WEDNESDAY, 13 MAY, 2026
Discover the many ways to volunteer When it comes to volunteering in Wyndham, the possibilities are endless. More than 40 groups will be strutting their stuff at this year’s Wyndham Volunteer Expo at the Encore Events Centre on Saturday 16 May. Proving that volunteerism comes in all varieties is the team at the The B-24 Liberator Memorial Australia in Werribee. The dedicated crew maintain the only B-24 Liberator remaining from World War II in the southern hemisphere, all the while educating people on its history. Also at the expo, there will be people on hand from community groups and organisations to provide information, answer questions and have a chat about volunteer roles that are available. Come and meet community groups and not-for-profit organisations and explore the volunteer opportunities that are available in your local community and need your help. Volunteering has many benefits and is a great way to get involved in the local community, make a difference, learn new skills, build social networks and can be a pathway to employment. The event is free and runs 10am-2pm. Details: www.wyndham.vic.gov. au/whats-on/wyndham-volunteerexpo-2026 B 24 Liberator Museum volunteer John Phillips. (Damjan Janevski) 551792_05
Trains a ‘Band-Aid’ By Jaidyn Kennedy Calls are intensifying for the state government to advance planning and funding for electrifying the Wyndham Vale line. In 2018, the state government announced The Western Rail Plan, which involves the electrification of train lines to Wyndham Vale and Melton that are currently serviced by V/Line. The state government has committed funds to electrifying Melton and $14.8 million to add nine-car trains to Wyndham
Vale services in the 2026-27 budget. However, Manor Lakes resident Sean Row said a full plan and timeline for electrifying the line is overdue. “With the current population, and the expected growth, electrification is the only option to cater for the anticipated demands … pitching the nine-car services is putting a Band-Aid on a gaping wound,” Mr Row said. “Peak hours at present are a complete debacle. If you aren’t on an originating service at Wyndham Vale, you’ll struggle to get a seat especially with the free fares.”
The state government has introduced free public transport until 31 May and half-priced fares until 31 December. Mr Row also said increasing capacity would encourage locals to use public transport more in the long-term. “More capacity allows for commuters to consider actually commuting more for work and leisure. Given the growth we have here, it might give us hope we actually will have semi adequate transportation to cover growth,” he said. “All Geelong line commuters need electrification to happen, and it should be
an immediate infrastructure priority.” A state government spokesperson said upgrades to Sunshine station need to happen before Wyndham Vale services can be improved. “We are removing the bottleneck at Sunshine to allow 1000 trains through the corridor each day – which is the fi rst step to electrifying the Melton Line and allowing us to increase services on the Wyndham Vale line,” the spokesperson said. The state government did not provide the year it estimates the Wyndham Vale line to be electrified by.
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