Star Weekly - Wyndham - 11th March 2026

Road to nowhere

By Jaidyn Kennedy

An incomplete road connection in Tarneit is causing commuting headaches and incensing locals who say they have been waiting years for the job to be finished.

Jayesh Malviya said Creekstone estate locals have been waiting years for the Polly Parade extension to Derrimut Road to be finished.

But Wyndham council said the road cannot be extended until a drainage issue is resolved by the developers of two neighbouring estates: Tarneit Hill and Westbrook.

Mr Malviya said residents have been in dialogue with Wyndham council and developers for several years about resolving the issue but have not made any progress.

“It is very frustrating in terms of community, especially around peak hours and it feels like you get stuck in traffic most days,” Mr Malviya said.

“WehavetogobySaplingBoulevardand

connect to Dohertys Road to get out of the estate.

“In the morning, I spend 20-25 minutes just to get out of the estate.

“One time I spent like an hour and I thought there was something wrong like an accident– and then as soon as I joined Dohertys, it was clear.

“There are only two or three exit points togetoutoftheestateandyoucannoteven go to convenience stores like Coles and Woolworths easily in our position.”

MrMalviyasaidhefeltthatresponsibility for addressing the issue was being handballed.

“It’s not like it is a new estate or a developing area, it is fully developed and has been since 2021 or 2022,” he said.

“I was under the impression when I bought here that it would be done in a few years, but now, by the looks of it and from whatwearehearing,itlookslikeitwilltake another five years and that is not fair.”

A Wyndham council spokesperson said the delivery of the Polly Parade extension

was the responsibility of the developer, which Star Weekly has confirmed is Country Land Australia, developer of the planned Tarneit Hill estate.

“We understand that delays have arisen due to matters between developers, including the preparation of a compliant drainage solution for the site which has not yet been finalised,” the spokesperson said.

“This drainage issue must be resolved before the road extension and intersection can be fully designed and approved, as it needs to meet the requirements of the relevant drainage authority.

“While council has previously allocated development contribution funding to support delivery of the intersection, the works are located on private land and state legislation does not give council the power to compel a landowner to construct a public road.

“Council is actively engaging with the developers and working with the Victorian government to explore a favourable

pathway forward.

“However, until land and drainage mattersareresolved,thereisnoconfirmed construction timeframe.”

Country Land Australia director Intaj Khan said the drainage needs to discharge into land owned by the Dennis Family Corporation, developer of the neighbouring Westbrook Estate.

“Thecostofthedrainageisinexcessof$8 million –which needs to be carried out by Dennis Family Corporation. My planning permit (for Tarneit Hill) has been pending for more than a year and a half,” Mr Khan said.

“I believe the council should act as an intermediary and ensure people live up to what they have committed to.

“This situation is becoming a classic example of delayed response and lack of meaningful action, despite repeated engagement efforts from the community.”

The Dennis Family Corporation was contacted but declined to comment.

Stadium funding slammed

By Jaidyn Kennedy

Along-timeadvocateforarecreationcentre in Point Cook is calling on Wyndham council to find the money for a basketball stadium before putting its hand out to the state government.

On 24 February, councillors unanimously voted to include funding for an indoor basketball stadium in Point Cook in its 2026 state election priority list, havingpreviouslyadvocatedforitatthe2022 election.

Dwayne Kelly has been calling for an aquatic or basketball centre to be built in

the suburb since 2024 when the current council was elected.

“It really makes me feel really angry that we are in this position because we had the money there to fund it through the developer contributors,“ he said.

StarWeeklyreportedinNovemberthat $24.4 million in developer contributions collected from Point Cook were going to be redirected to The Big Shed project in Truganina.

Mr Kelly said he and other residents were disappointed that a recreation centre had been listed as an election advocacy item before the council had dedicated

any funding of its own.

“My point is the council had the money there to fund it through the developer contributions, but they decided it was not a significant enough project.

“There is no difference between 2024 and 2026 in terms of dire need for it, it was vitally needed back then and it is still vitally needed now.

“Now in an election year, it has been put back on the agenda with urgency, with the expectation somebody else should commit to paying for it.

“I think they should be firm on an exact amount they can contribute towards

Fantasy fiction comes west in March

PointCookauthorTzeyiKoayisappearingat the Footscray West Writers Festival (FWWF) laterthismonthonapanelentitledTheNext Big Thing, but when discussing her decision togiveupalegalcareertowritefantasynovels, it becomes clear that Malaysian-born Koay is a big thing already.

“I’m very lucky, I sold my book at auction for six figures so I’m full-time now,” Koay said of the deal she signed with Simon and Schuster to release her debut ‘A Curse Carved in Ink,’ in January next year.

SuchadealforanewAustralianauthoris

big indeed, though it was the least Koay expected when she began writing a book mixing Chinese vampires with queer culture.

“I was really worried it wouldn’t sell because traditionally it’s been harder to sell LGBTQI+ books and books by people of colour.”

Fortunately, vampires remain popular with readers, but as Koay explained, the Chinese version is subtly different.

“They don’t siphon blood they siphon life or energy,“ she said, adding that her inspiration for writing about them was her

Chinese-Malaysian grandmother.

“She’s almost a centenarian now and has unfortunately outlived some of her sons,“ Koay said.

“During the funeral of one of my uncles, one of her other kids said maybe she’s lived so long because she was absorbing the life force of her surviving children.”

Her grandmother doesn’t speak English so Koay isn’t worried about offending her.

“It’s actually sold a few translation rights but not Mandarin yet.”

FWWF is from 27-29 March.

Council issues pool safety reminder as summer draws to a close

Wyndham council has put out an urgent call for residents to ensure their pool and spa safety requirements are functional and up to date.

As mandated by the state government, poolandspaownersthatsafetybarriersand up-to-date certification of the barriers are a must all year round.

According to the council, pool and spa barriers are one of the most important ways residentscanhelplowerthetotalnumberof backyard pool drownings across the state.

Pool and spa owners are required by stategovernmentlegislationtoregistertheir

pools/spas and have them certified as safe by a registered inspector, a process councils are tasked with overseeing.

In Victoria, all swimming pools and spas capableofholdingmorethan30cmofwater must be registered with council, inspected every four years by a registered building practitioner and receive a certificate of pool and spa barrier compliance.

New pools or spas must be registered within 30 days of completion to avoid penalties for non-compliance.

Property owners need to comply in a timely manner with a safety certification or

it, because as it stands it looks like they are asking someone to fix their problem.”

MrKellybelievesthestategovernment shouldcontributetomajorinfrastructure such as stadiums but the project has now been “taken out of our hands and placed on a long wish list with everything else in the state“.

“Instead we have now gone from the front of the pack to the back of the pack–and that is really what has upset us as a young and growing community.”

Wyndham council was contacted for comment.

Police Briefs

Firearms charges

A man has been charged and several firearms, tasers and ammunition seized as part of an investigation into the manufacturing of illicit firearms in Melbourne’s west. Police executed a search warrant at a Kingsville residence about 8am on 6 March, arresting a 49-year-old man allegedly manufacturing and storing firearms at the Bishop Street address. During the search, officers seized allegedly privately manufactured firearms and parts, a 3D-printed crossbow and firearm, 3D printers, mobile phones and laptops, tasers and ammunition The man has been charged with numerous offences including possessing a prohibited weapon, a prohibited person possessing an imitation firearm and possessing equipment to manufacture firearms.

Murder charge

A Werribee man has been charged following the fatal shooting of a man in Strathtulloh on 5 March. Police were called to reports of a man with critical injuries in the street of the intersection of Snipe Drive and Spadefoot Place about 12.40am. Emergency services worked on the 36-year-old man, however he died at the scene. The 31-year-old Werribee man was arrested on Sunday 8 March in Skye, and charged with one count of murder.

Ardeer man charged

are at risk of prosecution.

Failure to comply with pool barrier requirements can have serious legal consequences, can result in substantial fines and possible criminal prosecution.

Council has registered building inspectors who can be appointed to complete these inspections.

The cost for an inspection is $340 which includes the lodgement fee of your barrier compliance certificate.

Details: https://www.wyndham.vic.gov. au/services/building-planning/other-related-permits/pool-spa-barrier-compliance

A 27-year-old Ardeer man has been charged following a collision in Melbourne’s CBD. The charges follow an incident at the intersection of Flinders and Williams streets on 2 March where an allegedly stolen black wagon was seen driving erratically before it collided with another vehicle about 4.10pm. The wagon then crashed into a traffic light on the opposite side of the road, narrowly missing pedestrians. In an attempt to get away the driver allegedly jumped from the moving vehicle before it crashed into a tram stop. Police arrested the Ardeer man after he unsuccessfully allegedly tried to steal another vehicle parked on the street nearby. The man has been charged with multiple offences including reckless conduct endangering life, reckless conduct endangering serious injury, theft of motor vehicle and disqualified driving FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Wyndham Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Saltwater camera petition

By Jaidyn Kennedy

Residents are petitioning for a fixed speed camera to be installed on Saltwater Promenade in Point Cook.

Carla Marie said a bend near the intersection with Kenswick Street has been problematic since she moved into the neighbourhood.

“I have been a resident here since 2021 and live on Saltwater Promenade, and in the years I have been here I have seen six accidents,” Ms Marie said.

“They may not have all been fatalities, but I did raise the issue after the fifth one.”

Ms Marie said a camera would add a layer of deterrence and force drivers to pay attention to their surroundings.

“Some of the drivers who have crashed have obviously not been of a sound mind–drunk or on drugs – but some have been normal people who haven’t been able to judge the bend,” she saidl.

“The biggest worry we have is that Monterserri daycare in Tribeca Village, there is Saltwater P-9 College nearby and St Mary of the Cross a bit further down, all of those schools have children crossing.

“Hundreds of children from those schools use that crossing … and some of

Come embrace Eid together

Everyone is invited to celebrate the Wyndham Eid Festival on Saturday 28 March, to mark the end of Ramadan.

Plenty of fun activities will be on offer including rides, jumping castles, diversity stalls, food stalls, hena, face painting, balloon arts and pony rides.

The event will run from 3-11pm at 645-675 Derrimut Road, Tarneit, but make sure you are around at 9.30pm for the firework display.

One of the event organisers Ali Hashmi said Wyndham’s event was “one of the biggest Eid al-Fitr events in the western suburbs and we want to make more love and affection in the community”.

“We have a lot of nationalities in this city– every community can be found here– and we want to show the love and

affection that exists between it all.”

The food stalls will be a major highlight, showcasing some of the best cuisine not only from South Asia but from across the globe.

“Food is the thing that brings people closest together– that’s where a lot of love and connection happens,” Mr Hashmi said.

“In my culture we never send someone away home without having food and tea, and we want to share this same philosophy with everyone at this event.”

For stall expressions of interest, contact: info@wyndhameidfestival.com.au

them walk alone without their parents.”

Ms Marie said the collisions are caused by a combination of behaviour and road design, but the presence of a speed camera would deter speeding.

“People need to lose something before they actually take notice, even if it is after the fact, they need to lose demerit points, lose their licence or money. Over time people will know there is a camera here and they need to slow down here.”

Wyndham councillor Susan McIntyre created the petition on Change.org and said “residents living along this stretch are increasingly concerned about what

may happen next”

The Road Safety Camera Site Selection Committee, composed of Victoria Police, the Department of Justice and Community Safety (DJCS) and the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) determines speed camera placement.

A spokesperson for the DJCS said it receives hundreds of requests each month for new road safety cameras.

“Saltwater Promenade was assessed and deemed unsuitable for a fixed speed camera, but is being considered for other forms of road safety enforcement,” the spokesperson said.

Building a united Wyndham

By Jaidyn Kennedy

The Building Blocks Community Leadership Program is returning this year and residents are encouraged to take advantage of it and design their own community project.

Free and fully subsidised by Wyndham council, the program provides an opportunity for eligible residents to build and strengthen their capacity in community leadership and participation.

This program aims to support the contribution of individuals towards Wyndham as a diverse, active, and well supported and connected community with high participation in local and municipal community life.

The theme for 2026 is mobilising community leaders around being united for diversity.

As a participant, you will develop your community leadership skills and apply your learning by working as part of a team to develop and run your own community project.

Following successful completion of the program, participants will be invited to join the Building Blocks Leadership Alumni to continue to network and explore opportunities to strengthen their leadership journey.

There is no hard criteria for being a suitable leader and advocate, but there are a few things to consider when applying.

The project and mission should mobilise and empower others to make positive change within the Wyndham community through tangible actions with demonstrable community benefits.

It should also contribute to a sustainable leadership framework that is inclusive, accessible and meets the needs of the area.

Another key focus area that potential applicants should keep in mind is that Wyndham is one of the fastest growing municipalities in Australia and projects that address the dynamic needs of the area are particularly valuable.

Wyndham is one of the fastest growing regions in Australia, welcoming thousands

Hot rods hit the brakes for a good cause

It’s time to get yourself in gear for one of the feel good – or look good and sound cool – events of the year with the return of Fun Day on Sunday Family Car & Bike Show.

Held at Hogans Reserve in Hoppers Crossing on 29 March, organiser Roland Geilen said it has been running for three years and is growing.

“For many people, vintage cars bring a sense of nostalgia – it’s often “my dad or pop had one of those,” he said.

“For others, it’s simply the chance to

see something unique that you don’t come across every day.”

All cars and bikes will be pre-1976 models.

“For owners, classic cars are real conversation starters,” Mr Geilen said.

“Once they’re restored, although they’re never truly finished, they bring people together.

“Cars have a universal appeal that crosses generations, cultures, and languages. Even in the most remote places in the world, people connect through vehicles.”

Vehicle display entry is $20, standard entry is a gold-coin donation and all proceeds go to the Royal Children’s Hospital.

“Westside Cruisers has always been a not-for-profit club, started by a group of like-minded people who love cars, rock’n’roll, and enjoying each other’s company – cruising and dancing our way through life,” Mr Geilen said.

The event is on Sunday 29 March from 9am to 3pm.

of new residents each year keen to make Wyndham their home. It is a place where every resident can thrive.

Themes from previous years include: positively aging beyond 50, parks and open spaces, green living in Wyndham and activating new neighbourhoods.

Program participation, unless otherwise noted, is for those older than 18 years, who wish to develop their leadership capacity and/or are a new and emerging leader.

Applications close noon on Sunday 29 March.

Details: https://www.hothouseprojects. org/buildingblocks2026

Council grants policy deferred

Wyndham council has deferred accepting its community grants policy amid a debate over definitions and criteria.

The draft policy defined grants as being one-off funding, and that projects or activities would be ineligible to receive another grant for the same or a similar purpose within the policy’s lifetime.

Cr Susan McIntyre raised concerns that this might be a restrictive practice and hamper events that have a positive impact on their local area.

“This weekend, I am going to a lunar festival event in Point Cook that attracts thousands of people, and what we are saying if this passes tonight is we would not be supporting an event like this over the four years,” Cr McIntyre said.

“I struggle with that – are we saying good ideas only happen once?”

Cr Jasmine Hill asked if it could be confirmed by officers that grants would be judged on merit on the criteria, rather than identity or characteristics of the applicant.

City life director Liana Thompson said the very basis of the report was to have transparency and accountability in the grant process.

She said other options for funding arrangements exist separate to the grants.

Cr Hill also questioned the funding cap.

“I know that organising major festivals like lunar new year and Diwali, the maximum they can get is $40,000,” Cr Hill said.

“On lunar new year, they would spend more than 1000 hours– and they are all volunteers who spend their own time and effort to run the festival.

“If council was to run one of these, it would cost a few hundreds of thousands.”

Cr Mia Shaw backed the policy and it is about ensuring every group has a shot of funding.

“I do agree that grants are for everybody and everyone should have an opportunity to do that.

“We have seen before that some of the same organisations or festivals continue to get the same amount of money year on year– it is to make it more fair across our municipality.”

The Wyndham Pitch Competition is back for 2026 and those with a keen mind and big ideas are encouraged to throw their hat in the ring.

Wyndham-based entrepreneurs, startups, students and community innovators can put forward ideas they have about shaping Wyndham’s future for a share in $10,000 worth of prizes.

The competition provides a local platform for participants to refine their concepts, receive expert-led training, and connect with industry leaders.

It will form part of the larger WYNnovation Business Expo on 7 May, which celebrates the theme The Future is Local.

Participants are encouraged to submit innovative business ideas or solutions that have the potential to create a positive impact in Wyndham, with applications closing on 30 March.

If you are fortunate enough to be shortlisted, you will gain access to exclusive development opportunities.

These include a kick off event for the expo, a masterclass series, a networking and

open pitch night, as well as potential oneon-one mentoring sessions.

These workshops will aid in understanding your customer and defining a customer strategy, defining your value proposition and business model, and communicating services with clarity.

Five finalists will be selected to present their big idea on the main stage at the WYNnovation Pitch Grand Finale on 7 May.

An online information session will be hosted by council for those interested in participating on Thursday 12 March at 5pm.

After 24 minutes discussing the item, all councillors agreed to defer the item to be discussed at a later briefing.

FULL LAUNDRY LOADS SAVE WATER

Smarter water use starts with everyday choices. Run full laundry loads, take shorter showers and turn the tap off when brushing your teeth.

Cafe’s purposeful blend

Soulful Spreads is a social enterprise cafe located in Tarneit that helps young women and people with disabilities gain hands on experience. Jaidyn Kennedy paid the cafe a visit and learned its story.

Coffee, catering and confidence might sound like an strange brew of concepts, yet they are exactly what a local cafe in Tarneit serves to its customers and team.

Tucked away near the Julia Gillard Library is Soulful Spreads, a social enterprise that supports young people and women with disabilities by providing hands-on hospitality training.

Put simply, a social enterprise is a business that reinvests the majority of its earnings into a cause it supports rather than chasing profit.

Founded in July last year by Samira FazalwiththehelpofhersisterNoshi,the purposealwaysstemmedfromapersonal calling.

“It is a bit of a personal story, because I have two sisters with disabilities, and I have always wanted to work to help people,” Ms Fazal said.

“Until last year, I worked in the corporate world and in community service, but I just didn’t feel much fulfilment from it.

“Then I gave up my job in April last year and that is where this came about.”

Everything staked on one sentiment.

“I have always said disability is not inability,” Ms Fazal said.

There are lots of fancy cafes out there–don’t expect fancy and that’s because there is a bigger cause you are supporting

- Samira Fazal

Which is where the name was born.

“My sister and I were just chatting about, and it is the spread of abilities we wanted to be looking at – instead of just looking at disabilities that people have.”

Now in the swing of things, the cafe provides five-week programs, opportunities for volunteers and community catering services.

The program is designed as a stepping stone to confidence, independence, and a pathway to meaningful employment.

Everything on the menu – from cappuccinos to toasties – is deliberately capped at $5.50 to make it affordable for locals.

The weekly menu is also designed by those participating.

“They select what they want to put on the menu, so I get them the ingredients and we cook it together,” Ms Fazal said.

“Our menu is very simple on paper but changes all the time.”

She was asked why designing and implementing a menu is an important operating feature.

“They need to be able to decide things and exercise that decision making power, because not all of them have it yet.

“Peopleneedtohaveabitofcontroland autonomy over their space, I want them to be able to have that control because when they go out in the real world, they have to make a lot of decisions.”

Program participant Anjali Manral is currently learning on the job.

“I love coming to the cafe because it helps give me lots of confidence that I am able to do something,” Ms Manral said.

“I really enjoy meeting people, making coffee and learning different skills.

“My skills have improved, if someone orders multiple choice, I’m confident withallthepricesandknowI’mnotgoing

to make a mistake.

“AndifIdo,it’sokaythere’snopressure on me, so it’s good like that.”

Silky Somani volunteers and gains something slightly different from her involvement.

“It has played a major role in my life because I have two kids and so back home I’m occupied with them most of the time, but here it is just me time.

“Which gives me a lot of satisfaction, happinessandIlookforwardtoMondays, so I can come and make some coffees.

Learning has not been a one-way street.

“I have learned a lot, but I think the most important thing I have learned is just being patient,” Ms Fazal said.

“I put a sign up in the cafe saying please be patient.

“I have become very humble and patient, so personally I have grown learning from them, too.

“There are lots of fancy cafes out there– don’t expect fancy and that’s because there is a bigger cause you are supporting.”

Ms Fazal wants to carry on the momentum she and her sister have built.

“The goal for the next year is to get more people in the program.

“My vision for the next five years is to open a cafe and employ more people.

Integraltothatvisionistakingthesting out of the word disability.

“Ihavecomefromabackgroundwhere disability is hidden, it’s a taboo, but I want to be able to talk about it,” Ms Fazal

said. “As mothers, sisters and daughters we need to talk about it.

“I strongly believe that everyone has a purpose and something they can give back to the community.

“It’s just human nature to focus on what we can’t do— and not what we can do.

“So why don’t we build on the abilities we have and build that up for them.

“It’s made a huge difference, not only for me but for the community.”

Soulful Spreads certainly seems to have the community part of the equation down pat, with a mixture of youth and experience showing an interest in their mission.

On Mondays, many retired residents have made a bit of a tradition of gathering at the cafe.

“For them it is really about getting out and avoiding isolation, they come and socialise– so a big part of this is providing that safe space for the community.

“Most of them come from the retirement community next door or pop in after their Tai Chi sessions.

“They see it as a nice place to chat instead of just going back home.”

“There is storytelling, there is knowledge sharing – we gain so much learning from them through their stories and experiences.

“Someone taught us how to make scones, which are now on the menu.”

The youth volunteers are certainly contributing to that sense of community.

“We have a bimonthly book club which encourages young people to come– that is open to everyone,” Ms Fazal said.

“Last holidays, they ran three workshops, including origami and arts and crafts– everything was organised by them.”

She said she hopes to see more social enterprises pop up to have more of this community spirit in Wyndham.

“It is not a competition, we should worktogethertomakeWyndhamaglobal village instead of competing with each other.”

In the meantime, there is plenty to do.

“We are always looking for volunteers, especially on the days we have cooking classes,” Ms Fazal said.

There’s even a way for customers to feed into spirit of giving.

“We have a pay it forward model in where you buy a coffee for someone else, and then they buy one for the next person,” Ms Fazal said.

“Giving back to the community is very fulfilling – knowing someone is not going to sleep hungry or start their day.”

Me Fazal said she is eternally grateful forthosecommunitymembersandwants everyone to pop by if they get the chance to see the work they do.

“If we work together, we can make so many changes, and the community support is what makes this happen.”

Soulful Spreads is open 8.30am-noon onMondays,WednesdaysandThursdays. Details: https://soulfulspreads.com

How to retire happily: Insights for older Australians

Retirement marks a significant life transition, and for many Australians, it can be a time of renewed happiness and personal growth. Contrary to outdated notions of retirement as a period of decline, recent research suggests that Australians often experience a “happiness wave” as they enter their golden years. To retire happily, it’s essential to stay active, maintain strong social connections, and cultivate a sense of purpose.

A landmark study conducted by Dr Tony Beatton of Queensland University of Technology and Professor Paul Frijters of The University of Queensland found that Australians are happiest between the ages of 55 and 75 1. This period often coincides with retirement, suggesting that steppingawayfromfull-timeworkcanlead to increased wellbeing. The researchers attributethissurgeinhappinesstoreduced stress and more realistic life expectations.

AtCentennialLiving’sWyndhamGrange Village, we have observed that one of the key ingredients to a happy retirement is staying physically and mentally active. Regular exercise not only improves physical health but also boosts mood and cognitive function. Activities like walking, swimming, dance, yoga, or even gardening can help retirees maintain vitality. Mental stimulation through reading, puzzles, or learning new skills also contributes to a sense of accomplishment and keeps the mind sharp. Many retirees also take up part-time work or volunteering, which can offer both stimulation and social engagement.

Equally important is staying socially connected. Loneliness and isolation can significantly impact mental health, especially in older adults. Maintaining

relationships with family and keeping up friendships or gaining new friendssuch as happens when people move into a retirement provides a sense of belonging and connection.

Technology also offers new ways to stay in touch—video calls, social media, and online communities can bridge physical distances and keep retirees engaged. Local clubs, libraries, and councils often offer programs tailored to seniors, encouraging

participation and connection. Another crucial factor is discovering or reaffirming a sense of purpose. Retirement offers the opportunity to explore passions that may have been sidelined during working years. Whether it’s mentoring, pursuing creative hobbies, or contributing to causes, having a purpose gives life meaning and direction. Purpose-driven retirees often report higher levels of satisfaction and resilience.

Insummary,retiringhappilyinAustralia involves more than financial planning— it’s about nurturing health, relationships, and personal meaning. By staying active, socially engaged, and purpose-driven, retirees can embrace this life stage with optimism and joy

Fill in the Contact Us form at: www.centennialliving.com.auto find out more about Wyndham Grange village.

Powerful young voices

The Point Cook Lions want the community to know that there are plenty of reasons to be hopeful about the future.

The club is showcasing the achievements of Aradhya, 15, and Reva, 16.

Both local girls competed in The Lions Club National Youth of the Year project— a premier leadership and citizenship program for Australian students aged 15-18.

Students undergo an in-depth interview with three judges, looking at their interests, academic achievements, community involvements and ambitions.

They then have to appear before an audience and speak for two minutes each ontwotopicsofwhichtheyhavenoadvance knowledge.

Reva was named the Point Cook Youth of the Year and will now progress to the next

stage of the national competition.

Aradhya resoundingly won the best public speaking award on the back of her topic: How growing up can often lead to conformity– we need a new word.

Point Cook Lions coordinator Rob Eyton said both girls performed admirably.

“It is actually formidable– a lot of people could not or would not do it,” he said.

He also said that while there is a lot of public debate and reporting surrounding young people, there are still a lot of positive things happening out of the spotlight.

“It’snotthesameeverywhere,therereally are individual youth who are determined that they are going to make a difference in this world.

“They are out there and they are not so rare.“

Briefs

Mambourin pickleball

Free pickleball sessions for young people are coming to Mambourin on the weekend of 14-15 March. Hosted at Club Mambourin, the introductory sessions are designed to get kids moving, learning new skills, and loving a game that is gaining popularity across the country. Hosted by Pickleball Power, the sessions will be 9-11am on both days. Registration is essential, contact admin@ picklepowerkids.com.au if interested.

Movies in the Park

Sonic the Hedgehog will be screening at Kelly Park in Werribee on Saturday 14 March. Pre-movie entertainment will start at 5pm, while the movie runs 6-8pm. Attendance is free, no bookings are required and there are plenty of food options in Werribee City Centre if you do not feel like cooking that night or preparing dinner. In the case of poor weather, the session may be cancelled or moved. Check for updates on the website or on the Werribee City Centre Facebook page on the day of the event.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT

Web: starweekly.com.au

Wyndham Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

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MY PLACE

Abel Matthew is a musician and creative professional. He discussed his connection to Wyndham with JAIDYN KENNEDY.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?

My name is Abel, and I’m a creative professionalfromWyndham.I’dpreviously completed a bachelor of media and communications, and now I’ve gone back to study a diploma of music.

Most of my time is spent trying to balancing work, study, life and my passion for drumming in my bands, Aquaplane, and my second band whose name is a work in progress.

Even though I’m qualified to be a videographer and photographer, I love music and I am a drummer at heart. I first started learning guitar, soon got into punk and learning to produce dance music, and then eventually broke my guitar teacher’s heart by teaching myself how to play the drums. Making music and playing shows is what I live for,and we have music coming out this year which I am excited for.

What is your connection to Wyndham? I grew up in Wyndham for most of my life. After my family moved here from India, we were in Footscray for a hot minute. Then we moved to Wyndham when I was seven years old and I’ve been here ever since. I’ve bounced around between Werribee, Tarneit and Point Cook, but they don’t feel too different from each other because I’ve called each place my home.

What is your favourite aspect of living in Wyndham?

My favourite aspect about living in Wyndham is all the friends I’ve made growing up here and how it’s been a good home for not just me but my family, too. It’s a trek to go into the city for study and work so I’ve been very grateful to still have my close mates from my school days still be in the same postcode as me. It’s also been awesome having my cousins here and seeing their kids grow up and getting up to even more mischief than

I ever did. It’s cheesy, but it’s hard to beat that.

Where are your favourite places to spend time in the area?

Foralongtime,andwheneverIgetachance these days, my favourite place to spend my time was the Werribee Riverbend Park. I’ve

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors

40 years ago 12 March, 1986

A Melbourne promotions company wants to hold a three-day rock concert at Mt Cottrell during Easter.

30 years ago 13 March, 1996

Former Werribee councillor and shire president, Don Myers died last Tuesday week after a short illness. He was 78.

walked and rode my bike down there for years and there’s so much you can do and explore down there.

Nowadays, I’m a big fan of the Wyndham BayTrailgoinguptoAltonaandback,aswell ascafeslikeLittleMissVioletandTuckers.

In your opinion, what are some of the best things happening musically in the west right now?

20 years ago 15 March, 2006

Premier Steve Bracks’ chief of staff, Tim Pallas, will face Wyndham councillor Mark Rose in this year’s state election, after Mr Pallas was preselected as the ALP candidate for Tarneit last week.

Places like Kindred Studios, Footscray Records and Misfits Bar host lots of cool gigs and events so it’s good to keep an eye on them. Footscray Records ia holding the Weird Out West III festival, which is coming upsoon.

10 years ago 9 March, 2016

Wyndham residents have their own shuttle service to Melbourne airport again, seven months after Gull Airport Services stopped picking up passengers from Werribee.

Explore desire in Werribee

Desire.Anindivisiblefeatureofthehuman condition.

Forsome,desireisacatalystforachieving one’sgoalsandpurpose.Forothers,itisthe key ingredient in their demise.

A simple phenomenon deserves considered discussion, which will be happening in Werribee on Wednesday 18 March.

Café Philosophique meets at the Bridge Hotel on the third Wednesday of each month and explores the hidden forces shaping our lives through creative arts, writing and conversation.

Each session explores a new theme through a performance or workshop, a featurepoet,promptedcreativewriting,an open mic, and facilitated conversations. This night will begin with a workshop led by art therapist Chrissie’s Creative Therapies whose mixture of media types will help you explore the concept of desire. FeaturepoetThuyOn,whoseworkdraws on life’s loves, losses and desires, will set the scene for the guests writing time, using promptstohelpputpentopapertoexplore everyone’s own relationship to the night’s theme.

Spaghettification black hole

Inner-west youth theatre company

Dramawerkz is launching its debut production this month at Altona’s Louis Joel Arts and Community (LJAC) centre.

Spaghettification follows young people acting as the arbiters of what survives the apocalypse, as they defend the entrance to a black hole that is slowly sucking up the world’s small joys.

Inside a blanket fort they have built to protect themselves from danger, they decide what and who should be taken into the abyss, and watch reality warp as they get closer to the centre of it all.

Spaghettification will play out both on stage and on the walls of the LJAC gallery, with an exhibition running concurrently to the production.

This exhibition will exist as a starry, blankety installation during the day, before coming to life as a stage show each night.

ThestageshowopensonFriday13March and will be followed performances on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 March, before returning for the following weekend from 20-22 March and then finishing from 27-29 March.

All shows begin at 8.30pm and most seating will be on the floor of blanket fort, with rugs and cushions provided and chairs available on request.

The Spaghettification exhibition opens on10Marchandrunsthroughuntil1April.

Details: https://events.humanitix.com/ spaghettification

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Does desire lead us towards our goals, or is it an all-consuming distraction?

Howdoesdesireshowupforyou?Should we try to calm it, realise it, or live with it burning inside?

Your perspective is as good as anyone’s. After an open mic, desserts will be served and the “philosophy café“ - itself, will consist of conversations where each person listens and learns from each other about how we navigate desire within our lives.

Details: https://events.humanitix.com/ cafe-philosophique-desire

WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication

Rotary Bingo

Werribee Rotary hosts its weekly community bingo event on Monday evenings at the Italian Sports Club of Werribee. There are cash prizes and proceeds go to worthy causes that Rotary supports. 6.30pm arrival time. secretary@werribeerotary.org.au

Community connectors

Wyndham Council has launched a community connections and care service to support residents who may need help navigating life’s challenges. Whether you’re looking for mental health support, food relief, or guidance accessing government services, this free and confidential service is here to help. Meets 8am-noon on Wednesdays at The Element’s Activity Park and Cafe.

Walking Group

Every Wednesday morning The Grange Community Centre hosts a free walking group which spends 45 minutes through local streets and parks. Suitable for all fitness levels and the session begins at 9.15am. enquiries@grangecommunity.org.au

Crafties at Iramoo

The Crafties meet at Iramoo Community Centre every Wednesday between noon-2pm and put their knitting and crocheting skills to use. The crew make items for themselves and participate in charitable causes.

8742 3688

Multicultural Eid Bazaar

A three-day community celebration to be held from 13–15 March at the Werribee Racing Club. The event will be a vibrant cultural festival showcasing the joy, heritage, and community spirit of Eid-ul-Fitr,

one of the most significant celebrations observed by Muslim communities worldwide.

Victoria State Rose Garden

The Victoria State and Rose Garden

Supporters group are always welcoming new members to help keep Werribee Park beautiful. The volunteers work 7am-noon on Wednesdays and 7-11am on Saturdays. If you enjoy gardening, roses or just enjoy the company of like-minded people, visit:

www.victoriastaterosegarden.com.au

Wyndham Makers and Farmers Market

This market serves as a hub for talented artisans and small businesses to display their unique creations, connect with fellow entrepreneurs, and take their ventures to new heights. Food trucks, live music and children’s activities are regular staples. Runs on the third Sunday of every month at Werribee Racecourse. Gold coin entry.

Beginners’ Code Club

Code Club is for 8-14 year-olds and will cover the very basics of coding. Attendees can book into the whole term’s sessions. Each lesson builds on previously learnt skills and is designed to support beginner coding learners. Runs on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month from 3.30-4.30pm.

CodeClub@wyndham.vic.gov.au or 8734 8999

Wyndham Turkish Coffee Club

A place for older Turkish and Cypriot Turkish migrant women in Wyndham to gather, connect, learn and advocate for one another over coffee. Anyone is welcome to join the group at the Wyndham Park Community Centre from 1-2pm on the first Tuesday of each month.

Lutfiye, 0474 533 923

Altona VIEW Club

Altona VIEW is a not-for-profit club that welcomes ladies from the Wyndham, Hobsons Bay and other areas to join in for lunch the third Wednesday of each month, at 11am at the Altona RSL. Come along and enjoy the speakers each month. Other outings are arranged and it is a great opportunity to make new friends. altonaview@gmail.com or Julie, 0421 315 846

Soulful Spreads 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-noon every Monday and Thursday at the Tarneit Community Learning Centre. info@soulfulspreads.com

Fifteen day luxury cruise

Imagine sailing down the Mississippi and the Ohio Rivers for 16 days taking in the sights of colourful New Orlean, musical Memphis and lovely Louisville.

Viking have announced their new itineraries for the region for 2027 and bookings are now open.

Sailing on board the Viking Mississippi, guests can choose the new fifteen day Bayous, Blues and Bluegrass itinerary, which operates between New Orleans and Louisville, with ports of call along the Mississippi and Ohio rivers.

A shorter option is the eight day Mississippi and Ohio River Explorer itinerary which offers a journey between Memphis and Louisville.

Viking Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen believes wherever they are in the world, Viking guests are interested in the history, culture and culinary traditions of the destinations they visit.

“The towns and cities along the Mississippi and Ohio rivers are close to home for quite a few of our guests and are fantastic destinations that many have yet to discovering,” he said.

He believes the new itineraries expand the company’s destination-focused offerings on the Mississippi River.

The itineraries explore the rich heritage of the American South, birthplace of some of the country’s most beloved culinary and musical tradition with the 2027 Bayous, Bluesand Bluegrass15dayNewOrleansto Louisville cruise.

Along the Mississippi River, grand homes preserve the South’s past. Step into Civil War history at Vicksburg and feel the rhythm of the blues in Greenville. Further north, sample smoky barbecue in Tennessee and discover Kentucky’s legacy of craftsmanship, from the powerful Louisville Slugger to smooth bourbon.

Also new for 2027 is the eight day Mississippi and Ohio River Explorer from Memphis to Louisville. Sail on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers as they wind past scenic wetlands, quaint towns and storied cities.

Classic American musical genres with the blues, rock ‘n’ roll and bluegrass arose along these waterways. Discover the legacies of icons such as BB King and Elvis Presley in Memphis, Tennessee. In Kentucky, Louisville’s baseball museum preserves the spirit of America’s favourite pastime while its bourbon distilleries honour generations of craftsmanship.

The 22-day Mississippi River Odyssey

from New Orleans to St Paul gives guests the opportunity to revel in the charm of “America’sGreatRiver”astheshipsetssail along the Mississippi.

Admire the historic mansions and grand homes atop its bluffs, and delve into America’s Civil War history.

Delight in the region’s famed Southern cuisine and sample Memphis’s renowned barbecue, alongside artisan beers. Birthplace of American music, blues, jazz and soul, the Mississippi celebrates its musical heritage in the towns and cities that line its legendary shores.

The eight-day Mississippi Delta Explorer from New Orleans to Memphis allows guests to discover Darrow, the gateway to the grand homes of the Lower Mississippi and explore the fascinating towns along the banks of the Mississippi that preserve the memory of the American South’s early history.

Learn about Natchez’s French and Acadian heritage and pay respects at the Vicksburg battlefield. Savour delicious Cajun and creole cuisine, as well as Memphis’s famous barbecue, as you celebratemusicallegendsinthebirthplace of rock ’n’ roll.

Discover the Heartland of America over eightdaysfromStLouisto StPaulasguests journey along the Upper Mississippi and hear stories of intrepid pioneers and the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Walk in the footsteps of famed writer MarkTwainandlearnabouttheNorwegian

migration to the Midwest.

Enjoy the view as the luxury ship navigates through the river’s intricate lock system and experience the region’s many cultural treasures from ragtime, polka and NorwegianfolkmusictoWisconsincheese, craft beer and hearty stews.

On the eight day New Orleans and Southern Charms leaving New Orleans for a roundtrip, discover the Lower Mississippi’s rich charm, history and hospitality. Explore historic estates and visit notable Civil War sites.

Sample the bustling French-flavoured port cities of New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Sway to the tempos of Dixieland jazz, gospel and blues. Savour gourmet Cajun and Creole cuisine, as well as

traditional Southern fare. Join this special VikingcruiseandseewhylocalCajunssay, “Laissez les bons temps rouler” (Let the good times roll).

The Viking Mississippi hosts 386 guests in 193 all-outside staterooms. The state-of-the-art Viking Mississippi is inspired by Viking’s award-winning river and ocean ships and features elegant Scandinavian design, as well as public spaces that are familiar to guests but reimagined for Mississippi River voyages. The ship’s cutting-edge design, expansive windows and comfortable amenities make the Viking Mississippi the first truly modern ship in the region.

For further information please phone 138 747 or visit www.viking.com.

8 DAYS IN EASTERN EUROPE

$5,695* pp

Book now and choose your preferred offer valued up to $5,000 per couple: Free economy class flight offers, upgrade to business class with an airfare credit, or save on your cruise fare.

Available until sold out on select river, ocean and expedition voyages*.

ROMANTIC DANUBE

Budapest to Regensburg or vice versa

Explore Göttweig Abbey, one of Austria’s most revered monastic centres and make dumplings with Wachau Valley apricots.

8 DAYS • 3 COUNTRIES • 5 GUIDED TOURS SET

• JUN-NOV 2026; 2027; MAR-NOV 2028

From $5,695pp in Standard Stateroom From $6,695pp in Veranda Stateroom

PASSAGE TO EASTERN EUROPE

Bucharest to Budapest or vice versa

Sail the Danube’s Iron Gate, witness Hungary’s Puszta horsemen, and behold Budapest’s grandeur—Eastern Europe unveiled.

11 DAYS • 5 COUNTRIES • 8 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL • APR-NOV 2026; MAR-NOV 2027; 2028

From $7,595pp in Standard Stateroom From $9,495pp in Veranda Stateroom

CAPITALS OF EASTERN EUROPE

Bucharest to Vienna or vice versa

Discover the “City of Waltzes,” Austria’s elegant capital and European centre of classical music. In Bratislava, view grand palaces from the Hapsburg era.

17 DAYS • 7 COUNTRIES • 12 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL • APR-NOV 2026; MAR-NOV 2027; 2028

From $11,495pp in Standard Stateroom From $16,795pp in Veranda Stateroom

excursions

Introducing our 2026-2028 River Voyages brochure. Uncover the immersive experiences that await you along the world’s waterways with Viking.

1 Assimilate (6)

Leads an orchestra (8)

x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

Musician, Jim – (8)

Provided (8)

(abbr) (4)

1 A Middle Eastern language (6)

2 Yield; submit (7)

3 Corrosion (4)

5 Contradictory or incongruous phrase (8)

6 Be full of censure (10)

7 Commentators (7)

8 An instance of seeing something (8)

9 Minute skin opening (4)

15 Central Asian nation (10)

18 Ban (8)

19 Embezzle money (8)

21 Unbiased (7)

23 Forest workers (7)

24 English city on the River Exe (6)

27 Old stringed instrument (4)

29 Self-referential (4)

3 LETTERS

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. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.

Today’s Aim:

17 words: Good 26 words: Very good 34 words: Excellent

4 LETTERS AVOS AYES BASS BUSS EKES EVIL FADE FADS LEGS LOSS PEON SEWS SODA SWAP VERY

5 LETTERS ACING AGENT AGREE ALONE ANGLE AREN’T AROSE ASKEW ASSET ATONE BOARS BRIBE

pinto, piton, point, politic, PUNCTILIO, toil, tonic, topic, tulip, tunic, unclip, uncoil, unit, unlit, until

1 Steve Carell (pictured) and Timothée Chalamet play father and son in which 2018 film?

2 What is the title of celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s debut cookbook, released in 1999?

3 Convallaria majalis is a woodland flowering plant better known by what name?

4 Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats was based on the 1939 poetry collection Old Possum’s Book ofPracticalCats by which author?

5 In which year did construction on the Sydney Harbour Bridge commence?

6 If something is ephemeral, it is what?

7 Which four African countries border the Red Sea?

8 Which band released the 2010 album The Suburbs?

9 What is the name given to the Catalonian sauce made from tomato, garlic, nuts and capsicum?

10 Who wrote the 1985 novel OrangesAreNottheOnly Fruit?

AND ENVIRONMENT ACT 1987

FORM 2 PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT REGULATIONS 2015

The land affected by the application is located at: 6-8 Thomas Road LAVERTON NORTH VIC 3026

The application is for a permit to: Removal of Covenant A948514

of the Planning Scheme:

Planning Scheme Clause: Matter for which a permit is required

Remove Covenant A948514 from Lot 1 on TP115623J with Volume 09705 and Folio 029 before a person proceeds under Section 23 of the Subdivision Act 1988

The application number is: WYP15496/26

The applicant for the application is: Colliers Urban Planning

Responsible Authority: Wyndham City Council Telephone: 8376 5503

You may look at the application and any documents that support the application at;

- The Council website https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/advertising

- By Contacting the Town Planning Unit on the contact number above

Any person who may be affected by the granting of the permit may object or make other submissions to the Responsible Authority by post or in person or;

- Online: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/planningobjection

- Email: statplanning@wyndham.vic.gov.au

An objection must be made to the Responsible Authority in writing, include the reasons for the objection and state how the objector would be affected.

If you object, the Responsible Authority will tell you of its decision.

The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before: 18th March 2026

The land affected by the application is located at: 685 Tarneit Road HOPPERS CROSSING VIC 3029

The application is for a permit to: Removal of Covenant K649809 from Lot 108 on PS4139569

A permit is required under the following clauses of the Planning Scheme:

Planning Scheme Clause: Matter for which a permit is required

Covenant K649809 from Lot 108 on PS4139569 with Volume 09517 and Folio 873 before a person proceeds under Section 23 of the Subdivision Act 1988 The application number is: WYP15531/26

The applicant for the application is: Metropol Planning Solutions Pty Ltd

Responsible Authority: Wyndham City Council Telephone: 87345479

SPORTS QUIZ

1. What was the first version of a snowboard called?

2. Which country is considered the hub of Formula One racing?

3. How many black pentagons are on a standard soccer ball?

4. What turf-related term is used to describe the most basic level of a sport?

5. Which of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments is played first in the calendar year?

6. Which US hockey player lost parts of his teeth before scoring the gold medal-winning goal at the 2026 Winter Olympics?

7. And what are the names of his two brothers who are also in the NHL?

Which Formula One driver recently married Alexandra Saint Mleux in Monaco?

Which WNBA team debuted in the league’s 2025 season?

Which fitness system incorporating martial arts techniques and choreography was popularised by Billy Blanks in the late 1980s?

11. Outgoing Australian Open tennis boss Craig Tiley has secured a new job in which country?

12. Mackay and Darwin will host cricket Test matches in 2026, with Australia playing which country?

13. David Beckham, Michael Jordan and Shane Warne all wore which number in their respective sports?

14. How many countries are competing in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup soccer competition?

15. This year, broadcaster Emma Lawrence became the first woman to call matches for which league?

16. Former Carlton star Charlie Curnow moved to which AFL club for the 2026 season?

17. Stacey Marinkovich is the national coach of which Australian sports team?

18. Rookie Formula One driver Arvid Lindblad is what nationality?

19. Which Frenchman was EPL club Arsenal’s longserving manager from 1996 to 2018?

20. The 2026 NRL season kicked off in which iconic US city?

21. Who kicked the first goal in the 2026 Women’s AFC Asian Cup tournament?

22. And which country did the Matildas defeat in the opening match of that tournament?

23. How many AFL teams will now feature in the league’s finals series thanks to the new Wildcard Round?

24. Which Australian cricketer recently hit 158 in her final ever One Day International innings?

25. Steven May recently retired from the AFL after playing 251 games for Melbourne and which other club?

26. Ash Barty recently took part in what type of sporting event in New Zealand?

27. Which martial art made its debut at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games?

28. South Africa, India, England and which other country played in the semifinals of the 2026 Men’s Twenty20 World Cup?

29. Zac Lomax last played for which NRL team?

30. The Rip Curl Pro is a surfing event held at which Victorian beach every year?

YOUR NEW CAREER

Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic Full or Part time Sales Executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms.

Star Weekly is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future.

The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business.

Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance.

The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme.

Send your application letter and resume to: Advertising Sales Manager, Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au www.starnewsgroup.com.au

Is H7 aimed at ‘blokes’?

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

Haval has gone for a rugged, almost retro-look with its new the mid-sized H7 Hybrid, emphasised by bolt-on mudguard flares.

Well,theylookliketheybolton,butdespite the rugged exterior it is actually front-wheel drive and shares its underpinnings with the softer H6 plug-in hybrid that we tested recently – though you can’t plug this one in. Which is kinda funny, we had planned to grab a charge spot across the road from the Orpheum Theatre in crowded Cremorne –until we discovered it doesn’t have a charge port.

Nope.PlanBturnedouttobearatherlong hikebacktothetheatreandalonglinetoget in.

In any case, H7 is designed to bridge the gap between the H6 and larger Tank 300 (which is designed to go off-road with low-range four-wheel drive).

Haval claims the H7 strikes the perfect balance between weekend adventure and everyday versatility, and it has the best-selling Toyota RAV4 in its crosshairs.

Styling

There’s just the one H7 Vanta HEV, priced from $44,990 plus on-road costs, although there’s talk of an AWD and PHEV to come.

That’s only $5000 more than the similarly-equipped H6 Ultra HEV. Any colour but white adds $495 to the price.

H7’s squared-off proportions and upright stance create a rugged appearance, with assertive design elements like the round LEDheadlightsandabold,squared-offface.

Thegrilleandroundheadlightsremindus of something (an early Mitsubishi perhaps) while the hanging tail lights channel those of the Mazda CX-3 and CX-30.

Add to this 19-inch machined alloy wheels and a suite of blacked-out finishes, including the badging, front grille, mirror caps,windowtrims,roofrailsandtaillights.

Standard equipment includes artificial leatherwithrealleathergarnishes,two-zone climate air with rear outlets, a heated steering wheel, power-adjustable heated and cooled front seats, with driver-seat memory.

There are also 19-inch alloys, with 235/60 profile tyres, push-button start, adaptive cruise control, head-up display, auto high beam, traffic sign recognition, LED lights all-round, auto lights and wipers, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, front and rear parking sensors, rear privacy glass, with side blinds, along with an electric tailgate and electric, panoramic sunroof.

Not to mention push-button, automatic parking.

H7isconvertedbyaseven-yearunlimited kilometrewarranty,alongwithaneight-year unlimited-kilometrebatterypackwarranty.

There’s also five-year roadside assistance and five-year capped price servicing.

Infotainment

Infotainment consists of a 14.6-inch touchscreen powered by the GWM’s Coffee OS.

There’s Bluetooth, voice control, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, plus eight-speaker audio – but alas no built-in satellite navigation.

For that the general idea is to use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, depending on your poison – both connect wirelessly.

Two USB-A ports are provided, one in front and another in the rear, plus a 12-volt socket in the front, along with wireless phone charging.

It also misses out on telematics which

The

looks like it will go off road, but really doesn’t have the

provide remote access and control of various vehicle functions.

Safety

H7 carries a full five-star safety rating from ANCAP. However, during the full-width frontal test, the head restraint dislodged from the driver’s seat back.

While ANCAP says this does not affect scoring under 2023-2025 rating criteria, it may increase the risk of injury to the driver.

Asaresult,GWMhasinitiatedavoluntary safetyrecallforvehiclesbuiltbeforeOctober 15, 2025.

Seven airbags are standard, including a centre airbag to stop those in the front from banging heads in a side impact crash.

A 360-degree camera with 180 degree overhead transparent chassis view is fitted. Autonomous emergency braking applies to car-to-car, vulnerable road user and junction assist scenarios.

There are also blind spot alert and a lane support system with lane keep assist, lane departure warning, and emergency lane keeping,plusanadvancedspeedassistance system that keeps to current speed limits. Head-up display is part of the deal, but as we have pointed out on many occasions it does not work very well if you happen to wear polarised sunglasses.

Engines/transmissions

The self-charging hybrid powertrain is the same as that in the H6 and produces 179kW of power and 530Nm of torque in front-wheel drive form, with a dual-speed dedicated hybrid transmission.

Driving Inside the H7 blends versatility, comfort,

andtechnologytosupportanactivelifestyle.

The boxy, upright design and five-seat configuration deliver plenty of head and shoulder room, along with excellent visibility.

A removable boot floor reveals a tyre repair kit but no spare wheel in the event of a puncture – not very off-roady.

But Haval reckons you can use the boot floor as a picnic table – we’d like to see that.

Pseudo studs reinforce the utilitarian feel inside,withadigitalinstrumentclusterthat is inset rather than freestanding.

A forward-tilted top section displays the current gear but little else, while its major role appears to be as a sunshade for the lower section. Smart thinking.

A panoramic sunroof has a retractable shade that is power operated.

With a 61-litre fuel tank, it takes standard 91unleaded,withclaimedfuelconsumption of5.7L/100kmandaCO2outputof131g/km. We were getting 7.1L/100km after 450km of driving.

There’s the usual drive mode options: Normal, Eco, Sport or Snow.

Steeringweightcanalsobeadjusted,with comfortable, sport or light settings.

The regenerative braking also adjusts, right down to one-pedal driving, although it does not bring the vehicle to a complete stop.

With plenty of torque, the H7 gets up and going pretty smartly, with well weightedsteering,butbrakesthatarealittle touchy.

Althoughtheridequalityisnotasgoodas the Australian-tuned H6 PHEV, it’s not too bad either.

With 210mm of ground clearance, it rides a bit higher than the H6 and as such

doesn’t handle as well, but again it’s okay for an SUV.

Front-wheel drive means dirt roads are okay, but we wouldn’t be taking it any further off road than that.

More worrying was the throttle which failed to respond at all for two or three seconds when we punched the accelerator hard on two occasions.

Obviously, this could become an issue in some situations.

Lots of beeps and warnings from drive assist, but not as bad as some.

The eight-speaker sound system is interesting, with a DTS setting that makes a huge difference to the sound quality, so be sure to tick it. But getting the volume right can be an issue.

There are no physical controls provided, and control from the steering wheel is a bit hit and miss – perhaps missing?

Fortunately hitting the mute button brings up a slider on the touchscreen after you un-mute it, allowing the volume to be adjusted.

It does leave the front passenger at a loose end, however.

There’s no physical controls for the air-conditioning either.

Summing up

You get the feeling the H7 is targeted at blokes.

My wife wasn’t fussed on the styling, but styling is as they say a very personal thing. Other than the minor quibbles that we have identified and lack of satellite navigation, it looks like being another winner for Great Wall which incidentally is doingagreatjobrespondingtothedemands of the market.

Finals action aplenty

There was plenty of finals action across Melbourne’s north-west on Saturday. Star Weekly photographer Ljubica Vrankovic was out shooting some of the action.

Nick Black joins Wyndham

By Tara Murray

Wyndham recruit Nick Black was keen to showcase his talents in Victoria leading him to the Big V men’s championship side.

Black will add some experience to the Wyndham line up which is continuing its rebuild after having a completely new squad last season.

Black, who has already hit the court in a couple of practice matches for Wyndham, said it would be a new challenge.

“I’m super excited and we have a really good team,” he said.

“We get along really well and fit well on the court together and we’ve got a good

coach as well which makes it really fun.”

Black said he wanted to play in Melbourne and touched base with Wyndham and it went from there.

He said it was an easy decision to join the club after speaking to coach Stuart McMurray.

“I’ve got a good relationship with coach and things have worked out really well,” he said.

“I grew up in Sydney and did a little time in America as well and played in Queensland last year as my family is up there.

“I was in Ipswich last year and I was looking for a new opportunity and kind of

fresh start to try and find a place where I could showcase my game a little bit more.

“Melbourne was where I wanted to be.”

Wyndham said Black would bring some experience to the line up.

Black himself said he could play a number of different roles.

“I’m a high scorer and I can play make as well and get my teammates involved and play with a high pace.”

Black said the group they had was starting to come together and there had been some positive signs so far.

“We have a lot of camaraderie between the guys that returned last year and all the piecesthatwe’vebroughtinsofar,”hesaid.

Warriors sneak into finals in a thriller

By Tara Murray

The local Point Cook derby semi final lived up to expectations, with Point Cook winning through to the Roy Picone Shield grand final in a thriller.

The Warriors hosted Point Cook Centrals in the weekend’s semi final in a match that could have gone either way.

While the Warriors didn’t think they had enough runs on the board, it proved to be enough as they won by 14 runs late Sunday afternoon.

Warriors captain-coach Shafraz Mohamed said he hadn’t played in a semi final that close before.

“Itwasreallygoodandthecelebrations went a bit late into the night,” he said.

“Being against Point Cook Centrals, the local derby, it meant a lot to the club.

“There were a lot of supporters there and it was a good atmosphere.”

The Warriors won the toss on Saturday and decided to bat.

It was hard going with only Suresh Thelge finding any momentum and getting going with the bat.

Thelege made 80 as the Warriors were bowled out for 169 in the 61st over.

Kade Clowes and Mitchell Waugh took three wickets each for the Sharks.

Mohamed said he thought the score was below par with the deck playing differently to how it normally did.

The Sharks had to face 26 overs before stumps on day one and were in control at 1-32 at stumps.

Mohamed said they knew they had their work cut out for them and were underdogs at that stage of the game.

But he still had faith in the group.

“We trust our bowling attack and we have one of the best in our competition,” he said.

“It was still 150 runs and I told the boys that we had to go out and have a red hot crack.”

Buddhika Algewatta did a mountain of work for the Warriors and allowed the spinners to attack for the other end.

Mohamed said the deck wasn’t spinning as it normally would making it harder for their spinners.

Jack Gage in the middle order for the

“We’ve got along well and it makes it a lot easier to play with each other when we like each other and on the same page with what we want to do with offence and defence..

“We’ve had a couple of games under our belts and are looking forward to the next couple of weeks and some more games coming up.”

With a rise up the ladder a focus, Black said they weren’t getting too far ahead of themselves.

“Obviously we want to win every game but the focus is on one game at a time and getting better at each practice and building from there,” he said.

Burton a Tiger

Former Western Jets captain Tom Burton was brought to tears when he discovered his AFL dream had come true.

The Point Cook product was overlooked in last year’s drafts but was invited to train with Richmond over the pre-season during the supplemental selection period.

On Monday, the final day club’s could make SSP rookie selections, the Tigers told Burton he was on the list.

Richmond national recruiting manager Rhy Gieschen commended Burton’s ability to train strongly across the summer after the difficulty of being overlooked in the draft.

“It can be really difficult to miss out on the draft for a player such as Tom, who has come through the talent pathways and squads,” he said. “To his credit, when given the opportunity to train as an SSP, he has worked extremely hard and continued to develop his game,” Gieschen said.

“We love Tom’s running ability, with his mix of high-end speed and endurance, he continues to add some real running power to our squad.

“He showcased this by coming second in our Bronco test post-Christmas and backed it up with some high running numbers on the weekend against Casey.

Sharks was the key in the run chase.

But he ran out of partners as the Sharks were bowled out for 165.

Gage finished 47 not out off 150 balls.

Mohamed took 5-41 for the Warriors.

“Credit to Point Cook Centrals with the way they went about getting the runs and and getting partnerships going,” Mohamed said.

“They kept us on the back foot until the last couple of wickets.”

The Warriors will face Caroline Springs in the grand final.

Mohamed said after winning the group B T20 premiership that the group was already further ahead of where he thought they would be.

Another premiership would be extra special.

“Hopefully the young kids have had a lot of game time and learned really well,” he said.

“Hopefully their character comes into play in the grand final.

“This will be massive for the club, it’s been forever and it would be good to get the double.”

“We see Tom being versatile, as he showcased his ability to play as a midfielder in the Coates Talent League last year, and has been training the majority of this pre-season as a forward, and was able to impact the VFL game on the weekend in both of these roles.

“We are thrilled to welcome Tom and his family officially to Richmond and cannot wait to watch him on his journey.”

Burton averaged 29.6 disposals across 12 matches for the Western Jets in the Coates Talent League last year to be named in the team of the year and win the Jets best and fairest.

As well as captained the Jets, he was co-captain of Vic Metro.

In video released by Richmond, an emotional Burton told coach Adam Yze he was preparing not to be selected.

Tarneit Central go through

By Tara Murray

Tarneit Central is hoping to go one better in the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association George Luscombe Shield.

Tarneit finds itself through to a second straight grand final, after knocking off minor premiers Merrifield Panthers on the weekend.

Tarneit Central’s Amrit Bhangu said they were excited to have won through.

“It was a great weekend for Tarneit Central with two sides winning through to the grand final,” he said.

“We are very proud of the group and they did really well. It was great team work with our captain Mandeep Singh leading from the front.

“We played well.”

The Panthers, who beat Tarneit Central in last season’s grand final, entered the finals with only one loss for the season.

It mattered little come finals.

Tarneit decided to bat on day one of the match and was able to put 8-352 on the board.

Singh top scored with 88, while Gurpreet Singh made 87 in the middle order.

Talwinder Prince took 4-80 for the Panthers.

Bhangu said they were very happy with that total after some good partnerships across the whole innings.

He said the key on Sunday was to stay focused.

“We thought 350 was enough but we couldn’t lose momentum,” he said. “We had to go hard until we had all 10 wick-

ets.”

The Panthers run chase didn’t get off to the start they were after as they fell to 2-10.

A couple of small partnerships got the score past 100 and at 3-102 they were in a solid position.

The wickets then started to fall and they crumbled from 5-150 to all out for 180.

Rocky Sharma top scored with 46 for the Panthers.

Satish Kochhar took 3-25 off his eight overs for Tarneit.

Bhangu said it was a combination of good bowling and fielding that got them across the line.

Tarneit will face the Chargers in the grand final, after the Chargers beat the Darebin Chargers in the other semi final.

Gamagedara Dhanuka Nimmana. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 537967_05

Centurions fall short, knocked out of finals

By Tara Murray

Werribee Centrals weren’t able to continue their momentum into the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Clark Shield finals, knocked out on the weekend.

The Centurions were the inform team heading into the finals, having snuck into the top four in the final round.

The side was playing finals for the first time since 2019 after a number of tough seasons.

The challenge on the weekend to make the grand final was a big one, beating the minor premiers in Laverton.

Thelasttimethetwoteamsmet,theCenturions inflicted the Magpies only loss of the season, giving them some confidence.

There would be no repeat this time.

Centurions captain-coach Tarique Jeffrey said they were naturally disappointed but knows they had shown a lot in the back part of the season.

“It wasn’t to be, which is a bit unfortunate,” he said.

“We gave it a good crack and in the end we fell short. We got them seven down but

couldn’t get over the line which was disappointing.

“But that’s just cricket.”

Laverton won the toss and sent in the Centurions.

The Centurions struggled to get going and were bowled out for 137 in the 47th over.

Daniel Williams tried hard to push the score past 150 but ran out of batting partners.

He finished 30 not out off 82 balls. Usman Ashraf was the only other batter to pass 20, finishing with 21.

Jeffrey said ultimately they didn’t have enough runs on the board.

“A couple of decisions didn’t go our way and we needed a little bit of luck,” he said.

“For us to be able to defend that, everything had to go our way.”

The Magpies were in trouble at 5-54 overnight but managed to find a way to get it done, finishing 7-138.

Ashraf took three wickets for the Centurions, while Gamagedara Dhanuka Nimmana took two wickets.

Jeffrey said they can hold their head up

Bhangu said the Chargers were a very good side.

“We have to bring the energy that we had on the weekend,” he said.

Tarneit has already claimed the Western Suburbs Churches and Community Cricket Association T20 premiership and its under-11s and under-13s are in semi finals this week.

Meanwhile, Bellbridge is through to the NWMCA south-west women’s grand final.

The Bears beat Keilor on Sunday.

The Bears made 2-154 from their overs with Emma Beaton top scoring with 65 not out.

They were able to restrict Keilor to 3-112 in reply.

The Bears will face Williamstown Imperials in the grand final.

Clark leads again

Jesse Clark will lead Werribee for a second straight Victorian Football League season.

The Tigers announced their leadership group ahead of the club’s first practice match, with some new and old faces among the group.

Entering his seventh season at Werribee, Clark will lead the club for a second consecutive season.

In his first season as captain, Clark was one of five Werribee players to feature in all 18 games, averaging career highs in disposals (15.9), kicks (12.4) and rebound 50s (3.8) and finishing sixth in the Bruce Montgomery Trophy count.

Clark said he was looking forward to another season at the Tigers.

“Honoured to be given the role. It’s a massive privilege to captain such a great club, so [I’m] pumped for what’s to come for 2026 and absolutely looking forward to it,” he said.

high with how they performed and will now look to the future.

“Getting seven wickets was a pretty good effort,” he said. “Unfortunately it wasn’t the result we were after.”

The Centurions had four sides playing in finals on the weekend which was a massive step forward for them having built a thriving junior program in the past few seasons.

The second XI also suffered a loss on Sunday.

Both the third and fifth XIs were knocked out in Western Suburbs Churches and Community Cricket Association semi finals on Saturday.

Jeffrey said the club must be doing something right to have that many sides in finals action.

“It’s a good position to be in moving forward,” he said.

“We can only build from here.”

Laverton will face Pascoe Vale Central in the grand final after beating East Coburg. East Coburg was bowled out for 120 on Saturday.

Pascoe Vale Central made light work of the total, finishing 4-121 in reply.

New senior coach Dan Lowther said Clark was again the outstanding choice to lead the club.

“Jesse sets high standards through his behaviours both on and off the field and is looking to further develop his leadership style.”

“The playing group and entire Werribee football program hold Jesse in high regard and I for one are looking forward to our season kicking off in 23 days time.”

Clark will be supported by a highly experienced leadership core, with Dom Brew appointed vice-captain and Louis Pinnuck named deputy vice-captain.

Forward Jay Dahlhaus also returns to the leadership group for a second season.

Rounding out the leadership group in his first year at the club is Charlie Lazzaro.

A junior football teammate of Clark’s, Lazzaro arrives at Werribee with more than 40 games of AFL experience.

Cats go through to finals

By Tara Murray

After making life tougher than it should have been, Hoppers Crossing has qualified for the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association east-west finals.

After an up-and-down period after Christmas, the equation was simple for the Cats, beat Williamstown in the final round and play finals.

A loss meant the Cats had to rely on other results.

The Cats though made sure they did it on their own accord with a solid performance against the Seagulls.

“We made it a little harder than we needed to,” Cats captain-coach Simon Lambert said.

“We got the job done and it ended up well in the end.

“We’ve made finals in the end and anything can happen now.”

Lambert said they took a little while to adjust to getting back to the one-day format having played two-day matches in recent weeks.

He said they were happy with the 9-193 that they put on the board.

“It was a little bit harder for us to play the aggressive cricket we like to play in the one-dayer format,” he said.

“We had a rocky start but credit to the boys who fought back and got us back on track.

“We would have liked over 200 but the outfield was pretty slow.

“Considering the rain we’ve had, going back four to six weeks that would have been worth 220.

“We were pretty happy at the halfway mark.”

Brett Smith and Haseeb Qureshi top scored with 46 apiece for the Cats.

Lambert said if they bowled anywhere near their best they would be able to restrict the Seagulls and that is how it panned out.

The Seagulls finished 7-149 from their overs.

Aryaman Singh and Lambert took two wickets each for the Cats.

The Cats finished the season in fifth spot and will play Balwyn in the opening week of finals this Saturday-Sunday.

Tigers win to secure the minor premiership

By Tara Murray

After a season of plenty of movement, Werribee claimed the minor premiership in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association east-west.

The Tigers finished the regular season with a good win against Taylors Lakes on Saturday and with results falling their way finished on top.

Just three points separated the top four teams after the regular season.

Tigers’ coach Brad Robertson said having a home final and a double chance were the things they looked at most after finishing first.

“We never really thought about finishing on top,” he said. “We were taking it week by week and done the best that we could.

“It’s a nice little reward but it doesn’t mean a real lot at the moment.

“It’s an achievement finishing first but we aren’t getting ahead of ourselves.”

Robertson said the key for them this season had been the spread of contributors across the board.

He said everyone had stepped up at some stage throughout the season, including those who had stepped up from the second XI.

“We’ve played some good cricket,” he said. “The pleasing thing is we’ve had contributors across the board and not relied on anyone.

“Others have chipped in when we’ve needed them to.

“We’ve been able to win some games that we shouldn’t have and that is a good habit to get into.

“We’re really happy but not satisfied.”

It was a strong performance by the Tigers on Saturday in the one-dayer against Taylors Lakes.

After sending in the Lions, the Tigers were able to bowl them out for 129.

Robertson said like most of the season, they were solid with the ball and not flashy.

“We have set good plans and executed well,” he said. “We put on as much pressure as we can.

“Our batting is our strength and if we bowl and field well we’ve developed a game where we express ourselves with the bat throughout the year.

“Hopefully it serves us well in finals.”

Mitchell Cullen and Dean Russ took three wickets each for the Tigers to be the pick of the bowlers.

Russ led the way with the bat with 66 not out at the top of the order as the Tigers finished 3-130 off 31 overs.

Robertson said it was pleasing to the middle order able to get the job done.

Madhur Ghai finished 42 not out to guide the side home.

The Tigers face Noble Park on Satur-

day-Sunday in the opening round of finals.

Robertson said it was really exciting and they were looking forward to the challenge.

“It’s been really close all year and the ladder reflects that,” he said.

“It will be an exciting final series.”

Lambert said it doesn’t matter where you finish in what has been a really close competition.

Last season Caulfield finished sixth and beat Hoppers Crossing in the grand final.

Lambert said if they play up to their potential they can win the premiership.

“Everyone can beat everyone,” he said.

“We play Balwyn this week and it’s a contest where we match up well.

“We should have beaten them earlier in the season … We owe them one.

“If we play our best cricket there’s not too many on our day that can beat us.

“We’ve had a few off days but no team can afford them in the next couple of weeks.”

Western FL

After a short stint away, Nick Sing will return to Hoppers Crossing for the Western Football League division 1 season. The Warriors said that Sing returns with many years of experience from Victorian Football League and will be a huge addition to its backline. “His elite kicking and composure will be instrumental in setting our Warriors up for attack,” the club said on social media. Sing joins coach Jared Polec, who will play this season, and 2024 premiership player Jarrod Cahoon as key signings for the club.

Dockerty Cup

Point Cook will face Yarraville Glory in the third round of the Dockerty Cup-Australia Cup this weekend. The third and fourth round draws were revealed last week, with round three to be played this weekend, while round four to be played on Easter weekend. The Glory will host the Jets in the round three match. In round four, Werribee City will face the winner of Pascoe Vale and North Caulfield Maccabi.

VFL

Werribee has finalised its list ahead of the Victorian Football League season. Tom Simpson was the final player announced by the Tigers. The 23-year-old midfielder makes the move to Melbourne after an outstanding stint in Canberra, where he established himself as one of the premier players in the AFL Canberra competition with the Belconnen Magpies.

Talent League

The Western Jets have announced their squad for the Talent League boys season. The Jets squad has players from 23 community clubs with Yarraville Seddon and Newport having the most representatives. Vic Metro summer hub members Khaled El Souki, Lachlan Hicks, Jake Miller, Angus Tippett, and Billy Wigmore are in the squad. Among those in the squad are, Hoppers Crossing’s Ahmed Houli and Grayson Lafaialii. Point Cook’s Roarke Dening, Angus Tippett and Baelin Wiggins, and Werribee Districts’ Macaulay Buck.

In the other finals, Hoppers Crossing will be away to Balwyn while Altona will host Spotswood.

Elsewhere, Werribee’s second XI finished the regular season in fourth, while it was a tough season for their thirds and fourths that didn’t win a game.

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