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Art connects to culture

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Students at Point Cook College have crafted colourful wooden paddles called Hagoita, under a collaboration between the school’s Japanese and woodwork teachers. The students used material including Paulownia wood to create the paddles, along with paint for decoration. The paddles are used in the traditional pastime Hanetsuki, which is also known as Japanese badminton. Hanetsuki is played at New Years in Japan and is believed to drive away evil spirits and act as a charm against evil. Hundreds of years ago, Hagoita were regarded as good luck charms and even as a way to help protect against mosquito bites.

Point Cook College student Aadhya with some of the Hagoita paddles.

Car parking petition plea By Alesha Capone A petition is calling for a Hoppers Crossing special school to be permitted to continue using a nearby shopping centre’s carpark for free. Barrie Hope, who works as a supervisor at the Warringa Park School crossing, started the petition. The petition states that members of the school community have been parking in the Woodville Shopping Centre carpark for more than 30 years and parents drop children off there. Mr Hope said that earlier this year, the

body corporate which owns the carpark barricaded entry to the site with temporary fencing and signs – which have since been removed – threatening to tow away vehicles not belonging to shopping centre customers. School staff have been told they can park at the spot if they pay $8 per day. Mr Hope said school staff usually parked on the far left side of the carpark, leaving the area close to the shops free for truck deliveries and shoppers. The petition is asking for Wyndham council to intervene to keep this section of the carpark free for the school to use, including if a

FAMILY DAY

development is proposed for the site. “If the school cannot use the car park, they will be forced to park on the surrounding streets creating parking problems for residents and more traffic congestion in the area,” the petition states. Some of the Woodville traders last week had the petition in their stores for customers to sign. A school staff member, who asked to remain anonymous, said she was too scared to park her car on the streets around the Warringa Park campus, in case it was hit by hoons. In March, Star Weekly spoke to a group

SUNDAY 5 DEC CHIRNSIDE PARK WERRIBEE

of Woodville residents, who said drivers often engaged in unsafe behaviour in their neighbourhood, including speeding, drag racing and doing burnouts. Wyndham council’s design and liveability director, Ludo Campbell-Reid, said the council was committed to working with the school and shopping centre. “We are aware there are issues with parking, particularly around school drop-off and pick-up times,” the spokesperson said. Council officers will prepare a traffic and parking management plan for the area. Woodville Shopping Centre’s body corporate was contacted for comment.

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Congestion concerns persist for outer suburbs A new Infrastructure Victoria report predicts that pressure on roads and public transport in growth areas like Wyndham will worsen into the future, despite many people still working from home. The report, released last week, forecasts that about a third of Victorian employees will work from home for two to three days per week by 2036. This will lead to growing populations in outer suburbs and regional areas like Geelong, as people seek tree changes and sea changes, the report claims. Using modelling from the ARUP Group and Victoria University, the report estimates

that by 2036, more than 25,000 vehicles will travel on the Princes Freeway where it meets Western Ring Road during the morning peak. “Our modelled working from home scenarios find the Princes Highway could experience higher inbound volumes farther out in the commute from Geelong towards Melbourne,” the document reads. The report suggests that if a majority of Victorians work from home three days a week, traffic volumes on the Princes Freeway from Avalon Road, Lara to Sneydes Road, Point Cook “are projected … as putting extra pressure on the Princes Freeway inbound much earlier on in the journey to Melbourne”.

In addition, the report states that in the future, many residents of outer suburbs and regional cities will rely on rail services, including V/Line, to get to their workplace when not based at home. The report mentions that this may result “in increased overcrowding and reduced reliability” on train services including the Geelong line. “We recommend the Victorian government extend rail services in Melbourne’s western and northern growth areas,” the report reads. “Higher capacity trains between Wyndham Vale and Southern Cross can help manage this growing rail demand.”

Walking to beat cancer For the past four years, Manor Lakes resident Maria Lodola-Price has taken part in the Cancer Council Victoria’s Walking Stars event in memory of a beloved parent. Ms Lodola-Price’s mother, Susana, died in June 2018 after an 11-year battle with cancer. Susana went into remission after receiving treatment for bowel cancer, but sadly she later developed lymphoma. Ms Lodola-Price said she first participated in Walking Stars during 2017, not long after she and her two older brothers found out their mother’s lymphoma was terminal. Walking Stars, Melbourne’s only night-time walking half-marathon, helps raise funds in support of the Cancer Council Victoria. More than 1500 people are expected to attend this year’s 21-kilometre, non-competitive walk on the weekend. Ms Lodola-Price said people of all ages and fitness levels joined the event. “It’s a great event, with really positive energy and everyone dressed in bright colours, with lots of smiling faces,” she said. Ms Lodola-Price said that in life, Susana was a wonderful mother and person. Susana was born in Argentina and worked as a lawyer, and would often assist “the little people and the downtrodden”. “She was not in it for the money, she was very community-minded and very dedicated to helping people,” Ms Lodola-Price. After moving to Canada, Susana became a paralegal and was involved with several charities, providing aid to immigrants. “She had a real zest for life, she was very passionate about a lot of different issues, she would go to protests and fundraised for United Way, which is a big charity in Canada,” Ms Lodola-Price said. “She was always the life of the party, always laughing and helped a lot of people.” Ms Lodola-Price said that after being diagnosed with cancer, her mother did not complain and refused pain medication.

Alesha Capone

Expect delays over summer

Jessica Power, Andrew Price and Ashley Molnar with Maria Lodola-Price, Bryan Hearns and Kelly O’Brien (bottom row, left to right) at a Walking Stars half-marathon. (Supplied)

“She was just such a strong, independent woman, she never wanted to be seen as weak or pitied,” Ms Lodola-Price said. Walking Stars will start at 6pm on Saturday (December 4), at the Kings Domain. Participants can also choose to take part virtually, by choosing to walk 21 kilometres in

Infrastructure Victoria’s acting chief executive Jonathan Spear said that when people can work from home for some days each week, they are “willing to tolerate” longer commutes on their days in the office. “But access to major job precincts remains a factor in people’s housing choices, which means these dispersion effects occur in the immediate vicinity of Melbourne and big regional cities,” Dr Spear said.

another location. All participants must be fully vaccinated or hold a medical exemption to participate in the physical Walking Stars event, details: www. walkingstars.org.au

Travellers are being advised to expect big delays as work on the state government’s Big Build escalates during the summer. There will be major works on 10 rail lines and four roads including the West Gate Bridge, West Gate Freeway, Monash Freeway and Western Ring Road (M80). The West Gate-CityLink-Monash (M1) freeway will undergo an upgrade, beginning with annual maintenance of the West Gate Bridge between Boxing Day and January 4, 2022. Three of the bridge’s five outbound lanes closed across the timeframe, as bridge strengthening works, pavement reconstruction, excavation and drainage works also take place. From January 11 to late February, works will take place to widen the West Gate Freeway, with the closure of Williamstown Road under the freeway and its city-bound entry and exit ramps, as well as the West Gate FreewayM80 outbound ramp and the M80-Princes Freeway ramp. Motorists have been warned to expect significant delays of up to an hour at times on the West Gate-CityLinkMonash corridor during summer. Drivers are being encouraged to plan ahead and seek alternative routes. As well, the Princes Freeway inbound exit ramp to Geelong Road will be closed from Friday, November 26 to Sunday, November 28, between 9pm and 5am each night. Additional closures will occur from Friday, December 3 to Sunday, December 5, between 9pm and 5am each night. During summer, two more level crossings will also be removed Old Geelong Road, Hoppers Crossing and Ferguson Street, Williamstown.

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Business booms in CBD By Alesha Capone Business is booming in Werribee’s city centre after months of COVID-19 restrictions and lockdowns, as new traders move into vacant shopfronts and crowds return to the streets. Wyndham’s future focused economy portfolio holder, councillor Mia Shaw, said 17 new hospitality-based businesses have opened in Werribee’s CBD in the past 12 months. “This is a fantastic result and a great demonstration of business confidence in Werribee and Wyndham,” Cr Shaw said. “Despite the pandemic there is strong commercial investment in the Werribee city centre. “Many businesses have done it tough over the last 12 months, and some unfortunately were not able to recover. “But COVID showed us how resilient the business owners and people of Wyndham are.” Cr Shaw said funding from the state government’s Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Package has helped the council to deliver safe outdoor dining options for local eateries. Westend Photography owner Imran Kashem, who is also on the Werribee Business and Tourism Association (WBTA) board, opened a studio in Watton Street at the start of 2021. The business, the first commercial photography studio in Werribee’s town centre in the past 20 years, is co-located with five other creative and leadership businesses and forms a hub of professional services. Mr Kashem said that with its many coffee and food offerings, plus the Wyndham Cultural Centre, Watton Street was attracting new traders. “Compared to when I moved here in

Westend Photography owner Imran Kashem, who is also on the Werribee Business and Tourism Association (WBTA) board, outside his Watton Street studio. (Supplied).

January, some of the empty shops are now mostly full,” Mr Kashem said. The WBTA is also launching a campaign to encourage residents to “buy local”. “If we grow, we support the local community,” Mr Kashem said. Anju Bala, who opened Anju Hair & Beauty Unisex Salon on Watton Street in April, said the area offered prominence, plenty of parking and passing pedestrians.

Be the reason they get home safely.

“We set up the salon on Watton Street because it is the main street of Werribee, it’s very busy,” she said. “We are enjoying it, there is a lot of footpath traffic and we have got lots of new customers through this.” Mrs Bala said Wyndham council has also been supportive in allowing the salon to erect signs for its business.

Garden grows for community The state government will spend $170,000 to transform a vacant parcel of land on Penrose Promenade, Tarneit, into a community garden, which Pasifika residents will help tend. Suburban Development Minister Shaun Leane joined Tarneit MP Sarah Connolly and community leaders last week to announce the garden. It will feature raised planter beds, a barbecue, sheds and water tanks. The funding will also support a range of cultural events to raise awareness of the garden and build relationships with the Pasifika community. Pasifika community member, Tonya Toi, said: “We are proud to be working with local and state governments to create a great public garden for Tarneit residents and to have the opportunity to share a piece of the Pasifika culture with the wider community”. Works on the garden are expected to be completed in 2022. Ms Connolly said she could not wait to see the garden up and running. “This investment in the strength and future of Tarneit will improve opportunities for culturally and linguistically diverse groups that contribute so much to their community,” she said. The state government has also invested $2.5 million in Tarneit through the Suburban Revitalisation Program, including a mural at the Tarneit Gardens Shopping Centre, improved reserve lighting and employment programs.

As we come out of lockdown, there will be more cars and people travelling throughout regional Victoria. We all have something to look forward to when we get home. So let’s be the reason everyone gets home safely this summer by sticking to the speed limits and staying alert.

Drive safely for everyone.

4 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 1 December, 2021

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Altona MP to leave parliament Altona MP Jill Hennessy has announced she will not be seeking re-election in 2022. In a statement posted to her Facebook last week, Ms Hennessy wrote that last year she stepped back from the cabinet to spend more time with her daughters as they prepare for their final years of high school. “No matter how precious your family is, politics can blind you their needs if you’re not careful,” she stated. “After some reflection, I came to the view that making the commitment to serve another four-year term was incompatible

with the other important priorities in my life, especially if I wanted to give them all the best of me. “So, I have advised the premier that I will not be seeking preselection to stand as a candidate at the 2022 Victorian state election.” Ms Hennessy wrote that representing Altona in state parliament since 2010 “has been one the great honours of my life”. During her political career, Ms Hennessay has also served as attorney-general, minister for workplace safety and minister for health and ambulance services.

“I thank the many wonderful communities, leaders, organisations and people from Melbourne’s west I have worked with to represent and build a better quality of life for all. I will always be their ardent cheerleader,” her Facebook post stated. “My deep thanks to my staff, local branch members and volunteers who have worked so hard for our collective success over many years.” Premier Daniel Andrews said that Ms Hennessy has displayed an “unfaltering commitment to fairness” during her time in

the state government. He described Ms Hennessy as “an ardent and passionate Westie”. “Jill knows her community and has always advocated for the infrastructure and services they deserve,” Mr Andrews said. “I want to thank Jill for the work she’s done, her years of service to the Parliament and the Labor Party, and her dedication to our great movement. On a personal note, I want to thank her for her years of friendship and unwavering support – and wish her, Bernie and their daughters all the best for the future.”

Crafty Christmas ideas Christmas items, knitted goods and handmade clothing are being sold at Pacific Werribee this week to raise funds for The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH). The Werribee Ladies for Kids Auxiliary for the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne will have a stall at the shopping centre until Sunday, December 5. Auxiliary group volunteers, including Heather Brett, are running the stall, which will feature festively-themed ornaments, tea towels and T-shirts with pictures on them. Mrs Brett said there would also be beanies for $1 each; poncho sets with matching skirts and beanies for children aged up to about six or seven years old; and “spunky” dolls with quirky haircuts. “Everything is homemade and beautiful,” she said. “We have lots of football rugs, beanies, teddies and patchwork crocheted rugs. “One lady has made knitted blankets out of

pure wool, they are about the size of a single bed and just stunning.” Mrs Brett said the auxiliary group was also planning to host a fundraising stall at the Wyndham Cultural Centre in Werribee later this month, including on December 19. She said the auxiliary group usually raised about $50,000 per year for the RCH but that COVID-19 has impacted its fundraising ability the past two years. Mrs Brett said she liked hosting the stalls because people who have a connection to the RCH come up and talk to her. She also has regular customers who attend the stalls every year. “We would love lots of people to come because we have lots to sell,” she said. Alesha Capone Werribee Ladies for Kids volunteers Heather Kendall and Heather Brett at the Pacific Werribee stall. 259415 (Joe Mastroianni)

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Scare guns The state Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is urging farmers and orchardists who use scare guns to frighten birds away from their crops to familiarise themselves with regulations governing use of the items. The EPA has recently received multiple reports complaints about excessive noise coming from the scare guns. Details: https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/about-epa/ publications/1254-1

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Rebecca Lunson, Melissa Urzia and Jaime Todd enjoy the Ladies Day.

(Damjan Janevski). 257629_02

Ladies make the most of their special day

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A group of women connected to the Wyndham Vale Cricket Club enjoyed a Ladies Day at the weekend. Club secretary Melissa Urzia said about 40 people attended the event on Saturday, including players’ partners and the mothers of junior and senior players. Ms Urzia, who also organises social functions for the Wyndham Vale club, said she hoped the Ladies Day would become a regular event. At the Ladies Day, attendees enjoyed sandwiches, grazing platters, sweets, fruit and drinks while being entertained by a singer and guitar player. About 15 door prizes were also given out. “It was nice to catch up with everyone, it has been very hard with lockdowns,” Ms Urzia said. “Some people had not seen each other for a long time.” Her partner, club president Tony Torcasio, gave a speech at the Ladies Day thanking

the women for their support while their partners and sons devote six months of the year to cricket including for training sessions, meetings and game days – or sometimes 12 months, when winter cricket and preparing for next season comes into play. “The Ladies Day is about giving back to us women because it seems we can sometimes be forgotten when it comes to men’s sport,” Ms Urzia said. In addition being club secretary and organising social events, she also helps out by running the canteen and bar during competitions. Details: http://www.wyndhamvalecc.com/, https://www.facebook.com/Wyndham-ValeCricket-Club-297442814475018/, https:// www.instagram.com/wyndhamvale_cricket_ club/?hl=en

Specsavers says thanks Specsavers in Werribee has thanked locals for their support in helping to close the gap in Indigenous eye health, as the optometry company celebrates 10 years of supporting The Fred Hollows Foundation in Australia. Werribee community members have helped to contribute more than $20,000 to the foundation.

Unit proposal Wyndham council has received a planning permit seeking permission to build six units at 273 Princes Highway in Werribee. The $1.1 million proposal is available for community feedback.

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Serving up a fresh start By Alesha Capone The owner of a long-running Wyndham restaurant says that opening a new venue has provided him with a smorgasbord of fresh opportunities. Elie Touma ran DiCaprio Family Restaurant on Derrimut Road, Hoppers Crossing, for almost 20 years, but was forced to vacate the site – which he leased – when developers gained approval to build a service station there. After DiCaprio closed last year, Mr Touma vowed to open up a new business elsewhere in Wyndhamto remain in the community that has supported him for so long. This dream came true when Brothers on K opened earlier this month. This name was inspired by the restaurant’s family connections, with Mr Touma’s brother Eddy serving as head chef, and also the venue’s location on K Road in Werribee South. “My wife and three children are also helping out in the restaurant,” Mr Touma said. All the staff at the new venue previously worked at DiCaprio, and pizza and pasta remain as popular menu items for both eat-in and takeaway. Mr Touma said that about 50 to 60 people attended a special pre-opening night celebration at Brothers on K, including regular customers from DiCaprio, Werribee South residents, Rotary Club of Hoppers Crossing members, family and friends. At the event, a priest from St James the Apostle blessed the new restaurant. Brothers on K seats about 70 to 80 people, plus another 30 outside, less than the 250-plus patrons DiCaprio could host. The restaurant also has a new mascot – the landlord’s cockatoo Betsy lives in a large enclosure outside the restaurant and greets

Elie Touma at his new restaurant Brothers on K. (Damjan Janevski).

customers. Mr Touma said he was planning to open a beer garden at Brothers on K. He is also organising to purchase fresh vegetables from Werribee South’s farms to use in the restaurant.

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Mr Touma said although he was “very sad” to leave DiCaprio, it has “it opened a new door for the best”. “Moving from one place to another, I say a change is as good as a holiday,” he said.

NEWS

Werribee South boat ramp plans Boaters are being encouraged to have their say on proposed upgrades for the Werribee South boat ramp. The planned upgrade has been funded under the state government’s $33 million Better Boating Fund. Better Boating Victoria is working with coastal engineers to develop the Werribee South designs, with public feedback open for four weeks until Friday, December 17. The plans include adding two additional boat ramp lanes to make launching and retrieving boats more efficient at the site, extra pontoons to allow more vessels to be berthed and provisions for all future abilities access. Other proposed improvements include realigning the parking area to provide more boat preparation spaces away from the main ramp, along with additional entry and waiting lanes to increase capacity and reduce queuing back to Beach Road. The Werribee South facility is one of the busiest within the Port Phillip Bay network and services a significant number of boaters in the west. The ramp also provides access to Port Phillip and Corio Bay, as well as the Werribee River. Once public feedback is collated on the proposed upgrade, the data will be analysed and incorporated into a final concept plan to be developed alongside boat ramp user groups and Wyndham council.

Wednesday, 1 December, 2021 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 7

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Carter Cottage on the market By Alesha Capone A historic residence in Werribee, which features a fountain and artistic mural in the garden, is up for sale. The home, located at 2 College Road, is being sold through YPA Wyndham City in Werribee. Property consultant James Christou said the heritage-listed abode was built in 1930 by the Carter family. The Carters, who ran poultry farms in Werribee, constructed about 66 red brick

and cream brick-veneer dwellings for their employees in Werribee, which are now known as the Carter Cottages. Mr Christou, who also sold a Carter Cottage at 22 College Road last year, said houses and units on the street were incredibly popular among buyers because they are in the zone of two nearby secondary schools. “We always find anything south-side, which is what we call that area of Werribee with the MacKillop College and Werribee Secondary College zone – as soon as something in that zone goes online, you always get a lot of

inquiries,” he said. Mr Christou said inquiries from potential buyers about the cottage have come from Wyndham residents, along with people living interstate and overseas. “It’s set up with three individual bedrooms and bathrooms, so it’s perfect for someone who would like to run a bed and breakfast,” he said. The property’s large backyard has multiple garden and storage sheds, a shared outdoor entertaining area and a fountain featuring a sculpture of a woman at its centre.

Farm safety recognised A Werribee South farm and Wyndham council have been announced as finalists in the 2021 WorkSafe Awards. Twenty-three finalists were announced from 180 nominations across Victoria last week. Velisha National Farms has been named a finalist in the category for commitment to workplace health and safety on a farm. Run by managing director Catherine Velisha, the farm this year introduced a new induction program to educate culturally and linguistically diverse workers about safety, through images and videos. In addition, the farm has supported workers to improve their English language skills. Ms Velisha was also announced as recipient of the Boomaroo Nurseries Women in Horticulture award at the Hort Connections 2021 National Awards for Excellence in June. “I do want to be able to inspire young girls to think of horticulture as a career, to change

8 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 1 December, 2021

the perception of the industry and let them know from a young age, it’s a space where women can thrive,” she said. Wyndham council was named a finalist in the WorkSafe award’s workplace health and safety solution of the year category for developing a safe and secure way to house dangerous dogs in the their care. In November, the council sought worker input and industry expertise to design a new enclosure for its pound, to better prevent staff injuries. Self-closing doors and locks reduced the need for staff to enter the enclosure, while features such as non-slip floors and flip-down access within the main door have also improved safety.

Catherine Velisha.

(Supplied)

“The yard is very stunning with a very beautiful water feature, a tall and old tree and lots of space,” Me Christou said. Painted on an outdoor wall is a mural, designed to look like an optical illusion with a statue, blue skies, trees and a walkway. The home will be sold at a forthcoming auction, for which a date is yet to be set, with an asking price range of between $599,000 to $649,000. Because the dwelling is heritage-listed, some of its outdoor features cannot be changed.

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The Werribee Concert Band has received a grant from the Manor Lakes Community Fund.

(Supplied)

Funding for community Twenty-four not-for-profit groups operating in Wyndham have shared in $36,000 worth of funding from the 2021 Manor Lakes Community Fund. The recipients were announced at a presentation evening last month, with each group awarded $1500. Dennis Family Corporation, the developer of Manor Lakes estate, has offered community funds across its residential developments, both in Victoria and Queensland, since 2002. Community groups in the Wyndham area have received more than $330,000 since the Manor Lakes Community Fund began in 2003. An independent judging committee reviewed the applications to the Manor Lakes fund this year, to select the final list of recipients, including Bridge Builders for Australasia Inc, Encompass Community Services, Iramoo Community Centre, Manor Lakes Concert Band, VICSES Wyndham West

Unit, Werribee Hospital Foundation and Wyndham Vale Fire Brigade. Schools, sports clubs and churches also received grants, along with Foodbank Manor Lakes. Lynette Labuschagne, from the organisation, said volunteers would use the money to rent a van to collect food from Foodbank in Yarraville every week. “Currently we’re serving over 120 families in the local area at the Manor Lakes Community Centre every Wednesday, and delivering to families in isolation or who are unable to come to the community centre,” Ms Labuschagne said. Evan Thomson from Werribee Concert Band said the group’s members were excited to receive a grant too. “We will be purchasing music written by Australian composers, particularly those who are self-published, as many have really struggled during the pandemic,” he said.

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As Mayor of Wyndham, one of my favourite ƉĂƌƚƐ ĂďŽƵƚ ƌĞƉƌĞƐĞŶƟŶŐ ƚŚĞ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚǇ / ůŝǀĞ ŝŶ ŝƐ ǁŽƌŬŝŶŐ ǁŝƚŚ ŵǇ ĨĞůůŽǁ ƌĞƐŝĚĞŶƚƐ ƚŽ ĚĞůŝǀĞƌ ƐŽŵĞ ŐƌĞĂƚ ŽƵƚĐŽŵĞƐ ƚŚĂƚ ďĞŶĞĮƚ ƵƐ Ăůů͘ dŚƌŽƵŐŚ ŵǇ ŶŝŶĞ ǇĞĂƌƐ ŽŶ ŽƵŶĐŝů͕ / ŚĂǀĞ ǁŽƌŬĞĚ ŽŶ ƐŽŵĞ ŵĂũŽƌ ƉƌŽũĞĐƚƐ ƚŚĂƚ ǁŽƵůĚ not have been possible without the input and ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚ ŽĨ ƉĂƐƐŝŽŶĂƚĞ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚǇ ŵĞŵďĞƌƐ͘ dŚĞ ŵĂũŽƌ ƌĞǀŝƚĂůŝƐĂƟŽŶƐ ŽĨ tǇŶĚŚĂŵ WĂƌŬ ĂŶĚ ŚŝƌŶƐŝĚĞ WĂƌŬ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ŚĞĂƌƚ ŽĨ tĞƌƌŝďĞĞ͕ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ ƌĞĚĞǀĞůŽƉŵĞŶƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ >ĂǁƌŝĞ ŵŵŝŶƐ DŽƚŽĐƌŽƐƐ dƌĂĐŬ ĂƌĞ ũƵƐƚ Ă ĨĞǁ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ƉƌŽũĞĐƚƐ ƚŚĂƚ ĐŽŵĞ ƚŽ ŵŝŶĚ͘ KŶůǇ ďǇ ŽƵŶĐŝů ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚǇ ĐŽŵŝŶŐ ƚŽŐĞƚŚĞƌ ǁĞƌĞ ƚŚĞƐĞ ƉƌŽũĞĐƚƐ ĂďůĞ ƚŽ move from ideas to reality. That’s why it’s so ŝŵƉŽƌƚĂŶƚ ƚŚĂƚ ĞĂĐŚ ŽĨ ǇŽƵ ƐŚĂƌĞ ǇŽƵƌ ŝĚĞĂƐ ĂŶĚ ŽƉŝŶŝŽŶƐ ŽŶ ŽƵŶĐŝů ĚĞĐŝƐŝŽŶƐ͕ ƉƌŽũĞĐƚƐ ĂŶĚ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ ǁŝƚŚ ƵƐ͘ zŽƵ ĐĂŶ ĚŽ ƚŚŝƐ ďǇ ǀŝƐŝƟŶŐ ƚŚĞůŽŽƉ͘ǁǇŶĚŚĂŵ͘ǀŝĐ͘ŐŽǀ͘ĂƵ ĂŶĚ ƐŝŐŶŝŶŐ ƵƉ ƚŽ dŚĞ >ŽŽƉ ƚŽĚĂǇ͘ zŽƵ ǁŝůů ƌĞĐĞŝǀĞ ƉƌŽŐƌĞƐƐ ƵƉĚĂƚĞƐ ŽŶ ƉƌŽũĞĐƚƐ ǇŽƵ ŚĂǀĞ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞĚ ĨĞĞĚďĂĐŬ ŽŶ͕ ĂŶĚ ŵŽƌĞ ŝŵƉŽƌƚĂŶƚůǇ͕ ŽƵŶĐŝů ǁŝůů ŐĞƚ ƚŽ ŚĞĂƌ ĚŝƌĞĐƚůǇ ĨƌŽŵ ǇŽƵ͊ tǇŶĚŚĂŵ ŝƐ ŵĂĚĞ ďĞƩĞƌ ǁŚĞŶ ǁĞ͛ƌĞ Ăůů ǁŽƌŬŝŶŐ ƚŽŐĞƚŚĞƌ ĂŶĚ / ĐĂŶ͛ƚ ǁĂŝƚ ƚŽ ƐĞĞ ǁŚĂƚ ƚŚŝƐ ĐŽůůĂďŽƌĂƟŽŶ ďƌŝŶŐƐ for the future. ZĞŐĂƌĚƐ͕ ƌ WĞƚĞƌ DĂǇŶĂƌĚ

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SPECIALS ON SALE FROM 13TH OCTOBER-25TH DECEMBER 2021. FAILURE BY SUPPLIER TO DELIVER OR OTHER UNINTENTIONAL CAUSES MAY RESULT IN SOME ITEMS IN THIS ADVERTISEMENT BEING UNAVAILABLE. PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CORRECT PRINTING ERRORS. ALL PRICES ARE GST INCLUSIVE. ^ SAVINGS CALCULATED BASED ON SUPPLIER SUGGESTED RETAIL AND NOT NECESSARILY PREVIOUS IN STORE PRICE.

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www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/contactus www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/contactus www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/connectwithus www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/connectwithus mail@wyndham.vic.gov.au mail@wyndham.vic.gov.au Translating Translating& &Interpreting InterpretingServices Services131314145050 Wednesday, 1 December, 2021 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 9

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Lake litter a ‘disgusting’ blight A Tarneit resident says that “disgusting looking” food and plastic bags are being regularly dumped at a Tarneit lake, posing a danger to ducks and other wildlife in the area. Margaret (who asked for her surname to be withheld) said that rubbish – including rice, noodles, yellow sauce, eggs, carrots, pappadams, plastic-wrapped cheese slices, onion, other foodstuffs and plastic bags – is being left at the edge of the lake on Riversdale Drive, opposite Lindrum Outlook, about two to three times per week. Margaret said that for the past three months, she has been cleaning up the rubbish,

from where it is left near the Davis Creek path. “This foodstuff is contaminating the lake and is highly dangerous to the ducks and wildlife that live there,” she said. “These people also dump all the plastic bags that they carry this food, and that also gets into the lake and waterways and is also extremely dangerous.” Ducks should not eat “human” foods including bread, salt, green potatoes, onions, nuts, spinach and mouldy items, as they cause illnesses and also kill the birds. Margaret said that the amount of food left by the dumpers was “far too much to come

from a family home”. She said she has reported the issue to Wyndham council twice and also Greater Western Water. A council spokesperson said the council could not find a record of incidents or complaints related to rubbish dumping at the Tarneit lake. “Illegal litter dumping is a complex community problem across many municipalities in Victoria, and Wyndham has adopted a number of methods to try and reduce the amount of dumped litter,” the spokesperson said.

“We have dedicated waste education officers who aim to educate the community about their options for removing waste, and we offer three hard rubbish collections per household, per year. “We need your support to keep Wyndham clean and ask residents to report illegal rubbish dumping on 1300 023 411.” To report dumped rubbish, residents can also contact the council online. Details: https://digital.wyndham.vic.gov. au/reportissue/#/

Arty sisters post a win Four Wyndham youngsters, including siblings Aubrey and Ashlea (pictured), have all won prizes in a statewide art competition designed to promote safety on public transport. The sisters, aged six and 11 respectively, entered this year’s Transdev Melbourne School Bus Safety Poster Competition. The competition asked students to create a poster based on bus safety in wet weather and at bus stops. Ashlea placed second in the category of the competition for pupils in grades 5 to 6. Aubrey came third in the prep to year 2 section, which was won by grade 2 pupil Adib from Truganina P-9 College. Another grade 2 pupil, Avika from Featherbrook P-9 College, received the category’s Journey Maker Award, which was chosen by a popular vote. Ashlea, who also won first place in the Transdev competition in 2020, said she felt

“really happy” to win another prize this year. “The theme for my poster was about bus safety on rainy days,” she said. “I imagined myself forgetting my umbrella and so I had to put a story about that into my poster.” Aubrey said she was “very excited” to win third place. “This is the first time that I have sent in an entry and I was not expecting to win anything,” she said. “I just wanted to draw.” The sisters, who attend Alamanda K-9 College in Point Cook, thanked Travsdev for running the competition and said they were looking forward to seeing their posters aboard the company’s buses. Sisters Aubrey and Ashlea with their winning entries in the Transdev Melbourne poster design competition, and some of the prizes they received. (Supplied).

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/Ŷ ĐĞůĞďƌĂƟŽŶ ŽĨ /ŶƚĞƌŶĂƟŽŶĂů sŽůƵŶƚĞĞƌ ĂǇ͕ ŽŶ ϱ ĞĐĞŵďĞƌ͕ tǇŶĚŚĂŵ ŝƚǇ ǁŽƵůĚ ůŝŬĞ ƚŽ ƐĂǇ ͚dŚĂŶŬ zŽƵ͛ ĂŶĚ ƌĞĐŽŐŶŝƐĞ Ăůů ǀŽůƵŶƚĞĞƌƐ ŝŶ ŽƵƌ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚǇ͘ tĞ ĂƉƉƌĞĐŝĂƚĞ ǇŽƵƌ ĞīŽƌƚ ĂŶĚ ĞǆƚĞŶĚ ŽƵƌ ŚĞĂƌƞĞůƚ ƚŚĂŶŬƐ ƚŽ ĞǀĞƌǇŽŶĞ ƚŚĂƚ ĐŽŶƚƌŝďƵƚĞĚ ƚŚŝƐ ǇĞĂƌ ƚŽ ŵĂŬĞ ŽƵƌ ĐŝƚǇ Ă ďĞƩĞƌ ƉůĂĐĞ͘ dŚŝƐ ǇĞĂƌ͛Ɛ ƚŚĞŵĞ͕ ͚sŽůƵŶƚĞĞƌ ŶŽǁ ĨŽƌ ŽƵƌ ĐŽŵŵŽŶ ĨƵƚƵƌĞ͕͛ ƌĂŝƐĞƐ ĂǁĂƌĞŶĞƐƐ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŝŵƉŽƌƚĂŶƚ ƌŽůĞ ǀŽůƵŶƚĞĞƌƐ ƉůĂǇ ŝŶ ƌĞƐƉŽŶĚŝŶŐ ƚŽ ĐŚĂůůĞŶŐĞƐ ĨĂĐŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ǁŽƌůĚ͘ Spotlight a Volunteer During 2021, Council recognised some of our local volunteers through a social media ĐĂŵƉĂŝŐŶ͕ ͚^ƉŽƚůŝŐŚƚ Ă sŽůƵŶƚĞĞƌ͛ ǁǁǁ͘ǁǇŶĚŚĂŵ͘ǀŝĐ͘ŐŽǀ͘ĂƵͬǀŽůƵŶƚĞĞƌͲƌĞĐŽŐŶŝƟŽŶ THANK YOU to the thousands of volunteers we have here in Wyndham who give up ƚŚĞŝƌ ƟŵĞ ƚŽ ŚĞůƉ ŽƚŚĞƌƐ͕ ĞƐƉĞĐŝĂůůǇ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚŽƵƚ ĂŶŽƚŚĞƌ ĐŚĂůůĞŶŐŝŶŐ ǇĞĂƌ͘ zŽƵƌ ĞīŽƌƚƐ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŵŵŝƚŵĞŶƚ ĂƌĞ ĂƉƉƌĞĐŝĂƚĞĚ ďǇ Ăůů͊ dŽ ƌĞĂĚ ƚŚĞ ĨƵůů ĂƌƟĐůĞƐ͕ ǀŝƐŝƚ͗ ǁǁǁ͘ǁǇŶĚŚĂŵ͘ǀŝĐ͘ŐŽǀ͘ĂƵͬǀŽůƵŶƚĞĞƌͲƌĞĐŽŐŶŝƟŽŶ

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ϭ͘ <ĂƚŚĞƌŝŶĞ tǇŶ ĂǇ d >ϮW WƌŽŐƌĂŵ Ϯ͘ >ǇŶŶĞƩĞ &ŽŽĚďĂŶŬ DĂŶŽƌ >ĂŬĞƐ ϯ͘ ŚƌŝƐƟŶĂ hŶŝƟŶŐ KƉ ^ŚŽƉ ϰ͘ ZĂŐŚƵďŝƌ ƌĞĂŬƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ DĞŶƚŽƌŝŶŐ ϱ͘ :ŽŶ 'ŽŽĚ EĞǁƐ WŽǁĞƌ ĂƐŬĞƚďĂůů ůƵď ϲ͘ ^ŽŽ tĞƌƌŝďĞĞ WĂƌŬ ϳ͘ >ŽƌƌĂŝŶĞ tĞƌƌŝďĞĞ &ŽŽƚďĂůů ůƵď ϴ͘ ^ĂŶũĂǇ EĞŝŐŚďŽƵƌŚŽŽĚ tĂƚĐŚ dĂƌŶĞŝƚ ĞŶƚƌĂů

To learn more about volunteering in Wyndham, visit : www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/volunteering

Wednesday, 1 December, 2021 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 11

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New cervical cancer campaign The Cancer Council Victoria is encouraging Wyndham residents to regularly get tested for cervical cancer. A recent Cancer Council Victoria survey found that only 15 per cent of respondents have heard about self-collection as a possible option to screen for cervical cancer. Data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that 40.6 per cent of women and people with cervix aged 25 to 74, who live in Wyndham, are up-to-date with cervical screening. The Cancer Council Victoria and Australian

Centre for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer have partnered for a new campaign, funded by the state government, to raise awareness of self-collection as a reliable method for detecting HPV (human papillomavirus), which causes almost all cervical cancers. The self-collection service is available to women and people with a cervix who are aged over 30; who are overdue for a cervical screening test by two years or more; and who have never been screened, even if they do not have symptoms. The test can be done by an individual

collecting their own sample with a swab, similar to the ones used for COVID tests, at a GP clinic or other healthcare setting, usually behind a private screen or in the bathroom. Cancer Council Victoria screening program manager, Kate Broun, said more than 70 per cent of cervical cancers occur in women and people with a cervix who have never been screened or who have lapsed their regular screening. “We know that many, particularly from priority communities, face a range of barriers to accessing screening. Self-collection

provides an opportunity to address these barriers,” Ms Broun said. “For those who have never screened, research shows that taking part in self-collection could reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer by around 40 per cent.” Ms Broun said the she self-screening test was “free, easy to do yourself and reliable”. “If you think you could be eligible for self-collection, don’t wait until July next year, speak to your GP or nurse today.” Details: www.cancervic.org.au/ selfcollection

Music clip promotes COVID safety among youth A group of youths from the west have made a music video to promote COVID-safe behaviours among their peers The video was filmed by participants in the Junubi Wyndham community support group, which is auspiced by the Wyndham Community & Education Centre. The program is managed and staffed by people from South Sudanese backgrounds, and links young people and their families to activities and services. Junubi Wyndham communications officer John Mashar spent three months filming the music video with five participants aged between 17 and 24 years old. Mr Mashar said the ‘Welcome to the Pandemic’ clip was parody of the popular song ‘Welcome to the Party’ by Pop Smoke, with lyrics changed to promote COVD-safe behaviours. The video was funded by the state government’s Culturally and Linguistically

Diverse Youth Content Campaign. Mr Mashar said that along with creating digitally shareable content by, and for, young Africans to raise awareness of COVID-safe behaviours, the music video also aimed to show Junubi youth that they are part of the solution to “counter the false narrative” created conservative media about the South Sudanese community. One of the young people involved in making the clip, Melton resident Monykeur, said the video applied a positive light to staying safe during the pandemic. Monykeur, an actor and singer, said the Junubi Wyndham project was his first time starring in a song clip. “It was something different for me, I have never done a music video before,” he said. “It was nerve-wracking but also fun.” ‘Welcome to the Pandemic’ has reached more than 420 views on YouTube, details: https://bit. ly/3E3okJe

The ‘Welcome to the Pandemic’ music video promotes COVID-safe behaviours.

(Supplied)

tHe RiGhT SUPpoRt FoR YoU

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Email contact@genu.org.au

WEBSITE genu.org.au genU is a division of Karingal St Laurence Limited ABN 74 614 366 031 | ACN 614 366 031 12513046-DL43-21

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Heritage protection bid Melbourne Water’s Western Treatment Plant (WTP) has been officially recognised for its historical significance after being added to the Victorian Heritage Register. Originally known as the Metropolitan Sewerage Farm, the WTP was established in Werribee during the early 1890s following a Royal Commission into the sanitary state of Melbourne. Nowadays, the WTP treats more than half of Melbourne’s sewage and is also home to a world-renowned wetlands on 10,500 hectares of land. The WTP will celebrate its 125th anniversary of servicing Melbourne in 2022. Making the upcoming occasion even more special, the Heritage Council of Victoria last week endorsed a recommendation to include the WTP on the state’s heritage register. The WTP site is also home to the remaining buildings of the former town of Cocoroc, which was established in 1894 by the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works to house employees and families working on the sewage farm. The Cocoroc buildings have been listed on the heritage register, in addition to the rest of the WTP precinct. Melbourne Water’s WTP manager Alanna Wright said the site’s inclusion on the heritage register paid homage to the vital role it has played in Melbourne’s ongoing development. “For more than 80 years Cocoroc was a thriving community with over 100 houses for workers and their families,” Ms Wright said. “This recognition of inclusion on the Victorian Heritage Register is a fitting tribute to the multiple generations who lived and worked on the farm and have left their legacy on the life and liveability of Melbourne.” Heritage Victoria executive director Steven Avery said many Victorians were unaware

The former sewage farm office and residence at Cocoroc, within the Western Treatment Plant site. (Supplied/David Mullins/Melbourne Water). 259845_01

of the former township of Cocoroc and the importance of the former Metropolitan Farm, as part of the Melbourne metropolitan sewerage system. “Prior to the construction of the sewerage system, human waste in metropolitan Melbourne was emptied into the streets, creeks and rivers,” he said. “The Former Metropolitan Farm was a major

engineering achievement and led directly to dramatic improvements in sanitation and public health in Melbourne.” Melbourne Water has recently completed a project to restore Cocoroc’s century-old farm hall, which will be used as a education and visitor centre.

NEWS

Community centre open The $9.2 million Dianella Community Centre has been officially opened in Tarneit West. Local Government and Suburban Development Minister Shaun Leane joined Tarneit MP Sarah Connolly, Wyndham mayor Peter Maynard and other Wyndham councillors for the event last week. Maternal and Child Health Services and kindergarten services are based at the centre, which is located at 6 Congo Drive. Dianella Community Centre also features an outdoor area with a half basketball court, barbecue area and amphitheatre, community meeting spaces, training rooms, commercial kitchen and consulting rooms The project was jointly funded by Wyndham council and the state government, which provided a $4 million contribution. Cr Maynard said he was thrilled to see Wyndham delivering an essential community infrastructure “which will help our residents connect and empower each other”. “It is especially pleasing that this new community centre is open to support Tarneit West’s growing population,” Cr Maynard said. “Wyndham city thanks the state government for their support towards this project. “We are grateful for the contribution that allows Wyndham to build sophisticated community infrastructure to support our community.”

We’re building big near you and there will be transport disruptions As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re removing 85 dangerous and congested level crossings, with 54 already gone and there will be critical maintenance works on the West Gate Bridge. Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions Williamstown Line

Until mid Dec

Newport to Williamstown

Werribee Line

6am 4 Dec to 6am 5 Dec North Melbourne to Werribee 8.30pm to last train, 5 to 9 Dec

MTIA6464

Road disruptions: Closed roads and lanes Princes Highway

Until mid Dec

Lane closed eastbound between Old Geelong Road and Princes Freeway

Heaths Road, Hoppers Crossing

Until late Dec

Lane closed eastbound between Morris and Old Geelong roads

Old Geelong Road, Hoppers Crossing

Until late Dec

Lanes closed between Heaths Road and Nevada Court

From 9 Dec

Closed permanently at the level crossing

Ferguson Street, Williamstown

7pm to 7am each night, 8 to 12 Dec

Closed between Railway Place and Victoria Street

West Gate Bridge

26 Dec to 4 Jan

Three outbound lanes closed

Find a detailed list of disruptions at bigbuild.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne Wednesday, 1 December, 2021 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 13

FEATURING ... OUR COMMUNITY

Advertising feature

Encompass community has a ‘new appreciation’ for art Encompass Community Services has been a quiet achiever in Wyndham, but this year it is celebrating loudly, and inviting the community to join in. In acknowledgement of International Day of People with a Disability, Encompass is hosting an Art Showcase and Competition right in the heart of Wyndham . This year’s theme is ‘I have a new appreciation for …’ to give artists and people who live with a disability a way to express some of the amazing things that they appreciate, after experiencing the big year that was 2021. Thanks to the support of the Wyndham City Council and Art Assist, this year’s prize pool is bigger and better than ever with over $3000 worth of prizes to be won by the artists that contribute to the showcase. Jorge Zaldivia, one of the event organisers, encourages everyone to view the display at the Wyndham Park Community Centre, 55-57 Kookaburra Avenue, Werribee, from Friday, December 3 until Friday, December 10. You’re encouraged to bring your family and check out all the entrants for Encompass’ International Day of Disability Art Showcase and Competition and help this amazing organisation celebrate and acknowledge International Day of People with a Disability. Entries will also be on display on Encompass’ Facebook page: Facebook.com/EncompassCS as well as on its website encompass-cs.org.au/ IDPWD-ArtComp For more information or to get involved with next year’s event, phone Encompass on 1800 943 055 or email info@encompass-cs.org.au.

Jorge Zaldivia is excited to welcome people to enter the competion and view the variety of entries. (Supplied)

Print and Online Sales Executive

ONEWyndham Young Person of the Month

Winners

ŽŶŐƌĂƚƵůĂƟŽŶƐ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ tǇŶĚŚĂŵ ƌĞƐŝĚĞŶƚƐ ĨŽƌ ďĞŝŶŐ awarded the One Wyndham Young WĞƌƐŽŶ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ DŽŶƚŚ ĨŽƌ EŽǀĞŵďĞƌ ĂŶĚ ĞĐĞŵďĞƌ͘ dŚĞ ĂǁĂƌĚ ĂŝŵƐ ƚŽ ďƵŝůĚ ƚŚĞ ƉƌŽĮůĞ ŽĨ ǇŽƵŶŐ ƉĞŽƉůĞ ǁŚŽ ĂƌĞ ƉŽƐŝƟǀĞůǇ ĐŽŶƚƌŝďƵƟŶŐ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ tǇŶĚŚĂŵ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚǇ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĂŶŬ ƚŚĞŵ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞŝƌ ĚĞĚŝĐĂƟŽŶ͘

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Star Weekly Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic sales executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms. Star Weekly is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future. The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business. Sales skills/experience: • Ability to maintain existing professional relationships and to create new ones • Ability to meet defined sales and activity targets • Excellent listening skills • Accuracy and attention to detail • Effective time management to meet deadlines • Ability to operate in a team • Demonstrates initiative and flexibility • Effective oral and written communication Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance. The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme. Send your application letter and resume to: Mandy Clark Group Advertising Sales Manager mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au

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Learn more: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/onewyndham 12518321-AV43-21

14 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 1 December, 2021

OVER $3000 IN TOTAL MONEY AND PRIZES

FRIDAY DECEMBER 3RD TO FRIDAY DECEMBER 10TH for more information please call 1800 943 055 or email info@encompass-cs.org.au

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COME AND experience Christmas in Geelong Free two-hour parking in 2P parking zones in central Geelong to shop, dine and enjoy our Christmas activities.

Floating Christmas Tree Sound and Light show

Christmas Projections

Giant Selfie Trail Pump up the carols, pack the kids into the car and capture precious memories along our new Giant Selﬁe Trail.

The shows are approximately 6 minutes in length and play every 15 minutes.

Stunning Christmas-themed projections are again lighting up City Hall in Gheringhap Street for the festive season. Projections are best experienced 8.30pm to 11.30pm during November and 9pm to 11.30pm during December and January.

You can also experience our iconic tree online. Watch a live feed of the tree or enjoy a recording of the Sound and Light show.

Featuring the work of three local artists, this year’s projections bring a diverse range of stunning visual elements.

See our spectacular Floating Christmas Tree’s Sound and Light show at the Geelong Waterfront nightly between 8.30pm and midnight until 7 January.

Visit one or all of the 22 locations across the region and transform yourself into an angel with giant wings, kiss your special someone under the giant mistletoe, jump into one (or all) of the snow globes, turn yourself into a hanging Christmas decoration, surf with Santa and more!

Shorts Place will also be illuminated by projections nightly.

school trees

Personalised Santa Letters

Kids Hub

Enjoy wandering through 31 individually decorated Christmas trees on display in the forecourt at Johnstone Park and along Little Malop Street (between Moorabool and Yarra Streets). The display showcases the creativity of primary school students from schools throughout the region.

The North Pole will be making a special delivery to Geelong children! Make your way to The Carousel at 1 Eastern Beach Road, Geelong or Corio Library at Cox Road (cnr Moa St), Norlane to post a letter. Or lodge online at geelongaustralia.com.au/christmas.

Visit our online hub for everything you need to help the kids have a memorable Christmas. There’s a Christmas show from the renowned Mik Maks, Christmas wreath-making with the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative Early Years Team and we’ve ﬁlmed story time and craft activities at various locations.

Love Central Geelong Christmas Windows and Craft Hub

Competitions

Support local - Gift Local

Feeling lucky? Christmas in Geelong 2021 includes some great ways to win prizes just in time for the festive season! Up for grabs are yummy Christmas hampers from local businesses, gift cards (to help you shop) as well as a special Santa visit. (Yes, Santa has agreed to visit one local family home to spread some Christmas cheer)!

Let’s support our community and where we can and ‘think local ﬁrst’ when Christmas shopping! Think about gifting products, services, experiences or even gift vouchers purchased locally. This helps local people, industries and Geelong’s economy. If you’re looking for ideas, visit geelongaustralia.com.au/itsourbackyard

Drop-in to the Love Central Geelong Christmas Hub in December, open 10am to 1pm, Monday to Saturday. The hub is located at 111-113 Little Malop Street. Collect your free magic wand! Enjoy wand decorating craft activities and lolly giveaways before heading off to discover six interactive Christmas windows.

Share the joy of giving Scan the QR code to donate to the Geelong Giving Tree Appeal

For the full Christmas in Geelong program visit

geelongaustralia.com.au/christmas 16 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 1 December, 2021

Share your Christmas photos

#GeelongChristmas

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NEWS

Australian Army special operations force soldiers from the 1st Commando Regiment board a Royal Australian Air Force C-130J Hercules aircraft at RAAF Base Williams, Point Cook, to conduct parachute training as part Exercise Star Leopard. (Supplied/Department of Defence)

An Australian Army special operations force soldier from the 1st Commando Regiment conducts a military free-fall parachute jump from a Royal Australian Air Force C-130J Hercules aircraft near RAAF Base Williams, Point Cook. (Supplied/ Department of Defence)

An Australian Army special operations force soldier from the 1st Commando Regiment jumps from a Royal Australian Air Force C-130J Hercules aircraft. (Supplied/Department of Defence)

Commandos jump into action There were spectacular scenes as Australian Army soldiers practised jumping out of aircraft at the RAAF base in Point Cook and near Avalon Airport last weekend. Military personnel from the 2 Commando Company, 1st Commando Regiment conducted Exercise Star Leopard on Saturday, November 20. Based at Fort Gellibrand in Williamstown, 2 Commando Company was one of two independent commando companies established by the army in 1955 to retain the warfare skills developed by Australian commandos World War II. Today, 2 Commando Company is part of the 1st Commando Regiment, which has headquarters in Sydney. Many of the company’s soldiers many have served in Afghanistan, Iraq, Timor-Leste and the Solomon Islands. Some of these commandos took part in static line, ram air parachute static line and military free-fall parachute training at Point Cook and near Avalon on the weekend. Dozens of Army commandos and special operations force soldiers jumped from a Royal Australian Air Force C-130J Hercules aircraft, from just after dawn on Saturday. Several of the 2 Commando Company soldiers are also part of the Army Reserve. A soldier who took part in the training, who can only be named as “Warrant Officer Class Two M” due to their identity being classified, said Exercise Star Leopard was the first time since 1997 that the company has successfully conducted parachute continuation training in Victoria. “Everybody is thrilled to be back in training again after such a challenging year,” Warrant Officer Class Two M said. A 30-year veteran of 2 Commando Company and part-time Army Reservist, Sergeant C (whose identity is also classified), said she enjoyed being back in the air again. “I love jumping and will always get up there as many times as I can,” she said. “I joined the company when I was 17 because my dad was in the Air Force and I was fascinated by military service and the opportunities that it presented, like jumping out of an aircraft, shooting and other activities.” Afghanistan and Iraq veteran, Sergeant B, said: “The weekend proved we can do the training in Victoria, and Avalon and Point Cook are great sites and very convenient for the team.”

Australian Army special operations force soldiers from the 1st Commando Regiment rendezvous after landing in a wheat field near Avalon Airport, as part Exercise Star Leopard on Saturday. (Supplied/ Department of Defence)

An Australian Army special operations force soldier from the 1st Commando Regiment waits for the rest of his team to join him after parachuting from a Royal Australian Air Force C-130J Hercules aircraft into wheat fields near Avalon Airport. (Supplied/Department of Defence)

Australian Army special operations force soldiers from the 1st Commando Regiment conduct a military static-line parachute insertion into fields near Avalon Airport. (Supplied/Department of Defence)

An Australian Army special operations force soldier from the 1st Commando Regiment descends to a field near Avalon Airport. (Supplied/

Australian Army special operations force soldiers from the 1st Commando Regiment move through a wheat field near Avalon Airport.

Department of Defence)

(Supplied/Department of Defence) Wednesday, 1 December, 2021 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 17

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

MY PLACE How do you feel to be named a Victorian/ Tasmanian finalist in the co-ordinator national category of the 2021 Excellence in Family Day Care Awards 2021? I am honoured and grateful for being selected as a national finalist in the 2021 Excellence in Family Day Care Awards, among a group of such incredibly talented women. The fact that my hard work has been recognised is an excellent morale-booster that will encourage me to continue doing my best work. How long have you been working in your chosen field? I have started my career in early childhood as family day care co-ordinator with Bright Sun Family Day Care almost three and half years ago. During my diploma of early childhood education and care, I discovered my passion for providing quality education and care to children and how as a professional I can play a significant role to lay the foundation of lifelong learning, education and discovery. What do you enjoy about your job? I am a people person and working as FDC co-ordinator has offered me an opportunity to work with educators, children, and families from diverse backgrounds. I have met some wonderful people through this job. In my role every day is different, and it is a constant adventure. The diversity of the work that I do ensures that no day is like any other. Another important aspect of my role is supporting the mental health and wellbeing of educators, children and families. What is working at Bright Sun Family Day Care like? I love that I have a great degree of control and freedom within my job. I am fortunate to be a part of a team where everyone shares the same vision and is dedicated to the excellence

(Damjan Janevski)

Family day care (FDC) co-ordinator Mariam Shahid, who works Bright Sun Family Day Care in Hoppers Crossing, been selected as one of four finalists for a national industry award. She chats with ALESHA CAPONE.

in Family Day care. My director, Dr Amsha Nahid, is not only my boss but my mentor as well. She pushes me to challenge myself in my career. I love having a voice and she listens to my ideas and our coordination unit then works together to implement those ideas. My fellow co-ordinators Huma, Rumaisa, Amber

and Sarwat always support, encourage, and guide me which has helped me achieve many professional milestones. They are not only my colleagues, but I also consider them as part of my family. Would you like to add anything else? I hope that the nomination will inspire and

encourage my mentees as well as young women and girls of colour. I encourage them to pursue their passion no matter what obstacles they face. Last but not the least, a special thanks to my family and all the educators who have nominated me for this award as it wouldn’t be possible without them.

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

December 2, 1981

November 27, 1991

November 28, 2001

November 30, 2011

A move by two councillors to have the Banner’s editor attend a committee meeting to discuss inaccuracies in council reports, failed to gain support, at last week’s council meeting. Cr. Glen Clark described some reports as “positively mischievous” in moving the motion.

There was definitely a touch of Hollywood at the Plaza last Saturday when Santa arrived in spectacular style in the actual De Lorean Supercar Time Machine used in all three ‘Back To The Future’ movies. The car is currently on a world tour and has been on exhibit at the Werribee Plaza for the past week, although it did make a quick trip into the future to pick up Santa just in time for an impromptu parade from Chirnside Park to the Plaza Saturday.

Lalor MP Julia Gillard can expect to be under the hammer in the coming months, following her selection as Opposition spokesperson for population and immigration. The position – arguable the toughest in the present climate of international unrest and given Australia’s difficulties with border protection and the processing of refugees – has elevated the 40-year-old former Slater and Gordon partner straight into the shadow cabinet.

All is not lost: Where to go when something is missing

18 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 1 December, 2021

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BEHIND THE NEWS

Young soccer stars of the future Four budding sports stars from Melbourne’s west will make their mark at the School Sport Victoria competition later this week. The up and coming soccer players will represent the state in the 12 and under boys’ and girls’ teams. Tara Murray and Molly Magennis spoke to the youngsters to find out what making the squads meant to them.

t Augustine’s Primary School pupil Irena Razumic has ticked off one of her goals in making the School Sport Victoria 12 and under soccer team. The Keilor resident and her teammates will travel to Sydney this week to compete against teams from across Australia in the Sydney International Cup. The competition will be at Cromer Park Sports Complex from Friday, December 3, to Sunday, December 5. Irena was selected after two training days, one in Ballarat and one in Darebin. “I’m really excited,” she says. “I really wanted to make the team. It was one of my goals. It was something I really wanted.” Irena has been playing soccer since she was six years old, with her mother Susan saying she had good ball skills and wasn’t into girly things like dancing. Irena says she is looking forward to the challenge of competing in Sydney. “I want to play well and have fun,” she says. “I want to make new friends. We have had two training sessions together and it’s been fun. “I think it will be really special. Hopefully we can do well and if we win.”

‘‘

Up and coming soccer players Analise Petersen (main), Leyla Hussein (below left), Robert Kutlesa and Irena Razumic.

I can’t really describe it, it just makes me feel happy, it’s like my freedom

’’

(Pictures: Damjan Janevski and supplied)

- Analise Petersen Irena, who says her running ability is her strength, likes to play in the midfield and a little bit of defence. Her idols are Australian star Ellie Carpenter and Luka Modri. The Calder United young gun, who will attend Maribyrnong Sports College next year, has big aims for the future. “I want to play for Australia.” Joining Irena in the squad is Maribyrnong College student Analise Petersen. The 12-year-old says she wasn’t expecting to be selected. “When I first found out that I got in, I was very emotional. “There’s new people that I haven’t met before so that’s good, and going to Sydney is very exciting.” Analise started playing soccer in 2016 and loves how the sport makes her feel. “I can’t really describe it, it just makes me feel happy, it’s like my freedom,” she says. The young sports star says she would definitely love to play soccer professionally, and looks up to Matilda players Ellie Carpenter and Hayley Raso. “I think [Ellie Carpenter] is a really strong player. “I feel like she’s a bit underrated, she’s such a great player.” The competition will mark the first time Analise has traveled interstate to play. “I’m so excited and I can’t wait for it.” Maribyrnong Sports Academy student Leyla Hussein is also making the journey to Sydney. “I am … excited to play interstate against some of the best girls,” she says. “I am so happy I made the team.” She says she loves everything about soccer, from training and playing matches with all her teammates to scoring goals on the field. Aussie Matilda stars Sam Kerr and Ellie Carpenter are among her favourite players. “Everyone says I look and play like [Sam Kerr]. She is amazing on and off the field,” Leyla says. Leyla’s ultimate dream is to play in England and to represent Australia on the world stage. She was also selected for the National Training Centre (NTC) squad for the

upcoming 2022 season. The NTC is a full-time training program with the aim to help talented players progress through to achieve NPLW, W-league, National and International representation. “[It’s] another step closer to achieving my goals of playing for the Matildas,” she says. “I am also really excited about that.” Representing Victoria in the 12 and under boys team is Altona’s Robert Kutlesa. The St Leo the Great pupil plays for St Albans Saints and admits he is a bit nervous about the tournament. The 11-year-old has been playing soccer since he was three years old. “[I feel] very honoured and excited to go to

Sydney and play with the Victorian team,” he says . Robert’s favourite thing about playing football is his teammates, particularly those ones at St. Albans, because “we’ve been together for so long.” With favorite players like legend Lionel Messi, and Socceroos player Aaron Mooy, it’s no surprise Robert would love to play soccer professionally one day. As an added challenge, he will be competing with boys above his age group, although he’s not worried about that at all. “I feel good because I’m surrounded by kids that might be a bit better than me because of the age difference, and I feel strong playing in

an older group,” he says. Marijana, Robert’s mother, agrees and says his two older brothers have prepared him well for this occasion. “He’s never let them push him around, so playing above his age group, I think … he’s confident in that space. His brothers have trained him well.” She says this amazing opportunity will be excellent exposure for her son. “Because these boys have been playing in their respective teams for a long time, you sort of get used to seeing what’s in Victoria, so we’re really looking forward to seeing what the teams are like more broadly across Australia,” she says. Wednesday, 1 December, 2021 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 19

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

Fundraising stall Werribee Ladies for Kids Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne will have a fundraising stall at the Pacific Werribee until Sunday, December 5. The stall will include Christmas ornaments and tea towels, dolls, knitted items including pure wool blankets, matching children’s poncho sets and beanies.

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Circus Royale aerialist Lily Maglaras. (Damjan Janevski) 258914_01

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. 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

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 and maybe on the two days before Christmas, if the club have enough Lions to provide a service. Prices are unchanged from last year ($15 for 1.5 kilogram cakes, $13 for 1 kg cakes and 900 gram puddings, $2 for each 40 gram slice).

Love Our Street 3029

Heritage walks

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

Enjoy a leisurely two-hour walk around historic Williamstown and nearby suburbs with guide John. Walks start at 9.20am each Tuesday outside the Visitor Information Centre in Nelson Place. ■ John, 0418377336

Fibro/CFS Support

Laverton Community Choir All welcome for a friendly singing get-together, suitable for all ages and abilities on Thursday nights from 7pm during school term at the Laverton P-12 College, 91 Bladin Street, Laverton. ■ Ada, 0419 116 013

Dads’ playgroup 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

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

Lions Christmas cakes, puddings Werribee Lions will be selling Christmas cakes and puddings at Pacific Werribee (near Target entrance, from 9am – 5pm), 20 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 1 December, 2021

Bowls for all 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. ■ 9397 5238

Hobsons Bay band 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

Friendship Group Altona Day View Club (Voice Interest Education of Women) meets at 11am on the third Wednesday of the month at Altona RSL. ■ Janet, 9394 6522 or 0412 010 176

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

Mouth organ band 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

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

Singing group Altona North Combined Probus 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

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

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 All welcome to join this social crafting

Zonta club meets The Zonta Club of Melton meets on the first Monday of each month at Melton Country Club, Reserve Road, Melton. ■ Suzanne, 0417 512 420

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

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 Men’s Probus Club The Melton Men’s 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

Footscray Night Market The Footscray Night Market is on until December 24 at Railway Reserve, Footscray. A foodie lover’s dream, the night markets offer cuisines from around the world each Friday night. That’s matched with entertainment and music that showcases each culture amidst the leafy gardens. ■ https://www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/ News/Make-memories-this-summer-atFootscray-Night-Market

PUZZLES No. 057

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.

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

4 3 4

Resource (5) Social exclusion (9) Arab State (5) Fine ceramic material (9) Put a file online (6) Italian church (8) Candle holders (10) Set (3) Tree (3) Repetition (10) Large marsupial (8) Gardening implement (6) Destroy (9) Chickens, pigeons etc. (5) Brazen (9) Now (5)

1 4 9 10 11 12 14 15 17 19 23 24 26 27 28 29

No. 057

Drinking vessel (7) ‘My bad!’ (4) Well-worn (10) Common name for the US (7) Medical technique (7) By hand (8) Voters (10) Submissiveness (8) US state (7) Accomplish (7) Show (7) Camouflaged (7) Meaty (6) Tidings (4)

3 4 5 6

ACROSS

easy

QUICK CROSSWORD

7 8 13 16 18 19 20 21 22 25

DOWN Sanctuary (6) Country in Horn of Africa (7)

1 2

DECODER

No. 057

9 6 1 7 2

2 9 6

8 5 5 9 7

7 3

1 9

6 hard

2 9

5 2 4 6 3 1 9 7 8

9 3 8 4 7 5 6 2 1

4 1 2 3 6 7 8 5 9

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: 7 words: Good 11 words: Very good

N I

5 LETTERS ABODE

ISLES LARGE LOINS LOSES MESSY MUSIC OTTER OUTDO PANDA PEACE PETAL PRESS RUINS SCORN SHIRE SKILL SLAVE SPOUT SPRIG TALES

TRILL TRUCE TSARS TWIRL UNTIE 6 LETTERS EASTER MEAGRE PELLET PRIEST 7 LETTERS ADOPTED APPLAUD

AVOCADO BURGLAR DOUBLES OUTGROW 8 LETTERS HABITATS PATIENTS RATTLERS REDIRECT 11 LETTERS CHARISMATIC SWEETHEARTS

03-12-21

Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down.

If a reptile or insect is parthenogenetic, what is unusual about its method of reproduction?

Australian drama series The Secret Life Of Us was set in which Melbourne beachside suburb?

On which Australian island was the drama series RAN (Remote Area Nurse) filmed?

NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

True or false, the film Juno was based on a novel?

Found in Australia, what is said to be the only living thing on earth that can be seen from outer space?

How many active volcanoes exist in Australian territories?

What is the chemical symbol for neon?

Which US director’s (pictured) children are named Rocket, Racer, Rebel, Rogue and Rhiannon?

How many lines are there in a cinquain poem?

No. 057

R E S

E R D Y

E A S T N D E R T O N E

L E A

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

4 LETTERS BARD GOAT ICES LOGO ONTO PIPE PULP ROBE SEEM SEES SHAM TERM TOGA TWIG

No. 057

adit, anti, dint, doit, idiot, into, iota, nota, onto, oxidant, OXIDATION, taxi, toad, tondo, toxin

3 8 9 1 5 2 7 6 4

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

ACUTE AFTIE AGREE ALERT ALGAE ASKEW BLURB CAUSE CHASE CREPT DRESS DUSTY EASES EERIE ERROR GROUP HALES HAVOC INERT IOTAS

QUICK QUIZ

3 6 5 2 8 1 4 7 9

1 6 7 9 2 8 5 4 3

10 11 12 13

B C 20

2 9 6 5 4 3 1 8 7

7 5 1 2 8 9 4 3 6

9 5 4 7 6 2 1 3 8

5 4 8 3 7 6 9 2 1

2 7 6 1 9 4 8 5 3

O E

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

4 1 8 7 9 6 3 2 5

7 2 9 5 4 3 6 8 1

8 4 1 9 6 7 2 5 3

3 1 9 2 8 5 4 6 7

8 9 5 4 3 1 6 7 2

4 2 1 6 5 7 3 8 9

T E

A N

2 7 6 8 3 5 1 9 4

9 5 3 4 1 2 8 6 7

6 9 7 1 2 4 5 3 8

5 3 4 6 7 8 9 1 2

1 8 2 3 5 9 7 4 6

7 6 3 8 2 9 5 1 4

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

15 words: Excellent

hard

5x5

medium

easy

J P V I E N Y F Z L X R U

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

3 LETTERS ALE APT ARC ASH CAP EVE FLU FOR FUR IDS LIE LOP MAT NOR NOW PIS PRO RAG ROD SAG SEA TOT UPS USE

9 5

OD A SWK HQGM T B C

WORDFIT

10 Which US rock band had a hit in the 1990s with the song Seether? ANSWERS: 1. Its eggs develop without fertilisation (that is, without a male) 2. Masig Island 3. False 4. Two (on Heard Island and McDonald Islands) 5. Robert Rodriguez 6. Five 7. St Kilda 8. Great Barrier Reef 9. Ne 10. Veruca Salt

SUDOKU

Wednesday, 1 December, 2021 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 21

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The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful for an advertiser to show any intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception under the Act. As Network Classifieds could be legally liable if an unlawful advertisement is printed, Network Classifieds will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. For more information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.

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Wednesday, 1 December, 2021 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 23

MOTOR STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Lexus LS steers a steady course By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring Lexus LS has form: as the LS 400 the luxury sedan, in 1989, led the introduction of Toyota’s premium arm Down Under, becoming the harbinger for a whole range of vehicles from compact hatchbacks to robust SUVs, embracing petrol/electric hybrid technology. Lexus would be the first to admit it called on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan as the template for what was to be its perennial flagship. Fast forward more than 30 years with the arrival of the upgraded LS 500. An upgraded model has come onto the market, which the maker claims, introduces a new level of opulence and a wider application of advanced automotive technology in conventional or hybrid powered variants. Standard features across the range include such things as suspension modifications designed to produce a more comfortable ride while maintaining the model’s dynamic character, the advanced Lexus Safety System+, while F Sport variants gain additional driver-assist features previously exclusive to Sports Luxury. Under the bonnet is a 264 kW 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 hybrid powertrain in the LS 500h, or 310 kW 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine in the LS 500. Both come in F Sport or Sport Luxury grades. Prices start at $195,953 for the former and $201,078 the latter, increases of less than one per cent. Sport Luxury options are White, Black, Chateau and Hazel trims with premium ornamentations at no cost. Other trim and ornamentation combinations are available for an extra $10,000. As well as a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, LS 500 owners can take advantage of the exclusive Lexus Encore Platinum benefits. On test was an LS 500 F Sport model.

Styling Lexus is the first to admit the use, among other things, of the squared off Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan as the template for the LS 400, which with corners knocked off and sharp angles rubbed out in its fifth generation in 2018, gave way to a sleek four-door coupe with the ‘500’ tag. Now, with a 2021 update, LS 500 looks are further enhanced with an elegant new radiator grille, front bumper and tail-lamp highlights, as well as boosted LED headlamps featuring advanced BladeScan adaptive beam technology giving more precise illumination. Further design enhancements include badging, dark metallic accents and grilles and 20-inch dark metallic alloy wheels. Lexus also offers Lustre Shadow, a new exterior paint finish across the range that incorporates flakes of aluminium in a mirror-like finish.

Interior While the cabin surroundings of the test car were generally pleasing to the eye, the garish white-and-black ‘marble cake’ leather trimmed upholstery was something of a shock. Whatever were designers thinking? Ignoring that, the set-up makes the best of spacious room to move, while operating the conveniently positioned controls such as steering wheel, shift lever and pedals, for driving or while being ‘chauffeured’. The familiar old-style analogue clock on the central dashboard, a feature of other Lexus cabins, is always welcome.

Infotainment A new 12.3-inch touch-screen provides easy access to the multimedia system, which includes satellite navigation, access to Apple CarPlay or Android, plus superb all-round sound from a 23-speaker Mark Levinson audio, which incorporates DAB+ digital radio and DVD player and four USB points and AUX input.

Engines / Transmissions The LS 500 F Sport’s 310 kW twin-turbo V6 motor serves up maximum power of 310 kW at 6000 rpm and holds peak torque of 600 24 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 1 December, 2021

AT A GLANCE MODEL LINE-UP Lexus LS 500 and LS 500h F Sport $195,953 Lexus LS 500 and LS 500h Sports Luxury $201,078

Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Lexus dealer for drive-away prices.

Nm between 1600 and 4800 rpm, the tasty combination, driving the rear wheels through a ten-speed automatic transmission.

Safety Making its debut in a Lexus is a digital rear-view mirror, Its large display presenting real-time images from the reversing camera, providing improved vision in all weather and lighting conditions while ensuring the view is not obstructed by headrests or passengers. The further advanced Lexus Safety System+ incorporates intersection turning assist, first seen in the new Lexus IS and designed to provide alerts and, if necessary, automatic braking if it detects an oncoming vehicle when turning right, or a pedestrian approaching from the front when turning right or left. The LS also joins the IS with standard Lexus Connected Services, which include Automatic Collision Notification - the ability to generate an automatic emergency call to a round-the-clock emergency call centre and relay the vehicle location in an accident requiring intervention, or if an airbag, of which there are ten, deploys. A full-colour head-up windscreen display provides driving info without the driver having to look away from the road ahead. Lexus LS 500 F Sport floats latest tech in luxury surroundings.

(Pictures: Supplied)

Driving The LS 500’s 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine features re-engineered pistons reducing noise when the engine is cold, while dual variable valve timing adopts hydraulic control on the inlet side to reduce weight while maintaining the engine’s strong torque over a broad rev range. More weight loss is obtained with a new one-piece intake manifold made from aluminium instead of cast iron. Running on the recommended 95 RON petrol, Lexus claims a combined urban / highway fuel consumption of 10 litres per 100 kilometres. The LS 500 F Sport on test returned figures of 11 and 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres respectively. While the F Sport is the performance

model - zero to 100 km/h in 5 seconds - the adaptive variable suspension incorporates height adjustable multi-link front and rear air system, with the F Sport adding front and rear stabilisers producing the calmness of cruising we have come to expect from a Lexus flagship. Standard 20-inch wheels are wrapped with a new run-flat tyre designed with a lower vertical spring rate to reduce the impact of road surface blemishes further adding to ride comfort. The LS 500 is a ‘lolly jar’ brimming with sweet temptations picked through a plethora of easy-to-reach controls including buttons, knobs, switches, pedals, paddles and a touchpad enough to satisfy the ultimate tech-savvy motorist.

Having previously found the Lexus touchpad a tad ticklish to control with the left hand, the LS 500 version appears to have become more positive in reaction to the touch. Alternatively, for those seeking a relaxed no-nonsense experience of comfort and convenience at the pinnacle of Lexus luxury, the LS 500 F Sport will do nicely, thank you.

Summary On introduction to Australia, the Lexus LS 400 set the highest standards of craftsmanship finish and automotive technology not found in cars outside the super-luxury European sedans. More than 30 years later the LS 500 flagship continues the line.

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

SECTION

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§MG gift pack includes 1x 500ml sanitiser and 4 x 60ml sanitiser spray bottles valued at $80RRP. a. $17,990 is the driveaway price for the MG3 Core model excluding metallic paint (RRP $500). b. $19,490 is the driveaway price for the MG3 Excite model excluding metallic paint (RRP $500). c. $29,990 is the driveaway price for the All-new MG ZST Excite model excluding metallic paint (RRP $700). d. 44,990 is the driveaway price for the MG ZS EV Essence model as shown including Clipper Blue paint surcharge of $0. e. $47,990 is the total driveaway price for the MG HS PHEV Essence MY21 as shown including Clipper Blue paint surcharge of $0. Driveaway price includes 12 months registration and compulsory third party insurance cover. Offers available at participating MG Dealers for new stock vehicles SRP] WSPH ERH HIPMZIVIH FIX[IIR 2SZIQFIV ERH 2SZIQFIV ;LMPI WXSGO PEWXW )\GPYHIW ¾IIX KSZIVRQIRX SV VIRXEP FY]IVW SV [MXL ER] SXLIV SJJIVW 1+ 1SXSV %YWXVEPME B ]IEV JEGXSV] [EVVERX] XIVQW GSRHMXMSRW EX QKQSXSV GSQ EY [EVVERX] =SYV VMKLXW YRHIV XLMW [EVVERX] WMX EPSRKWMHI XLI GSRWYQIV KYEVERXIIW YRHIV XLI 'SQTIXMXMSR ERH 'SRWYQIVW %GX [LMGL GERRSX FI I\GPYHIH ]IEV VSEHWMHI EWWMWXERGI XIVQW GSRHMXMSRW EX QKQSXSV GSQ EY [EVVERX] ]IEV VSEHWMHI EWWMWXERGI XIVQW GSRHMXMSRW EX QKQSXSV GSQ EY [EVVERX]

Wednesday, 1 December, 2021 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 25

SPORT STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Lind grabs surprise opportunity By Tara Murray Maggie Lind had shown what she could do in the Victorian Netball League with the City West Falcons across a number of years. Two competition best and fairests, including one this year, Lind had shown she was one of the best midcourters in the state. But the opportunity to play at the higher level, the Suncorp Super Netball competition, had eluded her. That is until now, with Lind securing a contract with Collingwood for next year’s season. Lind admits she thought that her opportunity might never come. “It is a bit exciting,” she said. “I think a few swear words came out, I was like really? “I had no expectations there and I guess at my age I thought it had surely passed me. “I’m super excited. We’re in our third week of pre-season now and it’s been really good to get back into it and see the girls and be in that environment full time.” The first person Lind called when she found out was her mum, Marg Lind. The former Melbourne Kestrels coach, has coached her daughter at the Falcons and been one of her biggest supporters.

‘‘

I fell out of love with it for a couple of years. I thought stuff this, what is the point? - Maggie Lind

’’

“She is pretty laid back,” Lind said of her mum. “We’re sort of a family that doesn’t get super excited about things. “She was super happy. I said to her she wasn’t allowed to tell anyone, but of course she did. “She was super proud, she knows how much hard work I’ve put into it, for her she was happy to see me get the reward for the work I had done.” Lind is the first to admit that she didn’t think she would ever get the opportunity to get a Super Netball contract. She trained with the Adelaide Thunderbirds while studying in Adelaide a few years ago, before becoming a training partner with the Magpies in the last couple of years. That included making her Super Netball debut this year. But even then, she wasn’t sure the chance would come. “I think I thought that a couple of years ago,” she said about her chances being over. “I fell out of love with it for a couple of years. I thought stuff this, what is the point? I was being overlooked all the time. “It wasn’t until maybe 2018, when I decided to play for the fun of it, I really started to enjoy my netball again and I really went in with the mindset that if I make it, I make it, it’s not a massive deal. “I think that was the best thing for me to do. I think I was lucky I always had another career path and never just focused on netball.” Having been part of the Magpies system the last couple of years, made the transition to a contracted player easier. The Magpies also had a distinct Falcons feel. Coach Nicole Richardson was part of the Falcons coaching panel for many years, Molly Jovic and Lind formed the core of the Falcons midcourt, and Jacqui Newton also played with the Falcons. “I do have history with a lot of people there,” she said. “The Falcons’ environment we are one big family, not three separate teams and I think Richo has taken that to Collingwood and she has completely changed the environment and culture there. It’s a really good place to be. “Everyone is doing it for the team and everyone wants to win. Richo is good like that, serious when she needs to be, but it’s a game and you need to enjoy it.” Lind said it hadn’t really sunk in that her and Jovic would be playing together for 26 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 1 December, 2021

Maggie Lind.

Collingwood, after the partnership they had formed playing with the Falcons. The move to Collingwood has meant a couple of changes for Lind.

(Supplied/CollingwoodFC)

Left: Lind playing for the Falcons.

One is stepping away from the Falcons for the time being. Lind, who shared the competition MVP this year, and the side were sitting on top of the ladder when the season ended due to the pandemic. “I didn’t expect that,” she said of the most valuable player award. “That was really good. When you’re playing in a team doing so well, that is a massive achievement. “I don’t really look at that stuff, we won’t be where we were if it wasn’t for the team. This year was really disappointing we didn’t finish the season. “It was one of the best teams I’ve been in for a long time. The energy was always up and we were super competitive, I really wanted to see how far we could go.” The contract also threw a spanner in the works for Lind with her studies. Lind was set to start her final year of university next year.

(Shawn Smits) 235287_01

“I’m studying to be a veterinarian,” she said. “Next year is my final year and it sort of threw a cat among the pigeons. “It’s an opportunity I was never going to refuse. I can do uni at any stage, with netball, the body can only hold up for so long. “I’ve worked out with my uni, to expand my final year [of studies] out to about 18 months. They’ve been really supportive and Collingwood is really supportive too. “I thought I was going to have to take the year off uni.” Pre-season training has started for the Magpies with the team’s preparations for 2022 underway. And Lind is enjoying every moment of it. “It is going to be a huge jump, even training at that intensity is a massive jump. I have an expectation we are going to go all the way. I’m really excited.”

New coach sets about building connections Point Cook Football Club has announced Dave Rouvray as its new senior women’s coach for the 2022 Season. Rouvray has previously held several other roles at Point Cook including junior coach, Superules player and coach, treasurer and general committee member. His sons also play football, with eldest son Max moving into Point Cook’s senior men’s ranks for next year. Rouvray said it was “a great privilege” to be appointed to lead the senior women’s team and support the club’s talented female junior players in their transition to senior football. “We have an extremely strong junior football program and our women’s team is critical stage of our female football pathway,” he said. “The club and I are focused on ensuring our women’s football program provides a great club experience for all existing and new

members, this focus not only covers on our field performance and the thrill of success but also the social and community connection aspects of club life that make sporting clubs so important to our community. “We are looking to build our team connection, fitness, skills and commence the development of our game plan in this training block prior to the Christmas break. “Importantly it’s all about having some fun and enjoying the great experiences that come from being involved in a sporting club.” He said that everyone at Point Cook “is very excited about getting back together in person following a tough couple of seasons in 2020 and 2021 and looking forward to an uninterrupted season in 2022”. Rouvray said that he is very passionate about the club and that football was a big part of his life. “Coaching is particularly is especially

rewarding as it gives you a unique opportunity to build connection with people and bring individuals together to achieve collective success,” he said. “Seeing the improvement and the building of connection between the group is one of the most rewarding aspects of coaching.” Rouvray said he would urge anyone looking to either participate in football or get involved in a local community club, through volunteering or sponsorship, to get in contact with Point Cook. “We welcome new members and have many opportunities for people from all backgrounds and abilities to get involved and to enjoy the great benefits of being a member of a community sporting club,” he said. The team’s pre-season training is held on Wednesdays from 7-8pm at Saltwater Reserve. Details: www.pointcookfc.com.au Alesha Capone

Curtis drafted to North By Tara Murray Melton South’s Paul Curtis is expected to bring an X-factor to North Melbourne’s forward line next year. Curtis was selected by the Kangaroos with pick 35 on Thursday night in the AFL draft. North Melbourne list manager Glenn Luff told North Melbourne media following the draft that Curtis was a player the club rated very highly. “We brought in five boys, we went into the draft knowing it was a draft that had some versatility,“ he said. “We’ve addressed the midfield over the last four to five years with some real elite talent and we bring in another elite midfielder in Jason Horne-Francis, and then from there we really addressed some needs that we had to fill long term. “And then to bring in Paul Curtis as a small forward with some X-factor, he should really complement what we’ve already got down there in the forward line. “We’re really excited with what we’ve brought in in the draft. “We feel like we have a really even mix of players coming through the club in this offseason and we’re excited to see them on the track.” It’s been a steady rise for the Western Jets forward, who kicked five goals across his first three NAB League matches in 2021, before slotting nine goals in the last four outings. He earned selection for Vic Metro in the trial match against Vic Country, where he caused major headaches, kicking 3.5 from 18 disposals. Being drafted tops off an up and down few months for Curtis who was diagnosed with COVID-19 a couple of months ago. Speaking before the draft, Curtis told Star Weekly that he was very keen and excited to play football professionally, but it was also nerve-wracking at the same time. Curtis found his love for the game at 11-years-old when he started playing for Melton South. “At that age I was just playing for fun … just playing with my mates from school,” he said. But when he reached the under-16 team, he realised how serious he was about the sport after making a few squads and having his name out there. “I started taking it a bit more seriously, as well as still having fun,” he said. Melton South coach Heath Pritchard said the club was rapt that Paul had been drafted. He joins a handful of players from the club to

Paul Curtis is headed to North Melbourne.

(Supplied/Mandy Borg)

make it onto an AFL list. “To have a young man who started with the junior section of the club in the under-10s and have him represent us in three senior games this year and also come and watch us, even being a water boy, every Saturday when he wasn’t playing at the Jets, shows the club’s connection to Paul and his career going forward.”

Curtis was the only Jets player who was taken in the draft. But it was good news for a former Jet, Josh Honey, who was upgraded to Carlton’s senior list. Honey was taken in the 2019 rookie draft and has been on the rookie list since. He made his debut in 2020. It was in late 2021 when he found his feet at senior level.

Point Cook’s new senior women’s coach Dave Rouvray with the club’s director of women’s football and past president, Ivo Havard. (Supplied/ Point Cook Football Club).

Trainers urged to re-register for season ‘22 The Western Region Football League (WRFL) has advised that all trainers will be required to re-register with the league annually, before they can officiate at games during next year’s season. Registrations for trainers will open on January 17, 2022. To register, apart from completing a 2022 Trainer registration form, trainers will have to provide a copy of their emergency response co-ordinator (ERC) accreditation or a level 1 sports trainer certificate; a copy of their first aid accreditation (level 2 first aid HLTAID011); a valid CPR certificate; evidence of a Working with Children’s Check (a voluntary card is accepted); a copy of their COVID-19 infection control training certificate; and a coloured headshot photo of themselves in JPEG format. The documents must expire after April 3, 2022, and must be emailed to Jessie Chester, at j.chester@wrfl.asn.au. Following WRFL approval of registration, trainers will be issued with a trainer’s card valid for the 2022 season, which they will need to carry at all times on a game day. Trainers will be able to choose either a mobile version or a hard copy trainers’ card. The WRFL website has advised that it will take at least 24 hours for registrations to be processed, and up to 72 hours during peak times. If you are a WRFL trainer and you haven’t completed an ERC course to date, then you will need to do so order to become an eligible trainer for the upcoming season and beyond. A current first aid level 2 certificate must be provided during enrolment for the ERC. For more information on ERC course dates and locations, keep an eye on the WRFL website. Details: https://www.wrfl.com.au/ trainers-need-to-register-for-2022/

Wednesday, 1 December, 2021 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 27