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Family violence spike By Alesha Capone Increases in residential aggravated burglaries, family violence, sexual offences and theft have driven a 14.4 per cent rise in crime across Wyndham in the past 12 months. The total number of crimes recorded in Wyndham in 2019-20 was 17,542, up from 15,328 offences in 2018-19. According to the Victorian Crime Statistics Agency (CSA), figures for 2019-20 included 167 aggravated residential burglaries (up from 81 previously) and 732 non-aggravated residential burglaries (734 previously). Wyndham also recorded 464 sexual offences (366 previously) and 181 aggravated robberies (165 previously). There were 1859 thefts from a motor vehicle (1192 previously), 709 thefts of a motor vehicle (484 previously) and 942 thefts from a retail store (962 previously). The number of drug offences recorded fell from 893 to 832 offences. Assaults and related offences increased to 1573 offences (1324 previously), with 82 assaults against emergency services workers. The assault figures included 970 offences classified as family violence (842 previously). Earlier this month, the CSA released a research paper on crime trends committed since the introduction of Victoria’s first pandemic lockdown in March, through to the end of June. The paper identified that the number of family violence incidents “was significantly higher than what would be expected based on trends over the past five years”. Between March and June, the number of family violence offences recorded in Wyndham rose by 16.4 per cent to 857 offences. No to Violence, Australia’s largest peak body for organisations that work with men who perpetrate violence, expressed concern about the figures. Chief executive Jacqui Watt said: “We are desperately calling on these people [offenders)] to stop before it gets to the point of using violence, give us a call, and sort yourself out.” The CSA also revealed that between March and June, 208 breaches of COVID-19 restrictions were detected in Wyndham. Perpetrators of family violence can contact the No to Violence Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491, and victims can contact the safe steps Family Violence Response Centre on 1800 015 188 or visit www.safesteps.org.au.

Willow, mum Cherie and Skyla. (Joe Mastroianni) 216442–01

Helping teens stay active Point Cook mother Cherie Hawira and her daughters, Skyla and Willow, are helping teenage girls to stay active during the pandemic. Ms Hawira runs Hoppers Crossing fitness studio, Lizard Fitness, as well as the Teen Girls FIT Squad. In March, she moved the teen girls fitness classes – which are aimed at 12-to-17 year olds – online due to the pandemic lockdown. She is now running the 45-minute classes, which consist of a combination of strength,

boxing, HIIT and core work, three times a week via Zoom. Ms Hawira said some of the girls’ families have also joined in the sessions. Willow, 12, and Skyla, 13, have been attending the classes since 2016. They are both helping out their mum by demonstrating the exercises for the Zoom sessions. Ms Hawira said there was a wide range of fitness levels in the teen girls fitness classes. “Some girls have joined us to get fit and lead a healthy lifestyle. Others have joined us to

keep fit while they are unable to play their regular sports or do their other activities. We also offer pre-season and extra training for sports teams.” Ms Hawira said she hoped to continue offering Zoom classes, or joint in-studio and virtual classes, into the future. Details: www.facebook.com/ lizardfitnessstudio, lizardfitness@y7mail. com or 0414 102 737. Alesha Capone

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Small steps out of lockdown By Alesha Capone Thousands of Wyndham employees were set to return to work this week as the state moves another step closer to COVID normal. Metropolitan Melbourne took its second step towards reopening on Sunday, allowing permitted industries to return to workplaces after the state government eased more restrictions as case numbers continue to fall. On Sunday, Melbourne’s rolling case average dropped to 22.1 – a week ahead of scheduled projections.

Active cases in Wyndham plummeted to 56 on Sunday – down from 87 the week before. Premier Daniel Andrews said latest modelling showed that the state’s strategy was working. “Not only have we been able to drive down cases from the hundreds – we’re well on track to hit single digits in the next few weeks,” Mr Andrews said. “That allows us to make some small, but significant changes.” The workforce limits for some industries will be expanded with supermarkets and food distribution centres returning to full capacity. Abattoirs, seafood and meat processing

plants will also increase to 80 per cent capacity. Childcare reopens without permits. The curfew has been lifted, while the fine for gatherings, having visitors to homes or meeting outdoors in big groups has increased to almost $5000. Groups of five people from no more than two households can socialise outdoors for two hours. Onsite learning for VCE, VCAL will resume on October 5 while primary school pupils will go back to classrooms from October 12. Apprentices and uni students in their final

year of study are able to attend onsite learning and assessment where necessary. Outdoor pools will open this week, as will private inspections for real estate and weddings can take place with up to five people. The rules around visiting hospitals and care facilities are also slightly relaxed. Mr Andrews said moving to the third and last steps out of COVID would no longer be defined by dates but would be reviewed based solely on reaching case number targets. “None of these changes though are a sign we can take our foot off the pedal,” he said.

Drivers heed parking rules

The business of friendship

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ISLAM, Nusrat Your Candidate for Chaffey Ward

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Young Point Cook entrepreneur Maddi wants to donate a quarter of her profits to charity. Maddi, who will celebrate her 12th birthday today, started her businesses Beaded Friendship, selling handmade jewellery online, about three-and-a-half weeks ago. She said the idea behind her business was for youngsters, who are not able to see their friends during the pandemic, to send each other jewellery. She also wanted to help children who were not coping well during the pandemic. “I want to give a quarter of my profits to Kids Helpline, to help the community,” she said. Business is booming for Maddi, who received her 50th order from a customer last week. Maddi said her mother, Melanie, has been a big help in establishing Beaded Friendship. As part of setting up her business, Maddi has started a Shopify website, calculated costs and come up with a marketing strategy. “I really love to see everybody writing positive comments on Facebook and Instagram, making the jewellery and seeing how many orders I’ve received,” Maddi said. Maddi thanked the Wyndham businesses which have supported her business venture, including one which has donated beading materials. Details: http://beadedfriendship. com.au/ or www.facebook.com/ handmadefriendshipjewelry.

The number of infringements issued for vehicles parked on Wyndham’s nature strips has fallen significantly, since June last year. Under Victorian law, parking fully or partially on nature strips is illegal. Wyndham council’s director of city operations, Stephen Thorpe, said that during the 2018-19 financial year, the council issued 5287 infringements to vehicles parked on nature-strips. That figure fell to 2949 during the 2019-20 financial year. “There has been a considerable drop in infringements issued when compared to the previous year,” Mr Thorpe said. “The main reason for this is reduced vehicle movement between March and July due to COVID-19 restrictions, and greater community awareness relating to correct parking.” Mr Thorpe said the suburbs where most infringements for parking on nature strips were issued during the 2019-20 financial year were Tarneit, Point Cook and Hoppers Crossing. “A key focus over the last financial year has been to address community concerns about parking on nature strips particularly around schools,” Mr Thorpe said. “Illegal parking on nature strips can cause damage to public infrastructure, both above and below the ground. “Illegally parked vehicles may also prevent emergency services personnel from accessing key infrastructure such as water, sewage, gas, telecommunications and drainage pipes. “It can also pose an increased safety risk for pedestrians as they are less visible to oncoming cars and they can also restrict safe access for wheelchair and pram users.”

Let’s build a prosperous and connected Wyndham together, a council for all the people that cares for education, health and wellbeing, its environment, appreciates everyone’s strengths, values resident’s opinions and is considerate of others. As an experienced construction/road engineer, I will understand better the infrastructure requirement of the Wyndham area and deliver accordingly.

“Our Future is Now”

PLEASE

VOTE

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Contact Details: Mobile Number 0433 253 930 Nusrat1@live.com www.nusratislam.info FB @Nusrat Islam Borsha

Wyndham City Council Election 2020 Authorised by Johirul Islam, 43 Delmont St. Werribee, VIC 3030 3 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 30 September, 2020

My Priorities Are: • Improved community safety and security • Superior road infrastructure and open public spaces • Preservation of natural environment and augmented greenery • Additional bus stops and enhanced bus service • Providing shelters at all bus stops • Sustainable commercial and industrial developments to generate better and perennial employment opportunities • Open, accountable and dynamic governance • Creating more jobs locally for students • Encouraging local business for internship programs • Outdoor exercise equipment in the park for adults With all my skills and vivacity to be your strong voice on the Council, I seek your support in the upcoming elections of the Wyndham City Council.

Who am I? I am a resident of Wyndham and a candidate for Harrison Ward at the upcoming Wyndham City Council elections that will be held on 24 October 2020. I am a management professional, currently steering a renowned real estate brand. Having lived, worked and played within Harrison Ward suburbs ever since I came to Australia, I have in-depth knowledge of local issues and have been actively contributing to the well being of our community.

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AUTHORISED BY SACHIN 125 SANCTUARY LAKES SOUTH BOULEVARD, POINT COOK 3030 | Ph : 0433 110 100

4 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 30 September, 2020

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SAYEED ASLAM

LARRY ZHAO

ELI MUSE

JENNIE BARRERA

NEWS

SUSAN MCINTYRE

Candidates call for change A mammoth 86 candidates are standing in the Wyndham council election, which will be held via a postal vote next month. Thirty-eight nominees are running in the Harrison ward, 25 nominees in the Chaffey ward and 23 nominees in the Iramoo ward. Harrison and Chaffey each have four councillor positions to be filled, while Iramoo has three. In the Harrison ward, present Wyndham councillor Aaron An is hoping to be re-elected. Former councillor Adele Hegedich is also standing, along with Sayeed Aslam, community advocates Eli Muse and Susan McIntyre and president of the non-profit Asian Business Association of Wyndham, Larry Zhao.

Mr Zhao said that if elected, he will work towards advocating for eight policies including building a safe community, combating unfair rate rises, providing local jobs and opposing inappropriate development. “Given all the difficulties we have been experiencing with the COVID-19 pandemic, the next few years will be critical in planning and implementing a 2040 vision for our community,” Mr Zhao said. Mr Aslam said he believed there were 11 main issues facing Wyndham including empowering not-for-profit organisations to work in the community; reduced council rates; family violence; and a need for multi-level carparks at Williams Landing and Tarneit stations. Ms McIntyre said: “We need a more back-to-basics community-led approach

to decision-making, leading to a stronger, more connected and resilient community. Infrastructure needs to happen before more residential housing and a fairer division of council funding to faster-growing areas. “More work from home or close to home work options will mean that people are not spending hours per day commuting with all the negative aspects as a result. We should be moving more towards a 20-minute neighbourhood model where we can live, work and play locally.” In the Chaffey ward, present councillors Josh Gilligan and Walter Villagonzalo are standing for re-election. Wyndham Community and Education Centre chief executive Jennie Barrera has nominated as well, along with local advocate Arnav Sati; volunteers Kapil Thakkar and

Rishi Prabhakar; former councillor Marcel Mahfoud; and the Liberal Party’s Preet Singh. Within Iramoo, councillors Mia Shaw, Peter Maynard, John Gibbons and Heather Marcus are all contesting the election. Local volunteer Lisa Field, who is co-ordinator of the Werribee River Association, a Werribee River Association board member and Werribee Business & Tourism Association member, is also standing in Iramoo. Another Iramoo candidate, Amandeep Kaur, said domestic violence “is a critical issue” in the Wyndham area. “I think the council needs to dedicate a specialised section to address this concern,” she said. Ms Kaur also said that the council needs to improve the quality of Werribee South.

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By Alesha Capone

5 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 30 September, 2020

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU Briefs

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Plovers protected A project aimed at protecting beach-nesting birds from predators at the Point Cook wetlands will receive $21,276 in funding from the state government. Altona MP Jill Hennessy last week said the Friends of the Hooded Plover group would conduct the conservation project.

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A snapshot of nature The Nature in Wyndham Photo Competition is still open for submissions. The competition, which is being run by the Werribee River Association (WRA), is asking entrants to submit images of Wyndham waterways, local native flora and fauna and people spending time in nature. The competition, which includes $1000 in prizes, is open for submissions until October 1. Competition organiser Lisa Field said: “Wyndham has some very special natural places, like Werribee South, Point Cook Coastal Park and the Werribee River. It is difficult being in lockdown, but thankfully we do have some great trails and waterways where we can recharge and find sanctuary in nature.” The competition is open to anyone who lives,

works or studies in Wyndham. Ms Field said the association was always looking for ways to grow its membership and community engagement. The competition’s categories include best photo of a waterway in Wyndham; best photo of native fauna and or flora in Wyndham; and best image of people finding sanctuary in nature or practising good social distancing in Wyndham. All photos taken during the pandemic must comply with COVID-19 regulations. Email entries to comps@werribeeriver.org. au and include your full name, address and phone number. Visit www.werribeeriver.org.au for full terms and conditions.

Crash footage call Police are investigating a serious collision which occurred on the Princes Freeway in Little River about 6.40am last Tuesday. A collision between a ute and semi-trailer resulted in the ute’s driver, a 50 year-old Werribee man, being taken to hospital by air ambulance in a serious but stable condition. Police are appealing for anyone who may have dashcam or CCTV footage of the vehicles prior to the collision to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Wyndham Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

New Science Wing (opening Dec 2020)

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Visual Arts Studio

This image of the K Road cliffs, taken by Patrick Guerris, has been submitted to the competition.

A Werribee man has been charged with 28 offences, including drug-related offences, after police executed a search warrant at a Montana Drive property on September 18. Police allegedly found methylamphetamines, heroin, cannabis, jungle juice and Valium at the property. The man, 38, has been bailed to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates Court on February 23.

Performing Arts Centre

Textiles Lab

Now accepting Year 7 2022 enrolments closing 9 October 2020 | cccc.vic.edu.au | +61 3 9296 5311 6 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 30 September, 2020

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NEWS

. . . from the CEO As I write this, the active case numbers in Wyndham sits at 54. That’s a long way from the peak of 942 we hit only a couple of months ago.

Sonia Owen works on her step count with daughters Piper, 10, and Ally, 14. (Supplied)

Stepping up for a cause Sonia Owen is stepping up for mental health. Ms Owen, a volunteer firefighter with the Wyndham Vale CFA, is among hundreds of emergency services personnel taking part in the Million Steps for Mental Health. The campaign – which began last month on R U OK Day and will finish on World Health Day, October 10 – asks participants to complete 3046 steps within the timeframe, in return for donations. The step goal reflects the number of Australians who lost their lives to suicide in 2018. This year, Million Steps for Mental Health is aiming to raise $500,000 for Lifeline, the Black Dog Institute and the 000 Foundation. Ms Owen said that she was hoping to raise $300 for the campaign. She has completed a lot

of her steps by stepping up and down on the side of a treadmill at home, and also at a local park with her three children. She said her daughter Ally, 14, was especially keen to join in. “Ally is a junior firefighter at Werribee, she plans to follow my lead. “She’s doing the steps with me but can’t officially join the event, as you have to be 18.” Ms Owen said she was “very passionate” about mental health. She said some of the older firefighters, who have several years of experience under their belts, have seen harrowing sights while attending emergencies such as car crashes and fires. To donate see https://bit.ly/2RThTC3 Alesha Capone

Support Local

I am so proud of the team I work with at Wyndham and the community I serve, for the agility and resilience they have shown over the past seven months. This pandemic represents the greatest shock to our economic system in our lifetime and the resulting impacts, in both an economic and social sense is still being understood and will be felt for some time to come. As the pandemic has unfolded, the conversation has centred on community wellbeing and messages of togetherness. We’ve been prompted to think collectively about the pieces that make up our society. Now we must think about how we put those pieces back together in a way that secures our long-term liveability. We’ve never had a better time to build an economy that works better for everyone. The 5km rule has encouraged us to rediscover our own backyard and as many of us continue to work from home, we need to make sure that backyard is a place we want to be and a place where business can thrive. That means doing what we can as a Council to facilitate outdoor dining. Adjusting our streets to make them pedestrian and cyclist friendly and supporting our outstanding tourism offer to cater for Victorians and, in time, the rest of Australia who will be unable to enjoy international travel for some time it seems. Getting these things right makes us more attractive to businesses looking to invest and create jobs on our doorstep.

Doing things differently during covid-19?

With the Bridge Hotel set to open in the coming months and the weather improving, making the urge to explore our natural assets like Wyndham Park more compelling, the future is bright.

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7 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 30 September, 2020

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MY WYNDHAM Williams Landing father-of-two Zheng Ke spent seven years working as a chef, but decided to change careers so that he could spend more time with his family. He recently finished studying a certificate IV in cyber security at Melbourne Polytechnic. He chats with Alesha Capone. What do you like about Williams Landing? I’ve lived here about three or four years. It’s a newly-developed and green environment, with lots of parks for the kids. It’s a good environment and shopping is very close, which I appreciate. Why did you decide to study cyber security? I was originally living in New Zealand and had my own restaurant working as a chef, but was finding that I wasn’t able to spend as much time with my family as I’d really like to. So I looked into my options and decided to head back to school in hopes of developing skills that could provide a long-term career. I already had somewhat of an understanding of the technological environment and noticed that everything from microwaves to fridges were now being built to connect with the internet and introduced a new set of possibilities and challenges to how we live our lives. I really think it is the future and that’s inspired me to learn more about it. How long was your course and what did you enjoy most about it? The certificate IV in cyber security runs over two years and my favorite part about the course was actually the learning environment at Melbourne Polytechnic. Everyone, especially my classmates, were very welcoming and supportive of each other, especially after moving to Australia. I also think learning from my teachers, who are already in the industry, was really good to gain insight into what’s happening in the industry today. I think it helped me develop some great skills that I look forward to using in the future. Do you have a dream job that you would like to get in the cyber security field? The dream job is to get enough experience then finally work for world-class security organisations like CISCO, Offensive Security, etc. But I know it takes steps. As I just finished

Zheng Ke with his children Caroline and Eric. (Joe Mastroianni) 214717_01

this course, I’d try to find an entry-level cyber security job to add to my experience and learn more deep and advanced technology. I’d really love to work at a place that will make a difference in the community. I have two kids, so I’d love to have a role that ultimately contributes to a future world that they will grow up in. So

working in a role at CISCO, Offensive Security would be amazing. Has COVID-19 caused many major changes to the field of cyber security? COVID-19 is bad, really bad. It changed

everything. Everyone goes online more and more during this hard time because they have nothing they can do but stay home. This gives cyber criminals more chances to threaten and manage to commit a crime. It is time to get more resources to prevent and stop those cyber crimes. 12462187-HL40-20

Wyndham City Council postal election Your council, your vote Check the mail for your ballot pack

Voting is compulsory

Ballot packs containing voting material will be mailed to enrolled voters from Tuesday 6 October 2020.

Friday 28 August 2020.

4 pm on

This is a postal election only. If you do not receive your ballot pack by Friday 16 October 2020, please call •

•

How to vote correctly 1

ALL EVERY BOX

number once.

Your completed ballot pack must be in the mail or hand-delivered by

How to return your completed ballot paper

vec.vic.gov.au | (03) 8619 1475

Authorised by W. Gately, AM, Electoral Commissioner, 530 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria.

8 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 30 September, 2020

@electionsvic

EVERYTHING WE’RE DOING IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE Thank you Victoria. As hard as this is, every sacrifice we’re making is making a difference. But we can’t stop now, or lose everything we’ve worked for. We will get through this together.

For details go to vic.gov.au/CORONAVIRUS Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

9 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 30 September, 2020

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JobKeeper drop an ‘economic risk’ By Alesha Capone Wyndham residents are set to lose more than $11 million in JobKeeper payments every fortnight, as the federal government program winds back this week. Two Wyndham postcodes will be among the hardest hit in the state, according to a report authored by the McKell Institute’s director of policy, Edward Cavanough. Using Treasury figures, the report has calculated how much money workers in each postcode in the nation will lose from September 28 onwards when the $1500 fortnightly

payment for eligible employees fell to $1200 for people working more than 20 hours per week, and to $750 for employees working less than 20 hours per week. Payments will again be reduced in January, to $1000 per fortnight. The report stated that the 3000 postcode (Melbourne) would be the worst-hit in Victoria, losing more than $12.67 million in fortnightly JobKeeper payments. The 3029 postcode (Hoppers Crossing, Tarneit and Truganina) would be the second worst-off, with a loss of more than $6.93 million in payments every two weeks.

The 3030 postcode (Werribee, Werribee South and Point Cook) placed fourth on the list, and will lose more than $6.22 million per fortnight. Elsewhere in Wyndham, the 3024 postcode (Wyndham Vale, Manor Lakes and Mount Cottrell) is set to lose more than $970,200 in fortnightly payments, and the 3027 area (Williams Landing) more than $576,000. The 3211 region (Little River) will miss out on $71,340 per fortnight. Mr Cavanough’s report stated that the reduction in JobKeeper payments would likely lead to business closures and an increase in

unemployment in all states. The document states that an estimated 1.49 million part-time workers across Australia would have their JobKeeper pay reduced to $750 per fortnight, post September 28. About 2.43 million full-time workers will see their JobKeeper pay reduced to $1200. The report stated the reduction in JobKeeper payments “during Australia’s most significant economic contraction in the post-war years is a major economic risk, and will likely exacerbate the economic fallout from COVID-19 more than would otherwise occur if JobKeeper’s original rate was maintained”.

Arndell Park surface will be pitch perfect

Photographs by Wyndham artist Ammar Yonis, which feature in the exhibition. Below: Ammar Yonis. (Pictures: Supplied)

Art explores smaller world Photographs by Wyndham artist Ammar Yonis have been selected for an art project which explores the experience of Australia’s multicultural communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Yonis is one of five artists whose work features in the online exhibition Heartlands 2020: Stories from the inside. The exhibition, presented by migrant and refugee settlement agency AMES Australia, includes works from artists who originally hail from Bosnia, Iran, Vietnam, Afghanistan and Ethiopia. Yonis, a first-generation Harari-Australian, is studying engineering. He said that when he is not busy with his university work, he explores his creativity through mediums such as photography. He believes that art promotes understanding

between people. “The main inspiration for my work is my family and friends and my environment,” he said. “For the Heartlands project I wanted to create something that was reflective of my time in isolation during the COVID crisis. “For the last six months or so I have felt very local, my world has become smaller. “So, I have tried to explore the spaces around me, finding new bike tracks of lookouts I’ve never seen before. “For this photo series what I’ve put together is very local, very suburbia. I hope people like it.” Younis has previously had his artwork exhibited at the Albert St Gallery, the Islamic Museum of Australia and as part of the Multicultural Arts Victoria Shelter Commissions Program. Details: https://heartlands.ames.net.au/

Wyndham council has announced $918,000 in funding to install a new surface on the Arndell Park pitch in Truganina. Wyndham’s sports development portfolio holder Cr Peter Maynard, said the redeveloped pitch, which is located at Federation Boulevard Reserve, would also include a new and improved drainage system. Cr Maynard said that construction of the new FIFA 1 Star Rating synthetic surface for the pitch would begin in coming weeks. The existing pitch has been unavailable for some time, due to drainage issues and safety concerns. “The replacement surface will breathe new life into the field, which was widely used by the community when not being hired out by the many soccer clubs in Wyndham,” Cr Maynard said. “The upgrading of this asset will significantly improve the recreation and social facilities available to the Truganina community at Arndell Park, once community sport resumes.” Works on the pitch are to be expected to be completed early next year. Werribee MP Tim Pallas also announced last week that the state government would provide $60,000 in funding to upgrade facilities at Warringa Reserve, Hoppers Crossing. Mr Pallas said the funding would allow Wyndham council to install a new automatic irrigation system at the site, and deliver infrastructure suitable to accommodate players with a disability. “We’re getting on with the job of creating better facilities for our next generation, so they can emulate their sporting heroes like the Australian women’s cricket team who recently won the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Final on home soil,” Mr Pallas said.

Council calls for East Werribee update Wyndham council has called on the state government to provide an update on its plans for the East Werribee National Employment and Innovation Cluster. The government last year decided not to proceed with the expressions of interest process for the site, which would have resulted in a $31 billion education city constructed there. The original bid, from the Australian Education City consortium, included agreements with an Australian university, IBM, Cisco, Telstra and Honeywell to establish hubs within the East Werribee National 10 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 30 September, 2020

Employment and Innovation Cluster (NEIC). The state government has refused to reveal its reasons for ending the expressions of interest process. Last week, shortly before Wyndham council entered its caretaker period ahead of next month’s elections, mayor Josh Gilligan wrote to the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions on the issue. Cr Gilligan’s letter stated: “We are yet to be made aware as to why the Victorian government chose to abandon the bid that would have delivered tens of thousands of

jobs and additional education and innovation opportunities for Melbourne’s west.” The letter stated that the council “would welcome an opportunity to receive an update on the government’s plans for the site”. It stated that new Wyndham councillors, elected next month, would benefit from a November briefing on the state’s plans. A report from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning in April recommended prioritising the East Werribee NEIC for future land development in Melbourne.

The report stated that 106 hectares at the NEIC “accounts for 19 per cent of all future commercial land” identified in the west. The report also stated there would need to be a significant increase in the amount of commercial floorspace in the future to serve the growing populations in the municipalities of Melton and Wyndham in particular. “The Werribee NEIC presents a significant opportunity, however its role as an NEIC should be prioritised,” the report stated. Alesha Capone

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Pin pulled on Catholic school By Alesha Capone The developer of a Truganina estate has been given permission by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) to divide land earmarked for a future school into 227 residental lots. The Elements estate, which will consist of up to 1600 residences, is being built near the corner of Dohertys and Woods roads. Under the Truganina Precinct Structure Plan (PSP), land at 203 Woods Road has been set aside for a future non-government school. A statement issued by ID_Land last week

‘‘

hopeful that the site will still one day become a school

’’

- ID_Land

said the land was set aside for a school at the request of the Catholic Education Office, however the office has confirmed it will not be acquiring the site “in spite of an agreement which had initially been reached”. “In order to secure the school, ID_Land

had offered to sell the land at a significant discount from market value, but [the Catholic Education Office] still opted to not proceed with the acquisition. “In addition, despite a lengthy process, ID_ Land has been unable to find a buyer through the non-government school networks.” The statement said that ID_Land is still in talks with the state government “and is hopeful that the site will still one day become a school”. “At this stage, the department of education has expressed initial interest in earmarking the site for a future primary school, however

these discussions are still in preliminary stages,” the statement said. “ID_Land is hoping to seek a resolution to these discussions by the end of 2020.” The statement said that although ID_Land has a “strong preference” for the site to be used for a school, it asked VCAT for approval to develop the land into residential lots, in the event that an education-related buyer cannot be secured for the site. Wyndham mayor Josh Gilligan has expressed concern about VCAT’s decision writing to the planning and housing minister about the matter last week.

New precinct targets first homebuyers

Pascal and Yvonne Ochi have joined Wyndham Rotary. (Damjan Janevski) 215303_01

New faces for Wyndham Rotary A Werribee couple, who originally hail from Nigeria, have joined Wyndham Rotary to help give back to the community. Pascal and Yvonne Ochi, who have been living in Australia for about 12 years, joined the Rotary branch earlier this year. Mr Ochi said he joined Rotary in Nigeria in 2008, where he served as a vice president of Enugu GRA Rotary. “My interest in Rotary is borne out of my love to give back to the community, and Rotary provides me with the platform to serve and contribute to community service and, in turn,

get self-fulfillment,” he said. “Additionally, my interest in Rotary is because it is a place where relationships are forged for a common goal, such as citizenship in the community, personal growth, and development.” Mr Ochi works as a migration consultant and director of Australia Visa and Migration Gateway, while Ms Ochi works for Wyndham council in early childhood education and care. The pair have also founded and run Better Care Support Service, a disability support

service provider. Ms Ochi said joining Wyndham Rotary offered “an excellent opportunity to serve and improve our community today and invest in the next generation for tomorrow”. “I hope to provide community service to the best of my ability to both local and international communities,” she said. “Rotarians are known for their work and ethics. Without the philanthropists, there will not be Wyndham Rotary.”

Developer Cedar Woods is aiming to attract first homebuyers to its latest residential precinct in Williams Landing, Marshall Place. The precinct, which is the final one planned so far for Williams Landing, consists of 80 lots and townhomes located near Woodbury Street. Marshall Place features three and four-bedroom townhomes starting from $567,500 and land lots starting from $370,000. The land lots are sized from 182 square metres to 294 square metres. The Marshall Place precinct is located within Williams Landing’s 50-hectare town centre, which to date has mainly featured apartments among shops, offices and retail. The median house price in Williams Landing has risen by 42 per cent since 2001, from $478,000 to about $680,000. Cedar Woods state manager Lloyd Collins said he believed a diversity of housing stock was the key to creating opportunities for first homebuyers, with a particular focus on affordability. “We have worked to bring more affordable homes to Williams Landing, we knew there were the buyers out there,” he said. “We always wanted Williams Landing to be an inclusive community, somewhere for young families to lay their roots, so diversity of product has been key to our master planning to ensure supply meets demand.” Mr Collins said that recent increases in government incentives for first homebuyers has led to them becoming “a strong buying force”. “Marshal Place offers what many young buyers would expect from inner-city living but with the added benefit of a backyard … and more affordable price point.”

Alesha Capone

Olympians join school’s virtual sports event Pupils and families at Tarneit Rise Primary School have participated in a virtual sports carnival, which included hearing from some legendary Indigenous Olympians. Physical education teacher Kain Wilson said the carnival, which ran for three weeks before the end of term three, was held with the aim of engaging pupils and bringing the school’s four sports houses together. Mr Wilson said that for each week of the carnival, pupils filmed themselves taking part in sports-related activities and uploaded the videos to Google classroom to win points for their house. “We have had huge success and engagement

from all students and families competing together,” he said. The school’s four sports houses are named after First Nations women who have won an Olympic medal – Peris (named after Nova Peris), Riley (named after Samantha Riley), Porter (named after Stacy Porter) and Freeman (named after Cathy Freeman). Mr Wilson said that before the virtual carnival began, the school’s PE team contacted each of the sportswomen, to see if they would make a video of encouragement for the whole school and the houses that are named after them. Ms Porter and Ms Riley both sent videos

to the school, while Ms Peris held a digital question and answer session for pupils. The school is still hopeful of hearing back from Ms Freeman. “We have created wonderful lasting relationships with these amazing role models and are extremely proud to have them as our sports house names,” Mr Wilson said. Alesha Capone

Tarneit Rise Primary School families took part in a virtual sports carnival. (Supplied) 11 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 30 September, 2020

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Call to upgrade Ballan Road By Alesha Capone An independent politician says that Ballan Road should be duplicated before a project, which will likely result in more trucks using the road, goes ahead. Western metropolitan MP Catherine Cumming made a speech in Parliament earlier this month, calling on the Minister for Roads and Road Safety to commit to funding the Ballan Road duplication. Dr Cumming said the duplication was needed ahead of a strategic extractive resource areas pilot project, known as SERA, being implemented. “Wyndham has been included in the SERA pilot, which aims to help secure a long-term supply of sand and rock for future Victorian

building projects,” Dr Cumming said. “The SERA documents note that the quarry operations have identified increasing road congestion as the key transport-related issue impacting their operations.” Dr Cumming said that congestion and traffic collisions along Ballan Road were “unfortunately not new to residents, who have been advocating for over 10 years for this road to be upgraded”. “There are multiple estates in this region and more being developed,” she said. “Commercial and commuter traffic volumes are increasing along Ballan Road, and the road is struggling to support the growth. “The pilot project will further increase the number of heavy vehicle movements, putting further strain on the already congested

network.” In June, Star Weekly reported that Wyndham councillor Mia Shaw was also concerned about the SERA pilot, which will also be rolled out on parts of the Princes Freeway and Dohertys, Edgars, Bulban, Bacchus Marsh-Werribee and Little River roads. Cr Shaw this could potentially mean more quarry trucks on Wyndham’s roads, as they are used to transport materials to construction sites across the state. Cr Shaw said that the state government had not yet committed to funding the duplication of Ballan Road, which would be needed if more trucks were to start travelling on it. Public consultation on the SERA pilot project closed earlier this year. A government spokesman said: “Ballan Road

is one of 37 roads which have been resurfaced or rehabilitated between Footscray and Werribee as part of the $1.8 billion Western Roads Upgrade. “We know Melbourne’s west is growing fast – and we’ll continue to work with planning authorities, councils and land developers to improve safety and relieve congestion across our road network.” This growth is placing increasing pressure on the road network, with higher traffic volumes leading to increased travel times. Several projects to reduce congestion and improve safety are underway, including the $1.8 billion Western Roads Upgrade. In total, 6.8km of road lanes on Ballan Road have been repaired or rehabilitated between December 11, 2019 to June 12, 2020.

Ferguson Plarre moves in A new Ferguson Plarre Bakehouse is set to open in the Point Cook Town Centre. Owner Amy-Lea Hovey, who also runs the Ferguson Plarres in Hoppers Crossing and Sanctuary Lakes, said the Point Cook store would open next week. Ms Hovey, who is originally from Geelong, started working for Fergusson Plarre when she was in year 12 and has since worked her way up the ranks, becoming a franchisee in 2016. She said the prospect of opening the Point Cook store was “very exciting”. “It will be challenging due to the current circumstance but it will be worth it,” she said. Ms Hovey said she has employed about 14 new staff for the store, who have joined her workforce of about 36 people. “This year has been a great year for learning new ways to do business and being of service to our customers,” she said. “Throughout the pandemic we have worked closer with the community through fundraisers, offering delivery, connecting

to Uber Eats so our customers can enjoy our products and services through the comfort of their home.” Ms Hovey said she felt lucky to have the support of her “amazing staff” and the extended Ferguson Plarre family, including “big bosses” Steve and Mike Plarre. “I want Ferguson Plarre across the Wyndham region to be known as a social hub, a place you go to have a great cup of coffee paired with a delicious cake or pie, and really enjoy the social aspect on being in our stores, whether it is a bit of banter with my staff or bringing your bestie along and enjoy a sit down, when we can,” she said. “We want to embrace our Ferguson Plarre motto of ‘bringing happiness through food but also baking people happy’. “I’m definitely excited to share my goodwill and happiness with the extended community of Point Cook.” Alesha Capone

Amy Hovey at work. (Joe Mastroianni) 215236_01

Out and about School holidays, spring sunshine and eased COVID-19 restrictions were enough to tempt Point Cook families outside last week. Photographer Joe Mastroianni caught up

1: Aiden and Elouise; 2: Aiden tries out the slide; 3: Spoon village.

with some of them at Crocodile Park.

(Pictures: Joe Mastroianni) 216462

3 12 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 30 September, 2020

F th kid

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

SECTION

TODAY Message us on Facebook to share your recipes and activity ideas.

Cook it

t t n i u Co

PIZZA MUFFINS Ingredients 3 English muffins (split) 6 tbs pizza sauce (or tomato paste) 4 slices ham (deli) (diced)

1 tin crushed pineapple (well drained) 3 cups pizza cheese

Method 1. Toast the muffins in the toaster and spread 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce on each. 2. Scatter ham and pineapple on the pizza sauce. 3. Top with pizza cheese. 4. Place under the grill until the cheese is melted and serve. Tip: An ideal after school snack or pop them cold in lunchboxes. Kids can choose any topping they like, great for fussy eaters! Recipe from www.kidspot.com.au

Make it I lo ve yo u w it h a ll my h e a rts!

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PUZZLES STARWEEKLY.COM.AU Sudoku

Quick crossword 1

Fill the grid so every column, every row and 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.

9 10

Across 1. Looking, but not buying (6-8) 10. Obliterate (5) 11. Purpose (9) 12. Routine (7) 13. Afternoon social gathering (4,3) 14. Conditions (5) 16. Weaken, gradually destroy (9) 19. Canine copper (6,3) 20. Unforeseen drawback (5) 22. Buying and selling (7) 25. Income from an investment (7) 27. Persecuted (9) 28. There it is! (Fr) (5) 29. The spreading of rumours and fearDECODER (14)

Down 2. Opening, introductory (9) 3. Inhabit (5) 4. A collection of money (colloq) (4-5) 5. Setback (5) 6. Eulogy (9) 7. Fool (5) 8. Upper edge of a ship’s side (7) 9. Confidential (6) 15. Blasphemy (9) 17. Situation where people ruthlessly pursue their own interests (3,3,3) 18. Instinctive understanding (9) 19. Poignant, moving (7) 21. At the peak, in your prime (6) 23. First letter of Greek alphabet (5) 24. Enthusiasm (5) 26. At no time (5)

DECODER

Decoder

WordFit

Each number represents a different letter of the alphabet. Write the given letters into all squares with matching numbers. Now work out which letters are represented by the other numbers. As you get the letters, write them into the main grid and the reference grid. Decoder uses all 26 letters of the alphabet.

Fit the words into the grid to create a finished crossword

17 26

11 14

2 14

12 12

E 4

1 14

15 12

13 4

17 1

17 6

19 1

12 7

11 20

3 LETTERS ADO ANY AVE AXE DIM DYE EAR EMU EWE HEN IRE LOW NAG NET NUT PAN RED ROE RUE SHY SKI SUE TOE USE

2 5

ABCDE FGHIJKL MNOPQRSTUV WXYZ

10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 F E SOLUTION TO DECODER 16:

Quick crossword solution

WordBuilder WordBuilder

417

E V I R L

5 LETTERS ADULT AGONY AIDES

How many words of three or more letters, including plurals, can you make from the five letters, using each letter only once? No foreign words or words beginning with a capital are allowed. There’s at least one five-letter word. Good 7 Very Good 11 Excellent 16

IVORY JAMES LANCE LEMUR MINDS NEAPS OOMPH ORATE PUREE REELS RENAL SAMOA SAXON SCENE SEAMY SEATS SHARE SINCE SLABS

IMMENSE MUSICAL PANDORA RANSACK

SLEDS SLYER SPRAG STEEP TONAL UNITE UVULA WARMS ZEBRA

8 LETTERS BARNACLE ELEVENTH EMERGENT HARANGUE

6 LETTERS CAESAR CREASE GLOSSY NAILED 7 LETTERS ANAEMIA DYNAMIC

Sudoku solutions

Decoder S

15 2

16 3

17 4

18 5

19 6

20 7

21 8

22 9

A U R A L

C R O S S

T O N A L

S L A B S

R E N A L

F L U N G

S E A M Y A W A R E A M I G O

N C U R T E A S S H E Y A E M N A D S U S E B T E O A E R

E W A E I D E S D Y N A M I C

J A U V D E O S P D U I D A L E M E R G E N T

I M M E N S E M U S I C A L

E S L A E X V O E N N T H A P G E N D U S S S E U E E P

D O Z R Y E D I N R A A N N E S A N C A K I L E D

R E S S O M P H E B R A E A R E D G E M E A P S N G U E D O R A N E T D Y E S Y E S A R I R E A N C E X C E L E E D S

WordBuilder

SOLUTION TO DECODER 16:

AMASS AMIGO ARCED AURAL AWARE BEIGE CROSS DEEDS DENSE DESEX DRESS EMBED EMEND ENDUE ENSUE EXCEL FLUNG FRANC INANE

Across: 1. Window-shopping, 10. Erase, 11. Intention, 12. Regular, 13. High tea, 14. Terms, 16. Undermine, 19. Police dog, 20. Catch, 22. Trading, 25. Annuity, 27. Oppressed, 28. Voila, 29. Scaremongering. Down: 2. Inaugural, 3. Dwell, 4. Whip-round, 5. Hitch, 6. Panegyric, 7. Idiot, 8. Gunwale, 9. Secret, 15. Sacrilege, 17. Dog eat dog, 18. Intuition, 19. Piteous, 21. Heyday, 23. Alpha, 24. Gusto, 26. Never.

WordFit

4 LETTERS AMID APED BEAR CASE DIAL DOZY DYES EDGE GENE GNUS JUDO SEEP SPUD STAY

S P U D

G evil, ire, lei, lev, lie, lire, live, liver, rev, riel, F rile, rive, veil, vie, vier, vile, viler, vlei

MEDIUM

EASY

HARD

SOLUTION TO DECODER 17:

L D

1. Dyspepsia, 2. 1880, 3. France, 4. The Rosetta Stone, 5. Clarinet, 6. Stephen King, 7. The main group of cyclists in a race, 8. Bette Davis, 9. Tony Roche, 10. Elizabeth Taylor.

I N

Insert the missing letters to make ten words — five reading across the grid and five reading down. Note: more than one solution may be possible.

Pepsi was originally sold as a cure for what? In what year was Australian outlaw Ned Kelly arrested and later executed? Which country gave the Statue of Liberty to the USA? What famous black basalt slab was the key to the translation of Egyptian hieroglyphics? 5. Which instrument represents the cat in Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf? 6. Whose 1987 horror novel is titled Misery? 7. What is a peloton? 8. Kim Carnes sang about which film star’s eyes? 9. Who partnered John Newcombe to win 12 men’s doubles Grand Slam titles? 10. Which female film star’s first starring role was in National Velvet, aged 12, in 1949? 1. 2. 3. 4.

E L I T E

S L I N G

5x5 solution E I D E R

Quiz

B R A V E

5x5

O G R E S

Quiz solution

All puzzles © The Puzzle Company

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Mini-Merc lifts lid on super-hatch

The Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4Matic+ speeds its way to the head of the hatchback pack. (Pictures: Supplied)

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring A compact hatchback at a six-figure price – anybody could be forgiven for thinking this was an oxymoron. However, the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4Matic+ hatch goes a long way – very quickly – to dispel any doubts about its stratospheric sticker. For a start, this little beauty features the world’s most powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine in a production model in Australia. Add to this a new AMG eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and A 45 S 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system. And the result is a zero-to-100 km/h sprint of 3.9 seconds. The car also boasts a level of comfort, convenience and safety found in luxury models of equally elevated price – $93,600, plus on-road costs. Added investments can include a Driver’s Package with top speed upped to 270 km/h, Track Pace data logging, Night Pack with design bits in black and 19-inch by 8.5-inch wide AMG cross-spoke alloy wheels in matt black with shiny flange.

those bored with the company. A useful 370-litre boot can be expanded to 1210 litres with the 40:20:40 seat backs folded.

Infotainment Twin 10.25-inch high-resolution displays sweep across the dashboard putting important information for the driver, and general info for driver and front seat passenger within easy viewing. All occupants are in a position to take full advantage of an advanced audio system with Burmester surround-sound, while the test car driver was able to take advantage of an optional ($790) colour head-up windscreen display. This system can ‘learn’ the driver’s habits and routines, and offer helpful suggestions and shortcuts. For example, if he or she phones home at a certain time every day, MBUX will point it out as the time approaches. Members of my family cheekily named the female ‘voice’ Flo (for Florence and the Machine, get it?) as she eagerly did their bidding.

Engines / transmissions Styling Building on the latest AMG A-Class hatchback, performance credentials are presented up front with a specific wider, lower radiator grille and a dozen vertical louvres. Wider front wings and flared wheel arches make room for a wider axle. In company with the car’s performance pedestal, wider side skirts give the impression of the vehicle’s hugging the road, while from the rear, this is emphasised once more by double twin 90 mm diameter tailpipes with internal fluting and AMG lettering. Aerodynamics are boosted by a diffuser with two vertical fins. Red brake calipers boast the AMG stamp in black, which is repeated unashamedly throughout the vehicle, inside and out.

Interior Black is the main colour theme throughout, the leather sports seats cashing in with red inserts. Coloured strips of lighting announce a laidback ambience, especially at night, while the sports steering wheel is swathed in a soft chubby grip that comes, and stays, easily to hand. The swoopy roof limits rear-seat head room – a panoramic sunroof squeezed test car space even further – and occupants can miss out on leg room if front seat occupants are above average height. The good news is a drop-down arm rest incorporates twin cup holders and there’s a reading light above each window for

In an AMG tradition, a single person is given the job of hand-assembling each 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which pumps out an incredible 310 kW of power, which at 155 kW per litre, puts it ahead of many super-sports car motors. It’s 30 kW and 25 Nm better than the unit it replaces. That extra power, and peak torque of 500 Nm are put to the road in combination with a new AMG Speedshift DCT-8G dual-clutch eight-speed transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic all-wheel drive. The car is capable of reaching 100 km/h from rest in an eye-watering 3.9 seconds.

Safety Safety is packaged as only Mercedes-Benz premium models can be, with its driving assist package plus, active distance assist, including cross-traffic alert, active lane change assist and a parking package featuring 360-degree camera multibeam LED headlights with adaptive high beam assist plus and route-based speed adaptation.

Driving Engineers were involved from early on in the initial design to plan for the super-power engine status. With a threat of torsional twisting, a strengthened chassis with a lower ‘shearing plate’ beneath the engine was worked into the car’s construction.

AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ hatch $93,600 SPECIFICATIONS Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 2-litre 4cyl turbocharged petrol, 8sp automatic, AWD, 5dr hatchback

Note: This price does not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Mercedes-Benz dealer for drive-away prices.

AMG Dynamic Select controller gets to work in choosing one of five drive modes – Comfort, Sport, Sport +, Individual and Race. Then there’s AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel drive, that shares power between the two rear wheels with torque control, resulting in an added ‘Drift’ mode for racetrack playtime. Scrolling through the Dynamic Select system, with Comfort well suited to stop / start going. Sport and Sport + had things bubbling with a pleasing combination of peppy performance and firm and responsive ride

and steering, while Race with its bone-jarring stiffness, was better left for a later day and track with an ultra-smooth surface. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine is a paragon of versatility, with usable power and torque on tap throughout the rev range. Maximum torque is on tap between 5000 and 5250 revs, matching similar naturally aspirated motors, while maximum engine speed of 7200 rpm is in line with the car’s sporty character. Fuel consumption presents a pleasantly frugal set of figures. On a 30-minute jaunt on the motorway in ‘Comfort’ mode, the AMG recorded fuel consumption of 7.1 litres per 100 kilometres. In the city, this ran out to more than 10 litres per 100 kilometres. When flogged along the motor made a meal of the figures, with 16 to 20 litres per 100 kilometres. Controls are far from intuitive with an ultra-busy array of switches, buttons, knobs, touch screen and pad to access many levels of the car’s computer. This is where the MBUX comes to the rescue with voice activation at the command of ‘Hey, Mercedes’, enabling occupants to control dozens of common functions.

Summing up As well as enjoying an unparalleled hatchback experience, the enthusiastic driver can delve into a deep well of the latest automotive technology of the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4Matic+. However, best the car can come up with should be left strictly to the track and there is a high purchase price to pay for the privilege. 17 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 30 September, 2020

SPORT O’Keefe makes the transition to Burras coach New Diggers Rest Bulla coach Shannon O’Keefe was keen to give back something to the Gisborne and District Cricket Association club. Having been part of the club for more than 30 years, including playing in four first XI premierships, O’Keefe decided to put his hand up for the coaching role when it became vacant. “I’ve been associated with the club for over the last 30 years now,” he said. “It’s quite an honour to have been there for so long. “It’s good to give something back to them and it’s an exciting time for the club.” O’Keefe said he had always thought about coaching, but had never put his hand up before. He thought it was a good time to make the transition this season.

While he is inexperienced in the coaching side of things, he knows that there’s plenty of support around him. “There’s a lot of support from the volunteers and on and off the field,” he said. “I’ve known a lot of these guys since they were kids. I’ll be looking for their support and I’ll be looking to support them.” O’Keefe replaces Rasika Batepola who has left the club to return to play turf cricket with PEGS. He’s one of two big losses from of last season’s side. Indika Massalage, who is one of the premier players in the competition, has joined fellow McIntyre Cup side Sunbury United as its coach. O’Keefe knows they will be hard to replace. “They’re a big loss for us experience-wise,” he said. “What they have taught the guys the last

few years makes my job a lot easier.” The Burras are hoping to finalise a few recruits in the coming weeks, with O’Keefe saying that they had spoken to a few past players who were of McIntyre Cup level. He is also hoping for some development from the players in the lower grades. “There’s a few guys who were in the seconds last season who are looking to step up,” he said. “There’s a lot of depth and a lot of natural talent in the seconds. There’s a lot of younger players. “Hopefully a few of those guys can become more consistent players in the ones. I’m looking to give them plenty of opportunities.” The Burras will enter this season with plenty of motivation, with the side missing out of the chance to play in last season’s grand final. They were due to play Gisborne in the grand

Tsapatolis’ AFL dream By Tara Murray One of Australia’s rising basketball stars Paul Tsapatolis is turning his back on the sport with his eyes firmly on an AFL career. Despite offers to head to America for college or play professionally in Greece in front of his family, Tsapatolis is set to be on an AFL list before the year is out. He last played football with Yarraville Seddon Eagles in under-13s, meaning AFL clubs can take him as a category B rookie without going through the draft. Tsapatolis said he had started to think about football a lot more over the past two years, despite representing Australia in recent years at underage level in basketball. “From a very young age when I was playing under-13s footy, I always loved footy and I wish I never gave it up,” he said. “Basketball was always trying to push you towards playing one sport. It was a no brainer for me at the time, but if I had the mindset I have now back then, I would have stuck with footy. “When I first started with the footy, mum and dad were like you look so happy and look relaxed and like you’re enjoying yourself. “Basketball I enjoyed, but nothing compared to what I do with footy.” The Point Cook resident has spent the COVID-19 lockdown period working on his skills and getting in plenty of strength and fitness work. He said his skills were terrible a couple of years ago when he picked up the football again, but they had improved out of sight. “With basketball, you have to be at a court, while with footy you can go and kick the footy at the park or an oval. “I’ve been kicking pretty much every day.” AFL clubs have shown interest in Tsapatolis the past 12 months, with Adelaide and Sydney both flying him over to train with them. “When I was in Adelaide and up in Sydney, the environment of the team is so team-orientated. “Even though basketball is a team sport, everyone gets around each other in footy, that’s what I really miss in footy. “When I was training with Adelaide, it was a great experience. I truly figured out what the clubs were like, how the boys reacted in normal day life as I stayed with Reilly O’Brien and Jake Kelly. “I got the true feel of what the day in the life of a footballer is and it blew my mind.” The AFL website recently reported that Adelaide and Geelong are both interested in taking him as a rookie. Tsapatolis said both those clubs and a couple of others had shown interest. A final decision will be made once list sizes and the salary cap are released. He said hearing that club’s were 18 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 30 September, 2020

‘‘

not once have I looked back

’’

- Paul Tsapatolis

Paul Tsapatolis has switched from basketball to AFL. (Joe Mastroianni)

interested in him had started to make the dream feel a bit more real. Tsapatolis said he will treasure the basketball memories including making the All-star five team as Australia claimed gold at the Oceania championships. He has been told that he will

always be welcomed back at Keilor Thunder, should he ever change his mind. But at this stage, he’s just focused on football. “Footy is what I want to do and I knew I wouldn’t regret it and not once have I looked back to say … I should stay with basketball.”

final, before it was cancelled due to COVID-19. Gisborne was awarded the premiership after going through the season undefeated. “The boys are keen to go one better this season.” O’Keefe said the side would look at returning to training as soon as possible. As they are a metro team, they currently can’t train. Regional sides can train and are set to play games for no points from October 17. A proper season will start when all teams can play. “We would love to be training now,” he said. “We should be starting the normal season in two or three weeks. Everyone is keen so we will get out there as soon as we get the call that we can.” Tara Murray

O’Sullivan steps back at Romsey Outgoing Romsey coach Corey O’Sullivan believes the club can have success in the Riddell District Football League in the next couple of years. O’Sullivan, who has coached the side for the past four years, has been instrumental in helping the club return to being a premiership contender. Despite what looks likely to be an exciting future, O’Sullivan decided that his time as coach was up. “I couldn’t make a commitment at the moment and I didn’t want to stuff around the club while I made a decision,” he said. “I’ve always wanted the club to advertise every year I’ve been the coach, as there’s potentially someone out there better. I couldn’t give them an answer now and they’ve advertised.” O’Sullivan looks back at his time as Redbacks coach as a successful one, which saw the club finish sixth in 2018 and second in the 2019 regular season, before being knocked out in straight sets. He said while they didn’t win a final, it didn’t tell the whole story on and off the field. He said the club is close to having cleared its debts, if not debt free. “We made finals and while we didn’t win one it might look like a fail, but it doesn’t represent the changes that have been made. We went into every game with 23-24 player points, which is really good for a local club. “Romsey is used to success and everyone wants to win and play finals. While we won premierships in 2014-15, it set the club back financially. “The committee was fantastic to stand up and make a decision to take a different direction. “I’m pleased and there are a lot of young fellows coming through.” O’Sullivan, who is planning to help out when he can, said the club could have success soon if it could keep the list together. He said the club had the right mix of players. “It is a fantastic list and experienced senior players who are fantastic fellows at 22-23 years old. “Then you’ve got blokes in the middle of their careers and 16, 17, 18-year-olds coming through.” The club has also advertised for coaches in all netball grades. Tara Murray

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Hawks Fastpitch named softball club of the year Forty years of hard work has paid off for the Hawks Fastpitch Softball Club after it was named the Softball Victoria club of the year for 2019-20. The Hawks, who play in the Werribee Softball Association, were named the club of the year earlier this month, recognising the hard work of volunteers. A change of direction in the past 12 months, which included the club rebranding from Altona Hawks to Hawks Fastpitch and moving from Hobsons Bay to Wyndham, resulted in a 49 per cent increase in membership growth last year. While the award recognises the work the committee has done over the past 12 months, president Jason Kriehn was quick to say it goes a lot beyond that. “We’ve been so successful over the last years, rather than just a single season,” he said.

Hawks Fastpitch softball players. (Supplied)

“This is for everyone who has been involved over the years. I’m so happy for everyone. “With it being our 40th anniversary last year, the award has come at a perfect time. We can’t celebrate the award now, but we will look to later on.” Kriehn said he believed it was the first time

that the club had won an award such as this. The club fielded eight teams last season – three juniors, three women’s and two men’s sides – and showed some really good signs on the field. Kriehn said much of the growth last season was getting former players back to the club. “We reached out to a lot of past players,” he said. “A lot said that they wouldn’t mind coming back for a bit of a hit which then led to a lot of others then coming back too. “We want to build on the ideas we have for the future, and hopefully after this pandemic period, we’ll be able to get more people involved in softball.” The club has also increased its social media presence to connect with current and former players. As well as being named Victorian club of the year, the club finished third in the Softball

Pritchard’s AFLW dream By Tara Murray Western Jets’ Isabelle Pritchard is starting to feel the nerves ahead of the upcoming AFLW draft. Having played just three NAB League games before the season was cancelled Pritchard, like many other draft hopefuls, has had a year like no other. The Spotswood player is trying not to think too much about what might be ahead. “It’s pretty scary,” she said. “I’m just trying to keep busy with school work and stuff like that to keep my mind off it, so I don’t get too nervous. “It is pretty nerve-racking as we get closer and closer.” Pritchard, who started playing football in 2016, put her name on AFLW recruiters’ watchlists the past couple of seasons, with her performances earning her a spot in the AFL Women’s National Academy. In the few games that Pritchard did play for the Jets this year, she showed her versatility by playing in the midfield. “I moved into the midfield this year from the backline,” she said. “I really enjoyed playing there and being around the ball a bit more. “We were doing really well as a team which was really encouraging, it’s kind of a shame the season ended up getting closed off. “What we were doing was really exciting, I would have loved to see how we went this season.” Pritchard said while she feels more comfortable in defence, she would like to continue working on playing in the midfield.” With no football due to COVID-19, Pritchard has focused on her year 12 studies as that ramps up. For her, football has been an outlet. “I’ve been trying to keep as fit as I can,” she said. “Now the combine is approaching I’m trying to get ready for that, which is a bit hectic. “As I’m in my office all day, doing school, going down to the park for an hour is my favourite part of the day. “It’s really weird as I haven’t been able to practice, but it’s been good I’ve got a friend [Emma Keily] from the Jets who lives in my street, so I’ve been able to go down to the park with her and trying to keep some of my fitness and skills up.” While she only got to play three games this year, Pritchard did manage to get away with the academy early in the year. The academy has proven to be a valuable asset. “We went on a camp at the start of the year to Darwin, during the summer, which was really fun,” she said. “Got to train in the heat and got to practice with some really good coaches. We had [Geelong footballer] Aasta O’Connor as our head coach, which was really cool. “Being in the academy, you get such amazing

Western Jets Isabelle Pritchard. (Shawn Smits) 205915_08

access to coaches and really great facilities and get all this wisdom, which is amazing. “We had access to the coaches throughout the year, but it’s more than that. “The friends I made at the academy, they’ve been really good to have contact with and I’ve been able to see what they’re up to in terms of footy and their lives.” Pritchard has been selected for the AFLW state combine. While hopefuls are still unsure if they will test, being selected shows that clubs are interested in them.

Pritchard has had interviews with several AFLW clubs. With a spot on an AFLW list possible in the near future, she admits she never thought she would get this far. “For me it’s always been about being with my friends and enjoying it and trying to be the best I can and try and improve. “I never expected any of this to happen when I first started a few years ago … Playing AFL is the dream and it’s amazing, but if I can keep improving and keep trying hard, that’s the goal.”

Australia’s Homeplate Ladder Program, which recognises clubs and associations for implementing best practice governance and management, as well as membership growth and retention. Kriehn said the club was starting to plan for the upcoming season. With restrictions due to COVID-19, they were unsure when they would start. He said anyone was welcome to come down and join the club. “Normally the season starts at the start of October,” he said. “We’re in the process of planning for the season and hopefully building on last year. “It’s a good opportunity for players that didn’t get to play winter sport and want to play a sport over summer.” Tara Murray

Cricket season inches closer Cricket matches are a step closer for both regional and metro zones, with season start dates being floated. Teams and competitions in regional zones are set to kick off as soon as October 17, with step two restrictions allowing them to start training. The Ballarat Cricket Association, which includes Darley, has set a season kick-off date of October 17. Darley has already started training. The Gisborne and District Cricket Association will have games start on the same date, however, with several of its teams based in metro Melbourne, the first four rounds will be for regional teams only and not played for points. Gisborne, Bacchus Marsh, Romsey, Woodend, Riddell, Wallan, Macedon, Kyneton, Malmsbury, Hanging Rock, Blackwood, Lancefield and Trentham are all based in regional areas. Players from regional teams who live in metro Melbourne will have to wait until metro teams are allowed to train and play before they can join their teams. GDCA president Rob McIntyre said it’s important that the association commences some form of competition now while waiting for the metro region. “Players are desperate to play sport after being starved of community competition for the past six months. “Our clubs have already seen increased interest in people wanting to play cricket and this is reflected in the 73 senior teams nominated for this season, up from 66 last season.” In metro Melbourne, a start date in late November is the aim with some associations aiming for November 14 and others November 21. It gives players three weeks training from October 28, when it’s hoped restrictions will ease to step two of the state’s reopening. The start dates come as Cricket Victoria released a 25-page document of guidelines for a return to train and play for clubs and associations to adopt last Friday. It is recommended that all matches be played as one-day fixtures. Training will be conducted in groups of 10 to ensure any infection is confined to a particular group and does not impact all players in a club. Matchday and training session protocols require participants to turn up just before a game or training starts and leave immediately after it finishes. Players will be limited from using changerooms and there will be limited access to social facilities. Tara Murray 19 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 30 September, 2020

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