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In the mail Young Lilly has been putting pen to paper to spread messages of hope and happiness during lockdown. The seven-year-old has handmade about 160 cards and letters, each featuring individual artwork and writing, which she has been dropping into mail boxes at houses across Seabrook. Lilly’s proud mother Rach said her daughter has been making about 30 to 40 cards each day. Lilly said she was inspired after doing an activity at school called “act of kindness”. “I thought for strangers, maybe they could be happy if they received something in lockdown,” she said. Rach has been posting photographs of Lilly’s letters initiative on local social media pages, which has resulted in a flurry of responses from delighted residents, with people asking to meet Lilly, give her presents and bake for her. A neighbour has even nominated Lilly for Hobsons Bay council’s Young Citizen of the Year award. “What our message is that we would like to raise awareness for mental health, that’s what I do constantly in the community, it’s obviously rubbed off on Lilly,” Rach said. Alesha Capone LILLY WITH SOME OF HER HANDMADE LETTERS AND CARDS.
Council cash flow fears By Alesha Capone Wyndham council cannot afford to pay for the infrastructure needed by the municipality’s booming population, according to a draft plan released last week. The council’s draft long-term financial plan for 2021-22 to 2030-31 said population forecasts show that an additional 217,000 people will move to Wyndham in the next 20 years. By 2040, the council will be responsible for delivering over 60 services – plus infrastructure including roads, parks and waste disposal – for more than 500,000 residents.
“The demand for capital to build the new infrastructure needed by growing communities in Wyndham is currently greater than what council can afford,” the draft plan states. The document said that council “is currently in a strong financial position” but that this “will need to be carefully managed” because its ability to generate revenue is constrained by the state government’s rate-capping policy. The document said that funding from other levels of government has not kept pace with growth, in areas such as maternal and child health. The draft plan said council manages assets
valued at $3.4 billion (excluding land) which increases by about $300 million per year, resulting in a hefty bill for renewal and maintenance works. The budget to renew older infrastructure was described as “at best, barely adequate” due to the council’s heavy investment in new capital works. The draft plan said in four to five years, council funding to renew infrastructure “will be insufficient to maintain current service standards”. “Based on current levels of expenditure the asset renewal gap could be $1 billion by 2045.” Councillors Josh Gilligan and Mia Shaw
expressed concern that some major projects planned by the council may have to be “culled” or “deprioritised” as a result of financial pressures. However, other councillors said this would not occur, because the council planned its spending and set a budget every year. “The long-term financial plan is obviously based on assumptions and estimations of what council staff think will happen over a 10-year period,” Cr Sahana Ramesh said. Have your say on the draft financial plan by September 26. Details: https://theloop. wyndham.vic.gov.au
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Infrastructure wishlist revealed By Alesha Capone Infrastructure Victoria has recommended the state government build new train stations in Wyndham and protect land near Werribee for the future Bay West port within the next three decades. The advice was included in the state’s infrastructure strategy for 2021-2051, which was presented to Parliament last week. The strategy contains 94 recommendations for future projects across Victoria, with a capital cost of about $100 billion. Since 2016, the state government has
completed or made progress on most of the 137 recommendations that Infrastructure Victoria proposed in its first 30-year strategy for the state. Infrastructure Victoria chief executive Michel Masson said that in the latest plan, much of the demand for new infrastructure came from the outer northern and western suburbs. “By better connecting outer suburban growth areas and the regions to Melbourne, we can provide fairer access to jobs, transport and services for all regardless of postcode,” Mr Masson said.
The 2021-2051 strategy urges the state government to add extra stations and services on the Wyndham Vale and Melton rail corridors. Infrastructure Victoria is encouraging the state government to electrify the Wyndham section of the Regional Rail Link by 2031. It also recommends separating the Werribee and Williamstown/Laverton train tracks, so they no longer share the same tracks from Newport to the city to improve frequency and reliability, and boost capacity. The document suggests the construction of a potential new train station to support future
development of the National Employment and Innovation Cluster on the Princes Highway. The strategy also said that in the next five years, land should be identified and secured for a future Bay West port site. “The Victorian government should place planning protection overlays on land for the port, associated road and rail transport corridors, and for buffer zones, particularly south and west of Werribee,” the strategy said. Infrastructure Victoria advised the state government four years ago that the bay between Werribee and Geelong was its preferred location for a new container port.
Residents roll up for their jab
Catherine Velisha.
(Damjan Janevski) 246354_01
Workshop cooks up a love of veg A vegetable education session run by a Werribee South farm is among the many online workshops on offer during this year’s Wyndham Learning Festival. Due to the COVID-19 lockdown, this year’s festival will be held virtually. The festival, which will run until Sunday, contains plenty of free content and events for residents under the theme of “Re-emerge, Connect and Thrive”. The Learning Festival is run in partnership between the Wyndham Community and Education Centre and Wyndham council. Wyndham’s learning city portfolio holder, Cr Jasmine Hill, said lockdown was a good time to learn a new skill.
“This the ideal opportunity with workshops and fun activities available for both adults and children available free online,” she said. Velisha Farms’ VEG Education session will take place on Facebook Live at 10am on Saturday via: https://fb.me/e/1EYbijE7j. It will show how first-hand how vegetables get from the farm to plates. Velisha managing director Catherine Velisha said that during lockdown, the farm has also been running an online program for schools covering the nutritional value of vegetables, production processes, a live walkthrough of the farm, interviews with staff, careers in agriculture, cartoons, a broccoli song and interactive quiz.
“What we are also trying to do with the schools is make Werribee South a source of pride in the community,” Ms Velisha said. She said that schools from across the state have participated in the online program, which is a virtual version of the educational visits which students can participate in at the farm outside of lockdown. “Lots of schools who were booked in to come and visit have swapped to virtual sessions so they don’t miss out,” Ms Velisha said. To view a full list of Wyndham Learning Festival events, visit: https://www. wynlearnfestival.org.au
Just under half of Wyndham’s residents have received their first COVID-19 vaccination dose. Federal government data, released at the weekend, shows that 49.7 per cent of the municipality’s population aged 15 years and above have received one coronavirus vaccination. Meanwhile, 26.7 per cent of Wyndham’s 201,181 residents aged 15 and over have received their second dose. The Victorian municipality with the lowest percentage of its population to have received two vaccination doses is Hume, where 22.4 per cent of residents have had their second dose administered. The Queenscliffe region on the Bellarine Peninsula has recorded the highest number of twice-vaccinated residents, with 64 per cent of people living in the area double-dosed. Victorian Department of Health data reveals that as of Monday, 111 people living in the 3029 postcode have been diagnosed with COVID-19, while 17 people in postcode 3030 and 13 residents of 3027 also have the virus. On Monday, chief health officer Brett Sutton said Victoria’s Delta outbreak mostly under control but that there were still some mystery cases. “Most of the outbreak is under control, but for those areas that are seeing the mystery cases in particular, Hobsons Bay, Wyndham, and Hume local government areas, we do see continued mystery cases amongst those other linked cases,” Mr Sutton said. COVID-19 symptoms include fever, sore throat, cough, shortness of breath and loss or change in sense of smell or taste. For more information call the 24-hour hotline on 1800 675 398 or visit www. coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
Alesha Capone
Campaign to boost cervical screening in Wyndham The Cancer Council Victoria has launched a new campaign calling on Wyndham residents to book a cervical screening test. Only 40 per cent of eligible Wyndham women and people with a cervix are up-to-date with their cervical screening, lower than the state average of 46.8 per cent. The Cancer Council’s eight-week campaign, funded by the state government, will feature advertisements and engagement activities with local health and community organisations. The council’s screening program manager, Kate Broun, said while cervical screening is important for all women and people with a cervix aged between 25 and 74, this particular
campaign was tailored for Wyndham with an aim to increase cervical screening participation in the area. She said that the cervical screening test could detect high-risk types of HPV (human papillomavirus) before they have the chance to cause cell changes, that lead to cancer. “Our message is clear – don’t delay your cervical screening test,” Ms Broun said. “Preventative health checks are still important, even when there are COVID-related restrictions, and health services are taking all the necessary precautions to keep you safe.” One of the Cancer Council Victoria’s organisational partners in rolling out the
campaign is the Wyndham Community and Education Centre. The centre’s chief executive Jennie Barrera, said the campaign included materials in Italian, Mandarin and Arabic. “Together, we are letting our people know that if you’re aged 25-74, this is the best thing that you can do to protect yourself from cervical cancer,” Dr Barrera said. “Through this campaign, we are encouraging our residents to use Cancer Council Victoria’s directory of cervical screening providers to find one in Wyndham to meet their needs.” Details: www.cancervic.org.au/cervical
Wyndham Community and Education Centre chief executive Dr Jennie Barrera. (Supplied). 247998_01 Wednesday, 1 September, 2021 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 3
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“Being a pet-friendly community is an incredibly valuable way that we can enable our residents to live fulfi lled lives. I believe pet-ownership is very therapeutic and it gives residents purpose and invaluable joy. “Owning a pet has made a significant and positive difference to many of our
residents day-to-day lives, helping to combat loneliness and encouraging them to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. “Whenever any of the residents go away on holiday there’s no shortage of neighbours who are putting their hands up to pet-sit,” Mr Ratcliffe said.
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Plea to lower Tarneit speed limit By Alesha Capone A Tarneit resident has called for the speed limit to be lowered along a section of Leakes Road, and for safety barriers to be installed, after a car crashed through their fence last month. The resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said the car was travelling west on Leakes Road when it left the road, crossed a nature strip and footpath, did a 180-degree turn and crashed through the fence into the garden of their home, which is located at Wyndham Grange Retirement Village. “As you can imagine, it was a very frightening experience,” the resident said. “Luckily most school students are learning from home, it’s usually quite a busy footpath. “It (the aftermath of the accident) could have been much worse.”
The aftermath of the accident. (Supplied). 249068_01
The resident said that since the accident, she has sent letters to VicRoads, Victoria Police and Wyndham council, asking for the speed
limit along Leakes Road, between Morris Road and Derrimut Road, to be lowered to 60 kim/h.
A petition signed by 37 people from the retirement home has also been sent to the council. “We believe the speed limit of 80km/h is too high and the area needs safety barriers to prevent a recurrence or a fatality,” the resident said. “It would be a good idea to do something before someone is seriously injured.” The resident said the management of Wyndham Grange Retirement Village has installed temporary fencing for her garden since the accident and arranged for repairs. A Department of Transport spokesperson said that “a recent upgrade of Leakes Road has created a safer and more reliable east-west route, and we’re committed to managing its ongoing safety and operation and will consider potential safety improvements where necessary”.
Richy’s drive to succeed rewarded A young Wyndham Vale resident has been recognised for the dedication and hard work he displayed while completing his automotive studies. Richy (Adrien) Riaca, who originally hails from Mauritius, received an Outstanding International Student Award at the Kangan Institute’s class of 2021 international student graduation ceremony, which was held online last month. Mr Riaca, 25, said that before moving to Australia he studied an automotive certificate III and IV and worked for seven years as a mechanic. “I came to Melbourne in 2019 to grow my
knowledge and I feel I’ve earned this award by working hard,” he said. With his diploma of automotive technology, Mr Riaca now works as an automotive technician at All Brakes & Mechanical in Werribee. “In my job back home, I was only doing mechanics,” he said. “Now I’m doing both mechanics and electrics, and getting more experience.” During Kangan Institute’s online graduation ceremony, 26 graduates across the automotive, hospitality and community services fields were recognised. The students came from more than 15
countries across Asia, Europe, Africa, North and South America. Kangan Institute chief industry engagement and education delivery officer Arron Wood said the ceremony was an important celebration after the challenges which COVID-19 posed for students. “Graduating is something to be very proud of, and especially so for our class of 2021 international students, who successfully completed their studies whilst navigating the impacts of the global pandemic, both here and in their home countries,” Mr Wood said. Richy (Adrien) Riaca. (Supplied) 249054_01
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By Alesha Capone Demand for birthing suites at Werribee Mercy Hospital has reached capacity. The hospital welcomed 3833 babies in 2020, slightly lower than the 3888 babies delivered there in 2019. Health services chief executive Jason Payne said Werribee Mercy Hospital’s birthing numbers had remained steady over the past two years because the birthing suites were unable to accommodate any more expectant mums. He said some pregnant women within the Werribee Mercy Hospital catchment are
being forced to use services at public hospitals outside the area. “The demand exists for Werribee Mercy Hospital to deliver more babies locally but this cannot occur without expanded facilities,” Mr Payne said. “It would be preferable that local families had access to more of the best high quality and safe public birthing services at Werribee Mercy Hospital, so they don’t have to travel.” Mr Payne said planning was under way to boost the capacity of the birthing suites. “A third stage of Werribee Mercy Hospital, which is currently in the final stages of planning, will involve the creation of more
birthing suites, additional post-natal beds, and other ante and post-natal facilities, accompanied by additional midwifery and nursing staff. “Based on demand for existing maternity services, it is projected that Werribee Mercy Hospital would be well placed to meet an anticipated increase in demand of up to 30 per cent more babies in the western metro area.” Mr Payne said Mercy Health has been working with the Victorian Health and Human Services Building Authority and the Department of Health and Human Services since 2016 to prepare for the future needs of Werribee Mercy.
In November’s state budget, $4.8 million was allocated to finalise planning for the third stage of the hospital’s development. “We have acknowledged publicly the funding was a clear sign the voices of the people of the west of Melbourne are being heard and government is committed to meeting a major upgrade,” Mr Payne said. Mercy Health Group chief executive, Adjunct Professor Stephen Cornelissen, said the next stage of Werribee Mercy Hospital’s construction required $300 million in funding “to ensure the people of Wyndham receive the level and quality of health services they deserve and need”.
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Briefs Correction Star Weekly would like to apologise for an error in an article published in last week’s edition. The headline included the incorrect pronoun of the One Wyndham award winner for August, Blake Jenner. The headline should have read: ‘Advocate recognised for his positive contribution’.
A Tarneit florist says she has been busier than ever since the COVID-19 pandemic started. Owner of Mizami Flowers, Maryna Kapliieva, started her business in 2014. “Orders have tripled since pandemic started,” she said. “When restrictions are in place, the amount of orders increases. “Many people send flowers and gifts to their loved ones and friends because they can’t visit them from another suburb, a state, or even a country. “People send flowers to say ‘hello’ or cheer up each other.” She said it could be “very hard” to see messages on cards accompanying flowers, about how hard it is for some people to be alone. Ms Kapliieva said the pandemic has introduced some changes for her industry, including more phone calls from clients, more paperwork before starting deliveries and contactless deliveries. “I enjoy creating bouquets and arrangements, but most of all I enjoy happy and grateful customer’s and recipient’s feedback,” she said. “There is nothing better, when customers are calling me saying how grateful they are, how I’ve made someone’s day brighter. “I value that more than anything.” Ms Kapliieva said she was “so grateful for being a very small, but very important connection part between people’s lives, to help them to express their feelings and emotions with flowers and support of each other during these challenging times”.
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Dementia action The theme for this year’s Dementia Action Week will be: ‘A little support makes a big difference’. Dementia Action Week will run from Monday, September 20 to Sunday, September 26. Details: dementia.org.au/dementiaaction-week/show-your-support.
Wellbeing plan Wyndham council’s draft Municipal Public Health & Wellbeing Plan 2021-2025 has been released for public feedback. The plan sets out the priorities that the council will pursue across the next four years in terms of individual and community wellbeing, including pandemic recovery, mental wellbeing, homelessness, social inclusion, climate change and diversity. Consultation closes Sunday, September 26, Details: https://theloop.wyndham.vic.gov. au/municipal-health-wellbeingplan-2021-25.
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Alesha Capone Owner of Mizami Flowers, Maryna Kapliieva. (Supplied)
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‘Diabolical’ traffic fears raised By Alesha Capone A resident has expressed fears that Wyndham Vale and Manor Lakes will become “practically unliveable” thanks to more trucks using Ballan Road, under a pilot project approved by the state government. Kathleen, a member of both the Werribee River Association and NatureWest, said she has several concerns about the Strategic Extractive Resource Areas (SERA) Pilot Project in South Gippsland and Wyndham. The state government has selected the two municipalities for the pilot, to trial new planning scheme controls over existing quarry operations and on land where new quarrying
operations could potentially be established. As reported by Star Weekly, Wyndham councillor Mia Shaw last year said she was worried the pilot project could lead to more trucks using local roads. Katheen said Department of Transport data shows that 18,000 vehicles use the road daily. “Anyone that lives in Wyndham can attest to Ballan Road being a nightmare,” she said. Kathleen said the road, which often has unsealed and muddy shoulders, clearly needs to be duplicated. “The state government has literally done the opposite by approving the SERA pilot in Wyndham, and will ensure diabolical levels of traffic around Manor Lakes, Wyndham Vale,
Werribee and even into Hoppers Crossing.” Kathleen said that with more trucks using Ballan Road, drivers would “inevitably get tired of being stuck behind slow, heavy trucks that damage the road surface, and will never be able to get anywhere on time”. “There will be more smashes, more delays, and quite possibly loss of life on Ballan Road,” she said. She also said there was not enough publicity about the SERA community consultation process. A state government spokesperson said more than 300 submissions were received regarding SERA pilot, “highlighting good engagement with the local community”.
“We’ve listened to the community and adapted planning controls to ensure residents and the environment are protected from inappropriate development without compromising access to vital quarry resources,” the spokesperson said. “As part of the Wyndham SERA implementation, further work is underway to study transport improvements and identify options to improve affected roads that reduce the impact of quarry truck movements on local communities.”
Moving and grooving Two young Wyndham Vale pupils grooved and jumped to the beat when their school held an online disco for pupils last week. Five year-old Aubree and her six year-old cousin Owen, who are both in the same prep class at Iramoo Primary School, enjoyed the school-wide disco event on Friday. The disco was held during the Children’s Book Council of Australia’s annual Book Week, which ended on Friday. For the disco, Aubree dressed up as Alice in Wonderland, from the 1865 tale by Lewis Carroll, and Owen was costumed as Mario, a fictional character created by Japanese video game designer Shigeru Miyamoto who is the title character of the Mario video game franchise and the subject of several children’s books. Pupils at also dressed up as book characters
during the school’s online Monday morning assembly last week. Throughout last week, pupils participated in several activities to celebrate Book Week and to highlight the importance of reading. Children who attend the school created images of their favourite books and characters during visual arts lessons. This year marked the 75th anniversary of Book Week, which was first held in 1945. The theme for Book Week 2021 was ‘Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds’. Alesha Capone
Aubree, five, and her cousin Owen, six, enjoyed their school’s online disco. (Damjan Janevski) 248590_05
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eBooks provide novel past time Record numbers of people are borrowing eBooks and eAudio books from Wyndham council’s libraries, as lockdowns and pandemic restrictions lead to many residents spending more time spent at home. In the 2020-21 financial year, Wyndham’s libraries loaned 58,398 eBooks, an increase of 46 per cent on the previous financial year. An additional 53,707 eAudio books have been borrowed, 39 per cent higher than the previous 12 months. eMagazines have also proved popular, with 62,404 loaned, an increase of 22 per cent. Wyndham’s learning city portfolio holder, Cr Jasmine Hill, said it was “fantastic” that residents have been making the most of the library resources. “The increased level of borrowing over the
last year, while residents spent a lot of time at home, has shown that residents have adapted to utilising different library resources,” Cr Hill said. “Council is committed to providing our community with the opportunity to grow through reading and accessing e-resources. “To cater for the increased demand, council has allocated an additional $61,000 in this year’s budget to increase libraries electronic resources.” Novels in the Harry Potter series made up the top five most popular eAudio children’s books borrowed from Wyndham’s libraries during 2020-21. For young adult literature, Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer and The Cruel Prince by Holly Black took out the two top spots.
Within the genre of adult fiction, Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams was the most-borrowed aAudio book, followed by the Midnight Library from author Matt Haig. Becoming by Michelle Obama was the top adult non-fiction eAudio book, with The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*** by Mark Manson placing second. “Whether that be for pleasure or learning, it is wonderful that our libraries are a place where everyone can find something that interests them,” Cr Hill said. To join Wyndham’s libraries, visit: https:// www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/services/libraries/ using-library/how-join-borrow. Five-year-old Kyra dressed up as Cinderella for Book Week last week. (Supplied) 248882_01
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Harvey, dressed as Kylo Ren, and Roman, dressed as the Mandalorian, in a Star Wars-themed Halloween countdown display the front of their family’s Williams Landing house. (Supplied) 248917_01
Family antics set a spooky scene A Williams Landing family is bringing spectacular spookiness and smiles to the suburb by arranging daily scenes in their front yard, featuring a skeleton named Anna and other props. Natalie and Max Mitchell, along with their sons Maxwell, 12, Roman, nine, and Harvey, six, have been arranging Halloween countdown decorations and displays for the past five years. “But this is the first time we’ve done scenes out the front, we were spurred on by the ongoing lockdown, helping spread some joy to others with ‘Anna’s Antics’,” Ms Mitchell said. “We’re lovingly known as ‘The Halloween House’ in Williams Landing.”
This year, the family will also host a fundraiser for The Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal on October 31 between 4-9pm. The family has a sign-up sheet on their fridge to write down ideas for the various adventures of Anna, who was named after a main character from the Frozen films. “It’s wonderful to see what the kids come up with, sometimes is something super basic that has the most impact,” Ms Mitchell said. “I also enjoy taking her (Anna) in the car and watching people look in at the passenger seat with quizzical looks on their faces as Anna rides shotgun.” She said that many residents enjoy walking or driving past their Fantail Crescent property
each day and having their photos taken with Anna. “People also love and enjoy seeing my husband’s murals that surround our home, the Jokers on the garage door are always a talking point,” Ms Mitchell said. “We’d just like to say thank you to the Williams Landing and Point Cook Community for welcoming Anna’s Antic’s into their daily lives, we hope that her adventures bring a smile to their faces as we navigate these difficult and trying times.” Follow Anna’s adventures on Facebook at Anna Skeleton - Halloween Countdown or on Instagram, @annaskeleton_halloween.
Wyndham council has responded to a petition requesting a school crossing supervisor, crosswalk and speed hump in a Tarneit neighbourhood. The council received the petition, containing 39 signatures, in May. The petition asked for a school crossing supervisor to be located at or near the Leakes Road and Tarneit Road intersection, along with the installation of a formal school crossing for the site. It also requested a speed hump be constructed at Homewood Entrance and Family Street, and the provision of a public toilet at Little Green Park, which is located off Homewood Entrance. The council responded to the petition at a meeting last week. A council report recommended that Leakes Road, near the Tarneit Road intersection and to the west, be surveyed on an annual basis to determine whether it meets the requirements for a new school crossing. The report said that after analysing pedestrian movements at the site, “demand does not meet the adopted warrants for a school crossing supervisor, which is noted as a minimum of 20 pedestrians during peak periods”. The document also said that the council would contact Victoria Police about hooning concerns raised by residents on Family Street and Homewood Entrance. In addition, the council is developing a Public Toilet Strategy. “It is expected that a draft Public Toilet Strategy will be presented to councillors in October 2021,” the report said. “It is proposed that following adoption of the Public Toilet Strategy, the inclusion of a public toilet at Little Green Park can be considered.” Alesha Capone
Alesha Capone
Massive logistics precinct in development Japanese tool giant Makita is just one of the major companies to secure a site at the new Melbourne Business Park in Truganina, set to become one of the largest logistics precincts in Victoria. Stockland and joint venture partner Mt Atkinson Holdings are launching the first 95-hectare stage of the 260-hectare logistics precinct, eventually expected to include about one million square metres of warehouse space – the equivalent of 50 Melbourne Cricket Grounds. Stockland workplace and logistics general manager Tony D’Addona said that 21 businesses and investors have now committed to purchase lots, attracted to the $2 billion precinct’s strategic location on Hopkins Road 8 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 1 September, 2021
and proximity to significant planned future infrastructure. “Makita, the Japanese tool giant, will base its primary Victorian distribution and service centres at Melbourne Business Park, anchoring the site with a six-hectare land acquisition and plans to initially employ approximately 70 people,” he said. “Melbourne Business Park will provide employment to thousands of Victorians and, with early works now started, the project will be a significant contributor to Victoria’s employment and economic growth as we recover from COVID-19.” Makita Australia director Nick Poulos said the company has chosen Melbourne Business
Park to position its Australian business for further growth. “Our investment alongside Stockland demonstrates our confidence in Melbourne’s western corridor to provide superior connectivity to the port and our customers,” he said. Makita will be joined at the logistics hub by other businesses associated with the construction and development sector including Ashi Hire, Califam, Pelligra, Winslow and Universal. Melbourne Business Park is positioned to integrate with Stockland’s nearby masterplanned Mt Atkinson community. Benjamin Millar
An artist’s impression of the new Melbourne Business Park on Hopkins Road in Truganina. (Supplied)
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Bulban Lodge in Little River.
NEWS
(Supplied/Lara Branch Realty)
Little River’s hot property By Alesha Capone A four-bedroom house with extensive equestrian facilities has set a new residential property price record in Little River. The home at 1315 Bulban Road, which is known as Bulban Lodge, sold for $3 million last month. According to the Real Estate Institiute of Victoria, the previous residential price record for Little River was for 50 Daruma Way, which sold for $1.87 million in May. While this is the highest price on record for Little River, other house sales in the town which have achieved a higher price may not have been made public. Lara Branch Realty director Karen Branch said that Bulban Lodge, which is set on approximately 42 acres of land, features verandahs and high ceilings, a central country-style timber kitchen, a Coonara wood heater, an open fire place and a four-car brick garage.
The property’s equine facilities include 28 private yards with shelters, water and electric fencing, along with 10 stables, a riding arena and fenced paddocks. An on-site bore pump with a desalination plant provides water for the horse’s troughs. Ms Branch said Bulban Lodge was on the market for six weeks before it sold via a private sale. Before the property was listed with Lara Branch Realty, it was listed with a different real estate agency for 12 months. Ms Branch said that during her agency’s sales campaign, some of the potential buyers who inquired about the house came from across Melbourne and regional Victoria. “The home and the property were maintained meticulously by the owners so it was a pleasure to market,” she said. “The set-up of the property was well done.” She said the Bulban Lodge owners were “delighted” with the selling price.
ONEWyndham Young Person of the Month
Winners
Congratulations to the following Wyndham residents for being awarded the One Wyndham Young Person of the Month for July and August. The award aims to build the profile of young people who are positively contributing to the Wyndham community and thank them for their dedication.
AUGUST WIN NER NER JULY WIN
Blake
tŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ĐƵƌƌĞŶƚ Ks/ Ͳϭϵ ůŽĐŬĚŽǁŶ ĐŽŶƟŶƵŝŶŐ͕ / ŚŽƉĞ ƚŚĂƚ Ăůů ŽĨ LJŽƵ ĂƌĞ ŵĂŶĂŐŝŶŐ ƚŽ ůŽŽŬ ĂŌĞƌ LJŽƵƌ ŵĞŶƚĂů ŚĞĂůƚŚ͘ dŚĞ ƵŶĐĞƌƚĂŝŶƚLJ ŽĨ ƚŚŝƐ ƐŝƚƵĂƟŽŶ ŝƐ ĞdžƚƌĞŵĞůLJ ĚŝĸĐƵůƚ ĨŽƌ ŽƵƌ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJ͕ ĞƐƉĞĐŝĂůůLJ ĂƐ ǁĞ ƐĞĞ ƚŚĞ ŶƵŵďĞƌ ŽĨ ĂĐƟǀĞ ĐĂƐĞƐ ŝŶ tLJŶĚŚĂŵ ƌŝƐĞ ƚŽ ŵŽƌĞ ƚŚĂŶ ϭϰϬ͘ ŽƵŶĐŝů ŚĂƐ Ă ǁŝĚĞ ƌĂŶŐĞ ŽĨ ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ͕ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞƌĞ ŝƐ ĂďƐŽůƵƚĞůLJ ŶŽ ƐŚĂŵĞ ŝŶ ƌĞĂĐŚŝŶŐ ŽƵƚ ŝĨ LJŽƵ ĂƌĞ ƐƚƌƵŐŐůŝŶŐ͘ WůĞĂƐĞ ǀŝƐŝƚ ǁǁǁ͘ǁLJŶĚŚĂŵ͘ ǀŝĐ͘ŐŽǀ͘ĂƵͬ Ks/ ϭϵ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ůĂƚĞƐƚ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ ĂŶĚ ƚŽ ĮŶĚ ŽƵƚ ŚŽǁ ŽƵŶĐŝů ĐĂŶ ŚĞůƉ LJŽƵ͘ zŽƵ ŵĂLJ ŚĂǀĞ ĂůƐŽ ƐĞĞŶ ƌĞĐĞŶƚ ŵĞĚŝĂ ƌĞƉŽƌƚƐ ƐƵŐŐĞƐƟŶŐ ƚŚĂƚ ƌĞƐƚƌŝĐƟŽŶƐ ŵĂLJ ďĞ ĞĂƐĞĚ ŝŶ ƐŽŵĞ >ŽĐĂů 'ŽǀĞƌŶŵĞŶƚ ƌĞĂƐ ďĞĨŽƌĞ ŽƚŚĞƌƐ͘ dŽ ďĞ ƉĞƌĨĞĐƚůLJ ĐůĞĂƌ͕ tLJŶĚŚĂŵ ŽƵŶĐŝů ĚŽĞƐ ŶŽƚ ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚ ƚŚŝƐ ŬŝŶĚ ŽĨ ĂƉƉƌŽĂĐŚ͘ Ks/ Ͳϭϵ ĚŽĞƐ ŶŽƚ ƌĞĐŽŐŶŝƐĞ ŵƵŶŝĐŝƉĂů ďŽƵŶĚĂƌŝĞƐ͕ ĂŶĚ ƐŽ ǁĞ ŶĞĞĚ ƚŽ ĨŽĐƵƐ ŽŶ ƚĞƐƟŶŐ ĂŶĚ ǀĂĐĐŝŶĂƟŽŶƐ͕ ƚŽ ĞŶƐƵƌĞ ƚŚĂƚ Ăůů ŽĨ ŵĞƚƌŽƉŽůŝƚĂŶ DĞůďŽƵƌŶĞ ĐĂŶ ůĞĂǀĞ ůŽĐŬĚŽǁŶ ƐĂĨĞůLJ ƚŽŐĞƚŚĞƌ͘ /Ĩ LJŽƵ ŚĂǀĞ ŶŽƚ ĂůƌĞĂĚLJ ŬĞĚ LJŽƵƌ ǀĂĐĐŝŶĂƟŽŶ ĂƉƉŽŝŶƚŵĞŶƚ͕ ƉůĞĂƐĞ ǀŝƐŝƚ ǁǁǁ͘ĐŽƌŽŶĂǀŝƌƵƐ͘ ǀŝĐ͘ŐŽǀ͘ĂƵͬŬͲLJŽƵƌͲǀĂĐĐŝŶĞͲĂƉƉŽŝŶƚŵĞŶƚ ĂƐ ƐŽŽŶ ĂƐ ƉŽƐƐŝďůĞ͘ ZĞĐĞŶƚůLJ ŽƵŶĐŝů ƌĞůĞĂƐĞĚ ƚŚƌĞĞ ŝŵƉŽƌƚĂŶƚ ĚƌĂŌ ƉůĂŶƐ ƚŚĂƚ ǁĞ ǁĂŶƚ LJŽƵƌ ĨĞĞĚďĂĐŬ ŽŶ͘ dŚĞ ĮƌƐƚ ŝƐ ƚŚĞ ŽƵŶĐŝů WůĂŶ͕ ǁŚŝĐŚ ƐĞƚƐ ŽƵƚ ŚŽǁ tLJŶĚŚĂŵ ŝƚLJ ǁŝůů ĚĞůŝǀĞƌ ƚŚĞ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJ͛Ɛ ƉƌŝŽƌŝƟĞƐ ŽǀĞƌ ƚŚĞ ŶĞdžƚ ĨŽƵƌ LJĞĂƌƐ ŝŶ line with the Wyndham 2040 Community Vision. This ŝƐ ƚŚĞŶ ĂĐƟŽŶĞĚ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ ŽƚŚĞƌ ŽƵŶĐŝů ƐƚƌĂƚĞŐŝĞƐ ĂŶĚ ƉůĂŶƐ͕ ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ >ŽŶŐͲdĞƌŵ &ŝŶĂŶĐŝĂů WůĂŶ͘ dŚŝƐ ƉůĂŶ ĚĞƚĂŝůƐ ŚŽǁ ŽƵŶĐŝů ǁŝůů ŵĂŶĂŐĞ tLJŶĚŚĂŵ͛Ɛ ŐƌŽǁƚŚ ǁŚŝůĞ ĂůƐŽ ƐĞĐƵƌŝŶŐ ŽƵƌ ĮŶĂŶĐŝĂů ƐƵƐƚĂŝŶĂďŝůŝƚLJ ŽǀĞƌ ƚŚĞ ŶĞdžƚ ϭϬ LJĞĂƌƐ͘ dŚĞ ϭϬͲLJĞĂƌ ĨŽƌĞĐĂƐƚ ŝƐ ďĂƐĞĚ ŽŶ Ă ƐĞƌŝĞƐ ŽĨ ĞĐŽŶŽŵŝĐ ĂƐƐƵŵƉƟŽŶƐ ƚŚĂƚ ǁŝůů ďĞ ƌĞǀŝĞǁĞĚ ĂŶĚ ƵƉĚĂƚĞĚ ĞĂĐŚ LJĞĂƌ ƚŽ ĞŶƐƵƌĞ ƚŚĞLJ ĂƌĞ ƌĞůĞǀĂŶƚ͘ ,ĞĂůƚŚ ĂŶĚ ǁĞůůďĞŝŶŐ ŝƐ ĂůƐŽ Ă ƐƚƌŽŶŐ ĨŽĐƵƐ ĨŽƌ ƚŚŝƐ ŽƵŶĐŝů͕ ĞƐƉĞĐŝĂůůLJ ĂƐ ǁĞ ƌĞƐƉŽŶĚ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ĐŚĂůůĞŶŐĞƐ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ Ks/ Ͳϭϵ ƉĂŶĚĞŵŝĐ͕ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĂƚ͛Ɛ ǁŚLJ ǁĞ͛ǀĞ ĐƌĞĂƚĞĚ ŽƵƌ DƵŶŝĐŝƉĂů WƵďůŝĐ ,ĞĂůƚŚ ĂŶĚ tĞůůďĞŝŶŐ WůĂŶ͕ ǁŚŝĐŚ ŽƵƚůŝŶĞƐ ƚŚĞ ƉƌŝŽƌŝƚLJ ŽƵƚĐŽŵĞƐ ƚŽ ĐƌĞĂƚĞ Ă ŚĞĂůƚŚŝĞƌ tLJŶĚŚĂŵ͘ dŚĞƐĞ ƚŚƌĞĞ ƉůĂŶƐ ǁŝůů ŐƵŝĚĞ ƚŚĞ ǁŽƌŬ ŽƵŶĐŝů ĚŽĞƐ ŽǀĞƌ ƚŚĞ ŶĞdžƚ ĨŽƵƌ LJĞĂƌƐ ƚŽ ĞŶƐƵƌĞ ƚŚĂƚ tLJŶĚŚĂŵ ĐŽŶƟŶƵĞƐ ƚŽ ďĞ Ă ŐƌĞĂƚ ƉůĂĐĞ ƚŽ ůŝǀĞ͕ ǁŽƌŬ ĂŶĚ ƉůĂLJ͘ dŽ ŚĂǀĞ LJŽƵƌ ƐĂLJ ŽŶ ĞĂĐŚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞŵ͕ ĂŶĚ ƚŽ ŐŽ ŝŶƚŽ ƚŚĞ ĚƌĂǁ ƚŽ ǁŝŶ ŽŶĞ ŽĨ ƚŚƌĞĞ ΨϮϬϬ &dWK^ ŐŝŌ ĐĂƌĚƐ͕ ǀŝƐŝƚ ŚƩƉƐ͗ͬͬƚŚĞůŽŽƉ͘ǁLJŶĚŚĂŵ͘ǀŝĐ͘ŐŽǀ͘ĂƵͬ ZĞŐĂƌĚƐ͕ ƌ ĚĞůĞ ,ĞŐĞĚŝĐŚ
Tanya
Learn more: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/onewyndham
Wyndham Civic Centre 45 Princes Highway Werribee (PO Box 197) Vic 3030 1300 023 411
www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/contactus www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/connectwithus mail@wyndham.vic.gov.au Translating & Interpreting Services 13 14 50
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NEWS
Fined for illegal tobacco sales Wyndham council has fined seven businesses for selling tobacco products to minors. Between January and July this year, the council and Municipal Association of Victoria conducted an operation aimed at preventing the sale of tobacco to children. The operation involved people aged under 18 years old visiting 51 randomly selected tobacco retailers across Wyndham, with the council’s approval. The young people asked to purchase tobacco or cigarettes, and were not allowed to lie about their age or present fraudulent identification in the process.
Seven businesses sold tobacco to the youths, resulting in staff being fined $661 each. Wyndham mayor Adele Hegedich said while it was encouraging that most businesses complied with the law, it was “disturbing” that cigarettes were still being sold to those under the age of 18. “It’s important that when it comes to something as serious as selling tobacco to a minor, that Wyndham businesses are on the same page in protecting the health of our community,” she said. Cr Hegedich said that it was important
for all businesses to inform their staff of the importance of asking for ID when selling tobacco. Wyndham council officers also made 140 educational visits to businesses in the first half of this year to ensure adequate staff training on tobacco laws had been completed. “The outcome of these visits and this testing process can serve as a reminder to all Wyndham businesses about how vital it is to provide effective training of tobacco laws to staff, and the requirement on asking for identification when selling tobacco,” Cr Hegedich said.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), most adult smokers first try smoking tobacco during their adolescence. In 2019, an AIHW study revealed that 10 per cent of Australian makes aged 18 to 24 years old smoke every day, while 8.5 per cent of females in the same age group smoke at least one cigarette per day. Details: Wyndham’s Environmental Health Unit, 9742 0738.
Black Dog trial looks at COVID stress
Daughters of the West facilitator and participant Quyen Tran. (Supplied)
University hubs of hope in the west Victoria University (VU) is planning to help drive the west’s pandemic recovery by establishing three new research and innovation hubs to boost jobs and skills. Higher Education Minister Gayle Tierney last week announced $17.2 million in funding for the hubs from the Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund. The VU initiative will include a Jobs and Skills Hub, an Education Hub and a Stronger Communities Hub, to join the $4.9 million Sustainable Futures Innovation Hub the university launched earlier this year. The three hubs will be located across Victoria University’s campuses and at facilities owned by some of its 15 industry and community partner organisations, with the project set to create more than 30 new jobs. The hubs are part of the VU RISE (Recover,
Innovate, Sustain, Evolve) project. VU vice-chancellor, professor Adam Shoemaker, said: “VU RISE is ambitious in its aims and its work will improve job prospects for those living in Melbourne’s west, including young people making career decisions in a COVID-world.” The Jobs and Skill Innovation Hub will focus on issues including future career skills needed in the west and helping to rebuild tourism in the region. The Education Innovation Hub will deliver research solutions to reduce barriers, and increase student success, across higher education and vocational education and training. The Stronger Communities Innovation Hub will collaborate with Western Health to develop an online platform to improve the
health of patients who live with chronic pain and osteoarthritic conditions. It will also work with Western Bulldogs Community Foundation to address barriers facing culturally and linguistically diverse community members, through access to health promotion programs such as Sons and Daughters of the West. Quyen Tran, who participated in Daughters of the West in 2017, described herself as “really shy” before she joined the initiative. Ms Tran, now a facilitator with Daughters of the West, has helped more than 100 women join the program. “I feel really happy that I am able to help my community … to get out there, to enjoy a bit for themselves, to do exercise, to make friends,” she said.
The Black Dog Institute is calling for participants in a trial for a positive mood program to manage stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Black Dog Institute is an Australian medical research institute that investigates mental health, with the goal of creating a mentally healthier world. The positive mood program aims to provide resources to help manage COVID-19 related stress, as Victoria once again finds itself in the grips of another lockdown to contain the virus. The Black Dog Institute said the need for this kind of program has increased. “There is an urgent need for publicly available strategies to reduce COVID-19 related distress,” the institute said. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), the number of Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) mental health services accessed by Australians has increased. The latest data revealed that in the week beginning April 19, 2021, there were 286,194 services accessed, compared to 244,657 in the week beginning April 20, 2020. This is an increase of 41,537 services. The trial is open to anyone 18 years or over who can communicate in conversational English, and who has experienced stress related to the pandemic. There will be two trail conditions, and participants will be reimbursed $100 after completing all of the study components. Details: https://bit.ly/3kuDONS Michaela Meade
Community battery set to harness and share sun’s power A community battery that allows residents to share their rooftop solar power with other households will be installed in Tarneit. Electricity distributor Powercor will install the 150kilowatt/388watt hours battery under the state government’s Neighbourhood Battery Initiative. The battery has been designed to soak up excess rooftop solar generation from Tarneit houses, to supply up to 150 nearby homes during peak usage periods. The state government will contribute $800,000 towards the cost of the battery project.
Powercor’s general manager of electricity networks, Mark Clarke, welcomed the funding. “This battery will provide benefits for local customers, whether they have solar or not, by providing the community with access to local renewable energy, improving the reliability of electricity during peak demand times,” Mr Clarke said. “Solar is booming in Tarneit and this battery will allow more homes to connect and export excess solar from their systems back into the grid.” Tarneit and its surrounding suburbs have
the highest number of solar connections in the Powercor network. In the 3029 postcode (Tarneit, Hoppers Crossing and Truganina), more than 13,800 customers are connected to the solar network, making up around 42 per cent of all customers in the area. Powercor will work with Wyndham council, the community and its retail partner Simply Energy, to develop a plan for roll-out the battery’s technology in Tarneit. Construction of the new battery is expected to begin this year. The battery is scheduled to become
operational by June 2022. Powercor thanked the Western Alliance for Greenhouse Action and Wyndham council for supporting the battery project. The state government last week announced that 16 groups, led by community organisations, local councils and industry, would share in $3.68 million in grants through the Neighbourhood Battery Initiative. Energy, Environment and Climate Change Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said the grants were part of a plan to halve Victoria’s emissions by 2030. Wednesday, 1 September, 2021 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 11
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Nature strip gripes growing fast By Alesha Capone Residents fed up with long grass and illegal dumping on nature strips have fuelled a surge in complaints to Wyndham council, with thousands of ratepayers expressing concern about the issue. In the 2020-21 financial year, the council received 2021 requests to investigate overgrown, obstructed, damaged, rubbish-covered or hazardous nature strips. Wyndham’s director of city operations, Stephen Thorpe, said this was an increase compared to the 2019-20 financial year when the council received just 816 requests regarding
nature strips. “While nature strips are the responsibility of Wyndham city, residents are expected to maintain their nature strip by regular mowing and picking up any litter,” Mr Thorpe said. “Residents can also consider landscaping their nature strip using gravel or mulch and approved plants.” Wyndham residents who would like to landscape their nature strip must apply for a permit. “When thinking about these options you need to consider allowing safe access for pedestrians, postal deliveries, vehicles, kerbside parking and rubbish collection,” Mr Thorpe said.
Since July 2019, the top suburb for nature strip grievances in Wyndham has been Point Cook, with a total of 730 complaints. Werribee placed next with 516 complaints, followed by Tarneit (463), Truganina (414) and Hoppers Crossing (210). Mr Thorpe said that in addition to nature-strip woes, the council receives an average of 150 requests a week relating to illegal dumping.” “There are no excuses for dumping rubbish around Wyndham, especially when all residents have access to three free hard waste collections each year – including renters – as well as a free tip token,” Mr Thorpe said.
“Illegal rubbish dumping comes at a considerable cost to council that could be better spent on value-adding services such as playground and sporting facilities.” The council has extended the expiration date of its tip vouchers from September 30 to November 30 due to the Werribee tip being closed to the public because of COVID-19 lockdowns. To book a hard waste collection, and for information about other waste and recycling services council offers, go to www.wyndham. vic.gov.au/services/about-waste-and-recycling To report illegal rubbish dumping call 1300 023 411.
Community supports puppy appeal
‘‘
I just love giving back to the community
’’
- Aanchal Sharma
Aanchal Sharma delivering her cards in Tarneit.
(Supplied)
Teen’s lockdown mission of hope Young Tarneit resident Aanchal Sharma is going the extra mile to make a difference in the community during lockdown. Aanchal, 16, said that she felt “frustrated and annoyed” to go into the sixth Victorian lockdown because she had only been back at school for three days. “But, after recognising my emotions, I decided that I’m going to focus on my mental health and reach out to others in my wider community,” she said. “I decided to write messages on blank white cards and put them into the letterbox of residents in Tarneit.”
The cards include messages such as: “We all are in this together,” and “You are stronger than you know”. “I feel that putting in the extra effort to write up and decorate cards is an amazing way of bringing a smile, making people feel like they belong, and making people look forward to something,” Aanchal said. “I just love giving back to the community, and every small difference adds up to make a big difference.” Aanchal said she has written posted about 30 cards so far within five kilometres of her home.
“I’ve had some people see me put the letters in the letterboxes, and have smiled, laughed and said ‘thank you’,” she said. Aanchal will also be taking part in the Victorian Student Representative Council’s online Victorian Congress 2021 next month. “One of the key aspects I am looking forward to speaking about is mental health,” she said. “We don’t know when the lockdown will end, when restrictions will ease, but remember, we have already gone through this many times, and we are all in this together.“
The Petbarn Foundation and Vision Australia have thanked the community for supporting this year’s Seeing Eye Dogs Appeal. The appeal, which was held in July, raised $851,153 for Vision Australia. Petbarn stores across Melbourne’s north and west raised a total of almost $20,000 for the appeal. Customers at the Hoppers Crossing Petbarn store were among the most generous, donating $4242 to the cause. Customers at the Maribyrnong store donated $2402 and South Morang store visitors donated $2319. Petbarn in Coburg collected $2361, the Caroline Springs store raised $2195, the Watergardens store $1714 and the Thomastown store $1692. It costs more than $50,000 to train a Seeing Eye Dog puppy across two years. Petbarn Foundation manager Janelle Bloxsom said that despite COVID-19 lockdowns which limited access to Petbarn stores in July, customers still helped to raise enough money to go towards breeding, training, and caring for 17 new Seeing Eye Dog puppies. “This is a true testament to the incredible generosity of the community, and we are so grateful to everyone who donated despite the challenges we are facing as a nation,” Ms Bloxsom said. Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs general manager, Graeme Craig says, said the charity has been “overwhelmed” by the generosity of Petbarn customers. “The support of the Petbarn Foundation is integral to providing Seeing Eye Dogs to those who need them,” he said. “The appeal ensures our Seeing Eye Dogs pups can complete the extensive training they require.”
Alesha Capone
Dads’ Group drives fathers towards quality family time At Sunbury Heights Primary School, Josh McPhan is the co-ordinator of a program designed to help dads spend more quality time with their children. The Dads’ Group is one of several hundred such groups across Victoria, where fathers can engage in activities with their kids and gain support from other parents in the community. These localised programs are an initiative of the Fathering Project, a nationwide charitable organisation supported by many key figures in the Australian Football League, to drive home the message of positive parenting. Mr McPhan, a father of three, said the Dads’ Group has proven to be a hit since it started at the school 18 months ago. 12 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 1 September, 2021
“We know how hard it can be for dads that have busy work lives to keep up meaningful time with their kids,” he said. “That’s the biggest thing, is getting the dads or father figures interacting. We try to have four major events a year, things like a big bash cricket game have been hugely popular.“ Mr McPhan said the Dads’ Group also runs dedicated support sessions to discuss issues such as mental health. “Before [getting involved] I wasn’t super aware of the support structures available for parents,” he said. “Some dads might think they’re alone [in being father], but they’re definitely not,” he said.
Former Western Bulldogs coach and Fathering Project ambassador Rodney Eade said working IN the AFL system gave him perspective on how parents can lose sight of the importance of connecting with their kids. “I was fortunate, I felt I was able to get a sense of balance,” Mr Eade said. “But looking back certainly I missed out on certain things, and I know other coaches that have told me they’re biggest regret is not spending more time with family.” This Father’s Day, The Fathering Project is encouraging families to keep a dad time booklet to set goals for spending quality time with their children. Details: https://bit.ly/3ji8CBT
Josh McPhan with his children Leilani, Jemma and Ky. (Supplied)
STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
BEHIND THE NEWS
Main: Barbara (left) helps make masks. Above: A Legacy group Christmas party; Heidi and her four children have been helped by Legacy; Barbara (right) in 1990 with two widows
(Pictures: Supplied)
Caring for veterans’ families For almost 100 years, Legacy has helped provide financial and social support to veterans’ loved ones. Tara Murray speaks with former Legacy executive officer Barbara Leach about the support Legacy provided her family following her husband’s death.
W
hen Barbara Leach was going through tough times after her husband was killed in a car accident in the 1980’s, Legacy was there. They were there if she needed support and provided her two children with plenty of activities as they dealt with the death of their father. Barbara would later become a volunteer with Legacy and was the group’s executive officer for 20 years. “My late husband was a commander in the Royal Australian Navy,“ Barbara said. “We were heading to where we catch up with other navy friends we met up with every year. We had a car accident 20 kilometres from where we were going and he was killed in the accident. “From there my mother-in-law contacted Legacy a couple of weeks later. My oldest son was in Princes of Wales Hospital for three months. When we came back to Melbourne we were contacted by Legacy. “They offered all sorts of things especially for the boys as they were young … activities they had for the junior Legatees.” Barbara said the support offered to the boys by Legacy made a world of a difference to them.
She said they were able to meet and talk with other people with similar experiences. “My youngest son, who is now 45, was 10 at the time his father died and had a lot of major problems through it,” she said.
‘‘
For my boys to go on the camps with children going through what they were going through … was really important - Barbara Leach
’’
“One of his friends who he met through it who was the same age as him, they are the closest friends. They are just best friends and have been since they first met. “For my boys to go on the camps with children going through what they were going through, that was really important for children, they have got the support of other children.” Having seen the work that Legacy could do, Barbara put her hand up to help. She became one of the first support Legatees
and was inducted into Legacy in September 1991. “I was the only female at that time, I got really heavily involved on their fundraising and marketing committee and quite a lot of other things,“ Barbara said. “I was living in the Essendon area then and I ended up being an area co-ordinator for others who wanted to help out.” Barbara would end up talking with many of the widows involved with the Essendon, Footscray and Williamstown groups, providing them with a female voice to listen to. These days she is still involved with widows’ group in Essendon, organising regular events. As the Australian community celebrates Legacy Week this week, Legacy is this year focusing on Little Badge Big Impact – the notion that even the smallest of donations will have a real and heart-warming impact on veterans’ families. Like many other charities, Legacy’s fundraising has been impacted by the pandemic, with volunteers unable to sell badges. The community can show its support by making an online donation to Legacy or purchasing Legacy merchandise via an online
store. Nationally, Legacy cares for 43,000 veterans’ families, including widow/ers in their senior years, younger families with children, and veterans’ dependents with a disability. Barbara said it was important for people to still donate as there is a lot of work that needs to be done. “Some people may not think much goes on in Legacy these days not having conflicts like we used to have. “There is a big need there. Funds to help with Legatees’ activities, widows, school for children, parents and disabled dependents. “If people can donate, please do because its certainly necessary.” One of those that has been helped by the donations is Heidi, a navy veteran and a single mum to four boys, with her oldest two boys on the Autism spectrum. Legacy has helped Heidi and her boys by assisting with bills, school fees and uniforms and even speech therapy lessons. As a bonus, Heidi’s family has also found friendship and support with the Legacy volunteers and Legatees they interact with. Details: www.legacyweek.com.au. Wednesday, 1 September, 2021 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 13
COMMUNITY STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
COMMUNITY CALENDAR 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
Goal setting for seniors EdConnect Australia, with support from Wyndham council, will run a free lunch and goal setting strategies workshop for seniors, which will cover using open-ended questions to elicit goals from young people or students and other topics, on Wednesday, October 20 from 10am – 1.30pm at The Grange Community Centre, 260-280 Hogans Road, Hoppers Crossing. ■ www.eventbrite.com.au/e/lunch-andlearn-about-goal-setting-strategiestickets-164272773287
Online general meeting IndianCare’s eighth annual general meeting will be held online on September 4 from 2-4pm. The guest speaker will be MP Kaushaliya Vaghela. ■ https://us06web.zoom. us/meeting/register/ tZAkdu6trTIvHtMblEbBN5rDjrvbaDfKvRvq
Volunteers needed The Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Community Visitors Scheme is seeking female Maltese and Italian-speaking volunteers to join its volunteer program within the Werribee and Point Cook areas to visit elderly residents in either an aged care facility or their own home. The scheme is also seeking a female volunteer with an understanding of MS to visit a mature lady in an aged care facility in Altona Meadows. ■ volunteer@ms.org.au or call Sue on 9845 2744
AL-ANON meets AL-ANON provides support for families and loved ones living with alcoholics and problem drinkers. The group meets Mondays at St Thomas Anglican Church foyer, 117 Synnot Street, Werribee, from 7.30pm, and on Tuesdays at the St Mary’s Tennis Club rooms, 204 Grimshaw Street, Greensborough. ■ 0412 432 760
Fibro/CFS Support Expressions of interest to start a Fibromyalgia and CFS Support Group in Manor Lakes and surrounding areas. Connect with real people and share information, experiences, problems and solutions. ■ wyndham.fibrogroup@gmail.com
Bridge club The Williamstown Bridge Club is once again offering lessons, from September 3, on Fridays 10am-12.45pm at the Hobsons Bay Sport and Game Fishing Club, 17 Altona Road. The first two lessons are free, if you wish to continue the next six weeks cost $80 and include a workbook. ■ Serita 0410 599 323 or seritamudford@hotmail.com
Love Our Street 3029 Come join the volunteer community litter clean-up crew in Hoppers Crossing, which meets on the third Sunday of the month, 10.30am-noon. ■ Karen, 3029@loveourstreet.com.au
Laverton Community Choir All welcome for a friendly singing get-together, suitable for all ages and abilities on Thursday nights from 7pm during school term at the Laverton P-12 College, 91 Bladin Street, Laverton. ■ Ada, 0419 116 013
Quilt In People of all ages and cultures are welcome to join the Wyndham Patchworkers Inc, which will host its 25th Anniversary Quilt In on November 6 from 10am-3.30pm at the St James the Apostle Catholic Church, 336 Derrimut Rd, Hoppers Crossing. The 14 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 1 September, 2021
This week’s photographer’s choice photo is a collection of ‘closed’ signs on the doors of the local businesses during the latest lockdown. (Picture: Damjan Janevski) 248026_01
event will feature a guest speaker, a raffle, door prizes, morning and afternoon tea, a show-and-tell and local traders.Entry: $15, prebooking mandatory at www.trybooking. com/BRGRN. Due to COVID requirements, there will be no door sales. BYO hand stitching, mug and lunch. ■ wyndhampatchworkersInc@hotmail.com
Hobsons Bay band
Deer Park probus
Do you play trumpet, flute or lower brass instruments? The Hobsons Bay City Band is seeking musicians to join the community band. Rehearsals are held every Monday evening from 7.30pm at Newport Lakes Primary School, Elizabeth Street, Newport. ■ Roger Lewis, hbcityband@gmail.com
The Deer Park Combined Probus Club meets on the second Wednesday of each month at The Deer Park Club, 780 Ballarat Road, from 10am. New members and visitors are welcome. ■ Don, 0409 191 580
Dads’ playgroup
Altona North combined probus
Tarneit Community Learning Centre hosts a dads’ playgroup every week on Thursdays. The morning starts at 9.30am and promises to be a chance for male caregivers to connect with each other and form new friendships. ■ Shaun, 0455 521 154
The Altona North combined probus club meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at Altona Sports Club. Includes a speaker, organised trips and outings, and a friendly atmosphere. ■ Lesley, 9369 1785
Knitting and crochet group A keen knitter and want to find some people to knit with? This is the group for you. The social group meets on Tuesdays between 10am and 12pm at the Keilor Community Hub. The group will run until September 14. ■ keilorcp@brimbank.vic.gov.au
Women’s choir Diabetes support group The Westgate diabetes support group meets on the first Tuesday of every month at the Altona Bowling Club at 10am. ■ Elaine, 0415 030 996
Heritage walks Enjoy a leisurely two-hour walk around historic Williamstown and nearby suburbs with guide John. Walks start at 9.20am each Tuesday outside the Visitor Information Centre in Nelson Place. Walks will resume when pandemic restrictions permit. ■ John, 0418 377 336
The Willin Wimmin choir meets Wednesdays during school terms at Church of Christ hall, corner John Street and Douglas Parade, Williamstown, from 7.30-9.30pm. There are no auditions and you don’t need to be able to read music. ■ willin.wimmin@gmail.com
Friendship Group Altona Day View Club (Voice Interest Education of Women) meets at 11am on the third Wednesday of the month at Altona RSL. ■ Janet, 9394 6522 or 0412 010 176
Rotary club MyTime at Tweddle Newport is a peer support group for parents and carers of children with additional needs. The group meets each Friday at 10am during term three in the community room at Newport Gardens Early Years Centre, 51 Maddox Road, Newport. ■ kim.mace@tweddle.org.au
Thinking about joining Rotary? Come along to the Rotary Club of Point Gellibrand’s new venue at the Customs House Hotel, 161 Nelson Place, Williamstown every first and third Tuesday of the month from 6pm for a 6.30 dinner meeting. Visitors welcome. ■ Pam Barnes, 0418347691, www.rotarypointgellibrand.com.au or rotarypointgellibrand@gmail.com
Free computer workshops
Mouth organ band
Williamstown Community and Education Centre is running free computer workshops on how to use Zoom (September 7), internet banking (October 6) and setting up a MyGov account (November 7). Workshops are at Joan Kirner House, 14 Thompson Street, Williamstown. ■ Renee, 9397 6168
The Yarraville Mouth Organ Band meets Friday evenings at 203 Williamstown Road, Yarraville. Great music, friendly atmosphere. New members welcome. ■ Heather, 9399 2190 or ymob1933@yahoo.com.au
Additional needs support
Singing group Join the Melton South Community Singers at the Melton South Community Centre on the first and third Tuesday of each month. ■ Sue, 0400 082 413
Zonta club meets The Zonta Club of Melton meets on the first Monday of each month at Melton Country Club, Reserve Road, Melton. ■ Suzanne, 0417 512 420
Tax return help Melton South Community Centre is now booking appointments for members of the community wanting help with their 2020-21 tax returns, as well as eligible households wanting to claim the $250 Power Saving Bonus. ■ 9747 8576
Let’s Get Neighbourly Hume residents can take part in one-on-one mentoring and workshops on November 11 and 20 to bring your neighbours together to start your own neighbourhood group. ■ hello@neighbourhoodconnect.org.au
Sunbury Probus Sunbury Combined Probus Club meets on the fourth Thursday of the month at Sunbury Sports and Community Club Inc, Clarke Oval, Riddells Road. ■ Carmel 0416 477 271
PUZZLES No. 044
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.
easy
7 3 1 2 8 9 8 7 9 4 2 8 3 5
6 4
6
1 5 2
8 2 5 6 3 1 7 2 6 9 1 2 medium
3 8 6
QUICK CROSSWORD Cries out (8) Baltic country (6) Erect (5) Place in new arrangement (9) Slavic language (7) Musician (7) Enslave (9) Unadorned (4) Sulk (4) Assertion (9) Relating to the stars (7) Second thoughts (7) Guesser (9) Examine (5) Oppose (6) Initiations (8)
12 13 14 17 19 20 24 25 27 28 29 30
Spirit to stimulate appetite (8) Legal counsel right (7) Antenna (6) Clear of blame (9) Warned (7) Chatterbox (6) Sickens (9) Explosive (1.1.1.) Broken down (8) French bacteriologist (7) Elf (6) European country (7) Missing digits (7) Fastens (6) Religious (5)
3
ACROSS 1 5 10 11
No. 044
4 6 7 8 9 15 16 18 19 20 21 22 23 26
DOWN Otic membrane (7) Winds (5)
1 2
DECODER
No. 044
9 3
6 8 9 5 4 7 1 6 8 3 1 9 2 8 3 2 4 5 1 7 6 5 hard
6 3
4 2 6
21
22
23
24
25
26
9
3
2
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
9-LETTER WORD Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.
L
Today’s Aim: 11 words: Good 17 words: Very good
B
N
U
1 4 7 3 2 9 8 5 6
4 8 9 6 1 2 7 3 5
I
I
4 LETTERS AWES BROW CLOD DARE DEED ILLS ISLE MAPS MESS ROLE SAGS SAPS STAB TEXT
No. 044
INERT LAMER LEDGE MAKER OCTAL OKING OPERA PASTA PEONS PIERS RAISE RESET RESIN RIVAL ROMPS ROOST SCRAM SHELL SIXTH SLAMS SMUTS
START STEAM SUGAR SWEPT TENET TENTS TOOTH TYRES WEARY 6 LETTERS EASELS MYSELF SALAMI TREBLE
7 LETTERS BEFALLS LIGHTER OVERALL RASHEST UNICORN WARHEAD 8 LETTERS CAROUSES MARITIME SCRATCHY TELEGRAM
audibly, auld, badly, bald, band, bandy, baud, bind, bland, blind, build, daily, daub, dial, dual, duly, idly, INAUDIBLY, inlaid, lady, laid, land, laud 03-09-21
No. 044 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down. NOTE: more than one solution may be possible
R E C T E D
I
C
C R E M E R I V A L I M A G E
5 7 2 9 8 3 1 6 4
3 6 1 4 5 7 2 9 8 8 9 2 1 5 6 3 7 4
T
5 LETTERS AGILE ANNEX ARENA AROMA ATONE AWAKE BLOCS CAUSE CEASE CEDAR CLASH DEPOT DOGMA DRAGS EDITS EMAIL EVOKE EXPEL GOOSE HEIRS
QUICK QUIZ
1
What are the professions of Mario Bros. Mario and Luigi?
2
In what two countries does Mt Everest reside?
3
Valencia, blood and navel are all what type of fruit?
4
What animal is on the Porsche logo?
5
What nationality is tennis player Novak Djokovic?
6
Christine Campbell, Selina Meyer and Elaine Benes are all characters played by which actor?
M
2 3 8 5 6 1 9 4 7
8 1 4 7 9 5 6 2 3 1 5 3 7 2 4 8 9 6
I
Y
D
E
2 5 9 1 8 6 4 7 3
9 5 6 8 7 4 3 1 2
E
10 11 12 13
1
6 2 5 1 3 8 4 7 9
7 9 3 2 4 6 5 8 1
6 4 7 3 8 9 1 2 5
3 1 6 5 9 7 4 8 2
5 7 4 8 1 2 6 3 9
A E
8
O N 20
7 8 4 9 3 5 2 1 6
3 1 6 7 4 2 9 8 5
5 2 8 6 7 9 1 3 4
9 2 8 6 4 3 5 1 7
4 3 5 2 7 8 9 6 1
2 8 9 4 6 1 7 5 3
E
E A
E
7
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
19
I
6
18
E I
5
A
4 6 7 8 1 3 5 2 9
9 3 1 2 5 4 7 6 8
6 4 3 5 2 7 8 9 1
8 7 5 3 9 1 6 4 2
1 9 2 4 6 8 3 5 7
7 6 1 9 3 5 2 4 8
Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com
C
4
23 words: Excellent
hard
5x5
3
17
medium
2
16
easy
1
15
4 8 6 9 4 7 8 1 4 6 9 7 5 6 5 7 1 8
14
7 7 3
3 LETTERS ADO ALE ART BOW CHI EBB EEL ERR EWE ILL ITS LIP MEG OFF PAS PEA RAN RIG RIP SAC SEE TNT UTE VAT
G R U H EWL Q J TMV I
5
D C Z B X F S A Y P KON
8
WORDFIT
7
In art history, which movement came between the Baroque and Neoclassicism periods?
8
Country singer Carrie Underwood (pictured) came to prominence on which TV show?
9
In physics, force equals mass times what?
10 Author Jon Krakauer is a proponent of what physical pursuit? ANSWERS: 1. Plumbers 2. Nepal, China 3. Orange 4. Horse 5. Serbian 6. Julia LouisDreyfus 7. Rococo 8. American Idol 9. Acceleration 10. Mountaineering
SUDOKU
Wednesday, 1 September, 2021 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 15
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� Full Insurance � All work Council approved � 15 years guarantee � All Council permits supplied � 100% computer levelling � Concrete pump used � 15 years experience � For a free quote and advice
STAR
G6638324AA-dc18Feb
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The Application Reference Number is:
WYP1072.03
The applicant for the permit is:
LMS Energy Pty Ltd
Planning Officer Details:
Contact: Clara Lam Telephone: 9742 0786
NICK’S RE-BLOCKING SERVICE
If you object, the Responsible Authority will tell you of its decision.
ALL SUBURBS ★ RAISING ★ LEVELLING ★ UNDERPINNING ★ RESTUMPING WITH CONCRETE OR REDGUM STUMPS ★ COUNCIL PERMIT ★ ALL WORK GUARANTEED
Council must make a copy of every objection available at its office for any person to inspect during office hours free of charge until the end of the period during which an application may be made for review of a decision on the application.
FREE SMOKE ALARM
PH: 9360 5357 Mobile: 0412 378 193 Registered Building Practitioner
G6795050AA-dc29Apr 1132314-LB19-14
15 YEARS GUARANTEED WORKMANSHIP
SERVING ALL MELBOURNE FOR OVER 25 YEARS
RESTUMPING UNDERPINNING
FLOOR LEVELLING BUILDING PERMITS
www.mannies.com.au | info@mannies.com.au
12497987-LB23-21
Reblocking and Underpinning
& AIR CONDITIONING - DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL
• Fridges • Freezers L011010 / AU-05387 • Air Conditioners • Car Re-gassing
9366 7831 - 0417 556 963
Swa13128xbe
Training Consultant Construction Industry
ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identification number. It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identification number is included in the advertisement or notice. For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au
V Tuition
A TEACHER Available for tutoring. Mathematics, SINGLE BED MATTRESS & Science, Chemistry, Chinese and Japanese. Phone BASE good condition $60 0418 871 203 the lot. Ph: 0421 930 114. V For Sale
General Notices section of Network Classifieds.
28th September 2021
12509783-BL35-21
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Carpenter to join a National Training Organisation. This is a unique opportunity to work with an established RTO who is committed to the training and development of its staff and the provision of quality training outcomes. The majority of the work would be carried out in the Western Suburbs growth corridor region. Co-ordination skills are critical as you would be required to work independently and autonomously while delivering Apprenticeship training throughout the region. Ongoing support from experienced Training Mentors is just a phone call away. To be considered for the role you must have CPC30211 – Cert III in Carpentry or equivalent, and either hold TAE40116 or TAE40110 – Cert IV in Training and Assessment, or be willing to complete this course as an urgent requirement to be considered for an interview. Generous base salary, a fully maintained car, home office and standard entitlements are offered.
V Garage Sales
Closing date for applications is the 3rd September 2021
PLACE YOUR
To apply please forward your resume to mjennings@mmtc.com.au Confidential enquires can be made to Mark Jennings on 0427 369 799
Motoring V Wanted To Buy
ZZZ QHWZRUNFODVVL´HGV FRP DX
Motoring
CARS wanted. Cash Paid. Buying all years and models. Call 0455 776 443 Lmct 11618
Want to place an ad but not sure where to start? Call our helpful classified team between 8:30am-5pm Mon-Fri for FREE advice!
12473978-JW50-20
V Refrigeration
MEL-ASH REFRIGERATION
The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before:
0417 383 510
0431 390 599
Any person who may be affected by the granting of the permit may object or make other submissions to the Responsible Authority by post or in person or;
MEMBER OF MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION
Reg No 8659
32 Dunlop Rd Hoppers Crossing
• www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/advertising • Wyndham City Council Civic Centre, 45 Princes Highway, Werribee, VIC 3030 between 9am and 4pm Monday to Friday
• Online: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/planningobjection • Email: mail@wyndham.vic.gov.au
V Pets & Services
NEW NEW NEW
You may look at the application and any documentation that support the application either online or at office of the Responsible Authority:
An objection must be made to the Responsible Authority in writing, include the reasons for the objection and state how the objector would be affected.
Contact Simon:
9309 0700 - 0411 174 000
Velvet House
12511400-BL36-21
12370916-RC45-17
Amend the permit to allow the construction of a modularised data centre ancillary to the existing renewable energy facility (landfill gas-to-energy system)
Open 7 days
Applications must be lodged at the Department of Education and Training Recruitment-on-line website www.education.vic.gov.au/hrweb/careers/vacs Job Reference 1235625
ADVERTISERS, in this section are qualified practitioners and offer nonsexual services.
12400498-CG38-18
12424562-SN33-19
MIRMICLicPLUMBING 35031
The Application is for a permit to:
$100/ 30mins
48 Davies Avenue, Sunshine North 9364 0770 SWA6566B
Formerly Wests Road WERRIBEE VIC 3030 (CA2 Pt CA 1, 3, 4 Section 4, Parish of Mambourin)
Lic. No. 28635
420 Wests Road WERRIBEE VIC 3030 (Lots 1, 2, 3 and 4 on Title Plan 319902S Volume 08406 Folio 478)
SERVICE
Rainbow Dolls
12474997-DL50-20
EMERGENCY
PUBLIC NOTICE
1235322622-PB22-17
12490425-AV15-21
• Blocked Drains • Drain Camera • Burst Pipes • Hot Water Services • Roof Repairs • Gas Servicing
Ph: 9360 0466
V Massage Therapists
12423634-SN31-19
V Public Notices and Event
THE PLUMBING COMPANY
Phone only between
V Positions Vacant
JOHN LUPPINO Acting Director, State Planning Services Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning
12469374-CG46-20
Required to work full time in a cheese factory from 2.00am till 10.00am. Fast paced environment. Some heavy lifting involved. Must be reliable, enthusiastic, able to work unsupervised, and keen to work. EARLY MORNING START
9am-3pm Monday-Friday 9338 6644
A copy of the Amendment can be inspected, free of charge, at the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning website at www.planning.vic.gov.au/ public-inspection or by contacting 1800 789 386 to arrange a time to view the Amendment documentation and free of charge, at the Wyndham City Council website at www.wyndham.vic.gov.au and/or during office hours, at the offices of the Wyndham City Council, 45 Princes Highway, Werribee, Victoria 3030.
ANTENNA MAN
For Prompt Service Call 0414 930 586
PROCESS WORKER
Find your special occasion needs in our
The Amendment applies the Public Acquisition Overlay (PAO1) to eight parcels of land for the purposes of delivering several road projects in accordance with the Wyndham North Development Contributions Plan and applicable Precinct Structure Plans.
V Television/Video/Audio
Driver Required
The Amendment comes into operation on the date this notice is published in the Victoria Government Gazette.
V Positions Vacant
WYNDHAM PLANNING SCHEME The Minister for Planning has approved Amendment C241wynd to the Wyndham Planning Scheme.
section of Network Classifieds.
Showroom @ 18 Quinn Drive, Keilor PArk, 3042
V Positions Vacant
For Mobile canteen in Altona area. Must have manual licence. Ph: 0418 922 293
Planning and Environment Act 1987
Employment
Tarneit Locksmiths
V Public Notices and Event
C915642-JM14-11
Employment
12502709-SN28-21
General Notices
12509746-HC35-21
Trades & Services
Wednesday, 1 September, 2021 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 17
MOTOR STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
Audi offers a little devil of a car By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring If the Audi R8 supercar could be called a beast, by the same token, the SQ2 small sports utility vehicle, by the German maker, surely earns the title little devil. The figures speak for themselves. The R8 quattro serves up 449 kW and 560 Nm, launching the car from rest to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds, the SQ2 quattro 221 kW and 400 Nm, a tad over a second slower. Unremarkably, cost is $395,000 (R8) against $64,400 (SQ2), plus on-roads, but who’s counting? With a worldwide shift to SUVs, after some years on sale in Europe, Audi has taken the opportunity to launch a refreshed version of the performance compact in Australia. Outside of the R8, Audis with an ‘S’ in the model designation are generally accepted to have something special and the SQ2 is no exception, as the figures above illustrate. It’s all down to a 2.0-litre TFSI engine, mated with a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive, plus sport suspension and progressive steering to ensure performance is up to sporting scratch for a compact SUV.
Styling Up front the SQ2 eschews modern-day sports utility vehicle matt black radiator grille for a highly decorative pattern of shiny metallic swirls and straight lines, flanked by Matrix LED headlamps, dynamic indicators and large geometric air intakes. Side on, the car maintains SUV status quo with square proportions from bonnet to boot, the only concession to crossover coupe styling being a shallow dip of the roof approaching the C-pillar. Nothing can compare with the bling of the front, except maybe the red brake calipers lurking behind five double-spoke V-style 19-inch alloy wheels and double twin chrome-tipped exhaust tips poking from under the rear bumper.
Interior The cabin is straight out of the Audi 18 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 1 September, 2021
The Audi SQ2 brings a new level of performance to the compact SUV segment.
performance car playbook. Front occupants are firmly welcomed by heated sport seats in Nappa leather with ‘S’ embossed black upholstery. The ‘S’ logo is repeated on the three-spoke leather wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifts and multifunction buttons. The 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit with S-specific display has a configurable information display, while an 8.3-inch dash-mounted screen features MMI navigation plus, smartphone interface for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB digital radio and Audi Drive Select info.
Infotainment Occupants can be entertained via a Bang & Olufsen Premium sound system, featuring 14 hi-fi speakers outputting a total of 705 Watts. Wireless phone charging is a convenient fixture. Engines / transmissions Four cylinders in line add up to 1.984 litres developing maximum power of 221 kW between 5300 and 6500 rpm and peak torque of 400 Nm from 2000 to 5200 revs on premium unleaded petrol. Power is put to ground through a seven-speed S tronic transmission and Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system.
(Pictures: Supplied)
Safety The SQ2 features the Audi Pre-Sense basic system, with adaptive cruise control with stop/ go, active lane assist and side assist (blind spot alert). Also included are Pre-Sense City, with autonomous emergency braking and pedestrian and cyclist detection. Also on hand is Parking System Plus, front and rear, with rear view camera and park assist.
Driving At the heart of the SQ2 performance is the 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder motor, capable of delivering peak power of 221 kW at 5300 rpm, with 400 Nm of torque on tap between 2000 and 5200 revs. Over a longish-term with the test vehicle taking on conditions ranging from shuffling through heavy city traffic to motorway cruising and lung-busting acceleration on country twists and turns, the engine coped well, growling only when pushed. Long-term fuel consumption worked out at around 10 litres per 100 kilometres compared with makers combined claim of 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres. Audi Drive Select gave the driver a chance to match the car with his moods at the flick of a
switch on the dashboard and its connection to a centre-console knob. Needless to say, Efficient mode dumbed down acceleration, while softening the ride to almost soporific standards. Comfort and Automatic dialled up power, plus stiffer ride and handling, while Dynamic sharpened the lot enough for a teeth-rattling ride on even slightly irregular road surfaces. Individual mode defied deeper investigation due to lack of time with the car and the absence of a track with a clear run. Absence of a head-up display was noted. Leg room in the rear could be cramped with a tall driver in front. The boxy exterior makes for ample head room in the cabin. Boot space is on the slim side (355 litres, with the floor at its lowest) but there’s added convenience loading and unloading with a power tailgate, whose opening can be programmed for height to prevent tall owners bumping themselves.
Summary Which motoring enthusiast would not be tempted by Audi’s devilish little compact SQ2? The 60K-plus price tag may be a stumbling block for some, but you do get a lot of kit for the price. These days a three-year warranty seems a bit stingy.
Women’s football icon joins the hall of fame Women’s football icon Debbie Lee hopes her induction into the Australian Football Hall of Fame will pave the way for other women to follow in her footsteps. Lee became the first female inducted in the hall of fame, joining greats of all aspects of the game. It’s recognition of someone who has done just about everything in women’s football. Lee played 302 Victorian Women’s Football League games, claiming the league best and fairest award five times. She was a three-time premiership player and represented Victoria in 16 games. Off field, she’s been coach, committee member, club and league president, member of the AFL Women’s Advisory Group and is currently Western Bulldogs women’s football general manager. Lee said being inducted into the hall of fame was nice recognition. “I was surprised actually, I didn’t expect it,” she said. “It was never on the radar with lots of things to think about and put our energy into.
It never crossed my mind to be honest. “The nice thing is I think that women’s football has been inducted into the hall of fame, which is really nice. “What it will do moving forward, it will allow other women to progress and be involved in the hall of fame which is really important.” Despite all the hard times and challenges along the way, Lee said the journey to getting the AFLW had been a fun one. She said she always knew there was a bright future for the women’s game. She said being able to work in the sport and be involved off field was so rewarding and an opportunity to invest in people. “I always had confidence and I understood who these women were,” she said. “There was never a time I waived on that. “I knew they could play the game. I knew their passion for the game and it was a matter of time for it to actually evolve and we could really present it to the decision makers. “We were able to do that in the exhibition
Debbie Lee has been inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame. (Supplied)
series. I knew once a greater community was exposed to it, I was really confident that we would be fine.” Lee’s impact on female football in Melbourne’s west can’t be underestimated. In 1993 she formed the Sunshine YCW
Spurs, the first female team in Melbourne’s west. It would later become the St Albans Spurs and now known as the VU Spurs, who are based behind the university in Footscray. Lee said the Spurs first premiership in 2004 was special. She said driving past football fields and seeing young girls and women kicking the footy was amazing. “Driving around the western suburbs and go past Kinder Smith Reserve and seeing people kicking the footy and its young girls, their mums and sisters and that’s the great beauty of it. That’s the measure of success. Young girls and women now feel comfortable kicking the footy publicly which I never experienced in my early days.” Lee may be the first female in the hall of fame, but knows she doesn’t want to be the only one. “There are so many women out there not only players and coaches, administrators and media, women are represented across a number of different facets.”
Finals hopes are still alive
Rhys Bozinovski is enjoying life with Western United. (Supplied)
Young gun looks ahead By Tara Murray One of the western suburbs’ most talented soccer players, Rhys Bozinovski is looking to make his mark with Western United in the A-League. Bozinovski has signed a two year scholarship contract with the club after standing out with United’s National Premier League side, scoring four goals in 13 games this season. At just 17, Bozinovski is thrilled to get such an opportunity. “It is really exciting and I’m really happy about it,” he said. “I had been performing well in the NPL season and I was getting a bit of credit for it. “I was hoping something like this could come about, but it was a bit of a shock when I got the call, it came out of nowhere.” Bozinovski has always played soccer, with a love for the game running in his family. His grandfather Willie Vassallo captained
Malta and was one of their star players before migrating to Australia. Bozinovski said while his grandfather didn’t understand the Australian soccer system, he was proud of what he had achieved so far. The Taylors Lakes resident started his soccer career with Spring Hills before moving to Sunshine [Now Caroline Springs] George Cross. He then moved to Melbourne City’s youth program. While there, he represented Victoria at two national championships. While Bozinovski enjoyed his time at City, the urge to play closer to home saw him make the move to United’s academy program early this year. “I was at Melbourne City for about four years before United,” he said. “At the state of this year, United opened up their youth academy and I thought it would be a good opportunity to go give it a shot and everything worked out pretty well.
“I’m honoured to represent a club like Western United, especially coming from the western suburbs as well.” The NPL season was Bozinovski’s first time in a senior environment. He said it took some time to get used to. He was starting to feel comfortable and have a real impact when the season was put on hold due to COVID-19. While that’s on hold, he’s lucky enough to still train regularly as part of the A-League squad. “I’m training full-time with them,” he said. “It’s really good that I don’t have to stay at home and be bored all day, I’m with them most of the time which is really good.” Bozinovski has his sights on an A-League debut in the upcoming season and eventually he would love to play for Australia. “I really want to make my debut for the club and keep performing so I can stay in that environment and keep playing for them, that’s what you really wanting to be doing.”
The Western Region Football League remains committed to trying to complete its season despite the ongoing pandemic. The league last week put out its roadmap for the rest of the season, for the juniors, men’s and women’s competitions. In a statement online, the league confirmed the structure of finals for all its divisions if the lockdown ends on September 2. It said that the regular season had concluded for all divisions. All men’s and women’s competitions from under-18s up are set to return from September 11. The men’s and women’s division 1 competitions are set to play a three week, top-six finals series, with the grand finals most likely to be on September 24. Those finals series could be reduced to a top-four or top-two if restrictions are extended. In the men’s competition Altona, Werribee Districts, Hoppers Crossing, Deer Park, Caroline Springs and Spotswood have made finals. In the women’s competition, all six teams in division 1 will play finals. Division 2 men’s and women’s competitions and the division 3 men are set to play a two-week, top-four finals series. Those series could also be reduced to just a grand final if needed. Junior finals would also be a two-week knockout final series for the top four teams from under-12s up. The grand finals are set for September 12. The netball competition is set to resume on September 10, with a two week knockout finals series for all divisions. In a statement, the league said it had set the dates knowing there was some uncertainty over what would happen going forward. “In determining the weekend of September 11-12 as its intended resumption date for all senior football competitions, the WRFL hoped to provide clubs and participants alike with a level of certainty, where currently the weekend of September 5-6 is shrouded in uncertainty, and could well remain uncertain until Thursday, September 2. “It was hoped that a September 11-12 resumption would allow senior clubs the opportunity to complete a body of training prior to finals.” Wednesday, 1 September, 2021 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 19