Star Weekly - Wyndham - 25th March 2026

The Werribee Fire Brigade is calling on the Wyndham community to help raise vital funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital in this year’s Good Friday Appeal. Since first rattling tins for the Good Friday Appeal in 1977, the brigade has raised more than $1.4 million Lieutenant Rohan Rizzoli said Werribee firefighters aren’t shy about their mission in 2026.

“Our goal for the day is to knock on every door in Werribee, but we will also have our members at intersections across the area,” he said.

“We are always looking for people to assist on the day – so anyone is welcome to come down to the station from 9am on Friday 3 April.”

“A lot of members of our brigade have used the services of the Royal Children’s Hospital, so we know the great and important work they do.

“Often kids from emergencies we respond spend time at the hospital, so it is a bit of a full circle moment to be able to support them.”

Donate: https://fundraise. goodfridayappeal.com.au/fundraisers/ WerribeeCFA

Mayor vote switch

By Jaidyn Kennedy

A Wyndham councillor switched her vote to end the deadlock and elect a new mayor on Monday night.

Councillors initially met on Wednesday 18 March to choose a new mayor following thesuspensionofthen-mayorJoshGilligan from council on 25 February after an independent arbitor ruled that a Facebook post he made in September 2025 had breached the Councillor Code of Conduct.

The inital vote between mayoral contendersPeterMaynardandPreetSingh was tied at five votes apiece, with neither candidate securing the six votes needed to

claim the role.

Councillors Robert Szatkowski, Susan McIntyre, Jasmine Hill and Larry Zhao backed Cr Maynard, while Mia Shaw, Shannon McGuire, Jennie Barrera and Maria King supported Cr Singh.

A second vote was held on Monday 23 March with Cr McGuire again nominating Cr Singh for mayor and Cr Szatkowski nominating Cr Maynard.

During the second vote Cr Hill joined councillors Shaw, McGuire, Barrera and KingtobackCrSingh,whohadbeenacting mayor since 25 February, giving him the six votes needed to stay until the current mayoral term ends in November 2026.

While chief executive Stephen Wall was declaringCrSingh’svictory,applausefrom the those in the chamber and gallery was momentarily cut short.

Cr Szatkowski insisted that under the Local Government Act 2020 he was still obligated to cast his vote.

Crs Szatkowski, McIntyre and Zhao raised their hands in support of Cr Maynard, before proceedings returned to normal.

Cr Hill was elected deputy mayor.

Cr Singh said his priority for the remainder of the current mayoral term was to work “collectively for the good of Wyndham”.

“There’s plenty of projects currently underway and there are plenty in the pipeline, so we are back to business from now on,” he said

“So that is my priority: Getting the most from everyone.”

Cr Hill said electing a mayor had been difficultfollowinglastweek’sdeadlockand much deliberation had gone into the final outcome.

“We were finally able to resolve the deadlockandIhavefullconfidencethatthe new council will be able to work together,” Cr Hill said.

“I think it is the best way forward with a unified front.”

Crime up but stabilising

By Jaidyn Kennedy

Crime rose in Wyndham during 2025, however not as drastically as the year before according to data released on Thursday.

For the year to December 2025, recorded offences in Wyndham increased by 6.1 per cent according Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) data.

The total number of recorded offences in 2025 rose to 24,450 up from 23,051 in 2024.

Werribee was the top suburb in Wyndham for crime, recording 5409 offences. However this figure was a drop from the 5901 offences recorded in 2024.

In Tarneit offences rose from 3804 in2024 to 4587 in2025.

Rounding out the top three suburbs for total offences recorded was Hoppers Crossing,whichexperiencedalesssteeprisefrom 3630 to 3915.

Point Cook remained in fourth place, with recorded offences dropping from 3366 in 2024 to 3173 in 2025.

Truganina’s recorded offences spiked from 1989 to 2306.

Whiledownfromthepreviousyear,stealing from a motor vehicle was still the most commonly recorded offence in 2025.

Stealing from retail stores and motor ve-

hicle theft both sharply rose in Wyndham. Houses continued to be the most common place for an offence to be recorded in Wyndhamsince2016,accordingtothedata.

Offences rose in streets, laneways and footpaths, as well as in shopping complexes and other retail premises.

Less offences were clocked in driveways and carports than in 2024.

On the family violence front, things have trendedpositively.Thetotalnumberofincidents were down 8.1 per cent from 4266 in 2024 to 3921 in 2025.

Statewide, there were 630,592 recorded offences, an increase of 4.2 per cent.

Musician Takee in tune with the future

Takee Alif has been named Wyndham’s young person of the month for his contributions to creativity at home and across Melbourne.

Currently studying a bachelor of music,Takeehasbeendescribedasayoung leader in his field, has hosted multiple radio segments and mentors other young creatives.

He is driven to inspire young people to help shape the future for young people in music in Australia.

Apart from interning with Tibi Access– which supports accessibility in

music– he has worked as a sound technician and teaches guitar and piano.

Describing himself as a multifaceted indie pop creative, Takee creates music that endeavours to connect and inspire people regardless of their generation or culture.

His musical journey began at the age of nine with classical violin, later expanding into guitar and song writing as a teenager. His music draws heavily from his upbringing and cultural roots, particularly his Bengali background.

Locally, he has participated in ’Un-

leash the Artist’ programs at Music Valley Point Cook and has released three singles last year in 2025 ’Watermelon Moon’ , ’You’ and ’Out of My Mind’ which was nominated for a People’s Choice award in the Cassette Awards.

One Wyndham recipients are residents aged between 12 to 25 who positively contribute to the Wyndham community. Each month council selects a Wyndham resident to be awarded the ‘Young Person of the Month’ Winners are awarded a $300 gift voucher and other prizes.

Stage one of the Truganina athletics space crosses the finish line

ThefirststageofworkstoaTruganinaathletics space have been completed.

Wyndham council has announced that the $10.1 million works at Fortitude Drive Reserve have wrapped up and the site is now ready for community use.

Following the upgrade, there is now an athletics facility with supporting infrastructure,aplayspace,agrassedmulti-use kickabout space, landscaping, shelter, barbeque and picnic facilities, circuit track, path network, lighting and a car park.

Stage two of the project will include the constructionofasportspavilion,equipped with a social room, change rooms, storerooms, kiosk and a public toilet.

Construction of the pavilion is expected to begin in the coming weeks.

The state government pitched $908,000 towards the project through a grant.

Wyndham councillor Preet Singh said he was thrilled to see Fortitude Drive Reserve take shape.

“This space will be a game-changer for

Deputy Commissioner Regional Operations Bob Hill said “While it’s heartening that crime appears to be stabilising, it will take time before offending reduces to levels more traditionally seen in Victoria.“

“With 230,213 different victims of crime, we are seeing far too many innocent community members harmed,“ he said.

“Thisissimplynotacceptableaswewant Victorians to not only be safe but feel safe in their community.

He said the force was in the process of rolling out significant organisational changes so there would be more police in the community preventing crime.

Woody meadows project takes root

A project at the West Werribee Recycled Water Plant has been used as a key demonstration site as part of a free, national resource designed to help more people and land managers grow a green, diversenativeurbangardenorlandscape.

The Woody Meadow Guidelines were developed by the University of Melbourne and released publicly in November 2025.

Greater Western Water’s general manager service delivery Jodie Hallam said the water corporation was thrilled to have been an early, founding investor in the project and part of its success story at a local and national level since then.

“We’re proud to be part of the Woody Meadow Project. Not only is our West Werribee site now an example for others in Victoria and around Australia, but it also demonstrates Greater Western Water’s commitment to heal and care for Country,“ she said.

“Our hope is that our site will help spearhead more research about how creating such spaces can help improve and restore underutilised land in need of revegetation, and potentially lead to Woody Meadow sites at other recycled water plants.“

Woody Meadows are intentional green spaces designed with Australian native plants and sustainable, low-maintenance, climate-resilient goals in mind. They are typically filled with flowers and foliage that attract native birds and pollinators, contributing to more biodiversity in public spaces and gardens, especially in areas where local fauna and floraarebeingsqueezedoutbyurbandevelopment.

West Werribee RWP’s Woody Meadow site, which consists of two 200m2 sized plots at the treatment plant, was planted in 2023 with 17 different types of native and Indigenous species.

Once established the Werribee site was left to grow dense, then ’coppiced’ or heavily pruned down after 18 months. It will now be coppiced every two to four years to allow for new plant growth, added density and to increase lifespan.

both Truganina and the wider Wyndham community, delivering Wyndham’s second athletics facility and most importantly, an athletics facility that will be open and accessible for all the community to use,” he said.

“FortitudeDriveReserveisallaboutgiving our growing community more places to get active and connect - whether you’re an athlete, a walker, or a family looking for a great spot to spend the weekend, there’s something for everyone.“

Associate Professor Claire Farrell, one of the lead University of Melbourne academics who developed the project, said “Greening in Melbourne’s west is critical for liveability and biodiversity in this region, and investing in urban greening research projects like Woody Meadows helps us develop sustainable, cost-effective solutions that meet industry and community needs.“

Push for library funding

By Jaidyn Kennedy

A local father is calling on Wyndham council toincludefundingforSundayopeninghours at Manor Lakes Library in its state election wishlist.

Sean Row said he has spent more than a year pushing for the library to open on a Sunday and a state election was a renewed chance to get the cash needed.

“The lack of services in this area, which is what prompted the original advocacy by residents, is why we are requesting this be reviewed by council,” Mr Row said.

“Council have said they can’t fund it, so they should at least be advocating for it

ahead of the state election.

“Kids in Manor Lakes have very limited options for activities outside of sport on the weekend.

“We don’t get another go at this for four years, so it is important council gets this right because Manor Lakes is not getting smaller and more kids will need things to do.”

In September 2025, council surveyed residents asking if they would prefer the library to open on Sunday instead of Saturday as part of a 12-month trial at an estimated cost of $80,000.

At the time, Mr Row criticised the way the survey was conducted, claiming residents

wanted both days.

More than 75 per cent of respondents voted to keep Saturday instead of Sunday, however 145 of the 428 respondents criticised the binary choice.

In November, council voted to keep the library open on Saturday instead of Sunday, but Crs Peter Maynard and Robert Szatkowskialsosaidtheydisapprovedoftheprocess.

A Wyndham City spokesperson said council was advocating to return to a 5050 funding split for libraries between Wyndham and the state, but did not answer whether it would consider making it an election ask.

“Over time, the state’s contribution has

Dinosaurs roaming Werribee in 2026

You do not need a time machine to see dinosaurs in Wyndham, you just need to make your way down to Werribee Open Range Zoo.

It is worth noting that they are animatronic – which makes their appearance less surprising – but no less fun for families.

Dinos at the Zoo is free with entry opens on 3 April and will run until the end of the winter school holidays on 12 July.

At least 14 T Rexs, raptors and triceratopswillstrollimmersivetrailsandcome face-to-face with curious onlookers.

While other animatronic dinosaurs will be roaming at Melbourne Zoo and Heasville Sanctuary, Werribee has a pretty unique spin on it. An Indiana Jones inspired set with smoking volcanoes, bubbling swamps and dino-like fossils will prove an interesting environment for the big beasts to strut around.

The zoo will also host a special evening experience, Dinos After Dark, from 11–18 April.

Zoos Victoria chief executive Jenny Gray said Dinos at the Zoo is going to be a blockbuster event.

Free men’s health program kicks off

Men aged 18 and older living or working in the western suburbs are encouraged to take up a free 10-week health and wellbeing program.

Hosted by the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation and Western Leisure Services in partnership with Wyndham council, Sons of the West will run at Eagle Stadium each Wednesday from 22 April to 24 June.

The program takes a proactive approach to improving men’s health by providing participants with the tools

declined significantly, leaving councils to fund the majority of library services despite growing demand. This now sits at around 80-20,” the spokesperson said.

“Recent findings of the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into Local Government Sustainability recognised this imbalance and recommended restoring the 50-50 funding model.”

ThestategovernmentdidnotanswerStar Weekly when questioned if it would consider giving Wyndham council money to open Manor Lakes Library on Sundays.

Star Weekly understands Wyndham has received $12,315,949 to support its library services since 2019.

Hotspots for tech driven car thefts

Tarneit and Truganina were among the hotspots for technology-driven car thefts in 2025, new data from Victoria Police reveals.

Victoria Police seized 800 key cloning devices from car thieves last year, with police saying new intelligence estimates more than 10,000 vehicles are stolen using this technology each year.

Police said motor vehicle theft has escalated markedly in Victoria in recent years, with the latest Crime Statistics Agency data showing 33,212 vehicles were stolen in the year to end of September 2025, up from 25,763 in the 12 months to September 2024.

In Wyndham, 1783 motor vehicle thefts were recorded during the same period, up from 1166 in 2024.

Police said has directly coincided with a surge in car thieves using key mimicking or cloning technology to override car security systems.

Victoria Police intelligence shows well over a quarter of all cars are now likely to be stolen in this manner.

Police said the hardest hit suburbs for technology driven car thefts last year were Melbourne, Dandenong, Tarneit, Narre Warren, St Albans, Craigieburn, Southbank, Reservoir, Truganina and Epping.

“Morethan60Dinosaurswillberoaming within natural habitats in unique precincts at each of our four zoos,” Dr Gray said.

“Dinos at the Zoo is a must-see experience that we hope will delight and also inspire visitors to help prevent other species from becoming extinct.”

Visitors will be able to support Zoos Victoria’s wildlife conservation work by purchasing a Totes for Wildlife bag.

Children under 16 years old get free admission on weekends and public holidays.

in April thanks to Bulldogs

and knowledge to improve their physical and mental wellbeing through a series of workshops, presentations, and events.

The two-hour weekly sessions from 6.30pm to 8.30pm are highly interactive and aim to make exercise and healthy eating fun and allow participants to hear about a range of interesting topics that affect them and their families. Guest speakers include experts and people with lived experience who cover a range of topics from nutrition to gender equality.

Men of all fitness levels who are seek-

ing to adopt a healthy lifestyle and make new connections can benefit from the Sons of the West program.

In addition to the fitness sessions, there will also be free health checks, expert-led seminars and the chance to collaborate in group activities.

Since launching in 2014, more than 10,000 men from across the region have participated in the program.

More: https://www.wyndham.vic.gov. au/whats-on/sons-west

Most commonly in these thefts, the owner reported to police they retained the keys, and their car had simply vanished, police said.

Police said that last year, 846 Toyota Landcruisers were stolen in circumstances suggesting technological theft was likely. In 2024, 241 Landcruisers disappeared in this fashion, while three years ago there were only 89 in this way.

Toyota Corollas, Hiluxs, and Rav 4s are also among the most targeted vehicles by tech savvy thieves, as well as Holden Commodores and Subaru Imprezas, according to police.

Police said they are working impacted manufacturers in relation to this issue.

Owners of vehicles are being urged to consider preventative measures to help deter thieves, including an on-board diagnostic port lock which prevents an offender connecting a reprogramming device to your vehicle. Other security tips include parking your vehicle off the street and always ensuring your vehicle is locked, even when at home.

Deputy Commissioner Regional Operations Bob Hill said as many as 30 cars are being stolen using key cloning technology in Victoria every day.

Tigers launch for season 2026

The Werribee Football Club held its official 2026 season launch at the Bridge Hotel, Werribee on Wednesday 18 March. Star Weekly’s Jaidyn Kennedy attended and caught some of the action.

Harmony Week at St Andrews

Students and staff at St Andrews Catholic Primary School in Werribee celebrated Harmony Week from 16-22Marchbydressingupinorange and traditional garments. The week centres on the notion of everyone belonging and focusing on the elimination of racism from society. PhotosbyLauraChamberlain.

Quiet idol stealing hearts

Before the spotlight found her, Jacinta Guirguis was already fighting to be heard, not just as a singer, but as herself. Now, on one of the country’s biggest stages, she talks to Jack O’Shea-Ayres about turning vulnerability into her greatest strength, and being backed by the unwavering support of the people who know her best.

On a stage built for big voices and even bigger personalities, 25-year-old Jacinta Guirguis is quietly stealing the hearts of the nation, letting people in to see the parts of herself she once tried to hide.

The Bacchus Marsh forklift driver has emerged as one of the most compelling contestants of Australian Idol’s 2026 season,notjustforthewayshesings,butfor the way she completely opens herself up, despite describing herself as unconfident. Behinditallisconstantanddeepflowing supportfromherfamily,andespeciallyher twin sister Chantel.

“My other half, my best friend,” Chantel said of Jacinta.

Long before the lights, the cameras and thenationalaudience,thereweretwolittle girls singing around the house.

“A lot of people don’t realise that Jacinta and I are actually twins,” Chantel said.

“From the very beginning we’ve shared an unbreakable bond - we’re inseparable andhavealwaysbeeneachother’sperson.”

Chantel’s connection has undoubtedly anchored Jacinta through everything, from childhood performances to the emotional highs and lows of the music industry, Chantel remembers recognising something special in her sister early on.

I feel like it’s starting a movement for those people who feel a little bit quirky, like a little bit of an outsider

- Jacinta Guirguis

“From when she was little, she was constantly singing…there was always so much emotion and heart behind it,” she said.

“It was never just a hobby, it was always part of her.”

That very emotional depth would later becomeJacinta’ssignature,somethingthat caused her to stand out from the rest, but also, at times, her greatest challenge.

Jacinta first began singing at just eight years old, after a friend brought her along to a lesson. What followed was nearly two decades of dedication, gigs across Melbourne’sinner-north,originalmusicin local venues, and countless auditions.

“I was getting a lot of rejections,” Jacinta said.

“There’s a lot of singers who sound the same …and when they hear me, they go back and think she doesn’t really fit the mould.”

Again and again, she watched others move forward while she was left behind, a feeling which slowly chipped away at her confidence.

“I didn’t know where I fit,” she admitted. For a time, she stepped back entirely. She didn’t even apply for Australian Idol in 2026, but she was accepted for an audition anyway.

“They looked back over my previous applications and accepted it for this year. It’s like the universe didn’t want me to stop,” Jacinta said.

Even as her talent has quickly grown, Jacinta has been fighting a quieter, constant battle.

Diagnosed with Generalised Anxiety Disordernearlysixyearsago,shedescribes it as something that never truly leaves.

“Idon’tthinkIwilleverovercomeit,it’sa 24-7 illness,” she said.

The pressure of national television has only intensified those feelings for Jacinta, with every performance and critique, every result carries weight.

“The anxiety is definitely heightened on the show,” she explains.

But instead of hiding it, Jacinta has proudly embraced her vulnerability as a strength.

“I’mtryingtoshowpeople…justbecause you have this illness doesn’t mean you are any less of a human being.”

Jacinta’s Australian Idol journey has unfolded like a slow-burning revelation, withastrippedbackrenditionofSomebody

That I Used to Know by Gotye and Kimbra earningheraGoldenTicketandimmediate recognitionofthetruetalentshepossesses.

Jacinta’sperformancewasraw,emotional and deeply personal, and perfectly fitting for her style as a musical artist.

“Ihadalotofpeoplewalkoutofmylife… that song resonated with me,” she said.

Fromthereshebuiltmomentumthrough the Top 30 performances that showcased both versatility and vulnerability, from Sting’s Fields of Gold to a reimagined take of Ariana Grande’s Problem, sung with two other contestants, but again, Jacinta’s talent shined through.

Then it was Jacinta’s performance of No Doubt’s Don’t Speak which further captured the public’s attention.

The performance was picked up and circulated online and gained massive attention from fans.

Posts began circulating online showing Jacinta’s picture plastered all around town back home in Bacchus Marsh, proving no doubt was ever on the minds of anyone showingsupportfortheirlocallegendback home.

By the time Jacinta had reached the top 21 performers and performed Everywhere by Fleetwood Mac, audiences could see the shift in her, and beyond that, Jacinta is making the songs she performs her own, with Dreams by the Cranberries sounding like it was written just for her as the shakiness begins to leave her voice.

While Jacinta navigates the whirlwind of the competition from Sydney, her family remains her emotional centre, even from a distance.

“I’m a real homebody. I miss my family so much,” she said.

“But I know they’re just a call away.”

ForChantel,watchinghersisterstepinto the spotlight is both surreal and deeply moving.

“There truly aren’t enough words to express how proud I am,” Chantel explained.

“Her journey hasn’t always been easy… but she’s never let that stop her.”

The separation has been difficult for a family so close-knit, but their support has never wavered: through visits, phone calls, and constant encouragement, Jacinta hasn’tquestionedthesupportofherfamily and local community for a second.

“I feel like the whole community is on

this journey with her,” Chantel said.

The community connection has run deep, with Jacinta’s success feeling like a shared victory. Flyers posted outside the newsagentsinBacchusMarsh,Jacinta’sold workplace , show just how far reaching her talent is.

“I feel like I’m carving a path,” Jacinta said.

“I feel like it’s starting a movement for thosepeoplewhofeelalittlebitquirky,like a little bit of an outsider.”

For her sister Chantel, that journey is as inspiring as it is emotional.

“Herdetermination…hasshownmethat with time, patience and belief in yourself anything is possible,” she said.

Regardless of how the competition unfolds from here, Jacinta is certain of one thing, it’s only the beginning.

“I’ve always wanted to be a successful, well-known artist,” she said.

“I want to write songs, tour…all of it.”

For now, Jacinta is focused on the moment, taking each performance as it comes and holding tightly to the people who got her there.

And somewhere just offstage is the presence which has always steadied herher biggest supporter, her best friend, her other half.

While Jacinta stands tall, alone with the silent confidence of someone with enough talent to go far beyond winning 2026’s Australian Idol, her family and local community are standing with her.

Making uniforms inclusive

The Werribee Fire Brigade has been awarded the Emergency Services Foundation (ESF) award for Women’s Equality Encouragement, after altering its uniforms through its Inclusive Uniform Initiative.

The move to make the originally white uniform pants a dark blue instead, aims to encourage comfort, confidence and participation for its competition running team.

“It shows that inclusion can be achieved through practical changes that genuinely improve people’s experience,” Werribee CFACaptainMichaelWellssaid.

The award-winning initiative aims to better support female and younger team members, with the recognition being a part of the ESF’s International Women’s Dayeventearlierthismonth.

According to Werribee Fire Brigade runner Christina Zsori, the award demonstrates why organisations and workplaces should invest in making small but noteworthy, practical changes to the workconditionsoftheiremployees.

“It makes us feel a bit more comfortable when [the pants] get wet or dirty, it just lets us enjoy our time on the track,” Ms Zsori said.

Mr Wells said simple initiatives such as changing the colour of a uniform can be pivotal.

“Changing the competition running team pants from white to dark blue may seem like a small step, but it was an importantoneforourfemalemembersand youngermembers,”MrWellssaid.

Taylah Xuereb

Free dog training

Wyndham residents are invited to join a free group training session with their dogs at Manor Lakes Boulevard Park 9am on Saturday 28 March. The interactive one-hour session is run by experienced trainers from The Lost Dogs’ Home, specialising in dog behaviour, and is designed to help owners and their dogs build a stronger bond while learning essential training techniques. Valuable skills such as clicker training, attention cues, hand targeting, luring, recall, and loose lead walking will be taught. Practical topics like how to teach new skills effectively and introduce fun exercises to keep dogs engaged and motivated will also be on the agenda. Booking are required. For more, email: placemaking@wyndham.vic.gov.au

School fete

Excitement is building as the Corpus Christi Primary School fete approaches on Saturday 28 March. Food stalls, live entertainment, lucky jars and carnival treats will be among the fun on offer. Everyone is welcome. Corpus Christi Primary School is located at 29 Russell Street, Werribee.

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MY PLACE

Ted Bown is a Wyndham local and a member of the Sunshine Fly Casting Club. He recently stepped down from his role as the club president after serving for 20 years. He spoke to Sam Porter about fishing and his community.

What’s your connection to Wyndham?

I originally moved to Werribee in 1981 because I was in the Air Force, so I was stationed at Laverton. Four years later in 1985, when I retired from the Air Force, we bought a house and stayed local. My kids were brought up here and I’ve been here ever since in the same house. After I left the Air Force I ended up working at RMIT as an instructor, teaching electronics and computer programing, and one of my students was a fly fisher and fly tyer and he talked me into coming to the club one night.Ithoroughlyenjoyedit.

What changes have you seen in Werribee during your time living there?

When we bought the house there were cow paddocks across the road so we were in the country. Then six months later, they built a shopping centre across the road so now I’m in the city. I’m quite happy with where I live. I love the place now because it’s convenient and because the doctors are around the corner. My chiropractor is two doors away and there are shopping centres across the road. I walk everywhere exceptwhenI’mgoingfishingandthenIgo for a drive, but other than that I just walk everywhere.

Where do you like to go fishing?

There’s a stack of lakes between [Werribee] andBallarat,alltroutfishing.I’mreallyinto chasingcarponaflyandwegouptoCairn Curran or Eppalock. I like the [Sunshine Fly Casting] Club because it’s a communal atmosphere and everybody gets along and everybody’sgotthesameidea.

What did you love about being club president?

It wasn’t really an onerous job. It was easy to do. I was doing it quite easily while I was working full-time in RMIT. I’m stepping down as president because my circumstances have changed. For the last

seven years I’ve been a full time carer for my wife who was disabled. Unfortunately she passed away in October so now there’s just me at home. And my daughter passed away 18 months ago with breast cancer. It’s changed everything. That’s why I’m starting a new life. I’m going to get out

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors

40

fishing more often. What I’m going to do is I’m going to go fishing overseas. I’d love to do Canada and there’s lots of places in North or South America. There’s spots everywhere. There’s Christmas Island in the middle of the Pacific just south of Hawaii. And one of the local clubs does a tripovertoCocosIslands.

What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?

I’m also a JP (Justice of the Peace). The local police station has a document signing stationsoIhelpoutwiththat.

20 years ago 22 March, 2006 A Wyndham lobby group has called on the State Government to commit to improving transport structure in the westbeforetheNovemberelection.

10 years ago 23 March, 2016

The number of Wyndham children being killed by their parents could be reduced if more health and welfare services were in place, a Monash Universityacademicsays.

The great AI content heist

By Paul Thomas*

In a recent Australian Financial Review opinion piece, “There is nothing creative about AI not paying for news content”, Rod Sims made a point Australia cannot afford to ignore.

Sims is now chair of The Superpower Institute and an Enterprise Professor at the Melbourne Institute at the University of Melbourne. He is also the former chair of the ACCC, and when he warns about market power and unfair extraction, people should listen.

His point is blunt, and correct. There is nothing creative about AI companies taking professionally created content, building commercial products on top of it, and then refusing to properly pay the people who made that content in the first place. That applies most urgently to journalism, but it also reaches writers, photographers, artists and other creators whose work is being vacuumed up to make these systems more useful and more profitable.

That is not innovation. It is extraction.

And for regional Australia, the damage will be greater than it is in the cities.

In a capital city, people may still have a range of big media outlets, institutions and voices competing to keep public life under scrutiny. In regional Australia and local areas, the local paper is often the trusted source. It is the paper that covers the council meeting, the court matter, the hospital issue, the fire warning, the local business, the sporting club and the decisions that shape daily life.

If that journalism weakens, country communities feel it first.

That is why the Canadian research on this issue is so important. The study is called AI News Audit. It was published in March 2026 by Taylor Owen and Aengus Bridgman of McGill University’s Centre

for Media, Technology and Democracy and the Media Ecosystem Observatory. It is some of the clearest evidence yet of whatAIcompaniesareactuallydoingwith professionally produced news content.

The researchers found AI models had absorbed Canadian journalism at scale and usually did not say so. In the technical brief, the researchers found that among knowledgeable responses, 92 per cent providednosourceattributionatall.Inthe policy brief, they found AI systems gave no source attribution 82 per cent of the time, and when asked about specific recent articles, produced substitute answers in 54 to 81 per cent of cases while naming the original outlet in the response text only one to 16 per cent of the time.

That is the heart of the problem.

Thejournalismisbeingused.Thevalueis beingcaptured.Thesourceisbeingerased.

AI companies do not send reporters to council meetings. They do not sit through court hearings. They do not verify facts during floods, fires or elections. They do not employ the local journalist, the editor,

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

the photographer or the creator who actually did the original work. But they increasingly want to scrape that work, absorbitintotheirsystems,andprofitfrom it as if it were their own.

For regional and suburban Australia, that is not some distant policy debate. It goes to whether local journalism survives.

The Canadian research also found that the outlets getting the most AI visibility were the biggest, free, nationally prominent organisations, while paywalled and regional and local publishers fell well below proportional representation. That should ring alarm bells here. It means smaller publishers can be mined for value while losing the audience and revenue they need to keep reporting.

And the consequences go well beyond business.

We are already living through an era of misinformation, half-truths and outright falsehoods spreading across social media at extraordinary speed. Much of it is unchecked. Much of it is designed to inflame, divide and mislead. If AI systems

now scrape reliable journalism, strip out thesource,andserveupconfidentanswers that people cannot easily verify, the danger only grows. The Canadian policy brief warns that when AI delivers answers drawn from journalism but stripped of source and context, the public’s ability to judge reliability is diminished.

That is a direct threat to democracy.

Democracy depends on trusted, checkable and accountable information. People need to know where a fact came from. They need to be able to judge the source, test its credibility and read further for themselves. If AI becomes a black box that swallows journalism and other original creative work, then spits out unattributed answers, the public loses one of its most important safeguards.

Australia should be clear about this. If AI companies want to use local journalism and other professionally created content, they should pay for it. If they use original reporting and creative work to build commercial products, they should compensate the people and businesses that created that value. And if they rely on trusted journalism to make their systems useful, they should be required to clearly identify the source so readers can verify what they are being told.

That is not anti-technology. It is pro-fairness, pro-creativity and pro-democracy.

Rod Sims is right. There is nothing creativeaboutnotpayingfornewscontent. And in regional Australia, there is nothing abstract about the consequences. When local journalism is stripped for value and not sustained, it is our towns, our readers and our democracy that pay the price.

* Paul Thomas is co-owner and managing director of Star News Group, Today News Group and SA Today. He is a past president and life member of Country Press Australia.

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

One on One IT help

Free IT help sessions run Each Tuesday 10-11.30am at the Manor Lakes Library, covering everything from using email, creating accounts and accessing the online library. People can get help with their Macs, PCs and phones. 8734 8930

Bridge sessions

The Williamstown Bridge Club has bridge sessions each week on Wednesday night at 7.25pm and Friday afternoon at 1.25pm for experienced players and a supervised session on Fridays at 10am at Hobsons Bay Sport & Game Fishing Club, Seaholme. All levels welcome and partners can be provided. Bridge lessons start on 17 April. Sandi, 0417 315 760, Alan, 0430 309 255 or lessons Jan, 0409 944 413

Crafties at Iramoo

The Crafties meet at Iramoo Community Centre every Wednesday between 12-2pm and put their knitting and crocheting skills to use. The crew make items for themselves and participate in charitable causes. 8742 3688

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

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

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-12pm every Monday and Thursday at the Tarneit Community Learning Centre. info@soulfulspreads.com

Wyndham

National seniors meeting

On the first Wednesday of every month at 1.30pm, the metro west branch of national seniors meets at the 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

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. Contact altonaview@gmail.com or Julie, 0421 315 846

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

Woodchop in action

How much wood could a woodchop chop if a woodchop chopped all through Blackwood?

Well, you may find the answer with beloved former winner of Moorabool’s Community Event of the Year, the BlackwoodWoodchopandEasterCarnival, as it’s set to return with an action-packed, fun-filled day out for the whole family on Saturday 4 April.

In its milestone 125th year, the event features one of the oldest woodchopping competitions in Victoria.

This year’s carnival is set to kick off with a street parade, followed by everyone’s favourite woodchop, plus loads of other fun activities, including gold panning, gumboot throwing, a pet show, treasure hunt, and loads of novelty games and races for the little ones.

Among the already jam-packed fun is also face-painting, tug-o-war, market stalls, delicious treats and licenced bars.

The parade starts off on Main Street, weaving down to the reserve for a final victory lap, with everyone invited to follow along or watch the parade at any point along the way.

All are being invited to join in on the parade.Withnosettheme,keenparticipants areencouragedtolettheirimaginationrun wild and enter with friends, family, and even pets for a chance to win prizes for best dressed, most colourful, and most creative.

But it wouldn’t be the Blackwood Woodchop and Easter Carnival without plenty of great music acts lined up to provide the perfect soundtrack, with the Gordon Gypsies, Craig Woodward and Friends, Fingerbone, Gumbo Express and

Rock & Co. booked to rock your socks off The family favourite event is all set to place with a picturesque backdrop at the beautiful Blackwood Reserve. Ticket price includes all activities,

including woodchop and live music.

For tickets and information: https:// blackwood3458.com.au/2550-2/.

For registration in the parade, email blackwoodprogress@gmail.com.

Faces of the west

Good intentions? You decide

Australian stand-up comedian Luke Kidgell’s World Tour is about to land in Werribee.

Following tours across the US, Canada, New Zealand and Europe, Kidgell is back on home soil to prove that he truly means well in his brand-new show ‘Good Intentions’.

Despite not having much control over his impulsive thoughts, Kidgell insistsdeepdownhemeanswell,and he is on a mission with his new show to prove it.

With six national tours already under his belt, and four million fans online, the stand-up comedian promises to bring plenty of entertainmentandlaughstothearea.

Known for his viral crowd interactions that often lead to some daily unusual yet hilarious encounters, Kidgell’s show in Werribee is one you can’t miss.

Tickets are selling out fast for Kidgell’s performance, offering a chance for locals in the western suburbs to see his performance close to home.

Good Intentions will be staged for one night only at the Wyndham Cultural Centre on Watton Street from 7.30pm on Wednesday 1 April. All tickets are $55. The show is recommended for ages 16 and over due to coarse language and adult themes. Tickets: https://tickets. wyndham.vic.gov.au/

Immerse in Greek culture

By Lee McCarthy

One of the added joys of travelling on a Viking cruise in Europe are the mini vacations offered in buzzing cities before and after sailing.

Thesetripsgivegueststheopportunityto soakupthecultureandvibeoftheportcity while preparing for departure.

As part of their packaging, Viking offer three-day extensions on their cruise options where everything is taken care of inthesameperfectfashionthatpassengers become accustomed to onboard.

They have just launched a new three-night pre or post cruise extension on their ‘Greek Traditions’ cruises available on select Mediterranean ocean voyages from 2026 onwards.

The extensions are available on the following itineraries: the Ancient Mediterranean Treasures cruise, Italy, the Adriatic, and Greece cruise; Journey to Antiquities cruise; Mediterranean Antiquities Venice cruise and the Adriatic and Greece cruise.

Based in Nafplio in the Peloponnese, the extension immerses guests in Greek culture and cuisine, with olive oil, honey andwinetastings,avisittoancientNemea, guided walking tours, and time to explore one of Greece’s most charming historic towns.

Greek Traditions extensions include hotelnightsinNafpliowithsevenmeals, three guided tours: Nemea and Nafplio; Honey and Wine Tasting; Olive Oil Factory and Tasting.

With extension prices starting from $2,699 and fully escorted by a Viking Tour Director, with all transfers included these extra days on land offer a divine opportunity to absorb the essence of Europe and the mediterranean.

For those considering the ‘Venice, the AdriaticandGreece’option,thiseight-day, four country cruise with six guided tours is now very affordable with pricing starting from only $6695.

The cruise leaves from Venice and takes in the spectacular Adriatic Sea with stops in Split, Croatia, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Corfu, Katakolon and Athens. An exceptional holiday taking in all the yearned for destinations in one cruise.

Those booking now can save up to $2500 with a ‘companion flies free’ option available on selected 2026-2028 voyages (check with Viking for full terms and conditions).

This cruise with allow travelers to

discover Venice exploring St Marks Square, or the Doge’s Palace, the famed Rialto Bridge or learn about Venetian mask crafting.

Another city to discover is Split, one of Croatia’s oldest cities, it has a promenade which commands majestic views over a bay and the Adriatic Sea. There is time to explore the city centre and Diocletian’s Palace, journey to Trogir or the Krka Waterfalls.

In Split, take the opportunity to join the Executive Chef for a unique, market to table experience where guests take an interactive culinary adventure. Immerse yourself in local culture and cuisine at the local market and handpick ingredients under the guidance of the chef.

Later that evening, dine on regional dishes prepared by the culinary team, using produce from the market.

NextstopisDubrovnikwherevisitorscan

walk the marbled Stradun in Dubrovnik, passSponzePalaceandseethe15tCentury Onogrio’s Fountain or sample some of the best of Croatia’s wines during a winery tour and tasting in the beautiful Konavle Valley.

Sail through scenic fjords to the remarkably preserved Kotor, Montenegro’s historic gem. Explore its Medieval Streets, visit the Cathedral of St. Tryphon or immerse yourself in the Maritime Museum.

In magnificent Corfu in Greece stroll the streets of Old Town, see Mouse Island and the Vacherna Monastery. For those chasing more physically challenging activities explore Corfu’s spectacular natural landscapes and inviting villages by bicycle on an invigorating tour.

Katakolon is huddled around a pretty little harbour dotted with colourful fishing

boats. Nearby, the fertile valleys of the western Peloponnese are a bounty of olive groves, vineyards and orchards, and lead to the legendary city of Olympia. In Olympia visit the Olympic park, see the Temple of Zeus, and browse the Olympic Archaeological Museum.

This truly stunning eight-day cruise sadly ends at magnificent Athens.

This is one of the best ways to visit these much-loved cities especially for those over fifty who want a little bit of luxury without having to decide where the best place is to stay, eat, drink, exercise, or shop.

Guests can extend their holiday in Athens by joining another extension tour to absorb more of ancient Greece for a few days before leaving for home.

Find out about this and many more cruises available from Viking at www.viking.com or phone 138 747.

MUST END 31 MARCH 2026

This is your last chance to fly free, upgrade to business class or save up to $5,000 per couple on 2026-2028 river, ocean and expedition voyages*

WONDERS OF INDIA

Roundtrip Delhi, India

• NOV 2027 TO DEC 2029

Purpose-built for the Brahmaputra River, Viking Ganges joins Viking Brahmaputra, bringing Viking’s signature Scandinavian design to India. Explore the Taj Mahal in Agra, wander Old Delhi’s historic streets and discover Jaipur’s Palace of Winds as you journey through India’s Golden Triangle.

THESE SAILINGS WILL SELL FAST. BOOK NOW.

From $16,295pp in Veranda Stateroom

Free mental health help

By Jaidyn Kennedy

The Wyndham Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in Werribee was officially opened on Friday 20 March.

Situated at 1-13 Watton Street, the Wyndham Local will provide a range of free clinical mental health and wellbeing support services.

Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt and Werribee MP John Lister conducted the opening.

The service is one of 22 across Victoria designed to provide support and treatment for adults older than 26 who are experiencing mental illness without a GP referral or needing to show a Medicare card.

Care will be delivered by a

Crafty Easter fun

Each month, Stephanie Martinez will share an exciting craft project designed to inspire and spark creativity.

Stephanie starred in the first season of Making It on Network 10, where she discovered and ignited her passion for crafting.

Join Stephanie as she explores the endless possibilities of crafting and turn everyday materials into something extraordinary.

This month, Stephanie is creating an Easter chick bonnet.

multidisciplinary team of experienced mental health professionals and wellbeing staff, many of whom have lived experience with mental health ailments.

The services will be funded by the state government, delivered by Cohealth in partnershipwithMercyHealth,andwillbe available 9am-5pm Monday to Friday.

Cohealth chief executive Nicole Bartholomeusz said being able to access the service without a referral removes a barrier to care.

“It really is a no wrong door approach, so anyone 26 and older can just walk in and say ‘Hey, I am not feeling great and I’d like to speak to someone,” Ms Bartholomeusz said.“Ourmodelallowsthatpersontomeet with someone who has had their own lived experience of mental health– we find that

is a really good way to break the ice when it comes to walking into a new service.

“Then they can have a coffee, a chat and from that point work out what that person needs,andreferthemtotherightpersonin the team.”

The team will also perform outreach services by going to different spots in Wyndham and engaging with locals to let them know their options for care.

She added that removing the GP referral makes for a less intimidating experience.

“Often when you call a clinic for a GP appointment you are told it is a two or three week wait. But often when that person is making that call, they actually need something right then and there, so this is about providing that opportunity for conversation right then and there.”

Materials 3x A4 yellow sheets of paper Orange paper White paper Black paper Coloured feathers

Equipment Ruler Pencil Scissors Glue stick

Step 1: Create the brim and strips Place a yellow A4 sheet in portrait. Measure 6cm in from one long edge and draw a straight line from the top to bottom to form the brim. On the larger section, draw vertical lines every 3cm to create 10 strips. Cut along the lines up to the brim, then cut off every second strip. Repeat with the second sheet.

Step 2: Form the hat base

Glue the sheets together side by side, slightly overlapping one sort edge. Curve to fit your head and glue the ends together to form a circular hat.

Step 3: Create the bonnet top Bend the strips up and over the top, glue them together in the centre, then continue with the remaining strips.

Step 4: Decorate your chick Cut out circles for the eyes (white and black), an orange beak, and glue them onto the chick. Cut two yellow wings and glue them to the sides and add some feathers to the top.

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.

ACROSS

1 Refrain; pass (7)

5 Social dance (coll) (5-2)

9 Young adulthood (11)

10 Reverential wonder (3)

11 Value (6)

12 Sound of wood burning (7)

14 Poke (4)

15 Normal or conventional (10)

17 Rival (10) 19 Book ID (1,1,1,1)

20 Fixed sum of money paid each year (7)

22 Brawny (6)

25 Bedridden (3)

26 Combined whole (11)

28 Leather factory (7) 29 Kings and queens (7)

1 Partly open (4)

Blizzard (9)

3 RollingintheDeep singer (5)

4 Unavoidably (11)

5 Knowledge (3)

6 Tastefully fine (7) 7 Predator (5)

8 Promotion (10)

12 Aficionado (11)

13 Doctor with superior knowledge in a specific field (10)

16 Vital, indispensable (9)

18 Territory ruled by an Islamic monarch (7)

21 Synthetic fibre (5)

23 Prepared (5)

24 Just (4)

27 Lively (3)

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:

13 words: Good 19 words: Very good 25 words: Excellent

N A N M F I G

3 LETTERS

5

1 Swimmer Cate Campbell has won how many Olympic gold medals?

2 Angela Bassett (pictured) played which character in the Black Panther films?

3 Who released the album Small TownTemple in 2023?

4 The height of which US volcano was reduced by more than 400m after a massive eruption in 1980?

5 What breed of animal is a Brussels Griffon?

6 Which country introduced a Nuclear Free Bill in 1987?

7 Which song won the Best Original Song award at the 2026 Academy Awards?

8 The world’s longest-lasting light bulb was first switched on in what year: 1901, 1911 or 1921?

9 Which team won the 2025 Indian Premier League cricket final?

10 James Earl Ray is best known for assassinating which person?

Want to place an ad but not sure where to start?

Call our helpful classified team between 8:30am-5pm Mon-Fri for FREE advice!

EDITOR SUNRAYSIA DAILY

Location: Mildura, Victoria

Position: Full-time

Lead two important regional news brands and help shape trusted local journalism across print, digital and social.

An exciting opportunity is available for an experienced and energetic Editor to lead the editorial direction of the Sunraysia Daily and Broken Hill Times, based from our Mildura office.

This is a hands-on leadership role overseeing the Sunraysia Daily’s three-times-a-week printed edition, the Broken Hill Times, daily online publishing, and support for content across the company’s social channels.

You will lead the reporting team in Mildura and work closely with the small team in Broken Hill, while being supported by the Group Editor and our production hub team.

This is a strong role for someone who understands the importance of local journalism, can drive quality and consistency across platforms, and is committed to building audience and community impact.

About the role

In this role, you will:

•edit and oversee the Sunraysia Daily print editions published three times a week

•oversee editorial output for Broken Hill Times

•manage daily digital publishing across both brands

•assist with editorial content for the company’s social media channels

•lead, mentor and manage the team of reporters in Mildura and the small team in Broken Hill

•help drive strong news judgment, story generation, planning and follow-through

•work with the Group Editor and production hub team to ensure deadlines are met and quality standards maintained

•help grow audience engagement across print, online and social platforms

•maintain high standards of accuracy, fairness, balance and community relevance

•connect with the community, attend events and meet with key members of the community

About you

To succeed in this role, you will ideally have:

•experience in editing, newsroom leadership or senior reporting

•strong news sense and a passion for regional and community journalism

•excellent writing, editing and headline skills

•the ability to manage competing deadlines across print and digital

•strong people leadership skills and a collaborative approach

•confidence working across websites, digital publishing systems and social platforms

•an understanding of how to build audience through digital content and social distribution

•a commitment to accuracy, ethics and high editorial standards

•a great sense of community

What we are looking for

We are looking for someone who can:

•lead from the front

•support and develop reporters

•produce strong, relevant and engaging local content

•balance the demands of print, digital and social

•work positively with editorial, production and management teams across the group

Why join us

This is a rare opportunity to play a leading role in two important regional news mastheads and make a genuine difference in the communities they serve.

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

You will join a business that values trusted local journalism and supports its editors with experienced group leadership and central production resources, while still giving you the chance to have real editorial impact at the local level.

To apply

Please submit your application, including a cover letter and resume, outlining your relevant experience and why you are interested in this role to paul.thomas@starnewsgroup.com.au

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.

PROFESSIONAL

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

Just a question of price

By Chris Riley, Marque

After a string of hybrid and fully-electric vehicles, including a full-blown electric ute, it was kind of refreshing to get behind the wheel of a no-frills turbo-diesel 4x4 ute like they used to make (and obviously still do).

The five-seat Mitsubishi Triton GLX double cab ’Pick Up’ (somewhere along the line they became pickups), in either 4x2 or 4x4 configuration, is just such a beast, complete with good old fashioned steel wheels.

Mitsubishi describes the GLX as everything you want in a tough, reliable and durable ute – whether it’s the 4x2 for workorthe4x4forplay,theywillgetthejob done anytime, every time.

Styling

The entry model to the Triton range retails for $44,090 in two-wheel drive form and $51,440 for the 4x4.

Our test vehicle was the GLX 4x4 double cab, Easy Select low and high range 4WD and all terrain tyres.

Firmly focused on work capability, it’s offered with a voice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions.

Our vehicle was fitted with almost $10,000 worth of accessories, including premium silver paint ($790), soft tonneau ($918), tray liner ($308), bullbar ($3779), snorkel ($1175), under front guard ($422), high-edge rubber mats ($154), plus a tow bar ($1551) with REDARC electric brake controller and harness ($865).

The Terrain pack includes some of these items and saves you $991.

The bullbar completely changes the look of the vehicle.

Vinyl flooring and cloth trim is of course de rigueur, with automatic air conditioning, ceiling mounted rear air circulator and electric lumbar support for the driver.

Entry is keyless but you need to insert the key in the ignition to start the ute, something of a rarity these days.

GLX is however quite sophisticated for an entry level model, with adaptive cruise control, intelligent speed limiter, auto high beam, traffic sign recognition, auto lights andwipers,frontandrearparkingsensors, and tyre pressure monitoring.

GLX is covered by a 10-year warranty, along with 10 years capped price servicing and 10 years roadside assistance.

Infotainment

Infotainment consists of a small rather thin 9.0-inch touchscreen, with Bluetooth, including voice control and audio streaming, plus built-in satellite navigation, AM/FM radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto and generic four-speaker audio.

The instrument cluster is formed by two analogue dials separated by a small digital info panel.

There’s USB A and C ports in the front, along with a 12-volt outlet, with another 12-volt outlet in the rear but no USB.

Safety

Triton was the first dual-cab ute to be awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating against the current criteria.

ANCAP notes the Triton demonstrated high levels of protection for occupants in crash tests.

Triton scored 86 per cent for Adult Occupant Protection, 89 per cent for Child Occupant Protection, 73 per cent for Vulnerable Road User Protection and 70 per cent for Safety Assist.

It comes with a 360-degree camera and a total of eight airbags, including a centre airbag, Autonomous emergency braking (Car-to-Car, Vulnerable Road User and Junction) as well as a lane support system with lane keep assist (LKA), lane departure warning (LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK), and a speed sign recognition system are standard.

Autonomous emergency braking (Backover) is standard on utility variants, but is not available on cab-chassis variants introduced from March 2025.

Two ISOFix and two top tether child seat anchor points are provided in the rear, requiring the seat belt to be threaded through a cloth loop.

But it says installation of child restraints in the centre seating position of the second row in dual cab variants is not recommended as there is no top tether anchorage.

Installation of child restraints in single and club cab variants is not recommended as there are no top tether anchorages.

Child Occupant Protection scores therefore do not apply to the single and club cab variants.

Engines/transmissions

The 2.4-litre bi-turbo diesel produces 150kW of power at 3500 rpm and 470Nm of torque from 1500-2750 rpm and in our test vehicle was paired with a six-speed automatic, together with part-time four-wheel drive.

Driving

GLXstandslongandtall,at5320x1795mm, with a 3130mm wheelbase and 12.4-metre turningcircle.

Ground clearance is 228mm but without side steps fitted, it can be a challenge to get inandout,especiallyforsmallchildren.

Atleastagrabhandleisprovidedforeach ofthefourdoorstoprovidesomeassistance.

Thehighrideheightalsomakesitdifficult to reach in and fit a child seat, off balance andwithoutanyleverage.

The 17-inch steel wheels are shod with chunkier 265/65 series Toyo all-terrain tyresdesignedforoff-roaduse.

At 30.4 degrees the approach angle is pretty good, but that long tail tends to drag, reducing the exit angle to 22.8 degrees whichcouldpresentproblems.

Drive under normal circumstances is to the rear wheels with the ability to change gears with the shifter and auto engine stop-starttosaveburningunnecessaryfuel.

However, the GLX cannot be driven in four-wheel drive on dry bitumen – it requires some slippage to stop the diff binding.

Witha75-litretank,fuelconsumptionisa claimed7.7L/100km.

There’salsoasecondaryAdBluetankthat needs filling from time to time, but easily accessed sitting side by side with the fuel filler.

In our week behind the wheel the trip computer showed 8.3L/100km after almost 400km of driving, not quite as good as the maker’sclaim–butnotbadallthesame.

Heavydutyrearsuspensionisfitted,with ventilateddiscbrakesatfrontanddrumsat therear.

As expected, the ride is very much old school given the stiff suspension and unladen mass – bumpy, jiggly and at times shuddery.

Put a bit of weight in the back and it is

likelytosettledown.

Likewise, we wouldn’t go chucking the ute into any fast corners, but it’s certainly no slouch in traffic, with light easy on the armssteering.

Payload capacity by the way is 1083kg in thisconfiguration,withatubthatmeasures 1555mmx1545mmx526mm,with1135mm betweenthewheelarches.

Alas, it bucketed down in Sydney during the week we had the Triton and we were unabletotakeitoffroad.

But we’ve taken this vehicle off road beforeandcanreportitisaquitecompetent, medium-dutyvehicle.

Other points of note include the touchscreen which is really too small to accommodate both overhead and rear camera views at the same time when reversing.

Our major criticism however concerns the horrible, nagging, annoying driver monitoring system which is right up there withanythingofferedbytheChinese. Maybethat’swhereMitsugotit?

Summing up

GLX is what it is, a purpose-built work vehicle without any of the fancy stuff found insportsutes.

It’s surprisingly well equipped and presents as a solid, value for money investmentatthisendofthemarket. But many of the features that buyers will be looking for remain accessories, so the stickerpriceissomewhatmisleading. The main problem is that the same figure buys you a larger chunk of a Chinese ute and this is probably the main reason the Triton carries a 10-year warranty, provided yougetthecarservicedwithMitsubishi.

Finals action continues

Jets continue to rebuild

By Tara Murray

Point Cook has had a positive pre-season after a mini rebuild ahead of the FV state league 4 north-west season.

The Jets had a full rebuild heading into 2025, but as they look to further progress the squad have had a number of changes for this season.

Jets coach Tome Petreski said they were really happy with the squad that they had put together.

“We’re heading in the right direction and we’re finding our feet,” he said.

“We parted ways with a number of players for a number of reasons. We took our time and were really patient with who we

wanted to bring in.

“We’re happy with the new guys and we think they add value.”

Petreski said it had been a positive off seasonforthegroupandtheyfelttheywere startingtofindcohesionintheirgameplan.

They played three Dockerty Cup matches as part of the pre-season, knocked out by state league 1 north-west club Yarraville Glory.

“Twelve weeks have gone in a flash,” Petreski said.

“Yarraville Glory are a good team and we felt like the performance was fantastic and we were proud of how we went.

“We felt we were heading in the right direction and finding our feet.

“We’re now focused on the proper season. It will take time and it will take time to get settled.”

The Jets enter this season after finishing last year in fifth spot in the state league 4 west competition.

It was enough to ensure the side stayed upandplayedinthecombinedstateleague 4 north-west competition this season. The top teams from state league 4 north and west along with teams relegated from state league 3 north-west make up the competition.

Petreski said everyone was aware of the challenges ahead this season.

He said they would like to think they could be in the promotion conversation

Krueger up and stroking towards success

By Peter Howe

There are many superlatives thrown at youngaspiringathletesfortheirdedication, resilience,focusandpassionfortheirsport.

This month’s Don Deeble Sports Star nominee, swimmer Owen Krueger, delivers these qualities everyday when his alarm clock goes off at 4.30am.

Only once in the last four years has his mum, Jacinta, had to come knocking on his door a second time to get him up.

“I was always organised but my daily routines, focus on my year 12 schoolwork, eating habits and structure has gone to another level,” he said.

“My ability to concentrate has even amazed me.”

Krueger enjoyed swimming and surfing with the family, but neither was a big focus in his life into his early teens.

During a school swim carnival Krueger was urged to give it a go by swim coach, Samantha Grant.

A win, a place at the regional finals and the rest is history.

Within 12 months Krueger was competing at a national level.

Krueger’s rise has much to do with his willingness to grind away at his craft as his natural ability.

Now his current coach, Jacob Sell says it’s about developing his technique.

“I am proud of my small Westbourne Swim Club, my coaches and how far it has come,” Krueger said.

“I do need to work on my turns, stroke rate and breathing technique.“

Krueger rates his starts, and the first 50 metres as his strength.

His training is split equally between the pool and in the gym.

Six mornings a week it is a 4.30am start in the pool typically swimming between four and six kilometres depending on the session.

He also swims two nights a week, is in the gym twice a week and it’s a combination of strength work and Pilates on a Thursday.

“I love competition,” he said. “It’s as much about beating yourself as it is about beating your opponents.

“I must be able to control my emotions when the starter’s pistol goes off.

“I will admit from time to time my race plan does go out the window, but I am getting better.”

Butterfly is Krueger’s favourite stroke and the one he finds easiest.

Hewontwosilverandabronzemedalat last year’s Victorian Long Course Championships in the under-17-18 age group.

It came after he won bronze at the 16 years boys 50 metre butterfly at the Australian National Championships earlier last

later in the year.

“There is a lot of quality in this league,” he said. “There are so many good teams andtherewouldbeeightornineteamsthat would believe they can win promotion.

“There are no surprises in this league.

“We will look to be competitive this year. We need to step up week in, week out and see where we are at the halfway mark.

“If we’re still in the race, head down bum up.”

The Jets started their season on Saturday against West Preston.

West Preston scored two late goals to come away with a 2-0 win.

The Jets will face Keon Park in round two.

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Talent League

The Western Jets kicked off their Talent League boys season with a big win against the Calder Cannons on Saturday. The Jets travelled to Highgate Recreation Reserve to face the Cannons and were able to lead by 10 points at quarter time. The margin was back to one point at the main break before the Jets kicked six goals to none in the third quarter to open up a match winning lead. The Jets did enough in the final quarter to come away with a 16.8 (104)-10.15 (75) win. Billy Wigmore kicked four goals for the Jets and was named their best alongside Jacob Marron.

VPL

Werribee City shared the points with Altona City in the Victorian Premier League 2 competition on Saturday afternoon. After parting ways with coach Craig Moore during the week, the Bees headed to Altona to try and get their second win of the season. Felipe Sanchez scored in the seventh minute to give the Bees the lead, before Altona City hit back in the second half to level the scores. The match finished 1-1. The Bees sit 14th after six rounds.

FV

year.

Krueger will compete at the Australian National Championships in April in the under-18 50 metres and 100 metres freestyle, backstroke and butterfly races.

The teenager has a number of idols in and out of the pool.

“Kyle Chalmers is one of my heroes as the best Australian swimmer in my events,” he said.

“He is also a good bloke. I do love Sam Short’s celebrations.

“Outofthepool,surferOwenWrightdisplays great resolve and resilience returning to competition after suffering a traumatic braininjuryinasurfingaccident. Ialsolike him because his name is Owen.”

Krueger has been invited to swim in the Australian Swimming trials for selection in the Pan Pacific and Commonwealth Games.

His focus is to make the Australian junior swim team and then progress to the senior team at Commonwealth and Olympic games.

The Don Deeble Sports Star Award is sponsored by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club, Strathmore Community Bank, the Deer Park Club, Ascot Vale Sports and Trophies and Star Weekly Newspapers.

If you would like to nominate a monthly winner, emailing swrsportsclub@gmail. com or 0408 556 631.

Hoppers Crossing started its FV state league 3 north-west season with a strong win on Saturday night. The Reds were at home against the Brunswick Zebras. Neither side scored in the first half, before Ivan Silic opened the scoring for the Reds in the 48th minute. Aruna Mwinyi doubled the score in the 58th minute with the Reds holding on to win, 2-0. Hoppers Crossing faces Epping City in round two.

Nike

FC Cup

The opening round of the Nike FC Cup was filled with forfeits on the weekend. One of those forfeits was West Point against Melton Phoenix on Sunday afternoon with the news coming through on Sunday morning.

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Wyndham opens account

By Tara Murray

Wyndham’s women’s side kicked off the Big V division 1 season with a win against a strong Gippsland United side.

Dropping to division 1 this season after finishing bottom of the championship division last season, Wyndham already has half the wins it had last year.

Wyndham travelled to Traralgon to take on United in what was a close game on Saturday night.

Scores were level at quarter time before Wyndham led by one point at the main break

A 19-12 third quarter allowed Wyndham a bit of breathing space heading into the final quarter.

United got the margin back to five

points with four minutes on the clock, but Wyndham had the answers and made sure the margin didn’t get any closer.

Wyndham was able to claim the win 63-58.

Wyndham shared the scoring with Haruna Inamura top scoring with 14 points, while Georgia Denehey and Nyidier Riak scored 13 points each.

Coach Matt Stephens said it was a real grind until the final buzzer.

“A great team effort secured the win,” he said.

“Haruna was outstanding defensively on Gippsland United’s Tresai McCarver, who scored 15 first-half points.

“After some halftime adjustments, Haruna limited her to just six in the second half.”

Wyndham will face the Altona Gators in round two, with the Gators coming off a big win on Saturday night.

Stephens said it would be a tough battle.

Wyndham’s youth league 2 women’s side suffered two losses in round two of its season.

It started off the weekend against the Hawthorn Magic on Saturday night, losing 94-41.

Coach Renee Dayao said it was a tough game after a really slow start with the side trailing by 33 points at half time.

“The third quarter showed real positive signs of what we can look like when we are at our best,” she said.

Kiana Dayao top scored with 14 points and had three rebounds, while Emily

Dean Russ. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 510973_14

Tigers dig deep for a berth in the granny

By Tara Murray

Werribee dug deep to win through to the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association east-west grand final on the weekend.

While the record books will say that the Tigers beat Spotswood easily in the weekend’s semi final, it was a lot closer than it looks.

Tigers’ coach Brad Robertson said they came out on top in a hard fought game against a really good side.

“It feels good and it was the aim,” he said.

“Spotswood pushed us all the way and the scoreboard doesn’t reflect that.

“I think it flattered us a little bit and it didn’t feel like a six wicket win.”

Robertson said there was a sense of anxiety throughout the whole game watching on the sidelines until the final result was sealed.

He said Spotswood didn’t bowl a bad ball and made them really hard work for every run.

On Saturday, Spotswood won the toss and decided to bat.

The Woodsmen were bowled out for

154 in the 78th over. Lachlan McKenna top scored with 40.

Robertson said they were able to fight back late in the day to restrict the Woodsmen.

“At tea they were in a strong position with a lot of batting in the shed,” he said.

“Anything over 170 would be difficult to chase.

“Jono [Jonathan Burton] he did his thing after tea. We were happy chasing 154.”

Burton took 7-39 for the Tigers and continued his good form in finals.

On Sunday, all of the Tigers batters got starts as they finished 4-158 in 55 overs.

Robertson said the two openers started well and the others were able to continue on from there to get the needed runs.

“They came really impressively and they bowled really well,” he said.

“They threw everything at us. Dean Russ has a lot of experience and was patient and ran the innings.

“Madhur [Ghal] we haven’t spoken enough about him over the year and he batted with a lot of control.

“His innings was pivotal as if we lost an-

Matthews had six points, five rebounds, two assists and one steal.

On Sunday, Wyndham backed it up against Collingwood All-Stars where it was a thriller all the way.

After the All-Stars led by six points at quarter time, there was two points the difference at the other breaks.

Renee Dayao said the girls were unlucky not to get the win and she was proud of how they bounced back.

“Plenty improvement from the night before, with the girls’ effort and intensity second to none.”

Wyndham’s youth league men’s division 1 side suffered a 91-78 loss to the Sunbury Jets.

Adam Arkadio top scored with 25 points.

Joyce’s big win

Werribee’s Gavin Joyce thought he had no chance of winning the Bowls Victoria metro west champion of champions singles title on 15 March.

Joyce, a skip for the Bees weekend division 2 team, beat two state players on the way to claiming the title.

“It’s really good,” he said. “I gave myself no chance. I was playing against some higher division players. It’s pretty exciting.

“To actually win the whole thing was beyond my wildest expectations.”

Club champions participate in the knockout competition until there is one left from each region standing who is crowned the region winner.

other wicket things could have been really difficult.

“The wicket was starting to play a few tricks”

Russ was top score with 68 not out from 144 balls.

The Tigers will now host Balwyn in the grand final this weekend at Chirnside Park.

Balwyn beat Altona in the other semi final.

Balwyn made 9-305 before bowling Altona out for 179.

Robertson said hosting the grand final was really good for the club.

While the Tigers finished top and will host the final, Robertson put the pressure back on Balwyn.

“I feel like we are the underdogs,” he said.

“Their performances across the season have been impressive where I feel like we’ve just done enough to win games.

“They have put some big numbers up and won by some big margins.

“We’re happy to come out to Werribee to fight for the trophy. We’re really excited and the vibe is really good.”

Among the players that Joyce beat was Altona’s Dane McKinnon in the final and Deer Park’s James Pearce in the semi final. Both play in premier division division sides that made finals this season.

It was a good couple of days for Werribee, with Jenny Parker making the semi finals of the women’s singles event.

Parker also went deep in last year’s knockout tournament.

“It was good to see the club recognised,” Joyce said.

“It’s great for the club and there’s a lot of work that people put in.

“We all practice together and we are all amateurs who do it for the love of the club and the sport.”

Joyce will now compete in the state champion of champions tournament in April.

As for his hopes?

“I never considered playing in it,” he said. “I’ve got no chance at the next stage. I’ll go and compete again and do the best that I can.”

Werribee’s winning start

By Tara Murray

An inaccurate Werribee returns from Queensland with the four points after beating the Gold Coast Suns in the opening round of the Victorian Football League season.

TheTigershavetravellednorthearlyinthe season the past few seasons and on Sunday they were again on the road early on.

After leading at every break, the Tigers won 9.19 (73)-8.10 (58).

It was a new look Tigers with 10 players making their debuts for the club, with Tom Simpson also making his VFL debut.

New Tigers coach Dan Lowther said it was really good to come home with the win from the trip away.

He said being on the road early was a good way to bring the group together.

“It’s very exciting,” he said. “It was bloody hot and it was a great result.

“There were so many new faces in the squad and new staff and coaches, it was a good chance to get away and play an AFL club.

“Playing at People First Stadium added to the excitement.”

Lowther said with 22 or 23 new players on the list there were always going to be some early season debuts.

He said it was really exciting for Simpson to get his first opportunity at this level.

Travelling emergencyNick Newtoncame into the side late to make his Tigers debut after Emerson Jeka was under the weather and didn’t travel.

“They gelled well and connected and got the task down,” the new coach said of the whole group.

Lowther said there were plenty of ebbs and flows across the game with neither side able to break the game open.

The Tigers led at each of the breaks but weren’t able to have a comfortable margin.

The margin was one point at quarter time and four points at half time.

That extended slightly to two goals at the final break before it was two goals apiece in thefinalquarterastheTigersheldontowin.

Lowther said there were some really good signs.

“The pressure was really good as was our tackling pressure,” he said.

“Our first phase footy was really good.

“We were able to dig in when they had a bitofmomentumandgetitbackandscore.”

Lowther said pressure was one of the areasthattheyhadfocusedonheadinginto the game along with getting the balance right with their ball movement.

He said at times they conceded goals from turnover which they couldn’t stop and something they would look to work on.

The only other down side was their conversion in front of goal, withs Lowther still taking positives out of that.

“We kicked a lot of points,” he said. “We’re not getting bogged down as we were getting the ball in the right places to score.”

Will Elliott kicked three goals for the

Tigers, while Noah Tullio was the other multiple goal kicker with two.

Charlie Lazzaro had 29 disposals for the Tigers in his debut for the club in what Lowther said was a professional game in the middle of the ground.

Dom Brew (26 disposals), Newton (25 disposals) and Mace Cousins (24 disposals) all had plenty of the ball as well.

Lowther said Simpson had a great first game while Newton, Elliott and Sam Donegan had good games as they had a number of contributors.

Lowther said they would have a big focus on recovery this week after playing in the heat and on a big ground in the opening round.

The Tigers will be back in action on Saturday against the Sandringham Zebras at Trevor Barker Beach Oval.

Lowther said it would be a different challenge this weekend.

“It will be a tough game,” he said. “It will be a different scenario and much colder and a more contested game.

“We’re looking forward to it.”

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