Star Weekly - Wyndham - 4th February 2026

Ellen’s big ballet boost

Local ballet teacher Ellen Montgomery loves what she does and has received a nice little boost to keep doing it.

Ms Montgomery is the Bursary Recipient for the Royal Academy of Dance in Ballet for 2026.

In lay person’s terms she will be the only person in Victoria or Tasmania to receive support to obtain the prestigious academy’s Certificate in Dance Teaching.

Originally from South Australia, Ms Montgomery is a dance teacher by trade at That Dance Place (TDP) in Hoppers Crossing.

Already versed in other syllabus, Ms Montgomery said she was thrilled to win the spot and hopes it will help her pass on the joy of ballet to more people.

“I am really excited to be chosen, it is very special and I can’t wait to see where it goes.

“My boss Lisa George is my biggest supporter, and at TDP we are a family who help each other through more than just dancing.

“I think it is a very unique style of dance, and I feel like ballet is the basis of all dance– if you can dance ballet, you can dance anything.”

Dumping disgrace

By Jaidyn Kennedy

Illegal dumping continues to plague Wyndham, with a popular beach spot beingamongtheplacesrecentlyhit.

Local resident Chris Cobbledick said he recently encountered a truckload of building site waste that had been dumped next to the Campbells Cove boathouses in WerribeeSouth.

Mr Cobbledick said he believed the waste was dumped some time between 7am-noon on Thursday 21 January, and thatitisbecomingaregularoccurrence.

Mr Cobbledick claims the dumping contained addresses and definitive details leadingtoabuildingsiteinPointCook.

Neither the Environment Protection

Authority Victoria (EPA) nor Wyndham councilhadconfirmedansourcesiteofthe wasteatthetimeofgoingtopress.

An EPA spokesperson said the organisation has received a report of illegally dumped construction waste in WerribeeSouth.

“Thematterhasbeenreferredtotheland manager,Wyndhamcouncil,forcleanup,” thespokespersonsaid.

“Illegalwastedumpingisagrowingissue in Victoria, and an offence that can attract significant financial penalties where EPA or other authorities can identify those responsible.“

A Wyndham spokesperson said council

arrangedtopickupandremovethewaste.

“Illegal litter dumping is a significant and growing problem for all councils, particularly in growth areas and has cost Wyndham City ratepayers $6.1 million over the last five years,” the spokesperson said.

“Wyndham City takes a zero-tolerance approachtoillegalrubbishdumping.

“Councilisliaisingwiththecomplainant that notified the illegal rubbish and we are investigatingtheinformationprovided.”

The spokesperson encouraged residents tousefreewasteservicesandtoreportany dumpedwastetheyspot.

At Wyndham, residents are provided

with a tip token each year, as well as three freehardrubbishcollections.

“We encourage everyone to help keep Wyndham clean by reporting incidents of dumping.

“Wealsoencourageresidentstotakenote of anyone dumping rubbish and record details including description of items dumped to assist council in undertaking enforcementaction.”

To report illegal dumping within Wyndham, contact council on 1300 023 411,ortheEPAon1300372842orcontact@ epa.vic.gov.au

Wyndham election priorities

By Jaidyn Kennedy

Wyndham mayor Josh Gilligan has outlined Council’s advocacy priorities ahead of this year’s state election, with unlocking funds for roads, rail and recreation being top of the agenda.

Cr Gilligan said his top priority was securing funding for Wyndham’s proposed third aquatic centre in Tarneit, which has an estimated price tag of $120 million.

“We are working very hard with the local state members to reach an agreement for what that will look like, particularly in the first half of 2026,” Cr Gilligan said.

“We’re on track to look at the design of detailed works and the location of this site in Tarneit which will be determined by the middle of the year.“

Concrete plans to electrify the Wyndham Vale line were next.

“In my mayoral speech, I said we are on track to be less liveable and this is a perfect example of it…if we do not see significant growth in terms of electrification along the line then our train line will come to a stop.”

He said West Tarneit station coming online this year will be beneficial but still add pressure to the line.

Cr Gilligan also said Council would like to see plans to unlock funding for the proposed Sayers Road train station and more detailed plans for a Truganina train station made public.

A freedom of information request made by Cr Gilligan to the Department of Transport and Planning on 6 June 2025, seen by Star Weekly, asked for copies of any ministerial briefs, reports, renders or planning analysis relating to a train station in Truganina.

He said he was disappointed at how long it took to receive a response and that cabinet confidence was cited as a reason

Mursal is making the most of her chance

As students return to school, some families in Melbourne’s west are struggling to afford textbooks and essential school supplies.

A Greater Western Water (GWW) partnership with not-for-profit Western Chances aims to bridge the financial gap by providing scholarships that help young locals overcome barriers to education.

Western Chances supports young students in Melbourne’s west through scholarships, internships and events.

The annual scholarships have gone towards vital resources students need to

get through university such as textbooks, laptops, internet costs, lab coats and Myki travel cards for adult students.

For Point Cook’s Mursal Rezai, it has unlocked a world of chance when she was in Year 12 when her legal studies teacher nominated her for the scholarship.

“At the time, I had recently arrived in Australia, was still trying to find my feet and was planning for university,” she said.

Going on to study a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Business in Finance at Swinburne, Ms Rezai said it has been transformative.

“Western Chances has shaped my journey in ways I never imagined.

“ It goes far beyond financial relief, it is like a community and a consistent source of encouragement, guidance, and opportunity.“

It has enabled her to join several programs, intern at places like the Grattan Institute and resulted in her winning the Dream Big Award 2025, which funded travel to Sydney for two key summits.

Coming full circle, she is now a Western Chances sub-committee member helping other young people.

Preserving the Amharic language to promote social cohesion

A local language school is helping Wyndham’s Ethiopian community preserve its native languages through Amharic classes.

Afroage’s free classes for children aged 5-12 are designed to create a bilingual generation rooted in a strong sense of identity, historical heritage, and cultural pride.

Teacher Israel Yemanebrehane said the classes are important for children given the lack of native speakers in Melbourne.

“Geographic distance and language barriers can make it difficult for Ethiopian-Australian youth to maintain deep, fluent connections with their heritage and relatives

overseas,” Mr Yemanebrehane said.

“Many Australian-born children of Ethiopian heritage were finding it difficult to engage in clear, meaningful conversations with their grandparents and relatives living overseas.

“Without a shared language, the rich history of family stories and cultural legacies can become harder to pass down through the generations.

“Tarneit was selected as the school’s permanent base due to the Wyndham City Council area being home to the largest Ethiopian and Eritrean communities in Melbourne.

to deny access to certain information.

A Victorian Government spokesperson said the completion of the $4 billion Sunshine Superhub, slated to open in 2030, will allow them to later electrify the line.

They also said there are preliminary designs for future stations in the western suburbs.

Advancing more funding for Avalon and prioritising road duplication were among other key wishes.

Last year, the state government invested in the opening of a new $8 million freight hub at Avalon and announced a bus connection to Lara station.

Police Briefs

Teen charged

Police have charged a teen after two police vehicles were rammed in Hoppers Crossing on the morning of 2 February. Officers from the dog squad spotted an allegedly stolen Hyundai Getz parked on Geddes Crescent at about 1.30am. Police attempted intercept the vehicle, when it’s alleged the driver deliberately rammed two police vehicles. It is alleged the two occupants fled on foot but were located by a police dog and its handler nearby, and it is said there were no injuries. The alleged driver, a 16-year-old boy from the Wyndham area, has been charged with several crimes including theft of a motor vehicle and unlicensed driving. He was bailed to appear at a children’s court at a later date. His alleged passenger, a 14-year-old boy from the Wyndham area, was cautioned. It is alleged the vehicle was stolen from a Tarneit gym on 31 January.

Motorcycle impounded

A St Albans man has had his motorcycle impounded after allegedly doing a ‘mono’ in front of police in West Melbourne on 26 January. Police allegedly spotted the motorcycle travelling at speed and only on its rear wheel along Footscray Road about 10.10pm. The rider was clocked at an alleged speed of 127km/h in an 80km/h zone, more than 45km/h over the limit. It is alleged the rider, a 42-year-old St Albans man, couldn’t provide any explanations for the driving behaviour. The motorcycle was impounded for a period of 30 days and will cost the rider $999 to get the vehicle back. The man is expected to be charged on summons for excessive speeding and other driving offences.

Six times the limit

“By strengthening real communication, the school helps transform simple greetings into deep, ongoing relationships across generations.”

He said the benefits young people can gain from the program go well beyond the classroom or community.

“Language capability reduces cultural and communication barriers, enabling young people to participate more effectively in global business, investment, and cross-border collaboration.”

Classes run at the Penrose Community Centre in Tarneit on Fridays from 4.30-7pm.

Details: contact@impact.afroage.org

Police have nabbed a drink driver almost six times over the limit in Diggers Rest. Officers initially detected a 40-year-old driver allegedly travelling at 115 km/h in a 100 km/h zone along Coimadai Road about 7pm on 24 January. The driver was pulled over and returned a positive result after undertaking a preliminary breath test. An evidentiary breath test was then performed, which returned an alleged treading of .286. The driver from Toolern Vale had his licence immediately suspended. His car was also impounded at a cost of $992, and he is expected to be charged on summons with traffic offences.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Wyndham Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Security data released

By Jaidyn Kennedy

Wyndham Council has for the first time publicly released data on its hotly debated Truganina private security trial.

The $372,000 rate-payer funded trial commenced on 10 November.

Despite MA Services, the company originally contracted to deliver the pilot program going into administration last month, the trial will continue with two marked cars patrolling nightly from 10pm-6am until 10 April.

According to council, the patrol guards logged 478 incidents across 45 nights up to 12 January.

Most activity has involved passive deterrence, including advising residents when garage doors had been left open, or cars had been left running.

Other activity included welfare checks and reporting suspicious vehicles or suspicious activities.

Mayor Josh Gilligan said he believed the trial was delivering practical outcomes and deterring crime.

“The first quarter results from our Truganina security patrol trial are better than first thought and are clearly working to deliver a safer Truganina and community confidence in local community safety solutions,” Cr Gilligan said,.

“The security patrol pilot, ending in April this year, gives us clear evidence that a small amount of funding towards local neighbourhood solutions can drive crime prevention in our newer estates.

“The door remains open for a post-trial neighbourhood patrol model delivered through body corporates to assist other parts of our city with the crime crisis.“

Cr Gilligan said the trial is helping council better understand crime trends, but is not a substitute for Victoria Police.

“It is helping council better understand where issues are occurring and what patterns are emerging - information we simply wouldn’t have had in the same way without this program.

Artist Connor Orenden -Shaw AKA Foot. (Damjan Janevski) 530922_03

Wyndham art exhibition is a must see

If you want to see some of the best art from across Australia, then look no further than the Wyndham Art Prize finalist exhibition.

Running until Sunday 22 March at the Wyndham Art Gallery in Werribee, the exhibition is one of the highlights of Wyndham’s arts and culture calendar each year.

An array of approaches to art are displayed, with locals and people from out of town alike being invited to pop in and see what the fuss is about. This year’s exhibition celebrates contemporary art from across Australia, featuring

80 works including 10 by locals.

First prize was awarded to Gail Harradine for her photographic print Djurite rocks, climbing and Jadawadjali.

Second prize was awarded to Safa El Samad for her intricate embroidery work, Textiles in Gaza.

Third prize was awarded to Penelope Davis for her camera-less photograph Afterimage: pear/grapes.

Local Wyndham artist Connor Ovenden-Shaw, also known as FOOT, won the $5,000 Local Emerging Art Prize for their photograph Assigned Liminal At Birth.

Established in 2015, the Wyndham Art Prize has risen to become one of Australia’s largest art awards, receiving 700 entries from artists across Australia.

The 2026 judging panel featured acclaimed artist and past Wyndham Art Prize winner Camille Hannah, head curator Heide Museum of Modern Art Kendrah Morgan, as well as curator and writer Maya Hodge (Lardil).

The exhibition can be viewed for free Monday – Friday 10am-4pm, Saturday-Sunday 10am-3pm.

Call to extend the opening hours of Werribee Outdoor Pool

A local has started a petition calling on Wyndham council to extend the opening hours of the Werribee Outdoor Pool.

The petition proposes extending the opening hours to 9pm daily instead of the current 7pm weekday and 6pm weekend close times.

Opening at 6am on weekends and public holidays is also requested instead of the current 8am Saturday and 10.30am Sunday start times.

Margaret Rennie, who started the petition, said the proposed changes would

make the pool more accessible for working residents and families alike.

“By extending the pool’s hours, we can foster a more inclusive and active community, empowering residents to engage in healthier lifestyles without the need for inconvenient travel,” Ms Rennie said.

Ms Rennie also wants the pool’s opening date extended beyond 31 March.

“To further promote health and recreation, extending the pool’s summer opening months until 30 April would also be highly advantageous,” she said.

“Importantly, this is not a substitute for the police. Patrols do not have enforcement powers, their role is to observe and report, and to escalate to emergency services when needed.

“The trial has also helped identify early hotspot themes and patterns that council and our police liaison can be used to sharpen prevention messaging and broader community safety responses.

“The early results show the program is working even better than intended.

“We’ll use these insights to focus on targeted prevention and practical measures that make a real difference for residents.”

Special recipe competition

Culinary enthusiasts are encouraged to take part in Flavours of Wyndham, a culinary competition centred around cultural exchange.

Between 16 February and 16 March, people older than 18 submit a A3 Canva template featuring a recipe that is near and dear to them.

Selected entries will be shared at a community celebration of Wyndham’s diverse flavours and cultures.

As part of the competition, two free workshops will also be held.

The first will run 10.30am-12.30pm at the Manor Lakes Library on Tuesday 24 February and the second 10.30am-12.30pm on Tuesday 3 March at the Tarneit Community Learning Centre.

At the workshops, participants will learn how to create their own recipe cards and share their stories using Canva.

If attending one of the sessions, you will need to bring along your recipe, a bit about your story and photos of yourself or others cooking the dish.

Bringing the dish itself is especially encouraged.

Those registering for a workshop are automatically entered into the Flavours of Wyndham competition, and each person is limited to attending one workshop.

Submissions should have all three elements: a recipe (ingredients and method), image (photo or graphic) and a story. The recipe should represent a culturally traditional family dish, be easy to follow and able to be made from easy to source ingredients.

Only one recipe per entrant will be accepted.

Details: wyndham.vic.gov.au/flavoursofwyndham

Mayor Josh Gilligan said council subsidises the pool’s operational costs to the tune of $700,000 per year, and said focusing on the municipality’s proposed third aquatic centre was a more feasible long-term solution.

“So, while we could consider longer operating hours, this would simply be a BandAid solution and an exercise with diminishing returns, when taking into account the cost of the exercise compared to the number of community members who would benefit.”

Yurran P-9 open for learning

Yurran P-9 College in Werribee South celebrated a special milestone last week, opening its doors to its first batch of students. Star Weekly photographer Damjan Janevski visited on Friday 30 January to capture some of the preps as they embarked on their educational journey.

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Military history more visible

Australian military history has become more accessible with the Werribee RSL’s new memorabilia cabinets.

Formally unveiled on Friday 30 January, the new glass cabinets will replace old wooden ones and allow for more items to be displayed.

Werribee RSL president Daryl Ryan said artefacts were used by Australian armed forces from across more than 150 years of combat.

“What we have got is what the Australian Defence Forces used from the Boer War to Afghanistan, Iraq and all the conflicts in between,” Mr Ryan said.

“One of the rifles on the war was used in the Zulu campaign and it gives the young ones a bit of an insight into what the soldier carried and what he lived on.“

Mr Ryan said it was important to display the items for the community to see.

“They see things on TV and war movies, and all that sort of stuff, but this way they get to see the real thing,” he said.

“You also get to see what the Diggers did in their spare time.”

Some of the more interesting pieces on display are firearms and mortar shells, but the displays extend well beyond lethal arms.

West Tarneit progress

West Tarneit train station has undergone major developments. Crews have built new station platforms and roof canopies, excavated a pedestrian underpass beneath the rail line, and installed new signalling. They also installed 35 precast concrete panels to form the underpass. The new station near the corner of Davis and Leakes roads will open to passengers later this year following completion of the station precinct, bus interchange and 400 new car parks. The landscaped precinct will also feature seating, separated walking and cycling pathways, bike hoops and secure bike storage.

Free CPR lessons

Free CPR lessons will be held for young people aged 18-25 at the St John Ambulance Werribee Divisional Hall Tuesdays until 3 March. Between 10am-12.30pm, attendees will gain the knowledge and confidence to perform CPR on an adult, child and infant, to describe alternative methods for delivering rescue breaths and how to manage a victim of drowning. The course topics include the DRSABCD action plan and responding to emergency situations, managing unconscious casualties, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and using a defibrillator (AED). For more information: defibinyourstreet@stjohnvic.com.au FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au

Wyndham Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Raise the Titanic

A historic Williamstown pub, once home to the iconic Titanic Theatre Restaurant, currently sits empty and dilapidated, just as it has done for the last two years. Cade Lucas reports on how the Titanic restaurant went under and whether a new owner can raise it from the depths.

According to the real estate sign out the front, the former Titanic restaurant in Williamstown is set to go to auction at 12pm on 20 March.

What the sign doesn’t say is that the auction it’s advertising was for 20 March, 2025, when the “landmark waterfront pub” on Nelson Place, the oldest in Williamstown, was passed in afterfailingtoattractabuyeratthe$3.5 millionpriceitsownerwasseeking.

Butwhiletherealestatesignmightbe misleading, it’s also fitting, as both it and the pub it’s attached to are outdated and seeminglyforgotten.

Estate agents Tsimos Commercial concede the point when it comes to their sign, but insist that the pub built in 1856 and long known as the Prince of Wales, certainlyhasn’tbeenforgottenbypotential buyers.

“Prettysteadyinterest,”washowTsimios Commercial agent John Black described the amount of inquiries they were getting for the pub, which has sat vacant and on themarketsinceJanuary2024.

“We just haven’t got a suitable replacement(owner)yet.”

Mr Black said while an extensive fit out was needed inside, he hoped the pub would still fetch between $3.5-$4 million, arguingithadhugepotential.

“Ithasalotofhistoryandinaprominent position, it’s just a case of getting the right person,” he said. “You get the right person who believes they can breathe life into the place then who knows, there’s a planet of possibilitiesforit.”

MrBlackdidn’tmentionit,butthisisthe exact scenario which turned the Prince of Wales Hotel into the Titanic in the first place.

In 1989, a brash young entrepreneur by the name of Andrew Singer, bought the PrinceofWales,whichwasthenstilllargely what it had always been; a watering hole for dock workers from the Williamstown shipyardsacrosstheroad.

But just as the privatisation of the shipyards a year earlier had resulted in many dock workers losing their jobs, the

You get the right person who believes they can breathe life into the place then who knows, there’s a planet of possibilities for it

- John Black

arrival of Mr Singer resulted in those who remainedlosingtheirfavouritepubtoo.

Born in communist Hungary, Mr Singer had escaped to Australia as a 21-year-old andhadgonefromhavingnomoneyandno English to being successful businessman withdreamsthatfarexceededservingcold potstothirstydockworkers.

MrSingerquicklysetabouttransforming the Prince of Wales into a Titanic-themed restaurant, replete with smoke stacks on the roof and replica furnishings and decor inside.

With capacity of more than 500 diners across two storeys, the Titanic Restaurant was like its namesake; big, extravagant andinitially,verysuccessful.

Unlikeanythingelseonofferatthetime, it quickly became a go to destination for dinersandpartygoersacrossMelbourne. Thatwasuntil1995,whentragedystruck.

Mr Singer’s wife Katrina contracted pneumonia and died soon after, leaving him a widower and single father to two youngboys.

After briefly putting the restaurant on

themarket,MrSingerchangedhismind, deciding to not only continue, but to go evenfurther.

The Titanic Restaurant was to become a full-fledged theatre production and dining experience, with costume-clad actors and musicians depicting the events of 10 April, 1912 while guests enjoyed upmarket cuisine. Realising he needed a writer – among many other things – to make this vision a reality, in early 1996 Mr Singer called then-Williamstown-based author and playwright,GillianWadds,outoftheblue.

“I got a phone call saying “I believe you writeplays?”MsWaddsrecalledofthefirst timeshespoketoMrSinger.

“Ihadwrittenone.”

Surprisedbutintrigued,shesignedon.

“It was a whole new world for myself and for Andrew really,” Ms Wadds said of writingforatheatrerestaurant.

“The first performance was a bit hit and miss shall we say, but then we got into the swing of and audiences loved it and we expandedastheyearswentby.”

That expansion was supercharged the following year with the release of James Cameron’s blockbuster movie ‘Titanic,’ which shattered box-office records and becameaculturalphenomenon.

“[Themovie]gaveitanenormousboost,” Ms Wadds said of the impact Titanic had on its theatre restaurant namesake which offered diners multiple options: upstairs in first class or downstairs in steerage like the Irish immigrants making their way to America.

“That was very innovative because we had to have cast members who could play between both floors and keep both audiencesentertained.

“It was a big undertaking from all directions. We had sound effects, special effects,likeamovingfloorandcrashingice blocksandGodknowswhat.”

After seven years Ms Wadds left the theatre restaurant and Williamstown to move to Camperdown in western Victoria whereshestilllivestoday.

After not seeing him for many years, Ms Wadds reconnected with Mr Singer when

he asked her to write his biography, ‘A ShiploadofFun’releasedin2022. She said working book brought back fondmemoriesoftheirtimetogetheratthe Titanic.

“Itwasamagicalplace,”shesaid. “Hisimaginationwaslimitless.”

Mr Singer sold out of the restaurant in 2012andisnowretired.

The Titanic business was bought by Williamstown couple David Varney and AdrienneRushwhooperateditforafurther eightyears.

“I met Adrienne at the Titanic,” Mr Varney said of their connection to the theatre restaurant, adding that he worked at the Prince of Wales when Mr Singer first tookitoveraswell.

“It’sbeenanintegralpartofourlives.”

The couple took over shortly before the 100th anniversary of the Titanic and with new actors and a new show, the business wassailingalongnicely.

“We were doing very well,” Mr Varney said. “I used to love Saturday night pre-show, everybody was ready and we could hear this excitement almost life the shipwassettingsailforitsmaidenvoyage.”

This came to an abrupt end in 2020 when the pandemic made running any hospitality venue difficult, let alone a two-storeytheatrerestaurant.

“We just had to walk away,” Mr Varney said.“Itwasarestaurantfor300peopleand at one stage they said we could open for 20 people.Itwasheartbreaking.”

While the restaurant later reopened, the theatreperformancesneverreturned.

In 2022, new lessees changed the name to Titanic on Nelson and turned it to a live musicvenue,beforeittooclosedinJanuary 2024.

With the smoke stacks removed and all the other Titanic features either gone or in disrepair, passing 1 Nelson Place is now a painfulexperienceforMrVarney.

“I drive down there sometimes. It’s heart-breaking for me to see it like it is,” he said. “I would love to see it resurrected as a beautiful iconic building. I’d love to see somebodygiveitthelovethatitdeserves.” MrSingerwascontactedforcomment.

New year, new way to live thanks to Lifestyle Communities

Ever wondered what life could feel like if you swapped the daily grind for something easier and a little more fun?

At Lifestyle Communities, making the move isn’t just about finding a new home, it’s about choosing a whole new way to live. One with more freedom, connection and joy built into everyday.

Why make the move?

Across Victoria, you’ll find 25 Lifestyle Communities, each with their own personality, charm and local community. Whether you’re drawn to the coast, a quiet regional town or somewhere closer to family, you’ll find a community fit for you.

What’s the same in each is a sense of community throughout. Community living isn’t for everyone, but for people who value connection, sharing daily life and feeling supported, it can be the perfect option.

What’s different about Lifestyle Communities?

We’re all about low-maintenance homes and resort-style amenities, but it’s the community spirit that really sets us apart. Our communities are designed for independent downsizers who want to free up cash and keep thriving.

You’ll always find something to do, from social events to casual catchups. If that’s not really your speed, don’t worry. There is no pressure to join in if you’d rather spend the time relaxing.

Our homes and clubhouses are specifically designed to make life easy. You’ll be able to spend less time on home-maintenance and more time doing what you love. Enjoy the pool and spa to relax in without the cleaning, beautiful gardens

without the pruning and a fully equipped gym without the membership.

Ready to give it a go?

If you’re curious about whether Life-

style Communities is right for you, why not come and see for yourself? Drop in or book a tour of Seasons at 13 Sundial Blvd, Tarneit or any community near you. Visit the website to learn more: Visit our website to learn more at

Avington Living: Where downsizing makes sense

For many over 50s, the biggest challenge isn’t deciding to downsize - it’s making sense of the options. Retirement villages, aged care, lifestyle resorts… each comes with different rules and fees.

That’s where Avington Living in Point Cook stands out. This welcoming land lease community offers clarity, flexibility and a lifestyle that’s hard to match.

With land lease living, the arrangement is straightforward. You own your home and lease the land beneath it. That means no stamp duty, no council rates and no deferred management or exit fees. When the time comes to sell, your home is your asset, and any capital gain is yours to keep.

Brand new homes at Avington start from just $420,000, allowing downsizers to sell the family home, move into a modern, low-maintenance property, and still unlock valuable equity. That’s more than downsizing - it’s futureproofing.

But the benefits go far beyond financial peace of mind. Avington is a gated community designed for independent over 50s, with resort-style facilities that make every day feel special. It’s a place where neighbours know each other by name and genuine friendships are formed, while privacy is always respected.

“What makes Avington special is that it gives people both lifestyle and peace of mind. Once they realise there are no exit fees and they keep all their capital gains, the decision becomes so much clearer. It’s a simpler, more secure way forward,” says Garry Markham, Village Manager at Avington.

And location is a big part of the appeal. Set in a quiet pocket of Point Cook, Avington is just minutes from local shops,

cafes, health services and the beautiful bayside. It means residents can enjoy the best of both worlds: a secure, welcoming

community with easy access to everything they need.

Display homes are open for inspection by

How to retire happily: Insights for older Australians

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

A landmark study conducted by Dr Tony Beatton of Queensland University of Technology and Professor Paul Frijters of The University of Queensland found that Australians are happiest between the ages of 55 and 75. This period often coincides with retirement, suggesting that stepping away from full-time work can lead to increased wellbeing. The researchers attribute this surge in happiness to reduced stress and more realistic life expectations.

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

Equallyimportantisstayingsociallyconnected. Loneliness and isolation can significantly impact mental health, especially in older adults. Maintaining relationships

with family and keeping up friendships or gaining new friendssuch as happens when people move into a retirement provides a sense of belonging and connection. Technology also offers new ways to stay in touch—video calls, social media, and online communities can bridge physical distances and keep retirees engaged. Local clubs, libraries, and councils often offer programs tailored to seniors, encouraging

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

ience. In summary, retiring happily in Australia involves more than financial planning—it’s about nurturing health, relationships, and personal meaning. By staying active, socially engaged, and purpose-driven, retirees can embrace this life stage with optimism and joy. Find out more about Centennial Living retirement villages by going to the website at: www.centennialliving.com.au

Tips to help little learners find their feet at school

Starting school is a major milestone — not just for children, but for parents too. As classroomsacrossthecountrywelcomenew students, experts say the first few months of school are a crucial adjustment period, and parentalsupportcanmakeallthedifference.

Education specialists agree that preparation begins well before the first bell rings. Establishing simple routines at home — such as regular bedtimes, consistent wake-up times and shared meals — helps children adjust to the structure of a school day.

“Predictability builds confidence,” early childhood educators say, noting that children who know what to expect tend to settle more quickly into classroom life.

In the early weeks, emotional readiness is just as important as academic skills. Parents are encouraged to talk positively about school,listencarefullytotheirchild’sworries and acknowledge that feeling nervous is normal. Simple conversations about what the school day might look like — lining up, meeting a teacher, making new friends — can reduce anxiety and help children feel prepared.

Teachers also stress the importance of fostering independence. Allowing children to practise everyday tasks such as packing their bag, opening lunch containers or putting on their shoes can boost confidence and reduce stress during the school day. While it may take longer at home, educators say the payoff at school is significant.

Readingtogetherremainsoneofthemost effective ways parents can support learning in the first months. Shared reading builds language skills, concentration and a love of learning, without pressure. Educators recommendkeepingitenjoyableratherthan focusing on performance, especially during

the transition period. Counting games, drawing and storytelling can also reinforce classroom learning in a relaxed way.

Communication between parents and schools is another key factor. Many schools encourage parents to share information about their child’s interests, routines or any concerns early on. Attending information sessions, reading newsletters and checking communication apps can help parents stay connected and respond quickly if issues arise. Experts advise addressing small concerns early before they grow into

Empowering Young Minds

Everychild’sstorybeginswithcuriosity-thosefirststeps,firstquestions,and firstfriendships.AtAspireEarlyEducation&Kindergarten,webelievethose momentsshapewhotheybecome.

With several Aspire centres in Melbourne’s West, finding the right fit for your family is easy. Our centres are welcoming spaces where children feel known, supported and inspired to explore. Through play-based learning and the care of passionate educators, every child grows in confidence and capability.

ExceptionalCare,EveryDay

Where safety meets belonging, and every child feels valued.

JoyinEveryMoment

Celebrating childhood through play, discovery, and connection.

LearningThatSparksCuriosity Turning everyday moments into meaningful learning.

Together,WeGrow Families, educators, and communities united for brighter futures.

bigger challenges.

Sleep and nutrition play a powerful role in adjustment. Starting school can be tiring, and children may come home exhausted or emotionally drained. Ensuring children get enough sleep and have nutritious lunches and snacks can improve focus, mood and resilience. Some families also plan quieter afternoons in the first term to allow children time to decompress.

Perhaps most importantly, parents are reminded to be patient. Regression — such as clinginess, tears at drop-off or increased

fatigue — is common in the first months and usually temporary. Education experts say these behaviours are often signs that children are processing change, not that something is wrong. By offering reassurance, maintaining routines and working closely with teachers, parents can help their children navigate the early months of school with confidence. As educators note, a calm, supportive home environment lays the foundation not just for a successful first term, but for a positive attitude to learning that can last a lifetime.

Exceptional care every day at Aspire

Every family deserves a village, a place where they are understood, supported, and surrounded by people who genuinely care.

AtAspireEarlyEducation&Kindergarten, that is what is created every day. It is not just an early learning provider, it is community built on connection.

learn best when they feel loved, valued, and inspired. That is why everything it does is centred around four pillars:

■ Exceptional Care, Every Day – nurturing spaces where every child feels seen and celebrated.

■ Joy in Every Moment – discovering the magic of childhood through play, laughter, and belonging.

From the moment you walk through our doors, you will feel it, the warmth of educators who know every child by name, the joy that fills each classroom, and the calm assurance that your child is safe, supported, and thriving.

■ Learning That Sparks Curiosity – turning everyday moments into meaningful learning experiences.

A day at Aspire is filled with discovery. Morning play brings giggles in the garden and new friendships forming over sandcastles. Indoors, children paint, build, and explore ideas that spark imagination and confidence. Storytime becomes a momentofcalmconnection,whilecooking, music, and movement turn learning into laughter.

Every experience is guided by educators who see the potential in every child and nurture it with care and encouragement. Aspire’s philosophy is simple. Children

■ Together, We Grow – families and educators united to build strong, confident, and capable children. Because these early years matter most, and at Aspire, they are made extraordinary. Aspire goes above and beyond to empower youngmindswithcuriosity,confidence,and compassion that lasts a lifetime. With 2026 enrolments now open, there has never been a better time to begin your Aspirejourney.Comeandseethedifference genuine care makes.

1800 978 429 | Scan the QR code to book a tour or enquire now

Christmas on the Rhine

By Lee Mccarthy

WITH many families breaking away from traditional Christmas celebrations and exploring ways to connect so the whole family can relax, the idea of taking a family holiday away from home is becoming more appealing toAussies.

Due to the vastness of Australia and the many financial and time considerations of travel from state-to-state, couples are now discovering other options including hiring aholidayhometogetherortakingacruise.

But, for those wanting a really special treat with family or friends where the accommodation and food are nearly outdone by the remarkable scenery, this mightbetheonetolookat.

Celebrating ‘Christmas on the Rhine’ withVikingisthekindofChristmasalways remembered and reflected upon each time thefestiveseasonismentioned.

This is the opportunity to journey through storybook villages, sample tasty yuletide treats and regional delicacies, browse colourful stalls for handcrafted ornaments and unique gifts.

With December the middle of summer for Australians it is the chance to enjoy the festive season in scarfs and jumpers drinking mulled wine, eating hot savoury and sweet delicacies by the fire in comfort with all the work done and just time to enjoyeachother.

Here guests can experience the twinkling lights of Cologne and revel in the merry atmosphere of the Rhine Valley, as storefront displays, wine cellars and markets embrace the holiday season. This eight-day Viking ‘Christmas on the Rhine’

voyage is a joyful celebration of festive cheer.

Enjoy eight days, eight guided tours across four countries sailing from Amsterdam to Basel through Cologne, Koblenz, Speyer, Strasbourg, Breisach and on to Basel on the Swiss border and take advantageoftheflyfreeonselected2026to 2028voyagessavingupto$5000percouple (contact Viking for dates, prices and valid dates).

All travelers need for this wonderful adventure of a lifetime is included with no surprises or hidden fees including complimentary shore excursion in every port of call, free Wi-Fi, all onboard meals featuring specialties and classics, beer, wine and soft drinks with onboard lunch and dinner, 24-hour specialty coffee, tea and bottled water, enrichment lectures

andofcoursemuchmore.

An added addition and one of the best partsoftheVikingcruisesisguestscanbook pre and post cruise extensions on selected cruisesmeaningadditionaldaystoexplore the embarkation or disembarkation city or visit a new destination altogether with a choiceofexcitingcities.

More days means more to discover and with extension packages the team onboard and at each port are there to help with booking accommodations and tours in the selected cities.

One option is to extend this cruise with two-night stay in Amsterdam and think of all the fun to be had in this stunning city, especiallyinwinter.

Enjoy the picturesque canals while discovering the city’s cultural and architectural treasures. Witness the legacy

of the Dutch Golden Age that lives on in the city’s gilded manses and stroll through the Jordaan district, passing historic sites suchasWesterChurchandtheAnneFrank House.

Another extension on the Christmas cruise is three nights in Brussels with time to explore the intriguing Belgian cities of Brussels, Bruges and Antwerp. View iconic landmarks and stroll through historic UNESCO World Heritage Sites then celebrate the season immersed in the festive atmosphere of traditional Christmasmarkets.

Takea‘VikingLongship360-degreetour’ of the longship used for river cruising right now to see what the cruise will look like by visiting the Viking website showing the shiplayoutandincludingnarratedtours.

The small, modern Viking Longships are elegantly designed for discovery and comfort. Each longship is identical and features all outside staterooms, serene Scandinavian spaces and light-filled publicareas.

All guests must be 18 years old to cruise with Viking on the longships, there are no casino’s, no theme nights and during the day, dress is casual, slacks or jeans and the recommended evening dress is ‘elegant casual’.

Have a look at the wonderful Christmas cruisesavailablewithVikingincludingthe Christmas on the Rhine tour by visiting viking.comorbyphoning138747

7 Nights

Dec 2026 - Mar 2027

Iconic Experiences, Expertly Escorted

Full day Barossa Valley tour with lunch and wine tastings including: Saltram wine estate, lunch and wine tasting at Lambert Estate, visit to Barossa Valley Chocolate Company, photo stop at Menglers Hill Lookout, vineyard tour & wine tasting at Jacob’s Creek visitor centre, stop at Beerenberg Farm, and free time in Hahndorf to explore the historic German settlement

2 day Kangaroo Island tour including: Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery, Clifford’s Honey Farm, In-Flight Birds of Prey Display at Raptor Domain, Seal Bay Conservation Park guided beach walk, lunch at Emu Bay Lavender Farm, Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, and Flinders Chase National Park

Full-Board River Elegance

3 night Murray River cruise on board PS Murray Princess with all meals and sightseeing

Tour of Murray River Bridge and historic Roundhouse

Guided nature walk of Salt Bush Flat

Taste Riverland food and wine

Dragon-Fly flat-bottomed boat wildlife tour

Hand-Picked Hotel Stays

3 nights four-star hotel stay in Adelaide with breakfast

1 night four-star hotel stay in Kangaroo Island with breakfast, lunch and dinner

All Flights, Taxes & Transfers

in Veranda Stateroom

LYON & PROVENCE

8 DAYS • 1 COUNTRY • 7 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL • MAY-NOV 2026; MAY-NOV 2027; 2028

From $5,895pp in Veranda Stateroom From $7,795pp in Penthouse Veranda

PARIS & THE HEART OF NORMANDY

Roundtrip Paris

8 DAYS • 1 COUNTRY • 6 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL • JUN-NOV 2026; 2027; 2028

From $6,495pp in Veranda Stateroom From $8,295pp in Penthouse Veranda

NEW RIVER VOYAGES BROCHURE

PUZZLES

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

Unhappy to be away from residence (8)

Settle cosily (6)

Ready (8)

On the spot (7)

Decreased (8)

Reflects upon (9)

16 Cinnabar pigment (9)

17 First showing of a movie (8)

19 Well-educated (7)

22 Prefix meaning above (5)

23 Doppelganger (4)

25 Royal (5)

26 Old (4)

1 What is the largest country in South America by area?

2 On what planet would you find the largest volcano in the solar system?

3 In Jonathan Swift’s novel Gulliver’s Travels, what is Gulliver’s first name?

4 In what city was the band U2 formed?

5 In French folklore, who does Père Fouettard (Father Whipper) accompany?

6 What is rum distilled from?

7 Who was the first person to win the Nobel Prize twice?

8 What was the last novel completed by Charles Dickens?

9 Hans Zimmer (pictured) is best known for his work in what area of filmmaking?

10 In the 1967 film Cool Hand Luke, Paul Newman’s character accepted a challenge to eat 50 what?

MY PLACE

Muthu Pannirselvam is the director of Project Space and Meridian Design and Engineering and the curerent president of Werribee Lions Club.

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

I grew up in a family of farmers, weavers and silk merchants in India – nearly seven generations in the trade, business and agriculture.Dadwasateacherinaccounting and finance; Mum taught economics and commerce. From our kitchen table, I learned about money, business, and hard work. Before engineering, I worked on our family farm, served cafeteria customers, and did admin tasks others might overlook. The farm taught patience. The cafeteria taught understanding people and customers. Every role carries dignity. In 2001, I moved to Tennessee, USA, for graduate studies – and started volunteering 10 hours weekly, a habit I’ve kept ever since. After five years in America, I came to Australia and worked at RMIT from 2005 to 2020 as a TAFE teacher, lecturer, and technical coordinator. I used to hold other roles in the Werribee River Association, Society of Plastic Engineers, American SocietyofEngineeringEducation,Tangaroa Blue Foundation, Society of Manufacturing Engineers, Volunteering Victoria. Bridging the gap among stakeholders and solving real world problems are my core areas of businessandotheractivities.

What is your connection to Wyndham? Wyndham is where I live, work, and volunteer.Eldersinmyfamilyinparticular my grandmother taught me that wherever youare,youcontribute–alessonreinforced when I started volunteering in Tennessee in 2001. Through Lions Club and Werribee River Association, I’ve built genuine connections here. My work in real estate and construction means I understand what drives this area –growth, families, andopportunity.

What are some of your favourite places to spend time in Wyndham? WerribeeZoo,WerribeeRiver,andWerribee South beach. Wyndham is unique: urban, rural, and coastal all in one municipality. The river is perfect for a walk and a think. I enjoy local parks and business hubs where we run Lions events, plus the cafes and community spaces where locals connect. It’sagreatplacetocallhome.

What do you love most about Wyndham? There’s always something happening – expos, business events, community outreach. Council works hard to nurture opportunities for everyone. Dad worked in finance and accounting; mum taught economics – they showed me success,

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Star Weekly looks back at the pages of our predecessors.

40 years ago

5 February 1986

Dog killers are having a field day near Cobbledicks Ford, with one farmer outraged to find yet another dog shot deadoutsidehispropertylastweek.

30 years ago

7 February 1996

Workers narrowly escaped serious injury at the United Transport depot in LavertonNorthlastweekwhen20litres of highly-toxic toluene diisocycanate (TDI) escaped from a drum to a warehousefloor.

prosperity and uplift in economy comes from contribution, not consumption. Wyndham welcomes people ready to roll uptheirsleeves.Migrationmeansbringing your skills and adding value to your new home.Thiscommunityrespectsthat.

Is there anything you would change about Wyndham? Stronger connections between education and industries and make businesses and

20 years ago

1 February 2006

Wyndham councillor Henry Barlow hasconfirmedhewillchallengeTarneit

MP Mary Gillett for Labor preselection for the seat in the lead-up to this year’s stateelection.

graduate workforce future ready. My graduate experience in America showed me how universities and industries can collaborate effectively. I’ve helped place over fifty students into jobs and organised more than two hundred events bridging gaps among stakeholders between 2001 and 2025. I’m working toward a local research centre with a university tackling realbuildingchallenges,makinggraduates industry-readyfromdayone.

10 years ago

3 February 2016

Tributes are flowing in for two Hoppers Crossing teenagers killed in a horror crashlastWednesday.

Festival will shine

The Sunshine Lunar New Year Festival will return this year as a vibrant, free multicultural community celebration in theheartofSunshine.

The festival, presented by the Sunshine Business Association (SBA), promises a full day of family fun, featuring live entertainment, children’s rides, street performers, music and dancing, face-painting, lawn games, multicultural streetfood,andmore.

SBA president Vu Du said this year’s Lunar New Year festival will bring the wider multicultural community together in a safe and fun environment that showcases the Sunshine business precinct.

Performer Diana Nguyen will bring laughter and energy to the stage, giving away red pockets with cash prizes and hosting the popular ‘fastest pho’ and ‘fastest rice paper roll eating’ challenges, with$500inprizes.

Headline acts include VietnameseNigerian hip-hop artist Mixed Miyagi, performing a special set at 7pm, and MelbournesouliconKylieAuldist,whowill take the stage at 8.10pm with her six-piece band.

The program also features cultural performances, local bands and a Bruno Marstributeshow.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

A spectacular lion and dragon dance, complete with traditional long-string fireworks, will take place at the main stage at6.30pm.

“Ihopeeveryonemakesthetimetocome and enjoy all the free cultural activities organised by the Sunshine businesses, including the fabulous stage line up this year that replaces the fireworks,” Mr Vu said.

The festival, supported by Brimbank council, the Victorian Multicultural Commissionandcommunityandbusiness partners, will take place along Hampshire Road in Sunshine on Sunday 8 February fromnoon-10pm.

Female stories

Those looking for a night of entertainment that encapsulates the powerofwomentooutlast,outwit,and out-musclesexism,looknofurther.

Written by Emmy nominee Victoria MidwinterPitt,I’mWithHerwasbuilt out of conversations with eight very different women between 2019 and 2022,whosharedtheirexperiences.

A bartender in her 20s, a botanist in her 90s, a sex worker, a nun, a counter-terrorism expert, an anthropologist, a world champion surfer, and a prime minister being amongthem.

Throughout the performance, you willseetheconfidenceofwomenwho are not content with the status quo andchallengeitunabashedly.

None of the characters cops the cards they are dealt without in some way,opposingit.

While each of the eight stories are uniquely personal, they are said to contain profoundly universal themes and can be utilised by all women in their lives. Performance contains mature themes, including sexism, harassment, and sexual assault. Please note that this performance may contain smoke, haze, and strobe lighting.

For these reasons, the show is most suitable for audiences aged 14 years andolder.

Parental guidance is advised for youngeraudiences.

I’m With Her will show twice at the Wyndham Cultural Centre in Werribee.

Night one runs 7.30-9.30pm on Friday27Februaryandnighttworuns 7.30-9.30pmonSaturday28February. Ticketscost$25. Details:www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/ whats-on/im-he

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

Werribee Bowls Club Afternoon Music Sesh

Enjoy a relaxed Sunday of live music at Werribee Bowls Club from 2-5pm on Sunday 15 February featuring Cardboard Mountain. Entry is $10, with BYO nibbles and drinks at Bowlo prices. The club is open 1-6pm. Limited seating – bookings recommended. Chirnside Park, 237 Watton Street, Werribee 9741 3229

Crafties at Iramoo

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

Live Well For Life Group

IPC Health is hosting a free five-week program that will cover healthy lifestyle changes, including expert tips on heart health, diabetes, stroke prevention, nutrition, exercise and more. The group runs 10am-12pm every Monday until 2 March at IPC Health Hoppers Crossing campus, located at 117-129 Warringa Crescent. Adults who want to improve their health or reduce risk of chronic conditions can join. Call 1300 472 432 to register

Community Kitchen

Wyndham-based not for profit group

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Westmeadows players watching on as their side gets the win against Burnside Heights on 25 January. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 531201_01

Pulse with Purpose sells delicious meals each Tuesday 10am-5pm at the Dianella Community Centre in Tarneit. Each purchase helps provide free meals to families in need. Meals are by pre-order, the menu is typically updated every Sunday. bpulsewithpurpose@gmail.com

Multicultural Eid Bazaar

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

the most significant celebrations observed by Muslim communities worldwide.

Wyndham Turkish Coffee Club

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

Lutfiye, 0474 533 923

Victoria State Rose Garden

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

Wyndham Makers and Farmers Market

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

Baby Bump and Beyond program

The Bump Baby and Beyond program is a free service, excluding small fees for some excursions, that is offered to pregnant and or mothering young women up to age of 25 years who live, work or study in Wyndham. The group meets every Wednesday between 11.00am - 1.00pm at the Youth Services Centre, 86 Derrimut Road, Hoppers Crossing.

Wyndham Youth Services team, 8734 1355

Soulful Spreads Community Cafe

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

Lizzy Bizzy Food Swaps

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

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE AN EXISTING MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT HOPPERS CROSSING

1.Telstra is proposing to upgrade an existing mobile phone base station tower at 255-267 Old Geelong Road, Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029.

2.The proposed upgrade will consist of the removal of (6) six existing panel antennas with the installation of (6) six new 4G/5G panel antennas (<2.8m in length) approx. 30m above ground level. This upgrade also includes the Installation of associated other equipment.

3.In accordance with Section 7 of the Industry Code C564:2025 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment, we invite you to make comments about the proposal.

4.Please direct comments to Planning Consultant on behalf of Telstra at planning.vic@servicestream.com.au, 0477 962 725 or by post to: Service Stream (Wireless) - Level 11, 2 Wentworth Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150 by 5pm Friday 20 February 2026.

For more information about the proposal, scan the QR Code or visit www.rfnsa.com.au/3029015

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Which team did the Perth Scorchers defeat to win the 2025–26 Big Bash League final?

2. The Kansas City Chiefs are set to eventually move from Missouri to a new home stadium in which US state?

3. Which two NFL teams will play off in Super Bowl LX?

4. Following Bangladesh’s withdrawal over security concerns, which country has taken their place at the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup?

5. AJ Dybantsa plays basketball for which US college team?

6. How many teams are set to compete in the proposed European T20 Premier League?

Which Swiss cyclist won the 2026 Women’s Tour Down Under?

Which Australian cyclist won the Men’s 2026 Tour Down Under?

9. What do the letters of the North American sports organisation NCAA stand for?

Which American rock climber recently scaled a 101-storey skyscraper in Taiwan without a rope, harness or parachute?

Which tennis player withdrew from the Australian Open prior to his first-round match against Alex de Minaur?

12. And at this year’s tournament, which player became the second person in history to reach 100 Australian Open match wins?

13. In which country were this year’s European Figure Skating Championships held?

14. This year’s NBA All-Star Game will adopt what new format?

15. In which city is the Premier League team Crystal Palace based?

16. Which gymnastics apparatus do athletes use when performing a Yurchenko?

17. True or false: this year’s Winter Olympics marks the highest ever percentage of female athletes on the Australian team?

18. Which tennis duo is nicknamed the ‘Special Ks’?

19. What is Steph Curry’s real first name?

20. How many separate Australian cities will host Rugby World Cup games in 2027?

21. In golf, what is colloquially known as the ‘19th hole’?

22.In which year was the first NHL ALl-Star game?

23. In which year did Christian Petracca make his AFL debut for the Melbourne Demons?

24. And to which club did he transfer following the 2025 season?

25. What are the nicknames of the two Sydney teams in the AIHL?

26. In which year did Daniel Ricciardo win his first Formula One race?

27. And at which Grand Prix was it?

What

29. Which animals are the respective mascots for Detroit’s MLB and NFL teams?

30.In cricket, where is a fielder standing if they are at ‘long stop’?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Starray gives bang for buck

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

The Geely Starray EM-i sounds like somethingoutofanoldsci-fimovie.

But it’s not and if you think that name is quirky, what if it had been the Geely Galaxy Starship 7 as it is sold in other markets. Beammeup,Scotty.

The medium-sized five-seat Starray is the plug-in, petrol-electric counterpart ofthefully-electricEX5thatwetestedearlier thisyearwithwhichitsharesaplatform.

In fact, it’s the first vehicle in Geely’s Starshipseriesandthefirsttogetthesecond generation NordThor EM-i 2.0 plug-in hybrid powertrain - sorry make that super hybrid.

Plug-in hybrids can operate in fully-electric or petrol-electric mode and have really taken off in the Australian market since the arrival of cheaper Chinese alternatives-ofwhichthisisone.

But cheaper doesn’t necessarily mean lesser.

Styling

Geely’s EM-i (E-Motive Intelligence) system is designed to offer an EV-like driving experience with added flexibility and convenienceforAussiebuyers.

We’re told it’s the first purpose-built plug-in hybrid in its segment, although othermanufacturersmighthavesomething tosayaboutthis.

Therearetwogrades-Complete($37,490) andourtestvehiclethetopofthelineInspire ($39,990), both figures before on-road costs. Premium paint adds $600 to the price and applies to all colours apart from Alpine white.

Two interior colour options are available: EbonyBlackisstandardwhileIvoryWhiteis exclusivetoInspire.

Complete comes with synthetic leather trim and climate air with rear vents, plus heatedandpower-adjustfrontseats.

There’s also keyless entry and start, all-LED lights, automatic high beam, speed sign recognition, intelligent cruise control, rear parking sensors, dusk sensing headlights, rain sensing wipers and rear privacyglass.

Stepping up to the Inspire adds cooling to the front seats, driver’s seat memory, auto-dimming mirror, 256 ambient colours, 16-speaker Flyme sound, front parking sensors, panoramic sunroof, and power-operatedtailgate.

Starray is covered by a seven-year, unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty, with aneight-yearunlimitedkilometrewarranty onthehighvoltagebatterypack.

GetthecarservicedbyGeelyandyoualso getsevenyearsofroadsideassistance.

Service is due every 12 months or 15,000km.

Infotainment

A 15.4-inch touchscreen fronts the infotainment system which runs Geely’s Flyme operating system, with Bluetooth, voice control, built-in satellite navigation, FM and DAB+ digital radio, wireless Apple CarPlayandsix-speakersound.

AndroidAutoisabsentbutsettofollowvia an over-the-air update in the first quarter of 2026.

There’s also wireless phone charging, USB-A and C ports front and back, along witha12-voltoutlet.

The 16-speaker Flyme sound system in Inspire includes speakers for front seat headrests.

Geely Connected Services access is complimentary for the first two years. This includes enhanced voice assistant, 4G network connection, live traffic for satellite

navigation, over-the-air updates (OTA), Geely app store, online media streaming andremotevehiclefunctions.

Safety

Starray is yet to receive a crash rating here but has been awarded five stars by Euro NCAP.

There are seven airbags, including a centreairbagforthefronttostopoccupants knocking heads in a side impact, plus a surroundviewmonitorandamulti-collision braking system with automatic emergency braking.

Add to this blind spot detection, lane keepingassistwithlanechangingassistand emergency lane keeping assist, collision mitigationsupportfrontandrear,rearcross trafficalertandbrake.

There’salsodriverfatiguealert.

Inspire adds a 13.8-inch head-up windscreendisplay.

ISOFix and child-seat tethers are provided.

Engines/transmissions

Starray EM-i is powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine together with an electrified, dedicated hybrid transmission (E-DHT) that integrates both the generator and drive motor.

The hybrid system produces a combined 193kW of power but undisclosed amount of torque (ICE 125Nm/electric 262Nm), with drivetothefrontwheelsinbothvariants.

Supporting this hybrid system is an 18.4kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capabilityofupto6kW.

Driving

Thestylingiscontemporaryandtheinterior looks and feels upmarket, especially in the optional white trim, but this colour is unlikelytohavemuchfamilyappeal.

Rear legroom is excellent and so is headroom despite the full-length glass roof, with 428 litres of luggage capacity that increases to 2065 litres with the rear seats folded.

The ergonomic front seats feel comfy, but thesquabsidebolsterstendtodiginabit.

The 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster looks positively tiny in comparison to the central 15.4-inch touchscreen, with the addition of head-up display in this model

(but, as usual, it is virtually invisible with polarisedsunglasses).

Dark mode provides a more appealing and usable interface, but the touchscreen is slow to respond and often requires multiple prods.

Physical controls are provided for air and volume.

It beggars belief that this car does not supportAndroidAuto,wirelessorotherwise -atleastnotyet.

There’salsonoAMradio,sonoemergency broadcastsinSydneytunnels.

Starray has a combined range of 943km and can travel up to 83km (WLTP) on electric power alone. With a 51-litre tank it takes premium 95 unleaded and has claimedfuelconsumptionof2.4L/100km.

The EM-i system enables the driver to selectfromthreemode,PureElectric: smoothness and maximum cost efficiency. Hybrid: seamless switching between electric and petrol for maximum range. Power: electric and petrol work in tandem for maximum performance

Starray can be plugged in and charged via AC (6.6kW) or DC (30kW) power, and can be charged from 30-80 per cent in just 20 minutes using a DC charger (that’s only 50 percent).

Regardless of the state of charge, Geely says the driving experience remains consistent.

As well as the usual drive modes, there’s adjustment for brake and steering feel and thelevelofregenerativebraking.

Inspire rides on 19-inch wheels with 235/50 profile rubber and has a 0-100km/h time of 8.0 seconds, not lightning quick but fastenoughfortheaveragemotorist.

With independent rear suspension it’s a smooth operator around town, but the ride tends to deteriorate on secondary roads (it’s

notaloneonthisscore).

If Geely was fair dinkum, the suspension would benefit from local tuning as other car makers have clearly demonstrated, but we’resmallfry.

Of more concern, however, we nearly came to grief soon after getting into the Starray,waitingtoturnleftataroundabout. The gear selector in this car is a stalk on the right side of the steering column; the indicatorsontheleft.

Putting on our indicator on the turn left wemistakenlyusedthegearselector,which is not normally a problem - but it is if you happentohaveyourfootonthebrakeatthe sametime.

Unknowingly, this moved the transmission into reverse and as the car in front started to move forward, we found ourselves going backwards - almost hitting thecarbehind.

It was our mistake, but it should not have beenpossible.

Lane assist continually tugs at the wheel andbecomestiring,whilethedriverfatigue monitor verges on annoying, but can be turnedoff.

The thing is you need to do so each time thecarisrestarted.

Unlike other such hybrids that we have driven (without recharging), this one doesn’t seem to be able to maintain its charge, using only regenerative braking or power from the engine with just five per centchargeremaininguponitsreturn.

We clocked up 460km behind the wheel at a rate of 6.3L/100km with little assistance fromtheelectricmotor.

The long-term average, at more than 4000km,showed5.2L/100km.

A tyre repair kit is supplied in the event of apuncture.

Summing up Suddenly we’re spoiled for choice when it comestoplug-inhybridSUVs.

The Geely Starray EM-i is one of the cheaper options but it doesn’t present as, or feellike,it.

The boot could be a little small for some families,butithasalottoofferotherwise. Just be careful of that rogue gear selector, because the insurance company is unlikely toseeityourway.

Once Starray has been rated for safety by ANCAP it could push our text score higher thanitisatpresent.

The rain cleared and the sun came out making it perfect weather for cricket on Sunday, including a grand final. Star

Weekly photographer LJUBICA VRANKOVIC was out shooting some of the action.

Sunday cricket action

Wyndham adds defence

Wyndham has added two National Basketball League 1 West stars as it aims to rise back up the ranks.

Defensive powerhouse Georgia Denehey joins the club following a standout season with the Perth Redbacks.

Denehey arrives in Melbourne after an impressive campaign highlighted by several major performances and league recognition.

Her consistency on both ends of the floor saw her awarded a spot on the NBL1 West women’s all-defensive team, cementing her reputation as one of the competition’s top two-way guards.

Wyndham women’s coach Matt Stephens said Denehey’s signing brings experience, professionalism and elite competitiveness to the program.

“Georgia represents the kind of ath-

lete and person we value at Wyndham, hard-working, team-first and committed to excellence. Her impact will be felt both on and off the court.”

Denehey will join the club in late January.

The signing of Denehey comes after the club has locked in its two female imports.

Forward Yom Deng is also making the move across from Western Australia, where she played for the Lakeside Lightning.

Her time in NBL1 West has helped her develop a versatile, all-around game and experience competing in Australia’s premier semi-professional basketball competition.

“I’m excited to see what our team can do on the court and really looking forward to being a part of the Wyndham Basketball

community and those involved on and off the court,“ she said.

Stephens commented Deng brings energy, skill and a strong competitive mindset to our program.

“Her experience in NBL1 West will be invaluable as we prepare for the upcoming season, and we’re excited to welcome her into the club community.”

The pair join Haruna Inamura and Shernecia Martin in joining the club.

Wyndham said Inamura brings strong competitive experience, leadership and versatility on the court.

“I’m incredibly excited to join Wyndham basketball,” she said.

“I look forward to contributing to the team’s success, connecting with the community and giving everything I have this season.”

Vales on the board after first win of season

By Tara Murray

Luck finally went the way of Wyndham Vale as it got its first win of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Russell Pollock Shield on Saturday.

Both the Vales and Melton Centrals entered Saturday’s match searching for their first win of the season.

It was the Vales that were able to control most of the match and were able to come out on top.

Vales’ president Jay Dolliver said it was a really good feeling for the group.

“It was very nice, it’s been a long time,” he said.

“We’ve been in a few games and then had a flat patch and not been able to get the result on the board.

“It was nice to get the result. We had a club function last night [Saturday] night and there were a lot of people around.

“Having all three teams win helps.”

Dolliver said they didn’t look at Melton’s record heading into the game and were focused on what they could do.

He said if they did the small things right they would get the win on the board.

“We wanted to make sure that we did the one percenters,” he said. “We did the basics properly and we were able to put it on the board.”

After being sent in, the Vales made 3-246 from their overs.

Captain Liam McLaughlin top scored with 86 not out off 61 balls while Joel Roze and Michael Fry also scored half centuries.

“It’s a pretty big total,” he said. “Earlier in the season we made 257 and the match got washed out and we didn’t get win that we were hoping that we would get.

“It was nice to get the runs and bat out the overs.”

The Vales bowlers then got on top early and had Centrals in trouble at 5-25.

Centrals then fought back.

“They had a couple of good partnerships which helped them,” Dolliver said. “They were then 6-120 odd and at the time doing well.

“We’ve had periods where we have teams five or six down and then go really flat. We did that yesterday [Saturday].

“But we bowled them out and were able to finish off the game with a decent win.”

Jacob Carter finished with four wickets for the Vales.

With one win on the board, Dolliver and Vales are hoping to make it a couple more before the season is out.

“We would like to finish off with a couple more wins,” he said.

“The focus is on the basics and getting it right for the whole game.

McLaughlin. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 454174_01

“We have been in a few games and been close to winning. Hopefully we do the basics right and finish with a couple of wins.”

In other matches, Point Cook had a big win against Pascoe Vale Hadfield in the

Martin most recently starred professionally in Europe, including a standout 2024–25 season with KB Teuta in Albania’s Women’s Superliga where she led the league in rebounds and consistently impacted games on both ends of the floor.

“This is a great opportunity to compete, grow as a player, and help this club reach new heights,” she said.” I can’t wait to hit the floor and get started.”

Wyndham also announced that Nyidier Riak has re-signed with Wyndham for this season.

Stephens sadid Riak knows what it means to represent Wyndham and the standards that are expected.

“Her return adds important depth, athleticism and competitiveness to our group. We’re really pleased to have her back in the program.”

Riding’s chance

Another Werribee product could be headed to the AFL.

The Tigers have been a breeding ground in recent years with a number of players having made the jump from the Victorian Football League to the AFL.

Last week, Jack Riding has joined Hawthorn for the second part of its pre-season and will train for one of the Hawks two Supplemental Selection Period (SSP) rookie spots.

Riding averaged 24 disposals, five tackles and five clearances per game last season for Werribee and finished top five in the club’s best and fairest.

Werribee on its social media said that it was a well deserved opportunity for Riding, who has been a key for Tigers the past couple of seasons.

If Riding was to be picked up he would join his former Werribee teammates Shaun Mannagh (Geelong),JackHenderson(Melbourne), Aidan Johnson (Melbourne), Riley Bice (Sydney Swans), Flynn Young (Carlton), Sam Clohesy (Gold Coast) and Zac Banch (North Melbourne) who have all been selected by AFL clubs since the end of 2023.

Meanwhile, Werribee has announced its first two new signings of 2026. Zane Keighran will join the Tigers this season. A former Bendigo Pioneers and Vic Country junior, he comes to Werribee after a standout 2025 with the Calder Lions, claiming a premiership and bestand-fairest, before signing locally with Strathfieldsaye Storm in the Bendigo Football League for 2026.

Ruck Caiden Gardiner also joins the Tigers ahead of the 2026 season.

lost

In the Clark Shield, Werribee Centrals and Bellbridge both suffered losses.

Bees cement top four spot

By Tara Murray

Werribee is one step closer to sealing a finals berth in the Bowls Victoria weekend pennant, division 2, section 1 competition.

The Bees faced third placed Essendon on Saturday and were able to come away with a convincing win 81 (13)-71 (5).

Bees director Gavin Joyce said the win gave them some breathing space in the battle for finals and they’re now well placed to participate in finals again.

“The 13-5 points win was critical to keeping a home final possibility alive, and hopefully we continue our form over the last two rounds,” he said.

“Everyone keeping it tight allowed us to win reasonably comfortably in the end, against strong opposition.”

Rob Panton’s rink had a tie at 20 shots each, coming back from falling behind earlier in the day.

Ian Milledge’s rink went down by three shots, Rob Smith’s rink went down by four shots and Gavin Joyce’s rink got up by 17 shots.

The Bees now sit 21 points clear of fifth placed Buckley Park.

Joyce said they’ve got some challenges ahead of them with two rounds remaining.

He said they were confident in what the group could do.

“This week we play second placed Sunbury at their venue, and after having a very tight loss against them the first time we played at home, we travel to their venue confident we can win, as we can now fight to finish in the top two at the end of the season, to earn a double chance,“ he said.

“We set some goals at the start of the season to qualify for finals, and we are now in charge of our own destiny, so it will be an exciting couple of weeks to finish the home and away season.

“We enter these weeks knowing we have shared the wins and losses against the first and third sides, Keilor and Essendon, and that tight loss to Sunbury the first time, so

Justin Goegan. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 462426_12

Cats have work to do with finals spot on the line

By Tara Murray

Hoppers Crossing knows it has work to do in the local Wyndham derby in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association east-west.

The Hoppers Crossing and Werribee match is one both clubs look forward to each season, with plenty of the line this time.

Both sides are fighting for finals spots, along with the bragging rights.

For Cats’ captain-coach Simon Lambert they were left disappointing after the opening day.

“It wasn’t our best performance so far,” he said.

“We had a really good win last week and it was all positives.

“We won were happy to win the toss

“It was a little bit short and we were never able to kick on.”

The Cats were bowled out for 205 in the 62nd over.

Lambert said it was a stop-start innings on a pitch that was quite slow.

“It was a little bit disappointing knowing that we end up leaving 20 overs out there,“ he said.

“It’s pretty disappointing as if we bat those 20 overs we get over 300.

“We lost a couple of early wickets and then we had a little bit of a partnership and then we had a costly run out in there.

“We had a partnership then lost a wicket. We had been hoping for 250-300. We’re more than good enough to get 300.“

Arihant Rawal top scored with 53 for the Cats.

Dean Russ was the pick of the bowlers with four wickets, while Kai Logan took three.

The Cats were able to get a wicket off the first ball of the TIgers innings, but after that the Tigers were able to steady.

They will resume at 1-55 with Russ on 29 not out and Darcy Harmer 25 not out.

“The game is in the balance,” Lambert said. “We have to bowl well and get Dean out.

“For us it’s a big day next week.”

Lambert said with both teams in the

we know we compete strongly against the top sides.”

Meanwhile in division 3, section 1, Hoppers beat Yarraville Footscray, 87 (12)-82 (6). Stephen Macklin’s rink was the only one to get up for Hoppers, winning 38-15. With two rounds remaining, Hoppers sits six points clear of Altona 3 at the top of the ladder.

It’s a top of the table clash this weekend. In division 4, section 1, Point Cook had a good win against Deer Park 4. Point Cook won 86 (16)-70 (2). Jim Rayner’s rink was the big winner, winning 29-9. PointCooksitstopofthetable,twopoints ahead of Altona Sports.

Sports shorts

Soccer

The draw for the opening two rounds of the Dockerty Cup-Australia Cup have been revealed. Football Victoria held the draw on Tuesday night with 225 teams entering the competition this year. Round one includes teams from Football Victoria state league 4, 5, 6, and 7 along with some regional and metropolitan clubs. There are 114 teams in round one with 18 clubs awarded byes. Among the matches that will take place on the weekend of 14 February, are Lilydale Montrose United against Point Cook, Alphington takes on West Point and Somerville Eagles is home to Wyndham. Truganina Lions have a bye in the first round.

Baseball Werribee Giants pushed ladder leaders Sunshine Eagles all the way in the Baseball Victoria summer league premier 1 first nine competition on Saturday. Neither side could score in the first five innings before the Eagles hit a run in each of the sixth and seventh innings, to take away a 2-0 win. In the women’s state competition, the Giants played out a 0-0 draw with Waverley. The Giants sit atop the table.

VNL

mix for finals, every win is crucial.

“It seems like there is seven teams fighting for six spots, it’s close on the ladder.

“Five out of the seven teams are in pretty ordinary positions.

“All of those games could go either way. It’s really open and comes down to who is playing better on the day.

“We’ll now look to get them next week. We’ll look at the positives and hopefully get the job done.“

Meanwhile in the Cricket Womens Community Cricket Competition Shield 1 competition Werribee made it two wins in a row, beating La Trobe University.

The Ironfeathers made made 151 as they were bowled out for 151 in the 36th over.

Raima Bajaj and Damandeep Kaur took three wickets each for the Tigers.

The Tigers finished 6-152 in reply.

In the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association south-west women’s social T20 competition, Hoppers Crossing beat Spotswood.

The Cats made 7-126 before keeping Spotswood to 8-78.

The City West Falcons will kick off their Victorian Netball League season with a grand final rematch. The Falcons will face the Hawks in the opening round on 11 March. The last time the two teams played, the Falcons came from well down in the grand final to still the win. The Falcons will play two games at home, Altona Sports Centre, the first against the Casey Demons on 15 April and then against Boroondara Express on 8 July. Meanwhile the Falcons have announced the re-signings on Montana Holmes and the Soli Ropati, while signing Olivia Barber.

VFL

Werribee will kick off its Victorian Football League seaon against the Gold Coast Suns. The AFL released the draw for the opening round, with Werribee travelling to face the Suns on 22 March.

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Web: starweekly.com.au Wyndham Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

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