverton,” he said.
‘‘Generally, the Werribee train will also stop for lengthy periods before Flinders Street, causing me to miss my connection to uni.”
Mr Nash said overcrowding on the line was getting worse.
A spokesman for PTV said the more spacious X’Trapolis trains would be able to run on the Werribee line once infrastructure was upgraded as part of the $100 million Bayside rail improvement project. is work
is not expected to be finished until late 2015. e spokesman said the addition of two new stations, at Tarneit and Wyndham Vale in 2016, as part of the Regional Rail Link, would disperse commuters across two lines, easing overcrowding on Werribee services. \ LL
MY TOWN
Through a combination of factors, I found myself waitressing at a wedding on Valentine’s Day. It was the first time I’ve carried a tray since I was a teenager and got my first job at the local Chinese restaurant in my home town of Mildura.
Back then I was excited to finally be earning a bit of pocket money and had bought a black shirt to wear, as instructed by the restaurant owner.
It was only worn the once.
A er accidently smashing a couple of plates in the kitchen while trying to avoid the swinging service door, I was unceremoniously given the sack and sent home.
Given this provenance, I was understandably anxious about helping out an event manager friend who was woefully short staffed.
However, walking into the event, all nerves disappeared as I was immediately given a job and continued to work solidly for the next seven hours.
Everyone was polite and respectful to me and the other staff. But chatting to the other girls a erwards, it was clear that wasn’t always the case.
It made me appreciate just how hard people in hospitality work. I’ll be making sure that I’m extra polite when eating out in future.
And just for the record, all plates survived intact. \
EMMA SUTCLIFFE
Emma Sutcliffe is a Little River-based freelance writer. You can find her on Facebook at ‘‘Little River Emma’’.
Change your outlook forever with this picturesque Werribee residence that’s a haven of peace, comfort and easy living.
At the end of a quiet court within the tightly held River Bend estate, the 1980s brick-veneer gem is on a 1011-square-metre garden allotment.
Enhanced inside and out by the vendors over the past 12 years, the AV Jennings residence of about 26 squares has been designed to capture garden views from every window.
Instantly appealing with its mix of formal and informal living spaces, the house’s sensible
floor plan and warm decor – reflected in its wooden-framed windows, Tasmanian oak floorboards and cedar venetians – allows for the best of indoor/outdoor living for all the family.
Creating an excellent first impression, the lounge room is highlighted by its vast brick fireplace with timber mantel and steel backing (in the hearth), while the adjacent dining zone is complemented by the relaxed environs of the rear family room and the all-weather outdoor entertainment area with brick-paved floor, timber-lined ceiling and laserlite roof.
Tropical gardens are sustained by the easy-care recycled water system.
Back inside, the Tasmanian oak kitchen is ready to be enjoyed. It includes stainless-steel appliances (canopy rangehood, Blanco 900mm stainless-steel upright oven with six-burner gas cooktop, Fisher & Paykel dual-drawer stainless-steel dishwasher), stainless-steel splashback, dual pantries, space for a double fridge and open shelving.
The sleeping wing, to the right of the family room, includes two double bedrooms with built-in robes; study or fourth bedroom; toilet; and bathroom with floating vanity, bath, glass-framed shower with wall niches, and slate-tiled floor. The main bedroom, opposite
the lounge room, has a walk-in robe, and en suite with slate-tiled floor, floating vanity, toilet and corner shower.
Dual gas space heaters, Brivis evaporative cooling, pelmeted drapes, and sunshades are other features.
A bonus is that the extended remote-controlled double garage with rear roller door could also be used as a play/music room. Galvin Park sporting facilities, Italian social club, schools, bus, linear park, shopping centre and the thriving Watton Street cafe/shopping strip are all nearby. \
ROSS MCGRAVIE
\ 2 VILLA WALK
college students fly festival flags
WERRIBEE
Students from e Grange College will be front and centre when the annual Weerama Festival parade makes its way along Watton Street on March 2.
e college has been chosen to lead this year’s parade, with 14 students asked to carry flags spelling out “Weerama”. Following them will be community groups and schools.
is year marks the 35th anniversary of the festival. e three-day event starts on Friday, February 28, with buskers performing at Station Place from 4pm.
On March 1, there will be a children’s “fun-fest” at Chirnside Park, a Bon Jovi and Pink show and other activities in Watton Street, and fireworks at Wyndham Park.
e festival finishes on March 2 with the street parade at 11am and a youth talent competition.
Festival director Warrick Lynch said he was confident the festival would be a fun-filled event, despite Wyndham council’s decision to cut funding from $50,985 last year to $34,650 this year, citing ‘‘tight economic times’’. \ LL » weerama.org.au
wyndham falls behind on child immunisation
HEALTH
New figures reveal Wyndham has the lowest immunisation rate in the western suburbs, with 8 per cent of children not vaccinated by the time they start school.
Melton had the highest proportion of fully immunised five-year-olds: 94.34 per cent.
A state government report card released last week showed 93 per cent of Victorian children were immunised before starting school this year. It wants to increase the figure to 95 per cent by 2015.
Health Minister David Davis said
Dr M Lentini - B.D.Sc. (Melb)
Practice restricted to oral rehabilitation & implants
Mr R Privitelli - Hygienist COMPREHENSIVE
• All aspects of general dentistry
• Early detection using laser technology
immunisation played a crucial role in public health.
“Starting school means that children are in contact with a larger number of people, which can expose them to a range of potentially dangerous diseases, so making sure they are fully immunised is the best protection we can give them,” he said.
South Western Melbourne Medicare
“it was a clear-cut decision for us”
immunisation dates and migrant families being unfamiliar with the Australian system. Western suburbs mum Tasha David said parents had the right to chose whether they vaccinated their children.
e mother-of-eight, a member of an anti-immunisation group, vaccinated her six eldest children but chose not to immunise the other two.
Local chief executive Linda Kensington said Wyndham’s below-average immunisation rate could be attributed to busy parents forgetting
• Minimal intervention using no drill air abrasion/microdentistry
• Orthodontics
• Computerised ceramic crowns & fillings completed in one appointment
• Emergencies seen promptly
• New patients welcome
• Member of A.D.A.
• Accredited by the Australian Society of Implant Dentistry
• All stages of Dental Implants from diagnosis to completion
Ms David said she decided not to vaccinate her two youngest children a er those who had been vaccinated developed behavioural and learning problems.
“It was a clear-cut decision for us. e two who are unvaccinated are completely healthy,” she said.
Australian Academy of Science president Suzanne Cory urged parents to base their immunisation decisions on the best scientific evidence.
Professor Cory said studies had ruled out links between vaccinations and health problems such as autism. \
LAURA LITTLE
www.wyndhamweekly.com.au
(MICHAEL
COPP)
Your Perfect Opportunity... FOR SALE
Spacious design offering generous living areas.
Modern kitchen with quality Technika appliances, ample bench and cupboard space including a generous pantry.
Separate laundry room with space to accomodate washing machine, dryer and extra storage.
Ducted heating throughout.
Lock up garage and a private rear garden.
Walking distance to many local amenities including schools, train station, supermarkets and shopping centre.
See sales consultant on site - unit 29 / 22 Ventosa Way Werribee
Open Saturdays from 10:30am – 11:15am
There are four bedrooms, including a main that has an elevated timber sleeping platform, carpeted parents’ retreat, dual walk-in wardrobes and en suite. The house has plenty of downtime capacity, with three living zones, including a theatre room with a screen and projector; a family-meals area; and separate lounge room/adult retreat. The glam kitchen has a walk-in pantry, stone benchtops and stainless-steel appliances. Other features include built-in shelving, skylights, stacked stone, brightly coloured feature walls, high ceilings, central heating and cooling, and plantation shutters. A pergola with decking underfoot has a stacked-stone feature wall and a stainless-steel barbecue connected to mains gas. Low-maintenance landscaped front and back gardens and a double garage with remote-control are included. Parks and Point Cook Town Centre are within walking distance. \
werribee justice precinct campaign gathers pace
WYNDHAM
Key groups are stepping up a campaign for a major court, police and justice precinct in Werribee and will meet next month to hammer out their case.
e Wyndham justice precinct meeting is an invitation-only event involving 30 stakeholders from business, social and legal justice services, government and health care sectors.
Chris Potaris, executive director of the Committee for Wyndham, which is organising the March 28 event with the Wyndham Legal Service, says the need for the specialist precinct is urgent.
Mr Potaris said local infrastructure had failed to keep up with Wyndham’s booming population, resulting in “patchy access to basic justice services”.
He said the precinct – earmarked by the Metropolitan Planning Authority for a four-hectare site around the existing Werribee police station –needed a new court house, police station, Legal Aid centre and a “one-stop shop” for numerous services.
system and needs to be as accessible as traditional justice infrastructure,” Mr Potaris said.
Wyndham Legal Service senior policy lawyer Shona Moore said people in outer-metropolitan areas who were unable to travel to the city had poor access to justice services.
“patchy access to basic justice services”
“Access to pre and post-court services [including] mental health, drug and alcohol, welfare and housing, gambling and other services is an integral part of the justice
“Considering the demographics of those living in outer-metropolitan areas, there is even more of a need to make sure access to justice is obtainable,” she said.
“ e question of equality of the law for outer-metropolitan communities needs to be one of concern to all local, state and federal
carole and ray do a ‘gran’ job of parenting teenagers
POINT COOK
While many people in their mid-60s choose to put their feet up, Carole and Ray Smith are o en run off their feet as “parents” of five teenagers.
e couple’s day starts at 5.45am and ends at 9.30pm, revolving around their grandchildren, whom they have taken into their Point Cook home.
“ ey are our grandchildren, but they’re also our children,” Mrs Smith said. “We wouldn’t have it any other way.”
But it’s financially difficult for the pensioner couple, so they sought help from Kids Under Cover, an organisation that aims to prevent youth homelessness by providing studios for families experiencing overcrowding. It also provides scholarships and mentoring.
e support helps this family – the grandparents and two sets of cousins – stay together in their three-bedroom home.
e couple were living in country Victoria about 13 years ago when two of their grandchildren needed care because of family circumstances. ey took in baby Daniel, now 13, and his sister Tegan, now 15.
“It was nappies, waking up and getting
the kids to babysitters at 6am because I was working as a hospital domestic and Ray was working in the abattoir,” Mrs Smith said.
Tragedy struck again a few years later when their other three grandchildren – Kayla, 16, Wade, 15, and Elissa, 13 – lost their mother to cancer.
e Smiths took them in and moved back to Melbourne, but as the grandchildren got older, they outgrew their modest house.
Kids Under Cover has provided a relocatable one-bedroom studio with bathroom for Kayla, who is in year 12.
“In this year, I need space away from others to study. e studio’s great,” Kayla said.
“ e others, especially grandpa, want this room and jokingly ask when I am moving out.”
Kids Under Cover spokesman Martin Murley said 11 studios had been provided to families in Wyndham – o en to grandparents or aunts and uncles caring for relatives.
“It’s a preventative approach where providing extra accommodation keeps families together, minimising the risk of youth homelessness,’’ he said. \ SH
» kuc.org.au
governments in Australia. Wyndham has an old and inappropriate court building that does not meet the community’s needs, limited physical presence of Legal Aid, a single community legal centre whose resources restrict its community outreach [programs], a police station that cannot even accommodate its staff and other significant challenges.”
Speakers at the meeting will include Inspector Damien Christensen, Collingwood Neighbourhood Justice Centre director Kerry Walker, magistrate Noreen Toohey, Wyndham Community Legal Service manager Denis Nelthorpe, and Paul Byrne from the Metropolitan Planning Authority. \ SUE HEWITT
RAY AND CAROLE SMITH WITH DANIEL, TEGAN, KAYLA, WADE AND ELISSA
Raymond Beasley and Heidi Gray are used to cutting other people’s hair. But on Sunday, March 30, the Werribee hairdressers will hand over their scissors and clippers to whoever can raise the most money for the Leukaemia Foundation. Ms Gray says the pair decided to take part in the World’s Greatest Shave because some of their clients are terminally ill with cancer.
“We wanted to raise as much money as possible, so whoever raises the most money can shave our heads.” The shave will be at the Park Hotel in Werribee from noon. \ LL
» 9974 0555 or worldsgreatestshave.com
BRIEFS
men get new shed
Wyndham Community and Education Centre has received a $28,000 state government grant to build a Men’s Shed. Community Services Minister Mary Wooldridge says the shed will help create a stronger community. “Men’s sheds provide men with opportunities to develop and use new skills, establish social networks and give back to their local community.” \
reserve opened
Sports and Recreation Minister Hugh Delahunty last week opened the $3.64 million Manor Lakes Reserve. The reserve includes a full-sized football and cricket oval, pavilion with change rooms, public toilets, kiosk and social area. “The Wyndham area is Victoria’s fastest growing municipality and this facility provides a home for newly established clubs to cater for the growing number of residents looking to get involved in a range of sports,” Mr Delahunty said. \
crafty fund-raiser
A craft market will be held at Point Cook’s D’Olive reception centre on Sunday to raise money for four-year-old Alex Miller. The Wyndham Vale toddler was diagnosed with a rare and incurable brain tumour. Doctors
have told her family she may have only 12 months to live. Money raised will help cover Alex’s medical costs. The market is from 10am-2pm. \
gillard leads global project
Former Lalor MP Julia Gillard has been appointed chair of the Global Partnership for Education. The international organisation focuses on supporting school education in developing countries. Lalor MP Joanne Ryan said the appointment recognised Ms Gillard’s tireless work to improve education. \
dance republic struts its stuff Dancers from across the western suburbs have been training for next month’s Weerama Festival. Dance Republic, which celebrates diverse cultures through the universal language of dance, is led by So You Think You Can Dance Australia contestant Demi Sorono and will perform in Watton Street, Werribee, from 1.40pm on March 2. \
timely reminder for land owners Owners of vacant blocks are being reminded to cut their grass and remove rubbish to stop properties from becoming a safety risk. Wyndham council is carrying out inspections to ensure blocks are properly maintained. \
(MICHAEL COPP)
Stylish Living With Parkland Views
Positioned in an elite and quiet court in the Kingston Gardens Estate is this showcase family home boasting premium quality fittings and lifestyle that many would only dream of! Comprising three large fitted bedrooms plus study or potential 4th bedroom, downstairs master with ensuite, great sized formal living zones or theatre room and an impressive open plan of family and meals areas plus a great sized kitchen offering plenty of bench and cupboard space. Upstairs offers another separate living area, two bedrooms and an abundance of storage and roof access. Features include ducted heating, evaporative cooling, Italian polished porcelain tiles, high ceilings, infinity hot water service and rainwater tank. It doesn’t stop there… Outside is everything you would ever want! A double remote garage with drive through access to a 12m x 5m (approx) entertaining area or space for another four cars, neat landscape and resort style gardens with artificial lawns. Inspect this showcase family home today!
7777
191 Watton Street, Werribee
fireys warn of wyndham ‘tinderbox’
WYNDHAM
Homes could be destroyed if grass fires hit Wyndham before the end of the fire season, Werribee CFA captain Michael Wells warns.
“Werribee is surrounded by grassland, and homes could be lost as we saw in [this month’s] Mickleham fire,” he said.
“ is area is a tinderbox with the potential of grass fires to run into residential areas. e potential for losing homes is huge.”
Mr Wells said a grass fire, sparked by an arcing power pole, burnt 60 hectares near Avalon Airport last Sunday, showing the fire threat was not over.
“We can’t guarantee a fire truck will be at your property [if it is threatened],” he said.
triple-0 for help. e house was saved, but at the time there was no certainty it would be, Mr Wells said.
He said about 40 Werribee CFA volunteers were deployed to the Riddells Creek and Kilmore fires, while other volunteers protected Wyndham.
“We want to thank the generosity of employers who have allowed volunteers to assist with the fires,” Mr Wells said.
“we don’t want to repeat history”
“People have to take this seriously, have a fire plan and get out early. We’ve seen people die in grass fires in the past, at Little River in the 1980s and Lara and Anakie in the 1960s, and we don’t want to repeat history.”
Mr Wells fought a fire at Riddells Creek on February 9 and said it was a “hard and fast”, unpredictable blaze, with flames leaping four metres.
He rescued a resident who ran through an “inferno” to go back inside his house and call
Werribee CFA lieutenant Sean Brittian did a 12-hour shi at the Riddells Creek blaze from 9pm on February 9, and a day shi at the Kilmore fire last Wednesday.
“I work for Wyndham council as a civil maintenance officer and another two volunteers work for council and they couldn’t be more supportive,” he said.
His sons Liam, 12, and Dylan, 15, are among five Werribee and Hoppers Crossing juniors competing in this weekend’s Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria urban junior championships at Swan Hill.
More than 600 competitors will take part in events involving fitness, skill and speed with hoses and equipment, and putting water onto a target. \
SUE HEWITT
ENVIRONMENT
Werribee River Association has welcomed a unique agreement to help wetland birds at a bluestone quarry.
According to Werribee riverkeeper John Forrester, Holcim Quarries and BirdLife Australia have signed a three-year national agreement to work together to improve awareness of threats to wetland birds.
“Werribee has been chosen as a trial project under the agreement for all Holcim sites across Australia and ... urban wetland birds will be the focus,” Mr Forrester said.
He said Werribee was an important site because it was close to suburbia where birdlife could be easily identified and data could be added to BirdLife Australia’s knowledge about newly created wetlands and the habitat.
Holcim quarry staff will this year take part in bird identification workshops, visit sites of importance and assist in a planting day along Cheetham Creek in Point Cook. e community will also have the chance to be involved. \ SH
February Super Savers in store now
LIAM, SEAN AND DYLAN BRITTIAN (SCOTT M C NAUGHTON)
Set on an approximately 1020m2 allotment in central Werribee amongst matured surroundings is this superb property with originality. Terracotta tiles, 9ft ceilings, decorative cornicing, loaded with character & beautiful contemporary décor inside such as a stunning hostess kitchen offering abundance of cupboard space with double SS ovens, Asko dishwasher, SS gas cooktop, porcelain tiled splashbacks, halogen lighting throughout, classy light fittings & the list goes on… ducted heating, 3 air conditioning reverse cycle split systems, ducted vacuum & security system. Presenting an open plan formal lounge room leading through to the tiled family meals area, 3 large bedrooms all with built-in robes, central modern bathroom, a fantastic storage room/attic in roof & a great size laundry with plenty of storage space. Outdoors enjoy entertaining the family/guests with 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, fantastic kids cubby house, grey watering system with pumps, 20,000L inground watering tank & meticulous breathtaking landscaped gardens perfectly up-kept by the current house-proud owners. An awesome position within walking distance to Werribee River bike trails, walking tracks, Werribee CBD cafés/restaurants, public transport & schools.
191 Watton Street, Werribee
Auction ThisSaturdayat12noon (Unless sold prior) PriceRange
www.wyndhamweekly.com.au
www.pointcookweekly.com.au
your voice
DOG ATTACK RESPONSE ‘PATHETIC’ (Weekly, February 12)
Ԃ Given the amount of money Wyndham council receives from ratepayers each year, you would think it could hire staff to deal with situations like these.
But I guess it’s not a top priority when the council premises need an upgrade or landscaping.
Lift your game, Wyndham. This is certainly not the first time we have seen such stories.
DISAPPOINTED \ VIA WEB
DISTRIBUTION \ 48,000
$370M PLAZA UPGRADE (Weekly, February 12)
Ԃ Booming Wyndham! Williams Landing town centre, Wyndham Harbour, Werribee Plaza expansion, East Werribee CBD ... the more the merrier!
CITYSTOP \ VIA WEB
Ԃ I’m really looking forward to seeing this come to fruition after waiting five years. The community is really
going to benefit from having a large shopping complex as there will be more jobs.
I know – I will be applying for anything and everything.
JUST ME \ VIA WEB
TOYOTA TO EXIT AUSTRALIA
(Weekly, February 12)
Ԃ Typical from the ALP, as we can see from Kim Carr’s disgraceful comments.
Let’s pretend that Labor wasn’t in power when Ford made the decision to cease production in Australia.
Let’s pretend that a three-month old Coalition government was to blame for Holden’s decision to leave the country, not the previous six-year Labor administration.
Large corporations like Holden and Toyota make decisions on their future years in advance – not all of a sudden as Kim Carr would have us believe.
The automotive manufacturers in Australia made their decision to cease manufacturing many years ago.
They plan for many years in the future and would never suddenly make the choice to pull up stumps after a moment’s thought.
The blame for the loss of tens of thousands of automotive jobs lies squarely with the ALP.
Its policies and trade union mates’ behaviour is the reason for the loss of this important sector.
TONY A \ VIA WEB
WYNDHAM ENERGY BILLS
(Weekly, February 12)
Ԃ Energy and other infrastructure lasts about 50 years.
It not only must be replaced and maintained at a rate of 2 per cent a year, but extended at almost 2 per cent a year due to population growth.
It’s not the actual costs of power but the infrastructure that is prohibitively expensive.
Wyndham is at the coalface of population growth, being a high-growth corridor.
In the past, immigration built our nation and created economies
of scale and high living standards. Now these golden days of profitable nation-building are over.
But governments remain in their ivory towers, immune from grassroots pressures and locked in a retro-growth stage.
The growth being forced on to us is detrimental and causing hardships, especially to the most vulnerable, including many migrants.
Our present economic model of perpetual growth needs a rethink in line with the contemporary conditions.
MARY G \ 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
Perfectly Positioned In The Lovely Cambridge Estate!
The ideal home with its large living spaces inside and out is on offer for that family looking to grow or astute investor looking to reap the rewards. Presenting four fitted bedrooms, ensuite to master, lovely separate lounge area and family with adjoining dining/study area. Renovated stone kitchen and good size meals area. Appointments include gas ducted heating, cooling, timber blinds throughout and parquetry floors in living zones. It doesn’t stop there, the home also boats a pergola area, double garage with drive through access and a double door entry, great for security. Set on a fantastic size allotment of 780m2 approx, and with schools, public transport and shops only a short walk away, what more could you wish for?
‘infrastructure included’
PLANNING
e western suburbs could benefit from a system that allows developers to build infrastructure themselves, rather than paying money to the state government to fund the work.
Planning Minister Matthew Guy said Wyndham could benefit from a “road overpass” built by private enterprise.
Mr Guy’s spokeswoman, Rochelle Jackson, refused to say where the overpass might be built.
But one option would put it in Wyndham as a trade-off for works in-kind rather than developer funds being paid to the government.
“As people move in to new suburbs, we want them to have immediate and easy access to connected roads and transport, employment opportunities and nearby community facilities,” Mr Guy said.
“ rough growth areas infrastructure contribution works-in-kind, we can deliver infrastructure alongside new housing, removing the costly need to acquire land later and ensuring better integration of public and private facilities.”
Committee for Wyndham executive director Chris Potaris said that while welcome, the government’s in-kind scheme was not entirely new.
“Enlightened local governments have been doing this for a number of years with excellent results,” he said.
Mr Potaris said a positive result of the scheme would be a guarantee that monies raised within a community were spent in the same community.
“ e alternative is that the developer pays the GAIC (Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution), which then goes into consolidated revenue with no guarantees that it comes back to the community.”
Mr Potaris said a new scheme could work if there wasn’t “unnecessary red tape, supervision or administration costs”.
He said the government must ensure the process was transparent, consultative and used in the best and most efficient way for residents. \
SUE HEWITT
Western Bulldogs player Mitch Wallis (pictured) came face to face with Werribee Open Range Zoo’s resident Bulldogs supporter – an Eastern barred bandicoot named Heywood Gia – during a visit last week. Wallis and teammate Adam Cooney visited the zoo as part of the club’s annual Bulldog Blitz to encourage supporters to “love their locals”. Zoo spokeswoman Kimberley Polkinghorne said the bandicoots used to live in the grasslands of western Victoria, but now existed only in zoos and predator-proof release sites. The Western Bulldogs are encouraging people to help the zoo’s captive breeding program by collecting five-cent coins for a “Common Cents Challenge”. \ LL
(WAYNE HAWKINS)
Brilliant Carter Home Going Under The Hammer!
Proudly presenting this character filled Carter family home established perfectly, with no stone left unturned and all the hard work done. Four fitted bedrooms, three with built-in robes and master with a large walk-in robe and full ensuite including spa bath, formal lounge or theatre room and an open plan family meals arrangement leading through to a rumpus room.
Executive appointments include a modern hostess kitchen with an abundance of cupboard space and large walk-in pantry, stainless steel 900mm gas oven and cooktop, dishwasher, ducted heating, split system air conditioning, alarm system, 9ft ceilings throughout, beautiful polished timber floors and the list goes on. Outdoors a Merbau timber decked alfresco area overlooks a landscaped garden with shade sails and a single garage with room for a workshop.
This home is only a stone’s throw away from all amenities, positioned south side of Synnot Street amongst house-proud owners and presents stunning!
Watton Street, Werribee
Werribee 32 Carter Avenue
MY WYNDHAM
Wyndham Vale resident Bev Edwards is known for her community commitment. A local of 38 years, she loves volunteering at the Victoria State Rose Garden in Werribee Park. ‘‘I always come home feeling better,” she says.
What’s your connection to the community?
I volunteer at the rose garden with my husband, Neil. We’ve been volunteering there since 2000. We work in the garden on Wednesdays and attend to the roses – there are 5500 of them. Once a month, we hold a barbecue in the garden and I make my own hamburgers, which everyone calls ‘‘Bev’s burgers’’. I also volunteer on the Old Geelong Road site where the B24 Liberator, a World War II plane, has been restored. I work in the shop there and sell bits and pieces related to the plane. I’m happy to put my hand up for anything ... I take pleasure in helping people.
How do you spend your downtime?
My husband and I like walking around Werribee South, particularly along the foreshore. We also like walking along the paths and parkland in Wyndham Green estate.
What’s your favourite place to get co ee and a bite to eat?
We like to pop into Wyndham Cache for a co ee or lunch. ey also sell lovely produce and we get fresh eggs there.
What would you like to change in your neighbourhood? I’d like to see more parking in Werribee’s CBD. We’re always driving around and around trying to nd a parking spot. Werribee River should be taken care of, as it’s a nice spot. People are working on it but it’s an asset to the area and should be continually maintained.
What do you love about your neighbourhood?
Our estate is in a quiet area with a lot of parkland and good neighbours. We have buses and a train station is coming soon.
What do you remember being in Wyndham that’s no longer there?
When I rst came to Wyndham Vale there weren’t a lot of
houses and I could see the You Yangs. But now it is new estates everywhere and they’re hidden. ere was no supermarket either, but now we have everything. \
SUGGEST A MY WYNDHAM INTERVIEWEE @ clevy@mmpgroup.com.au
“I COULD SEE THE YOU YANGS”
(MICHAEL COPP)
A Family Home That Ticks All The Boxes
Classy contemporary design with all the luxuries one can desire. Fit for the growing family with four spacious fitted bedrooms and, master with ensuite and walk-in robe. Gorgeous contemporary kitchen with an open plan spacious family/meals arrangement contains stainless steel appliances, ducted heating, evaporative cooling and security system. Multiple living zones include a formal lounge, open plan family area that leads out to an all-weather alfresco area, ideal for year-round entertaining and enjoying the fully established and low maintenance gardens on approx 590m2 land. This beautiful east-facing home is within close proximity to the future Tarneit railway station, walking trails, quality schools, Wyndham Village Shopping Centre and easy freeway access from Leakes Rd and Sayers Rd.
Private Sale $440,000 - $465,000 Inspect Sat 2-2.30pm
Point Cook 81 Hemsley Promenade
Lap Of Luxury In Your Own Urban Secluded Paradise!
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.
Private Sale Contact Agent Inspect Sat 10-10.30am Photo ID required Contact Bassam Tofaili 0411 449 821 Tony Vercher 0421 734 414
191 Watton Street, Werribee
dogs seized ‘before attack’
WERRIBEE
Wyndham council has confirmed that “menacing dogs” were seized near the house where a savage dog recently attacked a pet, causing it serious injury.
Council chief executive Kerry ompson said the animals were seized before the horrific January 30 attack that le a pet boxer with serious chest injuries.
But she did not say whether the animals were from the same property as the dog responsible for the attack.
Despite claims by Werribee pet owner Emma Leunig that the council failed to act immediately, Ms ompson said staff acted upon the complaint within “one working day”.
Ms Leunig had claimed that council staff told her no one was able to respond to her complaint because of staff shortages.
But, in a statement provided 10 days a er the Weekly asked for a response, Ms ompson said: “Wyndham City responded to the dog attack within one business day, immediately a er it was reported. An investigation is currently under way and Ms Leunig is being kept informed of its progress.”
Ms Leunig said she feared for children in the area and believed a dog at the address
Monday 17th March8.30am – 12.30pm
The Grange:
260-280 Hogans Road, Hoppers Crossing
slow council response to dog attack ‘pathetic’
FEBRUARY
where the attacking dog had come from had previously menaced a child.
Ms ompson said: ‘‘ ere have been no reports of a child being attacked by a dog at this premises. However, a menacing dog at large was seized in this vicinity by council officers in October last year. is dog was subsequently euthanased.” \
SUE HEWITT
jayla enjoys an ace visit
Jayla Tran is only seven but has already had a hit with a world-class tennis ace, meeting former Australian star Alicia Molik at Sanctuary Lakes Tennis Club last Monday. Jayla was named the MLC Tennis Hot Shot of the Year. As a reward, she and four friends enjoyed a lesson with the Australian Fed Cup captain. The Point Cook P-9 College pupil was recognised for her outstanding participation, enthusiasm and dedication to the Tennis Australia Hot Shots program. “I loved having a hit with Alicia,” Jayla said. “She’s amazing and she gave me some great tips to help improve my game.” Club manager Dan Tipples said many youngsters had joined the junior tennis program recently. \ SH
Four Year Old Kindergarten
Enrolments Open Tuesday 11 March 2014
Kindergarten Open Sessions
You are invited to attend the following Wyndham City Kindergartens. This is a great opportunity to see the facilities, learn about the programs and talk with the staff.
Wednesday 19th March8.30am – 12.30pm
Dr Charles Prouse: 5 Osterley Street, Werribee
Heathdale: 53 Kookaburra Ave, Werribee
Wilmington: 7-13 Wilmington Ave, Hoppers Crossing
Woodville:
80 Woodville Park Drive, Hoppers Crossing
Riverdene: 28 Parramatta Road, Werribee
Iramoo: 60 Honour Ave, Wyndham Vale
Little River: 22 River Street, Little River
Tarneit: 150 Sunset Views Blvd, Tarneit
The Manor: 186 Werribee Street Nth, Werribee
Vista Way: 7 Vista Way, Wyndham Vale
Wyndham Vale: 86 Manor Lakes Blvd, Wyndham Vale
Note: Alamanda & Tarneit Central Kindergarten Open Days TBA –please see the website vor more details.
Featherbrook: 33-35 Windorah Drive, Point Cook Point Cook: 1-21 Cheetham Street, Point Cook
Jamieson Way: 59 Jamieson Way, Point Cook
Yerambooee: 55 Maple Cres, Hoppers Crossing
Karobran: 64 Spring Drive, Hoppers Crossing
** Please refer to our website for further information about the Kindergarten’s policy and procedures. Should you require an interpreter, please contact Kindergarten Services on 9742 8122
Parent Information Sessions
Parents enrolling their children for kindergarten in 2015 are invited to attend an information session on the following dates:
Tuesday 4th March between 7.00pm – 8.30pm
Wyndham Civic Centre, 45 Princes Highway, Werribee
Thursday 13th March between 7.00pm – 8.30pm Wyndham Vale Community Centre, 86 Manor Lakes Blvd, Wyndham Vale
Tuesday 18th March between 11.00am – 12.30pm
Penrose Community Centre, 83 Penrose Promenade, Tarneit
Tuesday 25th March between 1.30pm – 3.00pm
Featherbrook Community Centre, 33-35 Windorah Drive, Point Cook
Chin/Burmese and Karen Community Parent Information Session
Wednesday 12th March between 1.00pm – 2.30pm Wyndham Civic Centre, 45 Princes Highway, Werribee
Information presented at the sessions will cover the following frequently asked questions: Is my child ready for kindergarten?
How does the enrolment process work? Will I get the kindergarten of my choice?
What can I expect my child to learn at kindergarten?
For vurther invormation contact Kindergarten Services on 9742 8122 www.wyndham.vic.gov.au
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!
Private Sale $250,000 - $279,000
Inspect Sat 1.45-2.15pm Photo ID
Hoppers Crossing 1 Cation Avenue
Lovely Home, Close To All Amenities!
On offer is a lovely first home or smart investor’s choice. Situated in the heart of Hoppers Crossing and only a short walk to schools, shops and public transport. Presenting three bedrooms, large lounge area and neat kitchen opening up onto a meals arrangement. Appointments include ducted heating, cooling, alarm system, intercom, large shed, pergola area, landscaped gardens back and front, and feel safe as ever with a gated front fence. Located in a nice quiet street and over road from a park with kids playground, and also a lovely place for a BBQ or picnic.
Private Sale $320,000 - $339,000
Inspect Sat 11.30-12noon Photo ID required
Tarneit 1 Sandalwood Circuit 2 2 2 1 3
The Pinnacle Of Luxury Living
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.
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.
Leda
Perfect Presentation InThe 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.
Live In Cambridge On Nearly 1200m
This home is ready and waiting for its next lucky owner. Comprising 4 BRs, master with ensuite, sep study, formal lounge, recently renovated kitchen adjoining meals & 2nd separate living or rumpus room. Both ducted heating & cooling are here also. Outdoors offers a huge covered pergola & enclosed IG heated pool, and double garage. Set on a huge 1189m2 approx, conveniently located in a quiet court a short stroll to Werribee Plaza.
Tarneit
“
Are you here about what happened last night?”
Julie asks from behind the glass.
It’s a balmy December evening in St Albans and the Weekly has come looking for the railway station’s last line of defence: two Protective Services Officers going by the names of Kevin and Kuldeep.
e duo are among 586 PSOs working across 82 stations.
Julie spent much of 2013 sitting behind the protective glass of Metro’s St Albans ticket booth a er moving from North Melbourne, and she’s noticed a calmer environment since PSOs began patrolling among the swarm of commuters who flow through the station between 6pm and the last train each night.
Despite an Australia New Zealand Policing Advisory Agency survey released last month that revealed a significant decline in Victorian commuters feeling safe on public transport (24.2 per cent) compared to 2008-09 figures (27.9 per cent), Julie believes there’s been a positive change.
“A few people say to me they feel safer [at St Albans station]. ere’s been quite a few issues.”
Like last night’s armed robbery when two PSOs helped police chase down a pair of would-be thieves at a supermarket across the street.
While the PSOs’ lines of enforcement outside the station are intentionally vague, assisting police is one of the tasks required alongside their chief concern: creating an atmosphere of safety. In that sense it’s been mission accomplished, although Julie would like to see the state government go a step further and staff PSOs from “the first train to the last”.
She’s not naive enough to think local crime has been
HAPPY IN THE SERVICE
Protective services officers are on track to achieving commuter safety, writes BEN CAMERON
curbed, though. It’s just moved to another location, or to an earlier time slot.
“Drug and alcohol-affected people don’t have a time frame,” she says. “It just means the crime happens earlier in the day.”
A wave of commuters bustle through the station’s sliding doors, and among them are the PSOs the Weekly is seeking.
“Checking tickets isn’t our primary concern, safety is,” Kuldeep says when asked to define his new role overseeing the transportation of this community: refugees, the unemployed, workers, those on low incomes, the high, the low and the just plain drunk and restless.
“ e crime has moved away from the station, and onto the trains ... to other areas and to other times,” adds Kevin, who at age 41 le a much safer desk job in computer science in January to patrol both here and at Watergardens station. His girlfriend was not impressed with his career change.
In November, a Fairfax Media report revealed assaults and the s at railway stations hit a five-year high in the first year PSOs were deployed.
“She was scared at the time,” says Kevin. “She was always thinking the worst-case scenario, that I might get stabbed, bashed or shot even. But it’s been alright, she’s sort of adjusting. It’s mostly assaults and petty crime [you deal with]. I enjoy the direct contact I have with people. You can see the impact you have on the community.”
Kuldeep is in no doubt he made the right move giving up his job as a door-to-door salesman with Telstra.
“I love my job, mate,” he says sincerely. “Ninety per cent of people don’t have a problem with us; 10
per cent do.” From escorting the overindulged into ambulances to busting serial fare evaders with outstanding warrants, the work is niche but rarely boring. PSOs have also reported incidents where they had to talk people around from attempting suicide.
Praise for their work has been rare, yet some has come from unlikely sources.
A few months ago, Kevin says he was approached by a career criminal.
“ is guy was a crook with a long history of crime, and he comes up to me and says, ‘I don’t like you guys, I don’t need you, but I now realise my kids need you’.”
Both PSOs say they have built a rapport with their travelling community.
As we watch a train disappear into the distance, a female commuter on her way home from the gym comes over for a 10-minute chat. She’s probably not one of the 51.2 per cent who said in the survey they felt safer walking home at night than on public transport.
Asked about his method of charming more difficult members of the public, Kevin says: “I use the attitude test. I usually give them a warning if they give me no lip. If people admit their mistake we let them off.
“ ere was one kid who jumped onto the tracks to cross to the other side, just before a train came. I said, ‘What did you do that for?’ And he said he had to go to the toilet.”
Kevin smiles, but admits it’s not so easy with the drunks. “We don’t let the drunks off. We can hold up the train if we have to. We had to drag a guy off the train once because he was drunk.”
Armed with all the tools of the standard police officer – handgun, baton and capsicum spray – these two take
on a handful of incidents for each 10-hour shi and, on average, make one arrest a week.
“ ere was one guy, a regular on the line, who was assaulting young girls,” Kevin says. “He was asking girls to be in photos with him, you know, selfies, but he was grabbing them on the breasts. He was in his 70s.” Kevin says PSOs have essentially wiped out response times to train station crime. “We can get involved in an incident straightaway,” he says. “And people have somebody to tell straightaway ... before, when the police arrived they were picking up the pieces.”
He’s not surprised there’s been a spike in assaults (716 up from 645) and the s (472 up from 352) at stations over the past year. “A lot more is being reported and recorded.” However, robberies at stations have dropped from 184 to 126.
Suddenly, a group of young men sprawled on the ground on the opposite side of the tracks catches Kuldeep’s attention. One in particular, is slumped against the fence with a hat pulled down over his face.
“We better check this one out,” he says to his offsider. As we cross the tracks, the Weekly points out four men drinking under some trees across the road. One sits in his wheelchair with beer in hand. “Oh, yeah, there’s going to be heaps [of drunks tonight] ...” Kevin says. It turns out the young man is only resting in the heat a er a hard day’s shopping, and what looked like a slab of beer at his feet was only a case of tinned vegetables.
It sums up a quiet shi so far.
“Ninety-nine per cent of the time there’s not much that happens ... and for the other time that’s when people need ya. But I’d like to see PSOs [working at stations] all the time; it has to happen eventually,” Kevin says. \
bcameron@mmpgroup.com.au
Above and inset: Kevin at St Albans train station.
(MICHAEL COPP)
Splendour In The Werribee South Coast
This luxury residence features solid Tas Oak flooring & a detailed solid timber staircase, 2-pack kitchen adjoining open meals room with attached study alcove & separate formal living. The master suite includes ensuite & there are a total of 3 bathrooms. The huge pergola is ideal for entertaining & can act as an additional carport on top of the adjoining garage complete with internal, auto & rear access.
Sale $475,000 - $495,000
Sat 10.45-11.15am
One House Proud Owner Since Built!
Set on a whopping 750m2 in an established location is this fantastic BV home in pristine condition presenting 3 fitted BR, ensuite to master, open plan lounge & a tiled kitchen meals area. Features ducted heating, gas cooking, an array of plum trees, matured landscape & enough room for kicking a footy, building a workshop/garage or possible subdivision (STCA). Near all amenities, parks, public transport, schools & shops.
Exquisite, Picturesque Establishment!
This stunning family home features 3 fitted BRs, ensuite & WIR to master, study/4th BR, formal lounge with OFP & formal dining, open plan family/meals area, all-weather entertainment area & double remote garage with rear access. Includes Tas Oak timber floors in living areas, Tas Oak timber kitchen, heating, cooling, 2 sheds & more. Set on approx 1011m2, close to parks, schools,Werribee River bike trails/walking tracks, shops & all amenities.
Sat 10-10.30am
Young & Vibrant 4 Bedroom FamilyTreasure
This generously proportioned family home comprises 4 BRs, the master features a WIR & FES, while the open plan design boast a huge living area, meals room & large hostess kitchen. Ducted gas heating & evap cooling also feature, while the double garage boasts direct internal access. Outdoors, an under cover decked pergola, all set on 522m2 approx. There is also the opportunity to create unrestricted side access, perfect for caravan/boat access.
high expectations for ‘the only show’ in town
POINT COOK
Next month’s Centenary of Military Aviation Air Show at Point Cook will be a contrast between old and new, according to the man in charge of the Royal Australian Air Force’s special events.
Air Commodore Philip Byrne says the March 1-2 celebration will be a “one-in-100-year event”, adding there has never been an Australian event featuring so much military history.
“ is is the only show to go to. I think people will be blown away,” he said.
“ ere have been 200 aircra used by the Royal Australian Air Force in 100 years and 60 of them will be at the show.”
Air Commodore Byrne said it was fitting that the event, which had been several years in the making, was being held at the birth place of the Royal Australian Air Force. e celebration marks 100 years since the first military flight in Australia, when Lieutenant Eric Harrison took to the skies above Point Cook in a Bristol Boxkite.
Air Commodore Byrne said while the role of the Point Cook RAAF base had changed since 1914, it remained at the heart of the air force.
“100 years ago it was perfect because you
needed a flat field for a runway, but now, because it’s only 4800 feet [1.5 kilometres] long, a lot of aircra can’t land at Point Cook.” e air show will feature a replica of the Bristol Boxkite, built over the past five years
by ex-air force engineers. ere will also be a full-scale mock-up of a F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, the air force’s future aircra . Tickets are $30 for adults and $10 for children and include the cost of public
transport and shuttle buses from Williams Landing and several stops in Point Cook. \
» ticketmaster.com.au or airforce.gov.au
WEERAMA FESTIVAL
Friday 28th February PicnicAt The Park - Featuring Busk at Dusk, Station Place
Saturday 1st March
Wonderland Fun Park presents: Children’s Funfest 1pm---5pm Chirnside Park Werribee YPAMain Stage 5PM-9PM
Saturday 2nd March Watton Street Werribee
• Hoppers Club Street Parade 11AM-12PM
• YPA Main Stage Performances 12-4PM
• Werribee Plaza Kids Zone
• W Factor Youth Talent Competition • Craft Stalls, Despicable Me 2 show and more!
LAURA LITTLE
A little breezy Retired group captain Ron Gretton, retired air vice marshal Mark Skidmore and retired wing commander Geoff Matthews have built a replica of the first plane to fly over Point Cook in 1914. (SUPPLIED)
Wyndham martial artist Craig Stuart will represent Australia in an international karate tournament, but he has been told he’s too old for Wyndham council funding.
He needs a few thousand dollars to compete in the US competition but at age 41 is ineligible for council funding, which cuts off at 21 for individual sportsmen.
Stuart, who runs the Shindo Karate Association’s Point Cook dojo, has launched an online crowd-funding campaign a er he was stunned to find there was no support for older Wyndham sportsmen.
“It’s not just Wyndham I’m representing. I am carrying the flag for Australia,” Stuart said.
who did not qualify for grants. “We can assist them to write applications to other funding bodies and offer information sessions, written advice and individual support,” she said.
Stuart plans to take his wife and his son Callum – a 14-year-old first dan black belt –to April’s USA Karate Open in Las Vegas.
Although he has been practising karate since 1989, Stuart only started competing in Australian titles last year, winning bronze in three events: the Victorian championships, the Australian open in Sydney and the Australian Karate Federation nationals.
“i surprised myself in doing quite well”
“It is a real honour. I feel amazed to represent this country, especially since I was originally from England.”
Stuart’s wife Wendy discovered the age limit while filling out an application for a $500 Wyndham responsive grant, covering locals “representing Wyndham through participation at national or international events of high standing”.
Wyndham chief executive Kerry ompson said the council offered advice to individuals
“I wanted to compete to take myself out of my comfort zone,” he said. “I started competing to show my students that we should always have a go and that we are never too old to go for something we want.’’
Stuart will represent Australia in the veterans section in karate kata – a series of movements, including punches and kicks, rather than sparring with a partner.
“Kata is more like ice skating, with fast and slow movements which show gracefulness and strength.” \
SUE HEWITT
gofundme.com/6py3jg
LENDING A HELPING HAND
Stockland has a long-standing commitment to working with the community to help create a better way to live. Nominate your local school, club or community group to receive a Stockland Community Grant.
apply now stockland.com.au/ communitygrants
PROPERTY WITH
PROFILE \ IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO PUBLISH A BOOK, WRITES LAURA LITTLE
Jean Dickinson has been writing amusing verses, poems and observations about life for almost 70 years.
e Hoppers Crossing resident, 89, has written about everything from health battles to being a grandmother and living at Heathglen Retirement Village.
Last year, on the advice of her daughter, Dickinson sent her verses to a publisher in England in the hope they would be compiled in a book.
Next month her dream will come true with the book, In My Dotage, to be released on March 14.
“I never really thought of myself as a writer,” Dickinson says.
“My husband was my teacher over the years because he had a better education than me.
“ e book is little verses written about things that have happened, friends and neighbours.
closer to their son, having lived in New Zealand for 40 years.
A few years later, a er Mr Dickinson was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and given 18 months to live, the pair moved in to Heathglen Retirement Village.
A er the couple’s health worsened, they moved back to New Zealand to spend time with the rest of their family.
“We had been told Douglas only had 18 months to live, but he didn’t die,’’ Dickinson says.
“the verses just came to me”
‘‘I was at home until 50, looking a er the children, and the verses just came to me from time to time.”
Dickinson and her husband Douglas moved to Hoppers Crossing in 1995 to be
‘‘Instead, he developed diabetes and eventually we decided to come back to Melbourne because we felt we had better care here.
“My favourite verse that I have written is a thank-you to a specialist for all his help.”
Dickinson, who turns 90 in April, hopes to keep writing the verses because people seem to enjoy reading them.
“My aim has been to cheer up and entertain people.’’ \ llittle@mmpgroup.com.au
Wyndham pupils are better equipped to tackle bullying following a visit by Melbourne Storm players last Friday. Players including Cameron Smith and Junior Moors visited Bethany Primary School, The Grange College, Westgrove Primary School and Manor Lakes College as part of an NRL community camp program. Players spoke to pupils about bullying with the aim of empowering them to stand up for themselves and others. \ LL
WIN THIS
Here’s your chance to win an exclusive dinner for you and three friends at Shadowfax Winery’s Friday Twilight Session on February 28. It promises to be a fabulous night full of great food, wine and live entertainment, up to the value of $200.
To enter, visit winthisnow.com.au and follow the prompts. Entries close on Sunday, February 23 at 11.59pm and winners will be drawn the next day at 10am, at the offices of MMP Group, 214 Park Street, South Melbourne, VIC 3205. Winners will be notified in writing and their names published at winthisnow. com.au. Terms and conditions are available at winthisnow.com.au.
It might be shameful to own a “shitbox” in some suburbs, but three teams from Wyndham are celebrating the knockabout cars on a road trip to raise money for the Cancer Council.
e uniquely Australian term has stumped some competitors originally from overseas, like Irishman Brian Rodgers from Point Cook, but all have embraced the Shitbox Rally, the nation’s largest private Cancer Council fund-raiser.
It’s a seven-day, 4000-kilometre outback road trip from Perth to Darwin in cars worth less than $1000. eir drivers and teams are aiming to raise $1.4 million in sponsorship.
Rodgers has teamed up with mate Joe Pantalleresco.
“Our car’s a 1993 Ford Fairlane worth a few hundred dollars, needing a roadworthy and work. We called the team ‘Push to Start’, because that’s what we might have to do.” e pair also raise funds for cancer organisations through the Point Cook Motorcycle Club. ey’ve both been touched by cancer in their families.
“We’re not training as such, we’re going to turn up and hope everything is OK,” Rodgers says. “Even if the car dies we will still be in the Australian outback, loving it and raising money.’’
Another Point Cook team knows about failure.
A few years ago, Tim Watson’s pirate-themed entry “blew up” three hours into the challenge and the team ew home. is year, Watson and mate Ben Huice from Morwell have chosen a ghter jet theme and hope to last the distance.
e rally starts in Perth on March 31, stopping by Meekatharra, Marble Bar and Broome before heading into the Kimberley and the top end.
First-time challengers Jacques Pretorius and Armandt
Lourens, of Point Cook, are heading out in a 1991 Toyota Camry because they believe in the cause.
e rally has raised more than $3 million for the Cancer Council since it was rst held in 2010, according to race spokesman James Freeman.
“Shitbox Rally is a di erent way of bringing
SHOWROOM DEMOS
together the community to raise awareness and support Cancer Council Australia in an adventurous and memorable way.” \ shewitt@mmpgroup.com.au
funny guys set sights on edinburgh fringe festival
Members of Melbourne comedy sketch troupe Aunty Donna hope 2014 will be the start of something special.
e diverse group of comedians, filmmakers, writers and music composers, including Werribee’s Mark Samual Bonanno, has been invited to perform at Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival later this year.
e group recently returned to Melbourne a er making its US debut at San Francisco’s SketchFest.
“ e greatest support we had was on the second night when there was a good handful of people from America who came to see us.”
e troupe hopes to travel to Edinburgh in August, a er being invited to perform at the Fringe Festival.
a fan has designed a tea towel to raise funds
Troupe member Broden Kelly says this year is shapinπg up as the troupe’s biggest since it was formed two and a half years ago at Ballarat’s Federation University.
“We’re hoping the Fringe Festival and the shows in San Francisco will help us build ourselves outside the confines of Victoria,” Kelly says. “We’ve gone interstate once and this was the first time we’ve gone offshore.”
While in San Francisco, Aunty Donna performed two shows and played in a showcase for up-and-coming comedians.
Kelly says a highlight was opening for comedian and Emmy Award-winning writer for e Simpsons, Dana Gould.
Kelly says that being able to perform at Gilded Balloon, on the same stage that launched the careers of Russell Brand and Tim Minchin, would “vindicate” the troupe’s hard work. “[Playing at the Gilded Balloon] has come early in our career so it’s a remarkable feeling. If we do get on the plane and we do land [in Edinburgh], I’ll feel elation.”
To help the troupe raise enough money to get to Edinburgh, New Zealand fan Joel Spencer has designed a tea towel that is being sold on Aunty Donna’s website.
e troupe will also perform 22 shows at Trades Hall, from March 27-April 20, as part of this year’s Melbourne Comedy Festival. \
Learn the ins and outs of raising chickens during an information session at the Eco Living Centre, 28 Ridge Drive, Wyndham Vale, 10am-noon this Saturday. The beginner’s guide to backyard chooks will include choosing the right chickens, housing and diet.
■ 9742 0777
TWILIGHT FUN
Head to Werribee’s twilight street market this Friday to watch local entertainers, try exotic foods or take in a tai chi demonstration. The market is held on the third Friday of every month until March at the Wedge Street Piazza. 3pm-dusk. ■ twilightstreetmarket.wordpress. com
TAKE A TOUR
Explore Wyndham’s eco hot spots and learn more about the area’s native ora and fauna through a tour of grasslands, wetlands, rivers and creeks. The tour, part of Wyndham’s Green Living Series, is on Saturday, March 1, 9am-1pm.
■ 9742 0777
LONG LUNCH
Relax with friends and enjoy a ve-course meal during the World’s Longest Lunch at Shadowfax Winery, K Road, Werribee. Listen to jazz while enjoying locally grown produce and Shadowfax wines. Only 110 tickets are available for the lunch on Friday, March 14, noon-4pm.
■ ticketek.com.au
BLOSSOM AS A VOLUNTEER
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 Wednesday and Saturday mornings at Werribee Park.
■ 9395 3880
LEARN TO COOK
Impress family and friends with your cooking skills by signing up for Iramoo Community Centre’s Middle Eastern cooking classes. Lessons start this Thursday and run for six weeks at 84 Honour Avenue, Wyndham Vale, 7.30-9.30pm.
■ 8742 3688 \
WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Email details by noon on the Wednesday before publication \ whatsonwest@mmpgroup.com.au
ribbons for little rider
Twelve months of hard work
in her category
last
Willowglen
and her
the “ rst ridden show hunter saddle pony” event for riders aged eight and under. The show, which ran from Thursday to Sunday, was a chance for riders to show off their horses and skills in front of judges from the UK and esteemed Australian show ringmasters. \ LL
paid off for Werribee’s Velisha La’Moza when she took out rst place
at
week’s Horse of the Year show at Werribee Park. Velisha, 8,
Co-curricular activities, such as school-related and community-based programs, including sport, music or volunteering in the school community, improve children’s social skills and help them identify their strengths and gain con dence.
Through these activities, children also have the opportunity to develop social knowledge and learn skills that are not always a focus in formal education.
“These activities can help deepen relationships with the school in a way that doesn’t always happen in the more formal school setting,” says Helen McGrath, professor at School of Education, Deakin University. “Sometimes these activities are cross-age, so it may be for grades 3 and 4 or years 8 and 9 – like the school orchestra, for example
“Children bene t socially from having cross-age contacts. Schools can also provide students with opportunities to showcase their strengths, for example, with a school concert or musical. It also gives you a stronger sense of connectedness with the school in a more relaxed environment.”
She adds that ongoing co-curricular activities help kids overcome social fears as well as allow them to grow their leadership
Take note: Joining a school orchestra can improve social skills. (THINKSTOCK)
skills. In later years, these activities could also be looked upon favourably on the student’s CV. McGrath adds that studies have shown some evidence that the behaviour of children undertaking these activities improves at school and at home.
“There is also a slight link between academic improvement and co-curricular involvement, but it depends on what that participation is. However, sport activities are better for general well-being and have great health bene ts.” \
ANGELA ALLAN
MacKillop College
The vision of MacKillop College is grounded in Gospel values and the tradition of St Mary of the Cross, says principal Rory Kennedy.
“We strive to encourage individuals to reach their full potential as life-long learners by providing an innovative, challenging and collaborative learning and teaching environment in a rapidly evolving society.
“MacKillop College has gone from strength to strength in the academic arena with recent achievements including last year’s dux, Paris Landolina, attaining entry into science/law at Monash University,” adds Mr Kennedy.
Other success stories include the
achievements of Charmaine De Lima, Olivia Meisel and Hannah Murphy in Design Technology Fibre and Media at Top Designs – VCE Season of Excellence 2014. Their folio work will be on display at a Melbourne Museum exhibition from March to June. Their DCT teacher Jennifer Morrison and media teacher Dominic Bufalino are also to be congratulated. Visit MacKillop College during its open day, Tuesday, February 25, 2014, or contact the registrar for a private tour. \
» MacKillop College , Russell Street, Werribee. Inquiries: 8734 5200 or visit www.mackillopwerribee.com.au
Success stories: Jennifer Morrison, Charmaine De Lima, Domenic Bufalino, Hannah Murphy and Olivia Meisel; college dux Paris Landolina and principal Rory Kennedy. (SUPPLIED)
Female and male students interested in becoming an army cadet have that opportunity, among others, at Werribee Secondary College.
The college stands out as one of only three Victorian government schools with a cadet unit. “The establishment of the cadet unit in the school has added a wonderful opportunity for our students to develop their leadership skills and personal development,” principal Steve Butyn says.
“Cadets also gain a wide range of skills outside the general school curriculum, including bush and eld craft, navigation, radio communications, marksmanship, drill
and ceremonial activities and historical and cultural awareness.”
Reaching capacity last year with 60 cadets, and with a strong commitment to community involvement, the unit is a vital component of the ANZAC Day march, dawn service and Remembrance Day commemoration in Werribee. In the past, students have won Australian Defence Force Academy scholarships and this success continued in 2013. \
Top drawer: CDT Sgt Ramanjit Manpotra – entry to ADFA; CDT Corp Josh Pearmain – dux of senior leaders course; CDT Sgt Alan Nguyen – second-top in cadet under of cer course
Having given rival Mercedes-Benz a 100-year head start in the luxury car business, Lexus leapt out of the starting blocks like, well, a tortoise in 1989.
Lexus founder Eiji Toyoda knew from his background as president of Toyota that brand reputation is earned, not bought. He put his fledgling prestige car division on the sure and steady path to success, one flawless paint job at a time.
Twenty-five years on, Lexus is still a work in progress, gradually filling its model line-up from the original one – the LS limousine – to nine passenger car model lines today (Mercedes has double that and counting). It is also finding its own sense of style and character, with the latest generation of models the most distinctive yet.
Lexus made it hard for itself by eschewing “dirty” diesel engines and turbos, instead embracing petrol-electric hybrids and normally aspirated petrol engines. Don’t hold your breath for a Lexus diesel any time soon and the first turbo is still in the pipeline, but at least you can now buy a fuel-efficient hybrid version of Lexus’ top-selling model, the mid-sized IS, in the new third generation.
e IS 300h, as the hybrid variant of Lexus’ BMW 3 Series competitor is called, sits in the middle of the IS range, between the 2.5-litre V6 IS 250 and flagship 3.5-litre V6 IS 350.
e 300h uses a combination of 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor, driving the rear wheels via a fancy continuously variable transmission.
Like other hybrids in the Toyota/Lexus armoury, the IS 300h recoups electricity generated under braking and stores it in a battery – in this case under the back of the
car – and draws on it under acceleration to cut fuel consumption. Combined, these motors deliver 164 kilowatts of power and 221 newton metres of torque.
e good part about electric motors is that they generate maximum torque from rest, helping the IS 300h to accelerate off the mark with more gusto than might be expected. Still, it is no show pony, achieving the 0-100km/h sprint in a fairly sedate 8.4 seconds. at’s a second slower than the 320d.
Of course hybrid technology is all about fuel savings, and Lexus claims its contender can achieve 4.9 litres per 100 kilometres on the official combined fuel consumption test. As per our usual experience, this does not translate to the real world but something in the high 5.0s is possible.
Like some other Lexus/Toyota hybrids, the IS 300h can provide a certain amount of electric-only driving, but only at under 40km/h for a short distance.
e price premium for the privilege of electric assistance is $3000 over the petrol-only IS 250, but the 300h is more than $6000 cheaper than the more powerful IS 350, which starts at $65,000 (plus on-road costs).
e IS 300h is available in two specifications – Luxury and F Sport – with the latter adding touches such as a unique front grille treatment, an extra Sport+ driving mode with active dampers, and bigger 18-inch alloy wheels with low-profile tyres.
Our major complaint with the 300h would be the low-level whine from the electric power train and its CVT transmission, which is exacerbated by the otherwise super-quiet cabin experience.
e driving position is well considered, with superb all-round visibility and everything within easy reach. A big in-dash multifunction screen is operated by a sensitive mouse-like controller on the console that, to our clumsy touch, was difficult to master, especially with the le hand.
As always, this Lexus has a superbly appointed cabin, with a high level of equipment compared with its German rivals. Standard gear includes keyless smart entry, heated and ventilated seats, digital radio and, on F Sport variants, an upmarket Mark Levinson audio.
An all-new body gains a stretched wheelbase, which in turn has enhanced rear leg room, with Lexus claiming superiority over the Germans in this regard. However, don’t expect limousine dimensions – a rear-drive car involves compromises. e boot is reasonably generous, although at the expense of a full-sized spare wheel. e rear seat splits and folds, however – a rarity in such hybrids.
THUMBS DOWN
Power-train whine, average acceleration, touchy multi-function controller
* These are manufacturer’s list prices.
starting with the wonderful ergonomics for the driver. e leather-swathed seats are among the best we have experienced. Most car makers stretch the upholstery over the seat, creating a taut fit, but Lexus moulds the foam insert first, meaning a more pliable
We will finish on two of our favourite aspects of the new IS: its glorious road manners and world-beating fit and finish. For the first time, Lexus has truly matched the Germans in steering and handling, making the IS a joy to drive. Add the wonderful driving position, classy fat steering wheel and supportive seats, and the IS puts Munich, Stuttgart and Ingolstadt on notice. With unmatched quality, backed by a four-year warranty, the IS must be on every mid-sized luxury car buyer’s list. Yep, the tortoise is breathing down their necks. \ rhammerton@theweeklyreview.com.au
•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
(SUPPLIED)
Werribee Blinds is a family owned and operated retailer of interior and exterior blinds.
Specialising in a large range of Security Doors and also the manufacture and retail of a large range of Window Grilles and Flyscreens. Whether your enquiry is for your home, office or trade please do not hesitate to call our friendly staff to help with your enquiry.
The Competition and Consumer Act provides that advertised prices for goods and services which attract GST should be GST inclusive.
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.
Metro Media Publishing will not knowingly accept for publication any advertisement which may be in breach of the Competition and ConsumerAct or any other relevant law.
Toll People are currently seeking Linehaul Drivers / Yardie / MISC Drivers with MC/HC Licence, starting from Western Suburbs Melbourne.
To Be successful for this position you must have:
• Current MC/HC Licence with 2 years’experience for the above position
• Ability to read, write speak and understand English
• Previous interstate driving experience is advantageous
• Ability to represent company with positive attitude
• Must have a current log book
• Properly complete all required paperwork
• Current Vic Road demerit point report
If this is the position for you then apply today you can either send your resume to careers.vic@tollgroup.com or call Reena at Toll People on (03) 8369 2400
SALES CONSULTANT POINT COOK AREA
• Located in the Western Suburbs
• Grow with the Business
• Professional Environment
Based at our Point Cook office we have a fantastic opportunity for a Sales Consultant to join our dedicated and professional Sales team.
Predominately dealing with house and land sales in the Point Cook and surrounding areas you will be involved in all aspects of Real Estate.
To be considered for this role, you will require solid sales experience in Selling & Listing all types of properties, have completed your Agents Representative Certificate and a current drivers licence & vehicle.
Please email your cover letter and resume directly to MICM Property at careers@micm.com.au
Marriage Celebrants � Cheryl Rowley � Sincerely yours Civil Marriage Celebrant Ceremonies for all occasions. 9748 5654 0427 091 602
Sarah Marinos meets some grey nomads
The grey nomads are taking to Australia’s roads in increasing numbers. Here, some of them explain why they love an open road and offer tips for other travellers.
“WE LIKE TO BE MASTERS OF OUR OWN DESTINY”
Stan and Margaret Woolard, from Newcomb in Geelong, are in their late 70s. ey travel Australia in their Mercedes Sprinter motorhome.
During 30 years with Victoria Police, Stan avidly read about the outback. So when he retired, he and Margaret decided to see some far-flung places themselves.
On their first trip they travelled for 10 months, nicknaming that adventure the “Australia All Over” tour.
“We travelled 26,500 kilometres,” he says. “One night I remember stopping for dinner at the now defunct old-style Darwin Hotel. Margaret and I sat outside surrounded by palm trees and had a nice bottle of wine.”
In September, the Woolards travelled to Mildura, Hay and Griffith in NSW and then north-east to Queensland. On the way home, they stopped at Burren Junction to enjoy the hot water springs and crossed country Victoria to Geelong.
“Travelling in this way has enabled us to see
places we’d never otherwise see,” Stan says. “We wouldn’t go on a coach tour because we don’t want to be bound by someone else’s itinerary. We like to be masters of our own destiny.”
Ԃ Join the Campervan & Motorhome Club of Australia.
Ԃ Don’t camp within 20 kilometres of a small township so you don’t annoy locals, and pick up firewood before you get to a campsite. Well-used campsites may already have been stripped of firewood.
Ԃ Talk to fellow travellers when you stop for morning tea or lunch – particularly people arriving from the opposite direction. ey can tell you where to buy cheap fuel and find roadside stalls selling fresh food and the best free camping spots.
“WE WENT ON LONG-SERVICE LEAVE AND NEVER RETURNED”
Kath and Rex Breen are in their early 60s. ey sold their horticultural business about 10 years ago and have since spent part of every year travelling and volunteering in Queensland.
e Breens’ Winnebago Alpine motorhome has its own generator, water supply, solar panels and toilet and shower, so when
the couple take to the road they can be self-sufficient. In the several years since they have owned their motorhome, they’ve travelled about 94,000 kilometres, mostly from Victoria to Queensland.
“It’s formed a strong bond between us”
Every winter they head north to help out with Volunteers for Isolated Students’ Education. e couple set up their motorhome on a rural property.
“From late May to early September, we travelled as far as Townsville and then headed west and spent seven weeks on a cattle and sheep property,” Rex says. “Kath taught the children, and I helped with shearing and fencing off dams.
“ ere’s nothing better than pulling up at night and watching the moon rise, or listening to the birds singing at sunrise.”
e couple will do another volunteer trip to Queensland this winter and they’d also like to take their motorhome to Darwin and Tasmania.
eir longest trip has been a three-and-ahalf-month trip to WA and around the coast of Australia.
“It’s formed a strong bond between us. We o en say, ‘Do you remember when we went there?’” Kath says.
“We’ve shared some great experiences and met some interesting people.”
Ԃ Buy as good a motorhome as you can afford and a vehicle that is well-maintained.
Ԃ Don’t be put off by licence requirements and limit yourself to a vehicle that you can drive with a car licence. It’s not overly difficult to get an endorsed licence to drive a bigger vehicle.
Ԃ Plan each leg of your journey so you know where to stop overnight, where dump points are located and where you can buy provisions. \
smarinos@theweeklyreview.com.au
» cmca.net.au
racvcaravanclub.com.au
KATH & REX BREEN
MARGARET & STAN WOOLARD
werribee still undefeated
Cricket
Seasoned campaigners Tim O’Brien and Heath Pritchard were the go-to guys for Werribee in a 46-run win against Williamstown in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association western derby at Chirnside Park on Saturday.
O’Brien made 106 not out to set the game up on day one, while Pritchard sealed the deal with 5-38 on the second day to leave the Seagulls pining for an impact player of their own.
e Seagulls were littered with promise in a spirited run chase but lacking in a player who could take the bull by the horns. ey were bowled out 192, well short of the Tigers’ imposing 9-238.
“ ere’s 106 out of 239 [by O’Brien] and five-for out of 10 wickets [by Pritchard] that need to be taken,” Werribee captain Shaun Dean said. “ e two standout performers were the difference for us.”
e Seagulls could have done without a slow start. ey were 2-7 with both openers back in the pavilion and it put pressure on the middle order.
Craig Sheedy (29), Brenton Hodges (28) and Jonty Paulsen (33) breathed life into the chase, but all went out just as it appeared they were about to flick into top gear.
A 68-run eighth wicket partnership between Jordan Doyle (41) and Sam Davis (17) provided late hope for the Seagulls, but it
SCOREBOARD
CRICKET
METROPOLITAN
VICTORIAN TURF: Rd 10 Day 2: Sen: Keilor 210 and 7-118 bt St Bern 98, Bent 3-240 bt Yarrav Club 229, Old Ment 177 and 51 bt Hopp Xing 176 and 0-22, AWStC 8-165 bt Bri Dist 136, Greenv 230 bt Sth Caulf 174, Strath 275 bt Beaum 261. Nth: Spotsw 4-224 bt Keil Pk 8-187, Alt Nth 183 and 7-161 bt Westm 69, W Cob 215 and 2-52 bt RPB 139, Tulla 7 (dec)164 bt Foot Utd 64 and 6-137, Doutta 4 (dec)107 bt Laverton 73 and 9-30, PEGS 8-259 bt Will CYMS 162. Nth A: Craigieb 252 bt Haig Fawk 122, Tay Lakes 125 bt Yould Park 112 and 6-76, W’bee Cent 9-214 bt St Andrews-Foots 171, Alt Roost 206 and 7-88 bt Aberf 177, St Fran bt Sale 8-206 bt Suns Druids 9-180, St Albans 94 and 9-60 bt Seddon 82. WESTERN SUBURBS UNITED CHURCHES: A.E. Lowe
Shield: United Tarneit Sports Club 8-154 bt Altona Sports 153, Rockbank 3-132 bt St Johns 9-127, Eynesbury Eagles 140 bt Charles Sturt Uni 9-127, Avyukt Aryahi Maidstone 9-262 bt HoppersCrossing7-148. BillHoneyShield: Altona Roosters 9-165 bt Hoppers Crossing 9-101, Williamstown Congs bt Kingsville Baptists fft, St Johns 9-146 bt Footscray ANA 61. Eddie Cocks Shield: Avyukt Aryahi Maidstone Cricket 9-185 bt Charles Sturt Uni 9-142, Western Lions 8-156 bt Eynesbury Eagles 4-154.
Bayswater (second) in a final round one-dayer. Dean says his side welcomes the challenges. “It’s going to be an interesting three-week period before we run into finals,” he said. “You want to test yourselves against the better sides in the competition. ere’s no reason why we can’t go through undefeated.”. \ LANCE JENKINSON
Berwick 26 bt Moorabbin 1, Werribee 12 bt St Kilda 3, Malvern 17 bt Bonbeach 4, Fitzroy 12 bt Springvale 3, Williamstown 30 bt Port Melbourne 3. Fourths: Williamstown 10 bt Malvern 4, Berwick 21 bt St Kilda 2, Moorabbin 22 bt Springvale 2. Div 3: Ballarat 12 bt Chelsea 4, Footscray 17 bt North West 6, Ormond GH 31 bt Monash Uni 0. Res: Chelsea 5 bt Ballarat 4, Footscray 22 bt North West 2, Ormond GH 16 bt Monash Uni 2. Div 4 North West: Research A 13 bt Fitzroy A 3, Doncaster 11 bt Research B 4, Essendon 11 bt Fitzroy B 3, Sunshine 13 bt Footscray 7. WOMEN: Div 1: Springvale 4 bt Footscray 1, Doncaster 7 bt Malvern 2. Div 2: Werribee 10 bt Waverley 3, Footscray 15 bt Moorabbin 2. Div 3: Bundoora 11 bt Newport/Essendon 1, Sandringham 12 bt Springvale 5. U-18 State: Cheltenham 10 bt Geelong 0, Blackburn 9 bt Doncaster 7, Essendon 11 bt Sandringham 9, Preston v Berwick City washed out. Metro: Newport 11 bt Sunshine 3, Fitzroy v Cheltenham washed out. U-16 State: Springvale 8 bt Sandringham 6, Fitzroy 14 bt Melbourne 10, Berwick City 25 bt Preston 0, Waverley 10 bt Cheltenham 2, Geelong 10 bt Essendon 3. 16
3. West: Geelong 9 bt Werribee 7, Fitzroy Lions 15 bt Essendon Black 12, Fitzroy Cubs v Preston washed out.
BOWLS
BOWLS VICTORIA
BRIEFS
Bowls
A three rinks to one loss has dropped Hoppers Crossing to third on the Bowls Victoria division 3 ladder. Hoppers was beaten 72-66 overall by top side Melton on the road on Saturday and was leapfrogged by local rivals Werribee (3) in the standings. A home final is still a possibility for Hoppers, but it needs to beat Maribyrnong Park on Saturday and hope that Werribee loses to Melton in a blockbuster final round. \
Cricket
Bellbridge is heading to the Williamstown and District Cricket Association A turf finals after a hard-fought six-run win over Gellibrand at Digman Reserve on Saturday. Ben Powell (44) and Mark Croswell (47) guided the ’Bridge to 194 and Gellibrand could muster only 188 in reply with Andrew Wilks a thorn in their side with 4-27. Bellbridge can land a sought-after home semi-final if they beat Melton South and second-placed Grand United loses to Williamstown Imperials. \
Soccer
Clubs that are not part of the newly established National Premier League Victoria were finally given an indication of the state league structure last week. Hoppers Crossing will remain in state league 4 west, and the Truganina Hornets will stay in state league 5 west. Point Cook, however, have moved up a division to join Hoppers in SL4W. \
bt R Coulter 11 G Maskell 24 bt A Dove 13 T Shannon 32 bt J Pearce 11 C Twentyman 27 bt W Roberts 18), BURWOOD DISTRICT 2-64 lost to ALTONA 16-106 (L Iaccarino 13 lost to B Foley 26 M Wilson 14 lost to B Peck 38 W Ogden 17 bt D Zitter 16 J Coles 20 lost to M Rennex 26), MOONEE PONDS 15-80 bt ESSENDON 3-67 (S Fordham 23 D A Flapper 23 M Jacobsen 24 bt A Tomkins 9 A Galloway 13 lost to N Wilson 19 B Spurr 20 bt P Loe 16), MELBOURNE 4-76 lost to BUNDOORA RSL 1482 (M Wilks 19 lost to J Corless 22 D Fisher 24 bt N McIntyre 21 S Moritmer 14 lost to L Aiello 22 B Leighton 19 bt D DiFlorio 17). Div 1: Sec 1: Montm (1) 16-83 Kings (1) 2-74, Elst Clb (1) 14-84 MCC (2) 4-62, Kew Hts (1) 14-81 Deer Pk (1) 4-72, Pres/Res (1) 14-73 Werribee (1) 4-68, Bund RSL (2) 16-84 Rich Uni (1) 2-66. Sec 2: MCC (1) 14-91 Bright (2) 4-67, Fitz Vic (1) 14-76 Ivan (1) 4-70, Glenr (1) 14-84 Melt (1) 4-73, Ess (2) 18-75 Melb (2) 0-70, Moon Val (1) 16-90 Lal (1) 2-69. Div 2: Sec 1: Yarr/Foot (2) 4-71 Alt Sports (1) 1481, Alt (2) 18-83 Will (1) 0-64, Werr (2) 3-72 Suns C (1) 15-76, Port Melb (1) 16-90 Rosam (1) 2-69, Flem/Kens (1) 18-85 New (1) 0-64. Sec 2: Clift Pk (1) 4-74 Strath (1) 14-75, Buck Pk (1) 2-76 Sunb (1) 16-91, Keil (1) 0-62 Moon Pds (2) 18-86, Lal (2) 13-79 Glenr (2) 5-78, W Cob (1) 10-83 Broad (1) 8-83.
Div 4: Sec 1: Will (2) 14-83 St Alb (1) 4-71, Alt (4) 4-66 Yarr/Foot (4) 14-84, Werr (4) 4-80 Sunb (3) 14-85, Alt North (1) 16-87 Keil (2) 2-64, City of Melb (1) 14-81 Hopp (3) 4-73. Sec 2: Ess (4) 16-87 Buck Pk (2) 2-58, Keil (3) 16-95 Clift Pk (2) 2-61, Aber (1) 17-84 W Cob (2) 1-65, Lal (4) 3-69 Werr (5) 15-79, Sunb (4) 2-58 Pres/Res (2) 16-109.
Div 5: Sec 1: Melton (3) 14-93 Werr (6) 4-81, Alt Sports (2) 18-107 Yarr/Foot (5) 0-62, Rosam (2) 2-62 Flem/Kens (2) 16-92, Hopp (4) 6-70 Will (3) 12-74, Deer Pk (2) 18-135 Port Melb (2) 0-40. Sec 2: Bruns (1) 18-84 Strath (3) 0-66, Dout Gal (1) 16-87 Fawk (1) 2-73, Hopp (5) 4-72 Thorn (1) 14-76, Broad (2) 17-97 Mari Pk (2) 1-63, Fitz Vic (3) 2-75 Prin Pk Carlton (1) 16-80. Div 6: Sec 1: Yarr/Foot (6) 2-70 Keil (4) 16-83, Buck Pk (3) 3-62 Alt (5) 15-67, Deer Pk (3) 1699 City of Melb (2) 2-56, New (2) 2-84 Hopp (6) 16-85, Suns C (2) 18-141 Suns RSL (2) 0-48. Sec 2: Mari Pk (3) 14-97 Buck Pk (4) 4-65, Keil (5) 2-63 Moon Val (3) 16-79, Sunb (5) 1670 Strath (4) 2-68, Glad Pk (2) 18-82 Lal (6) 0-49.5, Clift Pk (3) 1-54.5 Alt (6) 17-105 Div 7: (N) Sec 1: Yarr/Foot (7) 2-67 Lav (2) 1686, Werr (7) 16-92 Alt North (2) 2-70, Will (4) 18-94 New (3) 0-61, Alt (7) 4-74.75 Deer Pk (4) 14-87, Port Melb (3) 0-0 Hopp (7) 18-15, Div 7: (N) Sec 2: Suns VRI (2) 14-66 Keil (6) 4-58.75, St Alb (2) 2-62 Melt (4) 16-81, Broad (3) 16-82 Suns C (3) 2-51.5, Hopp (8) 0-59.25 Aber (2) 18-83, Foots Pk (2) 14-77.75 Moon Val (4) 4-61, Div 7: (N) Sec 3: Strath (5) 2-48 Glenr (5) 16-111, Glad Pk (3) 18-15 Clift Pk (4) 0-0, Moon Pds (4) 2-68 Ess (5) 16-101. Div 8: Sec 1: Flem/Kens (4) 14-15 Fitz Vic (5) 0-0, Buck Pk (6) 0-20 Flem/Kens (3) 14-53, Mari Pk (4) 14-58 City of Melb (3) 0-28. SCHOOL SPORTS AGSV/APS: GIRLS: BADMINTON: PEGS 8-16 -265 bt Caulfield 1-3-160, Wesley 9-18-293 bt Carey 0-2-191, Geelong Gram 8-16-271 bt Haileybury 1-3-186. SOFTBALL: Ivanhoe 22 bt Wesley 13, PEGS 9 bt Caulfield 8, Yarra Valley 8 bt Haileybury
Close call: Williamstown batsman Matthew Dervan lunges to make his ground before Werribee wicketkeeper Kyle Andrews can whip the bails off. (SHAWN SMITS)
falcons swoop to win season opener
Netball
City West Falcons allayed fears of a premiership hangover with a total dismantlement of local rivals VU-Western Lightning in the Victorian Netball League championship season opener at the State Netball and Hockey Centre on Wednesday night.
e Falcons burst to an eight-goal quartertime lead, an advantage they would only increase in a ruthless 52-34 win.
Falcons assistant coach Nicole Richardson was impressed by the completeness of the
performance so early in the season. “To come up against VU in the first round ... they’re a really tough opposition, so to be able to put the four quarters in like the girls did was great to see, particularly when you’re talking about round one,” Richardson told the Weekly \ LJ
LYDIA, YOU’VE DONE US PROUD
Winter Olympics
Lydia Lassila, you are our inspiration. You have done the western suburbs proud with your brave performances at the Sochi Olympics.
Lassila was the talk of coffee shops across the west on Saturday morning a er claiming a bronze medal in the ladies’ aerials. e 32-year-old from Diggers Rest is more than a dual Olympic medallist, she is a ground breaker.
e former Footscray City Gymnastics Club member set a goal of becoming the first woman to attempt an in-competition quad-twisting triple somersault. e degree of difficulty was out of this world, but Lassila was not going to die wondering.
“I was always going to go into these Olympics with that approach, all or nothing,” she told Channel Ten a er the super final. “I’m the first woman to do the full-doublefull-full. I set out to do this trick 15 years ago when I saw my first world cup at Mt Buller in Australia and that was in 1999.
“I saw the guys doing these amazing triples and I said one day I’m going to do it. Fi een years later, I did it, and I’m super happy.
“I’ve reached my potential. It would be great to always do more, but that was a maximum effort from me today and I couldn’t have done any better.”
Lassila entered the super final with the second best score of the qualifiers.
e surprise packet of the final was Belarusian veteran Alla Tsuper, who had the smoothest landing on the back of a back-full-full-full jump and scored 98.01 to claim gold.
China’s Li Nina attempted a back double-full double-full, a difficult jump and botched the landing, scoring just 46.02.
Four years ago, Lassila won gold at the Vancouver Olympics. She had gold on her mind at the top of the hill in this final leap at Sochi.
Under her fluoro yellow glasses she had a steely look, nothing indicating the nerves of a woman about to go where no other had gone before. She ticked all the technical boxes but dri ed slightly in the air and it played havoc with her landing.
“ ere’s nothing Lydia could have done more to save that jump,” Olympic gold medallist and TV commentator Alisa Camplin said.
Lydia
e judges gave Lassila 72.12 – a guaranteed podium finish.
“I’m very happy with my performance,” she said. “It would’ve been great to land that jump, but I was stretching for my life and I just couldn’t get there.
Whether Lassila’s medal was silver or
bronze depended on the final competitor, China’s Xu Mengtao.
Xu approached her back-lay double-full-full more cautiously and lost momentum and a gold medal in the process. But she did enough to pip Lassila for silver with a score of 83.50. \ LANCE JENKINSON
homegrown bees reject cash flow
Soccer
Werribee City will not be seduced into chequebook football, even a er landing a plum spot in the top tier of the new National Premier League Victoria (NPL), according to club president Sam Panebianco.
e Bees will face Victorian soccer powerhouses Melbourne Knights and South Melbourne a er being installed in the top 14 for the inaugural NPL season starting next month.
For the past three years, the Bees have focused on youth development, blooding homegrown players and young up-and-comers who took them to promotion in state league 1 last campaign.
Panebianco forecasts more of the same during the initial three-year NPL licence run.
“We structured ourselves over the last three years to keep on developing youth and we’re going to continue on that path,” he said.
“I know some of the bigger clubs are paying big money for players, but we’re sticking to our guns.
“As long as in the three years we’ve got the licence we continue to develop and be competitive, we’re not too fussed where we’re going to end up [in the standings].”
e Bees’ bid for an NPL licence was backed by the Italian Sports Club of Werribee.
e improvement of facilities at Galvin Park, including plans for a grandstand, are supported by the Wyndham City Council.
e club has four new grounds that are “state of the art”, according to Panebianco, and its coaches, from the juniors right through to the seniors, are all accredited.
With a solid foundation in place a er three years of hard work, Panebianco was thrilled to have been accepted into the upper echelon of the NPL for year one.
“I’m ecstatic and so is the whole club,” Panebianco said. “We couldn’t have wished for a better result.”
Promotion-winning coach Nino Ragusa has been retained as head coach and will double as the club’s technical director. “He’ll be doing both roles, which I think is fantastic ... he’s promoted quite a few of the young kids into the senior squad,” Panebianco said. \ LJ
Where will your club play in 2014?
NPL: Werribee City
SL4W: Hoppers Crossing and Point Cook
SL5W: Truganina Hornets
High flyer:
Lassila elevates into the Sochi sky in the ladies’ aerials finals. (CAMERON SPENCER/ GETTY IMAGES)
centrals’ victory joy
vtca
Werribee Centrals will get a chance to shape their own destiny in the last round of Victorian Turf Cricket Association north A1. It was “pandemonium” in the Centurion rooms following Saturday’s second-last ball triumph over blossoming rival St Andrews in the grand final re-match at Pennell Reserve.
e Centurion players knew how important the victory was as it allowed them to climb out of the relegation zone.
ey head into a final-round meeting with Sunshine Druids on 63.55 points and knowing a win is likely to ensure survival –barring a major points grab in the form of outrights from St Francis de Sales (63.39), St Albans (57.43) or Youlden Parkville (56.25).
“ ere was a big crowd there and it was tense – that’s why it was pretty euphoric,” Centurions secretary Chris Duffin said.
e Centurions were slightly downcast a er making 8-128 on a heat-reduced opening day. But their tailenders rose to the challenge.
Ashley Dorricott (59no) and Justin Davies (28) put on 77 for the ninth wicket to li the Centurions to 9-214 from their 60 overs.
e St Andrews innings had supporters of both sides on the edge of their seats.
e Centurions had the upper hand early
Charged up: Werribee Centrals paceman Sam Crea lets his emotions spill out after taking a wicket. (WAYNE HAWKINS)
when the Saints slumped to 2-40. But the Saints found their groove through Anthony Hibbert (71) and captain Jake Buttigieg (39) to advance to 2-114.
With eight wickets to get, the Centurions star-studded bowling attack went to work.
Spinner Dean Giarrusso took 2-37 off 11.5, including the game-clinching wicket of Mark Dorricott on the second-last ball of the day to have the Saints all out for 171.
It was a brave move for captain Aaron Edrich to throw Giarrusso the ball for the last over, but it paid off big time. \
LANCE JENKINSON
bees’ faulty form a finals worry
Bowls
Werribee is desperate to regain some of its lost spark with one game to go before Bowls Victoria division 1 finals begin.
e Bees have been up and down like a rollercoaster in recent weeks, with that form costing them whatever chance they had of hosting rights in the semi-finals.
In Saturday’s 73-68 penultimate round loss to Preston-Reservoir, the Bees looked far removed from the side that had the look of a promotion outfit two months ago.
“It’s one of the most disappointing games I’ve played in,” Bees skip Snowy Barker said.
“Whether it’s blokes just not playing well enough or thinking they’re better than what they are, I’m not sure.
“I’m gutted that we’ve lost our chance of a home final – it’s very disappointing.”
e competition in this division is tight, with first and ninth separated by just five wins.
at was the case on Saturday when Preston-Reservoir twice caught Werribee in a lull, first to establish a lead and then to pull away for a five-shot upset.
“Our blokes were not switched on or committed,” Barker said. “ ey thought it was going to happen.”
e Bees will host second-placed Bundoora RSL in a final-round blockbuster on Saturday.
“We could end up playing them again the following week in the finals,” Barker said.
“I don’t think we’ll be changing anything at the moment. We’ve just got to ask for a li from everyone.
“I’ll see if I can get a spark out of them next week.” \ LJ
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