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Hamid, Ibrahim, Esin, Elin and Nadir.

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(Supplied)

Tributes left after the house fire.

The burned house.

258926_03 (Joe Mastroianni)

258926_04 (Joe Mastroianni)

Family’s fire anguish By Alesha Capone Tributes are flowing after the tragic deaths of four young children in a Werribee fire at the weekend. Siblings Hamid, 10, Esin, six, Nadir, three, and Elin, aged one, died in the blaze at their family home on Mantello Drive, which began about 1am on Sunday. The children’s parents, and their eight-year-old brother Ibrahim, escaped the fire and were taken to hospital with non-lifethreatening injuries. Arson and Explosives Squad detectives are investigating the cause of the fire. The CFA said the family’s single-storey brick veneer house was fully alight when firefighters arrived at the scene. About 30 CFA firefighters, supported by additional Fire Rescue Victoria crews, brought the blaze under control by 2am. Neighbours Geeta and Robert Deagan said

Tributes left after the fire.

258926_07 (Joe

Mastroianni)

the children’s father, Nagmeldin Osman, came to their door after the fire started. “Their dad knocked on the door, he said: ‘My kids are dead, my kids are dead’,” Ms Deagan said. Blood from Mr Osman’s injuries was left on the Deagans’ door after he tried to re-enter his

burning home about four times to rescue his sons and daughters. Mr Osman and his wife also had no time to put on clothes as they ran from the fire, so the Deagan’s gave them pants and blankets. Mr Deagan turned his garden hose on the burning house next door, as flames went through the property’s roof. Ms Deagan said she called triple-0 but that after the initial “fire, police or ambulance?” question, it took about 10 to 15 minutes to reach an emergency services operator. She said that Mr Osman kept asking: “Where is the fire brigade?” In a statement, the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA) said it would investigate the events, but early indications were that a triple-0 call about the blaze was answered in 79 seconds. ESTA’s interim chief executive Stephen Leane said: “Our triple-0 operators care deeply about the service they provide and

the community they serve, we are always distressed if any callers have to wait for help”. On Monday, toys, candles, children’s books and flowers were left outside the Osman’s burned house. A family friend, who left a toy at the scene, said Ibrahim was being cared for by relatives in Noble Park while his parents were in hospital. “He’s very sad,” she said. The woman said the family had been planning to travel to Sudan in December to visit the children’s grandparents. An online fundraising page has been set up by Truganina resident Fathi Ahmed to assist the Osmans. It has received thousands of donations totalling more than $281,000. Details: www.gofundme.com/f/funeral-forthe-4-kids-who-died-from-house-fire

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Santa arrives this Saturday Join us at Sanctuary Lakes Shopping Centre for Santa's grand arrival at 10:30am and scan the QR code to book your Santa photo.

300 Point Cook Road, Point Cook, VIC 3030 12521015-AV48-21

2 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 24 November, 2021

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Challenge mounted to vaccination mandate A teacher at a Hoppers Crossing school and two Port Phillip Prison staff members are among a group of people who have challenged the state’s mandatory COVID-19 vaccination directions at the Supreme Court. The case was heard by Justice Melinda Richards on November 3, who delivered her decision last week. The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC) took the case to court on behalf of 129 plaintiffs, including the teacher and prison workers. The VEOHRC applied for a suspension of the state’s mandatory COVID vaccination directions, for most individuals involved in

the case. Victorian workers in some industries, including residential aged care and healthcare, are required to have a coronavirus vaccination by set dates this year unless they have a medical exemption. Education facility employees must have their second jab by Monday, November 26. The court heard that Mark Micallef, a teacher at Woodville Primary School in Hoppers Crossing, “believes that he will lose his job if he does not receive a COVID-19 vaccine”. Justice Richards said the Department of Education had advised Mr Micallef, who has worked as a teacher for about four years, that

he would not be allowed to attend the school campus unless he was vaccinated. “At the time of making his affidavit, Mr Micallef had booked an appointment to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, as he otherwise risked losing his job,” Justice Richards said. Two G4S employees at Port Phillip Prison in Truganina, correctional officer Daniels Wells and K9 handler Tanya McEwan, were also included in the VEOHRC case. Justice Richards said she accepted the plaintiffs “hold real and genuine concerns about the safety and efficacy” of available COVID-19 vaccinations. However, she said that as the state moves

Levi’s dogged bin plan By Alesha Capone Eleven-year-old Levi has started washing bins and cars to raise money to purchase a service dog to help with his autism. The young Wyndham resident, who also wears glasses to help correct blindness in one of his eyes, enthusiastically embarked on his fundraising campaign about two to three months ago. Levi has already created a spot below his bed for the dog to sleep, worked out a budget for his future canine companion and joined the Paw Pals program through school to learn about animal care. “I want a dog so it can be my best friend,” Levi said. So far, he has raised $800 of the $29,000 needed to purchase a service dog. Levi’s mother Danni said she has been trying to get her son on waiting lists for a service dog through various organisations since he was four. Danni said that Levi was always on the move when he was growing up and the idea of getting him a service dog came about while visiting friends whose dogs had puppies. “He walked up to touch them and that was the first time I’d ever seen him be still,” Danni said. Levi and his sister Jori-ana, 12, have made friends with their neighbour’s dog, a German Shepherd-Border Collie cross named Osito. “I can send Levi next door for 15 minutes to play with Osito, he comes home completely re-set, a different kid,” Danni said. She said having a service dog would help to keep Levi calm when going shopping, to events and meeting new people, which he can find challenging. Levi, Jori-ana and Danni also want to educate people about autism and ADHD. “With the support of the community now, letting us wash their bins and tell his story, it’s helping us,” Danni said. After hearing Levi’s story, the Lowes store at

Levi, 11, is ready to wash a bin.

(Joe Mastroianni). 257669_05

Pacific Werribee donated $150 worth of work gear for Levi wear while he washes bins and cars.

Levi charges $5 to wash a bin and $10 to wash a car. Details: http://tinyurl.com/ServiceDog4Levi

forward, it remained “crucial we continue to protect our health system from being overwhelmed”. Justice Richards dismissed the VEOHRC application. A Department of Education and Training spokesperson said: “The take-up of vaccines among school staff has been amazing – they know how important it is to protect themselves and their school communities to keep students in the classroom.” Woodville Primary School and G4S declined to comment. Alesha Capone

East Werribee online petition The Point Cook Action Group (PCAG) has launched an online petition calling for the state government to proceed with plans to develop a new city in East Werribee. About six years ago, a consortium seeking to build a $31 billion education city on more than 400 hectares of land near the Princes Highway was selected by the state government as the preferred bidder for the site. It was estimated that about 58,300 jobs would have been created at the education city. However, in 2019 the state government announced that it would not proceed with the expressions of interest process for East Werribee and is yet to reveal the reasons behind this decision. The PCAG petition states that Wyndham, as the municipality with the third-fastest growth rate in Australia, has a 12.1 per cent unemployment rate and that many residents have to travel to Melbourne’s CBD for work. “The PCAG is concerned that if an employment generation project like the East Werribee satellite city is not planned in Wyndham, this will adversely impact on the socio-economic indicators in the city in the longer term,” the petition reads. “The Point Cook Action Group strongly supports the case for a new satellite city of the West which would support much needed local employment opportunities, reduced travel times to work and a better work/life balance.” The petition advocates for a new city in East Werribee with a major shopping and retail centre, educational and health facilities, research institutions, technology centres, accommodation, tourism and food services.

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Wes Walters Molly (detail) 1983. Collection of Ian ‘Molly’ Meldrum. © Estate of Wes Walters

Wednesday, 24 November, 2021 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 3

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Building permit approvals soar The number of building permit approvals issued in Wyndham continues to skyrocket despite the COVID-19 pandemic, with 7586 approvals issued in 12 months. Figures from the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) show that the municipality recorded the second-highest number of permit approvals in the state during the 2020-21 financial year. The neighbouring area of Greater Geelong placed first with 7770 building permit approvals issued. Across Victoria, building permits approvals were at their highest level in the past decade,

with 123,330 given out -– an increase of 18 per cent from the 2019-20 financial year, when 104,560 building permits were approved. The VBA’s chief executive Sue Eddy said the building and construction sector has remained strong throughout the pandemic. “It has been a challenging time for all Victorians, however the resilience shown by the building and plumbing industries, and its ability to adapt, has meant Victoria has continued to grow,” Ms Eddy said. “With continued cooperation, collaboration and safety front of mind, we will hopefully see

this positive trend continue through 2021-22 and beyond.” Melbourne’s north east, north west and south west regions all saw building permit approval figures increase by more than 30 per cent. In outer Melbourne, there was 51,422 building permit approvals in the 2020-21 financial year, a 17.7 per cent increase compared to 2019-20 (when 43,680 building permit approvals were recorded). So far this year, some of the most expensive building permits approved by Wyndham council have been in Truganina.

This includes a $39 million freezing and cool storage warehouse to be built at 442-540 Dohertys Road and a $27 million town centre, comprising three mixed use buildings, apartments, dwellings and open space, at 50 Mainview Boulevard. Another permit, for a 10-storey integrated entertainment and commercial venue with a serviced apartment hotel at 231 Leakes Road, was valued at $18 million. The council has also approved an $18 million permit for the use and development of land for warehouses at 151 Leakes Road.

Dressing up for a cause Alamanda College in Point Cook hosted a dress-up day for a special cause on Friday. The school held a fundraising event for Superhero Day, which was started by young sisters Caat and Eef after their little brother Boet died at eight and a half months old. Boet was born prematurely and spent 255 days in hospital. Superhero Day supports the not-for-profit organisation ByBoet, which was established by Boet’s family including his parents Marijn Mees and Joris Steeman, to fund research and contribute medical equipment and other items to Neonatal Intensive Care Units. Alamanda’s community liaison Erik Stewart said Caat was a former pupil of the college, while Mr Steeman had served on the school’s council. Prep teacher Rachel Wilson was also one of Boet’s neonatal nurses. Mr Stewart said: “As a community, we are very excited to show our appreciation and gratitude towards the real heroes in Boet’s

story, the doctors and nurses who supported him and his family through their situation as well as acknowledging the strength and courage shown by Boet.” He said that Alamanda was also dedicating its 2021 Christmas Carols event “to the wonderful staff” at Werribee Mercy Hospital by holding a parent raffle and crowdsourcing. “Information about how people can get involved in this is on our school Instagram page, @alamanda.college,” Mr Stewart said. He said Alamanda College has a focus on developing globally-minded students, who display empathy and are committed to being actively involved in their community. “We aim to create an environment where students are encouraged to think globally and act locally,” he added. The school raised more than $1600. Alesha Capone Superhero Day at Alamanda College.

(Damjan Janevski)

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Mayor issues a stern warning By Alesha Capone New Wyndham mayor Peter Maynard has warned he will not “condone personal attacks” in the chamber and another councillor has condemned a “disgusting” comment made during a meeting last week. Councillor Maynard was elected as the municipality’s mayor on Wednesday, November 17, with six votes from his fellow councillors. Cr Maynard will preside over the council for the next 12 months, with Cr Jasmine Hill

as deputy mayor. Outgoing mayor Cr Adele Hegedich was commended by other councillors for her “respectful” and “stabilising” performance across the past year. However, the council meeting descended into “shambles” and “a joke”, according to Cr Josh Gilligan, who proposed a motion relating to a community safety portfolio advisory committee. During this process, Cr Maynard asked Cr Gilligan to refrain from making potentially critical comments.

“There’s going to be no character assassination irrespective of whether names are mentioned or not,” Cr Maynard said. Cr Heather Marcus, who is serving her fifth term on council, questioned how the council would “get through the next 12 months”. She said: “Well, I think I might as well retire right now.” In state Parliament last month, western metropolitan MP Bernie Finn described Wyndham as a “classic example” of “bad local governments”. “I have looked back in stunned amazement

at the city of Wyndham as its councillors have brawled and have put their own personal agendas and catfights ahead of the welfare of the people of that municipality,” Mr Finn said. “I have often called for the council to at least be held accountable if not sacked by the government, but of course that has not happened, which is a great pity and not surprising.” In July, three former Wyndham mayors - Henry Barlow, Pat Goodwin and Kim McAliney – called for a monitor to be appointed to Wyndham council.

Bailey rocks TikTok Golden Retriever-Labrador cross Bailey is ahead of the pack when it comes to social media success. Bailey, who is owned by a Wyndham family including Emma Mitchell and her 12-year-old daughter Piper, is certainly a popular pup. Piper has made a TikTok account for Bailey, to which she posts one or two new videos every week. With nine videos so far, Bailey has gained more than 565 followers. The most-watched video on the @baileyzac_ account is a short clip of Bailey drinking from a hose, which has been viewed more than 2100 times. Piper said her favourite video features Bailey getting chased by the vacuum cleaner. Other videos show photographs from when Bailey was a puppy and one occasion when he became rather dirty, needing a bath. “I like filming, editing the clips and being creative,” Piper said.

“I’ll see how it goes, I’d love to get a few thousand followers.” Ms Mitchell said that when she began posting photos of Bailey on Instagram, “everyone commented on how gorgeous and photogenic he was”. “He is definitely not shy, he is confident and he loves the attention,” she said. “If you go to the dog park, he says hi to all the dogs and has to cuddle with every human. “He’s just cheeky, loves attention, loves going for walks and the beach.” TikTik has about 1 billion users across the globe. According to a report from Money.co.uk, Golden Retrievers are the “most-watched” dog on TikTok. Videos of the breed have clocked up 9.2 billion views. Alesha Capone Piper, 12, with Golden Retriever-Labrador Bailey.

256744_06 (Damjan Janevski)

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Tarneit development lodged A planning permit seeking permission to build a $60 million retail, food and entertainment premises in Tarneit has been lodged with Wyndham council. The application is proposing to build a centre with shops, supermarkets with ancillary bottle shops, food and drink outlets, a medical centre, a childcare centre, a service station, a tavern and recreational facilities at 1130 Tarneit Road.

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Reclink marks 30 years

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Reclink Australia will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a gala dinner at Marvel Stadium on Friday, December 3. The story of Reclink started off as a simple kick-to-kick at an oval in St Kilda, when founder Peter Cullen was working as a street outreach worker. Mr Cullen, of Werribee, said that while working in street outreach: “You saw people living in a lost world, where there seemed no clear pathways to opportunity, no easy positive way for them to be involved in the world.” Under the guidance of Mr Cullen, Reclink has developed into a national organisation which provides sports and arts programs to disadvantaged people. Reclink’s partnership with more than 450 community organisations has helped to create pathways to improved health and wellbeing, education and employment outcomes for many participants. As well, Reclink runs sports sessions

in Wyndham and also provides athletic equipment and gear to disadvantaged families. Legendary Australian singer and songwriter Paul Kelly will perform at next month’s Reclink anniversary event. Rockwiz’s Brian Nankervis and radio star Jacinta Parsons will co-host the evening. Guests will enjoy a three-course dinner with drinks, auctions and raffles. Separately, Reclink is also running a major fundraising raffle to celebrate its thirtieth milestone, with the winner to be drawn as part of the night’s proceedings. The first prize recipient will win a luxury four-night holiday to Hamilton Island. Details: visit https://rafflelink.com.au/ reclink-australia to purchase raffle tickets or https://bit.ly/3nvPqTx for tickets to the Marvel Stadium event. (Due to government regulations, all guests must be double-vaccinated against COVID-19).

Grassroots sports clubs and organisations across Victoria can now apply for grants for new uniforms, and to support volunteer and coach training, from the state government. The Sporting Club Grants Program provides funding of up to $1000 for new uniforms and equipment, up to $2000 for training coaches, officials and volunteers, and up to $5000 to improve club operations. Details: sport.vic.gov.au

School funding boost Warringa Park School in Werribee will receive up to $75,000 per year over the next three years, to establish a new care service outside of school hours. Werribee MP Tim Pallas said last week that 145 schools across Victoria would share in a $10 million fund to establish after-hours care services. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Wyndham Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

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Plan to green Wyndham

Western United, in partnership with Happsa Group, is working to support Foodbank Victoria.

(Supplied/Western United)

Uniting to fight hunger Western United, in partnership with Happsa Group and Foodbank Victoria, have united to put meals on the table for thousands of people in need across Victoria. The 2021 Foodbank Hunger Report showed that one in six adults in Victoria haven’t had enough to eat in the last year. A staggering 1.2 million children have gone without food in the last year as well. The Goals to Fight Hunger initiative will see $200 donated to Foodbank Victoria for every goal scored by Western United throughout the entire 2021-22 A-League Men season. The money raised will go directly to Foodbank Victoria. Every goal kicked throughout the season creates 400 meals for vulnerable Victorians. “This is a great initiative, we are so proud to be part of something that will make a difference in our community,” Western

United chief executive Chris Pehlivanis said. “It’s great to see the Western United family bring two partners together to achieve mutual outcomes. “Now the goals we will score on the field will have even more meaning and I’m sure the Goals to Fight Hunger campaign will motivate our players even more.” The Goals to Fight Hunger campaign will run for the entire season, which began yesterday when Western United took on Melbourne Victory at GMHBA Stadium in Geelong. Foodbank Victoria chief executive Dave McNamara said. “We are incredibly grateful for our friendship that’s grown over the past couple of years with Western United. Goals to Fight Hunger is such a great idea. “Despite lockdowns ending, we continue to see Victorians impacted by the pandemic,

with so many people still seeking help who have never needed it before. “We would like to thank both Happsa and Western United for this generous initiative.“ Fans can keep track of Happsa’s donations via Western United’s social media accounts. Happsa Group’s managing director of operations, Harry Georgiou, said the company was “thrilled to extend our partnership with both Foodbank and Western United on the Goals to Fight Hunger campaign“. “This partnership is another avenue for us to support our community and feed families. Through the Goals to Fight Hunger initiative, we aim to shed light on a community issue and hope that we inspire others to support Foodbank and donate to Victorian families in need,“ he said. If you would like to donate to Foodbank Victoria, head to foodbank.org.au

New trees are being planted across Wyndham during stage one of a project to provide more shade and cool areas in the municipality. Tarneit MP Sarah Connolly and Wyndham councillor Adele Hegedich last week helped to plant 14 trees near Tarneit P-9 College. The state government has given the council $250,000 in funding under the More Trees for a Cooler, Greener West Initiative, a $5 million campaign to plant 500,000 new trees across the western suburbs. During October, Wyndham council began planting mature trees in parks, reserves and streets around schools, including Mossfield Primary School, Our Lady of the Southern Cross Primary School, Davis Creek Primary School and Manorvale Primary School. A total of 130 mature-aged trees will be planted during stage one of the initiative, which will continue into 2022. The second stage of planting will start next year and involve planting 13,200 trees across nine Wyndham locations. Wyndham’s climate futures and environment portfolio holder Robert Szatkowski said: “More trees means more enjoyable and liveable spaces in Wyndham city. “We are proud to partner with the state government to sow the seeds of a greener future for our community.” Details: https://www.wyndham.vic. gov.au/treeplanting

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More than the bee’s knees in spelling. Here at Haileybury we create the perfect environment for our students to chase their dreams — be it in the classroom, on the court and everywhere in between. Meet Mitchell — who balances his time participating in the Prime Minister’s National Spelling Bee, with being the youngest member of Haileybury Hive, our beekeeping society … and we think that’s S-P-L-E-N-D-I-F-E-R-O-U-S.

Wednesday, 24 November, 2021 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 7

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Brown falcon flies again Werribee Open Range Zoo staff have saved the life of Australian native Brown falcon which was found critically injured in the wild. The falcon was found in Lara by a member of the public, with a broken wing. The community member took the falcon, which was in a “precarious” condition, to Werribee zoo. Zoo staff said they suspected the falcon was injured after being hit by a vehicle. Werribee Open Range Zoo associate veterinarian, Dr Paul Eden, operated on the falcon and placed a stabilising pin in the ulna bone of its wing to support the healing process. With some antibiotics, pain relief medication and extra feeds to help the falcon regain its body condition, the bird began to recover. “The wing healed really well, which was a fantastic outcome as there are always concerns with broken bones that an infection may occur or the bones may not fuse together,” Dr Eden said. “But once that the bone had completely healed, we then removed the pin and started the next important step – to get some movement into the wing as soon as we could so we could help it fly again.” The falcon underwent physiotherapy at the zoo for a fortnight and was then transferred to a wildlife carer, for an additional 13 weeks of rehabilitation before being released back into the wild near Lara. Throughout the past year, Werribee zoo’s veterinary hospital has seen a staggering 133 per cent increase in wildlife being brought in with road trauma injuries, including birds, koalas, kangaroos, possums, turtles, snakes and lizards. Zoo employees said a possible reason behind the increase in injured wildlife was

The Brown falcon recovering at Werribee Open Range Zoo.

that people were now spending more time outdoors, following the lifting of pandemic restrictions, and finding hurt animals more often. Dr Eden said that it was a good idea for motorists to slow down on the road and remain alert, especially at dusk and dawn when a lot of wildlife moves about. “If you see sick, injured or orphaned wildlife, please call a wildlife expert for assistance,” Dr Eden added. Daily visitor numbers at Werribee zoo remain capped and visitors must be fully vaccinated. All tickets must be pre-purchased online. Details: www.zoo.org.au.

New mental injury strategy A new WorkSafe Victoria strategy will aim to address the growing challenge of mental injuries in workplaces. The Mental Health Strategy 2021-2024 outlines WorkSafe’s plan to prevent mental injury, build capacity for mentally healthy workplaces and support injured workers. According to WorkSafe, there were 3518 new mental injury claims last year. WorkSafe chief executive Colin Radford said mental injury claims were expected to grow to a third of all claims in the next decade. “With many adults spending a third of their life at work, mentally healthy workplaces offer huge benefits to workers, their families and communities, and the productivity of their workplaces,” Mr Radford said. “Mentally healthy workplaces have measures in place to identify and control risks to prevent harm, manage harm when it does occur and support recovery. “By supporting employers to take a prevention-led approach to mental health, WorkSafe aims to create safer workplaces, to reduce harm to workers who suffer a mental injury and support their recovery and safe return to work.” There are five focus areas of the strategy, including; compliance and enforcement; fostering organisational change; awareness through education and training; building an evidence base; and supporting innovation.

(Supplied/Zoos Victoria)

An x-ray of the Brown falcon taken by staff at Werribee Open Range Zoo. (Supplied/Zoos Victoria)

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Aakriti Malhotra is a year 10 student at Suzanne Cory High School.

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256912_02 (Damjan Janevski)

Tearing down barriers Suzanne Cory High School student Aakriti Malhotra has been recognised for her leadership and community work. Aakriti, who lives in Seabrook, is in year 10 at the Werribee school. Aakriti said it was an “absolute honour” to receive the Australian Defence Force Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award at a recent school presentation night. “The thing I really value from the award, it’s a leadership and teamwork award in recognition of the extracurricular activities I continue to do locally and globally,” she said. At 15 years old, Aakriti has an impressive portfolio of volunteer work under her belt. She is an editor and project manager at Girls in STEM, an international student-run organisation that promotes science to girls and women. Aakriti is also a member of The New York Academy of Sciences, a program for high-achieving students. Within the same New York organisation, she is part of the 1000 Girls 1000 Futures Mentees program, which encourages girls to take up leadership, communications and advocacy roles.

“I think what I enjoy is really just to be able to make a difference in my community,” Aakriti said. “It’s important to empower other girls and women around the world and let them know not to stop due to gender barriers.” In addition, Aakriti is co-chair at the Victorian Student Representative Council (VicSRC), as well as being a member of its executive advisory committee. In her VicSRC role, she has spoken at summits held by the Victorian Council of Social Service and other organisations, and met Education Minister James Merlino. “Students are a major stakeholder in education, we need to be involved in the conversation,” Aakriti said. As well, she volunteers in aged care centres and as a tutor with Equal Ed for refugee and disadvantaged students. At Suzanne Cory, Aakriti is the Rothwell House initiatives captain. Her hobbies include debating, singing in choirs and ensembles, dancing, netball and playing the piano and clarinet. Alesha Capone

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Last week I was honoured to be elected Mayor of the City of Wyndham for the 2021-22 term. This is ƚŚĞ ƚŚŝƌĚ ƟŵĞ / ŚĂǀĞ ďĞĞŶ ĞůĞĐƚĞĚ ƚŽ ƚŚŝƐ ƉŽƐŝƟŽŶ ďǇ ŵǇ ŽƵŶĐŝůůŽƌ ĐŽůůĞĂŐƵĞƐ͕ ĂŶĚ / ŚĂǀĞ ƚŽ ƐĂǇ ƚŚĂƚ / ŶĞǀĞƌ ĞǆƉĞĐƚĞĚ ƚŽ ďĞ ŐŝǀĞŶ ƚŚĞ ŽƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƚǇ ƚŽ ƐĞƌǀĞ ŵǇ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚǇ ŝŶ ƚŚŝƐ ǁĂǇ ƐŽ ŵĂŶǇ ƟŵĞƐ͘ ŌĞƌ ůŝǀŝŶŐ ŝŶ tǇŶĚŚĂŵ ĨŽƌ ŵŽƐƚ ŽĨ ŵǇ ůŝĨĞ͕ / ĐĂŶ ƐĂĨĞůǇ ĚĞĐůĂƌĞ / ĐŽƵůĚ ŶŽƚ ŝŵĂŐŝŶĞ Ă ďĞƩĞƌ ƉůĂĐĞ ƚŽ ĐĂůů ŚŽŵĞ͘ dŚĞ ƉĞŽƉůĞ ĂƌĞ ǁŚĂƚ ŵĂŬĞ ƚŚŝƐ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚǇ ŐƌĞĂƚ͕ ĂŶĚ / Ăŵ ǀĞƌǇ ŵƵĐŚ ůŽŽŬŝŶŐ ĨŽƌǁĂƌĚ ƚŽ ǁŽƌŬŝŶŐ ƟƌĞůĞƐƐůǇ ƚŽ ƌĞƉƌĞƐĞŶƚ ƚŚĞŵ ĂƐ DĂǇŽƌ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ŶĞǆƚ ϭϮ ŵŽŶƚŚƐ͘ dŚĞ Ks/ Ͳϭϵ ƉĂŶĚĞŵŝĐ ĂŶĚ ĂƐƐŽĐŝĂƚĞĚ ůŽĐŬĚŽǁŶƐ ŚĂǀĞ ďĞĞŶ ĞǆƚƌĞŵĞůǇ ĚŝĸĐƵůƚ ĨŽƌ ŽƵƌ ĞŶƟƌĞ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚǇ͕ ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ ŽƵƌ ƐƉŽƌƟŶŐ ĐůƵďƐ͘ Ɛ ŽƵŶĐŝů͛Ɛ ĐƟǀĞ ŝƚǇ ƉŽƌƞŽůŝŽ ŚŽůĚĞƌ͕ / Ăŵ ǀĞƌǇ ĞǆĐŝƚĞĚ ƚŽ ƐĞĞ ƚŚĞƐĞ ĐůƵďƐ ďĞŝŶŐ ĂďůĞ ƚŽ ŚŽůĚ ƐƉŽƌƟŶŐ ĞǀĞŶƚƐ ŽŶĐĞ ĂŐĂŝŶ͘ dŚĞ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚǇ ĐŽŶŶĞĐƟŽŶƐ ĂŶĚ ƉŚǇƐŝĐĂů ĂŶĚ ŵĞŶƚĂů ŚĞĂůƚŚ ďĞŶĞĮƚƐ ƚŚĂƚ ƚĞĂŵ ƐƉŽƌƚƐ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞ ƐŚŽƵůĚ ŶŽƚ ďĞ ƵŶĚĞƌĞƐƟŵĂƚĞĚ͘ tŝƚŚ ŽƵƌ ǁĞĂƚŚĞƌ ƐƚĂƌƟŶŐ ƚŽ ǁĂƌŵ ƵƉ ƚŽŽ͕ ƚŚĞƌĞ ŝƐ ŶŽ ďĞƩĞƌ ƟŵĞ ƚŽ ƚƌǇ ŽƵƚ Ă ŶĞǁ ƐƉŽƌƚ ĂŶĚ ŵĂǇďĞ ĞǀĞŶ ũŽŝŶ ǇŽƵƌ ůŽĐĂů ĐůƵď͘ &Žƌ ŵŽƌĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ ŽŶ ŽƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƟĞƐ ĨŽƌ ŐĞƫŶŐ ŝŶǀŽůǀĞĚ ŝŶ ůŽĐĂů ƐƉŽƌƚƐ͕ ǀŝƐŝƚ ŚƩƉƐ͗ͬͬ ǁǁǁ͘ǁǇŶĚŚĂŵ͘ǀŝĐ͘ŐŽǀ͘ĂƵͬƐĞƌǀŝĐĞƐͬƐƉŽƌƚƐͲƉĂƌŬƐͲ ƌĞĐƌĞĂƟŽŶͬƐƉŽƌƚƐͲĐůƵďͲĂƐƐŽĐŝĂƟŽŶƐͬĐůƵďŚƵď Regards, Cr Peter Maynard

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Call for growth areas minister By Alesha Capone The National Growth Areas Alliance (NGAA) is calling on the federal government to appoint a minister for Australia’s outer metropolitan growth areas, including Wyndham and Melton. The NGAA is the peak body for councils in Australia’s urban growth areas, and advocates to state and federal governments on behalf of the 5.2 million residents living in these regions. Wyndham mayor Peter Maynard is a

member of the NGAA’s strategic advisory committee. The NGAA last week revealed its priorities ahead of next year’s federal election,. NGAA chief executive Bronwen Clark said that appointing a dedicated minister for growth areas would help to deliver planning for infrastructure, jobs and housing “more evenly” across all metropolitan areas. “Wyndham is definitely out the front of growth areas, especially because of the stage of growth that Wyndham is at, they are really feeling the long-term concerns of governments overlooking growth areas,” Ms Clark said.

She said there were 110 babies being born in Wyndham every week. In addition, Wyndham residents lodged 2088 Homebuilder applications with the federal government between June 4, 2020, and January 19, 2021, the highest amount in Australia. “What this has caused, with long-term planning for things people need – including parks and reserves – is they are all being brought forward by five years by council, because that growth wasn’t planned,” Ms Clark said. She said one key task for a minister for

growth areas would be to help alleviate financial pressure on residents by driving the creation of jobs in outer metropolitan areas, where ample land is could be transformed into industrial, manufacturing and high employment zones. “Research we did last year shows 17 per cent of household income in Wyndham is spent just on travel costs, often to get to work.” She also said it was critical that a minister for growth areas be appointed to lead a national response to growth area inequities and COVID-19 recovery.

Summer sessions at Werribee South beach Wyndham council has partnered with Life Saving Victoria to provide patrols at Werribee South beach for a six-week period from mid-December to late January. In the build up to summer, the council will also be hosting a range of events until Saturday, December 11. The Werribee South Beach Sessions will be activity-based and with a focus on swim safety for residents of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. Beach clean-ups, sport events and photography sessions will also be held. Councillor Adele Hegedich said: “The Werribee South Beach Summer Sessions, combined with the important patrolling from Life Saving Victoria, will make Wyndham the place to be during the warmer months”. “The range of fun and informative events

will help residents swim safely throughout summer right here in Wyndham.” To stay safe at the beach this summer, remember to: • Swim between the red and yellow flags • Read the beach safety signs to check swimming conditions • Speak to lifeguards on patrol before swimming • Swim with a friend, buddy or companion • If in trouble, stay calm and raise your arm above your head to signal to patrolling Life Savers Details: https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/ werribee-south-beach-summer-sessions Wyndham council will run summer events at Werribee South beach until December 11. (Supplied/Wyndham council)

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Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance. Belinda with new-born son Oliver, and two year-old Arlo. Both boys were born outside of Wyndham, but spent time as patients in Werribee Mercy Hospital’s Special Care Nursery. (Joe Mastroianni) 226335_01

The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme. Send your application letter and resume to: Mandy Clark Group Advertising Sales Manager mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au

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

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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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

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Play produces Christmas magic Werribee playwright Alaine Beek is in rehearsals for a new play she has written which captures the magic of Christmas. The Scrunch Test will be performed at the Wyndham Cultural Centre next month. “It’s based on the true stories of my Scottish parents who emigrated to Australia,” Ms Beek said. The show is being directed by Kevin Hopkins, with the cast consisting of Ms Beek, Ross Daniels, Will McDonald and Andrew Dang. Ms Beek said The Scrunch Test was suitable for audiences aged 15 and over, due to adult themes and coarse language. “We’re calling it a black comedy with heart,”

she said. Ms Beek said writing the script was “a cathartic experience”. “I had to dig deep into both the joys of Christmas that I grew up with in Scotland but also the challenges of facing difficult family issues,” she said. “I have tried to be as honest as possible to hopefully connect with audiences who have gone through similar experiences.” Ms Beek said her father, a “merchant mariner” First Officer in the Merchant Navy, loved his family. “My memories of him as a child was that he was my hero,” she said. “He put so much of his energy and time into

us as children.” However, Ms Beek said he was also an alcoholic. “But looking back I think when he was on the path to becoming a heavy drinker, we judged him too harshly,” she said. “The challenge in this play is to show with all his flaws, he was essentially a family man.” Ms Beek said she hoped audiences would walk out of the production “with a sense of joy and hope that if we communicate honestly we’ll get through anything”. The Scrunch Test will be staged 7.30pm on December 22 and December 23 at 2pm and 7.30pm. Details: https://bit.ly/30HLarx

Alaine Beek and Ross Daniels in The Scrunch Test. (Supplied).

Werribee South beach plan Wyndham council is calling on residents to have their say on the new Werribee South Beach Master Plan. The project aims to develop Werribee South beach into a welcoming and fun place to visit under Wyndham’s Coastal and Marine Management Plan. The plan proposes the creation of a deck and seating area overlooking Werribee River, as well as improved picnic facilities, shelters and the planting of more trees. A new playground with more opportunities for children of all abilities has also been suggested, along with an upgrade to the shared pedestrian and bike path to create a wider Bay Trail and installation of fitness equipment and facilities for cyclists. The creation of a coastal demonstration garden using native plants that will attract birds and wildlife to inspire visitors to increase coastal habitat values in some of Wyndham’s private gardens has been proposed as well, along with the creation of an area for food trucks during the summer months. Feedback on the Werribee South Beach Master Plan is due by December 13, 2021. Details: https://theloop.wyndham.vic.gov.au/ werribee-south-beach-master-plan

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New sport centre A proposal to develop a $2.35 million indoor badminton facility in Point Cook has been lodged with Wyndham council. The planning permit application is seeking permission to construct the sports centre, along with 38 car parks and 12 bicycle spaces, at 16 Wallace Avenue. If approved by the council, a building capable of holding up to 53 patrons will be erected on the site. The proposal includes plans for a reception area, a pro shop, a store, a tea room, a toilet for people with a disability and female and male change rooms. The facility’s proposed opening hours are 10am-10pm Monday to Friday and 9am- 9pm Saturday and Sunday. The centre would generally be staffed by about two staff people at a time and up to six people during twice-yearly badminton tournaments. A design response report, submitted to the council by Town Planners Melbourne along with the planning application documents, states the proposed badminton facility and parking capacity “have been reached through careful consideration of adjoining properties and the nature of the site and its use”. “It reflects a high standard of design, which strikes a balance between supporting community health and well-being and employment opportunities whilst protecting the amenity of the local area,” the report reads.

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Demand high for land in west By Alesha Capone Demand for residential land in Melbourne’s western growth corridor is outstripping supply, according to the RPM real estate group. The residential development sales, marketing and advisory agency last week released its residential market review for the three months to September 30. The western growth corridor, which covers Wyndham, Melton and Bacchus Marsh, experienced 3332 lot sales – a seven per cent increase across the period and also the highest

across all growth areas. RPM’s project marketing managing director, Luke Kelly, said that 2779 lots in the western growth corridor were released for sale in the September quarter, adding to the 1800 lots already on the market. “There is more demand than there is supply and that is putting a lot of pressure for developers to continue releasing at that rate,” Mr Kelly said. He said the market “was operating at a level never seen before” with more than 2500 vacant land lot sales per month across Melbourne and Geelong in the past nine months, compared to

a usual median of 1500 sales per month. Mr Kelly said the reasons behind this included low interest rates and the number of people with equity in their established homes, who were looking to buy an investment property. Mr Kelly said that with Melbourne’s median house price now $1 million or higher in suburbs such as Altona, Maribyrnong, Oak Park and Frankston South, buying a house and land package in Wyndham for about $620,000 was relatively affordable. “The result of that is that if people renting in those suburbs want to buy, they tend to buy a

bit further out,” he said. “It’s a good time to buy in Wyndham. “These sort of ingredients suggest there could be some prices rises in the future.” The RPM report said that Melbourne’s median lot price has reached $326,000. In between July and September, Wyndham experienced a 29 per cent escalation in gross lot sales, its highest number in four years. The median price for a vacant residential 400 square metre lot stands at $282,000 in Manor Lakes, $334,000 in Werribee, $367,000 in Tarneit, $370,000 in Truganina and $499,000 in Point Cook.

Summer lessons A school holiday swimming program will continue for at least another two years. Community Sport Minister Ros Spence visited Sunshine Leisure Centre on Monday to announce $800,000 in funding for the VICSWIM Summer Kidz Program to continue for the next two years. The program is held over the first three weeks of January, with each week consisting of five consecutive 30-minute lessons from Monday to Friday. A record 16,141 children took part in the program last summer at 167 venues across Victoria . Sunshine Leisure Centre facilities operations manager Arron Holman said the program was really popular amongst families in Brimbank. “There are still too many kids drowning – which is why our continued investment in VICSWIM is so important. “We’re making it easier for families to access the VICSWIM Summer Kidz Program no matter where they live or their circumstances – so more Victorian kids can learn to swim safely.”

Maintain blocks Doug Mullet says the traditional Lions Christmas cakes and puddings are delicious.

(Joe Mastroianni). 258762_03

Festive treats to fund good work Werribee Lions Club volunteers will be selling traditional Lions Christmas cakes and puddings from this Saturday onwards to fund charitable and community works. Doug Mullett will be among the Lions members selling the tasty festive desserts on weekends, at locations including Pacific Werribee (near the Target entrance) and at Bunnings stores in Hoppers Crossing and Werribee. The cakes and puddings will also be sold at Manor Lakes Shopping Centre and by staff at the Bunnings Tarneit cafe.

Mr Mullett said funds raised through previous sales had gone to causes such as providing Hart Walkers for children, a trampoline and playground for special schools, barcode readers for blind people and St John Ambulance equipment. Mr Mullett said that with the COVID-19 pandemic causing most of the Lions’ regular fundraising activities to be cancelled across the past two years, selling the cakes and puddings was more important than ever. He said the need for assistance in the community “has never been greater”.

“Even if you don’t buy anything, say hello to our volunteers,” he said. “And let the places we sell at know that they are public-spirited by providing space and facilities free, so the profits all go to worthy causes - for which we are grateful.” Prices are $15 for 1.5 kilogram cakes, $13 for 1 kilogram cakes and 900 gram puddings and $2 for a 40 gram slice. Details: https://bit.ly/3qWL4GU Alesha Capone

With fire season approaching, Wyndham council is reminding land-owners to maintain vacant lots. Long grass and rubbish can become fire hazards during the summer season between December and March. To avoid fire risk, residents should ensure that grass and vegetation on their property is kept at a maximum height of 150mm, including around fence lines, and all litter and flammable substances are removed. Wyndham council recommends lot owners install temporary fencing around their property to mitigate rubbish dumping and collecting on their land. Council officers will be conducting inspections over the coming months and fines will be sent to land-owners who have not maintained their vacant lot. For more information go to : w w w.w y n d h a m .v i c . g o v. a u /s e r v i c e s / local-laws-permits/laws-permits-residents/ maintaining-your-property

Frontline workers bear the brunt finds Victoria uni study The COVID-19 pandemic has placed incredible strain on already stretched frontline healthcare workers, according to a national survey led by Victoria University researchers. Almost 6670 Australian frontline healthcare workers have shared their experiences at the height of the pandemic in 2020, responding to a question about the main challenges they faced. The study revealed that COVID exacerbated cracks in a system already under stress in terms of job satisfaction, workforce retention and patient care.

Lead author Karen Willis from Victoria University said the study arrives as the Australian Medical Association releases modelling that predicts hundreds of beds in the nation’s hospitals could be permanently full of COVID-19 patients each day as restrictions ease, leading to overcrowding in emergency departments and extended wait times for elective surgeries. “The study shows that the COVID-19 pandemic had added pressures to an already strained workplace and has created new stresses and challenges for our frontline healthcare workers including increased

workloads, unfamiliar tasks outside their usual scope of work, disruption of established teams and rapidly changing procedures,” she said. “The overriding message was that there is a need for a safe workplace, where frontline healthcare workers feel valued and where there is a focus on retaining and supporting the workforce, which then translates into high quality patient care.” The data was collected as part of the anonymous online Australian COVID-19 Frontline Healthcare Workers Study by Victoria University and Monash University

researchers. Professor Willis said that even before the arrival of COVID-19, some frontline healthcare workers described their work environments as “extreme”, with COVID-19 exacerbating work-life imbalance, impacting their personal lives, and presenting a range of work-based challenges. The study also highlighted concerns about changes to the provision of patient care, job uncertainty and rapid changes to work practices and guidelines. Benjamin Millar Wednesday, 24 November, 2021 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 13

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Ambulance response times up By Alesha Capone Average ambulance response times for the most urgent of emergency cases in Wyndham have increased by almost two minutes, within 12 months. Ambulance Victoria recently released its average response times for between July to September. The data showed that the average response time in Wyndham has reached 13.32 minutes for code one cases – which is classified as patients needing vital medical attention for situations such as cardiac arrest, heart attack or stroke. In comparison, for the same period in

2020, the average ambulance response time in Wyndham was 11.33 minutes. Paramedics responded to 2704 code one call-outs across the municipality between July and September this year, compared to 2206 last year. The Ambulance Victoria report also showed that paramedics reached 74.2 per cent of code-one call-outs in Wyndham within 15 minutes or less, between July and September 2021, compared to 82.4 per cent during the same three months of 2020. Ambulance Victoria aims to reach 85 per cent of all code one cases within 15 minutes. Ambulance Victoria chief executive Professor Tony Walker said the data showed

the entire health system was “under significant pressure and increasing demand”. Overall, Victorian paramedics responded to 80,459 code one cases between July and September, a 17.2 per cent increase on the same time last year. “Along with increasing numbers of COVID-19 positive patients, demand has quickly rebounded to levels prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the lockdowns,” Professor Walker said. He said that ambulance performance data has also been impacted by time spent transferring patients at busy hospitals and the need to don PPE for all call-outs. Professor Walker said that in September,

Ambulance Victoria launched a new service to help non-emergency patients across eight municipalities, including Wyndham. The Medium Acuity Transport Service (MATS) is the first stage of a $266 million investment by the state government to reduce ambulance response times. The MATS service, which consists of 22 vehicles and 165 staff, partners paramedic recruits with more experienced Ambulance Victoria staff to allow the newer employees to learn from their more senior counterparts. “MATS crews are dedicated to less-urgent calls to free up ambulances to respond to the most critical cases,” Professor Walker said.

Guide Dog handler Scott uses the BindiMaps app to navigate. (Supplied).

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Deputy mayor Jasmine Hill with the new book locker at Williams Landing Shopping Centre.

(Joe Mastroianni). 258017_02

Locker makes book collection easy A book locker which acts like a vending machine has been installed at Williams Landing Shopping Centre. Wyndham council announced the “fabulous new addition” to its library services on Monday. The high-tech machine, which has 18 lockers, has been installed with the aim of making it easier for residents to access resources such as books and magazines from Wyndham’s libraries. The free service allows library members to request an item for loan and collect it from the book locker.

Each locker in the machine is big enough to fit about 12 standard-sized books. Wyndham’s deputy mayor and learning city portfolio holder, councillor Jasmine Hill, said the machine would make borrowing and returning books easier for Williams Landing community members. “Research has shown that library facilities close to shopping centres will have high catchment areas,” Cr Hill said. Cr Hill said the book locker vending machine was a pilot for Wyndham, with the council hoping to install additional machines at train stations and other areas of high traffic

in the municipality, if the trial is deemed successful. “Wyndham city is committed to providing services for our community that help to encourage and foster learning,” Cr Hill said. To use the book locker, request a loan via https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/services/ libraries or email libraries@wyndham.vic. gov.au The library will notify you when your book is ready and which locker to pick it up from. Residents will have 10 days to collect their loans from the vending machine, which also has a book return chute.

Hear bestselling writer give an author talk Writer Heather Morris will give an author talk through Wyndham libraries’ online program next month. Morris is the author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz and its follow-up, Cilka’s Journey, which have sold eight million copies worldwide. The Tattooist of Auschwitz, which was released in 2018, is based on the true story of Slovakian Jew Lale Sokolov and his wife Gita. Lale was imprisoned at Auschwitz in 1942 and he fell in love with a girl he was tattooing at the concentration camp. Morris spent three years interviewing Lale, up to his death in 2006, before writing the 14 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 24 November, 2021

novel which went on to become a New York Times bestseller. During her Wyndham libraries talk, Morris will speak about her new novel, Three Sisters, which is also based on a true story about three teenage siblings, two of whom were sent to Auschwitz during World War II. The Wyndham libraries event will feature Morris in conversation with writer Claire Halliday. Halliday, who has had more than 1000 feature articles published in a range of publications including Australian Women’s Weekly, GQ, Marie Claire, Australian Men’s Style and Rolling Stone, has also written five

books. Her fifth non-fiction work, Things My Father Taught Me, features interviews with George Calombaris, Reverend Tim Costello, Anthony Callea, Matthew Reilly, David Koch, Em Rusciano, Catriona Rowntree, Ann Peacock and other well-known figures talking about the impact their fathers had on their lives. The Heather Morris author talk will be held online on Wednesday, December 1 between 7.30pm – 8.30pm. Bookings required. Details: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/ whats-on/heather-morris-author-talk

Pacific Werribee shopping centre is now more accessible for people with low vision or blindness following the installation of new wayfinding beacon technology, BindiMaps. Guide Dogs Victoria has joined forces with BindiMaps, supported by Wyndham council, to install new navigation technology at Pacific Werribee, working to ensure the community is more accessible for people with a disability. The installation was made possible by a Community Strengthening Grant from Wyndham council, which is dedicated to making public spaces easier and more efficient for locals to navigate. BindiMaps is a smartphone app that uses wayfinding beacon technology to enable people with low vision or blindness to navigate complicated indoor spaces with confidence. It uses a simple language audio system to describe where users are and what’s around them, and the best way to get to their chosen destination. Guide Dogs Victoria chief executive Karen Hayes said that increased access to public spaces, such as at shopping centres, is extremely beneficial for the independence and wellbeing of people with low vision or blindness. “We are so excited for Pacific Werribee to be a place that provides safe and independent access, and hope to see this technology rolled out across many more community sites across the state,” she said. Founder and chief executive of BindiMaps, Dr Anna Wright, said: “While BindiMaps can enhance the shopping experience for any customer, it completely changes the way people with low vision or blindness can safely and independently access indoor spaces. Pacific Werribee general manager, Ryan Ling, said the shopping centre was excited to offer the new service to the Wyndham community. Details: https://bindimaps.com/

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BEHIND THE NEWS

Dingoes find a safe sanctuary Nestled on the side of a hill, down a dirt road and overlooking the incredible Macedon Ranges sits a 40-hectare sanctuary for a group of 43 dingoes and four dingo cubs. Sarah Oliver visited the Toolern Vale sanctuary to find out more about its work and the dingoes it cares for.

he Dingo Discovery Sanctuary, Research and Education Centre is the only one of its kind in the world, and it aims to preserve and conserve the gene pool of the original dingo, educate the public, facilitate non-invasive research and participate in rehabilitation. Sanctuary supervisor and zoologist, Kevin Newman, says they’re working towards finding a way for dingoes and people to exist together. “There’s still a lot of anti-dingo sentiment which is what we as an organisation are trying to counteract,” Kevin says. Although there are some areas where dingoes are protected in the wild, Victoria still has a bounty on dingoes who venture into private land. This means any landowner can hunt and kill a dingo if it’s on or within three kilometres of their property, continuing the classification of the dingo as ‘threatened’ under the flora and fauna guarantee act 1988.

‘‘

They’re more like a cat in a dog suit

’’

- Kevin Newman

“Realistically, humans are the biggest danger to dingoes more than anything else,” Kevin says. “If they’re treated right and they’re raised right, or if you just leave them alone in the wild, they’re extremely wonderful animals. “More people get injured by domestic dogs in their own house than ever will get injured from a dingo.” The dingoes live in pairs in the sanctuary with life-long partners monogamously, and act more like cats than people realise. “They’re more like a cat in a dog suit,” Kevin says. The sanctuary houses all three breeds of dingoes – alpine, desert and tropical – with the focus mainly on the most at risk: alpines. One such alpine dingo is the famous Wandi who was found after being dropped in someone’s backyard, most likely by a bird of prey, and is now the subject of a new children’s book written by Favel Parrett, who also volunteers at the sanctuary. The book is an entertaining source of information for children, which Kevin says is vital to educating Australians from an early age about dingoes. “That’s really something we’re really working on … especially with something like Wandi’s book, it’s getting to the kids and getting into the schools,” he says. “He has really brought attention to the fact that there are still pure dingoes left here in Victoria, and that it’s important to protect them because they are at threat.” The dingoes are either bred in the sanctuary, or arrive as wild-born rescues. Many people will call the sanctuary when they have found a dingo in need of rescue, however Kevin says it’s important to make sure the dingo or cub actually needs rescuing. “The problem is often … they’re not really orphaned, it might just be that their parents are off hunting … so sometimes dingoes can get taken out of the wild that don’t need to be. “We actually try and encourage people not to take them out and only after observing them and watching them a period of time, even weeks or days … just making sure there’s no parents returning. “Because we don’t want to have to keep taking animals away from their family and away from the area where they should be living if it’s not necessary.” The sanctuary differs from others with its focus on DNA purity, with samples sent to the University of New South Wales for testing. “That’s really important to us; for keeping

The sanctuary is home to 43 dingoes and four cubs. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 257317

that genetic line of pure dingoes that we always have into the future,” Kevin says. “We know they still exist in the wild, they’re still out there in the wild but we want to make sure we’re not going to lose them.” Wandi recently fathered two cubs who are being taken care of at the sanctuary by Kevin and the volunteers. Kevin says Wandi still looks up at the sky to look out for any prey in order to protect his cubs. The cubs, along with two others from another pair of dingoes, will be raised in the sanctuary to get used to people so that when they are older, they will be a good resource for education. There are still many dingoes who will never have the right personality for human interaction and so will eventually be released

back into the wild when they’re ready, according to Kevin. He hopes society will get to a point where there is not so much negative stigma attached to dingoes. He says the bounty was born out of farmers and landowners wanting to protect livestock with negative feelings towards dingoes being “a very ingrained ideology”. “In reality, there’s not a lot of livestock that are taken by predators. It’s a really low number.” Wooleen cattle station in Western Australia is one of very few who allow healthy, stable dingo populations to live on the property. The dingoes help with controlling the rabbit population, scare away kangaroos or feral goats and pigs. Dingoes also don’t hassle cattle

because they’re too big for a dingo to hunt. They also only eat lean meat like rabbits, possums and sometimes fish. They also love insects. “The fact is so many other countries are doing it so much better than we are. They work out different ways to protect livestock from jaguars, lions, coyotes, wolves,” Kevin says. There is now a group, Landholders for Dingoes, who help to educate landowners and farmers about how they can incorporate dingoes into how their stations are run. “It’s about how we can look at co-existing with them rather than trying to wipe them out completely,” Kevin says. The sanctuary offers private tours via donations to the Australian Dingo Foundation. Details: https://dingofoundation.org/ Wednesday, 24 November, 2021 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 15

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Challenges ahead for VU chief Benjamin Millar When vice chancellor Adam Shoemaker took on the top job at Victoria University, the state was emerging from the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Things were looking up and people were preparing for a better 2021. Then the Delta variant arrived and the state was once again plunged into a lengthy lockdown. As the state once again slowly opens up, Professor Shoemaker is aware the education sector and the broader community have been badly battered, seeing both the responsibilities and opportunities for VU going forward. The focus has been shaped by a new strategy designed virtually from scratch over a 12-week period beginning in March this year, with input from almost 1000 staff and students.

“We able to do a new strategic plan faster than I’ve ever seen before,” he said. Adding to the challenges will be the hit to revenue of a drop in international students, down from about 18 per cent to just eight per cent of the student body. “Yes it’s been a problem, it’s been a hit, but we have other things that we’re doing to try and provide a bulwark against that,” Prof Shoemaker said. The University is also aware that many of the more than 40,000 students will be in financial difficulty, with much of the casual and part-time work drying up. “Students have done it particularly hard, think of all the part-time jobs that have disappeared,” Prof Shoemaker said. VU has provided direct support where possible and is also focusing on helping

people retrain and up-skill for new opportunities, particularly those living across Melbourne’s western suburbs, hardest hit by the pandemic. There will be renewed focus on key pathways in areas like healthcare and more energy put into new and existing partnerships such as those with the Western Bulldogs, Western United, Greater Western Water and Western Health. While the technology and online learning that has enabled teaching to continue through lockdown will remain a feature going forward, Professor Shoemaker said people are also excited about the prospect of a physical return to campuses. “It’s accelerated, but people still yearn for the personal relationships and people still need contact with other people,” he said.

VU Vice Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker. (Supplied)

School cooking classes are in the learning mix

Students Athou and Htoo with Thermomix business development manager Lucinda Ubilla, WCEC youth manager Teresa Vizintin, students Alek and Tabitha, and Thermomix Werribee area team leader Kylie Brooks. 257694 (Joe Mastroianni)

Kitchen appliance brand Thermomix has donated one of its latest TM6 models to the Wyndham Community and Education Centre (WCEC) to help students learn valuable cooking skills. The donation to the Werribee centre forms part of a national initiative to help students across Australia learn about food preparation. Thermomix business development manager Lucinda Ubilla and Werribee area team leader Kylie Brooks attended the WCEC to assist with the students’ first cooking experience on Monday, November 15. WCEC youth manager Teresa Vizintin also joined in the cooking session. “The students here at Wyndham CEC are extremely happy and grateful for the donation,” Ms Vizintin said.

Serving up opportunity By Tara Murray Sunshine cafe and restaurant owner Hamed Allayhari knows what many asylum seekers and refugees are going through; n o job, being to speak little English, and struggling to find their way in the community. Mr Allayhari was in the same situation when he arrived in Australia. “In my country Iran, I was a chef,” he said. “We had one week to leave the country and we didn’t even say goodbye to my family. It was easiest to come by boat, as we couldn’t get a visa. “Coming to Australia wasn’t an easy decision. I lived in a detention centre when I came out here.” Mr Allayhari finally settled in Melbourne. It would be two years before he was allowed to work or study, and even when he was allowed to work he couldn’t find a job. He said receiving knockback after knockback was really tough. “They would say leave your CV and we will get in contact with you,” he said. “I didn’t give up, but a lot of people would as it’s the easy thing to do, not working and get government support instead. “They don’t feel part of the community and a couple of years later they become depressed.” Mr Allayhari started to volunteer at the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre in Footscray, cooking meals twice a week. His food, Persian, was a hit and he would form the dream of owning his own place in Melbourne. He would find a job at Free to Feed, a pop-up 16 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 24 November, 2021

cooking school where all classes are run by asylum seekers and refugees. It would then lead to him starting Cafe Sunshine & SalamaTea. SalamaTea is a not-for-profit social enterprise cafe that runs regular barista training courses to help incoming residents improve their language skills and find employment in Australia. Mr Allayhari has run 20-plus cooking classes, sharing his story to more than 2500 people, and runs barista courses twice a year while providing external English classes for his employees. The cafe and restaurant has become a home to many other refugees and asylum seekers as they seek to set up a life for themselves. “This is my way of giving back to the community and supporting refugees and asylum seekers,” he said. “It’s giving jobs to people who don’t have a reference or skills and are new to the country. “We send them to english classes and get them to work in the restaurant and cafe.” Mr Allayhari said the employees will work for him for six to 12 months before moving on to new roles. He said many don’t know the difference between coffee types or where all the cutlery sits when they start. He said at times its challenging, but the customers and the partners, including Campos Coffee, support them. “We give customers the best coffee in the west. We haven’t had any complaints so far.” Mr Allayhari said he dreams of opening more cafes and restaurants so he can help more people.

Hamed Allayhari.

(Supplied)

“We are still pinching ourselves at this opportunity, and cannot wait to start making pizzas, smoothies, curries and the like.” The Wyndham Community and Education Centre offers community programs and education opportunities to residents. As one of Victoria’s largest adult and community education providers, WCEC provides several services including the weekly NOSH (nutrition, outreach, support and health) van and the daily Let’s Feed breakfast program as part of its VCAL and education programs for teenagers and young adults aged 15 to 24 years. Into the future, Thermomix and Ms Brooks will continue to provide the students and staff at WCEC with ongoing cooking classes and support. Details: https://wyndhamcec.org.au/

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BUSINESS

Opportunity to join a Star team Are you a people person? A recent high school or university graduate? Looking for a career change? Star News Group is looking for sales executives to join the team and work closely with clients across the western and northern suburbs. To be successful in this role, applicants must be able to work autonomously and independently but also thrive in a team environment. In a position with a strong community focus, Star Weekly sales executives will engage on online, over the phone and face-to-face with clients and team members. With a base salary and ability to work towards commission, successful applicants will need to be able to achieve multiple KPIs, in both print and digital areas. Experience in the industry or field isn’t a prerequisite, but the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, work to deadlines and maintain discipline will be valued highly. Applicants must also have their driver’s licence and reliable vehicle as well as effective written and oral communication skills. With the potential to face rejection from clients, applicants will need to be resilient and have the ability to bounce back. Cold-calling and visiting clients and businesses will all be a part of the job. “No day is ever the same here – there’s always something going on and you’ll never have a dull moment at Star Weekly,” account manager Gayle Williams said. “The people you’ll meet and the connections you make will hold you in great stead for the future.” On the job training will be provided to successful applicants, with a strong team culture and great office location in Keilor Park waiting for the right fit. For more information on the role or to apply, email Star Weekly’s group advertising sales manager, Mandy Clark, at mandy.clark@ starnewsgroup.com.au.

The team at Star Weekly Keilor Park is looking for new staff members to come onboard.

FROM THE ARCHIVES Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors

30 years ago

25 years ago

20 years ago

10 years ago

November 25, 1981

November 20, 1991

November 21, 2001

November 23, 2011

Dr Ken Coghill, MLA for Werribee, has expressed in the Legislative Assembly his concern at the possibility of radio-active substances being buried at Laverton RAAF base. He said the persons seen burying material were clothed in suits covering themselves from head to toe.

The battle to save endangered grasslands at Laverton North intensified this week with the arrival of famous British botanist, David Bellamy. Professor Bellamy flew in to voice his protest at the threat posed by industrial subdivision of the 250ha parcel of land, which is bordered by Boundary Road.

Chirnside Park recreation groups have slammed the area’s proposed redevelopment and accused Wyndham Council of having a pre-set agenda. The comments came in reaction to the draft Chirnside Park master plan, available for public comment until November 28.

Ultimate collectors: One person’s hobby is another’s addiction.

Wednesday, 24 November, 2021 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 17

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

BinGO MOVE BinGO MOVE is a social exercise group which meets every Monday at 11am. It involves a fun interactive game where bingo numbers trigger an exercise or dance move. Activity suits all levels of ability, you can do seated or standing as suits. Currently running via Zoom, IPC Health will also offer face-to-face groups in Hoppers Crossing, when restrictions permit. ■ 8734 1400

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. ■ Sue, volunteer@ms.org.au or 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.

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

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

This photographer’s choice picture this week is a close up of Hugo Lobb’s bow by Damjan Janevski. Hugo received a 2021 Macedon Ranges Youth Award award for his dedication to archery. (257918)

suburbs with guide John. Walks start at 9.20am each Tuesday outside the Visitor Information Centre in Nelson Place. ■ John, 0418377336

Bowls for all

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

Now that the days of lockdown are over, why not come and try a sport that you can enjoy for a lifetime at the Williamstown Bowling Club, 40-58 Melbourne Road, Williamstown. They have Pennant teams and social bowls to suit all ages and abilities. ■ The club, 9397 5238

Dads’ playgroup

Hobsons Bay band

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

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

Diabetes support group

Altona North Combined Probus

The Westgate diabetes support group meets on the first Tuesday of every month at the Altona Bowling Club at 10am. ■ Elaine, 0415 030 996

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, 0414 481 442

Laverton Community Choir

Lions Christmas cakes, puddings Werribee Lions will be selling Lions Christmas cakes and puddings at Pacific Werribee (near Target entrance, from 9am–5pm), Manor Lakes Shopping Centre (outside Coles 9am-5pm), Bunnings Werribee (inside the main door 9am-5pm), Bunnings Hoppers Crossing (opposite the cafe, 8am-4pm) and Bunnings Tarneit (from the cafe– continuously). Sales will be held on weekends.

Heritage walks Enjoy a leisurely two-hour walk around historic Williamstown and nearby 18 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 24 November, 2021

■

Mouth organ band

Mahjong group

The Yarraville Mouth Organ Band meets Friday evenings at 203 Williamstown Road, Yarraville. Great music, friendly atmosphere. New members, players or beginners welcome. ■ Heather, 9399 2190

Interested in learning to play Mahjong? U3A Melton has a group who play on Tuesdays at 10am. ■ u3amelton.com or 0419 563 016

Community visitors The Office of the Public Advocate is seeking volunteers in the Melton area to become Community Visitors, upholding the human rights of people with a cognitive disability who are living in supported care. Community Visitors monitor and report on the adequacy of services being provided to residents, talk to residents to identify issues of concern and write a brief report at the conclusion of the visit. Training and reimbursement of expenses are provided. ■ opavolunteers@justice.vic.gov.au or 0418 931 247 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

Melton South Knit & Natter

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

All welcome to join this social crafting group, running at the Melton South Community Centre each Monday from 10am-noon. Bring along any knitting or crochet projects and work on them while sharing tips, learning skills and catching up over a cuppa. ■ 9747 8576

Rotary Club of Point Gellibrand meets at Customs House Hotel, 161 Nelson Place, Williamstown, on the first and third Tuesday of the month from 6pm for a 6.30pm dinner meeting. Visitors welcome.

First aid courses Melton South Community Centre offers a number of first aid courses for people wanting to learn or renew these valuable skills. One-day classes are held on Saturdays throughout the year. ■ 9747 8576

Melton Probus Club The Melton Probus Club meets on the first Tuesday of each month at the Melton Dart Club, 63A Reserve Road, from 9.45am. New members and visitors are most welcome. ■ 9746 0271

Female cricket Singing group

Friendship Group

Rotary club

Country Club, Reserve Road, Melton. Suzanne, 0417 512 420

■ Pam, 0418 347 691or rotarypointgellibrand@gmail.com

Zonta club meets The Zonta Club of Melton meets on the first Monday of each month at Melton

Burnside Springs United is looking for players for its women’s program for the upcoming North West Metropolitan Cricket Association season. A friendly and welcoming environment, the club welcomes all abilities and ages. The side trains on Thursday nights and plays on Sundays. ■ ow.ly/WRGg50GCXrC

Softball Sunshine Softball Club is after junior players as the club kicks off its new season. The club is running a come ‘n’ try Softball Batter Up program which is ideal for beginners. This skill-based program introduces players to the basics of the game with qualified coaches. ■ http://ow.ly/TOez50GHXku

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NEWS

Ashlee Brown, who runs an online support group for people have experienced trauma, has been named as the One Wyndham recipient for November. The award recognises residents aged between 12 and 25 years old who positively contribute to the municipality. Wyndham mayor Adele Hegedich said that Ms Brown was making a difference to the community through her positive can-do attitude and by helping others overcome trauma. Ms Brown chats with Alesha Capone. How do you feel to receive the One Wyndham award? I feel honoured and grateful to receive the One Wyndham award and to be acknowledged for the work that I am doing to assist in creating a better world for younger and future generations. Can you tell me a about the online support group you run to help people dealing with trauma? I run one primary support group online, using Facebook, that is called “Freedom Higher Vibes”. This group has been active for almost two years and it aims to assist people with healing from trauma, accessing support through their stages of awakening and gain knowledge on spirituality. The inspiration that triggers the creation of this group, was other Facebook groups around the world, that had provided me with light, or positive messages in some of darkest times. Once I began to work through the bulk of my trauma, and started to feel better, I wanted to do good, and help others do the same; with lockdowns and being an isolated single mum at the time, creating an online community space /support group seemed like the beat option to spread love, light and positivity. What do you enjoy about your volunteering? I love volunteering, whether it be simply posting in the group, offering free mentoring

(Supplied).

MY PLACE

to those in need or physically getting out in the community, and that it because it feels so good. Helping others, and sharing my love fills me with positive vibrations, lifts me up and makes me feel lighter. Often, I can even learn from the situations around me and become a stronger or wiser person myself, which is an added bonus. You are also studying? I am currently studying my masters in Reiki healing, which is basically energy management. While this (Reiki) is a regulated practice in Australia, it is internationally recognised by the Natural Healers’ Society. After I have completed these qualifications,

I intent to study business at a regulated and professional level. At this point, my goals include becoming my best self, guiding my children to do the same and travelling the world with them, to spread and share healing, love and light. I suppose you could say that I aim to secure successful and professional placement in the fields of holistic health and counselling as well as entrepreneurship and business. What else do you do with your time? I do have a small business partnership, our business is called Rise Enterprise and it is a gift shop, that primarily sells candles, jewellery natural self care products and

ethically sourced crystals. I make the candles, some of our jewellery and many of our natural self-care products. I love creating products that are natural and ethical, and knowing that those creations can assist in making the lives of others better. I should mention that Rise Enterprise also offers a range of services including holistic mentoring, oracle and tarot reading, home and aura cleansing, and will soon be offer Reiki healing. Would you like to add anything esle? I’m so grateful to the woman who nominated me for this award and for the team at council’s Youth Services for selecting me as the recipient.

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Wednesday, 24 November, 2021 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 19

PUZZLES No. 056

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.

9 8 4

2 5

7 8 6 5 2 4 6 1 9 5 1 3 7 1 9 6 5 7 3 1 2 5 1 2 8 1 medium

8 3 5 9

Plant cultivated for its grainlike seeds (9) Main actor (4) Goop (3) Accusations of subversion or treason (11) Advantageously (8) Overseas (6) Nerd (4) Waitstaff (7) Mythical horse-man (7) Scheme (4) A spice (6) Any place (8) Extreme conservatism or rightism in politics (11) Siesta (3) Yin counterpart (4) The world’s largest island (9)

6 10 11 12 13 14 15 20 21 25 26 28 29 30 31

No. 056

Schools of a university (8) Native American beads (6) Capital (9) Teaching period (4) Greek sea god (6) Fix (6) Reddish stalk used in pies (7) Grant (9) Token (7) European country (8) Dauntless (8) Power (6) Lineage (6) Coloured pencil (6) Shallow bell (4)

2 3 4 5 7 8 9

ACROSS 1

easy

QUICK CROSSWORD

16 17 18 19 22 23 24 27

DOWN Resent someone’s pleasure or good fortune (8)

DECODER

No. 056

4 7

7 3

7 5

4 6

1 4

5 2 9

7 4

5 hard

1 9 4 5 6 2 7 8 3

6 7 2 8 4 3 1 5 9

1 3 8 9 7 5 2 6 4

4 5 9 1 2 6 3 7 8

5 6 4 7 3 8 9 1 2

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”.

Today’s Aim: 11 words: Good 17 words: Very good

STAB SWAT WEED 5 LETTERS ACTOR AGLOW ALONE ANGLE ARENA AROMA ATONE CANAL COLIC CORAL CRAFT CRISP DRAFT EAGLE EARTH EDGED

4 LETTERS CANE DENT DIRE EMIR FOES HARP INTO LARD LOAN ONES ONTO REND RULE SEWN SLIT

FLORA FROGS GENIE GRASS HARSH ISLAM LEDGE LEEKS MEDAL NAEVE NEVER NYLON PEONS RIVAL ROUGE SCARF SCARS SHALL SLAIN SLOBS SPENT

TENET TWANG TWEED UNITE URINE UTTER VIDEO 6 LETTERS SCARCE TROUPE 7 LETTERS COMPETE EARBASH

FLEECED GELATIN HISSING LEECHES 8 LETTERS ASSIGNED AVERAGED BANDANNA DECANTER 10 LETTERS SCANDALISE SHARPENERS

26-11-21

No. 056 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down.

QUICK QUIZ

Who said 'The secret of being a bore is to say everything'?

2 3

NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

A L T R

7 6 5 1 2 4 3 9 8

C E

C O U R T A P N E A M E T A L

7 4 1 3 8 9 5 2 6

2 8 5 4 6 1 7 9 3

3 9 6 2 5 7 8 4 1

8 6 2 3 9 7 4 1 5

3 7 5 8 4 1 9 2 6

6 2 1 7 5 9 3 4 8

4 3 7 2 8 6 1 5 9

9 5 8 4 1 3 6 7 2

5 8 3 6 7 4 2 9 1

2 4 9 1 3 8 5 6 7

7 1 6 9 2 5 8 3 4

8 2 4 9 7 3 1 6 5

3 9 1 8 5 6 2 4 7

5 4 8 2 1 7 9 3 6

6 1 2 3 9 5 7 8 4

9 3 7 6 4 8 5 1 2

1 8 3 5 6 2 4 7 9

2 7 6 4 3 9 8 5 1

4 5 9 7 8 1 6 2 3

20 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 24 November, 2021

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WORDFIT

Where on the body would a scrumper piercing be found?

Before becoming governorgeneral, Quentin Bryce held what position in Queensland?

What is the name of the only military-sounding character in the board game Cluedo?

Following Adolf Hitler’s suicide, who served as the Third Reich’s Chancellor for one day?

In what year was the European Union established?

What is deoxyribonucleic acid?

What is the name of the actor mother of Gwyneth Paltrow (pictured)?

Greenland is a self-governing province of which European country?

10 What does the name of French cooking school Le Cordon Bleu mean? ANSWERS: 1. Voltaire 2. In the mouth 3. Colonel Mustard 4. DNA 5. Blythe Danner 6. Denmark 7. Governor of Queensland 8. Joseph Goebbels 9. 1993 10. Blue ribbon

SUDOKU

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12412038-FA09-10

Steel Fences Made to Measure s Steel Fences s Double/Single Gates s Pools s Gardens s Auto/Manual Sliding Gates s Picket & Slat Fencing s Aluminium Security Doors & Windows s Fly screens s Window Roller Shutters Accessories Sale Now - Free Quote – Cheapest prices!

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Phone John: 0401 763 559

Doug 0410 227 974 or Brent 0416 913712

froggys.com.au

V Concrete Products & Services

T V CONCRETING GSpecialising in all types of concreting.

Phone Tony 0404 775 573

V Cabinet Makers

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V Carpet Cleaning

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Yates and Son Fencing and Decking All types of Fencing, Gates and Decking Free quotes Pensioner discounts

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V Garden Services

PTY LTD

Very diverse in all aspects of specialised property services ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

Fletcher’s Carpet Steam Cleaning

SMALL SMALL CONCRETING CONCRETING JOBS JOBS 12416265-CG17-19

SM & J Cleaning Service

฀

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House slabs

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Martin 0418 171 280 or 9748 3196

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drive ways Bobcat and dingo hire

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Gates & Pergolas ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ Lou 0412 339 445 Tony 0431 339 739

V Concrete Products & Services

A1 Garden Maintenance & Rubbish Removals ฀ ฀

12360798-DJ33-17

• General Carpentry • Decking • Carports • Pergolas • Re-rooﬁng, Home Renovations and Alterations (Local Tradies)

G6084690AA-dc12Jun

CUSTOM DECKS & PERGOLAS

We also clean: Upholstery and Tile and Grout

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Lou’s Colorbond Fencing

V Cleaning Services

V Builders & Building Services

Call Chris 9399 8104 or 0419 329 550

Ph: (03) 8360 9997 Ray 0422 118 920

12441118-CG07-20

section of Network Classiﬁeds.

12413659-LB12-19

8348 5441

Specialising in small jobs

rec: 15262

12411120-MB07-19

LOCAL ELECTRICIAN

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Rec 25789

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VISA/MASTERCARD/EFTPOS (1.5% credit card processing fee applies. Cheques and money orders can be posted in or hand delivered to our local ofﬁce)

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section of Network Classiﬁeds.

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0450 820 170 - 7 days

LAWN MOWING SERVICES Altona, Laverton, Hoppers Crossing, Werribee. ฀

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12402755-RA44-18

We accept payment by:

Upgrade Rangehoods Lighting Seurity Systems Split Systems Data Cabling

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GEORGE FOX 0431 277 046

12422553-FA29-19

AMAZING GARDEN SERVICES

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Specialist in • Lawn mowing • Edging Pruning / Hedge Trimming • Regular Maintenance • Rubbish Removals • Tree Lopping • Gutter Cleaning

section of Network Classiﬁeds.

Call Joe 0498 375 094 - 7 days

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(include your name, address and phone number)

Ph: 9360 0466 * DOMESTIC * INDUSTRIAL * COMMERCIAL

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• Power Point 5 OAKDENE GROVE LAVERTON • Switches • Switchboard VIC 3028

Online: networkclassiﬁeds.com.au (24/7) Phone: 1300 666 808 (Open 8.30-5pm Mon-Fri) Email: sales@networkclassiﬁeds.com.au

CALL 1300 666 808 Wednesday, 24 November, 2021 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 21

Trades & Services

General Notices V Reblocking/Underpinning

RJ GUTTERS ฀

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★ New & Existing ★

Homes

฀

��

�

฀

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V Public Notices and Event

FIVE STAR REBLOCKING & UNDERPINNING � 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

FREE QUOTES

0421 421 640

V Heating

Contact Simon:

9309 0700 - 0411 174 000

KS Heating & Cooling

MEMBER OF MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

Services • Repairs • Maintenance Over 30 years experience, All types of Air Con, Evap Cooler & Gas Heating System AU31693

Call 0430 332 368

Reg No 8659

G6425413AA-dc5Nov

V Kitchens

NICK’S RE-BLOCKING SERVICE

ALL SUBURBS ★ RAISING ★ LEVELLING ★ UNDERPINNING ★ RESTUMPING WITH CONCRETE OR REDGUM STUMPS ★ COUNCIL PERMIT ★ ALL WORK GUARANTEED

45-71 Wickford Road Tarneit, Vic 3029

FREE SMOKE ALARM

Friday 19th, Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st of November Friday 26th, Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th of November

Registered Building Practitioner

• 100% Australian Made & Owned • 10 years replacement warranty • Electric, manual or combination • Single and group remote controlled • Connected to smoke alarm (auto-lift) FOR FREE MEASURE & QUOTE PH: 9336 0005 JORDAN: 0413 708 238

We also have LIVE music every day. RIDES & AMUSEMENTS OPENING TIMES • Dodgem Cars Friday 5.00pm - 10.30pm • Twister Cha Cha Saturday 12.00pm - 10.30pm • Ultimate Part Machine Sunday 11.00am - 5.00pm • Kiddie Rides

12523607-BL47-21

OZTEC WINDOW SHUTTERS

HOPPERS CROSSING LANDSCAPING 12417998-SN21-19

FIREWORKS on both Saturday 20th & 27th of November - 9.00pm to 9.15pm

V Roller Shutters

V Landscaping Ì Landscaped Gardens Ì Brick & Cobblestone Paving Ì Brick Edging Ì Synthetic Turf ÌTrees Lopped & Felled Ì Drip Systems

G6795050AA-dc29Apr 1132314-LB19-14

C915642-JM14-11

STONE BENCHTOPS Overlay Over Your Existing Benchtops With Stone. Change The Look Of Your Kitchen In A Day! Call for a free quote 0425 825 504 www.dsstonebenchtops.com.au

12362716-ACM35-17

PH: 9360 5357 Mobile: 0412 378 193

General Classiﬁeds

Showroom @ 18 Quinn Drive, Keilor PArk, 3042

Phone ROBIN 8754 1144 Mob 0402 048 372 All work guaranteed

V Adult Services

V Television/Video/Audio

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SAME DAY SERVICE

฀

For Prompt Service Call 0414 930 586 HIGHLY EXPERIENCED TECHNICIANS ANTENNA SERVICE ALL AREAS

Greg’s Painting Service ฀

฀ ฀

1213896-CG03-16

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

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฀

Ph Greg 0417 569 080 12416368-CG17-19

seaview

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Painting Services ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

DIGITAL ANTENNAS AMPLIFIERS TV OUTLETS

0409 888 228

12469374-CG46-20

V Tiling

ASAP TILING • Bathroom, Kitchen, Toilet Renovation • Small Extension • Carpentry / Plastering • 20yrs. Plus Building Experience ** call Hill now for a free quote **

Tel 04 3277 4645

Velvet House

NEW NEW NEW 32 Dunlop Rd Hoppers Crossing

0431 390 599 Swa13128xbe

General Notices

0439 858 298

Open 7 days 48 Davies Avenue, Sunshine North 9364 0770 SWA6566B

12521636-DL45-21

V Painters/Decorators

$100/ 30mins

12474997-DL50-20

฀

1235322622-PB22-17

Tarneit Locksmiths ฀

Rainbow Dolls

ANTENNA MAN

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V Public Notices and Event

Real Estate

V Garage Sales

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ALTONA 1 Bedroom flat, self contained, must be POINT COOK 60 Lakeside employed with complete Drive, Saturday 27th vaccination, no cats or dogs, off-street parking. November, 9am-2pm, rain Phone: 9398 3180 or shine garage sale. TV stands, wooden dining BULLENGAROOK table, chain saw, tools, House/Land for rent extendable ladder, garden with horse track & shed, golf cart trolley, stables. coffee table, chest Located in Bullengafreezer, suitcases, electri- rook, this beautiful cal goods, vinyl records property offers a three and record player, other bedroom home with household items, bric-a- veranda, kitchen, bathbrac. Cash sales only. room and lounge with a wood heater. It also offers a 650 metre Visit Visited horse track, a large shed, stables and MONSTER SALE holding paddocks. For WYNDHAM VALE 15 Lollipop Drive , Sunday additional costs can maintenance November 28, 8am-2pm. provide Household items, lots of for property/animals if toys, kids items, tools, required. $750 p/w. 0402 687 677 gardening equipment, missvlainic outdoor items, furniture, @hotmail.com DVDs.

Visit

24/7

The Council Meeting agenda will be available on Council’s website after 5pm on Friday 26 November 2021. For further information please contact Governance on 1300 023 411.

SERVICE

12424562-SN33-19

Lic. No. 28635

The longer you advertise the cheaper your ad!

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General Classifieds section of Network Classifieds. 22 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 24 November, 2021

12370916-RC45-17

MIRMICLicPLUMBING 35031

Call Us Today on 1800 960 158

V Medical/Nursing

Part time Medical Receptionist Medical Receptionist required at Hogans Rd. Medical Centre 63 Hogans Rd. Hoppers Crossing

V Pets & Services 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

12423634-SN31-19

EMERGENCY

The Council Meeting will be open to the public, with all interested persons welcome to attend. Meetings are also live-streamed and can be viewed on the Wyndham City website at www.wyndham.vic.gov.au

KURUNJANG 11 Walsingham Crescent. Saturday 27th November. 8am 3pm. A variety of items from soft toys to pet cages. Items also include student desk, computer desk, Christmas gifts and decorations, typewriter, hot water system, photocopier and much more.

We Can Help! Confidential Cash Offer, No Hidden Fees, Flexible Settlement. We're here for a win-win with you!

Employment

V Massage Therapists

MELTON 3 Brolga Court. V Tuition Saturday 27th November. 8am - 2pm. Lawnmowers and pot plants. Too many A TEACHER Available for tutoring. Mathematics, items to name. Science, Chemistry, Chinese and Japanese. Phone 0418 871 203 V Garage Sales

PLACE YOUR

Friendly Practice with good support. Experience with Medical Director preferred. Contact: Dr. Nader Abou-seif 0417 391 058 www.hogansrdmedical centre.com.au

Buy & Sell in our

Motoring section of Network Classiﬁeds.

CALL OR VISIT US ONLINE! networkclassiﬁeds.com.au

V Positions Vacant

NEED NEW STAFF? 12400545-LB38-19

Ph: 9360 0466

12524692-CG48-21

• Blocked Drains • Drain Camera • Burst Pipes • Hot Water Services • Roof Repairs • Gas Servicing

12490425-AV15-21

THE PLUMBING COMPANY

V Garage Sales

Notice is given that Wyndham City Council will be holding a Council Meeting on Tuesday 30 November 2021 at the Council Chamber, Civic Centre 45 Princes Highway Werribee at 7.00pm.

NEED to Sell Your House Now?

Visited

Get 10% Discount Use code: EMPDISC

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LN: 114 285 | ABN: 82 274 310 641

12519267-CG45-21

PH: 0478 017 068 E: admin@allhoursplumbingvictoria.com.au

CALL 1300 666 808

V Wanted

PRICED TO SELL

ADVERTISERS, in this section are qualified practitioners and offer nonsexual services.

WYNDHAM CITY MEETING OF COUNCIL TUESDAY 30 NOVEMBER 2021

• Carnival Games • Fireworks • Fairy ﬂoss stand • Coffee and donut stand

12513923-HC39-21

฀

1232632-ACM26-16

G6638324AA-dc18Feb

V Guttering

ZZZ QHWZRUNFODVVL´HGV FRP DX

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Call

Employment section of Network Classifieds.

ZZZ QHWZRUNFODVVL´HGV FRP DX

SPORTS QUIZ 1. Two-time Olympic gold medallist Katrina Powell is now the permanent coach of which Australian women’s national team? 2. Former Western Bulldogs defender Liam Jones last played for which AFL club? 3. Australian racing driver Oscar Piastri was the 2020 Drivers’ Champion in which racing championship tier?

12. Which Australian soccer star recently signed a deal to play with Chelsea until 2024?

5. Mitchell Pearce is set to join which France-based Super League club? 6. Which cricketer was awarded Player of the Match after Australia’s eight-wicket win over New Zealand in the 2021 Men’s T20 World Cup final?

13. How many goals did England score in their November FIFA World Cup qualifier against San Marino? 14. Remy Gardner won which motor racing title in 2021?

7. How many runs did this player score in his 2021 Men’s T20 World Cup final innings?

15. Who is the captain of the New Zealand cricket team?

8. Odell Beckham Jr plays wide receiver for which NFL team?

4. Mitchell Pearce last played for which NRL club?

Odell Beckham Jr

9. The Karrie Webb Cup will be awarded to the winner of which new women’s golf event to be played in January 2022?

16. What rugby format was first played at the Summer Olympics in 2016?

22. Which country won the first FIFA Women’s World Cup, which was held in 1991?

27. Which Kiwi batsman scored 85 runs in their T20 World Cup final loss to Australia?

17. What AFL team has the colours of red and black?

23. Which tennis player did Pete Sampras recently declare as the greatest of all time?

28. And which Aussie was named player of the tournament after previously encountering a lean run of form?

18. What animal is also a term for getting three consecutive strikes in ten-pin bowling?

24. How many women currently coach clubs in the 14-team AFL Women’s competition?

19. Kabaddi is the national sport of which Asian country?

10. Before turning to AFL, current North Melbourne footballer Hugh Greenwood played basketball at which US college? 11. What English country cricket team is currently at the centre of a racism scandal?

20. What motor racing event is held in the USA on Memorial Day each year?

25. How old was Jack Brabham when he won his final F1 world championship in 1966?

21. Which former Test batsman scored 124 not out in a recent 50over match for Western Australia?

26. Which Major League Baseball team has won 27 World Series titles in its illustrious history?

29. Race car designer Carroll Shelby was played by which Hollywood actor in the 2019 film Ford V Ferrari? 30. How many times did golfer Greg Norman win the British Open championship?

Remy Gardner 1. Hockeyroos (field hockey) 2. Carlton 3. Formula 3 4. Newcastle Knights 5. Catalans Dragons 6. Mitchell Marsh 7. 77 not out 8. Los Angeles Rams 9. Australian WPGA Championship 10. New Mexico 11. Yorkshire 12. Sam Kerr 13. 10 14. Moto2 World Championship 15. Kane Williamson 16. Rugby sevens 17. Essendon 18. Turkey 19. Bangladesh 20. Indianapolis 500 21. Cameron Bancroft 22. The US 23. Novak Djokovic 24. None 25. 40 26. New York Yankees 27. Kane Williamson 28. David Warner 29. Matt Damon 30. Twice (1986 and 1993) Frock and awe

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Step into Paradise with Jenny Kee and Linda Jackson

LEADING HAND/ BOILER MAKER /STEEL ERECTOR

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR We are seeking experienced journalists to assist the production editor and liaise with our reporters both here in Victoria and also with our reporters interstate. You will assist reporters with their story lists, allocate stories to pages, ensure deadlines are met, provide feedback to reporters and ensure daily online story targets are met. Ideally you will be based in our Pakenham ofﬁce with part time and full time positions available. Star News Group produces a number of news media titles across Melbourne and interstate with weekly printed newspapers and digital content. Star News Group focuses on the local news and information that affects the lives of our community, and broader issues that directly impact our regions. The Company is operated by experienced independent publishers and a local team of experienced media professionals. Please send your resume to garry.howe@starnewsgroup.com.au

12520043-NG44-21

Buy, Rent & Sell in our

12521869-JW46-21

D. Hughes Construction Pty Ltd is an engineering, and heavy metal fabrication company that caters to the Construction, Mining, Heavy Transport, Processing and Manufacturing Industries. From design through fabrication, installation and commissioning, D. Hughes Construction is involved in the complete process from conception to completion of many varied and interesting types of engineering and fabrication. D. Hughes Construction Pty Ltd is seeking a motivated and experienced Leading hand to join the team in Bacchus Marsh. Applicants looking to further their career in the industry should apply. This position is full time and secure for the right applicant. This role is critical to our business and carries a large amount of responsibility. Reporting only to the Company Director you will play an integral role in the organisation. To be suitable for this position the following qualities are essential: • Ability to interpret and fabricate products from engineering drawings • Ability to work safely and identify potential safety risks • Experience in fabricating with different types of steel • Problem solving ability • Attention to detail and accuracy • Trade or related qualiﬁcation • Forklift licence (desired but not essential). • EWP & Crane licenses would also be highly regarded. What we offer: • Varied and interesting work • Committed to producing high-quality products • Committed to a high-quality work culture & Staff training/retention About You: • Good problem-solving skills • An eye for detail and ability to work to precision • Work well in a team environment and autonomously • Ability to legally work in Australia Resumes to be submitted to margy.a.s@gmail.com Phone queries about this position call Daniel Hughes on Mobile: 0457 000637

Real Estate section of Network Classifieds.

Experienced Machinist Wanted • Must work from home • Must have industrial machine • Sewing women’s clothing

■

Positions Vacant

Ph Mary 0425 421 091 or Joyce 0425 421 090 Garnet Clothing

Positions Vacant

Required to work full time in a cheese factory from 6.00am till 3.00pm. • Fast paced environment. • Some heavy lifting involved. • Must be reliable, enthusiastic, able to work unsupervised, and keen to work. EARLY MORNING START Phone only between

Production/ Distribution Workers

TRUCK DRIVERS WANTED

Semi-trailer licensed Full Time, Part Time or a few hours weekly. Good wages paid. Apply between 4.00pm and 6.00pm to Chris 0418 521 850. Positions Vacant

Qualified Diesel Mechanic Certificate 111 Full time plus overtime. Work shop and field based positions available. Full time and subcontractor positions available. Service vehicle, phone ( for field Mechanics ) and above award pay rates. Phone Office: 03 5940 0705 Luke 0418 669 945 Peter 0418 667 782 Or contact via email at maryellen@densleys.com.au

ADVERTISE

Positions Vacant

HC Truck Driver

9am-3pm Monday-Friday 9338 6644

Positions Vacant

PROCESS WORKER

12521872-BL47-21

Pakenham

Sweet treats a cool hit

PAGE 3

12496404-AV22-21

Slowly getting back to normal

Positions Vacant

PAKENHAM OFFICER

12522895-NG47-21

Positions Vacant

Turosi Geelong are looking for Production/ Distribution Workers in our poultry facility at Breakwater. We have positions available on both morning and afternoon shifts. Applicants must be able to do manual lifting and work in a cold environment. Reliability, excellent time and attendance, compliance to all company rules and a willingness to learn are essential. If this sounds like an opportunity that interests you, then please submit a copy of your resume, outlining your current skills and experience to; Human Resources Department Email: jobs@turosi.com.au Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted

Find it in the 12522938-BL47-21

www.networkclassifieds.com.au

Place your ad in print and online

Professional Services section of Network Classifieds.

Our mineral processing operation based in the Bacchus Marsh area has a position available for an immediate start. Tipper, flat top & bulk pneumatic tanker work involved. Majority of work is local. Road ranger gearbox with ability to operate front end loader and forklift an advantage. Self starter with ability to be self organised and prioritize daily tasks. Copy of current driver's licence and a VicRoads 5 year history report required. Pay rate negotiable dependent on experience, overtime available. Flexible working hours. Training available for specific tasks. Contact: Brendon 0408 538 083

Wanted To Buy

CARS wanted. Cash Paid. Buying all years and models. Call 0455 776 443 Lmct 11618 V

Wrecking

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with us and get better results

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12321532-HM36-16

Employment

12522351-BL47-21

2611

LMCT 10268W

7 days a week service Call Gus for a free quotation on

0435 904 818

Wednesday, 24 November, 2021 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 23

Honda SUVs In Stock. HR-V and CR-V available now and ready to order. Don’t wait months for your new car to arrive. Both the versatile Honda HR-V and the delightfully detailed CR-V are in stock and ready to order. Contact us today to experience the joy of a Honda SUV right now.

Get in contact with us today on (03) 9117 7366 & book a test drive or a service!

We are now located across 4 dealerships: Essendon Honda

Werribee Honda

Western Highway Honda

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Sales: 345-347 Keilor Road, Essendon VIC 3040 03 9117 7388

22 Morris Road, Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029

Cnr Christies & Ballarat Road, Caroline Springs VIC 3023

388-396 Dynon Road, West Melbourne VIC 3003

Service: 61 Matthews Avenue, Airport West 3042 03 9117-7399

03 9117 7366 werribeehonda.com.au

03 9217 8680 westernhighwayhonda.com.au

03 9117 7377 westmelbournehonda.com.au

Sales open 7 days

LMCT 12139

essendonhonda.com.au LMCT 12139

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

MOTOR

The electric Eclipse powers on By Ewan Kennedy, Marque Motoring

front and rear electric drive motors. It has an official all-electric range of 55km.

Mitsubishi is a long-time player in electric power in vehicles – to the extent that I was one of an Australian group that Mitsubishi flew to Japan in 2010 to drive the i-MiEV, its first electric vehicle. We didn’t just go to some sort of fancy high-tech facility, but also got to buy things at a shopping centre and have lunch at a cafe. Both of these locations had EV charging facilities. About a year later we drove the Mitsubishi i-MiEV in Australia when it was launched here. It struggled to get from where we picked it up Brisbane to our home on the Gold Coast, a distance of just under 100km on a single charge. How things have changed in the last 10 years. While electric vehicle ranges have improved most people are still reluctant to buy full-electric vehicles but are increasingly going for hybrid petrol/electric. These come in two types - those that simply have the petrol engine charge the battery and ones that can be plugged in and charged, known as Plug-In Electric Vehicles or PHEVs. Now Mitsubishi has introduced the Eclipse Cross PHEV which joins its larger brother the Outlander that has been on sale here since 2014. It’s expensive. Very expensive. You have to pay $12,500 more for the PHEV compared to the similarly equipped non-PHEV Eclipse Exceed. Eclipse Cross PHEV has a 10 year / 200,000 km warranty on most of the vehicle provided that all servicing is done by Mitsubishi dealerships. Otherwise, the warranty reverts to five years and 100,000 km. The warranty on the EV drive battery is eight years or 160,000 km.

Styling The Eclipse Cross PHEV has the same shape

Safety The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV has a five-star ANCAP safety rating. All models have seven airbags and two rear IsoFix anchors and three top-tether points.

Driving

The Eclipse Cross PHEV has the same shape as the non-PHEV range.

as the rest of the non-PHEV range. Thus, it has the latest iteration of the very large grille that flows neatly into multiple LED lights and back into sides of the bonnet. There’s a flowing coupe-like roofline which gives it an attractive and stylish profile. Badges on the front doors proudly boast that it’s a “Plug-in Hybrid EV”

Interior The interior of the Eclipse Cross has a neat and functional design with most features easily accessible. The instrument panel has carbon and piano black accents as do the steering wheel, centre console and door panels. The lower dash, centre console, arm rests and air vents all have a high finish silver trim.

Infotainment The multimedia system uses the Mitsubishi Smartphone Link Display Audio connectivity system and displayed on an 8.0-inch colour

(Supplied)

touchscreen at the top of the dashboard. The buttons are large and conveniently positioned for driver access. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility comes standard on all models although they are plug-in rather than wireless. Digital Audio Broadcast is also standard, but we had the too-common problem of it dropping out.

Powertrain The powertrain in the Eclipse Cross is the latest iteration of the technology used in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. Mitsubishi boasts that the Outlander PHEV is the world’s top-selling Plug-In Hybrid with more than 260,000 vehicles sold globally. The petrol engine is able to recharge the battery as well as power the vehicle simultaneously. The drive battery is a 13.8 kWh unit powering

The powertrain provides drivers with the ability to drive solely on electric power around town. At higher speeds or on longer drives, the powertrain will switch to Series or Parallel Hybrid modes to boost the range whilst minimising fuel consumption. When the destination is further afield, the hybrid modes employ the petrol engine to assist the battery or to directly drive the vehicle. As mentioned, the petrol engine is able to recharge the battery as well as power the vehicle simultaneously. Eclipse Cross is able to accelerate virtually instantly when there’s charge in the battery, a feature of all electric vehicles that we really like. Even when the battery was flat it sometimes picked up a bit of charge when slowing and/or when going down a hill. Fuel consumption is officially listed as just 1.9 litres per hundred kilometres. However, that’s so low because most of the testing is done using the battery. Once it’s running purely on petrol its consumption is about nine to 11 litres per hundred around town, dropping to six to seven in country running.

Summing up Eclipse Cross is an excellent example of the long experience Mitsubishi has had with electric or partial electric vehicles. It’s not cheap and personally we’d rather save our money and buy a standard hybrid rather than a plugin one.

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Aloisi positive despite first up loss Western United coach John Aloisi took plenty of positives out of his side’s A-League season opener against Melbourne Victory despite a 1-0 loss. The two teams headed down the freeway to GMHBA Stadium on Saturday night, with a goal in the 76th minute to Victory’s Roderick Miranda proving to be the difference. United players were left frustrated in the 82nd minute when they thought skipper Alessandro Diamanti should have been awarded a penalty. United coach John Aloisi said while he hates losing, there was a lot to take out of the game. “It was very positive from our side, we played well,” he said. “We created some good openings in the first half and we had a couple of good opportunities. “It was disappointing of course that we lost the game, as we didn’t feel like we deserved to lose that. “In the end if we keep on performing like that and improving, the results will come our

way.” Aloisi said he didn’t have a clear view of the no-call on the penalty for Diamanti, but said his players were adamant there should have been one. Ben Garuccio, Dylan Wenzel-Halls, Connor Pain and Aleksandar Prijovic all had chances for United throughout the game. Aloisi said the side’s defensive pressure both individually and as a team was really good, with the likes of Leo Lacroix, Tomoki Imai and Josh Risdon standing out. Aloisi said Lacroix really had a presence in his first game for the club. “We got into certain situations, a situation where we lost the ball in a bad spot,” he said. “Leo just remained calm, controlled that one v one situation and defended it really well. He was able to do that, [and it] gives confidence not only to the back four, but the whole team. “Leo will get better.” Aloisi said while he was happy with a lot

of the game, there were definitely some areas that the team would need to work on. He said once they controlled the ball in the middle of the ground, they were able to find more openings. “The final ball let us down at times, some decision making in the final third let us down,” he said. “That will come the more the team plays together, the more we gel. We created some really good chances. “A set piece, we got underdone by.” Aloisi said the side came through unscathed, with several of the internationals better for the run. International Aleksandar Prijovic started on the bench, while fellow international Rene Krhin is yet to pull on the United jumper after having to quarantine when he got into the country. Tara Murray

Alessandro Diamanti in action against Melbourne Victory. (Supplied/Getty)

Jets get pre-season under way

Mitch Jamieson. (Supplied)

Jamieson is on the ball By Peter Howe Mitchell Jamieson has all the raw enthusiasm and just a hint of larrikin in his voice as he chats about his journey growing up in cricket. One thing becomes clear very quickly, his feet are firmly planted on the ground. “I am very grateful for all of the time my coaches have put into developing me as a batter and still put in as I embark on my first Premier Cricket season with Footscray. “Right from my first training session the senior players got around me and made me feel very welcome. “Their advice and support has assisted me to transition from my junior club, Keilor into senior cricket.” Jamieson’s father grew up playing both cricket and football and Jamieson followed in his footsteps, while his mum and two sisters also play cricket. The 16-year-old decided to play cricket because it’s a team game and he loved being around his mates. One of Mitchell’s biggest buzzes was to play in the same team as his father and getting to bat with him in the game. “I started playing in the under-10s at Keilor Cricket Club aged five. I moved to the under-12s aged seven and made my highest 26 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 24 November, 2021

score of 38 that stood for a few years.” Jamieson moved quickly through the club ranks at Keilor and is the youngest player to play in the club’s first XI. He made his debut in junior representative sides in under-12s. Jamieson would soon find himself in the region representative side, Western Spirit for under-14s and under-16s. From there he was selected in the Cricket Victoria under-15 metro team for the national championships. After a standout performance, which included a century, he was selected in the Cricket Australia under-16 team. Jamieson was selected to represent Victoria metro once again as a bottom age player in the under-17s. He is currently in the Cricket Victoria under-17 emerging players program and is looking forward to representing Vic Metro in January. “From my earliest coaching in cricket I learned that what works best for me is to keep things simple,” he said. “It is critical not to overly complicate things, which is fine when you are traveling OK. “It’s when you start to drop catches, make ducks, or lose finals that you start to question your ability. I had a run of outs last year before Christmas playing for Keilor, then had a long

talk to my coach Duncan Harrison, who told me to back myself. Jamieson is a student at the Maribyrnong Sports Academy on a cricket scholarship. Jamieson has had leadership potential written all over him through his junior career and capped it off by captaining Footscray in the Victorian Premier Cricket under-16 competition, The Dowling Shield. “I have enjoyed my opportunities to lead teams. I look to involve others; I look after younger players and make sure they feel part of the team. I understand I need to be a role model. I do have a steady head under pressure. However, above all it is necessary to have fun when we come together to play.” Jamieson wants to continue to build on his strengths as a young emerging player. His ultimate dream is the Baggy Green and a place in the Australian team. Jamieson is the Sunshine Western Region Sports Club, November Don Deeble Sports Star Award winner. His award is sponsored by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club, Strathmore Community Bank and the Deer Park Club. If you would like to nominate a monthly winner or attend a dinner at the Medway Golf Club, please contact the club by emailing swrsportsclub@gmail.com or SMS 0408 556 631.

An exciting Western Jets group is set to take to the field in the NAB League Girl’s competition next year. With most of the group from last season returning and a number of younger players getting their opportunity, coach Robbie Chancellor is excited. “We had a very young side last season and didn’t have many top age girls,” he said. “A lot of them were 16-year-olds and the experience will hold them in good stead. “We have some pretty special top age talent.” The group started pre-season a couple of weeks ago, with Chancellor saying that everyone had been super keen to get back around the group. Chancellor said it had been easier this time round, his second year in the job. “A lot of the group has come from last season and it makes it easier. “There’s been a lot of banter and so much enjoyment. The last couple of years have been so tough to do things, so being able to see your friends and be back at the Jets has been good.” In a change, the Jets season will get under way in January. Chancellor said being at their best in round one isn’t the be all and end all, with the program’s heavy focus on the development of players to play at the higher level. He said they expected to see a number of players put their hands up for the AFLW draft later next year. Montana Ham and Charlotte Baskaran are leading the pack, with both starring last season. “There are some really exciting prospects,” he said. “There’s a certain group with some consistent training, it will give them the opportunity to look at that next level. “Montana and Charlotte it will be their last year with us, even though they can play another season. “Jemima Woods, Caitlin Sargent, Trinity Skenderis and Stephanie Asciak all played some VFL last year. “There’s great talent coming through in the west.” Tara Murray

Head coach has Titan’s finals hopes in focus New Tarneit Football Club coach Brent Sheean is tipping the team will likely improve on this year’s performance to reach the 2022 finals. The Titans last week announced Sheean, who spent four years as a playing-assistant coach at Point Cook Centrals, as its head coach for the upcoming Western Region Football League season. While Sheean was at the Centrals, the club achieved the 2018 division 3 premiership. He also received the league best and fairest and the Henry Turner Medal for best on ground in the grand final. Prior to this, Sheean played division 1 football at Hoppers Crossing and spent time on Werribee VFL’s list in 2009-10. Sheean said that becoming the Titans’ head coach has fulfilled a long-held personal ambition for him. “For me, I’m 32, I’ve been playing for a long time,” he said “In the end my goal was to become a senior coach, have my own team and become successful in my own right as a senior coach.” Sheean said that his personal values aligned

the Titans’ values of being united, accountable and driven, and that he was keen to help develop the club’s young members as both players and people into the future. Sheean said that when he was at the Centrals and worked with senior coach Darren Findlay, overseeing the players was a collaborative effort between them. “He gave me a lot of power to mentor and develop players and their game style as well,” Sheean said. He said this experience would assist his leadership in bringing up the Titans’ players for next season. Sheean said the Titans’ senior side finished “just outside the finals” this year, when the season was forced to an end about three-quarters of the way through due to the state government’s COVID-19 lockdown. “Coming out of restrictions ... I think everyone is looking forward to having a full pre-season and a full season,” Sheean said. The new Titans’ senior coach said he would “definitely be pushing” for the team “to make an impact at the finals” in 2022.

“I’m pretty bullish at turning things around pretty quickly,” he said. “My aim is to take the team to the finals and from there anything can happen.” Sheean said that in the short time said has been with the Titans, he has been impressed by the “a very tight-knit group” group of senior players who are very much like “a team of brothers”. He may even occasionally join his players on the field. “First and foremost it’s about coaching, but I may slip on the boots now and then too,” Sheean said. The club’s pre-season training is held on Mondays and Wednesdays at Wootten Road Reserve, Tarneit from 6pm. Details: https://www.facebook.com/ tarneitfootballclub Alesha Capone

Tarneit Titans Football Club’s new senior coach Brent Sheean. (Supplied/Tarneit Titans Football Club).

Recruitment drive on for all abilities

Josh Porter is back at Werribee.

(Supplied/Werribee Football Club)

New faces at Werribee By Alesha Capone Werribee Football Club has announced three new players as its pre-season VFL preparations get under way ahead of 2022. The club last week revealed that Brady Rowles and Josh Porter are among the recruits who will be wearing black and gold next year, and also welcomed Reuben William as a third new signing this week. Werribee football manager Mark Micallef said he was hoping the trio would assist the club with its finals campaign. “Our ambition is to make the finals and be a heavy contributor to the finals,” he said. Micallef said that pre-season training started on Monday night, with everyone excited to get underway after the interruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic of the past two years, including the forced early ending to last season. Micallef praised Werribee’s players and staff for their “incredible” work since the coronavirus hit Australia in March 2019, including working online and communicating via technology. “We have got a very ambitious group and in 2019 they just lost to Essendon in the semi-final,” Micallef said. “Their hunger to wear the Werribee jumper

and wear it with pride is just amazing. “Hopefully the vaccinations all work and we can play all 18 games.” Of the three new signings, Micallef said that William “is one of the top five interviews I’ve ever done”. William, who grew up in Queensland, spent two seasons with the Brisbane Lions during 2016-17 and played three AFL games for them. He played VFL with Footscray across 2018-19 and 2021. William is also diversity co-ordinator and a multicultural ambassador at AFL Victoria. “He is just such a character and really down to earth,” Micallef said. “He’s great at connecting people and bringing them together, and he’s a gem on the field too.” William’s fellow new player Porter will be a familiar face to Werribee supporters, after spending four previous seasons with Werribee between 2014 and 2018. He kicked a total of 54 goals across 48 games in this time. Porter is returning to Werribee for a third VFL stint after three years playing country football. The key forward, 27, is set to provide Werribee with a strong target up forward with

his size and contested marking ability. “I’m still the right side of 30, I think for my position I feel I’m hitting my peak and the systems that the club has in place will allow me to get the best out of myself, so I’m excited to be back,” Porter said. Micallef said the club saw Porter “as a perfect replacement for someone of Wylie’s calibre”. Wylie Buzza – a previous key forward at Werribee – recently returned Queensland, to be closer to his family after becoming engaged to his partner. Werribee’s third new addition, Rowles, comes from the Sydney Swans after a year on the rookies list. He also played with Essendon’s VFL team this past season. The 20-year-old is likely to line-up in several different positions for Werribee. “I’m looking forward to more opportunity here, I’ve played a lot of different roles and quite a bit up forward over the last couple of years, but I’m keen to get more exposure through the midfield,” Rowles said. Micallef said Rowles “has absolutely strong passion to get the most out of himself and also us as a football club” and has been training with coach Luke Gallaher almost every night, in the lead-up to the pre-season.

The Wyndham All Abilities Football and Cricket Club (WAAFCC) is embarking on a recruitment drive for new players. President Paul Barrett said the club would ask schools and mainstream football clubs in the area, if players with a disability would like to join a club which caters solely to them. Barrett said the WAAFCC welcomed male and female participants of all skill levels. People wanting to play football with the club must be at least 14 years old, but cricket has no age limit. The WAAFCC plays with the Melbourne All Abilities Cricket Association and also has a partnership with St John’s Cricket Club in Williamstown, for higher ability players to play mainstream cricket on Saturdays. “St John’s have been great, when I approached them to start up the team, and I find that playing with them in the team has extended my cricketing life by some years,” Barrett said. During the footy season, the WAAFCC fields a team with the Football Integration Development Association. “We generally have around 23 footballers and 20 cricketers and a committee of around 12 persons,” Barrett said. Barrett said the WAAFCC has been in operating Wyndham for more than 31 years, but has no major sponsors. “We do get some money from the Werribee Football Club but generally raise our monies through a few organisations that I deal with in my working life, and of course the beloved Bunnings barbecue,” he said. “We just need to pull at the heart strings of companies that may be willing to get behind a club with disable(d) participants – a very hard task indeed.” The club trains at Warringa Crescent Reserve, Hoppers Crossing on Thursdays from 4.30pm. Details: facebook.com/ wyndhamtigers/ Wednesday, 24 November, 2021 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 27