Wyndham council has been slammed for taking a “passive” approach to community safety by refusing to install surveillance cameras in Werribee’s Station Place.
Western Metropolitan Liberal MP Andrew Elsbury told Star Weekly he had been campaigning for the council to install CCTV cameras in the area for almost four years.
“I’vebeenraisingthiswiththecouncil since being elected. Absolutely they [CCTV cameras] should be installed,” Mr Elsbury said.
“Some councils in the west seem to have an aversion to cameras and I don’t know why that is.
“Wyndham council has decided to take a … passive approach to crime.”
Mr Elsbury was in Werribee last Friday to announce $250,000 in state government funding for lighting improvements around Station Place.
Including money contributed by Wyndham council, a total of $313,000 will be spent to increase lighting in laneways and other secluded areas around Werribee train station.
Mr Elsbury said that while lighting was an important first step, CCTV cameras were the next logical upgrade.
“It’s not just for violent crimes,” he said. “With things like car the s or drug deals, cameras could save police a lot of time during their investigations.
“It makes no sense to me why you wouldn’t want to install them.
“I think the councillors need to move a motion that the next time funding for CCTV cameras is available the council should apply for it.”
Wyndham council community services director Kelly Grigsby said the council was working with stakeholders to make the whole of Wyndham a safer place to live, but cameras could be an expensive investment.
“Closed circuit television (CCTV) can be a useful crime prevention strategy, depending on the context and circumstances,” Ms Grigsby said.
‘‘ It makes no sense to me why you wouldn’t want to install them ’’
- Andrew Elsbury
“Costs for installing, maintaining and reviewing CCTV vary significantly, depending on the location, project and model used.
“However, evidence is clear that the use of CCTV cameras can involve considerable initial and ongoing costs.”
Ms Grigsby said the council was working with police to improve perceptions of safety at Station Place.
“Wyndham City is also part of a group convened by Victoria Police to explore how a sense of community safety within the Werribee central business precinct can be strengthened,” she said.
“ e council is committed to working collaboratively with this group to support local solutions for the area.”
John Gibbons and Intaj Khan were the only Wyndham councillors who returned requests for comment.
Both said they would support installing cameras in Station Place.
It hasn’t taken Karlene Pircher long to get back to her winning ways. After taking a break from swimming in 2013, the Laverton 17-year-old returned to the pool this year with immediate success. She came within a whisker of qualifying for the 200-metre breaststroke at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games but will represent Australia at the 2014 Junior Pan Pacific championships in Hawaii in August.
A Werribee nudist has accused the council of “stripping away her freedom” a er it announced that a Werribee South beach’s clothing-optional status was under review. e woman, who asked not to be named, accused the council of trying to tell people how to behave by reviewing the suitability of beachgoers bathing in the nude at Campbells Cove.
She said the council did not have the right to force people to cover up and should
allow the beach to remain clothing-optional. e council announced the review last month, believing the beach was not as secluded as it used to be.
Campbells Cove is one of only four official clothing-optional beaches in Victoria. e others are Point Impossible and Southside at Torquay and Sunnyside North at Mount Eliza.
e Werribee nudist is not alone in her bid to have the beach remain clothing-optional, with the council receiving 10 submissions to its review calling for people to be allowed to bathe in the buff.
‘‘ There are still a lot of people using the beach ’’
- Werribee nudist
Overall, the council received 31 submissions over a three-week period.
e nudist, who has been using the beach for more than 30 years, said Campbells Cove was mainly used by elderly people from across the western suburbs who did not want to travel to Victoria’s other clothing-optional beaches.
Vitamin D-days for sun-smartness
Most people know that spending too much time in the sun can be a bad thing, but one Wyndham resident is warning others of the dangers of not getting enough rays.
Vandana Verma, of Point Cook, moved from India to Australia in 2010. Not long a er that she found out she had been sheltering herself from the sun too much.
“I
first learned I had a low vitamin D level a er a routine blood test during the first trimester of my pregnancy,” she said.
‘‘ e results of the test shocked me. I was told that if I didn’t increase my levels, it would
affect my bone and muscle health and that of my baby, which really frightened me.”
Ms Verma’s doctor told her she needed to spend more time exposing herself to sunlight, especially because of her darker skin.
“ e thing I’ve learned from all this is that there are definite benefits to getting out in the sun,” she said. “Firstly, it makes me feel happier and, secondly, it’s the best natural source of vitamin D.”
SunSmart manager Sue Heward said only 49 per cent of Victorians had sufficient vitamin D levels in winter.
“Victorians may not be aware that their vitamin D level can vary,” Ms Heward said.
“Most of the population makes enough vitamin D in summer because UV levels are high. But it can be difficult to make enough in winter as it’s colder, so we cover up and o en stay inside.”
Ms Heward said people should not wear sunscreen and hats in winter and should aim for 20 minutes of sun exposure every day.
More details at www.sunsmart.com.au
Xavier Smerdon
“ ere are still a lot of people using the beach,” she said.
“We want to be able to go there and take our clothes off. It is our right to do that. e other beaches are too far away.”
Council infrastructure director Nerina DiLorenzo said the submissions would become partofareportsubmittedtoameetingatwhich councillors will consider whether to revoke the beach’s clothing-optional status.
Any decision to change Campbells Cove’s status will need to be approved by Planning Minister Matthew Guy.
Drink-driver shuns warning
A Werribee man crashed his car into a traffic light a er allegedly driving with a blood alcohol reading of almost five times the legal limit.
Police said the man, 22, was trying to turnrightfromHeathsRoadtoDerrimut Road in his Audi about 8am on June 7.
Senior Sergeant Damien Madden said the man appeared to be drunk and he recorded a breath reading of .23.
Senior Sergeant Madden said the man was driving an unregistered car and his licence had been suspended.
He was driven home by police, who were concerned for his safety.
But Senior Sergeant Madden said the man did not stay at home and was later arrestedforbeingdrunkinapublicplace.
HewasputinacellataSunshinepolice station to sober up.
Senior Sergeant Madden said police would like to speak to anyone who had seen the accident.
e man has been charged with careless driving, driving while under the influence of alcohol, driving while suspended, driving an unregistered vehicle and exceeding the prescribed concentration of alcohol.
HewillappearatWerribeeMagistrates Court on a date yet to be fixed.
Police also arrested a Truganina man who was allegedly drink-driving on Kororoit Creek Road, Altona on June 8. e man, 24, was stopped by police a er allegedly driving at 124km/h in an 80km/h zone. Police allege the man’s internationaldriver’slicencehadexpired.
He was taken to Williamstown police station, where he recorded a breath alcohol reading of .052.
Laura Michell
Vandana Verma is part of the SunSmart campaign. (Damjan Janevski)
Fizzy drink is hurting us
Wyndham residents’ love of sugary so drinks is increasing their risk of developing heart disease, diabetes and cancer, health professionals are warning.
A Dental Health Services Victoria (DHSV) report reveals Wyndham is one of the state’s biggest consumers of so drink, with 19 per cent of residents consuming a fizzy drink each day against 12 per cent for the whole state.
e figures have been released as part of a new campaign encouraging people to improve their dental health.
Rethink Sugary Drink, launched by a coalition of health groups, including the Obesity Policy Coalition, is aimed at increasing awarenessoftheamountofsugarinso drinks.
A 375-millilitre can has 10 teaspoons of sugar, while a 600ml bottle has 16 teaspoons.
Obesity Policy Coalition executive manager Jane Martin said so drink consumption was high in Wyndham because there were more disadvantaged families.
“Sugarydrinksarecheapertobuythanmilk,” she said. “ e cost of eating a healthy diet can be relatively expensive when you are spending
a high proportion of income on food. So drinks are easily available, heavily promoted and relatively cheap. In supermarkets, there are whole aisles of sugary drinks.”
Ms Martin said research had found males aged 16-24 were the highest consumers of so drinks, followed by families with children.
DHSV chief executive Deborah Cole said there were serious dental and health risks with the daily consumption of sugary drinks.
She said they were associated with weight gain and obesity, which increased the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
“ ere are strong links between lifestyle behaviours such as drinking so drink and increased risk of tooth decay and other dental issues,” Dr Cole said.
“Dental conditions are the most common cause of potentially preventable hospitalisation in young Victorians under 19, with the most common cause being tooth decay in children.”
For more details visit rethinksugarydrink. org.au
No patients with budget plans
By Xavier Smerdon
Many medical centre waiting rooms across Wyndham are empty, with patients staying away for fear of how the federal budget will affect them, according to a group of practice managers.
While the federal budget has not yet been passed, four practice managers in the city estimated their patient numbers had already
fallen by more than 10 per cent. Linda McColl, of Wyndham Health Care in Werribee, Leanne Puopolo, of Wyndhamvale Health Care in Wyndham Vale, Leigh Stevenson, of the Derrimut Road Health Clinic in Tarneit and Michelle Bailey, of the Tarneit Road Health Clinic in Werribee, said patients were worried that they would no longer be able to afford a visit to the doctor.
All of the clinics are bulk billing, but they
said the $7 co-payment put forward in the federalbudgetwasalreadyscaringpeopleaway.
“I’ve had patients say to me ‘I can’t afford to go to the doctor’,” Ms McColl said. “ ey say they can’t afford milk or bread, so how can they afford something that they view as non-essential.”
Ms Bailey said her clinic had been bombarded with questions about how much their appointments would now cost.
“We’re getting a lot of patients asking questionsaboutthe$7co-paymentsowe’vehad to put up a sign saying that it’s not happening yet,” Ms Bailey said.
“It’s going to hurt the community of Wyndham for sure.”
All four women said they were in the process of creating a petition against the co-payment, which they would present to the federal government.
Laura Michell
Our wide, wide west
By Yasemin Talat and Xavier Smerdon
Wyndham’s population growth will continue for half a century, one of Australia’s leading social analysts has claimed.
Bernard Salt, a demographer who has predicted many of the current growth patterns around Victoria and Australia, says people will continue to gravitate to the outer west.
“ is [population growth] will continue for a generation,” Mr Salt told Star Weekly
“For 150 years, Melbourne pushed east and south-east. For another 50 years Melbourne will push west, north-west and north.”
He suggested that a er that time, urban growth pressure would come to bear on towns such as Sunbury.
But gures being used by Wyndham council extend only as far as 2036, when it is predicted Wyndham’s population will have grown to 384,000 – an increase of 99 per cent on the current population.
e council uses gures provided by forecast.id, a company that supplies statistics to more than 130 local government authorities throughout Australia.
Wyndham council sustainable development director Dean Rochfort said the council was planning for a population size larger than current predictions.
“While population forecasts extend only to 2036, council is planning for Wyndham to grow to over 450,000 people, making it a city comparable in population size to Canberra,” Mr Rochfort said.
“ eimmediatechallengeofthisgrowthisto ensure Wyndham City develops appropriately rather than simply expands.
“To manage this challenge, the council has adopted a growth management strategy that
seeks to advocate for greater investment by the state and federal governments to x current infrastructure backlogs.”
RMITplanningprofessorMichaelBuxtonsaid Wyndham needed improved infrastructure and increased job opportunities if it was to
continue growing at its current rate. He said outer growth areas were in danger of becoming pockets of high unemployment and low income. “Governments should not be locating people in outer urban areas that they can’t service,” he said.
Tree vandalism hits ratepayers
Wyndham ratepayers have forked out $22,000 over the past two years to replace vandalised street trees.
e vandalism has forced the council to replace 40 trees during that 24month period. Last month, 12 trees along Cemetery Road, Werribee, were damaged, with branches removed and their stumps cut down to ground level.
e council has received other reports of vandalised trees across the city in recent months, prompting it to warn residents to take better care of their trees.
Cr Peter Gibbons said anyone caught damaging street trees could be referred to the police for investigation.
“Ultimately,it’sratepayerswhowillpay for the cost of removing damaged trees and replanting new ones. is is money that could be put towards planting at other locations,” he said.
“It’s extremely disappointing that peoplearedamagingthesetreesgiventhe large bene t they provide for wildlife, air ltering and neighbourhood amenity.”
Cr Gibbons said the vandalism had major nancial and environmental impacts.
He urged residents to care for their trees with regular watering, weeding and mulching.
e spate of vandalism comes as the council begins its street tree planting for 2014.
About 3000 trees will be planted on nature strips across the city during autumn and winter.
Laura Michel
(Supplied)
BERNARD SALT
CONTACT US
PHONE \ 03 9249 5327
FAX \ 03 9741 7925
LOCATION \ Suite 1/75 Watton Street, Werribee
DISTRIBUTION \ 1300 656 678 distribution@fermax.com.au
ADVERTISING
SALES DIRECTOR \ BEN SUTTON bsutton@starweekly.com.au
SALES MANAGER \ JAMES STUART jstuart@starweekly.com.au
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF \ STEPHEN LINNELL slinnell@starweekly.com.au
GENERAL EDITORIAL INQUIRIES westeditorial@starweekly.com.au
COMMUNITY CALENDAR ENTRIES communitycalendar@starweekly.com.au
jgillespie@starweekly.com.au
ACCOUNT MANAGERS
TURNER \ kturner@starweekly.com.au
What have politicians ever done for us, asks Kevin Hillier
Where is the City of Wyndham in terms of it being a vital part of the state of Victoria?
We are continually being told we are the fastest-growing area in the state, but I doubt that’s a good thing in many ways.
I actually think it has become a way to camouflage a litany of problems for us and our elected representatives.
We are clearly the largest number of people who have no political power whatsoever.
Even when the prime minister was our local federal representative, we were still behind the eight-ball in terms of financial support and clout in social issues.
Apartfromthemoneygiventotherecreation centre and the leisure and events centre, what major projects have actually seen the light of day?
For me, those are two that are big on dollars but small on community outcomes.
We keep hearing a lot about the East
Werribee precinct and what it will bring to the city, but that’s a long way off.
We have one of the busiest Centrelink offices in the state, which says what?
I am tired of the perception that everyone in the western suburbs is dumb and works less than everyone else.
What do you think ?
We have a lot to be proud of.
I know there’s a presentation about to take place for state parliamentarians in the next few weeks to highlight what the west has going for it.
Most of which no one knows about.
I think the presentation is a great initiative and I hope it gets a lot of attention because it deserves it. I’m the first to put my hand up to not knowing about a lot of things that are going on but, like you, I find out these things only if I am alerted to them.
at’s what this column and this newspaper are here for. Ԃ
If you have any news or events, let me know at kevin@howdypartnersmedia. com
Briefs
Hunt for train ‘stalker’ Police are searching for a man who allegedly stalked a woman on a Werribee-bound train last month. The man sat next to the woman on the train at Southern Cross station about 1pm on May 19, prompting her to get off. She waited until she could no longer see the man and then got back on. But police believe the man re-entered the train at North Melbourne or Footscray station and found the woman sitting alone in the front carriage. He stood close to her face and rocked backwards and forwards before getting off at Laverton. Police are looking for a man of African appearance, about 175cm tall, of medium build, with shaved head, a ‘lazy eye’ and a scar between his upper lip and nose. Details: Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Cops crack down on guns Police are turning their attention to removing illegal firearms off the streets over the next two weeks. The national crackdown will run until June 29 and focus on illicit firearms suspected of being used for criminal activity.
Proud Sponsors of In The Doghouse & The Hillier View
Proud Sponsors of In The Doghouse, The Hillier View and Foodbytes Corner Heaths and Morris Road Hoppers Crossing Ph: 9749 6444 Web: www.westpointford.com.au
402309-MD20-
402308-MD20-9
Get behind our city Wyndham residents are being encouraged to show their support of the council’s Get Wyndham Moving campaign by signing a petition urging the state government to fund vital road projects. Since the campaign was launched in March, close to 1500 people have signed the petition; the council is hoping to reach 2000. Details: getwyndhammoving.com.au
Crackdown on wandering cats
By Laura Michell
Wyndham cats may be trapped if they are found wandering at night.
e council has started reinforcing a curfew thatrequirescatstobeconfinedtotheirowner’s property between 10pm and 6am.
e curfew has been in place for many years, but it wasn’t actively enforced.
But the council is beginning to reintroduce
the curfew a er adopting a new domestic animal management plan last year.
e city is home to 5939 registered cats.
Cr Heather Marcus said the curfew was in the best interest of cats.
“When they roam at night, they can get into fights, attack wildlife, damage neighbouring properties and run the risk of being hit by cars,” she said. “ ey’re safer if kept inside, particularly at
Like flickers to flames, new fireys ready to go
Matthew Baber’s new career could not be more different from the one he le behind.
e former toolmaker has swapped his years in the automotive industry for firefighting and has landed a job with Hoppers Crossing CFA. He has been joined by former senior constable Chris Gleeson.
e pair were among 21 career firefighters to graduate from the CFA’s Fiskville Training College on June 6.
Mr Baber, of Altona Meadows, said he was looking forward to learning from the brigade’s volunteers.
“It’s all about working together towards a common goal and I really like the team aspect,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to getting to know different people. I think it’s good to help and give back to the community.”
East Keilor’s Mr Gleeson spent 10 years in
the police force before deciding firefighting was his real passion.
He said that as a police officer, he would admire the camaraderie shared by the firefighters he encountered at crime scenes.
“I’d think, that’s what I want to do,” Mr Gleeson said. “It’s all about getting out there and helping people.”
CFA chief officer Euan Ferguson said the new firefighters had spent 16 weeks training for their new careers and would now play a key role in supporting the station’s volunteers.
“ ey have learned and practised the skills they will require to successfully embark on their new careers as firefighters,” he said.
“ ey should feel proud of their accomplishments and I welcome them to the CFA family.”
‘‘ They’re safer inside and statistics show they live longer ’’ - Cr Heather Marcus
night, and statistics show they also live longer. Allowing cats to roam can also put a strain on relationships with neighbours, as the cats potentially dig up gardens and get into fights.”
Cr Marcus also said keeping cats indoors reduced the risk of unwanted litters.
Many other councils have cat curfews to help reduce the number of strays.
About 90 per cent of cats taken to Wyndham’s municipal pound each year are not microchipped or registered, with stray cats a major problem because they can carry disease.
More details at www.wyndham.vic.gov.au.
Laura Michell
(Supplied)
CHRIS GLEESON
MATTHEW BABER
Gay students get a voice
By Xavier Smerdon
Gay,lesbianandtransgenderstudentsarebeing given a louder voice at a Hoppers Crossing school.
Year 11 students Rachel Pulman and John Mo tt have set up Hoppers Crossing Secondary College’s rst equal opportunity council.
ey say the council’s goal is to provide a safe and supportive avenue for all students regardless of gender identity or sexuality, cultural background or religious beliefs.
“It’s basically for every student, no matter what their background,” Rachel said. “You don’thaveto tacriterion.Ifyou’reanadvocate for human rights you can join.”
Senior programs manager at the college, Eden St James, said he was proud that Rachel and John had thought of creating the council.
“We’re nding that more and more of the students are open about [being gay or bisexual] and are willing to talk about it,” he said.
“It’s been really good and really brave of Rachel and John to stand up and do this.
“Even though the response has been positive, there will always be kickback and that can be pretty daunting.”
Now the school will use the council as an opportunity to run safe-sex information sessions and dispel some of the myths around same-sex relationships.
“We just really want to create an atmosphere of tolerance in the school and promote acceptance,” Rachel said.
Mr St James said one of the main things teachers were keen to ght at the school was a culture of saying “that’s so gay”.
A promotion day will be held on ursday, June 19, to inform the entire school about the council.
Rorter’s jailing suspended
AWerribeemotheroftwowhodefrauded Centrelink of more than $10,000 has been given a suspended jail sentence.
Werribee Magistrates Court heard last Wednesday that the woman received parenting payments from Centrelink from November 2010 to February 2013 while working at Woolworths.
ProsecutorAmanDhillontoldthecourt that while the woman noti ed Centrelink of her new job, she under-declared how much she was earning.
“Although during the charge period the accused earned $73,233.26, she only declared earnings totalling $38,052.06,” Mr Dhillon said. “She made 47 false declarations.”
As a result, the woman received $12,418.98 from Centrelink that she was not entitled to. A er repaying $1454.07, she still owes just under $11,000.
e woman’s defence argued that she should be shown some leniency as during the period she was o ending she was su ering from an amphetamine addiction, which lasted more than 15 years, and had severe nancial hardship. Her defence argued that she had recently taken steps to end her drug addiction, but magistrate Richard Pithouse said that was “in the shadow of going to court and in the shadow of going to jail”. He sentenced the woman to three months in prison, wholly suspended for two years, and ordered her to repay $10,964.91 plus $203.95 in costs.
Xavier Smerdon
It’s great to see those who make a significant contribution to
community being recognised. We have a fantastic local community with some very worthy residents.
However, it is disappointing that so few locals are recognised through
particularly disappointing how few women are recognised.
I know our community has many who make a vital contribution in their line of work or as volunteers; I have seen locals recognised at the community level, through Wyndham Council awards and by the former Member for Lalor, Julia Gillard’s, Above and Beyond awards. We have so many who make a great contribution. There is only one thing our community lacks, a culture of nomination for National Awards.
I am determined to turn that around. I’m making the call to nominate locals. If you know of someone who does seem deserving, please consider nominating them for an award.
These nominations are sometimes time consuming but are usually not difficult once you have gathered the necessary information. If you would like assistance to make a nomination please do not hesitate to contact my office for assistance.
Let’s change our culture and make nominating worthy community members for their exceptional service our business.
Kind regards
(Joe Mastroianni)
YEAR 11 STUDENTS RACHEL AND JOHN
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
West always last on the list
(Re: Cash cut may shut new ward, Star Weekly, June11). That would be right. All of us in the west are always missing out. I call it discrimination. If anything, the Werribee Mercy still needs to be bigger.
The west is always last on the list. What about our roads? Peak hour traffic is bedlam and the west is growing so fast, but nothing is being done about it.
These federal and state governments are a bloody joke. It’s all about feeding their own pockets.
Tony Abbott is just an embarrassment and Napthine is a wimp. Sometimes I am embarrassed to be an Aussie. I certainly don’t ever vote Liberals. They are not for the people.
Sue, via web
Why would one of the fastest-growing municipalities in the country need extra hospital beds? What are these morons in power doing?
The Werribee Mercy is where my mum spent several weeks post-surgery from a hip replacement. It must have been built on the cheap in the first place because one lift wasn’t working the whole time she was there and then two days before she came home the second lift broke down. Which was really handy for post-op.
Mind you, the staff there were great.
Greg, via web
Pets should feel safe, too I really hope these stolen dogs are found and returned and not used for fighting (Fears for stolen dog, Star Weekly, June 4).
But the sad and pitiful truth is that these dogs most probably will die horrible and painful deaths just because their owners weren’t responsible enough to keep them safe.
If you love your dogs, don’t leave them outside when you’re not watching them; don’t let them run around without a leash and keep them indoors locked up when you’re going out.
You wouldn’t leave your child outside alone so don’t put your pet at risk either.
Ellen Anderson, via web
Ellen Anderson, it is not the owner’s fault that the dogs got taken, and we shouldn’t have to live in fear. Your property is your own. You and your family (dogs included) should feel safe at all times.
Mike, via web
This is disgusting. I hate the thought that people can be so cruel as to steal other
people’s pets, but it’s worse to make dogs fight and use smaller dogs as bait. These people deserve to rot in prison!
I am really sorry to hear this guy’s dog was taken.
And Ellen, I think it’s unfair to blame the owner as it’s not an option for some people to leave their dogs inside.
Michelle, via web
Vision lost
(Re: Developers asked to present vision for East Werribee, Star Weekly web, June11): The developers’ vision is pretty simple – to make as big a profit as possible without too much thought about the impact that they leave behind.
Further congestion, more pressure on overstretched schools, hospitals, roads, transport … fits right in with the government’s vision.
CeeMee, via web
They are going to put the housing centre and town centre first and that will be the only thing that gets developed as developers will have made their money by then and the government won’t be interested any more.
Feels more like a way to allow developers to grab land – telling people infrastructure is coming later, but it will never arrive.
Sam, via web
Star Weekly welcomes letters no longer than 200 words. All letters are subject to editing and must include a name, address and phone number.
Post: 12 Howes St, Airport West, 3142.
Email: westletters@starweekly.com.au
Briefs
Livesaver for Neighbour Watch Point Cook Bendigo Bank has donated a defibrillator to the Saltwater Coast Neighbourhood Watch committee. It will be kept at the estate’s lifestyle centre. The donation is an extension of the bank’s partnership with the Defib Your Club for Life program, which honours the memory of 19-year-old Rupertswood footballer Stephen Buckman, who died at training in May 2010.
A happy Vegemite Students from Bacchus Marsh Grammar and Point Cook P-9 College will represent Wyndham at the Rostrum Voice of Youth state finals on Sunday, after winning the Wyndham Youth public speaking competition. Bacchus Marsh Grammar’s Kieran McKenzie won the senior section, with his speech on the history of Vegemite. Lidia Boniwell Lomabardero, from Point Cook College, took out the junior competition with a speech on homelessness.
Try for a grant
Community and sports groups across Wyndham are being encouraged to apply for Williams Landing Neighbourhood grants. Funded by developer Cedar Woods, the grants program provides cash sums of $500, $1000 or $2000 to not-for-profit community groups. Applications close July 21. Details: williamslanding.com.au
Wyndham Community Vofunteer Awards
The Wyndham Community Vofunteer Awards & Citizen of the year gives everyone a chance to nominate someone they consider does a wonderfuf job in the community, someone who gives up
Awards wiff be presented in the areas of Community Engagement, Community Heafth & Weffbeing, Cufture, Arts and Tourism, Environment & Sustainabifity, Sports & Recreation and Young Vofunteer Nominate Now!
Nominations can be made onfine or by picking up a form at the Wyndham Civic Centre,
A vision for the west
By Laura Michell
A town centre and housing will be among the rst developments in Wyndham’s newest suburb.
e state government is calling for expressions of interest from companies keen to develop East Werribee’s rst major parcel of land.
e government and Metropolitan Planning Authority are seeking industry proposals to develop a 400-hectare parcel at East |Werribee on the site of the former State Research Farm.
e new suburb, which will include 7000 houses and the long-awaited Werribee Employment Precinct, was given the green light by the government last October.
e 400-hectare site being o ered includes 135 hectares that have been set aside for residential developments and 142 hectares for commercial and mixed use buildings.
e remaining 123 hectares will be used for parks, waterways and roads.
Authority chief executive Peter Seamer said the land presented developers with a chance to create “something that hasn’t been done before”.
“ e government’s vision for East Werribee is for it to become a hub for health, learning and innovation,” he said.
Mr Seamer said it would create investment opportunities, promote diversity in housing and provide critical transport infrastructure.
“ is is something that hasn’t been done before,” he said. “We need something like this in the western part of Melbourne.”
e authority wants the 400-hectare site to include a town centre based around a central lake and park, as well as commercial and high-density residential developments.
Expressions of interest in the parcel will be sought in the next ve weeks, with submissions potentially short-listed in August to allow for more detailed proposals to be submitted.
Mr Seamer said it was likely a preferred bidder would be selected by October.
e successful bidder will be asked to set aside $100 million for contamination works
Knife crimes may be linked
Police believe two armed hold-ups in Altona were committed by two di erent men who may have been travelling in the same car.
A man was robbed at knifepoint while walking home to Altona from Laverton train station on June 9. Police said a second attempted robbery ve minutes later was likely to be linked.
e rst victim said he had been on his way home from the football but the train he caught ran express from Newport to Laverton.
Hobsons Bay Senior Constable Danny Blake said the man was robbed while walking in Maidstone Street, near Wren Street, in Altona, about 12.50am.
Senior Constable Blake said the victim handed over $25 a er being approached and threatened by a man with a knife. e other man was allegedly held up at knifepoint on the corner of Maidstone and Blyth streets a short time later.
and $50 million for the waterways. Wyndham chief executive Kerry ompson said the expression of interest process was a “vitally important step” in developing Werribee as the capital of Melbourne’s west.
“ e announcement builds momentum in achieving the target of 58,000 new jobs in East Werribee,” she said.
Senior Constable Blake said a man approached the second victim and asked for a cigarette before producing a knife. evictimrefusedtohandoverhiswallet and the man ran o to a silver hatchback. e rst man was described as southern European in appearance, aged 20-25,withamoustacheandwaswearing a dark hoodie with grey grid pattern. e second was Caucasian, aged 20-25, with brown hair and wearing a dark hoodie, dark pants and white shoes. Information to Crime Stoppers on 1800333000.
Goya Dmytryshchak
•Earlylearningfrom3monthstokindergarten
•Nutritious,yummymealsallprovided
•Governmentfundedkindergartenprogram
•OpeneverydayexceptPublicHolidays
•Privatelyownedandfamilyoperatedsince1996
An artist’s impression of how East Werribee will be developed. (Supplied)
Artist delights in detail
By Sumeyya Ilanbey
Botanic illustrator Rita Parkinson loves the detail and subtlety that water colours can achieve.
England-bornParkinsonarrivedinAustralia from New Zealand 16 years ago and now calls Sanctuary Lakes home. Its aquatic inspiration is applied on the four days a week she allocates to her art.
“ e drawings are very detailed,” she says of her work. “It can take anywhere from three weeks to a month to nish one painting.”
Parkinson’s terrace home has become her sanctuary.
She watches sunsets, dips her brush into paint and strokes the colour onto paper.
e quantity of birds, wildlife and plants on and around the lake means there is no shortage of inspiration.
She has been surprised and delighted by Australia’s vast diversity of ora and fauna.
“You kind of think everything has been painted, but it hasn’t,” she says.
She teaches at Geelong Botanic Gardens one day a week. Previously, she had won a gold medal from the Royal Horticultural Society in London and studied ne art at the city’s St Martins School of Art and art history at the Courtauld Institute at the University of London.
Parkinson showcases her work around the world and is preparing for her next exhibition to be held in October at the Royal Botanic Gardens.
She says illustrators must be aware of good composition.
“What does good composition mean? e painting should mean something to the reader. ey should be able to read it.”
More details: www.illustrita.com
Briefs
On the road again
A Werribee pensioner has had his driver’s licence reinstated, 41 years after it was cancelled for drink driving. The man appeared at the Werribee Magistrates Court last Wednesday to formally request that his licence be returned. When asked why he had never bothered to apply for a new licence before, he told the court that he “just gave cars away for years”. Magistrate Richard Pithouse joked that there was probably no need to place an interlock device in the man’s car as they were not even invented when he lost his licence.
Learn something new The Werribee Learning Centre will open its doors to the public tomorrow night (Thursday, June 19) to let the community know about the courses it offers. The centre, which is a partnership project of Deakin University and the Gordon Institute of TAFE, opened in March to meet an increased demand for higher education in Wyndham. It’s at 9 Bridge Street, Werribee, and open from 6-8.30pm. Details: 5227 2001
Police primed to quell road rage Police from Wyndham, Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong highway patrols will be trying to reduce the incidents of road rage in the western suburbs. Extra road patrols will be supported by state highway patrol and the police air wing. Police will be on the lookout for drivers following other cars too closely, merging in an unsafe manner and cutting other motorists off.
COMMUNITY GRANTS AVAILABLE NOW
Cedar Woods, the developer of Williams Landing, is offering local community groups the chance to secure funding for various community initiatives in recognition of the important roles that they play in building healthy and vibrant neighbourhoods.
In 2014, the Williams Landing Neighbourhood Grants Program will allocate up to $25,000 to local not-for-proft community groups in contributions ranging from $500, $1000 or $2000 grants.
IT’S EASY FOR YOUR COMMUNITY GROUP TO APPLY!
For eligibility criteria and application forms, visit williamslanding.com.au or drop into our Sales and Information Suite at 3 Opsum Way, Williams Landing, open 7 days 11am-5pm, or call (03) 9820 1777.
Applications must be received by 5pm on Monday 21st July 2014.
facebook.com/WL3027
(Joe Mastroianni)
RITA PARKINSON
WOMENSWEAR
Save 40% on a great range of womenswear from JUMP, PING PONG, MSRCO POLO, SGENDS, FRENCH & JONES, MINT, LULS, SGENDS WOMSN, DSVID JONES PLUS, NOUVELLE WOMSN, THE CLOTHING COMPSNY, RESORT REPORT, and MSRCO POLO PICCOLO.
Save 40% on a great range of womenswear form COLLETTE BY COLLETTE DINNIGSN, C&M CSMILLS SND MSRC, GUESS JESNS, LEE and MSISON SCOTCH.
Save 30% to 50% on a range of womenswear from SPORTSCRSFT, SSBS, VERONIKS MSINE, WITCHERY, DSVID LSWRENCE and SLSNNSH HILL.
Save 40% on a range of women’s intimate apparel from SIMONE PÉRÈLE, CHSNTELLE, STELLS McCSRTNEY and L’SGENT.
Save 30% on full-priced women’s intimate apparel from SMBRS, BENDON, BERLEI, ELLE MSCPHERSON INTIMSTES, JOCKEY, KSYSER, LOVSBLE, OROTON, TRIUMPH and more. Excludes THE BODY Elle Macpherson Intimates.
BEAUTY
Save 30% on a range of LSNCÔME. Save 30% or more on a range of designer fragrances and gift sets from GIORGIO SRMSNI, YVES SSINT LSURENT, RSLPH LSUREN, VERSSCE, MSRC JSCOBS and more.
CHILDRENSWEAR
Now save 30% to 50% on a range of childrenswear from INDIE KIDS BY INDUSTRIE, PSVEMENT, ROXY and QUIKSILVER. Save 30% or more on a great range of babywear, children’s sleepwear, underwear and socks from BÉBÉ, BONDS, MSRQUISE, PURE BSBY, BSBY BY DSVID JONES and more.
MENSWEAR
Save 30% to 50% on a range of men’s suits from STUDIO ITSLIS, M.J. BSLE, TED BSKER, SI BY STUDIO ITSLIS, GEOFFREY BEENE, SIMON CSRTER, WEST END BY SIMON CSRTER, VERSSCE COLLECTION, JOE BLSCK and more. Save 30% to 50% on a range of men’s business shirts and ties from VSN HEUSEN, GEOFFREY BEENE, CSLVIN KLEIN, GSNTON, SBELSRD, INDUSTRIE, HERRINGBONE, M.J. BSLE, HSRDY SMIES, THOMSS PINK and more.
Save 30% to 50% on a range of menswear from INDUSTRIE, SPORTSCRSFT and SSBS. Save 30% to 50% on a range of menswear from TOMMY HILFIGER, POLO RSLPH LSUREN, GSNT, GSZMSN, BLSZER, NSUTICS, BSCK BSY, DUCHSMP and more.
SHOES & ACCESSORIES
Save 30% to 50% o the original price of a great range of women’s shoes from SUPERSOFT, HUSH PUPPIES, ESSY STEPS, NSTURSLIZER, SSNDLER, DISNS FERRSRI, GINO VENTORI, ZENSU, DSVID JONES BRSND, MILSNS and more.
Save 30% to 50% on a great range of women’s handbags from CELLINI, CELLINI SPORT, KSRDSSHISN KOLLECTION, GUESS, MILSNS, DSVID JONES, FOSSIL, TONY BISNCO and more. Save 30% on jewellery from SGENDS, BSRCS, DSVID LSWRENCE, SNGELIQUE, LUMIÈRE, DSVID JONES BRSND, GREGORY LSDNER and FSBIENNE.
ELECTRONICS
Save 15% on all televisions from SSMSUNG, SONY, PSNSSONIC and LG.
Save 10% on home theatre, sound bars and audio docks from BOSE®.
MANCHESTER
Save 50% on a range of bed linen from RSLPH LSUREN HOME, CSLVIN KLEIN HOME and OLIVIER DESFORGES.
Save 30% to 50% on a great range of bed linen, sheets, towels and quilts from SHERIDSN.
Save 40% on a range of towels from CSNNINGVSLE, COTTON HOUSE, CONRSN, CHRISTY’S, DRI GLO and ESPRIT.
Save 40% on quilts from MINI JUMBUK, DSVID JONES, HERINGTON, DOWNIS and TONTINE.
HOMEWARES
Save 50% on cookware from CIRCULON, DSVID JONES BRSND and JSMIE OLIVER BY TEFSL.
Save 40% to 50% on full-priced dinnerware from GORDON RSMSSY BY ROYSL DOULTON, DSVID JONES BRSND, CIROS, LUIGI BORMIOLI, SPODE and PORTMEIRION.
Save 40% on loose serveware from CORNINGWSRE and PYREX and loose knives from FÜRI, WÜSTHOF, ZWILLING, GLOBSL, SNOLON and MUNDISL.
Save 40% or more on a range of cutlery from STRSCHSN, MSXWELL & WILLISMS and STSNLEY ROGERS.
ELECTRICALS
Save 15% to 30% on a great range of small appliances and oorcare from DE’LONGHI, BREVILLE, SUNBESM, NESPRESSO, DYSON and more.
Save 15% to 30% on a range of refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers and microwaves.
Nominations for the 2014 Victorian Premier’s Volunteer Awards are now open. These awards present an opportunity to recognise, thank and celebrate the signi cant contribution of Victoria’s volunteers. The awards recognise those people who give their time to enhance the lives of Victorians. In addition to recognition, winners of the awards will receive a donation for their chosen charity.
The nomination period will be open until Friday 1 August 2014.
For further information please visit www.premier.vic.gov.au/ volunteerawards or phone 03 9651 5005.
A gong for youth haven
Since opening in February, a Werribee service has already helped hundreds of young people.
e chief operating o cer of Orygen Youth Health, John Moran, said Headspace Werribee was set up to help the young people of Wyndham.
“We were established to deliver a whole range of services for young people, speci cally dealing with mental health issues,” Mr Moran said.
“When you look at the data associated with mental health, 75 per cent of people who will have a mental health disorder will rst start showing signs between the ages of 12 and 25.
“While they are typically physically well at
that age, it’s a stage of emerging mental health issues.
“If we can get in early we may be able to do things that can halt the progress of the mental disorder or at least give them more support to deal with it.”
Headspace Werribee has been nominated for a Wyndham council business award in the not-for-pro t category.
Mr Moran said the nomination validated Headpsace’s work.
“It recognises the importance of this type of organisation in the community,” he said.
“While the physical health of employees is treated very seriously, mental health is just as important.”
Nominations for the business awards close on June 27 at 5pm. For details, visit www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/ business/2014awards.
Headspace Werribee, at shop 13, 5 Duncans Road, is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. Phone: 8001 2366
(Michael Copp)
It was my
Dynamic Hong Kong
Star Weekly’s Stephen Linnell says the harbourside city-state is no longer a cheap shopping destination, but it’s still well worth a visit.
ItusedtobeknownasAsia’sshoppingparadise – the place to visit if you were looking for cheap clothes, watches and camera gear.
ose days appear to be a thing of the past.
Even allowing for the exchange rate, most items in Hong Kong are comparable in price to those in major Australian cities.
Of course, there are still bargains to be had, particularly if you make your way to the many markets that exist in and around Hong Kong andKowloon.Butonthewhole,thecostoffood and goods is about the same as Melbourne.
Shopping aside, Hong Kong has plenty to o er as a tourist attraction.
Here are ve “must-do’s”:
1
Ride the rail. e MTR system lives up to its reputation as the best rapid transit commuter train network in the world. It’s fast, e cient and clean.
Englishisallyouneedtoknowtogetaround. e colour-coded maps are easy to read and street signage is in abundance. It all means you never get lost.
ere’s no need to catch cabs, as the rail extends all the way from the airport to any major accommodation destination either on Hong Kong Island itself, Kowloon, or even to Shenzhen on the Chinese mainland border.
Quite simply, the MTR – with its cheap Octopuscard,outstandingspeedandincredible e ciency – makes our Metro system seem like a throwback to the 1920s. You’ll never want to travel on the Werribee line again.
(Stephen Linnell)
2
Catch an a ernoon ferry to Lamma Island – Hong Kong’s third largest island – and enjoy a fabulous sunset while grazing on seafood and wine.
Pick from any number of restaurants along the waterfront. None will disappoint.
We ate at the Rainbow Seafood restaurant,
which included a return ferry service back to Kowloon.Fromthesaltandpeppersquidtothe magni cent cheese-baked scallops, the meals were fantastic.
If you’re game, you can hike the many trails or simply enjoy the laid-back beaches that surround the island.
3
e views of Victoria Harbour are among the best in the world, by day or night.
More than 7000 skyscrapers hug the Hong Kong skyline. It makes the entire Melbourne CBD appear to be nothing more than a Hong Kong suburb.
e best places to enjoy the experience are from e Peak, a major tourist attraction, as well as sky100, Hong Kong’s tallest building at 393 metres above sea level, which o ers uninterrupted panoramic views.
e memorable tram journey up a 90-degree mountain to e Peak is an experience in itself, just as much as the 60-second ride up the li to the 100th oor of the International Commerce Centre building.
4
You can’t enjoy the Asian experience unless you go to all the markets, day and night. ey are a highlight of every Asian holiday. From Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City, market life is an important part of the Asian experience.
Hong Kong has a number of them, the best of which is the ladies’ market in Mong Kok, a short journey via the MTR. It has all you would expect, including clothes, handbags, accessories, jewellery, hats and the normal assortment of T-shirts and souvenirs. ere are others, such as the Temple Street market, which has a number of outdoor eating venues, and the Stanley market on Hong Kong Island.
5
Make it to Macau. Even if you are staying in Hong Kong for a short time, a one-hour fast ferry to Macau is worth it. ere, you see the best and the worst of commercialism, gaming and extravagance, mixed with the subtle beauty of old-world Portugal.
Outside the extraordinary gaming hotels and facilities lies old Macau, including some of the best restaurant experiences you could imagine.
We dined at Corto restaurant and enjoyed exquisite seafood with a Portuguese twist.
Tucked away in skinny sidestreets, the “Old Town”, as it’s known, has a grace and charm of yesteryearthatisdi culttoreplicate.It’soneof the must-see experiences.
Want to WIN $500 towards
Spend $30* or more at any specialty store, present your receipt to the Customer Care Desk and go into the draw to win one of four $500 vouchers from Flight Centre Point Cook.
MY WYNDHAM
Self-described Werribee River keeper John Forrester has called Werribee home for more than 30 years, writes Laura Michell
What’s your connection to the local community?
My wife and I have been in Werribee since 1981 when it had about 25,000 people. Our three children were raised in Werribee and attended local schools. We all grew to love the Werribee River and its unique ora and fauna, and we joined the Werribee River Association in 1993. e association has been a big part of my life and enabled me to gain education and opportunities for myself, my family and the community.
What’s your favourite ‘retreat’ spot?
Anywhere on the river or its environs, from its headwaters in the Wombat Forest down to Port Phillip Bay, where I can enjoy the quiet and walk, explore or use my camera. I enjoy that even more when I’m with like-minded friends or am showing someone around, allowing them to develop their passion for such places.
What’s your favourite place to get co ee or a bite to eat?
I have two eateries which I enjoy, both in the Werribee CBD. I like Golden Grill Turkish Restaurant because of its relaxed atmosphere, friendly sta and fresh, nutritious meals. I have taken groups and interstate visitors there and we have all enjoyed it. e restaurant Santini has a particularly delightful chicken dish which both my wife and I enjoy. I have co ee and breakfast at Co ee Pot Cafe, while for co ee and cake I like Moka.
What would you change in your neighbourhood?
ings I would like to change include
our politicians’ attitude to refugees, the community’s level of knowledge and concern about litter and what it’s doing to our own healthandthatofwildlife.Iwouldalsochange the level of infrastructure, which would allow
Deer Park – West Werribee Junction
Delays expected.
Leakes Road, Tarneit will be temporarily closed in both directions between Derrimut Road and Kulin Drive from 7am to 7pm Sunday 22 June
Two signed detour routes will be in place to direct through traffic (Map B) and local residential traffic (Map A) Access to properties will be maintained at all times.
For more information about these works call the Regional Rail Link community information line on 1800 107 925 and select option 4 for the Deer Park – West Werribee Junction project team, or visit www.regionalraillink.vic.gov.au
people to travel between di erent areas of Melbourne without having to rely on cars.
What wouldn’t you change?
Where I live – it’s inspiring and has given me
so much. I would not change the passion I have for the environment as that gives me health and enjoyment of life. I would not change what Werribee has given me in friendship and family.
Wyndham Harbour, Melbourne’s exclusive new marina community, brings deluxe waterfront living to the picturesque Port Phillip Bay region. Built around an idyllic safe boat harbour and a vibrant Marina Square, Wyndham Harbour offers an unmatched luxury seaside lifestyle.
(Joe Mastroianni)
FROM THE ARCHIVES
As Star Weekly becomes the future, Laura Michell looks back through the pages of our predecessor, the Werribee Banner
40 years ago
June 19, 9174
Werribee Shire’s new $2 million civic centre has been given the go-ahead by council, provided the necessary nance is available. e rst stage comprises municipal o ces, council chambers, a car park and library.
30 years ago
June 20, 1984
Lara residents are preparing for a showdown with Community Welfare Services Minister Pauline Toner at a public meeting next month. e meeting has been called in response to an announcement by Mrs Toner that the state’s latest correctional centre would be built on a 97-hectare site adjacent to Bacchus Marsh Road, six kilometres north of the township.
20 years ago
June 15, 1994
Werribee residents Lucienne and Daniel Scicluna describe their eight-year-old home in Brougham Avenue as a “house of horrors”. It is falling apart and no-one wants to take responsibility for its faults.
e Housing Guarantee Fund has ruled the builder is not at fault, despite the house having cracks throughout its oor.
10 years ago
June 16, 2004
e state coroner, Heather Spooner, has found that the death of Werribee woman Silvana Manitta at Werribee Mercy Hospital in March, 2002, was preventable and criticised the hospital’s “unreliable” communication procedures and the actions of nursing sta .
WE
ALTHOUGH THE MEDICAL
100 YEARS OLD
Yes, 1st Werribee Scout Group turns 100 in April 2015. We will be celebrating this special milestone until April 2016. Can you help us?
•Nameandaddress
detailsofformer members who want to know our centenary plans.
•Memorabiliathatwe can borrow, copy, or keep
•Anybodywithdetailsof our history prior to 1950
Two-day-old Carter John Thomas, is a son of Point Cook’s Kayla and Brendan.
Mercy Hospital’s newest babies.
Wynter Kimberly O’Brien, daughter of Linda Dickson and Matt O’Brien, Altona Meadows.
Two-day-old Rubi Lee Hasell, daughter of Ian and Chelsea, of Hoppers Crossing.
The un-named baby of Rakele and Festo Gildo, of Hoppers Crossing.
One-day-old Lydia Chen, daughter of Tina and Vance, of Truganina.
Nathan Anthony Scilluna, son of Matthew and Christine Scilluna, of Melton West.
(Photographs by Damjan Janevski)
Providing Scouting to the Youth of the City of Wyndham
Point Cook
Hoppers Crossing
EYNESBURY
Caroline
Taylors Hill
More people than ever before are looking to make the move to Rose Grange.
Ideally located in the heart of Tarniet and at the forefront of retirement living, Rose Grange is the perfect place to call home. With beautifully finished units and a range of village amenities like a swimming pool, community centre, bowling green and even a hobby shed, you can enjoy the best of everything. There’s also the added convenience of having Wyndham Plaza, Hogans Corner and the vast Werribee Plaza and cinemas just minutes away.
2 BEDROOM UNITS FROM Rose Grange
$275,000*
2 bedrooms 1 bathroom plus powder room 1 car
Inspect 11 am - 4 pm this Saturday or phone 13 28 36 for a private appointment.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, 12 Howes Street, Airport West, or email to communitycalendar@starweekly.com.au. Deadline for copy and announcements is noon Tuesday.
Tips for rose growers
Learn how to care for your roses at Altona Memorial Park on Sunday, June 22. Starts 10am at 2 Dohertys Road, Altona North. Places are limited.
Ԃ 9355 3199
Wild Nights out in Werribee Werribee Open Range Zoo will come alive after dark during the winter school holidays as part of its Wild Nights program. From June 28-July 12, visitors to the zoo can toast marshmallows, watch a shadow puppet show or get close to the zoo’s nocturnal residents.
Ԃ www.zoo.org.au
Sing out
Do you enjoy singing around the home?
Then why not join the Western Melbourne Men’s Chorus. Rehearsals are held at St James The Apostle School’s youth shed, 330 Derrimut Road, Hoppers Crossing, from 7-9.30pm on Tuesdays.
Ԃ 0400 414 215
Learn T-shirt printing
Are you aged 14 to 20, living in the west and want to learn T-shirt design and screen-printing? Free sessions will be held at Woods Street Arts Space, 44 Woods Street, Laverton, from 2-5pm every second Saturday from June 28 to November 29. Free food and drinks provided.
Ԃ 0419 160 067
Dog obedience workshop
Show your pooch who’s boss at Tarneit Community Learning Centre’s obedience class on June 29 from 1-3pm. The one-off workshop will give you the fundamentals to begin guiding your furry friend’s behaviour in the home and when out and about.
Ԃ 8734 6000
Barefoot bowls
Give barefoot bowls a go at the Werribee Bowls Club. Social games are held on Wednesday and Saturdays.
Ԃ 9741 3229
Computer lessons
Werribee Men’s Shed is seeking volunteer trainers to teach seniors how to use computers, covering basic Windows, Word, email and internet use.
Ԃ james@werribeemensshed.org.au
Eritrean artist’s exhibition Award-winning Eritrean artist Michael Adonai’s new exhibition, I Did Not Choose To Be A Refugee, is at Altona’s Joel Gallery until June 27.
Ԃ 9398 2511
Concert band
Do you play the saxophone or drums? The Western Region Concert Band is searching for percussion, brass and saxophone players. It meets on Saturdays from 9am at Errington Community Centre, Princess Street, St Albans.
Ԃ 9687 6644
Hop along to class to be hip
Here’s your chance to master a few basic hip-hop moves and practise your grooves with an experienced instructor. At Tarneit Community Learning Centre, 150 Sunset Views Boulevard, Tarneit, from 1.30-3pm on Sunday, June 22.
Ԃ 8734 6000
WIN THIS
The new WYNCITY Bowl & Entertainment centre in Point Cook offers the latest technology in tenpin bowling, laser tag, bumper cars and mini-golf as well as an amazing range of arcade games. See www.wyncity.com.au. Four lucky readers will receive a $50 voucher to spend at WYNCITY on the activities of their choice.
To enter, visit winthisnow.com.au and follow the prompts. Entries close on Sunday (June 22 at 11.59pm) and will be drawn at 10am (Melbourne local time) on the Monday following the closing date of the promotion, 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.
Older men and women often face the choice of moving into a retirement village or living independently in their own home.
While there are pros and cons for both, seniors who plan to keep living on their own need to consider their safety.
According to Victoria Police, a person over 65 is less likely to be a victim of crime than someone younger, as older people generally have safer lifestyles. They are more likely to take proper precautions and tend to spend less time out at night when the crime risk is higher.
Police say by following commonsense tips and increasing their self-confidence, older people can make themselves less likely to be victimised. Criminals are less likely to target seniors who are careful, alert and living confidently in the community, including being involved with neighbours and not isolating themselves behind locked doors.
Staying safe at home can be as simple as having well-lit rooms in the house and outdoor lights to prevent falls and to see visitors.
Seniors should also have a cordless telephone accessible at all times. A home evaluation by an occupational therapist can also be helpful. The therapist can identify ways to improve home safety, arrange resources and modify the environment to compensate for disabilities.
Other safety tips for seniors include:
• Don’t promote the fact you live alone; for example, in the telephone book don’t state ‘Miss’.
• Don’t tell strangers you’re the only one at home. This can be done by indicating there’s someone else living with you and saying something like: “I need to consult with my partner before finalising arrangements”.
• Callaneighbourorfamilymembereachdayto let them know you’re OK.
For more tips about staying safe at home and in the community, contact your local police station or visit www.police.vic.gov.au.
The luxury of a resort lifestyle right on your doorstep
Clive and Dorothy recently made the move to Palm Lake Resort Truganina and haven’t looked back.
The new arrivals are glad friends and family are happy with their decision to move into the resort and say they would recommend it to anybody considering a lifestyle change.
Some of their friends have taken their advise on board and made the move themselves.
“The fact that we have lived locally and could stay in the area, yet move into a lifestyle resort with all the facilities, was a bonus for us,” Dorothy says.
“We liked the fact that the homes were so easily maintained and the way they were constructed, particularly using Hebel, which is easy to maintain.”
Clive says they are very happy at Palm Lake and are looking forward to using the facilities and getting involved in the activities available.
“We have met our neighbours and they are lovely people,” Clive says.
Stage 3 of development at Palm Lake Resort is well under way and includes a new house design, the Taronga. It has quality inclusions such as Caesarstone benchtops, stainless-steel laundry tub, flickmixers throughout, carpet and tiles, walk-in wardrobe, en suite, third bedroom or study, large wrap-around front verandah, curtains and blinds, a tandem garage, solar panelling, ceiling fans, air-conditioning, dishwasher, watertank, landscaped gardens and much more.
Contact the sales staff to see a plan of the Taronga.
With no stamp duty, no rates, no entry fee and 100 per cent of your capital gain being retained, Palm Lake Resort ticks all the boxes of superior resort facilities and high-quality homes. Palm Lake Resort Truganina, 7 Taronga Road, Truganina. Open seven days. Resort tours can be made by appointment. Inquiries: www. palmlakeresort.com.au or
Fans let their emotions ow
What a rollercoaster day of emotions it was for the diehard Werribee Tigers fans last weekend. The game against Essendon ebbed and owed all day, with the nal result as close as you can get. Unfortunately for the Tiger faithful, it was a one-point loss.
Earlier in the day, four new life members were named at the president’s lunch: Anthony Eames, Paul Satterley, Michael Frost and Stephen Sells. Unfortunately, Frost was unable to attend as he now lives in Newcastle.
Eames, Frost and Satterley all won the JJ Liston Medal, the greatest individual award in the VFL, and Sells won the Field Medal as the league’s best and fairest when the club was in division 2.
The honour board at Werribee reads like a who’s who of football and includes names such as James Podsiadly, Jack Aziz, John Comben, Bruce Montgomery and Trent Churchill.
By Kevin Hillier
At the club’s inaugural hall of fame dinner on July 19, 24 inductees will have their names etched into the club’s history books. Three of those ‘hall of famers’ will join the elite as Legends. The dinner will be at the Werribee Racing Club; 6.30pm for a 7pm start. Cost is $125 for a three-course meal with beer, wine and soft drinks. Bookings: 9741 9862
Anthony Eames receives his life membership from president John Nicol. Saturday 19th July | Werribee Racing Club 6.30pm for 7.00pm start $125.00 per person | 3 course meal • beer,wine, soft drink DRESS - Jacket & Tie
Stephen Sells, Anthony Eames and Paul Satterley.
Tarneit triumph
Agent’s Choice
+ 7 Stroud Glen, Tarneit
+ 1 Sherman Court, Truganina
New Homes & Land
+ Featherbrook land sale, p79
TRUGANINA 1 Sherman Court, 3029
Raine and Horne: 8353 8980 Price: $499,000 – $519,000 Private sale
A sleek and contemporary design, this four-bedroom residence is geared to a family who enjoy entertaining on a grand scale. With a home theatre room with 3D projector and speaker system and a large kitchen, bringing family and friends around for a movie and a meal will be no problem. The light-filled house also has a rumpus room and a delightful meals-family area, as well as two bathrooms. The kitchen is the epitome of style and convenience: Caesarstone benchtops, stainless-steel appliances (including dishwasher), breakfast bar and plenty of cupboard space. A remote-controlled double garage, ducted heating, monitored CCTV security system and blinds with e-screen for added privacy are extra perks. There is a timber-decked outdoor entertainment area with backyard views of landscaped, low-maintenance gardens. The location is also excellent, in a peaceful court within walking distance of Westbourne Grammar School.
423
TARNEIT 7 Stroud Glen, 3029
Barry Plant Real Estate: 8744 8888 Price: $520,000 – $540,000 Private sale
In a quiet court, this rendered residence exudes modern living and family-friendly appeal. With a grey façade offset by spiky green and purple flax plants, and a contemporary interior in bright white, this house has separate casual and formal living zones, enough for each family member to have their own space and privacy. The kitchen has granite benchtops, mosaic tiled splashbacks, stainless-steel appliances, walk-in pantry and breakfast bar, and connects to the meals-family area. Two sets of french doors open to the outdoor entertainment area and in-ground pool with timber deck. There is a separate rumpus for the kids, while parents can enjoy a coffee and chat in the lounge room. The four bedrooms are large; the main has twin walk-in wardrobes and en suite with granite benchtops. The home office or study has built-in cabinetry and storage space. There are a double garage with internal access and toilet, large laundry, two linen closets, high ceilings, solar hot water, ducted heating and refrigerated cooling, ducted vacuum and low-maintenance gardens.
At 69 squares under roof, this property is a whopper – but it’s what this space delivers that’s truly impressive. Just about every aspect of family life is beautifully on tap: an exceptional summer house/games room, a covered in-ground pool, a theatre room, a pergola area, a massive synthetic-timber deck, an outdoor kitchen, a verandah on three sides and even a vegie patch.
Tassy oak oorboards begin in the entry hall and ow extensively throughout, including into a guest bedroom with mirrored doors concealing a walk-in wardrobe and fully tiled en suite with granite bench; and into a second bedroom (or study) with storage and bay window.
French colonial doors then open to a family-meals zone with integrated surround-sound and a granite-topped jarrah wet bar with walk-in storage room. The adjoining kitchen is all class, with jarrah cabinetry, appliance cupboard, big walk-in
pantry and Smeg 900mm underbench oven, gas cooktop and concealed dishwasher.
Another colonial door leads to a laundry with ironing centre and granite-topped jarrah cabinetry; a separate toilet is next door.
Yet another french door opens to a theatre room decked out in denim blue. And, yes, there’s another french door into the main bedroom with a huge tted walk-in wardrobe and fully tiled en suite with walk-in shower and dual vanity basins set in granite over jarrah.
Open-tread timber stairs ascend to a big living space with access to a wraparound balcony; three bedrooms with walk-in wardrobes, and a big main bathroom, fully tiled, with dual vanity basins on granite and jarrah.
The pitched-roof pergola above sandstone paving has heaters and a
mains gas barbecue set on granite.
Next to the synthetic deck, the pool sits under a vaulted timber ceiling. A vast tiled feature wall and bistro blinds are appealing nishes. The amazing adjoining summerhouse has surround-sound, bespoke cabinetry, a bathroom and a sauna.
Behind the triple garage (back roller door, toilet and sink), there’s a well-appointed kitchen, perfect for outdoor catering.
In keeping with its Federation styling, the house has dado rails, two-tone paintwork, deep skirts and cornices, brass light switches and 2.7-metre ceilings.
A split-system, zoned ducted heating, refrigerated cooling, video intercom, water tank, garden shed and attractive landscaping are other notable features of this all-the-bells-and-whistles Tarneit triumph.
Carole Levy
Point Cook
18 Anglers Court, Seabrook Private Sale View By
13/45 Grenville Street, Hampton Vic 3188
AuctionSaturday June 21 3:00pm - 3:30pm
Saturday June 21 2:00-3:00pm
Lyn Casti55o 0414
for 3rd bed or home offpce) and huge tpmber decked pergola ps the perfect fpt. Walkpng dpstance to Seaholme TrapnStatponand close to shops& schools.
P. DiNATALE
4 A 2 B 2 C
21Meadow Way, TARNEIT
HUGELIGHT&BRIGHT FAMILYHOME!
ihen youstepthroughthefrontdoor you realwsethwswsnot your averagehome. Kwtchenconswstsofanwslandbench,gas hotplate,electrwc oven,dwshwasher&le storage,separatemealsareaopenwngwntoa hugefamwly roomwwthloadsofnaturallwght& accesstothepavedpergolawwthcaféblwnds.
Totally established and very good looking, this property offers a lifetime of‘retail therapy’ - whether by way of the best in local shopping at Hogans Corner,or the ever-expanding Werribee Plaza just downthe road. Throw in a handful of local schools, some sports grounds and two bus routes, and you’llfind all of Wyndham’s amenities are ineasy reach.
Thebright and spacioushome has3 bedrooms (allBIRs), ensuite, entry, large lounge, kitchen/meals, family area, covered patio, ducted heating and2 air conditioners. Thebrickdouble garage includes alined ceiling, sink & heating outlets,providing an extra entertainment orrecreation area
EXECUTOR'S AUCTION SATURDAY 28TH JUNE AT 11:30AM
246 Derrimut Road, Hoppers Crossing
OPEN Saturday 1:00 - 1:30pm
CORNER POSITION ANDA HOST OF OPPORTUNITIES
This property is situated mid-way between Werribee Plaza shopping centreand Hoppers Crossing railway station. The split-level home has4 bedrooms, lounge, entry hall, kitchen, dining area, bathroom plus separate shower-room, balcony, andbrick double garage
Two additional adjoining steel sheds with concrete aprons and secure side entry are perfect foratradesmanor keen hobbyist The mainroad corner site also suggests it would be suitable for use as medical consultingrooms (STCA).
EXECUTOR'S AUCTION SATURDAY 28TH JUNE 1:00 PM
170 Heaths Road, Hoppers Crossing
OPEN Saturday 12:00- 12:30 pm
GREAT LOCATION AND LUSH GARDEN SETTING
Situated very close to Werribee Plaza shopping centre, as well as schools, parklands and neighbourhood shops The spacious home has4 bedrooms (3 BIRs), ensuite, lounge, entry hall, kitchen/meals area, familyroom, pergola and ducted gas heating. Set on a wide fronted block with a front yard burstingwith colourful vegetation and the rear yardboastinglarge paved areas, garden shed plus established trees and shrubs
EXECUTOR'S AUCTION SATURDAY 12TH JULY 11:30AM
60 Baggott Drive, Hoppers Crossing
OPEN Saturday 11:00 to 11:30am
STRIKING APPEARANCE AND AMAZING POTENTIAL
Built in the ‘Cape Cod’ style, this large two-storey homeislocated in a quiet street within easy reach of a wide array of shoppingtransport sporting and cultural amenities.It includes 5 bedrooms, ensuite, entry hall, large lounge with bar, formal dining room, modernkitchenwith meals area, familyroom and upstairs rumpus Outside you’llfind the front verandah,rear covered patio,brick two-car garage and attached tool shed While presented mostly initsoriginal decoration, thesize and location of this property gives rise to some exciting possibilities for the long term
EXECUTOR'S AUCTION SATURDAY 12TH JULY 1:00PM 15 Oppy Crescent, Hoppers Crossing OPEN Saturday 12:00 to 12:30pm
Ifyouare lookingfor a familyhomeyoucanspreadyourwingsinthenthismeetsallexpectations.This homeblendstheformalandinformallivingareasbeautifullywith a flowingfloorplanthatgivesyouthe wowfactorfromeveryangle.Featuringthreefittedbedrooms,ensuite,centralmodern kitchenthatopens upto a largefamilyareathathas a lovelyoutlooktotheundercoveralfresco,greatfortheentertainer orwatchingthekidsrunaroundinthe rearyard.Qualityappointmentsincludedouble remotegarage, heatingandcoolingandlowmaintenancegardensseton a generoussizedallotment.Inspecttodayand bepleasantlysurprised!
Thehomeexudesqualitythroughoutwiththebeautifullycraftedsolidtimberkitchenoverlookingthebuilt inentertainersbarcompletewithservery & thefamilymealsareaenclosedwithin a lovelyglassatrium. A largestudywithfittedshelvingpresentsanidealhomeofficeforworkorhobbies. All 4 fittedbedroomsare of a generoussizewiththemasterhaving a largewalkin robe & ensuitefeaturing spabath & doubleshoweraswellas a gym.Enhancingthishomescharacterare themanyquality appointmentsincludingairconditioning,ductedheating & dualhotwaterservices.Anoversizeddouble remotegaragecombinedwiththe3-6carcarportoffersabundantstorage.Stepoutsidetoimmerse yourselfintheprivate resort-stylegroundswithin-groundpool(solar & gasheated),tenniscourt,sauna,all weatherpergolawithBBQareaprovidingyear roundoutdoorentertaining.
Comprisingthreefittedbedroomsand a study, masterwithensuiteandWIR, remainingwithBIR’s. Excellentsizedformallivingand a largeopenfamily/mealsareaadjoining a qualitycraftedkitchenwith exquisitecabinetryandprivatebackyard views.Stepoutdoorsandbesurprisedwith 2 hugepergolaareas leadinginto a greatsizeyard perfectforallyeararound,complementingitfurtheristhedrivethrough accessandunrestrictedsideaccessprovidingamplespaceforboats,caravansofanysize.Executive appointmentsincludegasductedheating,Evaporativecooling,alarmsystem,double remotegarage,low maintenancegardenswithbeautifulhedgingandsandstonepavingplus a separateworkshop(approx. 6*4). Truly a splendidhomein a splendid residentiallocation!
HOPPERSCROSSING26IronbarkDrive
ASPLENDIDPOCKETOFHOPPERSCROSSING
Comprisingthreefittedbedrooms,masterwithensuite,excellentsized formalliving,rumpus roomand a largeopenfamily/mealsareaadjoining a qualitycraftedkitchenwithexquisitecabinetryand900mmstainlesssteel appliances.Appointmentsincludegasductedheating,airconditioning, double remotegaragewithdrivethroughaccess,largepergolaareaand a generous613m2(Approx.)blockofland.
Harcourts Wyndham City 175A Watton Street Werribee
Crossing 4 Hayden Street
42 2 Walk To Everything!
Comprising of 4 generous bedrooms, master with en-suite and walk in robe, the remaining three bedrooms all have built in robes, a large family bathroom with separate toilet, an open plan kitchen, with stainless steel appliances, ample bench space, and a selection of base and wall units, flowing onto the meals area, an additional formal living space with a second meals or study area, the choice is yours.
Michelle Chick & Nicole Occhibove M 0416 007 949 M 0438 578 275 For Sale $259,000 View www.harcourts.com.au/VWC4694
31
If you are looking to sell and want Wyndhams most trusted opinion then call Michelle Chick on 0416 007 949
This recently updated home is within walking distance to kindergartens, schools, local shops, Princes Freeway and the Train Station. Accommodating the whole family featuring 3 bedrooms with BIR’s, new tiled bathroom, separate toilet, 3 car carport and 1 car garage.
Auction 11am 14th June 2014 On Site View www.harcourts.com.au/VWC4634
Michelle Chick & Nicole Occhibove M 0416 007 949 M 0438 578 275 E michelle.chick@harcourts.com.au E nicole.o@harcourts.com.au
Harcourts Wyndham City SOLD
Hoppers
Hoppers
Harcourts Wyndham City
175A Watton Street Werribee
Werribee 33 Manorvale Parade
’A Recipe For A Happy Life; Opposite The Werribee River
32 2
If it’s a genuinely well-built quality home you’re searching for, look no further than this 3 bedroom residence in Werribee. The spacious floor plan offers 2 spacious living areas, 3 good size bedrooms, master with WIR and ensuite. The remaining 2 bedrooms with BIR’s. The kitchen features ample bench and cupboards along with a dishwasher adjoining meals area.
For Sale By Negotiation View www.harcourts.com.au/VWC4687
Michelle Chick & Nicole Occhibove
M 0416 007 949 M 0438 578 275
Wyndham Vale 37 Jade Crescent
Room For The Big Boy’s Toys.
42 4
Outside you will appreciate having side access to the oversize 6.0x6.5 garage/workshop (height 3.5-4.1 at the highest point) substantial enough to accommodate cars, boats, caravans and trailers. modern stainless steel appliances in the kitchen with plenty of preparation space to create meals and a great size entertaining living room.
Comprising of 4 bedrooms, the master complete with walk in robe and en-suite. A central bathroom and separate toilet.
For Sale Price on Application View www.harcourts.com.au/VWC4699
Michelle Chick & Nicole Occhibove
M 0416 007 949 M 0438 578 275 E michelle.chick@harcourts.com.au E nicole.o@harcourts.com.au
Harcourts Wyndham City
Main bedroom with BIR and ensuite enjoys its own zone, distinct from two further bedrooms with BIR’s and superb fully-tiled central bathroom with separate toilet and basin. Quality features including high ceilings, windows shutters throughout, Italian porcelain tiling and original timber flooring unite with the contemporary comforts of ducted heating and 3 reserve split systems, and the double carport and 2 car garage provides easy parking with electronic access to a rear right-of-way.
Auction June 28th 11am on Site View www.harcourts.com.au/VWC4673
Wyndham Vale 8 Carrington Close
31 3
Conveniently Located And Central To Everything
Comprising of 3 good size bedrooms all with BIR’s, central bathroom that has a separate toilet.- The substantial well covered pergola/ carport which will fit 3 cars is an area where you can entertain or unwind. With plenty of storage for a boat, caravan or trailer and load of storage space.- Other inclusions include alarm, wall heater and split system to keep the home comfortable all year round.- Within walking distance to kindergartens, schools, and local shops.
For Sale $259,000 - $279,000 View www.harcourts.com.au/VWC4626
Michelle Chick & Nicole Occhibove
M 0416 007 949 M 0438 578 275 E michelle.chick@harcourts.com.au E nicole.o@harcourts.com.au
Harcourts Wyndham City
AUCTION
32 2
A Prize Package Located On The South Side Of Werribee.
Werribee 51 Church Street
For Sale Price by Negotiation over $950,000 View www.harcourts.com.au/VWC4588
l Closetoshops,schools,station,medicalcentre andsportingclub
Tarneit 14 Kulin Drive
Werribee 6 Koombahla Court
Werribee 13 Jacaranda Court
Tarneit 68 Kulin Drive
Werribee 54 Slattery Street
Werribee 8 Pennar Way
Werribee 14 Yankos Drive
Tarneit 876 Sayers Road
Hoppers Crossing 206 Bellbridge Drive
Werribee 4/3-5 Mary Avenue
Werribee 5 Petrel Court
Werribee 13 Fisher Court
Hoppers Crossing 6 Lyndhurst Court
Luxurious Five Bedroom Derrimut Heath Splendour On A 1257m2 Block
Welcome to this sumptuous example of fine family living set in one of Wyndham’s premier locations, the Derrimut Heath Estate. Crafted from a selection of high quality materials, these fastidious owners had only the best intentions in mind to create a luxurious family lifestyle which is now available for the first time to the next lucky owner. Lavished with solid Jarrah parquetry flooring throughout, a massive separate formal lounge entails cedar lined cathedral ceilings. The exquisite solid Jarrah kitchen has been finished with state of the art appliances including multi-stage water filtration system, features a WI pantry, finished with solid granite bench tops & is jam-packed with many smart features. Adjoining are the open plan meals & family rooms also with cathedral ceilings. The massive master comprises a full ensuite, while all bedrooms offer robes. A separate study also features private external access perfect for the home business. Zoned reverse cycle ducted heating & refrigerated cooling keep you comfy all year round, while there is also roller shutters throughout. A full 3.2Kw solar energy system will keep the bills down, while there is also both gas & electric hot water systems. The large double garage offers handy internal & rear access to the huge yard thanks to the healthy 1257m2 approx land size where the kids can roam free. From this lovely court, you have close freeway access, schools, public transport & many shopping precincts all close at hand. Offering superb attention to detail & set in a select pocket, this home offers so many quality & lifestyle benefits.
Mesmerising, Exquisite Family Home On Over 1000m2 Land!
Sheer class, sophistication, pristine contemporary décor is what this outstanding family home presents. A super spacious floor plan offering 4 fitted BRs, master with ensuite & WIR, study/5th BR, massive formal lounge with access to a large open alfresco area, open meals area leading thru to a rumpus/entertainment area & central bathroom. Includes 9ft ceilings, decorative cornicing, polished porcelain tiles, halogen lighting, a dream 2-pak kitchen with stone benches, glass splashbacks & 900 mm SS appls, floor to ceiling tiles in the bathrooms, alarm, video intercom & camera surveillance, ducted heating, evap cooling & the list goes on… Outdoors, a stencilled concrete entertainment area wrapping around the home & overlooking the solar heated IG pool with matured landscape surrounding, lock-up garage with rear access to a carport & this entire turnkey establishment is set on over 1/4 acre land.
Exceptional Location, Unlimited Potential!
An outstanding opportunity awaits with this solidly built home positioned perfectly within minutes walk to Werribee train station & CBD, and easy freeway access. Move in & enjoy or develop the potential STCA, with no covenants & a whopping land of 697m2 approx. Terracotta tiles, extra high ceilings, 2 BRs, formal lounge, neat kitchen with gas cooking & a meals area, central bathroom & small sun room/study area. Includes original Tas Oak polished timber floors, gas heating, split system A/C, 2 toilets & single LUG. Private Sale $340,000 - $365,000
Sat 10-10.30am
Be Amazed With What’s On Offer - All On 1346m2!
This property in the Derrimut Heath Estate features 4 fitted BRs, master with ensuite, formal lounge & dining, spacious meals area, enormous outdoor entertaining area, 4-car powered garage with rear access & side access for a caravan, boat & trailer. Inside the home, gas heating, A/C, security shutters, gas cooking, and outdoors a solar heated IG pool with granite paving surrounding, IG heated spa, a private rock-heated sauna, landscaped gardens & tonnes of space. Close to shops, schools & public transport. Private Sale $510,000 - $530,000
•Fivelargebedroomsyouhaveastudythatcanbeallocatedasa6thbedroom,masterbedroom including a huge walk in robe with an elegant ensuite with spa.
•Featuring4comfortablysizedbedroomspluslargestudy.Allbedroomshavebuiltinrobesand master with featured dressing room and ensuite with double shower and stone bench twin vanity
•Convenienceofporcelaintiledhallwayandbeautifullyappointedcarpetsthroughoutthe bedrooms with large light filled open plan design including down lights and separate lounge and dining area. With the addition of a second living area or totally enclosed theatre room
Features include: Doublelockupgarage,ductedheating,qualitylightfittingsandwindow furnishings and down lights throughout the living areas
Having this home will give you the option to live in three proper living rooms which include a large formal lounge & dining, rumpus room and a large family living area to the second level. Qualityfixturesandfittingsincludedinthishomeishighceilingswithqualitylightfittings, heating, spa bath, double vanity ensuite, large cooking appliances and loads more.
For further information please call Richard Falzon 0403 178 791 Shop 20, Manor Lakes Central Shopping Centre, Manor Lakes Boulevard Wyndham Vale Vic 3024
2. ThisthreebedroomBV residence includes built in robes two bedrooms, roller shutters, window furnishings and light fittings.Electrichotplates and wall oven, gas wall furnaceandHWS.
Also includes: •Carport
•GasHotWater
•Gaswallheater
•ElectricHotPlates & Oven
•Air-conditioning
•Cementtiledroof •Window furnishings
•Lightfittings
As a first home buyer’s opportunity this is too good to miss! So call us now for an inspection!
Comprising:
•Approximately1kmWestofDonnybrook Rail Station
Carlisle Hodes is celebratihg 10 years of buildihg quality hodes across Melbourhe. To start 2014, we have added eveh dore value to our ihdustry leadihg list of ihclusiohs across our full rahge of award wihhihg hodes.
NEW HOMES AND LAND – Featherbrook and Gateway – Central Equity
Winter is hotting up for home buyers looking for affordable land and house and land packages in Wyndham.
Featherbrook estate in Point Cook and Gateway estate in Truganina, created by award-winning developer Central Equity, are having a ‘June Land Sale’ with house and land packages starting from $338,000 and ranging in size from 273-square-metres to 616-square-metres. The sale is on every weekend until Sunday, June 29.
Featherbrook has established parks, wetlands and recreation areas and the
popular Featherbrook Village which is home to Brook Bistro, a café, medical centre and pharmacy. This will soon expand to include Woolworths and specialty shops. Featherbrook Community Centre is also a hit with residents as it has child and maternal healthcare facilities, kindergarten rooms and play equipment. And Platypus Childcare Centre is expected to open in the community later this year.
Gateway has plenty of perks, too, with the opening of its new park Truganina Gardens which has a playground, basketball
court, a picnic shelter, seating and paths.
The estate also has a conservation area and medical centre and is only 20 kilometres from Melbourne. Williams Landing train station and easy freeway access for home buyers commuting to work are nearby.
“Our residential developments have won a number of prestigious Australian and international industry awards and both Featherbrook and Gateway were developed to the same high standards that we set for all our estates. Both are a popular choice for new-home buyers,” Central Equity
marketing manager Jeremy Vile says. Both estates are a short drive from each other and, this month, visitors can view designs and sites with special deals on.
4 Sunnybank Drive, Point Cook and Sayers Road, Truganina Opening hours: 10am-5pm Mondays-Fridays and 11am-5pm Saturdays-Sundays
Phones: 1800 PT COOK and 1800 235 263 Websites: featherbrook.com.au and gatewayland.com.au
Sunland Group presents Adresse, Point Cook’s premier parkland residential community.
In perfect harmony with the family-friendly Point Cook way of life, Adresse presents a beautiful community environment within easy reach of the Melbourne CBD and close to major employment nodes, shopping and leisure facilities.
Generously sized lots provide plenty of room to build your home, your way. At the heart of this picturesque community space is a magnificent two-hectare central garden, a grand expanse of open space enhanced by contemporary landscape design.
STAGE ONE LOTS RANGING FROM 325M2 TO 608M2 PRICED FROM $242,000
Stage One Public Release
Sunday 22nd June
REGISTER NOW TO SECURE YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO PURCHASE PRIOR TO RELEASE
• Get in quick to secure some of the cheapest land in Melton
• Only minutes from Woodgrove Shopping Centre for all your shopping needs
• 5 minutes from Melton Station
• Walking distance to schools and Victoria University
Legal Secretary required for 2 days a week. Must be
and
areas of Law would be an advantage. References required. Apply in writing or by email to: The Principal, Purcell & Purcell PO Box 285, Werribee, Vic. 3030 Or email to: accounts@purcellandpurcell.com.au
Le
By Rod Easdown
e Soccer World Cup kicks o June 12 at 6am local time, when Brazil meets Croatia, and the rst game for Australia is the following morning at 8 when we play Chile in the Arena Pantanal in Cuiabá. at’s about 2000 kilometres north west of Rio de Janeiro, wa-ay out near the Bolivian border. Our boys will be feeling far, far from home.
You may not know this, but the World Cup is a boom time for television manufacturers. ere’s always a spike in television sales when it comes around and this time the industry is into it in a big way.
In recent months we’ve seen releases from LG and Samsung, and Sony has got in on the act too with bigger, brighter and better ways to convince you that if you’re to get the most out of a game of soccer, your old telly simply must be ditched for one of these sexy new ones.
And so we’re being bombarded with bigger screens, curved screens, and ultra-high de nition screens that can tap into the internet to give you running scores of other matches while you’re keeping an eye on the Socceroos. e interesting thing about this World Cup is that the makers of other home entertainment equipment are also cashing in.
Coloud,outofStockholm,isanewentrantin the booming headphone market (the company was only started in 2012) and its approach is minimalistic – all the stu you need, none of the stu you don’t. It has released a special headphone for the World Cup in the colours of six major countries taking part; Brazil, Argentina, Germany, Mexico, Holland and England.
Hello Coloud? We’re down here.
Oh well, patriotic Australians can always get themselves a pair of the Brazilian ones –
their colours are green and gold too. Headphones could be very handy during this World Cup, given that so many games are kicking o between 2am and 6am, and the Colouds aren’t a bad way to go. ey have a at cord that resists tangling, a phone switch to let you take calls (how many calls do you get at 2am?) and a control to select music tracks if listening to the commentary is all too depressing – I’m thinking about our game against Spain, 2am, June 23. ey’re compact and robust, and weigh only 139 grams, making them easy to forget, which raises the possibility of embarrassment when you get up for a bathroom break and your headphones decide to stay in front of the telly.
By the way, if you’re in the market for a television right now, even if you regard soccer as about as interesting as Tony Abbott reciting Shakespeare, you’ll nd some pretty good deals going down, especiallyatthepremiumend.Tellthem you want to package the television with a decent soundbar or audio system and watch them jump. More details at www.coloud.com
‘‘ You’ll nd some pretty good deals
’’
- Rod Easdown
What \ Coloud football edition headphones Price \ $49 Tech Talk verdict \ Go green & gold
(Supplied)
Brave Seagulls lose the battle with high-flying Hawks
Williamstown’s mid-season run of good form came to a sudden halt in a 21-point loss to Box Hill Hawks in the VFL on Saturday.
But the Seagulls were far from disgraced as they pushed the reigning premier and ladder leader throughout the match, even looking a likely winner at times, despite going down 14.9 (93) to 10.12 (72).
e result leaves Williamstown in fourth placeasoneofthreeteamson24points,behind Footscray Bulldogs and ahead of Collingwood on percentage.
eSeagullsdidn’tmakeagreatstartandthe early stages at Box Hill City Oval proved tough as the Hawks jumped to a 15-point lead by the first break.
But from there the Seagulls found their groove and began to look more comfortable.
Williamstown closed the margin to just nine
Tigers rue their rash of errors
By Liam Twomey
Werribee was on the wrong end of a tight finish on Sunday, the Tigers going down to Essendon by a single point in their Victorian Football League clash.
Both teams controlled long periods of the seesawing match at Avalon Airport Oval.
A er giving up a 14-point lead at quartertime, the Tigers came roaring back in the second term with six goals.
It wasn’t just at the attacking end that Werribee played some of its best football, with the side’s defence close to impenetrable e Tigers kept Essendon goalless in the second term and took an 18-point lead into the main break.
But when play resumed it was Essendon’s turn to seize control as the Bombers reclaimed the lead.
Essendon booted 7.4 for the quarter and was intent on making sure it didn’t allow the Tigers back into the match.
Despite losing the final term by seven points, the Bombers held on to secure the narrowest of wins, 14.14 (98) to 15.7 (97).
Werribee coach John Lamont was disappointed his side couldn’t maintain its lead.
“We didn’t think we started as well as we would have liked, but we were able to get our game going in the second quarter and create a good buffer,’’ he said.
“I think a er that we just made some mistakes at key times.
‘‘We turned it over a couple of times and defensively, we missed some tackles.”
But Lamont said the match had been a good challenge for his group.
“Having being beaten by a point, some people outside the club tend to focus on that last couple of minutes, but there were things that happened throughout the game that cost us,” he said.
‘‘ I think we just made some mistakes at key times ’’ - John
Lamont
A er being dropped by North Melbourne, Werribee’s Majak Daw pushed his case for a senior recall with a near-best-on-ground performance.
He received support from fellow North Melbourne forward Ben Brown, who kicked three goals.
Leroy Jetta was the Bombers’ best player.
Werribee dropped to seventh on the VFL ladder, while the Bombers jumped to 11th.
e Tigers (5-4) will look to bounce back on Saturday when they take on Geelong (5-4) at Simonds Stadium.
Ben Brown booted three goals for Werribee against Essendon on Sunday. (Shawn Smits)
points at the main break before producing some of its best football in a blistering third term.
e Seagulls managed to shut the Hawks down at the defensive end and conceded only one goal for the quarter while booting four themselves to take a 10-point lead into the final term.
But in pouring rain, Box Hill overran Williamstown in the final 15 minutes, kicking six final-term goals to one.
In a match that was played under finals-like intensity, Ben Davies again showed his class to be one of the best players for the Seagulls.
Around the ground, Kane Lambert was also strong, while up forward Scott Clouston continued his good year with a bag of three goals.
Hehas nowkicked19fromhisninematches this season.
For Box Hill, Sam Iles was hard to stop, producing yet another strong game for the Hawks.
He was well supported by Dallas Willsmore, who kicked four goals.
e weekend’s result means Williamstown slips to a 6-4 record.
is weekend, the Seagulls will take on Sandringham at Burbank Oval on Sunday.
In other VFL results, the Footscray Bulldogs produced arguably their best win since going standalone, defeating Port Melbourne by 36 points.
Travelling to one of the competition’s toughest venues at North Port Oval didn’t bother the young Bulldogs who played some outstanding football on their way to the 19.8 (122) to 13.8 (86) win.
Liam Twomey Scott Clouston was Williamstown’s leading goalscorer at the weekend. (Kristian Scott)
BULLDOGS IN FOCUS
In a regular series, Western Bulldogs president Peter Gordon and a player write exclusively for Star Weekly
THE
PRESIDENT Peter Gordon
NothinglikelocalsupportMyfi
Agood friend of mine grew up in Braybrook, less than a mile or two from the hallowed turf of the Whitten Oval. Despite her westernsuburbspedigree,sheandherfamilyareRichmond supporters. No amount of inducements of “rooms a er the game” or “meet the coach” – perks a conniving president has up his sleeve – could budge her son Jack as a true Tiger.
For most people, choice of team is (rightly) a matter of fun and family. But, truthfully, it’s always grated on me that the west does not have as a community the sense of fierce universal devotion to one club like Liverpool does, or the City of Geelong or Fremantle. Because that sense of belonging to a place, a community, is no better exemplified than the shared senses of joy, expectation and crushed hopes that ebb and flow with a community’s major sporting team.
Our historical position as the team of the west has been handicapped by many years of inattention to the importance oftheregiontoAussieRules,andwhilewearenowstartingto address that more seriously with the AFL, it’s the successive generations of kids of the west who have been the real losers.
A senior footy journalist recently told me we were losing our relevance and I, as president, needed to have my voice heard more. I told her our battle for hearts and minds would not be won by a president talking equalisation politics on talk shows, but by Liam Jones kicking eight and by Tom Liberatore tearing the heart out of an opposition in the midfield.
Shortly a er Sunday’s win against Collingwood, my friend texted me: “Yay! Jack said we should change to the Bulldogs.”
In that joyful hour a er the game, when the phone rattled like the Energizer bunny on Sunday night, that text was the most important.
THE PLAYER
Mitchell Honeychurch
My first six months at the Western Bulldogs Football Club have been quite surreal, to say the least. A er being selected with pick 60 in the national dra , I was quickly met with calls and texts from friends, family, coaches and players congratulating me on being dra ed into the AFL. However, when I walked into the club on my first day, it was like nothing I ever imagined.
My first few weeks at the club were a huge learning experience and it took me a while to feel comfortable in my new surroundings It was full of training, weights, physio, meetings and a lot of recovering.
It seemed like all I was doing in my first few weeks was eating and sleeping. However, once I was settled in and accustomed to the new workload I knew that I was in for an experience that I would never forget.
Before I knew it, the Christmas holidays were over and preseason training was in full swing. e workload increased, the weights got heavier and the recovery a er sessions had never been so important. My aim a er Christmas and the New Year was to stay out on the track as long as I could and try not to break down. Luckily enough for me I didn’t miss a session and it put me in good stead for my first AFL season.
A er a long preseason the practice matches and NAB Challenge matches were finally upon us. I was lucky enough to be selected for matches against Fremantle and Carlton. Although they were only practice matches, it was fantastic to get out and play seniors for the first time and it was an experience that I will cherish and remember for a long time.
e first six months have been tiring, enjoyable, demanding and exciting. I am really enjoying my time at the Bulldogs and I hope I can continue to develop and learn so I can become a better footballer.
WILLIAMSTOWN FC NEWS
UPCOMING PRESIDENT LUNCHEONS AT BURBANK OVAL
Our next two President Luncheons will feature fantastic guest speakers in Rev. Bill Beagley from the Holy Trinity Williamstown and 1980s VFA Umpire Frank Vergona.
Round 11 vs. Sandringham
Sunday 22nd June
Guest Speaker: Rev. Bill Beagley Bill has performed at four Melbourne International Comedy Festivals
Round 16 vs. Bendigo (Life Members Day)
Sunday 27th July
Guest Speaker: Frank Vergona –Legendary VFA Field Umpire
Cost of luncheon is $ 65.00 and includes a 2 course meal and drinks for the duration of the luncheon. Please check our website on the week of the home game for any updates or time changes. If you would like to book in for any of our upcoming President Luncheons, please contact Norhana Stipic on nstipic@williamstownfc.com.au or call the office on 9391 0309.
SEAGULLS FLY WEST FOR FOXTEL CUP
Williamstown has advanced through to the semi-finals of the Foxtel Cup, after defeating NEAFL side Aspley by 45 points at the MCG. The Seagulls will face East Perth on Tuesday 1st July to score a spot in the Grand Final.
Match Details:
Tuesday 1st July at Patersons Stadium vs. East Perth
Match will be televised live on Fox Footy – Channel 504 from 8.35pm
All Seagulls supporters are encouraged to have dinner and watch the game live at the Steam Packet Hotel (13 Cole Street, Williamstown). Bookings are essential. Please ring 9399 9600 to book your table and mention the Williamstown Football Club.
UPCOMING WILLIAMSTOWN FC EVENTS
Friday 18th July – Ladies Night Out
This is a fun-filled evening for all ladies to unwind, catch up and mingle. There will be live music, Open Mic session, dancing, a photo booth and a Player Services Auction. Tickets cost $ 50.00 and includes a glass of champagne on arrival and finger food throughout the evening. Contact the club for more information or to purchase tickets 9391 0309
IN THE DOGHOUSE
■ In recent months there has been an avalanche of rubbish saying I have it in for Deer Park – that I am against the club and the way it goes about its business. Nothing could be further from the truth. Yes, I have expressed my point of view about money in local footy – but what’s wrong with that? Last Saturday, during our pre-game show on 88.9 WYN FM, I fronted Deer Park president Mark McGoldrick about the matter and I think we sorted it out. I like Mark, always have. I hope the people who send me poisonous emails were listening because your president doesn’t have a problem with my stance. He acknowledged that the club pays its players well, and I have no problem with that. Mark spoke about the club’s junior development, which sounds very healthy. I wish Deer Park all the best in the Western Region Football League. Do I want an even competition where all games are just a kick the difference? Of course I do, but that will never happen under the current set-up. I love the passion that people have for their clubs but, please, don’t think you are above reproach.
I have never said I have all the answers, but I am allowed to ask the questions and express an opinion, as everyone is.
■ What a wonderful win by the Western Bulldogs over Collingwood. I am happy to say I thought the Bulldogs were no hope. I warned my son that it was highly likely his team would get done like a dinner. When I arrived home after watching Werribee go down by a point to Essendon in the VFL, quite frankly I was in no mood to watch the Dogs capitulate to Collingwood. I was delighted with what I saw as I’m sure every Bulldogs fan was, especially those who have taken to social media to criticise the coach and his game plan. I hope that egg on your faces tastes good.
■ Life memberships in the Werribee Football Club have been awarded to Stephen Sells, Anthony Eames, Paul Satterly and Michael Frost. Sells won the Field Medal when Werribee was a division 2 club, and the other three are Liston medallists. Frost, who unfortunately could not make it to the presentation, has a remarkable story. As well as the Liston he won two club best and fairests, two Barry Priest medals in the WRFL and a best and fairest when he played for the Yarrawonga Pigeons. Life membership is a very special honour and it was great to see how much it meant to these decorated footballers.
Any news, let me know on email kevin@howdypartnersmedia.com.au. Follow me on Twitter @KevinHillier, and check out the Howdy Partners Media website as well.
Crossing t, ring and fab
By Liam Twomey
It is going to take something special to stop Hoppers Crossing from winning Football Federation of Victoria’s state league 4 competition.
e Reds have a perfect winning record a er 10 games and hold a six-point lead over nearest rival FC Strathmore.
But it’s the nature of Hoppers Crossing’s winning ways that should instil fear into opponents.
Nine of the club’s 10 wins have been by two goals or more.
Hoppers Crossing president Steve Lambrakakis is rapt with his side’s rst half of the season.
“You can’t ask for anything more than what the guys have been able to achieve,” he said.
“We’ve taken everything that has been thrown in front of us.
“I think one of the big things for the guys has been the tness side of it.
“We want to be the ttest team and that’s something that has come through in a few games. ere have been games where we
have started o behind and managed to come roaring back in the second half.”
Further highlighting Hoppers Crossing’s dominance, the Reds have scored the most goals of any side in the competition – 32.
ey have also conceded the least of any side, with only eight goals getting through the defensive unit.
Lambrakakis is hoping such a level of consistency will allow his side to remain on top throughout the second half of the season.
“We’ve scored the most and conceded the least … if it continues like that I think we will have a pretty good year,” he said.
“It’s an old adage in football that goals win you matches and defence wins you championships. I don’t think truer words can be spoken.
“At the same time, we want to play an attractive brand of football … the longer you keep it o them, more than likely you’re going to score more than them. If you’ve got the ball, they can’t score.”
A er a 3-0 win against Melbourne City last week, Hoppers Crossing will take on Surf Coast away this Saturday.
Ask the coach 3
Ask the Coach
Ask the Coach 12
Following your game against Essendon on Sunday, you have a 6 day break before playing another AFL club, Geelong at Geelong this Saturday (Game starts at Noon)
It is a big week isn’t it, 2 games in 6 days against two AFL clubs that will be desperate to win.
We need to recover well after the Essendon game, because unlike the AFL clubs we are up against, our boys had to head off to work on Monday morning, our tradesmen types in particular need to do everything right. Being at our home ground at Avalon Airport Oval makes it easier in terms of recovery because we have access to ice baths. The players were able to begin their recovery immediately after the game.
Monday night was a night off, apart from the players who needed to see the doctor or physio. Our training session on Tuesday was some recovery running and light skills with some work in the gym. We also did our review of the Essendon game as a group and on an individual level.
Thursday will be the “main” session for the week, but lighter than normal, as it will also be the final tune up for Saturday’s big game against Geelong. Is this the time of the year where players are more susceptible to niggling injuries and also the mental fatigue?
If we throw in the chances of catching colds and influenza etc, then yes, this can be a challenging time of year. The players have been training since early November, three times a week, so we will back off our training slightly to keep the playing group fresh mentally. I know Saturday at noon is probably not a great time for many supporters but if you can get to Simonds Stadium to support us that would be much appreciated by the players and coaches. If you can’t follow the scores on our social media outlets.
You can “Ask the Coach.”
Send your questions via email askthecoach@werribeefc.com.au or post on our facebook or twitter pages #askthecoach
Hoppers Crossing’s Khalil Assaad went up against Melton’s Richard Antczak earlier in the state league 4 season. (Wayne Hawkins)
MOTOR
Hot hatch packs real punch
By David Bonnici
Hyundai already has a decent sports coupe´ heritage with cars such as the Tiburon and Veloster, so it was only a matter of time before it entered the sports hatch market.
It’s done so with style with the i30 SR, a suped-up version of the popular hatch.
While its coupe cousin’s aesthetics took a while to grow on the casual observer, the i30SR has instant appeal, going with subtle exterior features including 17-inch alloy wheels, Xenon headlights, blackened front grille and a rear diffuser, which looks good but does compromise rear vision a little.
e push-button start suits this car, with everything instantly coming to life and imploring you to drive. e engine noise is barely noticeable at idle but has a nice throaty pitch when you get the revs up.
e six-speed manual version is fun to drive, but you need to concentrate a little to get off to a flying start. Get it right and you’re rewarded with chirping front tyres and rocket-like acceleration in first gear and a smile-inducing boost in second. It can hit 100km/h in just 7.7 seconds, so you want to be careful that you don’t let it get away from you if you want to stay under the speed limit.
e 2.0-litre GDI engine – bigger than anything placed under the hood of an i30 before – doesn’t mind high revs, and with the radio on, you hardly notice it doing more than 3500rpm without looking at the rev counter.
e trip computer between the main gauges
shows which gear you should be shi ing into, but it prompts you before the rev counter even hits 2000rpm. If you’re going to drive that frugally you might as well get the standard i30 in automatic. Even with my rusty manual driving I managed pretty good fuel economy. e power is harnessed by the bespoke sports tune suspension developed for Australian conditions and provides a firm but comfortable ride. It feels good on bitumen, like it’s stuck to theroad,butitwasalittlehair-raisingongravel. It also has “flex steer” with comfort, normal and sports steering settings, ranging from light steering for city driving to harder and more responsive, which is great for winding roads.
e Hyundai i30 SR isn’t quite in the league of the Golf GTi or Subaru WRX. But it doesn’t pretend to be. Its
price tag puts it
and Holden Cruze SRI-V
where it certainly holds its own.
Solving your exhaust woes shouldn’t be an expensive and stressful ordeal.
Werribee Exhausts is a family business with a team that prides itself on delivering quality advice, professional service and competitive pricing to customers.
Staff members are exhaust specialists.
The services they offer include standard replacement systems, sports and performance systems, and full custom work in either stainless-steel or mild steel, and they stock a large range of after-market direct-fit systems to suit your vehicle.
Customers come from far and wide for a full range of automotive services including brakes, clutch, suspension, mechanical repairs and vehicle servicing.
The services and expertise are not limited to just exhausts, Werribee Exhausts is a one-stop-shop for all mechanical repairs and servicing for all makes and models.
Owner Len Mallia has more than 30 years’ experience in the trade and has recently become a licensed vehicle tester.
“We give honest and competitive quotes and we do the job properly the first time,” he says.
“We will not compromise on our quality and workmanship.
“We are usually able to do the job straight away as we have an extensive range of stock on hand, and we provide a pick-up and drop-off service for customers who live locally.”
Qualified mechanics include specialists and exhaust experts who can custom-make full exhaust systems that will transform the performance and sound of your car, while also achieving better fuel economy.
They can also help with replacement, repair or enhancement of any component of your exhaust system.
Werribee Exhausts, at 99-101 Railway Avenue, Werribee, opens 8am5pm, Monday-Friday, and 8am-noon on Saturday. Inquiries: 9741 7111 or www.werribeeexhausts.com.au
Werribee Exhausts owner Len Mallia says
Radical outside, simple within
By Ewan Kennedy
e 1960s and early ’70s were periods of frantic change in the car industry and, amazingly, the HQ Holden was the fourth all-new Holden body in just 10 years. e pace nally slowed and HQ-based variants lasted into the mid-1980s.
long-wheelbase Statesman and Statesman De Ville. ese shared the HQ door panels and front guards but had a unique grille, roo ine and rear guards.
e rst major change was the increase in sizeofbothsix-cylinderengines. e161-cubicinch motor grew to 173 cubic inches and the 186grewto202.BothoftheAustralian253and 308-cubic-inch V8s continued unaltered as did the Chevrolet 350 V8.
In the suspension department further changes were evident as this was the rst Holden to have coil springs all round. e demise of semi-elliptic rear springs was bemoaned by some, but anyone who drove quickly on dirt roads was delighted by the change. Such a suspension was, however, too so for the enthusiast driver. A further change was the placement of the handbrake, now located on the oor on the driver’s side of the seat,notunderthedashasinpreviousHoldens.
e Holden One-tonner (called at the time the cab-chassis) used a slightly crude ute-style front-end with a rugged full chassis behind it. It became a hit with Australian tradesmen due to itsruggedconstructionandbig-enginedtorque. Lines of the Kingswood were radical in their day and had a lot of knockers. e body featured a big glass area with narrow, but strong, pillars. e simple front end style of the HQ was never beaten, despite many attempts with later faceli s. If there was a real criticism it was that the ridges along the sides were easily damaged in car parks. Load area was considerably bigger in the wagon than the sedan, due to the sedan having a tail that sloped down steeply. e longer wheelbase also helped to provide more room. Although the HQ exterior was radical in its concept, the interior could be ordered in a surprisingly simple arrangement, with a column gearchange and front bench seats. Flow-through ventilation was used for the rst timeinafull-sizeHolden.
e entry-level Belmont model was aimed mainly at eet buyers, while the famous Kingswood was intended for the family buyer. In the standard wheelbase range the top of the line was the Premier.
Station wagons were built on a longer wheelbase than the sedans for the rst time and this platform was also used for the
e instrument layout on the HQ featured a deep-set arrangement with round dials within squared-o surrounds. Ventilation controls were set into the panel, as were the washer/ wiper controls. e Premier model had an imitation woodgrained nish to this panel.
Briefs
Peugeot packs a punch
Peugeot Australia has launched the eagerly anticipated RCZ R – the most powerful road-going car the brand has ever produced. Despite considerable engineering modi cations, the RCZ R is priced from just $68,990, $10,000 more than the RCZ. At its heart is a vast range of mechanical upgrades. Inspired by the Peugeot RCZ Racing Cup track car, and riding 10mm lower to the ground, the range-topping sports coupé is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 199kW of power and 330Nm of torque. Weighing just 1280kg, it sprints to 100km/h in just 5.9 seconds. It’s available in four colours: Moroccan red, perla nera black, mercury grey and opal white.
Audi updates Sportback range
Audi has unveiled its new A7 Sportback, which has new engine con gurations, transmissions, headlights, tail-lights and infotainment systems. The most striking changes are to the grille, bumpers, tailpipes and headlights. LED technology is standard. Pricing will be announced closer to its Australian launch early next year.
Electric van going postal
Australia Post is trialling Renault’s Electric Kangoo Z.E. (zero emissions) van for 12 months. It’s the rst time the fully electric vehicle has been used in Australia. Renault Australia currently supplies Australia Post’s normal delivery vans. The Kangoo Z.E. has been on sale in Europe since late 2011.
Lavish Volvo a cut above Volvo has launched its all-new XC90 SUV, featuring what the Swedish car- maker says is the most luxurious interior designed for its cars. At its heart is the tablet-like touchscreen control console, which operates an all-new, in-car control system that’s virtually button free. The interior combines soft leather and wood with handcrafted details such as a crystal gear lever and diamond-cut controls.
Taken by two-door Toyota Toyota’s popular 86 coupé has proven a hit in Australia, with almost one out of every 10 examples built being sold here. . The last time Toyota sold more than 6700 of a sports model in a year was 1980 (Celica).
The HQ Holden was the rst of the line to have coil springs all round. (Supplied)
Have you read those advice pieces on creating the perfect password? Include a symbol or two, they say. Maybe a product manager at Kia was trying create a password when he came up with pro_cee’d and somehow it slipped through to the guys in marketing and, hipsters that they are, they decided to go with it. Mistakes have certainly happened in car names before and nothing else explains one this weird.
Honda once named a vehicle the Acty Crawler, Mazda had the Bongo Brawny and there was Isuzu’s Mysterious Utility Wizard. MyfavouritesillynamewasSubaru’sTouring Bruce. At least you could spell those; what are the people at the tra c o ce going to do when you try to register a pro_cee’d?
e thing is that, apart from its name, the pro_cee’disactuallyaterri ccar.Ithasanicely exible motor that sounds great as it’s winding up and a six-speed manual that’s light and fast. Get the launch right (the rst time or two you’ll probably stall) and it’s quick o the mark and willing, all the way up to wherever you choose to li o . is is combined with handling that’s surprising for a Korean car. It’s at and direct through challenging corners with a really pleasing grip, and there’s a feeling of solidity that’s most reassuring, even over broken bitumen. e front wheels turn in nicely and point accurately, the rear ones tuck in and hold, and the body stays at and rigid. And all the while you know exactly what’s happening.
Away $29,990
rough all of this enthusiasm, the fuel economy stays pretty good. e cabin is well nished, too, with tactile surfaces and a good level of equipment. What will most impress your discerning friends is the LCD speedometer which, with the touch of a button (on the steering wheel), ips from a conventional analogue display to grouped instruments covering turbo boost, torque output and water temperature, along with a digital speedo.
Seating is respectable, too, the driver getting an electric lumbar support. It’s easy and fast to get comfy. At least in the front. isisfarfromthequickestormostpowerful hatch around, but it has enough go to make it a heap of fun. Hard to beat at the price. e Kia Pro_cee’d is available at Werribee Kia 22 Morris Road, Hoppers Crossing. www.werribeekia.com.au
