WEDNESDAY, 9 SEPTEMBER, 2026
Learning tutu dance With more than 120 free activities and events spread over seven days across Wyndham, this year’s Wyndham Learning Festival continued to provide a plethora of opportunities to learn something new. The annual all-ages event delivered by Wyndham Community and Education Centre Inc and supported by Wyndham City Council started on 1 September and ran until Monday 7 September, with this year’s theme being Lifelong Learning for a Thriving Future, celebrating
CDB Dance hosted an adult ballet class in Point Cook as part of the Wyndham Learning Festival.
learning at every stage of life. Saltwater Community Centre in Point Cook hosted an adult ballet class by CDB Dance on Friday 4 September, just one of the events for people to develop new skills, explore a hobby, support their wellbeing or connect with their community at the many workshops, walking tours, seminars, classes and hands-on activities. This year the festival’s popular reusable tote bags featured the creativity of young local photographers Vedika and Chloe whose images captured moments of everyday life in Wyndham.
Cash to fix roads By Glenn Fisher A section of Point Cook Road will be widened and the intersection of Ballan and Bolton roads in Wyndham Vale fixed if Labor is re-elected in November. Premier Ben Carroll visited Wyndham on Thursday 3 September to announce the opening of the Ison Road project and pledge road upgrades for the west if his party wins government on 28 November. He said Labor would spend $195 million to widen Point Cook Road between Central Avenue and Dunnings Road from two lanes
to four and upgrade four intersections across the two-kilometre stretch. Locals spend too long stuck in traffic in either direction on Point Cook Road, with the road carrying more traffic that it was built for, he said. Mr Carroll also promised $83 million to double capacity at the intersection of Ballan and Bolton roads, where congestion results in massive queues during peak periods. As part of that pledge, Bolton Road would become a four-lane road between Ballan and McGrath roads, with Ballan Road
increased to four lanes between Bolton Road and Windsor Avenue. Planning for these upgrades would begin early next year and construction would start next term, Mr Carroll said. He also said the state would take over control of Taylors Road in Kings Park and Delahey from Brimbank council, and send $170 million on widening it. “I want to help working people in the west spend less time on the road and more time where they need to be,” Mr Carroll said. Mr Carroll’s election pledges came as the $194 million extension of Ison Road in
Werribee opened to traffic on Friday. The project, which was completed three months ahead of schedule, includes a $114 million bridge over the Melbourne-Geelong rail line and an $80 million 1.3km four-lane road connecting Ison Road to Geelong Road and the Prince Freeway interchange. The bridge was jointly funded by the federal and state governments, while the 1.3km section of road that includes new walking and cycling tracks and new traffic lights was funded by Wyndham council. More than 29,000 daily journeys are expected along the new link by 2036.
WE ARE HERE
SUNDAY SEP 20 - LIVE ON OUR MEGA SCREEN SETTLE IN FOR A BIG DAY AT CLUB TARNEIT
GRAB A TABLE IN OUR SPORTS BAR VENUE OPENS AT 10AM 12823440-AD37-26
NEWS
STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
Hybrid trains for the west By Jack O’Shea-Ayres The state opposition is promising new hybrid trains for Melbourne’s west if it wins November’s state election. The coalition has committed to investing $1.7 billion for 25 hybrid diesel-electric trains for the Melton and Wyndham Vale lines. The investment would lead to the delivery of suburban rail services for Melton and Wyndham Vale passengers, while paving the way for potential City Loop services every hour during peaks on both lines, increasing capacity by more than double, the coalition said. Both lines are serviced by smaller V/
Line VLocity trains and were originally promised electrification in 2018 and 2022. It’s a system opposition leader Jess Wilson slammed the current state government for. “Labor has twice promised and twice failed to deliver the modern train services communities across Melton and Wyndham Vale deserve,” Ms Wilson said. “Our plan will deliver metro-quality train services to Melbourne’s west sooner – meaning more trains, more seats and greater capacity.” However Melton MP Steve McGhie defended the west’s public transport system, saying current and forthcoming upgrades had already improved operations.
“We have added over 120 additional services on the Melton line and as of next year we will increase the capacity by 50 per cent due to the introduction of 9 carriage trains,” he said. “We will be delivering electrified trains to Melton - that’s why we have built a four-platform station at Melton.” Melton council and the West of Melbourne Economic Development Alliance (WoMEDA) have welcomed the commitment by the opposition. WoMEDA executive director Giulia Baggio said the major investment must be matched with a re-designed and properly connected bus network. Melton council said it supports any
proposal that delivers more rail services and greater capacity for commuters along the Melton rail line, but is interested in understanding more details about how the proposed hybrid services would operate and when they would be delivered. Council also said while hybrid trains could provide a short-term boost to capacity, the proposal must still support the full electrification of the Melton rail corridor. Mayor Lara Carli said the Melton rail line must be duplicated and fully electrified by 2030, in line with Infrastructure Victoria’s recommendation, with additional stations at Mt Atkinson and Thornhill Park.
Tools for talking
Christopher Schildt emphasised the importance of foster care in the community. (Damjan Janevski). 575728_01
Caring for kids who crave connection The theme of this year’s Foster Care Week, Sunday 13 to Saturday 19 September, is ’Open Doors. Open Hearts. Open Opportunities’. The week encourages Victorians to explore how caring for a child may fit into their lives. Western suburbs resident Christopher Schildt became a foster carer four years ago finding fulfilment in helping those in need. He is an accredited therapeutic trainer who currently has two children in his care. “I had the will to give back something and make a difference,” he said.
Mr Schildt emphasised the importance of “connection over correction,“ stating “a lot of behaviour comes from trauma and being rigid or disciplinary can only reinforce that. The most important thing is showing them consistently that you’re that safe adult.“ The Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare and Fostering Connections says foster carers are needed from diverse backgrounds, varied family structures and different stages of life to give children and young people care and support. CEO Jamie Crosby said, “every day, foster carers provide safe, stable and nurturing
homes for children and young people who cannot safely live with their parents. They welcome children into their homes, providing safety, stability, and care during an important time in their lives.“ More than 9,100 Victorian children and young people are currently living in out-ofhome care, with over 7,400 in kinship care and more than 1,200 in foster care. Call Fostering Connections on 1800 013 088 or visit fosteringconnections.com.au to explore the different types of care available and whether fostering could be right for you.
New Point Cook Road and Central Avenue intersection opens In a significant milestone for the western suburbs, the new Point Cook Road and Central Avenue intersection in Altona Meadows has officially opened, replacing the old roundabout with traffic lights and a new freeway exit ramp connection. According to the state government, the new intersection, which opened six months ahead of schedule, provides better connections between Altona Meadows, Seabrook, Point Cook, and the Princes Freeway.
“Every Victorian deserves safe, reliable roads – that’s why we’ve upgraded this busy roundabout so locals can get to where they need to go,” said Minister for Roads and Road Safety Paul Hamer. Point Cook MP Mathew Hilakari echoed these sentiments, stating, “This is a key gateway into Altona Meadows, Seabrook and Point Cook, and these upgrades will make a real difference for the thousands of motorists who use it every day.” The project is the latest in a series of
2 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 9 September, 2026
road upgrades across Melbourne’s west being spruiked by the state government including the opening of Ison Road, improvements to the Werribee Main Road– Princes Freeway intersection, and new lanes on Central Avenue. Major works are also underway on the Ballan Road intersection in Wyndham Vale, replacing another roundabout with lights and safer crossings. Final landscaping and other works will be completed in early 2027.
A lengthy, lively debate over an interim measure designed to help Wyndham councillors speak publicly on new and emerging issues ended with a 5-5 split and the mayor’s casting vote at Tuesday night’s meeting. The debate kicked off over a motion to adopt an interim ‘Statements and Advocacy on emerging issues policy’ until a final framework was developed and incorporated into the overall Media and Social Media Policy by the end of this year. Speaking to his motion at the council meeting, Cr Josh Gilligan said there had been a “recent precedent that has exposed a gap in our own governance framework”. The precedent Cr Gilligan was referring to was the June 2026 arbitration decision that found him in breach of the Model Councillor Code of Conduct, after he made public comments as then Mayor about Point Cook RAAF base and future housing, a matter on which council held no adopted position at the time. “Without a clear solution to these matters, we remain paralysed by fear and intimidation with the veil of a threat of misconduct over our heads,” Cr Gilligan stated. “No elected representative should ever be held to ransom by the gotcha mentality of a motivated colleague when advocating for their community.” While the council had a media policy – with the mayor or delegate as official spokespersons on issues already resolved – three things were often missing when it came to an emerging issue, Cr Gilligan told Tuesday’s meeting. “Firstly, there is no adopted position on the issue when it arises. Secondly, there is no mechanism by which council could adopt one quickly when it arises,” he said. “Thirdly, there is (sic) no approved words that anyone could safely use in the interval before a decision exists.” Cr Gilligan said the council’s media policy authorised the mayor to speak as the principal spokesperson, but “what it does not do is supply something to say, a way of creating it at pace or a safe holding position where none exists”. “We have given our spokesperson a microphone and no script,” he said. Councillors who opposed the motion said that council already had a media and social media policy in place and an interim measure was not required, but Mayor Mia Shaw said no mayor of the day should ever have to say ‘in my personal opinion’ when speaking to the media. Councillors Gilligan, Shaw, Jasmine Hill, Preet Singh and Shannon McGuire voted for the motion, and councillors Peter Maynard, Robert Szatkowski, Larry Zhao, Susan McIntyre and Kim McAliney opposed it, with Cr Shaw using her casting vote to pass the motion.
STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
NEWS
Suburban slave owner jailed By Tara Cosoleto, AAP A callous man will spend six years behind bars for exploiting a vulnerable woman and keeping her as a slave for nine months. The woman had considered Chee Kit “Max“ Chong, 47, like a son, and the 61-year-old followed him to Australia from Malaysia. But he took advantage of her kindness and used her as a slave in his Point Cook home between January and October 2022. “Your treatment of her was callous and cruel,“ Victorian County Court Judge Michael Cahill said in sentencing on Friday 4
September. The woman, who cannot legally be identified, first met Chong at a Malaysian church in 2015 and they quickly became close. She provided him with thousands of dollars when he was struggling, and she followed him to Australia in 2017. But she was left alone and homeless when Chong and his wife Angie Liaw travelled to Malaysia and then moved to Tasmania without telling her. Chong contacted the woman again in late 2021, saying his family had moved back to Melbourne. It was during the nine months she lived at
Chong’s home in 2022 that Chong assaulted the woman and treated her like a slave. He made her clean for the family, massage his feet and stay up all night to act as his 5.30am alarm clock. When she failed to follow his orders, he assaulted her and deprived her of food and sleep. The woman disclosed the abuse to a cafe owner on September 16 after they saw her with horrific bruising to her face. She fled Chong’s home on October 7 under the guise of visiting a friend to collect money, and police found her four days later with a swollen ear and injured eye.
Chong repeatedly denied the offending and took the case to trial but a jury in May found him guilty of intentionally possessing a slave and one count of assault. The woman died from natural causes in 2024. The judge accepted Chong would likely be deported back to Malaysia and his time in custody would be difficult for his wife and young children. But the court needed to denounce the cruel conduct and deter others from similar offending, Judge Cahill said. Chong was jailed for six years with a non-parole period of four years.
Changes to airport pick up, drop off
Erin Simmonds was 30 when she suffered a stroke. She is getting active every day for Stride4Stroke. (Damjan Janevski). 575850_02
Striding to raise stroke awareness Erin Simmonds was only 30 years old when a stroke struck in 2023. The Mambourin mother-of-one was at home playing with her daughter when she realised something was not right. “I went to put my hand to my daughter’s face but couldn’t feel her. I thought it was a pinched nerve,” Erin said. Erin was taken to the hospital where scans revealed she had experienced a stroke – a diagnosis she never thought she would face at such a young age. “I remember thinking, ‘I’m too young, it
only happens to people who are elderly’. I didn’t understand why it was happening to me.” Erin was admitted to a stroke ward and underwent specialised rehabilitation therapy. Three years later, she still does not have feeling in her left arm, but her experience has ignited her passion to raise awareness of stroke and encourage others to reduce their risk. Erin and her best friend, Brianna, are participating in the Stroke Foundation’s Stride4Stroke campaign, a month-long challenge encouraging Australians to get active every day. The pair, known as Team B&E Stride
Squad, aims to walk every day and clock up as many moving minutes as possible by the end of September. Erin and Brianna are among hundreds of Aussies taking part in Stride4Stroke, which comes as data shows nearly two in every five Australian adults aged 18-64 do not meet the recommended guidelines for physical activity. Stroke Foundation CEO Dr Lisa Murphy emphasises the importance of physical activity in reducing the risk of stroke and other chronic conditions.
New community hub in Werribee AMES to help those in need A new community service connecting people with support services, providing information and referrals to education or employment opportunities has opened in Wyndham. The Hub Open Door Pilot is a welcoming community space based at AMES Australia, in Werribee. The Hub Open Door helps community members connect with information, support, and services. It supports people looking for employment but are not sure where to start and it can refer others to English language
classes or vocational training. It also provides information about or access to health-related services, joining local sports teams or other social activities. Them hub can refer people searching for nearby parenting groups that cater to specific languages and it has links to local food banks or other material aid in Wyndham area. The drop-in service is available to all Wyndham LGA residents and staff speak a wide range of languages.
AMES Australia senior manager Jelena Kelly said that at the hub’s core was a collaboration of local service groups. “If people need some support, they can come to the Hub and get information and referrals to find the help or connections they need,” Ms Kelly said. “The idea is to connect people with the right support within or outside AMES Australia and to bring people together through a welcoming community space.” Hub Open Door is at level 1, 9 Bridge Street, Werribee.
Melbourne Airport will open its new pick up and drop off zones for terminals one, two and three next month, in what will be the biggest change to the airport’s road network since it opened in 1970. The new free drop off zone on level three of the T123 Transport Hub will provide more space than the current congested departures ramp and will pave the way for $4.5 billion in privately funded projects to expand the international terminal, according to the airport. The new free, undercover pick up zone on level two of the T123 Transport Hub will have more than 100 car spaces and enable passengers to wait for their ride close to toilets and sheltered from Melbourne’s variable weather. The changes mean that from 6 October , anyone heading to pick up or drop off for any airline will need to leave the Tullamarine Freeway earlier at exit 19 (Naarm Way) and use the elevated roadway to access all terminals. Access to parking remains unchanged. Pick up drivers who arrive early can continue to use Melbourne Airport’s 60 Minute Free Wait Zone, located off Mercer Drive, and can access the new pick up area from Airport Drive and Naarm Way. Melbourne Airport chief executive Lorie Argus said the new facilities would help better serve the increasing volumes of both traffic and travellers. “With more than 100,000 people using Melbourne Airport every day and annual passenger numbers predicted to reach 75 million people by 2047, we need to expand our precinct,” she said. “This is an exciting change, but it’s also a big change and we know it will take people time to get used to it, so we’ll have plenty of staff on hand to help support drivers and passengers. “As part of these changes, the current departures ramp will close on 6 October , which will allow us to begin work on expanding the international terminal footprint out into the forecourt.” In partnership with Travellers Aid, the free Melbourne Airport Assist service will be expanded the new pick up and drop off zones to ensure passengers who need assistance moving around the precinct have the support they need from the moment they arrive to the moment they depart. Details: www.melbourneairport.com. au/pick-up-and-drop-off-hub
Wednesday, 9 September, 2026 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 3
SECTION
STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
OPEN HOME 50 Saltwater Promenade, Point Cook
Stage 11
NOW ! SELLING
Saturday, 19 September 11am - 2pm
STAGE 10 T. SOLD OU
NO Exit Fees
NO Stamp Duty
NO Hidden Costs
Join us for Avington Living’s Open Home Morning Are you thinking about downsizing or helping Mum or Dad explore their next move? Come along to Avington Living in Point Cook and discover over 50s resort-style living, modern low-maintenance homes and why land lease living offers a more affordable way to downsize, owning your own home and leasing the land. Tour display homes and the community and see why people fall in love with Avington.
RSVP today at avingtonliving.com.au or call (03) 8400 0408 12882701-MS37-26
4 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 9 September, 2026
STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
NEWS
Sunshine trader ‘on edge’ As part of an ongoing series on the causes and solutions to crime in the west, Glenn Fisher asked a local business owner whether they felt safe in their area. Sunshine business owner Julie Tran told Star Weekly the “street has changed” and that she was “on edge” most of the time. “Eighteen years ago when my husband and I started this business, I felt safe. But the street has changed,” said Ms Tran, who runs the Thuan An Vietnamese Restaurant in the Civic Green area of Hampshire Road. “Now there are people hanging about drinking alcohol in public from concealed containers, others who are on drugs, and general anti-social behaviour, and those people attract similar people to the area,” she said. “And the kids and teenagers who gather in groups obviously have no parents or guidance from anyone.” Ms Tran said after sunset, the area felt especially ominous. “There used to be a lot of parallel parking available out the front of the shops, but that is gone now,” she said, and business operators and staff now had to walk to their cars at the back of the shops, many times through small laneways in the dark. “I’m always on edge now,” Ms Tran said. “Even if nobody is around, there’s something in the back of my mind when I walk to my car and I’m always looking over my shoulder. “My female staff always get accompanied to their cars or get picked up right out the front of the restaurant.” Premier Ben Carroll recently announced the recruitment of 150 extra Protective Services Officers (PSOs) to patrol shopping centres around Melbourne, that announcement coming just days after the tragic death of Sunshine grocer Van Viet Truong, who died after he was attacked on 1 August while trying to stop a robbery across the road from Ms Tran’s restaurant. Ms Tran said since then, there seemed to be extra police and city compliance officers in the Sunshine business district on most
Sunshine trader Julie Tran. (Damjan Janevski) 575884_05
days, but “we know it won’t last”. Ms Tran said members of the Sunshine Business Association had held multiple discussions with police, Brimbank council and Laverton MP Sarah Connolly following the tragedy to try to get more police presence on the streets, while Mr Carroll had also visited the business precinct in the days after Mr Viet Truong’s death. Mayors from Brimbank, Maribyrnong,
Hobsons Bay, Wyndham and Melton came together recently to urge the state government for more visible, local police across Melbourne’s west, with recorded crimes having increased a combined 12.7 percent across Melbourne’s west so far this year. A state government spokesperson said Labor had built Australia’s biggest police force to put more police where they were needed most and that 200 more PSOs and
400 more reservists would be recruited. PSOs will be able to patrol in more places where there was crime and anti-social behaviour, such as local shopping strips, the spokesperson said. “We’re also establishing a $10 million Local Community Safety Infrastructure Fund for councils to strengthen their security including in Melbourne’s west,” the spokesperson said.
MY PLACE Maureen Mohr is a long-time resident of Melton who originally grew up in Footscray. Just last year, Ms Mohr was honoured through her induction into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women, recognised in the Local Champion category for her work as a compassionate and tireless community leader whose work has had a significant impact in the region. Jack O’Shea-Ayres spoke with Ms Mohr about her connection to Melbourne’s north-west, what she loves most about where she lives, and how it felt to be recognised for her work in the community.
Where is your favourite local place to spend time? I like walking around our Botanical gardens and chatting to those I meet along the way, and a coffee at the library is always good, as well as checking out what exhibitions may be on there at the time.
What’s your connection to Melbourne’s north-west? I grew up in Footscray so I have lived all my life in the west. What do you like about where you live? I like the quiet. We have great neighbours, and the diversity of people all around is terrific. There is a lot to do for all ages, if only people would go out of their way to find out what’s on and where.
Maureen Mohr. (Damjan Janevski). 561756_02
What, if anything, would you change about where you live? I am pretty happy with the progress in Melton at the moment. It’s been a long time coming but it’s happening now with the
railway crossings about to be gone. The new railway station and the hospital are both greatly needed - and perhaps a little work on the highway and surrounding roads would be great to see, but I am sure it will happen.
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you… One thing people might be surprised to know about me is my volunteering work among the community. I love being able to do the volunteering work I do, especially with Vinnies soup van - through that we have made a connection with Woodlea Islamic Network as they are doing similar work in the area. By giving out meals to those that are in need or just lonely sometimes, it’s great learning from the various groups. I would love to see more young people getting involved in volunteering in the area. During 2025 I was inducted into the Women’s Leadership Board as a local Champion, which was a very special honour.
Wednesday, 9 September, 2026 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 5
BEHIND THE NEWS
STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
The art of history
Joesph Ribarow in front of the Visions of St Albans mural. (Damjan Janevski) 572871_01
History and art is more than packed museums and prestigious universities. The Tin Shed in St Albans knows this is the case, and has spent the last few decades putting together a thorough archive of the brilliant culture that was forged in the western suburbs. Sebastian Conidi spoke to local historian Joseph Ribarow about his process and how he built a rich tapestry of records and oral history over time.
W
hen we think of history our minds may immediately go to ancient Roman Emperors, Greek philosophers or medieval knights rolling around in the mud. Often, however, our own history faces a danger of becoming easily obscured. For many residents of Melbourne’s western suburbs, family history is not a simple linear line. It is not uncommon to have only one or two generations that grew up in a completely different country with a different language and way of life. Documents get lost, people forget to write things down and the general pace of life leaves little time to keep clear records. We may know who Alexander the Great or Julius Caesar were without ever knowing the name of a great-great grandparent. There is a comprehensive record of history being completed in Melbourne’s west and it’s not a university library. The St Albans Community Tin Shed is home to an archive of invaluable community history, centred around the lives of local artists who brought craft and imagination to the area. In the hall lies the mural Visions of St Albans, a dazzling artwork originally conceived by Thea Dukic that celebrates the art and artists embedded in St Albans past. This art however does not stand alone. It is brought alive by rich documentation that has been collected over time. Joseph Ribarow has been recording St Albans history for decades. He edited the Oral History From the Tin Shed Archives which features an incredibly thorough account of the suburb, spanning all the way back to the 1860s. Ribarow was born in Germany in 1948 and settled in St Albans in 1951. He was
first involved with the youth centre in his teens in the 1960s, eventually becoming more involved in the history in the late 1990s. “If we don’t record who the people are, we lose them,” he said. Ribarow’s turn to volunteer history work was influenced by the passing of his sister who died of cancer at 52. “She was a long-term volunteer here. In families we think we’ll write about family history later.” Ribarow was determined to record his own family’s history in her memory. “Because she spent so much time here as a volunteer, I came looking for information. That’s when I came across the oral history studies that had been done previously and were gathering dust in the archives.” Ribarow was aided by long-time Tin Shed member and former coordinator Elfie Haggblom as they began to restore materials that had been stowed away. As Ribarow was recording history, he came across the works of Pino Calati. “I was rummaging around for stories, and suddenly found these paintings [by Calati].” Calati was an artist and sculptor born in 1916 in Pulsano, Italy. He and his family emigrated to Melbourne’s west in 1949. Calati made a name for himself in the St Albans community through his art classes which he ran from the 1970s to the 1990s. Calati’s own work covered a wide range of local structures including the St Albans bungalow, St Albans native plant reserve, Sacred Heart Presbytery, Errington Reserve and St Albans presbyterian church. “It’s art of a particular locality, a particular neighbourhood, a particular era,” Ribarow said.
6 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 9 September, 2026
If we don’t record who the people are, we lose - Joseph Ribarow them Haggblom said Calati had a likeable personality. “He would always offer people some of his lunch. He was very warm. He really encouraged his art students,” she said. Working as a carpenter by trade, Calati devoted himself to teaching and creating in his spare time. He contributed to a number of exhibitions across the west. St Albans Community Youth Club chairperson Richard Carthew noted how Calati’s diverse origins influenced his art. “He grew up in the southern part of Italy where the history was influenced by the Greeks and Romans, and later on the French and Spanish. It’s never monocultural, there’s a lot of influence,” he said. Calati’s work has now found a new home with Brimbank council, which was gifted the works by the Tin Shed last month.
It is clear the Tin Shed’s care for local artistry and history has influenced a fruitful artisan culture in St Albans. As I was conducting the interview in the office, an art group was painting in a workshop. “That is purely coincidental,” Carthew remarked. “We did not manipulate that at all.” The archival work done by the St Albans community youth club is a testament to the importance of recording both local and family history. The Tin Shed continues to run an arts and craft workshop on Monday mornings from 10am-noon, showing dedication to the cause. In his dystopic magnum opus 1984, George Orwell remarked that “who controls the past controls the future: who controls the present controls the past”. History is much more than kingdoms and empires or leaders and battles. It is a chance to understand who we are and where we come from. The greatest stories are not necessarily always of great conquerors or epic battles, rather they are found in the humanity of everyday lives before us. There may be many great stories that are lost to time, either because someone has forgotten to write something down, or a box of documents has been left to collect dust in a garage. The work of the Tin Shed is a testament to the importance of local history. In keeping a comprehensive archive, the area pays tribute to the brilliant work that has come before whilst continuing to keep arts and culture in the west alive. It is a reminder that we should strive to remember those that came before us so that – ultimately – we can understand ourselves.
STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
CONTACT US PHONE \ 03 8318 5777 LOCATION \ Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042 DISTRIBUTION \ 1300 656 678 distribution@fermax.com.au
ADVERTISING GENERAL SALES INQUIRIES westads@starweekly.com.au CLASSIFIEDS \ 1300 666 808 EMAIL \ sales@networkclassifieds.com.au GENERAL REAL ESTATE INQUIRIES reads@starweekly.com.au
EDITORIAL GENERAL EDITORIAL INQUIRIES westeditorial@starweekly.com.au COMMUNITY CALENDAR ENTRIES communitycalendar@starweekly.com.au
Published by MMP Star Pty Ltd ACN 168 220 399 Head Office Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042 Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas All material is copyright to MMP Star Pty Ltd. Responsibility for election comment is accepted by Paul Thomas. All significant errors will be corrected as quickly as possible. Distribution numbers, areas and coverage are estimates only. For our terms and conditions please visit starweekly.com.au
NEWS
Marking 30 fashionable years
Briefs
This October the Fashion Awards Australia and Australian Gown of the Year will be celebrating its 30th anniversary. The Fashion Awards Australia is held every year and showcases the work of many talented designers from secondary schools, TAFEs and professional designers. It allows them to share their work and skills and “experience backstage fashion”. The event will be held on Friday 9 October at The Encore Event Centre in Hoppers Crossing, with tickets on sale for $95. The evening show will commence at 7 pm until 11pm and features a two-course meal with soft drinks. Fashion Awards Australia director Heather Marcus said the students have been working very hard and there are at least 200 school entries. “The kids are so creative and that’s what we love,” she said. “It will be a beautiful event.” Designers from Sydney and Melbourne participate with schools from St Albans and Werribee and TAFE Colleges from Melbourne. Ms Marcus said the event is about “pushing forward the recognition of Australian textile design”. “Fashion Awards Australia is about giving young designers the opportunity to come together and show what they have worked on,” she said.
Wyndham Council has registered its sender ID, so genuine text messages from council will appear as WyndhamCity. This is in keeping with the Australian Communications and Media Authority’s introduction of the SMS Sender ID Register to help protect Australians from text message impersonation scams. From 1 July, branded text messages sent from an unregistered sender ID will appear as ’Unverified’. This does not automatically mean the message is a scam, but it does mean the sender name has not been verified through the register. Council advises residents to treat any text message marked ’Unverified’ with extra caution, especially if it claims to be from Wyndham City or asks to click a link, make a payment, provide personal information or share a security code.
Past Fashion Awards Australia.
Text ID
Bin changes Wyndham Council will undertake a bin boundary realignment in October to improve the sustainability of its waste collection services. This involves adjusting the existing collection zones to better align with current road networks, population growth and service demand. Approximately 25,000 residents will have a change to their bin collection. The biggest shift will be for people currently on Tuesday and Friday, who will mostly move to the day before - Monday and Thursday. To find out if your bin service will change search your address on the council website. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Wyndham Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
(Supplied)
Advertising feature
FEATURING ... WOMEN’S HEALTH
Helping women be healthy This Women’s Health Week, Fernwood Fitness is celebrating something that has always been at the heart of who we are: women supporting women. This year’s Women’s Health Week theme, ’Do It Anyway’, is a powerful reminder that looking after your health doesn’t have to mean having everything figured out. Sometimes, it’s simply about taking that first step, making time for yourself and doing something positive for your wellbeing, even when life is busy. At Fernwood, health and fitness is about so much more than exercise. It is about creating a space where women feel comfortable walking through the doors, supported to prioritise themselves and encouraged to take positive steps towards their health and wellbeing, whatever those steps may look like. Across our Fernwood communities, we see the power of women supporting women every day. It’s in the friendly face at
reception, the instructor who remembers your name, the training partner encouraging you through one more rep, and the friendships formed over a class, workout or coffee. Every woman’s health journey is different. Whether you are working towards a new goal, rebuilding confidence, looking for connection or simply wanting to feel stronger and healthier - start where you are and do it anyway. In celebration of Women’s Health Week, Fernwood Fitness is inviting local women to experience our community with a $7 for 7 Days Pass. That is seven days to move, connect, try something new and make a little more time for you. Because when women support women, we are all stronger together! To redeem go to https://bit.ly/fernwood7-day-pass-whw- trackable link
FITNES:...7
fiernzvoou.,
Terms & Conditions Offer valid from 1·30 September 2026. The 7•day free trial pass must be activated and redeemed within 30 days at your
chosen Fernwood Fitness Club. Once activated, your pass is valid for 7 consecutive days during staffed hours only. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer. Valid one per person and for new users only. Not valid on additional paid services including but not limited to reformer Pilates, FIIT30 sessions or Personal Training. Products and services vary by club. Participating clubs only. Under 18's require parent or guardian consent Fernwood Fitness are women's only fitness centres. 12896879-EA36-26
Wednesday, 9 September, 2026 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 7
COMMENT
STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
Make a fuzzy pom pom friend 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 fuzzy friends.
Fuzzy pompom friend Materials Coloured yarn Coloured foam Googly eyes Equipment Scissors Glue Gun Pom pom template Step 1: Create your pom pom template: Draw two matching circles onto cardboard. Draw a smaller circle in the centre of each and cut it out to create a ring. Cut a small wedge from each ring to make wrapping the yarn easier. Step 2: Place the two cardboard pom pom templates together. Wrap yarn evenly around both templates until the centre hole is almost
completely filled and there is no room to wrap any more yarn. Step 3: Carefully cut the yarn all the way around the outer edge, inserting the scissors between the two cardboard templates. Step 4: Slide a separate piece of yarn between the cardboard templates and tie a knot. Remove the cardboard templates. Save them to make more pom poms.
Scan the QR code and follow the links for more creative fun.
Step 5: Cut shapes from foam sheets, such as feet, moustaches, ears, wings, or other fun features to create your character. Use a hot glue gun to attach foam pieces and googly eyes to your pom pom.
Stephanie Martinez.
Laverton P-12 College student wellbeing officer Sef Agahzaman (front), with students Brooklynn, Bella, Duler, Ben, Elina and Pauleen, and music teacher Mark Hunter.(Damjan Janevski) 574423_04
Gisborne Vintage Machinery Society members Chris Dixon, Len Redway, Ian Northcott and John Beaty, and Theo the dog. (Damjan Janevski) 573848_01
Dotty, 4, with mum Katy Rayney and brother Lincoln, 9. (Damjan Janevski) 573106_05
Werribee Orchid Club president Alex Christou. (Damjan Janevski) 574809_04
Faces of the west Each week Star Weekly photographers are out and about capturing the people and events across Melbourne’s western suburbs. Just Dancing organisers Emilia Rossi and Marina Domoney.
Local residents concerned about lack of parking and overall traffic management around new West Tarneit train station. (Damjan Janevski)
(Damjan Janevski) 573369_03
574420_01
8 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 9 September, 2026
STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
NEWS
FROM THE ARCHIVES Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors
40 years ago
30 years ago
20 years ago
10 years ago
10 September, 1986
11 September, 1996
6 September, 2006
7 September, 2016
West3ern suburbs police will soon launch a program through local schools to attack the problem of under-age drinking in the west.
Werribee Hospital will seek to employ overseas medical staff to fill jobs left vacant by tired and overworked Australian doctors.
Identifying a ute seen at Lollypop Creek in Wyndhamvale last Wednesday night, when two drums containing 400 litres of diesel were dumped into the waterway, could help catch the offenders.
A Tarneit family has told of their terror when four males broke into their Caraleena Way home at the weekend.
FEATURING ... R U OK? DAY
Advertising feature
Struggling to find time for your mental health? Daytime, evening and weekend appointments available. In person at Hillside, Newport & Werribee, or via telehealth. People around the country will mark R U OK? Day on 10 September.
Services we offer include:
Ask R U OK? any day For west resident Tony McManus, asking someone “R U OK?“ is about much more than a single day on the calendar. After losing his brother Mick to suicide, Mr McManus turned his grief into a commitment to helping others speak openly about mental health. Now a sought-after speaker for Beyond Blue and R U OK? across south-east Australia, Mr McManus is urging people to make checking in with friends, family, colleagues and teammates part of everyday life. This year’s R U OK? Day will be held on Thursday 10 September with the theme ’Ask R U OK? Any Day’ encouraging Australians to keep meaningful conversations going throughout the year. Mr McManus said his own experience had reinforced the importance of breaking down the stigma surrounding
mental health. “After the loss of my brother and getting through a rough period with my own mental health I have become passionate about increasing awareness and reducing the stigma about mental health in our community,” he said. “My strongest message is that it’s okay to open up and talk about anything that is troubling you. Whatever the issue is, a solution is available to either fix it or to manage it.” Mr McManus said simply asking the question could give someone the opportunity to talk about what was weighing on them. “Asking the R U OK? is so important. It can provide an opportunity for your friend, family member or work colleague to share and get what may be top of their mind at the moment and deal with it in a supportive conversation,” he said.
Clinical Psychology
Affordable Funding & Referral Options Including:
Counselling for Children, Teens & Adults
MCHP (Medicare)
Anxiety, Depression & Trauma support
WorkCover
Autism & ADHD Assessments Cognitive Behaviour Therapy EMDR Therapy
Werribee 7 Princes Hwy (03) 9742 3500
TAC
NDIS CareInMind Private
Newport 461 Melbourne Road (03) 9391 9866
Hillside 10 Gourlay Road (03) 9363 4209
Find out more or book your appointment today. Scan the QR code or visit aspireonline.com.au. 12898672-KA36-26
Wednesday, 9 September, 2026 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 9
FEATURING ... EDUCATION
A local family, a shared vision for early learning
2027 3- & 4-YEAR-OLD KINDERGARTEN
APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN! A nurturing, play-based program delivered by qualified Early Childhood Teachers within the flexibility of our long day care setting.
FREE KINDER PARTICIPANT
UP TO $2,101 ANNUAL FEE OFFSET LONG DAY CARE FEES APPLY
WHY CHOOSE KIDS RESORT? • Funded 3- and 4-Year-Old Kindergarten
• Qualified Early Childhood Teachers
• Long day care hours for working families
• Strong educator-to-child ratios
APPLICATIONS CLOSE 18 SEPTEMBER 2026 LIMITED PLACES
SCAN TO LEARN MORE & APPLY
3-YEAR-OLD
4-YEAR-OLD
12896859-CV37-26
kidsresort.com.au @kidsresortelc
Advertising feature
Kids Resort Early Learning Centre first opened its doors on 1 September 2008, beginning an incredible journey of learning, growth and connection within our local community. Proudly privately owned and operated by a local family, Kids Resort is led by director Antoinette alongside her daughters, Nicole, the service operations manager, and Ashley, the educational leader. Together, they are actively involved in the service each day, welcoming families, supporting educators and sharing in every child’s early learning journey. When Kids Resort was established, a vision was to create a genuine “home away from home”—a place where children feel safe, secure, valued and excited to attend. Today, that vision is reflected in the smiles of children as they arrive and the trusting relationships, they share with their educators. Much of our success is owed to our dedicated team, including educators who have been with us since the day our doors opened. Together, we have continued to learn, grow and strengthen our commitment to providing high-quality early education and care. Kids Resort also chooses to staff above minimum educator-to-child ratio requirements, supporting meaningful interactions and strong supervision as children explore our indoor and outdoor learning environments. Most importantly, Kids Resort continues to be led by the family who founded
it. It is a privilege to support each child’s early learning journey, and we look forward to many more years of learning, growing and achieving wonderful things together.
YOUR DONATION HELPS KEEP THEIR HOMES CLEAN.
PROTECTED BY PEOPLE LIKE YOU. 12899254-EB37-26
10 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 9 September, 2026
FEATURING ... EDUCATION
Advertising feature
Take a glimpse at what a school of the future may look like Walk into a classroom today and you may see something very different from the traditional rows of desks and a teacher writing on a blackboard. Interactive screens, laptops, artificial intelligence and flexible learning spaces are becoming part of modern education. As technology continues to develop, the school of the future is likely to look and feel very different from the schools many parents remember. One of the biggest changes will be the use of technology to personalise learning. Instead of every student completing exactly the same work at the same pace, digital learning platforms could help students work according to their individual strengths and weaknesses. Artificial intelligence may identify areas where a student is struggling and suggest additional exercises, explanations or resources. Students who understand a topic quickly could move ahead, while those who need more support could receive it without feeling left behind. However, technology will not replace teachers. Instead, teachers are likely to take on an increasingly important role as mentors, guides and problem-solvers. While computers can provide information and immediate feedback, teachers understand the emotions, personalities and individual needs of their students. The human connection between teacher and student will remain an essential part of education. The physical classroom may also change. Future schools could have flexible spaces that can easily be adapted for group projects, individual study, experiments or presentations. Rather than spending most of the day sitting at a desk, students may move between different learning environ-
ments. Virtual reality could allow them to explore historical sites, conduct simulated science experiments or visit places around the world without leaving the classroom. Another major change could be a greater focus on skills rather than memorising information. In a world where information is available instantly online, students will need to learn how to think critically, communicate effectively, solve problems and work with others. Creativity and adaptability may become just as important as traditional academic knowledge. The school of the future could also place
greater emphasis on preparing students for careers that do not yet exist. As automation and new technologies transform the workplace, students will need to become lifelong learners who can adapt to change. Schools may therefore teach subjects such as coding, digital literacy, entrepreneurship and responsible use of artificial intelligence alongside traditional subjects. Yet the future of education comes with challenges. Not every student has equal access to devices, reliable internet or advanced educational technology. Schools will need to ensure that technological prog-
ress does not increase the gap between students from different backgrounds. Privacy, screen time and the responsible use of artificial intelligence will also require careful consideration. The school of the future will not simply be a building filled with computers. It will be a place where technology and human teaching work together. If schools can embrace innovation while preserving creativity, relationships and equality, the classroom of tomorrow could prepare students not only to pass exams, but to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
12896049-AD37-26
Wednesday, 9 September, 2026 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 11
NEWS
STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
BMX club bouncing back By Tara Murray Wyndham BMX Club is slowly getting back on its feet after a theft of $25,000 worth of equipment early this year. The theft, four months ago, left the club unable to even run basic training. “It was huge because they took pretty much everything we needed to operate as a club,” president Jordan Morgan said. “We have specialised equipment that drops the start gate and stuff. “They took some of the club bikes which we use as we do come and try days. “Someone could come down to the club
to try a bike and then borrow a helmet. They took all of our bikes and helmets. “For about three months we weren’t able to offer people bikes and equipment to come down and try, so it hindered us a lot.” Morgan said as president he did question whether it was just easier to close the doors of the club. But instead they decided to fight. “We were able to get a couple of things back,” he said. “But we’re still out of pocket about 25 grand worth of equipment. “We’re still rebuilding now and trying to get things like speakers, cameras. “It’s a slow rebuild when you’re a not-
for-profit organisation,” The break saw Morgan come out of retirement and he was one of four riders from the club to compete at the world championships in July. He said the break-in was the deciding factor in him deciding to race again. Morgan finished first in the 35-39 men’s cruiser, William Lees finished fourth in the 25-29 men’s cruiser, Noah Merrit finished 13th in the eight-year-old boys and Michael Scragg finished 26th in the men’s masters. Morgan said after such a tough time it was good for the riders to have the championships.
Puppies on a mission There was as much excitement from the humans of all ages as there was from the three labrador puppies that visited Hoppers Crossing CFA station recently. The pups, who are all future Australian Border Force (ABF) working dogs, were taken to the station by their foster carers as part of the dogs’ training. Werribee couple Robyn and Stewart Cook took along Oakley, while another Wyndham local Georgia Stafford, whose family is heavily involved with the CFA, took along Sandy and Quinlan to not only expose them to crowds and noise but to experience different situations in public. Ms Cook told Star Weekly the responsibility of an ABF foster carer was to take the dogs into every environment imaginable during their 18-month stint with a family. The Cooks, who have also just taken on another pup named Wolfy, have had eightmonth-old Oakley since February after applying to an ABF advertisement. “The ABF is always looking for people to foster care the pups,” Ms Cook said. “This is our first time being foster carers and I’m sure there will be some tears when Oakley leaves us, but the dogs have a higher purpose and we want them to succeed by graduating into the ABF.” The ABF pays for everything during the foster care period and families only need to provide a home for the pups. Foster caring responsibilities also come with rules at home for the pups, Ms Cook said, such as they have to sleep outside, and the main rule of all – no belly rubs. Ms Cook said Border Force dogs usually spent seven years working and are then adopted out as pets for the rest of their lives.
“It was really good because we’re a pretty small club,” he said. “You have to qualify for the event. So to have four riders qualify, that was pretty good for such a small club. “It was really important for me to lead the club from the front foot and show everyone that it doesn’t really matter what happens in life, you can just keep moving forward.” The club recently had lights installed and they were officially unveiled on Wednesday night. Morgan said they were a game changer and they can now operate on week nights.
Disability plan feedback
Georgia Stafford with Sandy, Kushal Date with Quinlan and Stewart Cook with Oakley at Hoppers Crossing CFA station (supplied).
Wyndham residents are being invited to have their say on a draft plan to help Wyndham council make the city more inclusive and accessible for people living with disability. The Draft Wyndham Disability Plan 2026-2029 was developed with community feedback over the past 12 months, and was shaped by those living with disability, carers and stakeholders that provide services and support. The draft plan was approved by council and put out for public consultation at the August 25 council meeting. A council spokesperson said the new plan aimed to build on past achievements, and it would reaffirm Wyndham City Council’s commitment to creating a city where everyone felt that they belonged. The draft plan focuses on four directions that will shape council’s approach: Health, Safety and Wellbeing – mental health, health, protection from abuse and more; Inclusive access – accessible information, infrastructure, facilities and built environment, transport and mobility; Housing, Education and Employment – accessible housing, employment, education of early years and lifelong learning; and, Empowering Community Recognition – leadership, recognition and more. For more information and to provide your feedback by 27 September, visit: https://theloop.wyndham.vic.gov.au/ wyndham-disability-plan-2026-29
/IITMRK YT XS HEXI [MXL ]SYV PSGEP RI[W LEW RIZIV FIIR WS IEW] Y¤ºÍ´ð Ð ¤ÔÜ Ð Ü {ð {» Ü ÂàÐ ´{Ü ÔÜ » íÔ {Ðܤ ´ Ô {» ¤ ¤Ü{´ ¤Ü¤Â»Ô ¤» ðÂàÐ ¤» Âï ÂÐ "U
7IRX XS ]SYV MRFS\ IZIV] ;IHRIWHE] 12665745-AA08-24
12 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 9 September, 2026
PUZZLES
22
18
8
12
2
25
U
25
12
1
12
19 13
18 19
15
20
23
3
8
18 14
10
19
25
U
3 11
4
5
25
11
12
6
6
22
16
12
18
23
4
16
26
J
17
25
U
23
20 18
11
13
8
13
11
22
U
18
22
U
10
11
14
12
19
18
13
25
15
3
18
2
4
20
23
13
4
U
15
7
3 11
22
8
11
15
12
8 23
16
13
14
24
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
8
22 9
23 10
24 11
25
U J
13
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'.
R
Today’s Aim: 16 words: Good 24 words: Very good 32 words: Excellent
E
R
1 2 6 4 8 5 3 7 9 7 5 8 9 3 2 1 4 6 9 3 4 6 1 7 8 5 2 3 8 5 2 7 6 4 9 1 4 6 7 1 5 9 2 8 3 2 9 1 3 4 8 7 6 5 6 4 9 8 2 3 5 1 7 8 7 2 5 6 1 9 3 4 5 1 3 7 9 4 6 2 8
7 6 5 3 8 4 9 1 2 8 1 4 5 9 2 7 3 6 3 2 9 1 7 6 8 5 4 2 3 1 8 4 5 6 9 7 9 7 8 2 6 1 5 4 3 5 4 6 7 3 9 2 8 1 4 9 3 6 5 7 1 2 8 1 5 7 4 2 8 3 6 9 6 8 2 9 1 3 4 7 5
B
Y E Y
T
V S
3 LETTERS ACT ALE CUP DAD EBB ERA FIN IRE LAG MIX NIL ODD OIL ORE PAR RUE SEA SPA TAG TAR TEA TOE
R
No. 306
M O O D
ALTAR AMBLE ASSET ATLAS ATONE BRICK COBRA DEEDS DRUNK EAGLE EERIE ELDER ENTER ENTRY ERASE EXERT GLOVE HASTE HATED HIRED LOOSE
4 LETTERS APES GAVE GULP KEEP MOOD PATS SAKE SEEM THUS WEED 5 LETTERS ADEPT AFOOT AGENT AGLOW ALERT ALIBI
METER OLIVE OVERT PAINT PRESS PSALM RAVEN REVUE RINSE ROARS SEEDY SENSE SIDLE SNEER SNIDE STABS STYLE SUEDE TIARA VENUE VILER
6 LETTERS CASKET CHORAL GRADER STEERS TEASES WETTER 7 LETTERS AMIABLE AWESOME LEISURE SCUTTLE
SEASIDE URGENCY 8 LETTERS GUNSHOTS REALISTS WEAKENED WRESTLER 10 LETTERS DISAPPEARS DISPERSING
11-09-26
No. 413 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down. NOTE: more than one solution may be possible
W A R P S I D E A L N O B L Y C R U E L E N T R Y
A
A
aver, avers, averse, avert, averts, ever, rave, raver, raves, reave, reaves, revert, reverts, revest, revs, save, saver, serve, server, sever, starve, stave, traverse, TRAVERSER, vase, vast, vaster, veer, veers, verse, vest, vets
5 4 3 9 6 1 2 8 7 1 2 6 4 7 8 5 3 9 9 8 7 2 5 3 6 4 1 7 9 5 1 4 2 3 6 8 4 6 1 3 8 7 9 5 2 8 3 2 5 9 6 1 7 4 3 5 4 8 1 9 7 2 6 6 1 8 7 2 5 4 9 3 2 7 9 6 3 4 8 1 5
S
WORDFIT
QUICK QUIZ
1
Charlotte Aitchison is the real name of which British pop singer?
2
Which of the world's railway stations is the largest by number of platforms?
3
What is the motto of both the Australian Girl Guides and Boy Scouts?
4
In Olympic volleyball, how many points are required to win a set?
5
Who directed the 2025 film One Battle After Another?
6
What is the only part of the human body with no direct blood supply?
7
Which political activist coined the term ‘satyagraha’ to describe a practice of nonviolent civil resistance?
8
The television series Slow Horses, starring Gary Oldman (pictured), is based on the Slough House series of novels by which author?
9
For how many days does the Glastonbury Festival run?
10 True or false: the Great Sphinx has a moustache? ANSWERS: 1. Charli XCX 2. Grand Central Terminal, NYC (44 platforms) 3. Be prepared 4. 25 points 5. Paul Thomas Anderson 6. The cornea 7. Mahatma Gandhi 8. Mick Herron 9. Five 10. False
26
E O
12
R
T
10
21
E
12
7
Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com
R
2
E
hard
N
22
20
medium
D
11
U
6
3 4
W
25
14
9-LETTER WORD
easy
5x5
20
19
9
14
U
5
6
19
25
21
5 5
13
P C Y F A R N Q S L W U J
7
22
No. 338 15
13
2
13
9 5 3 6 3 1 3 8 7 9 2 4 4 8 1 7 2
5
9
22
8 7
15
26
H A S T E D R U N K C O B R A A L T A R E E R I E H I R E D E A G L E O L I V E T I A R A S I D L E P A R C U P E B B C A S K E T D I S P E R S I N G R E S C U T T L E A S S E T S T Y L E A P E S G U N S H O T S P A T S A L E L E I S U R E S E A S I D E S E E M W E A K E N E D O D D R O A R S E N T R Y W E E D A W E S O M E S S G R A D E R D I S A P P E A R S T A G A T L A S F I N L A G A M B L E A T O N E O V E R T V E N U E V I L E R L O O S E E X E R T M E T E R E N T E R
4
hard
2
16 17
DECODER
10
9 6
13
18
1 9 7 6 5 3 2 9 1 2 3 8 8 5 9 8 1 9 6 7 1 2 8 7 2 6 9 5
28
8
4
4
27
6 7
17
7
20 24 25
4 5
3
medium
12 14 15 19
22 23
Rough hut (6) Alarm (6) Series of meetings (8) Anecdote (4) Security for repayment (10) Surrender (6) Contradictory or incongruous phrase (8) Scalpel wielders (8) Very generous (10) Lively (8) Punitive bans on relations with certain bodies and their goods, etc. (8)
1 2 3
16
4 8 5 2 6 5 2 9 3 5 6 4 6 1 9 8 3 3 7 6 4 3 1 7 5 7 9 4 2 8
10 11
21
2
1 2
5 9
A type of shot in cue sports (8) Bottle for the table (6) Lunatic (6) Glutinous or sticky in consistency (6) A desert in Central Asia (4)
18
DOWN
15
easy
Meet requirements (7) Traditions (7) Inherited from one’s family (9) Purchaser (5) Unimportant details (6) A male voice (8) Brew; steep (6) Midday (4) Illuminated sign (4) Slanted font (6) Engineer (8) Chemical base that reacts with acid (6) Popular aquarium fish (5) One with obsessive self-love (9)
No. 306
Disagree (7) Persuaded (7)
29 30
ACROSS 1
X M T D V G K H Z B I
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.
QUICK CROSSWORD
1
No. 306
14
SUDOKU
Wednesday, 9 September, 2026 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 13
COMMUNITY
STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
COMMUNITY CALENDAR Community Centre, 153 Saltwater Parade, Point Cook. ■ 0411 028 077 or bfmusic15@gmail.com
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.
Wyndham Ladies Probus Retired or semi-retired ladies are invited to join this very active social group. Enjoy impressive monthly guest speakers, interesting monthly outings and many lunches where the development of friendships is encouraged. The Ladies Probus Club of Wyndham meets on the first Wednesday of each month at Hotel 520, Sayers Road, Tarneit, at 10am. ■ Sue on 0448 381 027.
Bridge in the west The Williamstown Bridge Club has bridge sessions each week on Wednesday night at 7.15pm and Friday afternoon at 1.25pm for experienced players and a supervised session Friday 10am at Hobsons Bay Sport & Game Fishing Club, 17 Altona Road, Seaholme. All levels welcome and partners can be provided. Bridge lessons for beginners start on Friday 9 October at 10am. ■ Peter 0427 302 236 Alan 0430 309 255, lessons Jan wtownbridge@gmail.com or visit www.bridgewebs.com/williamstown
Watton Group A support group providing a social space for carers to get together in a safe and compassionate environment. Gives carers an opportunity to connect, share their experiences and offers emotional and practical support. The group meets at 49 Watton Street, Werribee at 10am, every fourth Tuesday of the month. ■ Patricia, 0434 487 360, or wattongroup131@gmail.com
Werribee Rotary grants The 2026 Rotary grants are now open. Ten grants will be awarded to a maximum value of $3,000 each. Applicants must be registered as an approved community organisation within Wyndham. The project should directly benefit a large number of people or community groups with the municipality. Applications close on 30 September. Successful applicants will be announced in November. Submit applications at werribeerotary.org.au
All Abilities Netball All-abilities netball for 10-to-25-year-olds is run by Wyndham Netball Association every Saturday morning during school terms, from 10.30am, on outside court 14 at Eagle Stadium, Ballan Road, Werribee. Intellectual, physical and social disabilities are catered for in a fun and supported group. Come and try your first session for free, with stadium entry $2. ■Phil, 0437 078 739
Practise English A weekly meet to help members of the community improve their practical English conversation skills to help with daily tasks such as shopping and booking appointments. Meets 10am each Saturday at Werribee Church of Christ, 200 Tarneit Road, Werribee ■ Bronwyn, 9741 6051
Walking Netball Walking netball is a low impact, no running, no jumping version for those that love the fun, friendship and activity of a weekly game of netball. Sessions are run every Thursday during school terms, from 8pm, at Eagle Stadium, Ballan Road, Werribee. Come and try your first session for free, with stadium entry $2. ■Phil, 0437 078 739
Laverton Community Choir Open to new members and everyone is welcome. If you enjoy singing, and are curious about joining a choir, come along and try out your vocal cords with our fun and inclusive group. No audience or musical knowledge required. Meets on Thursday evenings during school terms at Laverton P12 College, 91 Bladin Street, Laverton from 7-9pm, with supper provided. ■ Sue 0418 386 147 or lavertoncommunitychoir@gmail.com
With One Voice Wyndham Choir With One Voice Wyndham Choir is a community choir open to all. The community choir welcomes all ages, abilities, faiths, cultures and genders and is directed by a very experienced and friendly professional conductor. Fun weekly rehearsals and amazing performance opportunities are provided. They sing for an hour and then have a cuppa. The first two visits are free; and then payment is by tax-deductible donation. Tuesday evenings, 7-8.30pm, at Wayaperri House, 106 Duncans Road, Werribee. ■ wyndham@withonevoice.org.au
Wyndham Rotary If you have an hour or two to volunteer in a local project Wyndham Rotary would love to hear from you. If you have an idea and you want some help taking the idea to action, contact us. If you want to connect with friendly, like-minded people, come and chat to us. Meeting locally each week, you will be made welcome. ■ Julie, 0406 196 630. Rotary Club of Wyndham Harbour Assist with service projects in the local community and overseas. The club meets at 7pm on the first Tuesday of the month at the ‘By the Bay Cafe’ in Wyndham Harbour. ■ Mamode, 0469 888 126 Wyndham Probus Club A social club for retired or semi-retired people. There is a broad range of social activities to suit all interests such as lunches and brunches each month, day trips, theatre outings and longer trips away. Hear interesting speakers and make new friendships. The group meets on the second Tuesday of each month at Iramoo Community Centre, Honour Ave, Wyndham Vale. Meetings commence at 1pm. ■ Kaye Angel, 0407 551 694, or wcpc1306@ gmail.com
This week’s photographer’s choice picture was taken at the Werribee Orchid Club which held its first show in seven years. (Damjan Janevski). 575090_01
Point Cook Combined Probus Club Retired or semi-retired people are invited to join this active social group. Enjoy an impressive and interesting monthly guest speaker. Interesting monthly outings, and fortnightly lunches where the development of friendships are encouraged. The Point Cook Combined Probus Club meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 10 am at The Brook Point Cook, 215 Sneydes Road, Point Cook. ■ John Sloan, 0436 480 728 or sloanrisk@ gmail.com Lions Club The Lions Club of Point Cook meets at the Featherbrook Community Centre on the third Monday of the month at 7.30 pm. The club is seeking to grow the Lions free vi-
14 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 9 September, 2026
sion screening in schools team. Volunteers needed to work with the region’s schools in combating undiagnosed children’s vision issues. You do not have to be a Lions member but must obtain a working with children check. ■ Robert Eyton, 0417 549 684, or robeyton@bigpond.com Adult drumming classes If you ever wanted to try out your rhythmic skills, the first class is discounted and concessions apply for other classes. All hand drums supplied or BYO. No experience required, just bring an open heart and mind and enjoy making some great rhythms together. The class is friendly and welcoming to everyone. Thursdays, 7.308.30pm, during school terms, at Saltwater
Adult community garden group The group meets on the first Wednesday of the month, 10-11am, at Iramoo Community Centre, 84 Honour Avenue, Wyndham Vale. Head down and join them as they maintain their rejuvenated community garden. 0. ■ 8742 3688 Seniors House of Fun The Grange Community Centre invites seniors of Wyndham to its weekly Seniors House of Fun. This is a free program running every Friday, 11am-12.30pm, at The Grange Community Centre, 260-280 Hogans Road, Hoppers Crossing. ■ Vanessa, 8742 8000, or enquires@ grangecommunity.org.au Seniors club The Werribee Senior Citizens Club meets at 80 Lonsdale Circuit, Hoppers Crossing. The group is open to all people 55-plus and it runs on Wednesdays, 10am-noon. Entry: $2, includes morning tea. ■ 0403 041 499
STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
ENTERTAINMENT
Deeply human monologue Written by Emma Dennis-Edwards and directed by Candy Bowers, Funeral Flowers is a raw, lyrical, and deeply human monologue about growing up, fighting back, and finding hope where it seems impossible. The story follows 17-year-old Angelique, who dreams of being a florist. For Angelique, flowers serve as an escape from bullies, the care system, and the reality of her mum serving time. Inspired by the true story of Tottenham community leader Gina Moffatt, the production explores social inequality, self-discovery, and the human ability to create beauty in the midst of struggle. Winner of the Scotsman Fringe First Award at Edinburgh Festival, the play now makes its Australian premiere.
Presented in partnership with Red Stitch Actors Theatre, the production will be staged at the St Albans Bowery Theatre. A special evening performance is scheduled for Wednesday 9 September. The Wednesday night show includes supper at 6:00 pm, the performance at 7pm, and an interactive question and answer session at 8pm. Additionally, two dedicated school-only shows will run on Wednesday 9 September, from 1.30pm to 2.45 pm, and Thursday 10 September, from 10.30 am to 11.45 am. School bookings can be arranged by emailing bowery@brimbank.vic.gov.au. The play is not suitable for children under 14 due to strong language and mature themes. For support, patrons can contact 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
The production will feature Lucy Ansell in the solo role. (Supplied)
The King is back at The Plough
Salesian College Sunbury students will have their work featured in an exhibition. (Damjan Janevski) 575473_04
Salesian students shine in new exhibition Sunbury’s young talent will be on display for the inaugural Savio Visual Arts Exhibition at Salesian College. Salesian students from years 7-10 will feature in a curated collection of works, from visual arts, visual communication design and photography, providing students with an opportunity to showcase their work. The event, a first of its kind for the school, will also provide students with an authentic opportunity to exhibit their work in a professional, public-facing setting while sharing their creativity with family, friends and the wider community.
Visitors will be invited to explore the exhibition trail throughout the halls of the Rupertswood Mansion, encountering works that demonstrate creativity, technical skill, innovation and personal expression, while enjoying canapes and beverages. Families, friends, alumni, prospective families and members of the wider community are welcome to attend and help support the next generation of Sunbury artists. Visual arts teacher Kara Richards invited the community to see the students’ hard work. “The Savio Visual Arts Exhibition is
a chance to see the Salesian value of Excellence brought to life through the creativity, skill and dedication of our young artists,” she said. “We want our community to come along, see what these students are capable of, and help us celebrate the incredible work being created across the College.” The Savio Visual Arts Exhibition will be held on Wednesday 16 September from 6-8pm at Salesian College Sunbury. Tickets will be $7 per person, and are available to purchase online. Tickets: events.humanitix.com/saviovisual-arts-exhibition
The King is returning to Myrniong this October. Elvis Presley fans can relive the music and magic of the King when award-winning tribute artist Damian Mullin brings Elvis Forever to The Plough Bistro in Myrniong on Saturday 3 October. Following a successful previous performance at The Plough, Mullin is set to return in full swing to the stage for a royal evening celebrating one of the world’s most iconic entertainers. The four-hour dinner and show will feature some of Elvis’ greatest hits, with Mullin bringing the King’s unmistakable sound, charisma and energetic stage presence back to life. Guests can settle in for an evening of classic songs and timeless favourites while enjoying a three-course dinner, making the event a night out for both local music lovers and foodies. Whether you’ve been a royal attendant of the King for decades, or you’re simply looking to enjoy a memorable evening set to the tune of Elvis’ greatest hits, this night’s for you. The performance will run from 6-10pm, giving audiences plenty of time to enjoy the dinner, entertainment and the nostalgia of Elvis’ legendary catalogue. Tickets are $95 per person and include the three-course dinner and show. With Elvis’ greatest hits on the menu alongside a three-course feast, Elvis Forever offers a chance to spend a Saturday night dining, singing along and stepping back into the golden age of rock ’n’ roll. Tickets: https://tinyurl. com/3f6ar5fd.
Tune into animal audio for a unique encounter with wildlife A constellation of radios will spark an uncanny encounter with the animal world in Newport at the end of this month when the world premiere of The Enormous Radio takes place at The Substation. The latest work from innovative documentary theatremaker Roslyn Oades and internationally acclaimed sound artist Bob Scott, The Enormous Radio features a ring of old radios, replete with glowing dials, crackling speakers and twitchy
antennas that somehow transmit messages from wildlife. “I have interviewed humans from all walks of life from professional boxers to nursing homes to schoolies on the Gold Coast,” Oades explained. “I wanted to turn my attention to Australia’s wildlife.” A member of Australian Wildlife Sound Recording Group, Oades has an extensive catalogue of documentary field recordings
which provide key source material and inspiration for The Enormous Radio. With assistance from editor Sarah Walker, Oades feeds these animal recordings into voice enhancement software, instructing it to translate as if they were spoken English. The result is an uncanny aural and textual language that taps into our human desire to communicate with the animal world. Old radios are central to the work,
reflecting the vital role they still play for Australian communities in emergencies and natural disasters. Oades and Scott are long-time collaborators, with their previous theatrical installation, The Nightline, appearing at the Malthouse Theatre just last month. The Enormous Radio is on at The Substation from 30 September-10 October. Tickets: https://thesubstation.org.au/ program/the-enormous-radio
Wednesday, 9 September, 2026 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 15
SECTION
STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
networkclassifieds.com.au networkclassifieds.com.au Trades & Services DEADLINE
CABINET MAKERS
Placing your classified advert is so easy...
KITCHEN REVIVAL
Online: networkclassifieds.com.au (24/7) Phone: 1300 666 808 (Open 8.30-5pm Mon-Fri) Email: sales@networkclassifieds.com.au
Call Chris 9399 8104 or 0419 329 550
HANDY PERSONS
REBLOCKING/UNDERPINNING MEMBER OF MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION 12860155-MS16-26
Specialising in quality kitchen facelifts Re-laminating existing bench tops & doors New cabinets-Kitchen, Laundry, Bathroom
1152992-LB36-14
Reg No 8659
ALL SUBURBS ★ RAISING ★ LEVELLING ★ UNDERPINNING ★ RESTUMPING WITH CONCRETE OR REDGUM STUMPS ★ COUNCIL PERMIT ★ ALL WORK GUARANTEED FREE SMOKE ALARM
CONCRETE PRODUCTS & SERVICES
PH: 9360 5357 Mobile: 0412 378 193
KITCHENS
Registered Building Practitioner
We accept payment by:
12435710-CG03-20
Martin 0418 171 280 or 9748 3196
Plain concrete
Coloured concrete
SAME DAY TV ANTENNA SERVICE
12619654-AP28-23
12416265-CG17-19
12757139-MS12-25
Gates & Pergolas Lou 0412 339 445 Tony 0431 339 739
12831318-KF01-26
Specialist in • Lawn mowing • Edging Pruning / Hedge Trimming • Regular Maintenance • Rubbish Removals • Tree Lopping • Gutter Cleaning
Call Joe 0498 375 094 - 7 days
LAWN MOWING & FENCING SERVICES Altona, Laverton, Hoppers Crossing, Werribee.
Free Quotes
PENSIONER RATES
GEORGE FOX 0431 277 046 EVAN 0410 158 503
Contact Adam 0422 250 675
12853324-RV12-26
12682149-SM16-24
BRICKLAYERS
Painting Services
MIRMIC PLUMBING • General Plumbing & Maintenance • Spouting & Roofing • Hot & Cold Water Services • Gas work FREE Quotes
Call Mick 0417 352 040 Blocked Drains/CCTV Water Leaks Gas Repairs Hot Water Repairs Toilet Repairs & More! Seniors Discount
Lic No: 110483
12594119-MS12-23
A1 Garden Maintenance & Rubbish Removals • Lawn mowing • Rubbish Removal • Hedging • Pruning • Gutter cleaning • Tree Lopping • Screenings gravel • Mulching • Installation of natural and synthetic grass and lots more
sales@networkclassifieds.com.au
1300 666 808
39 Priestley Avenue HOPPERS CROSSING VICTORIA 3029
The application is for a permit to:
To remove restrictive covenant G909176 from Lot 1530 on PS118574 with Volume 10334 and Folio 600 before a person proceeds under Section 23 of the Subdivision Act 1988.
Planning Scheme Clause:
Matter for which a permit is required
52.02
Before a person proceeds under Section 23 of the Subdivision Act 1988 to create, vary or remove an easement or restriction, or vary or remove a condition in the nature of an easement in a Crown grant.
The application number is:
WYP15456/25
The applicant for the application is:
Khanh A T N Nguyen
Responsible Authority:
Wyndham City Council Telephone: 03 8376 5503
PLUMBING
1800 962 224
Call Sam 0450 820 170 - 7 days
The land affected by the application is located at:
A permit is required under the following clauses of the Planning Scheme:
• Hedge Trimming • Lawn Edges • All Rubbish Removal • Small Tree Loggings • Fencing - Timber Paling & Colorbond
www.topedgekitchens.com.au
All Types of Bricklaying Restoration Work • Brick Fences • Repair Work
0416 561 594 0403 610 782 www.saidaspainting.com
12530339-JW02-22
AMAZING GARDEN SERVICES
AK BRICKLAYING
Call for a Free Quote
Lic 35031
BATHROOM & KITCHENS
8348 5441
• Domestic • Commercial • Interior • Exterior • New Homes • Renovation • Plaster Repairs • Roof Painting
0439 858 298
GARDEN SERVICES
Showroom by appointment only We specialise in full bathroom & kitchen renovations WE DO NOT DO REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE T & C’s apply
Top Quality Guaranteed EST. 2008
12416368-CG17-19
Lou’s Colorbond Fencing
• One stop shop - Kitchen, bathroom, laundries & renovation needs. • Complete service from start to finish, including kitchen 3D design. • Appliance packages available. • Mobile Ensuite Available • Bathroom tapware, accessories & tiles on display in our showroom.
PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT ACT 1987 - FORM 2 PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT REGULATIONS 2015
seaview 12357251-LB28-17
Call Chris on 0401 230 861
PUBLIC NOTICES AND EVENT
SAIDA’S PAINTING
We install All types of fences including Colorbond and paling fences.
ANTENNAS
Kitchens & Bathroom Renovations
Specialise in: Kitchens, vanities, laundries, wardrobes, storages. Showroom: 4 Henderson St, North Sunshine (03) 9191 6548 0423 595 388 sales@lnkitchens.com.au
PAINTERS/DECORATORS
FENCING & GATES
Removal of old fence if required
0488 816 557
Free measure, design and quote.
Excavation
Phone Tony 0404 775 573
0
FAST FRIENDLY EFFICIENT Phone 7am-8pm | installmyantenna.com.au
General Notices
Wash/seal old drive ways
"We do all the small jobs that the bigger companies don't have time for" Up to 60 square metres Shed floors, paths, driveways etc. Coloured, plain, slate and stencil. FREE MEASURE & QUOTE Workmanship guaranteed, with over 30 years experience
12892028-AF34-26
• House • Commercial, Evaporator Coolers • Ducted Heaters • Split System, Commercial Refrigeration System, % Supplying, Installation, Service • Repair • Get done by us Interest Payment GOVERNMENT REBATE AVAILABLE Plans Industrial Ave, Hoppers Crossing 3029 Call 1300 850 696 www.surefreeze.com.au L065074 We accept
Stencil Slate
SMALL SMALL CONCRETING CONCRETING JOBS JOBS
AIR CONDITIONING COOLING & HEATING
CONCRETING
12402755-RA44-18
Deadline for all classifications is 1:00pm Tuesday.
Aggregate
12886893-KF30-26
Ask about our discounted ongoing advertising rates and how choosing more newspapers gives your advertising more impact and saves you money...
M & D MICALLEF
12828997-MC49-25
VISA/MASTERCARD/EFTPOS (1.5% credit card processing fee applies. Cheques and money orders can be posted in or hand delivered to our local office)
G6795050AA-dc29Apr 1132314-LB19-14
Same Day Service Life Time Warranty* Affordable Pricing Charged By Job Not By Hour Family Owned Business
You may look at the application and any documents that support the application at: The Council website - http://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/ planning-register - By contacting the Town Planning Unit on the 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 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:
12897617-CV36-26
(include your name, address and phone number)
• 40 Years Family FR Owned & Operated QUO EE TES • 25 Year Warranty • Senior/Pensioner Discount #1 in WERRIBEE
NICK’S RE-BLOCKING SERVICE
17 Sep 2026
12699782-HP27-24
NEED WORK LOCALLY?
12788667-JV30-25
16 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 9 September, 2026
SPORTS QUIZ 3. The late Tony Mundine boxed professionally in which four weight divisions?
1. What is the 100m world record time set by Usain Bolt, in Berlin in 2009? 2. Is Australian athlete Ellie Beer a sprinter or a longdistance runner?
11. What medieval sport involves charging with lances on horseback? 12. How many sports were played in the very first Olympics in the summer of 1896?
4. After 442 Collingwood games, which player is set to continue his career with the Gold Coast Suns?
13. In which US city was basketball invented?
5. Which European country won the right to host the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup?
14. Which country’s men’s rugby team is known as the All Blacks? 15. How many holes are there in a standard round of golf?
6. Which Melbourne player was announced as captain of the AFL's 2026 All-Australian team?
16. Which Collingwood player missed a gamewinning set-shot after the siren against the Western Bulldogs in a recent wildcard final?
7. After retiring in 2024, defensive tackle Aaron Donald has returned to play for which NFL team? 8. Which ice hockey team did Newcastle Northstars defeat 2–1 to win the 2026 AIHL championship? 9. Vern Cotter is head coach of which Super Rugby team? 10. Which US golf professional won the 2026 Tour Championship?
Usain Bolt
The Sydney Marathon
25. How many teams currently make up the Super Netball league?
20. Which two nations are currently competing in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Test series?
26. The Australian MotoGP race will be held in which city in 2027?
21. Which free-to-air network will broadcast NBL Basketball games in Australia in 2026/27?
27. Who is the most recent recipient of the Norm Smith Medal?
17. Prior to this year, have the NZ Warriors ever won an NRL minor premiership?
22. Prior to 2026, in what year did Melbourne Storm last fail to qualify for the Finals series?
18. What is the most recent team without an animal in their nickname to win an AFL premiership?
23. Which Australian cricketer recently hit No.1 in the Test bowling rankings for the first time?
19. Which tennis player recently lost their Grand Slam first round winning streak of 78 matches?
24. In what year did Fitzroy play its last game in the AFL before merging with Brisbane?
28. Jett Cleary recently debuted for which NRL team? 29. In what year was the Sydney Marathon first held? 30. The Kennedy Community Centre is the new home ground of which AFL Women’s team?
1109
1. 9.58 seconds 2. Sprinter 3. Heavyweight, cruiserweight, light heavyweight and middleweight 4. Scott Pendlebury 5. Germany 6. Max Gawn 7. Los Angeles Rams 8. Canberra Brave 9. Queensland Reds 10. Scottie Scheffler 11. Jousting 12. Nine 13. Springfield, Massachusetts 14. New Zealand 15. 18 16. Tim Membrey 17. Yes (2002) 18. Melbourne Demons (2021) 19. Novak Djokovic 20. South Africa and New Zealand 21. Nine Network 22. 2010 23. Mitchell Starc 24. 1996 25. Eight 26. Adelaide 27. Will Ashcroft 28. New Zealand Warriors 29. 2000 30. Hawthorn
General Classifieds GARAGE SALES
ADVERTISERS, in this section are qualified practitioners and offer nonsexual services.
PETS & SERVICES ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE
Announce your special occasion
Open 7 days
Employment
CALL 1300 666 808 Velvet House
NEW NEW NEW 32 Dunlop Rd Hoppers Crossing
0431 390 599 Swa13128xbe
$
60*
1300 666 808 sales@networkclassifieds.com.au *Full colour 10cms x 1 col or 5cms x 2 col
We accept
202632001-RV31-26
PROFESSIONAL
DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful for an advertiser to show any intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception under the Act. As Network Classifieds could be legally liable if an unlawful advertisement is printed, Network Classifieds will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. For more information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.
Motoring Time for a new car?
Family holidays a thing of the past!
Ca$h deal for your wheels! Your advertisement will be published in the Classified section for 15 weeks. Advertise your car, motorbike, truck, tractor, trailer, caravan, campervan, machinery or even your boat (with trailer), houseboat or other water toys. Include a colour photo for no extra charge. *Conditions: 1) Private sellers only. No refunds once sold. 2) Maximum of 10 lines including heading.
$
56
$$$$ Paid. Buying all years and models Call 0455 776 443 LMCT 12395
*
with photo
FREE CAR REMOVAL Pay up to $500 for most cars Dead or Alive LMCT 10268W
We accept sales@networkclassifieds.com.au
WRECKING
CARS WANTED
From
3) Extra charge for extra lines above 10. 4) Extra colour pics only $5.50 each.
Phone our friendly classified staff on
1300 666 808
WANTED TO BUY
Looking to upgrade your boat?
202627007-RV26-26
• Birthday Greetings • Congratulations • Welcome Baby • Newlyweds • Happy Anniversary
$110/ 30mins
12321532-HM36-16
Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, and Friend to many Enjoy your day 11 September 2026
12899982-JV37-26
MABEL CORNWILL
Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identification number. It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identification number is included in the advertisement or notice. For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au
Rainbow Club
48 Davies Avenue, Sunshine North 0468 693 833
12423634-SN31-19
Happy 91st Birthday to
120 Baden Powell Dr Saturday, 12th and Sunday, 13th September. From 9am - 3pm. Ladies clothing all NEW, household items, kitchen stuff, furniture, tools, and lots more.
Celebrations BIG ROOM TO LET furnished, non smoker and suited for a single person. Ph: 0438 505 003.
12890647-AD33-26
A very
TARNEIT
with us and get better results
TO LET
ADULT SERVICES
ADVERTISE
SWA6566B
MASSAGE THERAPISTS
12474997-DL50-20
BIRTHDAYS
Real Estate
12652832-AI48-23
Announcements
7 days a week service Call Gus for a free quotation on
0435 904 818
Wednesday, 9 September, 2026 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 17
Kluger keeps on keeping on By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring Toyota Kluger is a semi-luxury seven-seat family SUV that has been on sale in Australia since 2003. Like most other model updates Kluger has grown in size progressively through its life and the latest (fourth) generation, launched here in mid-2021, and is no exception coming in at just under five metres in length. Note that the Kluger name is only used in Japan and Australia. It’s the Highlander in all other markets but that name had already been taken by Hyundai for some of its top-spec variants. Kluger was given an upgrade in early 2023 that saw the previous, thirsty, V6 petrol engine replaced by a more fuel efficient 2.4-litre turbocharged four but quickly changed to a hybrid only powertrain. The upgrade also added remote access through Toyota Connected Services and an enhanced multimedia system. The MY2025 Kluger comes with three trim levels: GX, GXL and Grande, all with all-wheel drive. At the same there have been a couple of price increases with the GX now selling for $62,140, GXL for $71,930 and Grande for $85,135. All before on-road costs. Standard equipment across the range includes smart entry and start, manual front and rear dual-zone air conditioning, rain sensing wipers and automatic lights, and seven USB ports. GXL and Grande models gain power heated front seats, tri-zone climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, power tailgate and satellite navigation with the latest generation multimedia system. The Grande Hybrid that we tested adds a panoramic moonroof, hands-free operating power tailgate, front seat ventilation, head-up display, a 360-degree all-round view monitor, leather-accented seats and an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system.
Styling Aimed clearly at family buyers, styling is neat and attractive without anything that’s likely to turn heads. The large stacked trapezoidal grille has the Toyota badge at the top centre with a blue trim to identify the hybrid’s electric component. The grille is complemented by slimline LED light clusters with integrated daytime running lights and LED fog lights. In profile, there’s a tapered roofline with integrated rear spoiler, rising beltline and windows with blacked-out B-pillars. Side mirrors have been moved lower on the door panel to improve forward visibility and reduce blind spots. The rear follows through with a wide stance, slim LED taillights and large lower skid plate. The GX and GXL ride on 18-inch alloys, the Grande gets 20-inch Chromtec wheels. There’s a choice of five body colours: Eclipse Black, Frosted White, Liquid Mercury (grey), Atomic Rush (red) and Saturn Blue.
With nearly a quarter of a century behind it Kluger has established itself as one of the best seven-seat family SUV on the Australian market. (Pictures: Supplied)
RATINGS Looks: 8/10 Performance: 7/10 Safety: 8/10 Thirst: 8/10 Practicality: 7/10 Comfort: 9/10 Tech: 8/10 Value: 6/10
The lower centre console incorporates the transmission lever, drive and AWD mode select switchgear if needed, electronic park brake and two large cupholders. Storage throughout the cabin includes a 15-litre centre console box, overhead glasses holder, front door bins with 700ml bottle holders, rear door bins with two 700ml bottle holders and eight cupholders. Two large shelves, one in front of the passenger the other in the centre of the dashboard, are perfect for storing phones, wallets, keys etc. Access into the second and third row two-seat bench is made easy with the fold down levers for both rows located on the outer shoulder of the seats, which, for the third-row seats, also automatically folds the head rests in one action. There’s excellent head and leg room in the second-row seats which can slide forward to increase third-row legroom. Middle row passengers also get ceiling-mounted air vents, air-conditioning, controls and two USB-C ports. Boot space with all seats in place is a reasonable 241 litres. With the third-row seats folded flat, this increases to 552 litres, while folding the second row 60/40-split seat back as well reaches 1150 litres. The rear hatch is powered for GXL and with a ‘kick sensor’ for the Grande. A removable luggage cover, standard on all models, can be stored under the luggage space deck when not in use.
Interior The interior of Kluger features quality materials and soft touch surfaces. The dashboard houses the instrument cluster, central touchscreen display and separate air-conditioning and audio controls. GX comes with fabric seats, GXL gets synthetic leather and Grande premium leather.
Infotainment Kluger GX comes with an 8-inch colour touchscreen. GXL and Grande step up to a 12.3-inch screen. Inbuilt navigation is standard in the GXL and Grande. GX and GXL have a basic six-speaker sound system, Grande gets an 11-speaker JBL premium system.
18 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 9 September, 2026
All variants come with wireless Apple CarPlay but wired Android Auto, seven USB ports (five in the front, two in the rear).
Engines/transmissions Kluger Hybrid combines a 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine with three electric motors that generate a combined output of 184kW including 142kW from the engine. Peak torque is 242 Nm with fuel usage listed at 5.6 litres per 100km. Electronic (e-CVT) continuously variable transmission sends power to all four wheels. There are three drive modes: Sport, Normal and Eco, selectable via a lever on the centre console.
Safety Kluger was last tested by ANCAP back in June 2021 and received the maximum five-star rating. Standard features include seven airbags including a driver knee bag but not one in the front between occupants. There is autonomous emergency braking that can detect oncoming vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, a reversing camera that includes a camera cleaning system activated via the rear screen washer switch. In GXL versions, the camera display offers normal and wide-angle images and incorporates active guidelines. There is a 360-degree panoramic view camera but only in the Grande. Other safety features across the range include adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and Isofix child anchors in the outer rear seats.
Driving Built on the same Toyota New Global Architecture platform as the RAV4 and Camry, Kluger delivers a balance of ride
and handling, resulting in a premium feel on the road. Although it does come with all-wheel drive, the Kluger isn’t a serious off-road vehicle – the similarly-sized Prado fills that gap in the Toyota range. Rather it’s aimed at those looking for a medium to large station wagon to carry the family. Compared with the previous generation Kluger, the current model offers a substantial improvement in driving stability, roadholding and comfort on all surfaces thanks to newly developed front and rear suspension set-ups that provide responsive, smooth handling. Ride comfort is also enhanced by a new Body Control system that controls drive torque to minimise vehicle pitching due to road surface irregularities. Steering is responsive with nice feedback. Combined fuel consumption is listed as 5.6 litres per 100km. We averaged 6.8 during our week of testing. Kluger is covered by the Toyota Warranty Advantage, which provides five-year unlimited kilometre coverage, extending to seven-years on engine and driveline provided that logbook servicing has been maintained on time at any authorised mechanic.
Summary With nearly a quarter of a century behind it Kluger has established itself as one of the best seven-seat family SUVs on the Australian market. It’s spacious without being cumbersome with quality materials and fittings. Any lack of performance in the powertrain is made up for in smooth running and hybrid-based fuel efficiency. Any lack of performance in the powertrain is made up for in smooth running and fuel economy. Comfort and low road noise makes Kluger a perfect long-distance cruiser.
Season over for Werribee By Tara Murray Werribee’s season came to a premature end as the Tigers were unable to recapture their regular season form and were knocked out of the Victorian Football League finals in straight sets. After losing to the Box Hill Hawks in the opening week of finals, it was do-or-die for the Tigers on Saturday in a semi final with Port Melbourne. Playing the Borough for a third time this season, the Tigers struggled to get going for most of the game and were made to pay. The Borough led throughout the semi-final and were able to hold off Werribee when it came home strongly, winning 12.13 (85)-9.15 (69). Tigers’ coach Dan Lowther said it certainly wasn’t the result that they were after. “We wanted to respond after Box Hill,” he said. “Port Melbourne started the game with real intent and were really tough “They were able to capitalise on our errors. “It took until the last 15 minutes of the game to bring the pressure and intensity. “I don’t think that we weren’t switched on, we just didn’t bring the intensity from the start which we needed to do.” With many players playing in their first finals series at this level, Lowther said they would take a lot out of the losses. He said Port Melbourne play a strongly contested game of football that stands up come finals time. Harry Maguire kicked five goals for the Tigers, while Will Elliott was the only other multiple with two goals. Jack Riding had 27 possessions while Louis Pinnuck and Jaelen Pavlidis had 21 apiece. Lowther said while it wasn’t an excuse, injuries to key players at the wrong time of the year didn’t help. Ruck AJ Kuol Mun missed with a knee injury having had a dominant season in the middle of the ground. Key defender Ryan Eyers missed for a second straight week, while Lowther said the losses of small forwards Jay Dahlhaus and Lachie Charleson also hurt. “We don’t use them as excuses, but they didn’t help,” he said. “We were a bit shallower than we would normally have been. “But we see it was an opportunity to test the depth. A few young fellows got the opportunity.” While the straight sets exit hurts now for the group, Lowther said it would drive them forward into the future. He said there are lots of positives to take out of the season. “We will reflect but it will take some time to look back,” he said. “It was a winning season for us with the amount of change to the team.
The vision for a vibrant Tarneit is outlined in the draft Tar Centre Urban Design Framework which Wyndham City h community feedback. Jake Smith. (Werribee Football Club)
The way it played out, it was a successful year.” While the Tigers season is over higher honours could be coming for some of the Tigers stars. Brady Wright is among the favourites for the Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal and could be drafted in the next few months. Koul Man is another that could find his way onto an AFL list. “There’s been a lot of contributors around the game that supported us winning as many games,” Lowther said. “Team success galvanises individual success especially with a young group.” Lowther said they would soon start the review and they start looking ahead to next season. A number of their leaders are already locked in and they were hoping to keep the bulk of the squad together for another tilt.
The Tarneit Major Town Centre is designed to be a hub o prosperity, that is beautifully designed with green corrido capacity to accommodate a centre for art, health and ed
It offers quality recreational and retail opportunities and celebrating the area’s Indigenous and cultural heritage – dynamic destination of choice.
The framework will be a guide for staged development in attracting investment over the next 30 years.
It will help to ensure the town centre meets the needs of population in Tarneit with the centre ultimately providing 8,000 jobs and a home to more than 10,000 people.
Please register for an information session to find out mor
Questions can be emailed to tarneitudf@wyndham.vic.g Werribee players walk off, their season over. (Werribee Football Club) and feedback shared on the Loop by 20 March on
https://theloop.wyndham.vic.gov.au/tarneitudf
BARRO GROUP
Wednesday, 9 September, 2026 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 19
SPORT
STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
Wyndhamvale. 576220_03
Wyndhamvale’s Rachael Sherriff. 576220_13
Parkside Spurs’ Nadine Lampard. 576220_18
Parkside Spurs. 576220_01
Parkside Spurs’ Giselle Lambley. 576220_27
Spurs, Suns are premiers The Western Football League crowned its women’s football premiers on Saturday, with Parkside Spurs and the Suns taking
out the grand finals. Star Weekly’s Ljubica Vrankovic was out shooting the action.
Still smiles for Yarraville Seddon. 576218_54
Yarraville Seddon. 576218_27
The Suns’ Alexis Madden. 576218_13
20 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 9 September, 2026
The Suns’ Jamie Te Pania. 576218_10
The Suns celebrate. 576218_46
STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
SPORT
Division 1 men: Hawks beat Albanvale, 6856. Glen Orden: Zac Mabilia, Josh Byron, Harrison Hand, Cameron Powell, Junior Levi, Jake Schuster, Billy Mahoney, Brodie McCleish, Ronan Pring, Fili Fili, Finn Ibrahim, Kobe Parsons. Coach: Makeleta Simeki.
Division 2: Sunshine beat Caroline Springs, 6832. Sunshine: Maddison Thompson, Mercy Ioelu, Tanaya Redman, Casey Smart, Nikita Singh, Jayde Parsons, Bryanna Tamilo, Alannah Raniolo, Kaitlin Mcintosh, Alesina Toleafoa and Amelia Lai. Coach: Mon Poliko.
Division 1: Lakers beat Albanvale 54-34. Lakers team: Rahni Samason, Charlize Bellette, Olivia Craske, Jade Fisher, Emily Miles, Kristyl Ben, Vanessa McIntosh, Dasha Taylor, Madeline Rustem, Bronte West, Emma Vitalone and Jacqui Mitrevski. Coaches Low Ben. (All photos supplied by Western FNL)
Reserves men: Albanvale beat Sunshine, 41-37. Albanvale: Andrew Waligora, Tom Hardwick, Judd Smith, Kai Suzuki, Bailey Caruana, Tom Giliberto, Angus Bottomley, Daniel Fary, Aaron Bosse, Brendan Nick, Ayden McCleish and Joshua Clavarino.Coach: Rhiannon Reti.
Netball premiership joy The Western Football Netball League held its netball grand final over the past two weeks. There were new winners,
teams winning their first premierships and upsets. Here’s a quick look at all the winners.
Division 6: Hawks Onyx beat Parkside Spurs, 35-15. Hawks: Tippy Katipa maikuku, Elizabeth Henda, Tamika Bink, Kerri Katipa maikuku, Jade Schuijers, Sunaina Menon, Hayley Schuijers, Sarah McGuinness, Blaise Pirihi, Shreya Menon and Jacinta Love. Coach Tippy Katipa maikuku.
Division 7: Braybrook beat Sunshine, 21-20. Braybrook: Ebony Dunlop, Jessie Hazeldine-Onno, Ashlea Tennant, Cassandra Mulholland, Georgia Griminess, Torrence Ta’ala, Shelby Crawford, Sharna Quarrier, Rachel Wilson Jackie Brooks, Lisa Emmens Virginia Hobbs. Coach. Jake Kane.
Division 5, Hoppers Crossing defeated Yarraville Seddon, 39-35. Hoppers Crossing: Sammy Marsters, Twin Teariki, Annika Monte, Brooklyn Pouwhare, Emily Mcauliffe, Montana Morgan, Nikora Tuulau, Saraphina Teariki, Shannon Ormsby, Tarrantina Lavea, Yeeks Miao, Yvette Savoia. Coach: Ephraim Ormsby
Division 3: Glen Orden beat Sunshine, 43-38. Glen Orden: Askani Pirihi, Jessica Christie, Jamie Apulu, Atiana Niu, Ruby Marino, Dusty Holden, Jamie-Lee Nguyen, Gloria Kolio, Kali Joyce, Kyhia Young, Brandy Te are, Larissa Houseman. Coaches: Remy Pirihi and Manawa Aranui.
Division 4: Newport Power beat Hawks, 42-39. Newport: Siena Boulton, Emily Roberts, Shae Freath, Poppy Ten Hoopen, Cammie Neville, Enna Murray, Phoebe Gowans, Maya Vincent, Audrey Box, Lara Wynne, Charlotte McVeigh. Coach Bianca Smith.
Division 8, Sunshine beat Point Cook, 24-20. Sunshine: Sheridan Ness, Shaina Goundar, Claire Wilkinson, Zaidee Waldron, Sonam Kumar, Amy MorganSam Gaunder, Renata Ludwig, Shallan Hyett, Jade Williams, Connie Tarei, Leah Meredith. Coach Mel Kel.
Wednesday, 9 September, 2026 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 21
SPORT
STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
Fifth straight for Districts By Luke D’Anello Werribee Districts delivered a game-breaking third quarter burst to earn a direct passage to a fifth consecutive Western Football League division 1 grand final. The Tigers trailed by two points at halftime of their major semi-final against Yarraville-Seddon on Saturday before piling on six goals to three in the third term. They held firm in a low-scoring last stanza at Hogans Road Reserve to prevail, 10.12 (72)-8.8 (56). Werribee Districts, who have established themselves as the competition’s pre-eminent club, are chasing a third premiership in five seasons after their triumphs in 2023 in 2025. They finished runners-up to Altona in 2022 and Hoppers Crossing in 2024.
The Tigers lost three of four games mid-season as they were hit hard by injury but recovered to secure the minor premiership and now another chance to hoist the silverware. “We’re just rapt. We’ve had a lot of challenges this year and every club does,“ coach Chris Gilham said. “To be in this position is a credit to everyone, credit to our whole squad, credit to our footy club. It’s bloody hard to do. “But we’re not happy just to be there. We want to make it count. “Just really proud of the football club, the whole playing group to give ourselves this great opportunity again. “We’ll have six or seven, or maybe more, players who didn’t play last year in it this year. “We’ve got a few long-term injuries,
but it’s an opportunity to play in their first one and we’re really looking forward to it.“ Yarraville-Seddon and Caroline Springs will clash this weekend in a rematch of last year’s preliminary final. Saturday’s clash was predictably tight before the Tigers booted four unanswered goals in the opening 10 minutes of the third term to gain the ascendancy. “I just thought we played the right side of the ground a little bit better in that third quarter,“ Gilham said. “It was a really, really strong wind into one side of the ground, which made it really hard to score in the first half. I think it eased a little bit after half-time. “But we were just better with our forward entries and got it to the right side of the ground.
“We definitely lifted and played a really strong 20, 30 minutes there which set the game up for us and probably won us the game.“ Josh Kellett was best afield in his return from injury, playing an influential role across half-back and proving crucial in the last quarter as the Eagles pushed for a come-from-behind win. The ever-consistent Daniel Nielson kicked four goals to take his season tally to 58 from 15 games. “It was a big day for our footy club with the seniors and reserves qualifying straight through to the granny again. That’s five years in a row now. Obviously that’s very hard to do and it’s a great achievement,“ Gilham said. “Hopefully we can turn another opportunity into getting it done.“
Sports shorts Baseball Bronwyn Gell returns to the Werribee Giants as their women’s coach for the Baseball Victoria summer league season. Gell coached the Giants a couple of seasons ago, “Bronwyn brings an incredible 20-plus years of baseball experience, including six women’s World Cup appearances for Australia, two World Cup medals, five Victorian National Championships, and two Australian Championship most valuable player awards. A highly accomplished player and experienced coach, Bronwyn brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership and passion to our women’s program.”:
FV A final round win was enough for Point Cook to avoid relegation in the FV state league 4 north-west. While Melbourne University’s fate was already sealed, three teams were fighting to avoid being the second team relegated. All three teams had final round wins, with the Jets beating Moonee Ponds, 4-1 on Saturday. The win was enough to keep the Jets ahead of the Strikers and Phoenix with just a few points sperating the sides. Elsewhere, West Point again forfeited its senior men’s match.
FV
Brandon Houlihan. ((Ivan Kemp) 573298_08
Centurions go into first granny in 16 years By Tara Murray Werribee Centrals are going to embrace the moment after winning through to their first Geelong and District Football League grand final in 16 years. The Centurions showed their composure at the right moments to end the season of minor premiers, Winchelsea and book their spot in the decider. Centurions’ coach Rhyce Prismall said it was a surreal moment not only for the side but the club. “At the club there’s lots of volunteers and people that have been around for a long time,” he said. “It was good to see some reward for them and it’s nice to be a part of it. “It’s been 16 years since a grand final and 22 since a premiership. “I said to someone that half the team wasn’t even born when we last won the premiership. “It’s exciting to be part of and hopefully we have a better day this Saturday.” Prismall said with the weather they al-
ways thought that it would be a hard-fought slog. It was the Centurions that led by four points at quarter time and eight points at the main break. Not much separated the two sides in the third quarter, with the margin just nine points in favour of the Centurions. The Centurions saved their best for last to seal a 12.10 (82)-7.13 (55) win. “It was one of those games where 12 or 13 shots could be enough and whoever kicked straight it would come down to that. “We kicked 12.10 and they kicked 7.13. We had some opportunistic forward kick goals at crucial times and we were able to kick away late.” Prismall said there wouldn’t be much between the two teams across the stats and it was a real toss of the coin result. He said the pressure that they’ve played under the past few weeks had worked in their favour and there was a really big buyin from the team. Kur Kur kicked five goals for the Centurions, while Brandon Houlihan was the only
22 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 9 September, 2026
other multiple goalkicker for the side with two goals. The pair were named in the best along with Connor Linehan-Cunningham and Bradley Carlton. East Geelong awaits in the grand final. Prismall said he wanted the playing group to enjoy the week, knowing that grand finals don’t come along every week. The Centurions might have a couple of tough selections come Thursday night. While captain Michael Culliver is done for the season with injury, Kai Gomes pattiyage and Blake Taylor will put their hands up for selection. “We didn’t want to risk them,” Prismall said. “There will be some difficult decisions.” Prismall said they will go in as underdogs against a side that had beaten them twice in the past month. “They are more experienced and played in a grand final last year,” he said. “We’re underdogs and that’s fine with us. “In a grand final you need a lot of luck and we’ll prepare the best that we can.”
Hoppers Crossing farewelled one of its greats on Saturday in the FV state league 3 north-west. While the Reds finished the season with a 2-0 loss to Diamond Valley United, the day was about the retiring Kevin Smart. Smart is one of the most capped players in Reds history and one of the club’s all-time leading assist players. Smart has captained and coached the Reds senior side, while also playing a number of other roles around the club.
NRL Victoria It was a mixed day for the Truganina Rabbitohs in the NRL Victorian Storm premiership first grade competitions. The men’s side went out in straight sets after it lost is preliminary final to the Altona Roosters, 22-18. It’s women’s side beat the Roosters 12-0 to win through to the grand final against the Werribee Bears.
FOR MORE SPORT VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Wyndham Star Weekly @starweeklysport @star_weekly
STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
SPORT
Falcons live to fly again By Luke D’Anello Wyndhamvale will enter Sunday’s Western Football League division 2 grand final against North Footscray as the underdog. But that does not faze premiership coach Daniel Smith, who is looking to lead his team to back-to-back flags and promotion to the top flight. The Falcons advanced to the decider with a dominant 49-point win over West Footscray in Saturday’s preliminary final, 14.16 (100)-7.9 (51). The talent-laden Devils have won 18 of 19 games in 2026 and will enter the season finale at Yarraville Oval fresh from a week’s rest. Wyndhamvale is the only side to conquer them this year, prevailing by 16 points in May, while it also triumphed in the 2025 grand final between the pair, with Smith’s
team remaining in the second tier after the league pushed pause on changes to the senior grades. The match will showcase three of the division’s leading forwards, with Falcons sharpshooter Lewis Stanton bagging 106 goals from 21 games, while North Footscray’s Mathew Serafin (78 goals) and Lynden Dunn (70) have formed a damaging one-two punch inside the attacking 50. “I’d say they would be favourites going in,” Smith said. “But I’m not too fussed on all that. We’re in now and I want to win. “The ground is a momentum ground, so when you have the momentum, you have to put the score on the board. “Obviously both teams have a very good forward line, so whoever can get the cleanest entries inside 50 is probably going to come away with it.”
Wyndhamvale started its finals campaign with defeat to West Footscray, coughing up a 40-point advantage to go down by seven points. “That was the wake-up call just to stay in the game, stay in the moment that hopefully gets us the win next week,” Smith said. But it has responded with two convincing wins to show it remains a force.The Falcons also lost their first final after finishing minor premiers last year before claiming the ultimate prize. Their line-up received an injection of class after the loss to West Footscray, with premiership quartet Jack Tessari, Saad Ali, Noah Cooney and Luke Di Mauro returning for the semi-final against Albanvale. “You’re in there, so you’re always a puncher’s chance,” Smith said when asked if his side was in good shape. “We’ll definitely take in our last two per-
formances. I think the team is settled and starting to work. Having last week brought in (four) premiership players from last year, they’ve definitely helped us structure up behind the ball and in front of the ball.” Wyndhamvale set up their preliminary final win with an 11-goal-to-five opening half and held firm in the second half to prevent a repeat of the qualifying final. Damon Stephens, Ryley McGaw, Brodie Meadows, Riley Evans, Liam Scarborough and Jack Tessari were named in the best for the winners. “We’ve gone the hard way, losing week one and then having to play Sunday in week two, then a six-day break into Saturday,” Smith said. “We’ve just got to play our team footy, and we’ve played it the last two weeks and got the win. So hopefully we can do it again on Sunday.”
The Jets survive
Harper Sell. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 576220_30
Falcons players proud despite falling short By Tara Murray Wyndhamvale walks away proud of its Western Football League women’s season, despite a disappointing end in the division 1 grand final on Saturday. The Falcons always had a challenge on their hands against the Parkside Spurs, who were aiming for the perfect season. Having lost to the Spurs three times this year and having never beaten them, the Falcons needed everything to go their way in the grand final. But the game was all but over at quarter time, with the Spurs winning 15.14 (104)-1.5 (11), the biggest margin in a women’s grand final in the competition’s history. Falcons’ coach Craig Prior said the loss didn’t define the side’s season. “They were always the benchmark of the competition and we came and had a crack and we didn’t shy away from it,” he said. “We weren’t scared of it but we were found wanting.”
Prior said the first quarter from the Spurs hurt them and it was hard to come back from. He said after that it was about making sure that they just took it 20 minutes at a time and keeping working hard for the whole match. With the margin having blown out even further in the third quarter, Prior said they wanted to walk away with their heads held high. Mariah Burton was the goalkicker for the Falcons. League leading goalkicker Larissa Renaut finished the game on the bench after a heavy knock in the third quarter. Harper Sell, Chloe Prior and Ava Strathairn were named the Falcons’ best. Prior said they look at the wider picture of the season and how much they’ve achieved. “Looking more broadly they had 41 to pick from over a season compared to 21,” he said. “We came in banged up and we had a few players with injuries that we had hidden the
last two to three weeks to get here. “Its tough when you only have 21 girls “When you’re coming up against a squad of 40 and they have a lot of good tough players it’s tough. “We came and had a crack.” Prior said they see this season as a win with how far they’ve come in the past three years since they made the division 2 grand final in 2023. “I said to the girls that this season wasn’t a loss, we came in division 1 as it was two years ago,” he said. “Two years ago we won two games in our first half and two games in our second year. “To play in a grand final was amazing and awesome, we’ll just roll around and have another crack next year.” Prior said they were already looking ahead to next season and had spoken to a few players about coming across to add some more depth to the squad. He said they were keen to add some more youth to the squad as well.
Point Cook saved its best for last to ensure it remains in FV state league 4 north-west next season. The Jets had been staring at relegation before winning their last three games to avoid a bottom two spot. Jets’ coach Tome Petreski said there were mixed feelings having secured their future. “To be honest, there is relief but the strongest feeling is pride in the people who got us there,” he said. “But there’s a real pride as the players and coaches kept working and turning up. “To finish the way we did was pleasing as I know the work that went into it.” Having set high expectations for the season, Petreski said they quickly realised that the state league 4 north-west competition was tougher than they expected. He said the group was able to stick together and put out the performances when they were needed. “I said to the team in the middle of the year it felt like we didn’t have purpose when promotion didn’t look likely. “We then did have a purpose and something to play for. We took it to the next level and you see the last three results which were full of grit and determination. “It showed what it meant to stay in the league. Petreski said the playing group understood what was at stake in the last few rounds and were able to perform. In the final round, the Jets beat Maidstone United, 4-1 to move up to ninth on the ladder. It meant the Jets finished two points ahead of 11th-placed Westside Strikers, who will be relegated. Petreski said for the club going forward next season in state league 4, it would need to be more consistent across the season to ensure they weren’t in the same situation. The coach said he would sit down with the club in a few weeks to discuss his future. “There are so many positives to build on and there’s a lot of potential there,” he said. “I’ll have a rest and reset. I’ve given everything this season and I want to reflect properly. “My future is not secured.”
Wednesday, 9 September, 2026 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 23
8, SEPTEMBER, 2026
Districts into granny
Centurions joy
Historic Suns-day By Tara Murray The Suns made history as they won their first Western Football League women’s premiership. Just in their third season, the Suns showed plenty of composure in Saturday’s division 2 grand final with Yarraville Seddon. For the Suns, it was their first grand final while the Eagles were playing off in a second straight decider. After a week off, the Suns had all the answers. The Eagles scored almost immediately before the Suns got one of their own. That would be the story for the first half. The Suns then started to hit the scoreboard to extend the lead. The margin was 13 points at half time and then it was 19 points heading into the final quarter. After the two sides kicked an early goal in the final quarter, the Suns wasted some opportunities. They scored five behinds in a row before kicking the sealer in time on. While the Eagles got one late, the Suns were already celebrating as they won, 8.9 (57)-5.3 (33). Suns’ coach Leanne Meyer said it was an unbelievable feeling. She was left stunned that they had got the job done. “Nothing but elation and pride, admiration for the girls,” she said. “This is our third year with the program and we have a lot of girls from year one, which is a testament to the players and the club. “They really get behind the women and myself. “We’ve brought in some new ones, we’re not afraid to do that.” Meyer said the group was switched on right from the start of the game. “When they got the first goal, you don’t like it but we have got to compete,” she said. “The word of the day was compete and compete at every contest, every centre bounce and every stoppage. “We did it and the score took care of itself.” Meyer said they knew they had to stay switched on. She said when the margin started to blow out it settled the nerves on the bench. “They stuck together,” she said. “We knew that Yarraville was a solid second half team, so we had to turn the heat up in the second half. “To the girls’ credit they all stood up and they all took themselves off when they were gassed and played for the whole squad. “It was a little bit surreal [the margin]. You just want to put all 36 players on the field and you can’t. It was nice to also take a breath.” Meyer said all the team staff were switched on as well and everyone was able to enjoy the winning moment. Keshena Kinkaid kicked three goals for
The Suns celebrate their first premiership. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 576218_62
The Suns celebrate. 576218_47
the Suns, while Alexis Madden and Jade Murrell kicked two goals each. The pair were named the best by the Suns. Bonnie Lea Brown was awarded the best on ground medal by the umpires. Meyer said seeing her daughter win that medal was the icing on the cake.
24 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 9 September, 2026
Keshena Kinkaid. 576218_07
Matilda Brown, another daughter, is also a premiership player. “That was a shock, a beautiful surprise,” Meyer said. “She gives her all every week and she gets tagged quite a bit. “Huge credit to her.” Meyer said they were hoping to keep building and next season look to play
division 1 finals. She said before then, there might be a number of days celebrating the premiership success. “Bring it on,” she said. “We were happy to play in div1 finals this year. Right now, I’ll enjoy this premiership and a bit of history.”