Star Weekly - Wyndham - 17th September 2025

theYear

Message from the Mayor

On behalf of Wyndham City, I congratulate and thank all entrants, finalists and winners of theWyndhamBusinessAwards2025.

The Wyndham Business Awards, now in its 29th year, is one of our premier and long-standing annual business initiatives in Wyndham, that celebrates local business, entrepreneurs, business leaders, innovatorsandhardworkingoperators.

The Awards are an important way to acknowledge and appreciate business excellence, highlight achievements, accomplishmentsandsuccess.

The Awards promote and showcase the vast array of different businesses in Wyndham and provide a unique opportunity for businesses across key industry sectors of all sizes and types to be recognised for their hard work, effort, dedication, expertise and commitment to theircustomersandcommunity.

This year, 165 entries were received across11 awardcategoriesthat recognise excellence in our key industry sectors and reflects the diversity in our business community:fromstart-ups,socialenterprises tomediumandlargeemployers.

In a growing municipality like ours, we need a strong, dynamic and entrepreneurial business community to lead, drive and grow ourfutureeconomy.

Wyndham is home to more than 34,000 GST registered businesses of various sizes; from home-based sole operations to large multinationalsandeverythinginbetween. On behalf of Wyndham City, thank you for taking the time to enter these Awards. Congratulationstoallfinalistsandwinnersof theWyndhamBusinessAwards2025. Itisanexceptionalachievement.

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR HONOUR ROLL

Williams Landing retail space fetches inner city prices

As Melbourne’s west and Wyndham continue to emerge as dynamic business hubs, Williams Landing is poised for significantgrowthwiththeintroductionof HudsonHub.

This latest office development by ASX-listed property developer Cedar Woods marks a pivotal moment in the area’scommerciallandscape.

The 79-strata office building which featuresfiveretailsuites,isalreadymaking asubstantialimpactonthelocalrealestate market.

With over 60 per cent of the suites already sold, Hudson Hub continues to demonstrate the growing demand for officeandretailspacesinsuburbanareas.

Itsrecentretailcampaignachievedover $11,000persquaremetrerateforoneofits ground floor retail suites, a comparable pricetoMelbourne’sinnercitysuburbs.

Designed by architect Hames Sharley, Hudson Hub is tailored to meet the demands of the modern workplace, offeringflexiblespacesforbothindividual and collaborative work, a communal rooftop area, and outdoor terraces on the thirdlevel.

The office space also incorporates energy-efficient design, including rooftop solarpanelsandEVchargingstations.

Hudson Hub’s central location within Williams Landing provides easy access to local amenities including Williams LandingShoppingCentreandtrainstation.

Cedar Woods Victorian state manager, James Bovell, stated, “Hudson Hub represents our commitment to creating high-quality office spaces outside the

WERRIBEE OPEN RANGE ZOO

Nestled on the plains of Werribee South, just 30 minutes from Melbourne, Werribee Open Range Zoo is an iconic tourist attraction and a powerhouse of conservation, education, and community leadership.

Part of Zoos Victoria, this not-for-profit zoo is dedicated to preventing animal extinction, with every dollar reinvested intolocalandglobalwildlifeprograms.

The zoo’s open-range design allows animals to roam in large, naturalistic habitats, offering visitors a safari-style experience unlike anything else in Victoria.

From walking trails to guided safari buses, guests come face-to-face with species like giraffes, rhinos, gorillas and lions, sparking connection, curiosity and care.

With nearly 300 staff, 800,000-plus visitors annually, and deep engagement with schools and community groups, Werribee Zoo makes learning feel both urgentandjoyful.

Its programs educate young people about conservation and empower them to takeaction.

In 2025, the zoo opened a 21-hectare elephant sanctuary – one of its most ambitious projects yet – reaffirming its leadershipinanimalwelfare.

Forover40years,WerribeeOpenRange Zoo has stood as a shining example of innovation, excellence and purpose – a business that’s making a real difference, foranimalsandpeoplealike.

Finalists: •ArcStructural •EQLeaders •RPMotors

AI for Business: Practical Tools for Marketing

In today’s competitive market, good products or services aren’t enough— small businesses need strong marketing to stand out.

In this session facilitated by Dr Jason Pallant from RMIT University, discover how artificial intelligence can transform your small business’s marketing without breaking the bank.

In this hands-on session, you’ll learn practical AI techniques and tools to: uncover what your customers really want, analyse your competition, craft a distinctive brand voice, and train AI assistants to create compelling content that positions your business for success.

Link to register: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/whats-on/aiforbusinessmarketing

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID …

“Werribee Open Range Zoo’s outstanding achievements across animal care, conservation, education and visitor experience make it a deserving winner of Business of the Year. The zoo has shown remarkable innovation and resilience, especially in the way it connects with schools and communities to inspire action on environmental issues. Its

forward-thinking approach, including the launch of a world-class elephant sanctuary, highlights a bold vision for long-term impact. With a strong commitmenttosocialandenvironmental responsibility, Werribee Open Range Zoo continues to set the benchmark for excellence in its field – not just as a business, but as a trusted institution creatinglastingchange.”

MAUNG HNIN THWECOMFORT CARE AND COMMUNITY SERVICES

Maung Hnin Thwe is the founder of Comfort Care and Community Services, a thriving Wyndham-based business delivering culturally responsive NDIS and aged care services.

Aformerrefugeeherself,Maungdraws deeply on lived experience to create a service model rooted in compassion, inclusion and community connection, and her leadership is values-driven and grounded in social justice.

Beyond care delivery, she has made it a mission to uplift others –especially women and young people from marginalised backgrounds –through employment, mentorship, and purposeful community engagement.

Maung has spent over a decade working to dismantle systemic barriers for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse individuals and families.

She is a visible advocate for inclusion and equity in the health and care sectors,andasourceofsupportformany who would otherwise struggle to access meaningful care.

In addition to her business work, Maung contributes significantly to grassroots initiatives through her involvement with Karuna Compassion in Action and other not-for-profit programs.

Maung embodies Wyndham’s spirit of

resilience, generosity and community. Her business success is only one part of the story – her deeper impact lies in the lives she’s changed and the stronger, more inclusive future she’s helping to build.

Finalists:

• Emma Costin - EQ Leaders

• Tonia Tribe - Tonia T Boutique

• Steven Falkingham- Falkstar Garage Door Insulation

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID ...

“In a strong field of candidates, Maung HninThwestandsapartfortransforming her personal journey into a powerful force for inclusive care. Her story is one of resilience, compassion and vision, and she has built a business that uplifts some of the most vulnerable members of our community. Through pioneering culturally responsive service models and creating meaningful employment, Maungisreshapingwhatcompassionate leadership looks like in Australia today. Her approach is deeply values-driven and rooted in community. Maung is more than a successful entrepreneur –she is a changemaker, whose leadership continues to inspire, empower and create lasting impact across Wyndham and beyond.”

Built to last, proud to be recognised

From humble beginnings to becoming a trusted name in industrial packaging, Class Plastics is proud to be recognised as a finalist in the 2025 Wyndham Business Awards – Business Resilience category.

For over 30 years, Class Plastics has proudly manufactured high-quality plastic containers and packaging solutions for industries including chemicals, agriculture, food, and automotive. Our products are designed for durability, safety, and performance — backed by precision manufacturing and a strong focus on sustainability.

With facilities in Victoria and Queensland, we’ve built long-standing relationships through reliability, responsiveness, and custom solutions tailored to our clients’ needs. As an ISO 9001 certified company, we uphold rigorous quality management standards, ensuring consistency and excellence in every product. This nomination reflects the strength of our team, our adaptability in challenging times, and our commitment to Australian manufacturing.

RISING STAR BUSINESS RESILIENCE

KRUSHNADEVSINH

‘KANO’ RAVALJITHIRD CULTURE AUSTRALIA

Krushnadevsinh ‘Kano’ Ravalji is the founder and CEO of Third Culture, a youth-led organisation creating inclusive, empowering spaces that champions diversityandchallengediscrimination.

Kano’s experiences with racism and identity shaped his passion for youth advocacy–apaththatbeganingrassroots volunteering and has evolved into recognised leadership in the community sector.

Under his guidance, Third Culture delivers school-based anti-racism workshops, partners with councils and community groups to co-design events, and supports young people to develop confidence,leadershipskills,andastrong senseofbelonging.

In 2024, Kano led the creation of Australia’s first entirely youth-led Multicultural Conference – a sold-out, sector-defining event that brought over 120 professionals together to listen to and learn from young multicultural leaders.

Through Third Culture, he is shifting narratives, building bridges, and lighting the way for a more inclusive future – one that is powered by youth and rooted in livedexperience.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID ...

“KanoRavaljiisonlyintheearlystageofhis careerandhasalreadydemonstratedbold vision, strong leadership and meaningful impact. Kano is empowering young people to drive change, speak out, and shape inclusive communities. His work is inspiring, strategic, and values-driven – a compelling example of what Rising Star leadershiplookslike.”

RP MOTORS

RP Motors is a third-generation, family-owned agricultural machinery dealership in Werribee South that has been proudly serving the region since 1970.

Founded by Robert and Vilma Piovesan asasmallmechanicalrepairshopforlocal vegetablegrowers,thebusinesshasgrown into a trusted name in the machinery sector, known for its deep expertise and long-standingcommunityties.

Nowinits55thyear,RPMotorscontinues to evolve while staying true to its roots. It offers machinery sales, field servicing, and precision farming solutions, and recently expanded its offering to include CaseIHequipmentalongsideitslong-time New Holland partnership – a move that strengthens its ability to meet the changing needs of farmers, contractors, councils,andearthmovingprofessionals.

The business has shown exceptional resilience through economic downturns, the pandemic, and major industry shifts, adapting quickly to ensure customer needsweremet.

Now led by the third generation of the Piovesan family, RP Motors continues to invest in modern facilities, technology andservicetosupportthenextgeneration ofgrowersacrossWyndhamandbeyond.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID ...

“RPMotorsstoodoutforitsresilienceover 55 years of continuous operation in the same district. From financial crises to the pandemic, the business has consistently demonstrated an ability to adapt to change, while maintaining a strong customer focus and service-first mindset. RP Motors is well positioned to thrive for manymoreyearstocome.”

STARKIDS SALON & SPAWERRIBEE OPEN RANGE ZOO

StarKids Salon & Spa is Australia’s first salon and spa experience designed exclusively for children. It’s a nurturing, joyful space that blends grooming with empowerment and self-expression, driven by a mission to build self-esteem through confidence-boostingexperiences.

StarKids delivers a sensory-aware, child-first environment. Services are carefully tailored to suit all children, including those with neurodiverse needs, and everything from the vegan, cruelty-free, and chemical-free product range to the layout is designed with safety, comfortandfuninmind.

What StarKids calls ‘The StarKids Effect’ means helping every child feel confident, seen and special. Experiences like ‘Mum &MeSpaDays’,‘Dad&SonHaircuts’, and ‘Best Friend Packages’ are about creating memories and make every visit feel like a

celebration. The salon also hosts themed birthday parties, offers braiding and mini spatreatmentsandhaslaunchedanonline store to expand access. StarKids Salon & Spa is redefining children’s grooming as something far more meaningful – a ritual ofbelonging,joyandself-love.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID ...

“StarKidsSalon&Spaisaboldandinspiring new business with a clear purpose and standout execution. It has identified a highlyspecificmarketneedandresponded with a unique, values-driven model that blends service, care and experience. The businessisstaff-focused,customer-centred and agile in adapting its offerings to meet demand. It’s a smart, joyful business that has the potential to lead meaningful change in how we care for and celebrate youngpeople.”

As well as being a leader in conservation, Werribee Open Range Zoo is one of Victoria’smosticonicandimmersivevisitor experiences. With over 800,000 visitors annually, the zoo offers a unique safari adventure where guests can encounter animals from open-sided buses and explore up-close walking trails with lions, gorillasandmeerkats.

Werribee Zoo reinvests all revenue into global and local conservation programs, but its public-facing success lies in the quality of its hospitality, education and commercial operations. From sustainable food outlets to curated retail spaces, every touchpoint is designed to enrich the guest experience while supporting long-term impact. The zoo’s recently opened 21-hectare elephant habitat offers state-of-the-artviewingareasandhasseta new standard for animal-based tourism in

StarKids Salon, Spa &

Celebration

A ONE-OF-A-KIND EXPERIENCE FOR KIDS — “Multi-Award Winner” Trusted by thousands of families Safe. Stylish. Unforgettable.

At StarKids, we believe kids should never have to compromise their wellbeing to feel fabulous. That’s why we’ve created a joyful sanctuary where self-expression meets safety — and every visit becomes a celebration.

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:

• Salon Cuts & Styling

• Relaxing Spa Treatments

• Braiding & Elegant Updos

• Ear Piercing

• Celebration for Birthdays & special occastions

Plus! A Physical & Retail Store

Explore our curated range of chemical-free products that are:

Safe for Kids

Safe for Sensitive Skin

Safe for the Environment

Perfect for conscious parents who want only the best for their children — inside and out.

Whether it’s a haircut, a mini pamper day, or the birthday party of their dreams — StarKids is the go-to destination for unforgettable moments and healthy beauty care.

Australia.

Werribee Open Range Zoo delivers a world-class tourism experience that is ethical, educational and emotionally unforgettable – combining excellence in customer service with purpose-driven operations.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID ... “Werribee Open Range Zoo delivers excellence across all three pillars of this award: retail, tourism and hospitality. Its uniquesafari-styleexperienceissupported by passionate staff who create meaningful connections with guests and animals alike. From food and customer service to conservation education and curated retail, every detail is considered. Werribee Open Range Zoo continues to set a high bar for tourism excellence in the region and beyond.”

F45 TRAINING POINT COOK

F45 Training Point Cook is a high-energy group fitness studio offering 45-minute functional training sessions that combine strength, cardio, and interval training – all within a supportive, team-based environment.

Originallyopenedin2019,thestudiotook onnewlifein2024whenlocalownersEmily and Ryan stepped in with a renewed focus on community, care and culture. In just six months, they tripled the membership base. From young professionals to busy parents and older adults, F45 Point Cook supportsmembersofallfitnesslevels,with modifications and motivation tailored to individualneeds.

What truly sets the studio apart is its community-first ethos. Emily and Ryan greet and guide members, prep workouts with specific injuries or goals in mind, and create an environment where every person feels known, safe, and supported. Their commitment extends beyond the gym to local sponsorships, events, and partnerships.

F45TrainingPointCookisaspacewhere people connect, show up for one another, and build lasting wellbeing, one session at atime.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID ...

“Emily and Ryan of F45 Training Point Cook impressed the judges with their energy, dedication, and genuine care for theirmembers.Sincetakingoverthestudio in late 2024, they’ve shown remarkable growth, vision, and heart, personally tailoring workouts to each member’s specific needs, and creating a culture of inclusion, trust and motivation. They have madeF45PointCookatrueleaderinhealth andwellbeing.“

PLUM ELECTRICAL

Plum Electrical is raising the bar in the electricalandsolarsector,blendingtrusted service with cutting-edge expertise to deliver high-quality solutions for homes, businesses,andmulti-residentialprojects.

A division of Plum Trade Services, the business was founded by Kane Briggs in partnership with Kyle and Dana Briggs, building on the trusted 30-year reputation ofPlumHeating&Cooling.

From its base in Point Cook, Plum Electricalhasrapidlygrownacrossregional Victoria, known for its team of in-house technicians, strict compliance standards, andcustomer-firstapproach.

The business has carved out a niche in large-scale solar and battery installations while maintaining a personal, local feel through community sponsorships, local hiring,andacheerful,tightlybondedteam culture.

Co-founder Kane Briggs brings energy, clarity and integrity to every aspect of the business, and under his leadership, Plum Electrical is setting a new benchmark for professionalism and care in the trade sector. This is more than a job well done –it’sablueprintforhowtradebusinessescan thriveandleadwithpurpose.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID ...

“From the moment we stepped into Plum Electrical, the passion and positivity were palpable. Every team member greeted us with enthusiasm, and co-founder Kane Briggs impressed us with his energy, honesty, and clear grasp of the business. Plumhascarvedoutasmartnicheinsolar and sustainable energy, and has done so with integrity, quality, and a solid growth plan.PlumElectricalisaworthywinnerof thisaward.”

YOUTH PROJECTS

Youth Projects is a purpose-driven charity with more than 40 years of experience supporting young people facing complex challenges–includingunemployment,mental ill-health, housing instability, and systemic disadvantage. In 2022, Youth Projects expanded into Wyndham to address growing youthunemploymentandsocialexclusion.

Since then, it has supported more than 3000 local young people annually through evidence-based,trauma-informedprograms.

Services include Transition to Work (TtW), which helps young people aged 15–24 move into jobs or education; YHOP, a wraparound outreach program for those facing homelessness or substance use; and QPOP, which supports neurodiverse and LGBTIQA+ youngpeoplewithpsychosocialneeds.

The organisation’s impact goes beyond services. Through the Werribee Hub, warehousing pilot programs, and new

youth-led social enterprises (The Little Social and Here4Hospitality), Youth Projects has embedded itself into the community, where it’s creating real pathways to purpose, independence,andinclusion.

Guided by early intervention, youth voice, and a fierce commitment to equity, Youth Projects is reshaping systems and outcomes foryouth,buildingnotjustbetterservices,but astronger,moreconnectedfuture.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID ...

“Youth Projects impressed the judges with its innovative, data-driven approach and deep understanding of Wyndham’s youth. The organisation has shifted its focus from crisis response to early intervention, designing programs that address root causes and empoweryoungpeopletoleadchangeintheir own lives. Its work is … a clear example of socialimpactdoneright.”

ARCSTRUCTURAL

ArcStructural is a leading structural steel fabrication and installation company, known for delivering high-spec, precision-engineered solutions for some of Melbourne’s most complexconstructionprojects.

Working closely with Tier 1 contractors, ArcStructural is often involved from early design through to installation, offering value management that improves buildability, cost-efficiency,andoutcomes.

Operatingfromafour-acresiteinTruganina, witha6000sqmcoveredfactoryandadditional offsiteassemblyspace,thebusinessisequipped with cutting-edge technology, including overhead gantry cranes (up to 30 tonnes), CNC machinery, robotic coping systems and plasma cutting tools. This capability allows ArcStructural to execute large-scale, complex buildswithspeed,accuracy,andsafety.

What sets ArcStructural apart is its commitment to continuous improvement

– from investing in new technologies to implementing lean workflows and reducing materialwaste.

Thecompanyhasastronglocalprocurement focus, full material traceability aligned with GBCA standards, and robust environmental protocols.

IthasearnedareputationasoneofVictoria’s most respected players in manufacturing and construction.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID ...

“ArcStructural impressed the judges with its scale, precision and professionalism. The team demonstrated strong leadership, deep industry knowledge, and a clear focus on continuous improvement – from investing in people and training to adopting lean systems and sustainable practices. ArcStructural is a standoutmanufacturercreatingrealimpactin Wyndhamandbeyond.”

HIRE LOCAL TALENT IN

Our young people come prepared, skilled, professional, and eager to make a difference in your workplace. By choosing to hire them, you’re doing more than meeting your staffing needs, you’re changing lives and

WORKPLACE EDIT

WorkplaceEditisaboutiqueworkplaceculture consultancyhelpingorganisationscreatebold, inclusive environments where both people and performance thrive. Founded in 2020 by Gemma Saunders, the consultancy was built to challenge performative diversity efforts and delivergenuine,lastingculturalchange.

It specialises in designing inclusive employee experiences, developing equitable role structures, building HR and leadership capability, and shaping organisational culture fromtheinsideout.

What really sets Workplace Edit apart is its strategic, evidence-based approach. Drawing on systems thinking, behavioural science, storytelling and co-design, the team delivers tailored programs that drive real outcomes –including improved employee engagement, more inclusive hiring, stronger leadership accountability, and measurable shifts in culture.

Servicesrangefromadvisoryandworkshops to long-term transformation partnerships, with more than 50 clients already engaging the team – many on an ongoing basis due to strong results and word-of-mouth referrals. TheseclientsarescatteredacrossAustraliaand NewZealand,andrangefromtechstart-upsto governmentagenciesandglobalbrands.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID ...

“Workplace Edit distinguished itself as a purpose-driven professional services business with real strategic depth. Gemma Saunders bringsararemixofindustryexpertise,insight and emotional intelligence, leading her team

with clarity, warmth and impact. Her ability to turn complex workplace challenges into actionable, inclusive strategies is exceptional. The judges were impressed by the business’ strong foundations, positive client outcomes, andthoughtful,evidence-informedapproach.”

EQ LEADERS

EQ Leaders is an award-winning social enterprise transforming leadership through immersive,nature-basededucation.

Located in Wyndham’s green wedge at Little River, the business integrates horses as co-facilitators in experiential programs that build emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and human connection – offering a profound alternativetotraditionalleadershiptraining.

Grounded in internationally recognised learningtheoryandpartneredwithMelbourne Business School Executive Education, EQ Leaders works with ASX-listed companies, local councils, and purpose-led organisations acrossAustralia.

Its programs are now expanding into Asia, and Wyndham itself has become a global showcase,hostingstudytoursforinternational publicsectorleaders.

Certified by Social Traders in 2024, EQ Leaders reinvests more than 50 per

cent of profits into pro bono programs that support justice-involved youth, First Nations communities, and grassroots social enterprises. Partnerships with Workforce Australia and justice reintegration services ensure disengaged young people can access transformative,confidence-buildingprograms thatfosterleadershipfromwithin.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID ...

“EQ Leaders stood out for its innovative, values-ledapproachtoleadershipdevelopment and education. By combining nature-based learning with rigorous executive training models,thebusinessdeliverstransformational outcomes that go beyond professional skill-building to create lasting impact at both personal and organisational levels. Its clarity of purpose, vision and commitment to social good were particularly impressive. This is a businesswithdeepintegrity.”

Panache Builders is a family owned and operated construction business based in Melbourne’s west. With over 15 years of combined experience, they specialize in constructing custom homes, knockdown rebuilds and commercial projects.

Founded on diligence, uncompromising standards and client satisfaction, they are committed to deliver toptier homes tailored specific to their clients needs. Driven by their guiding principal “We pour our heart into your home. Every detail. Every project. Every time.”; their team combines skilled craftsmanship, transparent communication with deep local knowledge from design phase to final delivery of client’s dream homes.

Panache Builders is renowned for its client-centric approach, offering transparent communication and meticulous project management throughout every phase. From initial consultation to project completion, they ensure a smooth and efficient process, prioritizing both client needs and expectations. Their unwavering commitment to premium quality is reflected in the exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail that defines each project, guaranteeing superior results and complete client satisfaction.

Choosing Panache Builders means choosing a name you can trust across all project types. As one reviewer on google reviews put it: “From start to finish, it felt like Panache was building the house for themselves – that’s how much care and effort they invest into each project. The quality of workmanship is outstanding, and the finishes reflect their high standards and commitment to excellence.”

Celebrating Wyndam businesses

At F45 Training Point Cook, we’re a locally owned and operated studio passionate about supporting our community. Our 45-minute team-based sessions combine strength, cardio, and hybrid training in a fun, high-energy environment. With expert coaching, cuttingedge programs (including Hyrox training and specialty challenges), and over 40 classes each week, we cater to all fitness levels from beginners to athletes. Whether your goal is to build strength, boost endurance, or improve overall health, our supportive community and motivating workouts will help you get there.

WESTERN GYMKHANA CLUB

Bulding Community Together Since 2012 A Not-for-Profit Recreation & Social Club for Families

Reach Out Today:

Community Outreach & Impact

Over the years, WGC has delivered a wide range of cultural festivals, youth programs, women-led initiatives, fitness activities, and volunteering efforts that strengthen the social fabric of Wyndham. Our events are known for creating genuine connections, celebrating diversity, and supporting local talent and businesses.

We’ve collaborated with schools, councils, charities, and cultural groups — always promoting inclusion, harmony, and community-led growth. Western Gymkhana Club has proudly supported and provided more than half a million dollars worth of business to local businesses and communities in the west in the past 13 years.

The club is self funded by its membership and by sponsorships from businesses that align with the club’s vision.

Join Our Growing Family

We invite new members to become part of this thriving community. If you’re looking for genuine connections, shared values, and meaningful engagement for your family — Western Gymkhana Club is the perfect place to start.

Partner With Us – Sponsor Community Spirit

Your sponsorship helps us extend our programs, support more families, and deliver memorable events. As a sponsor, you gain visibility, community goodwill, and direct engagement with a vibrant, trusted audience.

Let’s Build our local community – Together

Sudhir Juneja, President western.gymkhana@gmail.com www.westerngymkhanaclub.com.au

Membership https://westerngymkhanaclub.com.au/membership

Sponsorships and Collaborations https://westerngymkhanaclub.com.au/contact-us

Let’s connect — whether you want to join, support, collaborate or simply learn more.

Stevens

Transcribing the past

Rosemary Harrigan from the Werribee District Historical Society is working hard to ensure the stories of yesteryear are not lost to history.

She recently finished transcribing a second book of letters, primarily council correspondences, from the 19th century.

It took Ms Harrigan more than five years to copy over the first volume, dating between 1865-69, and the second volume, dating between 1885-91.

Turns out, some things haven’t changed in Wyndham.

“I see so many of the issues then as the issues of today, such as fixing up roads and letters to people who didn’t pay their rates,” she said.

“It is lost forever if it is not brought into the light, so it is important the current generations and generations to come can see what happened in those early days.

“From the letter book, we now have found and documented one of the oldest trees still in Werribee.”

Two volumes remain.

Loved sibling lost

By Jaidyn Kennedy

“You make your reality” was the final daily motivational quote Kwar Ater wrote on the whiteboardhekeptinhisroom.

HediedduringtheearlyhoursofSunday, September 7, at a Parkville hospital, aged 26, from injuries sustained by a gunshot wound that police believe he suffered in theCBDashorttimeearlier.

Policebelievetheshootingwasatargeted attack,butnoarrestshadbeenmadewhen StarWeeklywenttoprint.

The Seabrook man was a prominent figure in the South Sudanese community and a senior ruckman for the Point Cook CentralsFootballClub.

Whilethecommunityspentthelastweek mourning a friend, a gifted footballer and an aspiring businessman, the Ater family grieved the loss of their youngest sibling andadevoteduncle.

Majur, 37, the eldest of the six Ater siblings,saidKwarwasdevotedtopersonal successfromayoungage.

“He was a beautiful kid, always smiling – he would see someone from afar and just givethemahug,”hesaid.

“Even though his body is gone, his spirit is still with me and it makes me proud that IhadKwararoundus.

“It’snotjustalossfortheSouthSudanese community, it is a loss for the Australian people.”

Majur said his brother’s ultimate life missionwastohelpothers.

“One day, there will be another example likeKwar,whowillsharehislegacythathe couldn’t finish. Because he had a long way togo–Ibelieveheisstillherewithustoday.

“AnotherKwarwillcometomorrow.

“When my kids eventually come and ask me what their uncle was like, I will tell them‘yourunclewasagreatman’.”

Second eldest brother Ater, 35, said he spoke with Kwar just hours before his death and urged him to be safe, following the death of their cousin in an alleged shootinginDerrimuttwodaysearlier.

“Wewerejusttalkingforhalfanhourand Isaid‘StaysafeandI’llseeyoutomorrow’,“

Atersaid.

“He said, ’yeah, I am going to see my girlfriend’.

“I said, ’I’ll see you tomorrow, we’ll talk more’.

“Then I get a phone call later from my mumsayingKwar’sbeenshot.”

Ater said that much of the negative commentary surrounding his death had beenshockingtothefamily.

“He had a lot going on for him but it’s just shocking that all this other stuff that hasbeengoingaround,becausehewasmy brother,”Atersaid.

To help the family with funeral expenses: https://www.gofundme.com/f/funeraldonations-for-our-brother-kwar-jidu-ater

Council withdraws support

By Jaidyn Kennedy

Wyndham council has voted to support more than 100 residents and go against an officer’s recommendation that would pave the way for an industrial precinct near SkeletonCreek.

On August 2, 2024, Wyndham received a planning application to subdivide land located at 5 Firth Place, Point Cook, into 19 lots that would eventually house an industrial precinct through which the creekwouldflow.

Council and the developer, the Schiavello Group, had several meetings about whether council had the ability to

grant a permit due to the space boarding on Hobsons Bay council residential areas and the environmental maintenance that wouldberequired.

The developer has since submitted an application to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) on the grounds that council took too long to make a decision on the application.

At a planning meeting on Tuesday, September 9, residents voiced concerns abouttheproposedprecinct.

Angela Whiffin, who lives nearby, said herself and other locals worry about the noise pollution during the construction

phase and that they fear it may be an invitingspaceforcriminals.

“This could become a dumping ground with easy access and no one to police it, because once this is opened up people are goingtobeabletogetinthere,”MsWhiffin said.

“This could also be a place for people to engage in undesirable activities such as breaking and entering into residents’ properties over the back fences that back on to the development and those in close proximity.”

Ms Whiffin also raised concerns about theimpactanindustrialprecinctmayhave onthearea’snativeecology.

Mental health forum for young women

Werribee Rotary and Wyndham Youth Services are teaming up to host the Young Women’sMentalHealth&WellnessForum.

Taking place at the Youth Services Centre in Hoppers Crossing on the evening of Thursday, September 17, guest speakerswillsharetheirexperiencesabout navigatingmentalhealth.

AFLW player Brittany Bonnici and clinical researcher professor Vasso Apostolopolous will discuss some of their trials,tribulationsandstrategiestheyhave developedtothrive.

Rotary president Lyn Fava said all too often her club sees young women suffering from mental health issues in the community.

“As a service club, we believe it’s vital to break down barriers, create safe spaces for discussion, and provide programs that foster awareness and wellbeing,” she said.

“Sadly, stigma and silence too often preventpeoplefromseekinghelp.

“This program is designed to empower youngwomenandtheirfamilies,bygiving them access to relatable role models, practical coping tools, and a safe space to askquestionsopenly.

“They’ll hear inspiring personal stories from high-profile women who’ve faced challengesandfoundwaysforward.

“Thegoalistobuildresilience,self-belief, and stronger community connections—

foundations that last well beyond the forum.”

Ms Fava said that such events are great ways to start conversations about mental health.

“Mental health is not an individual issue—it touches families, schools, workplaces,andneighbourhoods.

“When one person struggles, it affects thewellbeingofmanyaroundthem.

“By talking openly, supporting each other, and knowing where to turn for help, we reduce stigma and build a more compassionatecommunity.”

Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/ young-woman-s-mental-health-andwellness-forum

“There could be risks to the residents, chemical leaks and fire with the storage of goods being uncontrolled because of the secluded area of this development,” she said.

“Over the 40 or so years I have lived here, I have noticed the open space in questionisafeedinggroundformanybird species.”

After listening to residents’ concerns, councillor Jasmine Hill raised an alternativemotion.

It suggested council go against the officer’s recommended VCAT stance of agreeingtograntapermit.

Themotionwascarriedunanimously.

Police target outlaw motorcycle gangs

Policehavearrestedninepeopleand laid 42 charges in Victoria as part of a national day of action targeting outlawmotorcyclegangs.

On Wednesday, September 10, policeswoopedonoutlawmotorcycle gang members and their associates for Firearm Prohibition Order (FPO) searchesandotheroffencesincluding affrayanddrugs.

Police conducted 20 FPO searches in suburbs across Melbourne including Hoppers Crossing, Diggers Rest, South Kingsville, Point Cook, SouthMorangandCraigieburn.

Sixofthearrestsresultedincharges for an affray linked to an assault in a correctional facility in Lara on 7 December2024.

FournewFPO’swerealsoservedon outlawmotorcyclegangsmembers.

Echo Taskforce Detective Acting Inspector Ben Oakley said the crackdown shows how serious police are in tracking down outlaw motorcyclegangs.

“OMCGs remain a significant nationalproblem–they’remotivated by profit and greed and infiltrate communities, industry and businesses. We’ll also continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners interstate to target any offending regardless of where it occurs,”hesaid.

“We also know these members havebeeninvolvedinviolentcrimes, which is why we’ll continue working tirelessly and conduct days of action like this to impact their ability to causefurtherharm.

“This is also about creating greater consequences for these individuals should they come into possession of afirearm–iftheywanttorollthedice theycouldbelookingatupto10years inprison.”

Plenty of youth services available across Wyndham

Council wants young people living in Wyndham to know that there are a host of services they can access to improve their lives.

The Youth Services department, which operates out of multiple operations and supports people aged 12-25 years in many areas of life, delivered more than 200 programs in the lastquarter.

Wyndham mayor Mia Shaw said she

wants more young people in the area to know they can use the services or help themoperate.

“There are so many ways young people can get involved, attending programs, events, activities and for young people wanting to participate in the community and make a difference there are youth leadership opportunities including, youth committees and volunteering,” Cr Shaw said.

She offered two upcoming events and services run by Youth Services that may be of interest to the community.

HostedintandemwithParadoxAmplify, the annual battle of the bands event will bring local bands and solo artists out in force at the Youth Services in Hoppers Crossing.

Heats are on September 20-21 and the final event on Saturday, October 4

from6-10pm.

The Bump Baby and Beyond program is a free service that is offered to pregnant young women up to the age of 25 and offers a space, supportive environment to connect.

The program runs every Wednesday from 11am to 1pm during this school term untilOctober.

More: https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/ services/youth-services

Call for off-leash dog park

Locals are calling on Wyndham council to installanotheroff-leashparkinTarneit.

Aijaz Moinuddin said that many dog owners would like to see Butterfly BoulevardParkconvertedtoadogpark.

“Many Tarneit families own dogs, and there is a clear lack of safe spaces where dogscanexercisefreely,”hesaid

“Without a proper facility, many owners are forced to use walking paths and playgrounds, which has led to incidents andconcerns.

“A dog park is more than just a pet facility–itshowsTarneitvaluesfamilylife, recreation,andcommunitywellbeing.”

Mr Moinuddin said that a dog park would go a long way in making the suburb moreliveable.

“It would reduce conflict in shared spaces, make parks safer for children, and improvelifestyleoptionsforresidents.

“This makes Tarneit a more attractive

and liveable suburb for current and future families.

A Wyndham spokesperson said the council doesn’t have the funds at the moment for the project due to the state government’sratecapping.

The spokesperson said there are no new off-leash dog parks funded in this year’s budget, but the construction of dog off-leashparksthatwerestartedin2024/25 or are supported by state government grantswillcontinue.

A state government spokesperson said the rate cap provides relief for ratepayers, as rates across the state could rise as much as six per cent before the policy was introduced.

Star Weekly understands councils can apply for exemptions if they can demonstrate projects or services that wouldcausethemtoexceedthecapwould benefittheirconstituents.

Briefs

Pop up park support

Locals made their way down to the Point Cook Pop Up Park on Sunday, September 14 for a community gathering to show support for keeping the park open permanently. Star Weekly recently reported that founding group CoLocal had decided to withdraw from operating the park after Stockland Point Cook expressed a desire to re-open Murnong Street for vehicle traffic. Wyndham council is now reviewing community feedback.

Fatal collision charges

A man has been charged following a fatal collision in Wyndham Vale. It is alleged a Mitsubishi SUV was being driven along Armstrong Road when it collided with a cyclist at the intersection of Black Forest Road about 11.50pm on January 24. The rider, a 43-year-old Wyndham Vale man, was located deceased at the scene. The 20-year-old Wyndham Vale man has been charged with culpable driving causing death.

Bus strike

Bus drivers from the west gathered to protest a new bargaining agreement at the CDC head office in Truganina as part of a protected industrial action. On September 7, CDC Victoria’s offer of a guaranteed 13 per cent wage increase over three years was declined by the Independent Transport Union. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au

Wyndham Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Call for a council monitor

By Jaidyn Kennedy

A former Wyndham mayor is calling on Local Government Minister Nick Staikos to introduce a monitor to supervise the council’s conduct.

Kim McAliney, who called for a monitor to oversee council in 2021, said council’s operational integrity has deteriorated even further since the last time she pushed for intervention.

“We have had councillors. .. name-calling, saying they are drinking on the job, flipping each other off,” she said.

“A board of governance all have to be

on the same page, but if there is constant bickering, then you have to start asking questions about their ability to govern effectively.

“The council should all be working together for the best outcome of the community, but what I am seeing isn’t robust discussion, it is destruction of discussions that is creating silos in our community.”

Ms McAliney said the decision to cut key events and services such as the free snake removal from private properties and the State Rose and Garden Show without direct community consultation also added to her concerns about coun-

Smith releases new single

“If you don’t feel right, then you let it go,” is a line from Werribee musician Somer Smith’s latest single GIRLS LIKE YOU, and it sums up perfectly what she is about.

The new track dropped on August 28, but its inspiration traces back a lot further.

“I did a trip over to the states a couple of years ago and was feeling a bit deflated with my music,” Smith said.

After returning home, she crossed paths with a Melbourne producer, Hamley, who helped her expand her soundscape.

The idea for the single came about while hanging out with a friend, who is also a singer and artist. It centres around facing the unknown and uncomfortable, such as moving on from relationships

and trusting in something that is always there to console, inspire and be moulded.

“I would say I am really in a proud phase of my life where I am all for stepping out of my comfort zone. I feel like that is where I am finding the better part of myself,” Smith explained.

She said she loves sharing her life with others through her music and connecting with listeners and fellow artists.

“I love the creative freedom, I love the sense of identity and the ability to connect with other people.

“It helps me gain a deeper understanding of people.”

The single will be followed up with a new EP later in the year, appropriately named ‘Somer School’.

cil’s ability to govern.

“We have iconic events being cut without community consultations ... Yet we pay for private security in Truganina–that should be with the state government and Victoria Police,” she said.

She said recent public stoushes between Point Cook MP Mathew Hilakari and Werribee MP John Lister and council about council spending should have caught the attention of Mr Staikos.

“In the history of my terms on council, local state members have never ever openly criticised council operations,” she said.

“The minister needs to listen.”

A Local Government Victoria spokesperson said there are a range of measures available to support councils, improve good governance and address improper conduct where necessary.

“Councils have a responsibility to represent the communities they serve,” the spokesperson said.

Star Weekly understands the criteria for installing a monitor involves the minister being satisfied there are significant governance issues, under the advice of the Local Government Inspectorate or from a council itself requesting it.

Council declined to respond.

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Zoo named top business

Werribee Open Range Zoo has been announced as Wyndham’s 2025 Business oftheYear.

The coveted Business of the Year Award was selected from all the category winners and announced at Wyndham City’s 2025 Wyndham Business Awards gala evening onFridaynight.

Mayor Mia Shaw congratulated the team at Werribee Open Range on the achievement.

“It’s been a huge year for Werribee Open Range Zoo and it’s wonderful to see the zoo recognised for their outstanding commitment to animal care and

conservation, innovation, education and thevisitorexperience,”shesaid.

“For more than 40 years Werribee Open Range Zoo has been making a real difference for animals and people, particularly in the way they engage with schools and local communities and this year they delivered one of their most ambitious projects yet, with the opening of the world-class Elephant Trail.”

Cr Shaw said the awards provide a unique opportunity for businesses across key industry sectors of all sizes and types toberecognisedandcelebrated.

“In a growing municipality like ours, we need a strong, dynamic business community that fosters economic prosperity,”shesaid.

“All of our winners are worthy recipients for their hard work, innovation and outstanding efforts in their industry sector.”

2025 Wyndham Business Award winners:

•New&Emerging–StarKidsSalonSpa •BusinessResilience–R.PMotors

•Excellence in Social Impact – Youth Projects

•Excellence in Trade & Construction –PlumElectrical

•Excellence in Professional Services –WorkplaceEdit

•Excellence in Retail, Tourism & Hospitality–WerribeeOpenRangeZoo

•Excellence in Health & Wellbeing – F45 TrainingPointCook

•ExcellenceinManufacturingorTransport

–ArcStructual

•Excellence in Education & Training – EQ Leaders

•RisingStar-KrushnadevsinhRavalji

•BusinessPersonoftheYear-MaungHnin Thwe

•Business of the Year – Werribee Open RangeZoo

Drivers caught up in sting

Police have released the results of an operation that occurred in late August, whichhasledtothearrestof35allegedcar thieves and dangerous drivers, as well as therecoveryofsixstolencars.

Operation Shows runs sporadically overnight in Wyndham, with local police teaming up with specialist units including the Air Wing and dog squad to target car thievesandtrackdownoffenders.

Over the nights of Thursday, August 21 and Friday, August 22, 35 people were arrested and now face a combined 72 charges including motor vehicle theft, unauthoriseddrivingandevadingpolice.

Six stolen cars were recovered and a further five cars were impounded due to dangerous driving behaviour, such as speeding, drink driving or unlicensed driving.

One of the arrests on the first night involved a 45-year-old Melton man, who was allegedly observed driving a stolen Toyota Prado with stolen number plates in Truganina, being tracked by Air Wing to Richmond.

Along the way, the man allegedly stole petrol from a service station, ran multiple red lights, came to a stop and swam across the Yarra River to evade capture before he

wasarrestedontheothersideoftheriver.

He was charged with the theft of a motor vehicle, failing to stop on police direction, theft of number plates, theft of petrol, driving while disqualified and three countsofcommittinganindictableoffence onbail.

A 22-year-old from Hoppers Crossing, who was allegedly speeding on Tarneit Road at about 10.40pm on Friday night in astolencar,wasalsoamongthosebusted.

Air Wing tracked the car to Hoppers Crossing where two occupants exited the car and attempted to hide in a driveway, beforetheywerearrested.

The Hoppers Crossing man was charged with theft of a motor vehicle and several weaponsoffences.

The operation commenced in 2022, and over 1000 people have been arrested for more than 1770 offences committed across theWyndhamarea.

Werribee Police senior sergeant Peter West said the operation will continue to run.

“Youwon’tknowwhenOperationShows isrunning,sowe’dstronglysuggestanyone thinking of stealing cars, evading police or driving dangerously in Wyndham to think again.”

DinoFest stomps back into town offering family fun

The Wyndham community’s youngest will have a chance to walk in the footsteps of giants who used to walk the world.

DinoFest will march into Werribee ParkMansionandbringalonginteractive dino adventures and brand-new, life-like animatronics guaranteed to amaze kids andadultsalike.

The show will run most days of the springschoolholidaysfromSeptember20 to October 5, and then for a final reprisal ontheweekendofOctober11-12.

The ultimate prehistoric experience, DinoFest will feature more than 30 awesome dinosaur species including a walking triceratops, stegosaurus, spinosaurus, pachycephalosaurs, ankylosaur and lots of cute baby dinosaursto-boot.

Specialising in tyrannosaurs, DinoFest tells the story of how tyrannosaurs grew from small dog-sized dinosaurs to become the world’s most fearsome predators over the course of 100 million years.

While the T. Rex is understandably ‘king of show’, DinoFest will also

MY PLACE

showcase a range of other popular dinosaurs that attendees can touch, pat, and interact with in a way that is deliberately designed to engage young children as a magical and life-long memorable experience.

Adding to the thrill will be a 45-minute dinosaur encounter and the awesome Dino Trail– which will be complemented by a range of educational and highly engagingkids.

In celebration of DinoFest Werribee Park Mansion, The Refectory Parlour will be serving a range of dinosaur themed treats including dino lunch boxes, dino cupcakes, dino ice-cream cones topped withpoppinglava,andmore.

Attendees can contact the cafe to pre-order food or purchase on the day between11am-4pm.

Details:https://www.dinofest.com/

(Supplied)

Pauline Anderson is a lifelong Wyndham resident. She shared a bit of her story with Jaidyn Kennedy

Tell us a bit about yourself I am married with four children and five grandchildren. I qualified as a primary schoolteacher,butspentthemajorityofmy working life in adult education. I worked for the Werribee Community Centre, (known by many as The Cottage) acting as manager for the 15 years before I retired. AfterretiringIremainedinvolvedactingas chairperson for the board of management. I have been awarded a life membership for my work. I am part of a local genealogy community, run through the library. We have a caravan and love travelling around ourwonderfulcountry.

What is your connection to the Wyndham community?

IwasborninWerribee.Itwasalittlecountry town back then, about 8000 people. I grew up here, attending St Andrews Primary schoolandMountStJosephsinAltona.My mother also grew up in Werribee and my father taught at Werribee Primary school forawhile.Theywerebothveryinvolvedin the local community and I have followed in their footsteps. Since retiring I have joinedtheHoppersCrossingLadiesProbus Club, holding several committee positions including being president twice. Having lived here most of my life I have friends here and my children and grandchildren arenearby.

What do you like about where you live?

Despite the growth of the area, in some ways it still feels like a country town. I really like all the choices of restaurants. I love the Werribee River. It is beautiful and changes in different areas. We love

to walk along the paths beside it. I also like the easy access to the beach and the country.

What is something people might be surprised to know about you? Ilovetocook.WhenIwasworkingfulltime

andbringingupfourchildrenIdidn’thave alotoftimeforit,butnowIcangobacktoit andexperimentwithdifferentrecipes.

Explain your love for the Probus club Probus is a great way to meet new people and make new friends. Many of our members have moved to Wyndham in recent years and it gives them a chance to meet people they would not otherwise meet. Our club members are very friendly, and the lunches and outings are a great socialoutlet.

Where are your favourite places to spend time in Wyndham?

The walking tracks along the Werribee River and the lakes in Manor Lakes. I like the variety of international Werribee restaurants in Watton Street, as well as Garden Feast and the Racecourse Hotel. Werribee Mansion and the zoo are frequentlyvisitedplaces.

If there is anything you could change about your area, what would it be? Perhaps we could slow the growth a bit to allow time for the infrastructure to catch up. We desperately need the new bridge over the river to connect Manor Lakes with Tarneit. It would ease a lot of the issues we have with Ballan Road traffic congestion.

We’re building the Metro Tunnel and there will be transport disruptions

As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re building the Metro Tunnel and its five new underground stations, with three stations now complete. Work is continuing on two stations, and we’re testing trains through the tunnel to make sure they operate smoothly and safely.

While we work, disruptions could affect your travel

Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions

Sunbury Line 11pm 20 September to last train 21 September

Between North Melbourne and Sunbury

22 to 24 SeptemberBetween Flagstaff and Sunbury

Williamstown Line 11pm 20 September to 24 September

Werribee Line 11pm 20 September to 6am 21 September

6am to 8.30pm 21 September

6am to 8.30pm each day, 22 to 24 September

8.30pm to last train each night, 22 to 24 Sepember

Between North Melbourne and Williamstown

Between North Melbourne and Werribee

Between North Melbourne and Newport

Between Flagstaff and Laverton, including Altona Loop stations

Between North Melbourne and Werribee, excluding Laverton and Altona Loop stations

Bright by name and nature

The late Bob Bright was a pioneer of Australian pop music, a 60’s teen idol turned TV star, radio DJ and voice-over artist. He was also a much loved mentor to young musicians and a proud adopted son of Melbourne’s west. Cade Lucas spoke to those who knew Bobby best.

It makes sense in hindsight, but at the time Susie Gamble was taken aback at how emotional her friend Bob Bright was.

The pair were at the June memorial service for 60’s Australian pop-star Marcie Jones who’d died earlier that month aged 79.

When another pop-star of that era, Normie Rowe got up to deliver the eulogy, Gamble saw a side of her friend she never knew existed.

“Bob just put his head in his hands and he sobbed.

“I had never in my life seen Bob cry before,” said Gamble who’d seen more of him than anyone else.

The pair first met in the early 1960’s when Bob was Bobby Bright, a pop star himself and one half of the duo Bobby and Laurie alongside Laurie Allen.

WithhitslikeIBelongwithYouandHitch Hiker’, the pair joined the likes of Rowe, Jones and numerous others at the forefront of Australia’s burgeoning music scene.

“He was on a radio program called Dick Cranbourne’s Country Music Jamboree,” said Gamble of the first time they met.

“My mum and I went along to the recording of the shows quite often, and I knew Laurie and he introduced Bob.”

Like many other schoolgirls at the time, she was impressed.

“He had a fabulous voice, and he was just uber handsome, all the girls loved him.”

Gamble soon became a friend, a fan and confidant to Bright as he and Allen hit the big time and then after they spilt, he embarked on a five-decade career in showbiz doing everything from music, to radio, to acting to voice overs for television commercials.

He did this mostly while based in his beloved western suburbs, living in

Williamstown and then latterly in Altona.

But it all started when he moved to Melbourne from Adelaide in the early 60’s having emigrated with his mother from the UK a few years before that.

Once in Melbourne he met Jones, then the lead singer of girl group Marcie and Cookies. It was Jones who introduced him to Allen, who then introduced him to Gamble, who six decades later he sat beside sobbing at Jones’ memorial service.

“He didn’t even cry when Laurie died [in 2002], he kept it all in, he was very stoic,” said Gamble of why she found Bob’s reaction so out of character.

“But Marcie’s passing, because of their connection way back, Bob just lost it and literally all I could do was rub his back and tell him it was all right,” said Gamble, who never saw Bob again.

“Little did I know when I left him that afternoon that I would speak to him [on the phone] one more time.”

A month later on July 22, Bright died aged 80, following years of ill-health, including cancer and a more recently, emphysema.

“I’ll say this, he was ready to go,” said Gamble who now sees the connection between his reaction at the memorial service and his own failing health and sense of mortality, something she said was also evident in their last conversations.

“All he kept saying was, Susie, I’m tired.

“His illness and all the problems he had with his health had literally derived him of his once very vibrant life.”

It was a vibrant life that illuminated plenty of others too, as evidenced by the tributes that flowed in after news of his death broke.

Bright’s days as an actor on TV shows like Homicide, The Sullivans and Blue Heelers were remembered as were his roles in the mini-series Power Without Glory and as

His illness and all the problems he had with his health had literally derived him of his once very vibrant life - Susie Gamble

’The Doctor’ in the 1973 production of The Who’s rock opera Tommy.

Former colleagues on Melbourne radio recalled his stints as a DJ at stations such as 3XY and Nu Country.

However, it was his fellow musicians who spoke most glowingly of Bright and his legacy as a pioneer of Australian pop.

“Theamazing,talentedMrBobbyBright,” began fellow singer-songwriter Mike Brady in a tribute video posted on social media.

“I started playing with Bobby in a band called The Hearsemen when I was 14. We had a coffin onstage,” laughed Brady, who before he became synonymous with singing Up There Cazaly’’ before the Grand Final, was a contemporary of Bobby and Laurie.

“I was jealous of them, I can admit that now I’m an old man,” he said before recallingthetimeheheardtheirbiggesthit, Hitch Hiker’.

“I heard this song when I was at home at my mum and dad’s place and it made me cry. Cry with joy.”

Bright was also much admired by younger musicians, particularly those in Melbourne’s inner- west, who recently celebrated his life with a memorial gig at the Newport Bowls Club.

Among the performers was Jessica Paige, a singer-songwriter from Werribee who became friends with Bright after a chance

meeting at a Williamstown wine bar seven years ago.

“Theguythatownedtheplacesaid“that’s Bobby Bright,” recalled Paige, who had no idea who he was.

“He was kinda famous,” added the owner before Paige went over and introduced herself.

“He was kinda shy because he’d been quite well known and for Bob making new friends could be quite intimidating but after meeting a few times he kinda warmed up.”

Paige soon joined other local musicians at Birght’s place for regular ‘soirees’ where they’d jam and write together.

Before long, Bright was joining Paige on stage at some of her gigs.

“We’d pick him up and take him because he was getting older and needed extra support,” said Paige, adding that Bright returned the favour by teaching her how to drive a manual.

Despite being long retired, in poor health and decades past his heyday, Bright continued to make music until shortly before his death, including recording a track with Paige that she plans to finish and release.

“It’s called Santa’s Got a Gun, it’s a reggae song,” she laughed at the song’s irreverent title and unlikely genre for a retired pop-star.

ForPaige,itsumsupwhatmadeBrightso endearing.

“He was just so intelligent and would put me onto so much great music. He had such broad taste,” she said before adding, “as a great a musician and artist as he was, he was an even better person.”

Bright is survived by his daughter Lauren Bright and grandson Grier Peters-Bright who scattered his grandfather’s ashes into Hobsons Bay on September 1.

Tradie fraud allegations

A Melton man was charged with 30 offences after he allegedly scammed 10 victims, including victims in Tarneit and Wyndham Vale, in fraud related incidents over the last two years.

According to Victoria Police, the 37-year-old Melton man allegedly used fake names on various apps and websites to advertise his availability as a handyman, including electrical, plumbing, gas and maintenance work.

Some of those incidents include:

• A man placed an advert on an app to get his new oven installed at a prop-

erty in Tarneit in May 2023. The victim paid $690 upfront, but the man allegedly failed to turn up and ignored messages asking for a refund. He was arrested in October in relation to this incident, and later charged with two counts of obtaining financial advantage by deception.

• A 50-year-old woman contacted the man to carry out work on her shower at a property in Tarneit. She paid him $1000 up front in August 2023, but he didn’t show up in October, continued to provide excuses and then allegedly blocked her number. He was arrested in March

Fabulous Phil forges on

Move over Mick Jagger, here comes Wyndham legend Phil Golotta.

Mr Golotta, 86, has recently celebrated the milestone of 70 years of singing on stage – and he shows no signs of slowing down. Still averaging about three gigs a week, his big break came emulating Elvis Presley in 1956 at the Metro Theatre in Melbourne.

Never to back away from a challenge, he left nothing in the tank– including those moves that you weren’t supposed to do back then!

The more than a thousand screaming concertgoers that night could tell you had a gift and incredible moxy.

Riding high with his group The Blue Echoes in the 1960s and 1970s, Mr Golotta wrote songs, captivated crowds and conquered the western suburbs many times over.

In 1979, he opened a talent agency in Werribee called ‘Westside Talent’ that he was involved with until 2012.

That same year he attempted to retire–something that didn’t quite fit his style.

He had a renaissance of sorts singing at aged care facilities and retirement homes, spreading joy and charisma with every tune.

Heart failure on a Caribbean cruise followed by 21 days on Puerto Rico in intensive care in 2018 had him on the ropes, but he bounced back.

As Mr Golotta is also not finished with adding more strings to his bow.

He is currently in his sixth week of at an acting school, is revelling in it and cannot wait to be cast in a show or television series.

His next public appearance will be for senior’s month at Hotel 520 in Tarneit on Wednesday, November 26.

2024 and later charged on summons but failed to appear before the court.

• The man responded to an advert for work to construct a wheelchair ramp at a property in Wyndham Vale in August 2024. The victim, a 52-year-old woman, paid a deposit of $500. He allegedly claimed he was building the ramp off-site and demanded further payments before the work was completed. The victim paid the remaining $500 and the accused allegedly failed to show up and complete the work.

• In March 2025, a 37-year-old man

was quoted $300 for work to mount a projector on a wall at a property in Tarneit. The man allegedly started to drill holes in the wall, then left the work unfinished. When he returned to the property, he had a verbal altercation with the victim who refused to pay. Police were told he then stole the wall projector, valued at $1890. He has been charged with including obtaining property by deception, wilful damage, theft, theft of a motor vehicle and failing to appear on bail.

Fear spreads of Russian invasion

Williamstown amateur historian Barb McNeill is Star Weekly’s history columnist. This week she writes of the panic that spread through Williamstown and surrounding suburbs in the 1850s when residents thought Russian invaders had arrived to pillage the colony.

In 1854, Melbourne’s main topic of conversation was the Crimean War and thebrutalatrocitiesoftheRussianArmy.

When the conflict began in 1853, MelbournebecameverywaryofRussians.

After all, Victoria had vast goldfields that no enemy could resist plundering, so the authorities asked Sydney to spare some troops, and Sydney responded by sending asmallforcetoprotectthesoutherncity.

ThecontinuinghostilitiesintheCrimea convinced Melbourne that the Russians would soon be on their way to commit wholesalepillageofthecolony.

Companies of eager volunteers were organisedtorepeltheenemy,fortifications were hastily thrown up along the coast, and the population settled down to await theinevitableinvasion.

Shortlyafternightfallon7thSeptember 1854, the unmistakable sound of cannon fire boomed over Hobson’s Bay. It was immediately followed by showers of rockets exploding in the sky, and sharp burstsofartilleryfire.AlloverMelbourne, homes and pubs were rapidly emptied as thecrywentup:“TheRussiansarehere!“

Terror-stricken mobsin Port Melbourne pointedtoasinisterredglowinthesky.

“Look-they’reburningWilliamstown!“

Volunteers scurried to their assembly pointswhiletheregularsmarchedtotheir posts, determined to defend Melbourne to the last man. Civilians charged around collecting an impressive assortment of muskets, waddies and pitchforks and by the time the news reached Governor Hotham and Captain Lonsdale, the city wasarmedtotheteeth.

Captain William Lonsdale, formerly of the 4th Regiment, immediately mounted his horse and galloped importantly into Melbourne, which reverberated with rockets and guns blasting away all over theport.

Stopping a fear-crazed civilian who brandished a shovel at him, Lonsdale sharplyaskedforthelatestnews.

“Russians,“thefellowbabbled.

“They landed at Williamstown, but the 40th Regiment beat them off. Now they’re cominguptheYarra!“

“They’vesunkmostofourships,“panted apasser-by.

“The boys at the Williamstown breakwaterhavekilledhundredsofthem.“

Everywhere Lonsdale looked, he saw frenzied preparations for war. Innkeepers were handing out free grog to the gallant troopsontheirwaytothefront.

Prepared for a long siege, women were hauling in food supplies, and several elderly gents were practising duelling withenormousenthusiasm.

Believing that it was only a matter of time before the city was overrun by wild Tartars and sword-waving Cossacks, Lonsdale took his horse at full steam to PortMelbourne.

En route, it struck him that despite the terrible bombardment going on, the Russianswereverypoorshotsindeed.For a city that was being sacked and burned, Melbourne appeared to be remarkably intact.

With a grunt, Lonsdale reined in at the beach of Port Melbourne, where an enormous crowd was demonstrating its

willingness to die in defence of the city. They were joined by the 12th Regiment, who, with a squeal of fifes, announced thatthey,too,werereadytosacrificetheir lives. Drums throbbed, bugles blew, and the lads took up a fighting stance with fixedbayonets.

Screams of rage and terror burst out as morecannonfirerockedthebeach.Ladies wept and bade farewell to their doomed lovers, and one poor young volunteer, finding the situation intolerable, disgraced himself by bursting into tears andhowlingforhismother.

Lonsdale remained on his horse, drumming impatient fingers on the pommel. Straining his eyes in the gloom, he shouted, “Where are the confounded Russians!?“

As the hysteria of the crowd made it clear that no intelligible answer was forthcoming, the captain angrily forced his way through the swarm and ferreted out the habourmaster, who was happily drinkingruminthecomfortofhisoffice.

To Lonsdale’s curt query, the fellow laughedhisheadoff.“Russians?Blessyou sir, it’s only the Great Britain celebrating

herarrival.“

Theiron-hulledGreatBritain,until1853 holding the crown as the world’s largest passengership,wasthemostreliableofall emigrant vessels. Her principal engineer wasthefamousIsambard Brunel; his assistant the aptly named ThomasGuppy.

The ship wasn’t guaranteed unsinkable, but nervous voyagers felt reassured when toldaboutthesewonderfulmen.

Lonsdale’s enquiries revealed that the Great Britain, on her third voyage to Australia and with hundreds of passengers on board, had recently spent three tiresome weeks in quarantine at Portsea, owing to a smallpox scare after a passengerhaddied.

The dread yellow flag had been hoisted and the ship docked at the Sanitary Station where isolation was so strict that passengers and crew were not allowed eventopostletterstotheirlovedones.

Everyone was vaccinated. No sympathy whatsoever was shown to the whingers who grumbled about the inconvenience tosevenhundred people that had been created by one

passenger’sdeath.Eitheryousubmittedto the jab, or you were marooned at Portsea for the rest of your days. It is a moot point if any of their descendants were amongst those who groused about the Covid lockdownsinMelbourne...

As soon as it was confirmed that there were no further cases of the terrible disease, the Great Britain thankfully sailedtoMelbourne.

OnseeingthefriendlylightsofHobson’s Bay, her skipper, the amiable Scotsman, CaptainJohnGrey,feltsohappytobeback in civilisation that he decided, without first asking anyone’s permission, to fire hiscannons.

The crews of anchored ships, delighted to relieve the boredom, responded with their own cannons, as well as rifles, rocketsandflares.

Blissfully unaware of the terror that reigned on shore, they were enjoying the impromptudisplayimmensely.

Satisfied that no Russians were lurking in Hobsons Bay, Captain Lonsdale rode offtoreporttoGovernorHotham,andthe troopspackedtheirriflesandwentquietly home.

Visit Downton Abbey’s home

By Lee Mccarthy

VIKING is well known for its destinationfocused journeys on rivers, oceans, and lakes around the world but what is not as wellknown is the company’s partnerships and philanthropicpursuits.

The company has partnered with Focus Features, Universal Pictures, and Carnival Films to celebrate the highly anticipated returnoftheglobalphenomenon,Downton Abbey.

The Grand Finale was released in Australia on 11 September and Viking’s corporate sponsorship of the celebrated series masterpiece, which began in 2011 continues today as part of the company’s ongoingcommitmenttoenrichingcultural programming.

Karine Hagen, Viking’s Executive Vice President of Product said, “Downton Abbey has long held a special place in the hearts of our guests, many of whom were introduced to Viking and Highclere Castle through the series.”

“A key aspect of the Viking way of travel is offering our guests Privileged Access to cultural treasures around the world, and our exclusive experiences at Highclere Castle, which are co-created with the Carnarvonfamily,havebecomefavourites amongourguests.”

Highclere Castle is the home of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon and the iconic filminglocationofDowntonAbbey.

Since 2014, Viking has offered guests a variety of ways to experience life at Highclere Castle, with pre and post land extensions that include the highly rated Oxford and Highclere Castle and Great Homes,GardensandGinextensionswhich are available for guests on select river and oceanvoyages.

Additionally, for guests on the popular Nile River itinerary, Pharaohs and Pyramids, Viking offers the British Collections of Ancient Egypt land extension.

The five-day extension provides guests with an introduction to Egyptian antiquities in preparation for their Nile River experience and includes retracing the steps of the world’s most famous Egyptologist, Howard Carter, and his benefactor, the Fifth Earl of Carnarvon.

Guests experience Privileged Access to archives and museum exhibits not normally accessible to the public, and at Highclere Castle, guests have the

opportunity to view the Earl’s magnificent privatecollectionofEgyptianartifacts.

Lady Carnarvon said, “For over a decade, it has been a pleasure to open our doors to Viking guests and truly provide Privileged Access, sharing with them the stories, traditions and treasures that have made this estate special for more than 300 years.”

“The personal and professional ties between Viking and Highclere run deep, and our longstanding relationship is rooted in a shared devotion to heritage, culture and the enrichment that comes fromgenuineexploration.”

Lady Carnarvon has also welcomed

viewers to Highclere Castle on Viking’s award-winning enrichment channel, Viking.TV.

Inherseries,‘AtHomeatHighclere’,Lady Carnarvon offers virtual Privileged Access tothehistorichomeanditsgrounds.

Viking’s close friendship with the Carnarvon family has also extended to its fleet. Lady Carnarvon is the ceremonial godmotherofaVikingLongship,theViking Skadi and an ocean ship, the Viking Mars.

In 2022, Lord Carnarvon became Viking’s first godfather, fulfilling the role for the Viking Osiris and in 2024, their son, the Hon. Edward Herbert, became godfather oftheVikingHathor.

Viking is proud to offer Australian residents a chance to win a grand prize of a trip for two on Viking’s eight-day river voyage, Paris and the Heart of Normandy, with a three-night Privileged Access extension to Oxford and Highclere Castle.

The winner will also receive Eurostar transportation between London and Paris for two. Entries close on 1 December 2025 and to enter, visit the Viking website and searchfor‘SpringCompetition’.

For further information on Viking cruises destinations and tours, please call 138 747 or visit their website www. vikingrivercruises.com.au.

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Calls for west bus boost

A local man is calling for three major bus routes to run a more frequent timetable on weekdays and weekends.

Seabrook resident Brandon Hayes said the 496, 497 and 498 routes which run through Point Cook, Seabrook and Altona Meadows are important links to train stations and shopping centres.

“If you aren’t driving or walking, the bus is really your only way to get to the Sanctuary Lakes, Point Cook Town Centre or Central Square shops,” Mr Hayes said.

“You have to think about the elderly or

those who may have disabilities– if they miss a bus it’s not really fair for them to hang about another 40 minutes for another bus.

“At the moment, if you want to go anywhere to do shopping without wheels you have to walk like 2km if you live in Seabrook– and it’s even worse down Saltwater way.”

Mr Hayes said increasing the frequency to every 10 minutes during the week and every 20 minutes on weekends would make buses a more inviting option.

“We always hear the complaints about

Point Cook traffic, so what better way to actually get people out of cars.

“Half the people I know don’t take the bus here because if they miss one then they are just waiting around.

“In my opinion if more people could rely on the bus then they would use it, and we wouldn’t have such bad traffic long term.

“It would make life cheaper for a lot of people, too.”

He also said that Seabrook and Point Cook not having train stations of their own makes frequent buses more important.

Deb’s devotion to children recognised

Hoppers Crossing local Debbie Macleod is a finalist in the 2025 Excellence in Family Day Care Awards.

Currently working with Wyndham Early Learning Family Day Care, Ms Macleod has worked with children and their families for 36 years.

“I had always wanted to be a kindergarten teacher, yet life took me on a different path,” she said.

“Although l had started a young family of my own, l still had a sense there was another purpose for me which is why l approached

family day care to help fulfil my passion to educate young children.”

Ms Maceod said it was an honour to be named a finalist.

“To receive the recognition from my children’s parents and peers who have taken the time out to nominate you, writing kind words is a great feeling, one of appreciation and acknowledgment of what l do,” she said.

“What I enjoy about working in family day care the most is seeing the smiles on children’s faces when they have achieved a task that was not too long ago beyond their

grasp. The fulfilment of achieving social skills or just the sheer enjoyment they have playing and learning in your care is so rewarding.”

Ms Macleod says she also enjoys the bond with the “hildren in my care whose friendships stayed well after care had finished where I have become an extended family member.”

“Knowing parents trust and respect you to be a part of the child’s life is also very rewarding. I am honoured to be a part of these children’s lives.”

“If we want to take public transport into the city or out to Werribee, we don’t have a station down here, so we need buses.

“Even on a weekend that gap between services is massive for things like going to the footy.

“If I am going to the footy and miss the bus I have two options– walk all the way to Aircraft or Williams Landing [stations] or drive into the city– but that is a pain when you want to relax or have a few.”

The Department of Transport and Planning were contacted for comment.

Support for sporting club

Wyndham is inviting residents to share their thoughts on how Tom Roberts Reserve, Point Cook, can be best used in winter.

Councillor Jasmine Hill welcomed the opportunity for residents to participate in a new sport at the reserve, given there is capacity for the grounds to be used for a range of divese activities.

“We’ve already got a few sporting clubs servicing the catchment of Point Cook, such as cricket, Aussie rules football, soccer, softball and baseball,” she said.

“We’re now encouraging residents to nominate a sport not currently offered in the area.

“If there’s widespread community support for a particular new sport and capacity amongst peak sporting bodies to facilitate membership into their association, we would help the new club or clubs start up.”

Tom Roberts Reserve is a multisport facility managed by council and it is located towards the Snydes Road end of Boardwalk Boulevard.

The reserve has a range of bookable spaces, to cater for activities including sporting events, fitness classes, community meetings and educational classes.

The facility provides modern indoor and outdoor spaces which are accessible to participants of all ages and abilities.

Tom Roberts Reserve includes a cricket oval, two turf pitches, two lane cricket net facilities, sporting pavilion, play spaces and more.

Feedback can be submitted by September 29: theloop.wyndham.

PUZZLES

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

1 Cheeky (5)

4 Reduces expenses (4,5) 9 Tattletale (7) 10 Neat (2,5)

11 Generate out of order (9)

12 Medicinal plant (5)

13 Animal doctor (3)

14 Restrictions to how fast you may go (5,6)

16 A type of surfboard (11)

19 Video game console released in 1985 (1,1,1)

20 Plunder (5)

22 Excellently (9)

25 Endure (7) 26 OKs (7) 27 Propel (9) 28 Waits in ambush (5)

Lout (coll) (5)

Style of handwriting (7)

Rear (4,3)

Perpendicular breeze (9)

African republic (5) 8 Exceeds (9)

13 Turns into gas (9)

14 Joining (9)

15 Hotelier (9)

17 Entreat (7)

18 Bituminous road layer (7)

21 Italian physicist, Enrico – (5)

23 Perform exceptionally (5)

24 Affirmative votes (5)

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once.

1 What colour are Bond Street, Oxford Street and Regent Street on a Monopoly board?

2 What was the title of Kate Bush’s 1978 debut album?

3 Russet, New and Yukon Gold are varieties of which vegetable?

4 In which Irish county would you find the Blarney Stone?

5 Robert Allen Zimmerman is a US singer and songwriter better known by what name?

6 The gall bladder is responsible for storing what bodily fluid?

7 ‘Rosebud’ is the famous opening line from which 1941 film?

8 Justin Timberlake (pictured) was part of which boy band?

9 What are complementary colours?

10 Which two Australian writers co-authored the 1979 novel PubertyBlues?

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

The Creative Corner

A program to create an inclusive environment for young people from different schools to come together and learn new skills and ways to be creative. The program will aim to teach a variety of different skills and allow young people to create projects with different mediums each week. Meets every Monday from 3.30-5.30pm at the Youth Services Centre, 1 Everton Road, Truganina.

Jordyn Griffiths, YouthInWyndham@ wyndham.vic.gov.au

Baby Bump and Beyond

The Bump Baby and Beyond program is a free service, excluding small fees for some excursions, that is offered to pregnant and or mothering young women up to age of 25 years who live, work or study in Wyndham. The group meets every Wednesday between 11am - 1pm at the Youth Services Centre, 86 Derrimut Road, Hoppers Crossing.

Wyndham Youth Services team, 8734 1355

Community cafe

Soulful Spreads is a purpose-driven social enterprise based in Tarneit that looks to create meaningful work and training opportunities for women and young people with disabilities. Come meet for a meal and support inclusion, empowerment and connection. Meets 8.30am-12pm every Monday and Thursday at the Tarneit Community Learning Centre. info@soulfulspreads.com

National seniors meeting

On the first Wednesday of every month at 1.30pm, the metro west branch of national seniors meets atthe Deer Park Club, with meals available to purchase. The group also holds lunches on different Fridays each month, as well as activities such as theatre visits, bus trips and more. 0425 713 004, or lesley1.collins@ outlook.com

Werribee Rotary quiz night

Join Werribee Rotary for a fun quiz night that will also include a silent auction, raffle, and plenty of games. Tables of ten, tickets $25 per person. All proceeds support vulnerable Victorians through Foodbank. Takes place at the Werribee Football Club between 7-10pm on Saturday, October 18.

Werribee Rotary community grants

Werribee Rotary’s latest round of community grants is open for local organisations that operate within the Wyndham region and hold appropriate registration or not-for-profit status. Seven grants, one per group, of up to $3000 are available. Applications close September 30 and recipients will be announced October 22.

More: https://www.werribeerotary.org.au/ Page/community-grants

Lizzy Bizzy Food Swaps

Come along to the Manor Lakes Community Centre to exchange excess homegrown food. From vegetables, fruits, eggs to seeds and oils, members of the community are encouraged to participate and help reduce food waste. Runs between 10am-12pm last Saturday of every month. Liz, 0448 781 111

Resume Help

Wyndham Council is providing resume workshops for young people aged 15-25. Book into a one-on-one session, online or in person, with an education and youth services librarian to get some help crafting your resume and answering interview questions. Sessions run at 9am, several times a week.

resumehelp@wyndham.vic.gov.au

Walking 4 Health Victoria

Walking Football 4 Health Victoria runs at Eagle Stadium every Friday morning between 10-11am. Walking Football is a low-impact, modified version of football where players are required to walk instead of run. Ideal for individuals over 50, those recovering from injuries, or anyone looking for a gentle yet engaging way to stay active. Mick, mick_trim1@hotnail.com

Practise English with Let’s Talk

A weekly meet to help members of the community improve their practical English conversation skills to help with daily tasks such as shopping and booking appointments. Meets 10am each Saturday at Werribee Church of Christ, 200 Tarneit Road, Werribee Bronwyn, 9741 6051

Rotary Club of Wyndham Harbour

Assist with service projects in the local community and overseas. The club meets at 7pm on the first Tuesday of the month at the ‘By the Bay Cafe’ in Wyndham Harbour. Mamode, 0469 888 126

Point Cook Combined Probus Club

Retired or semi-retired people are invited to join this active social group. Enjoy an impressive and interesting monthly guest speaker. Interesting monthly outings, and fortnightly lunches where the development of friendships are encouraged. The Point Cook Combined Probus Club meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. at The Brook Point Cook, 215 Sneydes Road, Point Cook. John Sloan, 0436 480 728 or sloanrisk@ gmail.com.au

Wyndham Ladies Probus

Retired or semi-retired ladies are invited to join this very active social group. Enjoy impressive monthly guest speakers, interesting monthly outings and many lunches where the development of friendships is encouraged. The Ladies Probus Club of Wyndham meets on the first Wednesday of each month at Hotel 520, Sayers Road, Tarneit, at 10am.

Pat 0411 316 795

With One Voice Wyndham Choir

With One Voice Wyndham Choir is a community choir open to all. The community choir welcomes all ages, abilities, faiths, cultures and genders and is directed by a very experienced and friendly professional conductor. Fun weekly rehearsals and amazing performance opportunities are provided. They sing for an hour and then have a cuppa. The first two visits are free; and then payment is by tax-deductible donation. Tuesday evenings, 7-8.30pm, at Wayaperri House, 106 Duncans Road, Werribee. wyndham@withonevoice.org.au

Adult community garden group

The group meets on the first Wednesday of the month, 10-11am, at Iramoo Community Centre, 84 Honour Avenue, Wyndham Vale. Head down and join them as they maintain their rejuvenated community garden. Planting and harvesting produce that they grow.

8742 3688

Hoppers Crossing Ladies Probus

The friendly and vibrant group meet at Hotel 520 on the second Wednesday of

each month from 10am. They have a guest speaker each month as well as social lunches, outings and theatre trips. Yvette, 0411 952 706

U3A Werribee

The group is a not-for-profit community organisation for semi-retired and retired Wyndham residents. They hold a variety of classes-activities specifically designed for seniors, including, light physical and mental wellbeing sessions, arts, games and craft, and general classes such as current affairs, history and lunch groups. Most classes-activities are held at Wyndham community centres. Rick, 0402 299 220.

Bingo for all

The Werribee RSL hosts Bingo every Monday between 12.30-2.30pm. 9741 5525

Western Budgerigar Club

The Western Suburbs Budgerigar Club meets at 7.30pm on the third Thursday of each month at Masonic Hall, 223 Watton Street, Werribee. Meet other members who are also passionate about breeding Budgerigars. Don, 0414 975 862

Beekeeping group

Werribeeks is a group for beekeepers in and around Werribee and surrounding suburbs that meet every third Monday of the month at the Wyndham Park Community Centre to share information, tips and ideas on beekeeping.. https://www.facebook.com/ WerriBeeksClub

The funny side of marriage

As a civil marriage celebrant, Jai Cameron doesn’tworkinsidechurches.

But Cameron will make an exception early next month when the celebrant/ comedian performs his first-ever cabaret, Til Death (or Court) Do Us Part, at the Bluestone Church Arts Space in Footscray as part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival.

Described as Disney meets MAFS, Til Death (or Court) Do Us Part is a one-man cabaret show that takes Cameron back to his comedic roots while drawing on his experienceasacivilcelebrant.

He plays Keith Maiden, a wedding celebrant, professional heart-holder, and part-time delusional romantic. After two decades of officiating other people’s happily-ever-afters, Keith is finally getting marriedhimself...toanEgyptianprincehe metonline.Whomayormaynotbereal.Or alive.

What begins as a joyful celebration of queer love quickly unravels into a hilariously filthy, painfully honest deep diveintomoderncommitment,scammers, rom-com delusions, and the true cost of believingin“forever.“

Featuring songs like Love Boat, White Wedding,LoveisintheAir,ITouchMyself, TrueColoursandRememberMe,TilDeath (or Court) Do Us Part is part cabaret, part ceremony,partcryforhelp.

“Come for the vows, stay for the breakdown,” said Cameron encouraging peopletoattend.

“Because love is in the air... and so is trauma.”

Til Death (Or Court) Do Us Part runs on Wednesday, October 1 to Sunday, October5.

Tickets:melbournefringe.com.au

Stage show will ignite young imaginations

Children and families can get lost in their imagination in a stage adaptation of Alison Lester’s beloved book ‘Imagine.’

The show tells the story of a granddaughter and grandmother who are communicating with each other over long distance through video calls. They have nostalgic conversations about ‘Imagine’ and interact with the book creatively.

Writer,directoranddesigneroftheshow

Jolyon James said he’s always felt a strong connection to the book, which he would read to his two young boys regularly.

“It was just this beautiful freedom to play…Sometimeswe’dopenthebookand just stay on the page for one hour because it allows you to do that,” James said.

“I approached [Lester] because the themes in it are just still so relevant and it deals with the environment and our place in it and our need to take care of it but it’s also about how important play and creativity is for everyone.

“I’mcertainlycomingfromaperspective that play and imagination and the ability to problem-solve builds really smart, resilient kids.”

The show incorporates puppetry, technology and is underscored by live, original music composed and performed by Nate Gilkes.

“It’s a pretty complex work underpinning it all but on its surface it’s joyful, hilarious, playful and creative,” James said.

Imagine, Live will be showing at the Bowery Theatre on Saturday, September 20 at 11am and 2pm.

Ticket prices range from $12 to $18 with a family ticket option for $35.

Details: creativebrimbank.com.au

Enjoy an afternoon of orchestral movie magic

The music of the silver screen will fill the Bacchus Marsh Public Hall for an afternoonoforchestralmagicthismonth.

The Moorabool Light Orchestra –composedentirelyoflocalmusicians–will perform a range of film soundtrack pieces, ranging from Old Hollywood classics to modernhitsandeverythinginbetween.

Moorabool Light Orchestra conductor Reuben Morgan said the event provides a historyofcinemathroughmusic.

“I’ve selected pieces of music from throughout history, starting with movies like Gone with the Wind and Wizard of Oz,trackingallthewaytothepresentwith music from films like How to Train your Dragon and Pirates of the Caribbean,” Morgansaid.

“And so in between, we sort of cover a bit of everything – music from superhero movies,spaceoperas…StarWars,Batman, western … just covering a bit of everything aswellastellingthestoryofhowfilmmusic

A

hasdevelopedoverthelastcentury.

“It promises to be a very fun concert – we’re trying to keep it as engaging as possible. It’s got something for everyone [andis]definitelyfriendlyforkids.”

The group will also be joined by powerhousesolovocalistIzzyFarrah.

Titled At the Movies, the event will be hosted from 2–4pm on Sunday, September

Queen to rock Wyndham

If you have mortgages on homes and stiffnessinyourbones—oranyother of life’s stressors— the Queen Rocks tribute is coming to Wyndham to helpyouletlooseforanight.

Yes, you read that correctly. Wyndham,notWembley.

The show will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the ‘A Night at the Opera’ record, which contains Bohemian Rhapsody, but will incorporate the very best of Queen’s catalogue.

Jason Hess as Freddie Mercury, Josh Boult as Brian May, Darren Hulcombe as Roger Taylor, Martin Boult as John Deacon, and Brendan Grabau as Spike Edney does not sound like an exciting band introductioninprint.

But make no mistake, they will rockyou.

The two-hour set has been tailored to raise the mercury in the room and getpeopleinafrenzy.

None of that time will be for losers, butyou’llonlyfindchampionsatthis gig.

There is nothing wrong with flying solo,butnothingisquitelikesharing the moment with your best friend or theloveofyourlife.

The showmanship, musicianship and majestic power that saw Queen rock stadiums all over the world is guaranteed to blow your mind every time.

When you are under pressure, there are certainly better things to turn to than Moët & Chandon– even ifitcameoutofaprettycabinet. Socomedownandhelptherockin’ worldgoround.

Tickets: https://tickets.wyndham. vic.gov.au/Events/QUEEN-ROCKSBohemian-Rhapsody-50thAnniversary-Tour

28, at the Bacchus Marsh Public Hall, with ticketsandpricingavailableonline.

The orchestra is also welcoming new members and those interested in joining are encouraged to attend this event to introduce themselves and witness the groupinaction.

Details: eventbrite.com.au/e/at-themovies-tickets-1646403530279

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Which Australian surfer became a world champion after winning her maiden title at the World Surf League finals in Fiji?

2. In which year did Jimmy Barnes and the Black Eyed Peas perform at the AFL Grand Final pre-show?

3. Which English club does Socceroos winger Sam Silvera currently play for as he competes for a spot in

4. The phrase ‘Up there, Cazaly!’ originated from fans of which 1920s Australian Rules footballer, and later became a popular and unofficial anthem for Australian football?

5. A Polish CEO went viral during Kamil Majchrzak’s US Open match for doing what?

6. Which NBA player for the LA Clippers is at the centre of a $43 million salary cap scandal?

Following a recent victory against Adelaide, which Collingwood AFL player dropped an F-bomb on

Due to a careless high tackle against a Broncos player, how long has Melbourne Storm prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona been suspended for?

9. Which former AFL coach was recently the victim of a home invasion?

10. The Carolina Panthers were unable to get in contact with NFL star Hunter Renfrow regarding a new contract because his daughter was using his phone to watch which Australian kids show?

11. Carlton AFL player Jack Silvagni has requested a move to which other Melbourne-based club for 2026?

12. Fast bowler Mitchell Starc has announced his retirement from which cricketing format at the international level?

13. Kansas City Chiefs NFL star Travis Kelce is engaged to which global pop superstar?

14. Racing Bulls F1 driver Isack Hadjar achieved what career-first milestone at the Dutch Grand Prix?

15. Olympic gold medallist Nina Kennedy competes for Australia in which athletics-based sport?

16. Which comedian broke ribs and punctured a lung in an on-field incident during a charity football match?

17. Which sport includes disciplines known as Spring Board, Single Buck and Hot Saw?

18. Which franchise won The Hundred cricket tournament for the third year in a row recently?

19. The Wallaroos played out a 31–31 draw against which nation in a Rugby World Cup Pool A match on August 30?

20. How many Australian soccer players currently play in the English Premier League?

21. Who won the 2025 Men’s US Open Tennis singles title?

22. And who won the 2025 Women’s US Open singles title?

23. Which Formula 1 driver has a burger named after him at restaurant chain Grill’d?

24. How many Brownlow Medals did retiring Fremantle player Nat Fyfe win during his career?

25. Which notable spectator’s arrival delayed the Men’s US Open tennis final for more than an hour?

26. The UCI is the governing body of which sport?

27. Which nation has won the most gold medals in curling at the Winter Olympics?

28. In what year did the Gold Coast Titans join the NRL?

29. How many teams compete in the 2025 NRL Women’s Premiership Season?

30. A foot stretcher is used in which water-based sport?

PETS & SERVICES

WHITE, Terry - Maree

11-04-67 - 04-09-2025

Loved daughter of Bill(dec) and Faye sister to Shane and sister in law to Kerry and family.

Loved niece of Glenis, Jimmy and family. Terry will be sadly missed by her family

WHITE, Terry - Maree 11-04-67 - 04-09-2025

Cousin to Debra, Mark, Karen, Natasha, Melanie and family. Cousin to Darren(dec), Lauren, Zoe, Ellie, Chelsea and families. GO HAWKS!

A Porsche competitor

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

One of our all-time favourites is the superlativeAudiS8luxurysportssedan.

Audi claims the S8 represents an extraordinary combination of high-performance motoring and absolute luxury.

Got that right. With 420kW of power, 800Nm of torque and a 0-100km/h time of just 3.8 seconds, it certainly takes some beating. Then along came the SQ8 TSFI Quattro, pretty much the same deal but dressed in the practical garb of an SUVwhichonetoget?

Think of it as a cheaper version of the Porsche Cayenne, Lamborghini Urus or Bentley Bentayga, with which all share the same Volkswagen Group MLB Evo platform.

Styling Unfortunately,theS8hasjustbeencanned. ThegoodnewsistheSQ8isalotcheaper,at $178,000versus$286,000buckaroos.That’s pause for thought but leaves enough left over to buy a second car - another Audi to completetheset.

Interestingly, SQ8 is just $4000 more than its seven-seat sibling SQ7 which is propelled by the same 4.0-litre twin turbo V8. It’s also a lot less than the higher performingRSQ8whichis$255,800.

SQ8’s competitors include the BMW X6 M60i ($182,600), Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe ($190,900) and Porsche Cayenne GTSCoupe($211,500).

Our test vehicle was fitted with some options, pushing the price past the $200K mark, including the $14,000 sensory package, a $3000 set of 23-inch Sport wheels and - get this - another $1600 for what’sdescribedasAudiSportPaint.Paint that makes the car go faster? And it’s not red?

Thesensorypackageincludesa1920-watt Bang & Olufsen 3D Advanced Sound. System with 23 loudspeakers (not just ordinary speakers). Not that the standard 17-speakersystemistooshabby.

It also adds an air quality package that includes ioniser and perfume (two high-quality perfumes available in four differentintensities).

We lament the passing of the S8, a car that was as luxurious as it was quick, but afteraweekbehindthewheelofourgolden SQ8wehavetoadmitit’saprettyniceplace topassthetime.

The interior decor combines sporty elegance with advanced technology. It is and has always been one of Audi’s strong points.

The cabin features S sport seats, contrast diamondpatternedstitching,andexclusive materialssuchascarbonfibreandbrushed aluminium, power-adjust steering wheel position as well as power-assisted door closing, that combine to create a dynamic andsophisticatedenvironment.

The heated and cooled front seats are trimmed in Valcona leather upholstery withfour-zoneclimatecontrolair.

There’s also head-up display, adaptive cruise control, automatic parking assistance, auto high beam, auto dimming rear view mirror, auto lights and wipers, a sunroof, 360-degree camera and power-operated tailgate - not much is missing.

The SQ8 is covered by a five-year unlimitedkilometrewarranty.

Infotainment

SQ8 benefits from the latest MMI touch responsesystemandAudivirtualcockpit.

The 10.1-inch touchscreen boasts DAB+

digital radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with MMI navigation plus and Audi connect plus (Navigation & Infotainment + Security & Assistance services).

But to our eyes the size and location of thescreen(s)arestartingtolookdated.

Wireless charging is joined by two USB-C ports in the front and another two in the back, along with a 12-volt outlet plus another12-voltoutletintheboot.

Safety

With eight airbags and a long list of advanceddriverassistancesystems,there’s plenty to feel safe about. While diesel and 3.0-litre petrol versions of the Q8 score five stars for safety, this particular version however remains unrated. Draw your own conclusions.

Autonomous emergency braking (City, Interurban & Vulnerable Road User) as well as lane keep assist (LKA) with lane departure warning (LDW) and blind spot monitoring(BSM)arestandard.

Engines/transmissions

SQ8 is powered by a potent 4.0-litre twin turbo petrol V8, combined with a 48-volt mild hybrid, that delivers 373kW of power at 5500 rpm and 770Nm of torque from 2000-4000 rpm. The V8 is teamed with a conventional ZF eight-speed auto, with gear change paddles and auto engine stop-starttosavefuel.

Torque is distributed to all four wheels ondemand,allowingtheSUVtoaccelerate from 0 to 100km/h in a rapid-fire 4.1 seconds.

Driving

Design-wise,theSQ8exudescharm,sitting low astride its 23-inch wheels and fat expensiverubber.ButIcan’tsaywe’rehuge fans of the Sakhir metallic gold paint job, althoughsomemightfinditappealing.

Audi tweaked the car last year, but the changes were minor at best. There’s no sensefixingsomethingthatain’tbroke.

Distinctive sport elements include a more aggressive front bumper, larger air intakes and quad exhaust tailpipes. These elements not only underline SQ8’s sporty bent, but serve to enhance aerodynamic efficiency. Innovative light technology includes Audi laser light and digital OLED rear lights, available for the first time as an option.

Thelightsofferavarietyofsignaturesthat canbeconfiguredthroughtheMMIsystem and feature a unique lighting design that is demonstrated in the front and rear lights withleavingandcominghomeanimations.

The hi-po V8 is complemented by four-wheel steering and sports-tuned adaptive air suspension, with a ride height that is 15mm lower that delivers the kind of ride and handling normally associated with a sedan. Dynamic mode drops the suspension by a whopping 40mm. If you want to go the whole hog, the $10,900 Dynamicpackaddsactiverollstabilisation and a sport differential with torque vectoring.

Six drive modes are available, Off-road, Efficiency, Comfort, Auto, Dynamic and Individual.

Although the SQ8 is undeniably quick, it lacks the instantaneous punch of an EV.

Instead, it needs a couple of seconds to gather itself before launching down the road,butitisquicktomakeupforlosttime. Thepayoffisofcoursethefeelandsound of the blown V8, a sound unmatched anywhere in the world, with the deep, throaty artificially enhanced note (So what?)

Think of the SQ8 as a grand tourer with a large back seat and boot to match. Even better, there’s nothing intrusive about the driver assist support in this car. It understands you already know how to drive.

But with low profile rubber and a space saver spare, we wouldn’t be venturing downtoomanydirtroads.

The other point worth noting is that with three screens requiring your attention, the dashisverybusyandsomemayfinditalla littledaunting—especiallyatnight.

Being a V8, the SQ8 likes a drink and naturally it prefers the good stuff. Rated at 11.9L/100km,weweregetting12.5L/100km afterabout300kmofdriving.

Summing up

Not too sure about the colour, but the price compareswellwiththeS8.It’samootpoint really.AlthoughAudistilladvertisestheS8 we understand it is no longer available to orderinAustraliaasofthismonth.

There are no prizes for guessing the decision comes in the wake of declining sales and the shift towards SUVs in the market.

Audi has sold just three S8s this year (10 lastyear).

That’sadamnshame.

Stevo’s prelim predictions

Preliminary finals aren’t just another step to the Grand Final - they’re the biggest hurdle in football. This weekend, the MCG will decide it all: Geelong v Hawthorn on Friday night, and Collingwood v Brisbane on Saturday night. And in my eyes, two sideslookprimedtotearthegamesapart.

Geelong v Hawthorn

Hawthorn’sSeptemberrunhasbeengutsy. TheystunnedAdelaide,andJaiNewcombe was a bull through the middle - one of the best individual finals performances I’ve seen in a while. But prelims are different. They expose not just talent, but system, disciplineanddepth.

Geelong thrive in that environment. They’re ruthless in strangling opposition ballmovement,pinningteamsindefensive half and grinding them down until the mistakes come. Finals are built on repeat efforts and suffocating pressure — and no team executes that better than the Cats. Hawthorn will scrap, but system beats

spiritninetimesoutofteninSeptember.

Prediction: Geelong by 25 pointscontrolledfromstarttofinish.

Collingwood v Brisbane

This is the blockbuster. Brisbane are the

defending premiers and they look like a side ready to flex again. Their midfield intensity is enormous - Josh Dunkley’s tackling, their spread from stoppage, and the way they surge the ball forward under pressurewilltroubleCollingwoodbadly.

Upforward,thematch-breakerisCharlie Cameron. He loves the MCG stage, and against a Collingwood backline that hates chaosballinside50,heandtheLions’small forwards can do real damage. Add the pressure acts of Cam Rayner and Lincoln McCarthy, and suddenly Collingwood’s rebound game gets strangled before it starts.

Collingwood will fight - they always dobut their polish and ball use won’t matter if Brisbane bring heat for four quarters. This is where reigning premiers remind everyonewhytheywearthecrown.

Prediction: Brisbane by 19 pointsCamerontohaveanightout.

Final Word

Geelong’s system is ruthless. Brisbane’s pressure is suffocating. When the smoke clears at the ‘G, it won’t be about romance or underdogs - it’ll be about the two sides best built to survive prelim football. And that’swhyIseeaGeelongvBrisbaneGrand Finalin2025

Why preliminary finals are the hardest games to win

Preliminary finals are the ultimate test in football.Theydon’tjustmeasureskill;they expose nerve, leadership, and resilience. You’re one step from the Grand Final, but thatstepisoftenthehardestofall.Prelims are where dreams are made and where seasons come to die.

I’ll never forget the 1994 Preliminary Final at the MCG. North Melbourne had Geelong on the ropes for most of the day. We controlled large patches, won the contests, and looked every bit like a Grand Final side in waiting. Then came the moment that still stings. Gary Ablett Snr marked 35 metres out, directly in front, as the siren sounded. The stadium fell silent. Onekicklater,theballsplitthemiddleand ourseasonwasgone.That’sprelimfootball in a nutshell - unforgiving, merciless, and brutally final.

From 1994 through to 2000, North Melbourne played in seven consecutive preliminary finals. It was one of the most consistent runs of the modern era, and every year reinforced how unique this stage is. In 1995, Carlton tore us apart

with power and polish. In 1997, St Kilda outlastedusinanail-biter.In1998,webeat Melbourne in the prelim but stumbled a week later against Adelaide. And in 2000, we ran into an Essendon side that barely lost a game all year.

But there were triumphs too. In 1996, we overcame Brisbane and rode that momentum all the way to premiership glory against Sydney. In 1999, we again beat the Lions in a bruising prelim, and a week later lifted the cup against Carlton. Those wins weren’t just about the brilliance of Wayne Carey, the courage of Glenn Archer, or the defensive strength of Mick Martyn. They also came because of the quieter contributions - the work rate of Peter Bell, the composure of Adam Simpson, the toughness of Anthony Rock, and the relentless running of David King. Prelims expose your depth - not just your stars.

And the stage itself adds to the weight. Prelims draw massive crowds, often 90,000-plus at the MCG, and the wall of noise becomes suffocating. Every

contested ball feels like life or death. The physical toll is brutal too - bodies battered from a long season, players carrying knocks into games that leave no room for excuses.

That’s what separates a prelim from a Grand Final. On Grand Final day, the week is a celebration. But in a prelim, it’s fear. Fear of wasting a year. Fear of being remembered for falling short. Fear that one fumble or one kick could haunt you forever. That pressure is heavier than anything else in football.

This week’s contenders are about to walk into that furnace. Whoever survives won’t just be talented - they’ll be tough, composed, and ruthless. Because history remembers premierships, but players remember prelims - and after all these years, I can still say it with certainty: the hardest game to win in football is a preliminaryfinal.

The sun was out and the wind was calm making it perfect weather for local sporting grand finals. Here’s some of the action.

Great day for grand finals

Devils lose grand final but in good spot for next season

By Luke D’Anello

Outgoing North Footscray coach David Battistella reflected proudly on a season of progress after Saturday’s Western Football League grand final loss to Wyndhamvale.

Battistella, a premiership coach at the Devils and East Keilor, has made the decision to step down after leading the club back to the big stage in division 2. North Footscray lifted itself from eighth in 2024 to runner-up, losing the decider by 35 points.

Battistella departs confident the Devils are in a strong position for success in coming years and said a succession plan was close to being finalised.

“I told them (the players) probably six weeks ago,” Battistella said.

“I just felt like the timing was right. With the position the club’s in, I can comfortably walk away now.

“Unfortunately, we just fell short of the ultimatefairytale,butI’mnotcomplaining.

“The club already has things in process, so that’ll be announced soon enough.

“The way it’s been set up, for the players it

will be barely an adjustment, which we’re very comfortable with.”

The Devils were the only team to knock off Wyndhamvale in 2025 and entered the decider riding the high of consecutive wins over the minor premier.

The Falcons outclassed the Devils in the second half, however, to secure their second senior premiership.

The two teams will likely be among the contenders again next season, with no promotion and relegation after Sunshine,

Albion and Newport joined division 1 this year.

“As soon as the three teams went up, everyone always knew Wyndhamvale were probably going to be the team to beat,” Battistella said.

“Then you gave yourself a big chance, as long as you improved a little bit, to make finals. That was our goal.

“As the year went on and we were the team that beat Wyndhamvale, you start to dream a little bit I suppose.

“I think we’ve exceeded all expectations. Nowtheboysaresetuptolaunchnextyear, but it’s not going to get any easier.”

Wyndhamvale’s accurate goalkicking and superior disposal proved telling in the decider.

Jackson Ryan, Barnaby Sianos (two goals), Brody Vorano, Mitchell Donovan, Adam Petridis, Lachlan Peterson were named the Devils’ best.

“They (the players) were probably more disappointed just because there were moments in the game when I felt we could get a bit of momentum. We had a lot of football,” Battistella said.

“Unfortunately, Wyndhamvale were just much cleaner than us – not just on the scoreboard, but they were cleaner around the ground.”

Battistella said North Footscray had recovered from the brink of folding two years ago to qualify for a grand final.

“Two years ago, at the end of 2023, we were very close to folding,” he said.

“We had 80 registered players (in 2025), and a lot have also re-signed, so the club’s in a very healthy spot now.”

Falcons’ crowning glory

By Luke D’Anello

Wyndhamvale coach Daniel Smith has declared he has “unfinished business” as he prepares to lead the club’s hunt for back-to-back premierships and promotion next season.

TheFalconsclaimedtheirsecondWestern Football League senior premiership on Saturday, rebounding from back-to-back losses against North Footscray to prevail in the division 2 decider.

Theminorpremierrosetotheoccasionon the big stage, with its accurate goalkicking and slick skills proving too much for the Devils in the 35-point triumph at Yarraville Oval, 13.2 (80)-6.9 (45).

“They’re definitely hard to win,” Smith said on Sunday amid the jubilation after the club added to its maiden division 2 flag in 2015.

“Talking to a few of the older boys, they’ve played in five or six losing prelims. “You’ve just got to enjoy it because it might be your last one.”

While the club secured hard-earned silverware, it will remain in division 2 in 2026.

Sunshine, Albion and Newport were promoted to the top flight this year, with the league pushing pause on any changes to the senior grades.

The Falcons also lost to North Footscray by eight points in the reserves grand final.

“I think the boys are even hungrier now that they’ve tasted it,” first-year coach Smith said.

“The drive from the reserves boys unfortunatelygoingdownby(eight)points, they want to win it next year as well.

“The drive from the club is fantastic. I’ll let them have a week (off), and then we’ll start talking about next year.

“I’ve still got some unfinished business. I want to leave this club in a much better place than when I arrived.”

Smith said the Falcons had recruited with an eye to 2026 and a potential spot in division 1 by 2027.

But he is acutely aware all the hard work will start again once the premiership celebrations end.

“We went out with the goal of getting a younger age demographic and building a team to next year hopefully win it again. I can say again now,” Smith said.

“Then (we can) go up to div 1 with 18 months, two years of kids really developing and being good footballers. Then you

don’t have to go out and recruit as heavily hopefully.

“We’ve just got to keep the confidence and reinforce that you can get better.

“All the other teams are going to catch up to us if we take the foot off the pedal.”

Wyndhamvale led at every change in the grand final, icing a superb season with a nine-goal-to-four second half.

Falcons star Jack Tessari capped a standout season by winning the medal for best afield.

“He had a fantastic year, and he stepped up in the final. It was hard to pick who was best, but Jack was definitely one of the handful that I thought would get it,” Smith said.

Spearhead Lewis Stanton booted six goals to finish the season with 125 majors.

Remarkably, Stanton kicked at least one goal in each of his 21 games. He was held to three goals in the opening two weeks of finals before finishing with another influential performance.

Co-captain Liam Scarborough, Oliver Brett, Noah Cooney and Damon Stephens also fired for the winners.

Wyndhamvale’s only two defeats of the campaign came against North Footscray –in round 11 and the major semi-final.

The Falcons kicked 3.14 in a rain-affected final two weeks earlier, but there were no such issues on Saturday.

“Ithelpedwhenweputabitofscoreboard

pressure on them, which forces them to chase the game a little bit,” Smith said.

“But it was just a good game of footy. It was intense and everything a grand final should be. I don’t think we shut the door on them until maybe halfway through the last (quarter), and then the boys just enjoyed the last five minutes of it.

“I just don’t think we executed well enough in that second semi, definitely in front of goal.

“It was probably the first wet game that we’d had all year, so it was just a few little factors.

“But North were better than us on the day … and we were lucky enough to reverse it in the one that matters most.”

Foord takes on the Titans

By Tara Murray

The opportunity to build his own program was too good to refuse for new Tarneit coach James Foord.

Foord, who played in Tarneit’s first season, was earlier this month announced as the Titans new coach for next year’s Western Football League season.

With an extensive background in football, Foord said he was keen to have an opportunity to coach his own side was something he was looking forward to.

“It’s super exciting,” he said. “It was a nice opportunity to come home.

“I’d been talking to [captain] Zach [Thornton] for a while about footy stuff. I was looking what was next outside of working in footy.

“I wanted to take that next step. I wanted to do more development and coaching and build something.”

The fact the club is just down the road from his parents place further adds to the attraction.

Foord said he still knew many people around the club and was still close to a lot of people.

He said the club had come a long way since he played in that first season.

“We didn’t have a junior program outside of Auskick,” he said. “I’m excited to come back and there’s juniors coming through and we can build a lot of things, there’s that connectivity now.”

Foord comes back to the Titans from Ivanhoe in the Northern Football League where he was an assistant coach.

He said he loved his time at Ivanhoe with the club having some success in the men’s and women’s programs.

Foord said the Titans will be a new challenge.

“It was an amazing opportunity, I’m now looking to have the chance to build something of my own,“ he said.

“I have a nice handover of data points and they are really young and have got a few older heads.

“There’s a lot of talent already and some young kids are coming through. The under-18s have been quite successful and made finals which is a massive step for the club.”

Foord brings a high level of football experience to the Titans. He was a strength conditioning coach at North Melbourne,

Tigers pull off stunning win in a shootout

By Tara Murray

Werribee had to pull out all the stops to claim the Hockey Victoria Vic League 2 men’s title on Sunday.

The Tigers found themselves trailing 5-2 against Casey in the decider and were staring down the barrel of defeat.

Werribee though had another gear and were able to work back into the game and on the scoreboard. They were able to force the game into penalties.

The Tigers were able to hold their nerve to come away with an 8-7 win.

Tigers coach Mark Bridge said the way they won the match made it even more special.

“To come back and win it in a shootout is fantastic,” he said. “It’s the club’s 50th anniversary year to top it off.

“We won three premierships as well with the two men’s teams both getting up. I think it’s the first time both senior men’s teams have won in the same year.

“It’s really special and cool at the club

last night [Sunday] with some of the original members talking about looking at the wall and how things used to be.”

Bridge came on board this season at the Tigers and helped guide them to the grand final against Casey.

Casey had been the first team through to the decider, while the Tigers made it from third spot with knockout finals throughout.

Bridge said even when they were down 5-2 there still had faith in the group that they could come back and get the win.

“I thought it would be tough but we had beaten them before,” he said. “I still felt comfortable and knew we had to keep the pressure on.

“We did that and it was exciting and enthralling.”

Once in the shootout, Bridge said they were confident of getting the job done and coming away with the win.

Both sides missed their first shot in the shoot out, before both converted the second and third.

Gold Coast and Essendon’s AFLW programs. He was Essendon’s men’s strength and conditioning coach from 2022 to 2023 and was Collingwood’s Victorian Football League academies’ high performance lead the past two seasons

.Ford said he would look to bring a bit of structure on and off field.

“There will be non-negotiables with being involved with the community and injury prevention things,“ he said.

“I’ll be keen to get control early on with standards and how we train and now we go about things.

“How can we be a little more aggressive and ramp things up.“

GDFL

Werribee Centrals has announced its first new signing for next year’s Geelong and District Football League season. Connor Linehan-Cunningham, a junior at the club, returns to the Centurions. He was named the GDFL rookie of the year in 2018 as a 16-year-old and Geelong Football League rookie of the year in 2022. The Centurions said he’s known for his relentless work rate and strong ball use.

Western FL

Premiers Caroline Springs have the most representatives in the Western Football League women’s team of the year. Six Lakers were named in the team of the year with premiership coach Alex O’Shea named coach of the year and premiership captain Caitlin Pretty named captain of the team. Every club but North Sunshine is represented.

GDFL

Werribee Centrals’ Michael Culliver and Julia Nash were among the placegetters at the Geelong and District Football Netball League awards night. Culliver finished runners up in the Neville Whitley Medal as the best player in the senior football competition. Nash was named runners up in the A-grade netball best and fairest medal, two votes behind the winner.

A-League

A stroke shot saw the Tigers take the lead in the shoot out, 3-2.

Casey had a shot to take the penalty shootout further and put the pressure back on the Tigers. It missed, giving the the Tigers the win.

Samuel Huxtable scored three goals in regular time as well as converting his penalty and the stroke shot for the Tigers.

Jacob Friedl scored two goals.

Bridge said he had never been involved in anything like that before and it was a pretty special moment for everyone.

For him it was his first senior premiership as coach.

The Tigers women’s Vic League 2 side fell short in their grand final, losing to La Trobe University, 2-1.

Bridge said having both sides play after each other on Sunday was really massive for the club and there was a big crowd there to watch all the action.

The men’s Vic League 2 reserves side had a 2-1 win on Saturday against Knox to claim that premiership.

Western United captain Ben Garuccio said he will look back at his time at the club with pride after the most challenging period of his career. Garuccio took to social media to share his feelings on what has played out the past few weeks.“I arrived at Western United after some of the most challenging years in my career, just wanting to enjoy my football again. “From the very first moment I felt like I belonged, and what we achieved together in that first season are some of the proudest moments in my career. “To then be here, such a short time later, facing the reality that the club won’t take part in the upcoming season is something that’s been incredibly hard to process.”

Brew up in Liston voting

Werribee midfielder Dom Brew was again recognised as one of the Victorian Football League’s best players with a top three finish in the J.J Liston Medal.

The reigning winner entered Monday night’s awards night after what he thought was a better season than last year.

But with Werribee not getting as many wins as it had the past few years, he wasn’t too sure how he would go.

Brew was still a chance to win the medal heading into the second last round as he trailed Southport’s Jacob Dawson.

When Brew polled only two votes in round 20 it meant that Dawson couldn’t be caught.

Riley Bonner overtook Brew in the final round to finish in second spot.

Brew finished on 21 votes, seven behind Dawson.

Hudson Garoni was the next best Tigers player as he polled nine votes.

Brew was named in the middle of the ground in the team of the year.

North Melbourne-Werribee’s premiership run in the VFLW received more recognition, with six players named in the team of the year.

Stella Reid, Maddie Di Cosmo, Charlotte Ryan, Nyakoat Dojiok, Alana Barba and Renee Tierney were all named in the team of the year.

Di Cosmo was named as captain of the team, while Kangaroos premiership coach Brett Gourley was named coach of the team of the year.

It was a big night for Di Cosmo.

She finished third in the Lambert-Pearce Medal on 19 votes, six behind winner Ange Gogos.

She also finished third in the coaches most valuable player award, finishing one vote behind joint winners Gogos and Emily Eaves.

Alana Barba also finished in the top eight in the mvp voting.

Dojiok won the Rohenna Young Medal as the leading goalkicker in the VFLW and finished sixth in the Lambert-Pearce Medal.

Werribee president Martin Carter was one of four people who was awarded life membership.

Carter began his journey with Werribee joining the club’s committee in 1992 and

Brew wins a third Montgomery trophy

By Tara Murray

Dom Brew will already go down as a legend of the Werribee Football Club but he further enhanced his credentials as he won a third straight Bruce Montgomery Trophy.

The star midfielder was a runaway winner in the Tigers’ best and fairest award, finishing 40 votes clear of Hudson Garoni and Bior Malual in equal second.

Brew became just the third player in Werribee history to win the trophy in three successive years, joining Matt Hanson and Travis Robertson.

“It’s pretty good,” Brew said. “It’s not something you think about too much but it’s pretty special.

“To be alongside Matty and Trav… You walk into the club and you never think you’ll be spoken about alongside them.

“It’s really good.”

Brew said he thought he’d had a good year but wasn’t sure how the best and fairest votes would go.

He said defender Ryan Eyers, who won the best first year player, would have

gone close had he played the full season.

Brew said he thought his season was even better than last year when he won the J.J Liston Medal as the Victorian Football League’s best player.

“I played every game and I was consistent all year,” he said. “I think it was on par with last season, if not a little bit better than last year.

“We didn’t get the wins on the board. After going from a good year to a great year the big question is then about improving parts of your game, the little things not many people notice.

“It was a good year and I’m focusing on putting it all together next year.”

Brew’s season came after he spent the pre-season at the Western Bulldogs as he tried to earn a spot on their AFL list.

While he didn’t end up getting the last spot on the list, it was something that he took plenty out of.

“It was pretty cool and I’m grateful to have that opportunity,” he said. “They’re a good team and there was a bit of frustration doing my quad.

“Doing a pre-season with an AFL club

was part of the board during the club’s historic first VFA-VFL premiership in 1993. He remained involved on the board across multiple periods, including serving as vice president in 2008 and 2009.

In 2015, following the sudden passing of club president John Nicol, Carter stepped in as acting president.

In 2016, he was officially appointed president, a role he continues to hold, overseeing a period of stability and growth, including the club’s transition from an AFL-aligned model with North Melbourne to a fully standalone VFL team from 2018 onwards. It’s been a big year for Carter who was also inducted into Werribee’s hall of fame earlier this year as part of the club’s 60th anniversary.

Western United’s appeal allowed

The Football Australia Appeals and Entry Control Body will allow Western United’s appeal on the decision to withdraw its A-League licence.

Football Australia in a statement confirmed that the Appeals and Entry Control Body had reconvened to determine Western United’s appeal of the First Instance Body’s decision on August 8 to withdraw the club’s licence.

“The appeal body has determined that the matter be remitted to the FIB for redetermination to consider additional documents and the decision of the First Instance Body to withdraw the conditional licence issued to the appellant is set aside until the redetermination,” Football Australia said.

“We respect the appeal body’s findings and integrity of the independent process by which the decision was reached.

“We will remit the matter for redetermination in accordance with the appeal body’s orders and the established governance and procedural frameworks of the FA National Club Licensing Regulations.”

Western United in a statement said it was pleased with the decision of the Football Australia Appeals and Entry Control Board to allow the club’s appeal.

sets you in good stead and training with elite players in the midfield, who are almost all in the Australian squad, you get to sharpen the iron.

“It was pretty cool.”

Brew said he’s realistic that his chances of making the AFL are all but over.

While that’s the case, he said he’s even more focused on Werribee than he had been in the past.

Brew is keen on tasting more team success.

After two straight grand finals and last year’s premiership, the Tigers struggled this season.

“I’m focused on team success more than ever,” he said. “I want to help the young group get back to the top of the mountain. I have a lot of fun doing it.

“They are who keep me coming back.”

Brew said seeing the young players who got their opportunities this year would be better for it next year.

He highlighted Eyers, Brady Wright and Jake Smith as three who were leading the young talent coming through.

“This outcome means the withdrawal of our conditional licence has been set aside,” United said.

“he First Instance Body (FIB) will now reconsider the matter in a further hearing.

“The club is focused on achieving the best possible outcome for its future and is deeply thankful for the support of everyone connected with Western United.”

United will not compete in the A-League competitions this season with the club put into hibernation for the season.

The Australian Professional Leagues on Saturday confirmed the one-year pause after WMG Football Club Limited, the club’s owner and operator, was placed into liquidation last month.

With the men’s and women’s seasons beginning in October, the APL moved to officially put the club on pause ahead of next week’s fixtures announcement.