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Project playground

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Pupils at Corpus Christi Primary School in Werribee are enjoying a new junior playground that has been installed in their school’s grounds. All the school’s junior pupils were given an opportunity to provide input and feedback on designs for the playground in 2021, with many of the pupils’ suggestions incorporated into the final design. The company that installed the playground, Adventure Plus, completed work during the Christmas break. School principal Linda Roynic said the pupils submitted some creative and imaginative ideas for the playground, including a slide that ended in a pool – although this particular design could not be incorporated into the final project. “The children are thoroughly enjoying the new playground and that they are also enjoying the new rubber surface and surrounding garden area, installed under the direction of Mr Kyle Dent (a contractor), as this replaced the tan bark that was there previously,” Ms Roynic said. Corpus Christi Primary School pupils Ivy, Charlotte, Elsa, Jack, Luke and Arden on the new playground.

Exploring historic signs Werribee District Historical Society secretary Lance Pritchard is calling for signs to be installed in Point Cook and Werribee South to acknowledge the historic Hume and Hovell expedition travelled through the area. Mr Pritchard has submitted a suggestion to public consultation on Wyndham council’s 2022-2023 budget, which closed in February, asking for an obelisk be erected near Point Gellibrand and a sign at the K Road cliffs. In 1824, Hamilton Hume and William Hovell led an expedition from Sydney to Port Phillip Bay to find new grazing land.

The widely held view of the expedition is that it ended at Corio Bay. But Mr Pritchard has penned a report challenging this view, concluding the Hume and Hovell expedition actually terminated at the Werribee River. Mr Pritchard decided to research the topic in 2018, after seeing a map at the State Library of Victoria which indicated the expedition finished at the river. Working from Hovell’s journal, transcribed by Dr William Bland, Mr Pritchard set about trying to figure out how far the expedition could have travelled across its last three days. The journal showed that after crossing the

Great Dividing Range and camping in the Wallan/Beveridge area on December 13, 1824, Hume and Hovell reached Port Phillip Bay on December 16. Mr Pritchard said assuming that their party walked for nine hours per day for two days and seven hours on December 15, this only gave them only 25 hours in which to reach Geelong, which he described as “absolutely impossible”. “Additional proof of a Werribee River termination are the observations that were made from Point Cook, which match extremely well with Hovell’s journal,” Mr Pritchard said.

“On the first day of their return journey, 18 December at 4pm, a description of a point of land describes very well Point Gellibrand.” He has requested Wyndham council install an obelisk at this site, recognising Hume and Hovell were there. As well, Mr Pritchard said that signage should be erected at the K Road cliffs explaining that the area below the golf course is where the explorers rested on December 17. Wyndham council’s draft 2022-2023 budget is expected to be placed on public exhibition in April or May. Details: www.humehovellexpedition.com

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Pick up your FREE newspaper from these local outlets... •

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Hoppers Crossing Pacific Werribee Shopping Centre Heaths Road, Cnr Derrimut Road Hoppers Crossing Wyndham Library Heaths Road, Cnr Derrimut Road (Pacific Werribee Shopping Centre) Hoppers Crossing Werribee Plaza Tavern Heaths Road,(Pacific Werribee Shopping Centre) Hoppers Crossing Coles Supermarket 250 Heaths Road, (Pacific Werribee Shopping Centre) Hoppers Crossing APCO Service Station 178 Morris Road Hoppers Crossing Hoppers Crossing Shopping Centre 24-48 Old Geelong Road Hoppers Crossing Woodville Park Shopping Centre Shop 20/70 Warringa Drive Hoppers Crossing IGA Plus Liquor Shop 4, 2-6 Deloraine Drive Hoppers Crossing Aqua Pulse Café 82 Derrimut Road Hoppers Crossing Coles Express 260 Derrimut Road (Cnr Hogans Road) Hoppers Crossing Hoppers Crossing Cricket Club Hogans Road - Hogans Road Reserve Hoppers Crossing Super Lotto Newsagency Shop 8/166 Hogans Road (Hogans Corner Shopping Centre) Hoppers Crossing Woolworths Supermarket Corner Hogans Road & Derrimut Road

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Hoppers Crossing Tigers Club House 70 Old Geelong Road Hoppers Crossing Costas Mitre 10 255-267 Old Geelong Road Manor Lakes Manor Lakes Shopping Centre (Near playground) Ballan Road Manor Lakes Manor Lakes News & Lotto Shop 14, 455 Ballan Road Point Cook Featherbrook Shopping Centre 238 Boardwalk Boulevard Point Cook Wyndham Library Service Unit 1-21 Cheetham Street Point Cook Point Cook Pharmacy Shop 1-11 Dunnings Road Point Cook Jamieson Way Community Centre 59 Jamieson Way Point Cook Direct Chemist Outlet Shop 13, 15 Kenswick Street Point Cook Stockland Point Cook Shopping Centre Murnong Street Point Cook Saltwater Community Centre 153 Saltwater Promenade Point Cook Saltwater Coast Sales Office 261 Saltwater Promenade Point Cook The Brooks 215 Sneydes Road Point Cook Wyn City 36 Wallace Avenue Sanctuary Lakes Sanctuary Lakes Resort 72 Greg Norman Drive Sanctuary Lakes Sanctuary Lakes Shopping Centre 300 Point Cook Road Tarneit BP Service Station 410 Derrimut Road Tarneit Tarneit Central Shopping Centre 540 Derrimut Road Tarneit Brian Mark Real Estate Shop 18, 380 Sayers Road Tarneit Wyndham Village Shopping Centre 380 Sayers Road Tarneit Shell Service Station 380

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Sayers Road Tarneit Barry Plant Real Estate Shop 9, 380 Sayers Road Tarneit Community Centre 150 Sunset Views Boulevard Tarneit Serranos Cafe 747 Tarneit Road ( Tarneit Gardens SC ) Truganina Palm Lakes Resort 7 Taronga Road Truganina Arndell Park Community Centre 29-49 Federation Boulevard Werribee Eagles Stadium Café 35 Ballan Road Werribee Casaccio Egg Farm 170198 Bulban Road Werribee IGA Supermarket Werribee 92-94 Cottrell Street Werribee - Hodges Real Estate 1/1 Watton Street Werribee Italian Sports Club 601 Heaths Road Werribee The Womans Hub 236 Hoppers Lane Werribee St Vincent’s Private Hospital 240 Hoppers Lane Werribee Wyndham City Council 45 Princes Highway Werribee Werribee Mercy Hospital (Coffee Shop) 300 Princes Highway Werribee SIMS IGA Werribee Village Cnr Shaws & Tarneit Rd Werribee Westwoods First National 1 Synnot Street Werribee Werribee RSL 2A Synnot Street (Kelly Park) Werribee Cellarbrations 52-54 Vincent Crescent Werribee Bendigo Bank 42 Watton Street Werribee P. Di Natale Real Estate 44 Watton Street Werribee Coles Werribee 143 Watton Street

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Werribee Wyndham Cultural Centre 177 Watton Street Werribee Professional Triwest 6A Watton Street Werribee Barry Plant Real Estate 21 Watton Street Werribee YPA Real Estate 1 Werribee Street Werribee Wyndham Private Medical Centre 242 Hoppers Lane Werribee South 104 Apartments and Housing Estate 50 Catamaran Boulevard Werribee South Werribee South General Store 785 Duncans Road Werribee South LT’s Egg Farm 1 K Ave Werribee South Anglers Anchorage Take Away 67 O’Connors Road Williams Landing Williams Landing News, Lotto & Tobacco 100 Overton Road Williams Landing Woolworths 100 Overton Road (Williams Landing Shopping Centre) Wyndham Vale BP Service Station 210 Ballan Road Wyndham Vale Lotto and Newsagency 205 Greens Road (Wyndham Vale Square Shopping Centre) Wyndham Vale IGA Wyndham Vale 50 Honour Avenue Wyndham Vale Iramoo Community Centre 84 Honour Avenue Wyndham Vale Manor Lakes Community Learning Centre 86 Manor Lakes Boulevard Wyndham Vale 7 Eleven Wyndham Vale Corner McGrath Road & Ballan Road

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2 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 2 March, 2022

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NEWS

Delivery driver safety warning By Fatima Halloum Food delivery drivers are being warned to take extra precautions following a spate of thefts in the western suburbs. The Westgate Proactive Policing Unit has developed a ‘Stay Alert, Stay Safe’ campaign that highlights theft risks and how to prevent them. “Whilst police continue to focus on this issue, it’s really important that everyone in the community plays their part,” a Victoria

Police spokesperson said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re stopping somewhere for a few minutes – always take the keys out of the ignition, close all windows and lock the vehicle while it’s unattended.” Police are advising drivers to keep their keys with them at all times, storing them out of view and away from external doors or windows and not to leave car keys unattended in bags or lockers. Police have also warned against tagging car keys with names or addresses and recommend

listing a mobile phone number instead. The increasing popularity of food delivery services has left drivers more vulnerable to opportunistic thieves, police said. While thefts of motor vehicles have remained relatively consistent, the number of thefts from motor vehicles was higher in 2021 than it was the previous year. “This is a key focus for local police, who continue to examine trends and emerging issues that span local areas,” the spokesperson said.

“The community can be assured that Victoria Police is working tirelessly to reduce vehicle thefts in the western suburbs.” A three-part video series aimed at highlighting the risks and combating thefts is currently being aired on the Wyndham Eyewatch Facebook page. Police say anyone who witnesses suspicious activity should report it immediately to police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www. crimestoppersvic.com.au

Wyndham Art Prize returns

(Damjan Janevski) 269841_01

College’s Rainbow Room of learning The Grange P-12 College has set up a sensory and learning space named the Rainbow Room that features a bubble tube which changes colour, a starlight roof and an interactive projector which projects games onto the floor. The room is part of the school’s Callistemon campus in Hoppers Crossing. Campus assistant principal Jodie Wright said the school was also planning to install a tactile Australia map wall and blackout curtains. Ms Wright said that in 2021, the college implemented a year 3-6 learning and

engagement program called Gold Room to support pupils who were significantly behind in their learning and who also needed social and emotional support. “We wanted to expand this to prep – year 2 in 2022 and knew that we would have students coming in to prep that would have had limited to no kindergarten experience due to COVID disruptions over the past two years,” she said. “We wanted to create a safe space for students to be able to develop skills and independence in regulating their emotions whilst also promoting a safe learning space.

“Students have loved attending Rainbow Room and it is a sought out space for all students – and staff.” Ms Wright said four groups of pupils are using the Rainbow Room, including the Meerkat and Giraffe groups that attend a literacy program “Lion group attends for social skills and development and use board games and cooperative games to build skills,” she added. “Students are also using the room during lunch breaks as a safe space for students who may struggle in the yard.”

A NIGHT AT THE PALAIS WITH CLARE BOWDITCH Thursday 17 March | 6.30pm - 9.00pm The Palais, 297 Moorabool St Geelong

Featuring a captivating presentation by Australian musician, actress, radio presenter and business entrepreneur Clare Bowditch, join us at The Palais, for the official launch of Geelong Design Week.

Tickets $35 (plus booking fee) Refreshments on arrival

12531351-JW09-22

Pupil Horiana in the Rainbow Room.

The Wyndham Art Prize, which features a $15,000 prize, is open for artists to enter. The annual competition also offers a $5000 acquisitive Local Emerging Art Prize (LEAP) for an artist from Wyndham. During 2021, more than 300 artworks were entered in the competition. Eighty-four artists were selected as finalists, including 20 Wyndham residents. Tarneit stylist, writer, creative director and artist Gideon Wilonja won the competition’s main prize last year, which was $12,000. The finalists are shortlisted by Wyndham Art Gallery curators, Dr Megan Evans and Olivia Poloni. The competition’s judging is done by independent curators and art professionals. Wyndham’s creative city portfolio holder, councillor Marcel Mahfoud, said: “The Wyndham Art Prize is our gallery’s premier exhibition and is a wonderful opportunity for both new and upcoming artists as well as seasoned artists to exhibit their works. “This year’s judges, Maree Clarke, Haley Millar Baker and Andy Butler, will have a difficult time assessing the works. “We have a really wonderful culturally and linguistically diverse community in Wyndham and we want to reflect that in the gallery programming. “We encourage local artists in Wyndham to enter.” The prize accepts artworks from any form, including sculpture, painting, drawing, printmaking, textiles, photography, installation, digital sound and video. Entries for the prize will close on April 1. Finalists will be announced on April 19.

geelongdesignweek.com.au Wednesday, 2 March, 2022 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 3

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Wyndham to get new dog parks By Fatima Halloum Wyndham council has revealed plans to increase the number of dog off-leash parks in the municipality. Feedback received through the annual community survey found a demand for additional off-leash areas, particularly in Tarneit, Point Cook, Williams Landing and Manor Lakes. Wyndham council said it intends on delivering at least one formal fenced dog off-leash park in all urban suburbs and further increasing dog off-leash areas from 18-29 over a period of five years.

Wyndham Green resident Susan Schott said the dog parks currently accessible are not very good.

“The one I take my dog to needs maintenance for sure, it’s pretty dangerous for the dogs as well as us,” Ms Schott said. “The grass is really long, it goes up to my knees.” Ms Schott owns two dogs and said she’s conscious of where she lets them run out of fear of them getting hurt. “Someone put a message on a Facebook group a few weeks ago, saying there was a snake sighted and people commented ‘this is why we don’t have dogs off the lead’.” There are currently 21,030 registered dogs in Wyndham, with 16,702 households owning one or more dogs, and a total of 18

dog off leash spaces. Ms Schott said the need to have more dog off -eash areas comes down to small backyards and extremely active dogs. “The new houses being built now, the yards aren’t very very big. So I think most people rely on the dog parks to take their dogs out. ” Wyndham council said it recognises dog off-leash spaces have become increasingly popular and are a valued asset in providing for the mental and physical wellbeing of both dogs and their owners. “It’s good to socialise dogs, it’s really important if we are able do that.,” Ms Schott said.

Festival is all LIT up Wyndham’s LIT festival opened at the weekend, garnering more than 10,000 visitors to Werribee Park. Hosted by Wyndham council, the event featured inflatable sculptures of poodles, bull terriers and dachshunds named the Lost Dogs’ Disco by ENESS. On the bridge of dreams, festival goers were able to send in their own dreams and have them displayed on the bridge throughout the evening. Laxmi Karmaker from Werribee said one of the benefits of the festival was that it was local. “My husband and my friends told me about it and I came because of my daughter,” Ms Karmaker said. “She likes lighting. I’m really excited for her to see it. It looks very good.” Other residents shared that it was a good opportunity to leave the house, after spending

so much time indoors. Wyndham councillor Marcel Mahfoud encouraged residents to attend and enjoy the experience. “LIT is designed to enjoy at your own pace, with the relaxed outdoor setting of Wyndham Park providing plenty of space to take in the playful, illuminated works,” Cr Mahfoud said. Some attendees brought food and drinks and set up picnics on the lawn, enjoying the lights from a distance. Booths at each entrance were set up for families with children to pick up a wristband with their contact details on it, in case of emergency. Entrance to the event is free and LIT will continue to run from 8-11pm every night until March 6. Fatima Halloum

Lost Dogs’ Disco by ENESS at LIT in Wyndham Park.

(Supplied/Wyndham council)

haileybury.com.au

More than a shining solo act. Haileybury students are encouraged to chase their dreams — be it in the classroom, or in the community. Like Braya who perfectly balances her schoolwork with National Dance Competitions, leading the Pipes and Drums Band and championing causes close to her heart as our Social Justice Captain. Oh, and she’s only in Year 9! Whatever cause she leaps into next, we’ll be there to support her all the way.

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4 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 2 March, 2022

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

School unites for ‘Olly’ A school community has banded together to support the family of Nick ‘Olly’ Oliver, who has been diagnosed with brain cancer. Mr Oliver worked as a maintenance officer at Baden Powell College’s two sites, Derrimut Heath Primary School in Hoppers Crossing and the Tarneit P-9 campus, after it opened in 1992. His wife Karen served on the first school council, and their daughters Bek and Claire attended Derrimut Heath. Bek is now a leading teacher at the college. Her two daughters, Tilly and Scarlett, are also pupils at the school. Mr Oliver was diagnosed with brain cancer in January, 2021, and he has since undergone three surgeries. Initially, doctors said that Mr Oliver might only have 12 months to live, although his family said they feel lucky he has survived for longer. The cancer also causes Mr Oliver, 67, to experience short-term memory loss, confusion and visual impairment. On Saturday, February 26, Mrs Oliver, Claire, Bek and her husband Simon took part in a fundraising event for the Geelong-based Peace of Mind Foundation. The not-for-profit organisation supports people and families dealing with the impacts of brain cancer. The foundation has assisted the Olivers, including with funding to install rails around their house’s pergola, so Mr Oliver could find his way around without falling due to his declining eyesight (they have since had to move out of the property, due to his illness). “It’s been great having their support right at hand whenever we need, right through from our two grandchildren to Nick being the patient,” Mrs Oliver said. The weekend’s fundraising event, held in

Nick ‘Olly’ Oliver and his wife Karen at Baden Powell College’s Tarneit campus. (Supplied)

Bek with her father Nick Oliver in hospital. (Supplied)

partnership with Westfield Geelong, involved participants in a mini-version of The Amazing Race. The family’s fundraising efforts in the lead-up to the event saw them raise more than $7000 for the foundation, plus an additional $3000 through the sale of beanies with a logo reading “Olly’s Fight for Brain Cancer”.

Karen and Nick ‘Olly’ Oliver (left and centre) with their daughters Claire and Bek (back), son-in-law Simon (front right) and granddaughters Tilly and Scarlett. (Supplied)

On Thursday, February 24, Baden Powell College hosted a fundraising day for the family, at the suggestion of principal Vicki Minton. Staff gathered at the Tarneit campus to enjoy lunch, in return for a donation. Details: https://bit.ly/3vdCfdW

NEWS

Six workplace deaths in ‘21 Six people in the western metro area, which includes Wyndham, died due to workplace accidents in 2021, according to data from Worksafe. Comprising of Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton, Moonee Valley and Wyndham, the western metro area also recorded 2938 workplace injury claims in 2021. Overall in 2021, there were 66 workplace fatalities, compared to 73 workplace fatalities in 2020. The data revealed that the manufacturing industry recorded the most fatalities, 14, and that long term contact with chemicals/substances was responsible for the most fatalities. Workplace injury claims increased however, rising from 22,257 in 2020 to 23,385. The healthcare and social assistance industry recorded the most claims, 4454, with the manufacturing industry not far behind with 3287. WorkSafe chief executive Colin Radford urged all Victorians to reflect on the lasting impact of a workplace tragedy. “The powerful stories of those left behind demonstrate that no one in the community is immune from the devastating consequences of workplace trauma and why health and safety at work is everyone’s business,” he said. “Out of respect for those we have lost and their families, it is time we said enough. There is simply no excuse for cutting corners when it comes to workplace safety.”

Wednesday, 2 March, 2022 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 5

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU Briefs

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Erratic driving Two people have been arrested after evading police in Hoppers Crossing on Monday, February 28. It is alleged a blue Ford Focus was seen driving erratically along Heaths Road about 1.30am. Wyndham police attempted to intercept the vehicle when the driver failed to pull over. Air Wing were notified and followed the vehicle allegedly speeding in excess of 170km/h. Stop sticks were successfully deployed on the Calder Freeway and a man and woman were arrested, police said. A 25-year-old Emu Creek woman has been charged with drug and weapon offences while a 27-year-old Bendigo man is in custody.

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School yard fun returns

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Market stalls, a sausage sizzle and carnival games welcomed the pupils at Stella Maris Catholic School to their first family fun day since before the pandemic. The school celebrated its 10th fun day in 2020 but were forced to cancel the festival in 2021. “Clearly the mental health of our students has been a challenge,” principal Stephen Harrison said. “This year especially it was about reopening and reconnecting with the community, this was our first big event to bring everyone back together and our chance to have some fun together.” Mr Harrison said attendees ranged from participants of the school to general community members. “I think the whole thing was so huge because everyone was keen to get out and celebrate,”

Mr Harrison said. “It was the biggest turn out the school has ever had. It was amazing, there were thousands of people.” Rita, a senior pupil, said it was the best fun day Stella Maris has ever had and Maggie, a middle school pupil, said she had never seen anything so big. “We had so many rides, the prosecco van was very popular, the food vans were busy, the giant slide had a queue all day,” Mr Harrison said. Although the event serves as a fundraiser for the school, Mr Harrison believes its importance lies in uniting the community. “Some years we make lots of money and some years we don’t make too much, but it brings everyone together.”

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RSPCA Victoria is concerned about the number of reports it receives about abandoned animals during the summer months. The animal welfare organisation received 1163 reports of abandoned animals during the 2020-21 financial year, with 384 of these reports being lodged in summer. In Wyndham, there were 30 reports lodged about animals being abandoned.

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Indigenous names for centres Two new Wyndham community centres scheduled to open in 2022 are set to receive indigenous names. Wyndham council in consultation with the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (BLCAC) have selected “Koomail Tardy” for the building in Truganina and “Bembit Bag-rook” for the centre in Tarneit. Location, Aboriginal heritage, and local flora and fauna were some common naming themes considered when determining the new names. Local Aboriginal community member and

proud Taungurung woman Rebecca Monohan said it is “extremely important” to showcase aboriginal languages in local council areas. “Language provides deep connection for Aboriginal people to each other and culture, it is the backbone to our stories and dreaming. “By using Aboriginal Languages to name places highlights the thousands of years of Aboriginal connection to country. “It’s a platform for our non indigenous communities to know who we are and where we come from.” ‘Koomail’ refers to grass that is used for

weaving and ‘Tardy’ means sister, while ‘Bembit’ and ‘Bag-rook’ translate to flower and women, respectively. The new centres will provide family services including a new kindergarten, maternal and child health care and other relevant services. Council officers reached out to BLCAC, the registered Aboriginal party for the land on which the community centres are being built in September, 2021, and BLCAC responded with the proposed names. Wyndham council said the move will

actively recognise and celebrate the First Nation people, their heritage and acknowledge them as traditional owners of Wyndham. While Ms Monohan believes the council is working hard on its reconciliation action plan, there can be some improvements. “They need to involve more local Aboriginal community members in their decision making for the Reconciliation Action Plan. They are doing work on understanding cultural safety to help increase Aboriginal employment and this is a good long term goal.”

Cancer support blooms A group of women hosted a Biggest Morning Tea in Wyndham on Sunday, February 20 to raise funds for a cause close to their hearts. The morning tea, held at The Garden Feast in Werribee, raised between $3500 to $4000 for the Cancer Council. One of the organisers, Rose Clemente – who ran the 161 Hair Room in Laverton for more than 30 years – said they were still calculating the total raised from the raffles and games held on the day. Ms Clemente and friends, Mary Sfameni from Forever Young Werribee and Marie Cee from Intimo, planned the event. The COVID-19 pandemic forced them to rebook the Biggest Morning Tea three times across nine months. Sixty women attended the event, during which guest speaker Belinda Russell talked about her journey with breast cancer. “It was great to bring women together to support a great cause, that’s empowering in

itself,” Ms Clemente said. Ms Clemente was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in early 2021, while her mother Anna is undergoing chemotherapy for cancer of the uterus. Ms Clemente’s aunt Tina died from breast cancer. “I was really close to her and she suffered for five to six years, she didn’t want to die,” Ms Clemente said. Ms Sfameni’s friend Cathy also died from cancer, while aged in her fifties. Contact Ms Clemente on 04193 48476 to make a donation. Alesha Capone

Mary Sfameni, Maree Planner, and Rose Clemente (left to right) with Franka (front), at the Biggest Morning Tea. (Supplied)

NO ONE’S UNSINKABLE To all those Unsinkable Guys out there – You might think it’s safe to have a few drinks around water, skip the lifejacket when you’re out on the boat or go for a swim without checking the conditions. But statistics prove that 4 out of 5 drownings are men. Just remember that no one’s unsinkable.

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Flower festival starts to bloom By Alesha Capone A major flower festival featuring a parade of blossom-covered floats along Watton Street, Werribee, will likely be held in 2023. Wyndham councillor Heather Marcus first raised the idea at a council meeting in November, 2021, suggesting the Wyndham Flower Festival could become a signature annual event within the municipality. At the time, Cr Marcus said she would like to see the festival go ahead in spring, to bring some cheer and colour to the community, much like the Chang Rai Flower Festival in

Thailand and Holland Flower Festival. Cr Marcus also said the event would feature a parade of floats down Watton Street, all covered in handmade flowers, with cultural groups, dancing schools and businesses invited to participate. Council officers prepared a report based on Cr Marcus’ idea, which was presented at a meeting of councillors held on Tuesday, February 22. The report stated the festival would feature a maker’s market, fare from the local restaurants, a spaghetti eating competition, rides, a supermarket trolley race down Watton

Street, performers, children’s activities, roving entertainers and a fireworks display or light show. The report suggested that the festival be staged from 11am until 9pm on a Saturday in spring. The report described the breath of entertainment on offer as “the most significant Wyndham has seen”. “It is anticipated that an event of this size and quality will require a budget of $120,000 – $150,000,” the document said. The report recommended that Cr Heather Marcus form an event committee and

organise the flower festival independently of the council, in a voluntary capacity. The report stated because the cost of the festival has not been included within the council’s budget, Cr Marcus could instead seek funding support for the event from the council’s Annual Community Grants program. Cr Marcus said she agreed with the report and would go ahead with organising the flower festival. “I look forward to being able to form a committee and hope this festival will take place in March next year (2023),” she said.

Football club gives back to community Players from the Point Cook Centrals Football Club have put together two bicycles which have been given to children from vulnerable families. Members of the senior men’s team assembled the bikes from parts donated by club sponsors Established Property and Werribee Nissan, with support from The Brook Point Cook. On Thursday, February 19, the bicycles were presented to two young pupils from St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Werribee, during a special event held at The Brook. The senior men’s players put the bikes together as part of a team-building exercise and to help out the wider Wyndham community. The club is also organising for its women’s

team to wear pink jumpers at a match to be held later in 2022, to raise funds for breast cancer research and support for patients. The club is always looking to welcome new junior players, especially under-16s and under-18s girls and under-18s boys. Details: http://www.pointcookcentrals. com.au/, https://www.facebook.com/ pointcookcentralssportingclub or email info@pointcookcentrals.com.au

Players from the Point Cook Centrals Football Club putting the bicycles together. (Supplied)

Print and Online Sales Executive 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

DOES YOUR DOG HAVE OSTEOARTHRITIS? We are seeking dogs to participate in a free clinical trial which could improve osteoarthritis treatment in both dogs and humans. Participating dogs receive a free health check, haematology, biochemistry and radiographs, valued at $1100.

Eligible dogs must be: • Over 7 years of age • Have clinical signs of osteoarthritis • Between 15 and 30 kg • Male or female but must be desexed If eligible, your pet will enter a 6-month clinical study. During this time, your pet will need to come to the U-Vet Hospital for a total of 8 visits.

If you are interested in your dog participating or have further questions, please contact: Dr Thierry Beths thierry.beths@unimelb.edu.au 03 9731 2000 12518321-AV43-21

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Respite service inspired by love By Alesha Capone Marina Ivelja understands the struggle that families in the western suburbs can face when looking for respite care for their loved ones. Mrs Ivelja is 16 years older than her brother, who has autism, an intellectual disability, complex partial seizures and severe self-harming behaviours. While growing up, she witnessed his diagnosis, integration with special schools and all the different services her family dealt with. “We have found that it was very difficult from the beginning to find services and facilities that could cater to his behavioural

and disability support needs,” she said. Mrs Ivelja went on to pursue a career in disability services, including respite care, and has worked in the field for more than 15 years. She is also the advocate of her brother, who is now aged 31. Mrs Ivelja said that initially her parents did not want to use respite care for their son. “It was very hard to get mum to even consider respite,” Mrs Ivelja said. She eventually sat her parents down and talked to them about how respite care for her brother was similar to herself and her siblings going to a school camp for a night or two, before coming home again.

“I can understand the hesitance of families utilising respite, as I have experienced it first hand with my family, who were fearful of ‘what might happen and what are people going to think?’” Mrs Ivelja said. Mrs Ivelja said that people searching for respite care in the west often faced difficulty in finding a facility that suited the particular needs of their loved one. “There are lots of families at the moment who are struggling with care,” she said. Mrs Ivelja said that this motivated her to establish her respite service, Beyond Disability Services, which opened in Bacchus Marsh in November 2021.

“Because of my lifetime of experience and dealing with facilities and families, I’ve decided I’d go out on my own and offer a service where participants can feel at home and families feel at ease,” she said. Mrs Ivelja said she has hand-picked experienced staff for Beyond Disability Services, and for the safety of all participants and staff there are security cameras installed both internally and externally. The service is open to participants of any age for both children and adults on self-managed and plan managed NDIS plans. Details: www.beyonddisabilityservices.com. au

Logisticians honoured Past and present Air Force logisticians have been honoured with a plaque installed in the memorial gardens of the RAAF base in Point Cook. Air Commodore Grant Pinder unveiled the plaque to recognise the role the Air Force Equipment Branch has played since its formation in November 1920. Members of Logistics Branch – Air Force, No. 21 Squadron, and No. 100 Squadron were joined by retired members of the Air Force Equipment Branch for the event. Speaking at the unveiling, Air Commodore Pinder said: “This plaque is dedicated to all who have served, and are serving, in the various trades, musterings, branches, categories and specialisations that have rendered distinguished service as members of the Royal Australian Air Force. “It also serves to acknowledge those who

have family and friends that have served, as well as those members who have paid the supreme sacrifice in the service of our nation.” The present-day Air Force Logistics Employment Group (formerly Equipment Branch) is made up of about 1528 staff. Air Commodore Pinder concluded the service by addressing the past members of the Equipment Branch. “It is upon the foundations you built, that the Logistics Employment Group stands as we continue your legacy on the journey through this next 100 years of logistics operations in the Royal Australian Air Force,” he said. “Our future is shaped by our past. “For 101 years, ‘equipos’ – now Logistics Employment Group personnel – have played, and will continue to play, an important role in enabling air and space power.” Air Commodore Grant Pinder unveils the plaque at the RAAF base in Point Cook.

(Supplied/RAAF)

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MY PLACE Damon Paraha is a hip-hop and spoken word artist from Wyndham. He chats with Fatima Halloum. Can you tell me a little bit about yourself? My name is Damon Paraha. Otherwise known as Nomad. I’m a hip-hop and spoken word artist from Wyndham. I’m a proud Pasifika and Maori man. I am the second eldest of six siblings and I have three children of my own. Damon performs under the stage name ‘Nomad’. (Mark Gregory Photography)

What made you decide to become a musician? Music has always been a major presence in my life. My mum used to sing and my dad was a dancer when I was growing up. It’s always been present in my life. Tell us about some of the challenges you’ve experienced? As an independent artist, there’s always the challenge of feeling like you’re on this island by yourself. You’re trying to compete with these big labels, and the systems that are in place are designed for people with a major backing. And also, just trying to establish your worth. I’m sure you’ve heard the stereotype before where people will try and say you can do this for the exposure. Exposure doesn’t pay the rent. Exposure doesn’t put food on the table. What’s something people might be surprised to know about you? I think people might be surprised to know how much effort independent artists actually put into their work. People have this idea that we just make music, write lyrics and then put it together. But I don’t think people realise that a lot of us have to pick up different skills to try and get our names out there. A big thing that I’ve done in the past seven years was learn how to do my own graphic design and how to edit my own videos and come up with different creative ways to promote myself.

You recently performed at the Wyndham Cultural Centre, what did that feel like for you? It meant a lot to me on a personal level. I’ve grown up in Wyndham, I’ve lived here my whole life and that centre is older than me. It’s been the hub for a lot of big moments. I graduated there, my school had our year 12 graduation on that stage. It was a very full circle moment for me personally, to go back

there and use it for something that I love to do. On a wider scope, it was a good opportunity to showcase hip hop, as well as what Maori Pasifika artists are doing. I felt like it wasn’t a space that I typically see ourselves represented in and we got a chance to do that for both communities. How do you think music can bring a community together

Music is one of the best mediums to bring a community together. I think it just helps to unpack any situation whether it’s a traumatic situation or a happy situation. A lot of us even as adults still struggle to communicate properly but if you’re able to put a melody to it, and some lyrics, it’s just a lot easier to digest. And I find people can understand that a lot better than speech and sometimes.

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When local learning goes global By Christopher Carter, chief executive, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network Melbourne is celebrated as a city in which diversity is matched by tolerance, acceptance and love. Yet sometimes national or international pressures can make the city’s at-risk communities feel unfairly targeted as others publicly debate their worth. When this happens, people become more susceptible to stress, anxiety and are at higher risk of self-harm. When it comes to help, one size doesn’t fit all. Mental health programs need to be culturally appropriate, recognising the importance of community-defining factors such as language, faith, custom or sexuality. For a long time, members of the LGBTIQ+ community have been disproportionately at risk of mental illness. Multiple studies confirm higher than average numbers of suicides and suicide attempts. Other research found that many LGBTIQ+people are reluctant to use regular physical and mental health services. North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) operates on the principle that everyone deserves the right care at the right time. This commitment drove our teams over the past couple of years to lead three suicide prevention trials – two, centred on Melton-Brimbank and Macedon Ranges, were funded by the state government and the third, a national pilot focused on the LGBTIQ+ community, was funded by the commonwealth. We looked at gaps in the system and how they might be filled, working with GPs, hospital clinicians, nurses, and LGBTIQ+ organisations. Critical to this process were the voices of community members who had experienced suicidal thoughts, survived a

NWMPHN’s suicide prevention work has been recognised by the World Health Organisation. (iStock)

suicide attempt, cared for someone through suicidal crisis, or been bereaved by suicide. We looked at factors such as the role of LGBTIQ+ support groups, cultural awareness training for clinicians, the development of LGBTIQ+ centred services following discharge after a suicide attempt, and other factors. All three of the trials conclude in June. However, lessons and training modules arising from them are now being incorporated into health service responses around the country. And, indeed, the world. We found that in

the matter of post-discharge mental health support (known as ‘postvention’ in the jargon) there was almost no comparable work being done anywhere else. It is a tribute to all the people in the medical sector, community organisations and LGBTIQ+ community that, just a couple of weeks ago, the World Health Organisation acknowledged the NWMPHN suicide prevention work for its excellence and innovation. The trial findings and recommendations are now incorporated in the global body’s

officialtext, The WHO Live Life: An implementation guide for suicide prevention in countries. It seems that Melbourne’s reputation for diversity, tolerance, acceptance and love has not only been reaffirmed, but also recognised around the world. If this story sparks concerns for you, please contact: Switchboard, a peer-driven support service for LGBTIQ people and their friends and family, 1800 184 527; switchboard.org.au (3pm–midnight daily) Lifeline: 13 11 14, lifeline.org.au

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Belinda with new-born son Oliver, and two year-old Arlo. Both boys were born outside of Wyndham, but spent time as patients in Werribee Mercy Hospital’s Special Care Nursery. (Joe Mastroianni) 226335_01

By Alesha Capone

being forced to use services at public hospitals outside the area. “The demand exists for Werribee Mercy Hospital to deliver more babies locally but this cannot occur without expanded facilities,” Mr Payne said. “It would be preferable that local families had access to more of the best high quality and safe public birthing services at Werribee Mercy Hospital, so they don’t have to travel.” Mr Payne said planning was under way to boost the capacity of the birthing suites. “A third stage of Werribee Mercy Hospital, which is currently in the final stages of planning, will involve the creation of more

birthing suites, additional post-natal beds, and other ante and post-natal facilities, accompanied by additional midwifery and nursing staff. “Based on demand for existing maternity services, it is projected that Werribee Mercy Hospital would be well placed to meet an anticipated increase in demand of up to 30 per cent more babies in the western metro area.” Mr Payne said Mercy Health has been working with the Victorian Health and Human Services Building Authority and the Department of Health and Human Services since 2016 to prepare for the future needs of Werribee Mercy.

In November’s state budget, $4.8 million was allocated to finalise planning for the third stage of the hospital’s development. “We have acknowledged publicly the funding was a clear sign the voices of the people of the west of Melbourne are being heard and government is committed to meeting a major upgrade,” Mr Payne said. Mercy Health Group chief executive, Adjunct Professor Stephen Cornelissen, said the next stage of Werribee Mercy Hospital’s construction required $300 million in funding “to ensure the people of Wyndham receive the level and quality of health services they deserve and need”.

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Full house at Mercy Demand for birthing suites at Werribee Mercy Hospital has reached capacity. The hospital welcomed 3833 babies in 2020, slightly lower than the 3888 babies delivered there in 2019. Health services chief executive Jason Payne said Werribee Mercy Hospital’s birthing numbers had remained steady over the past two years because the birthing suites were unable to accommodate any more expectant mums. He said some pregnant women within the Werribee Mercy Hospital catchment are

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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

Hikoi Brothers Hikoi Brothers is for men of all ages in the western suburbs. The group meets fortnightly on Sundays for walks, talking about a range of topics while enjoying the different tracks in Wyndham. ■ http://ow.ly/JpJR50HOVuN

Photographer’s choice, artist Rebekah Cole with her artwork. (Damjan Janevski) 269383_01

Friends of Presidents Park The Friends of Presidents Park meet on the first Thursday of the month, 10am– noon. This is a new conservation group. No prior knowledge required. Meet in the carpark near the river and Shaws Bridge. ■ admin@werribeeriver.org.au

Life Activities Wyndham Life Activities is a not-for-profit organisation based at the Italian Sports Club of Werribee with a range of activities on offer every week, including walking, Double 15 Dominoes, line dancing, yogalates, casual lunch and card games, seniors exercise, mahjong, happy hour, book clubs, caravanning, photography and movies. ■ wlac@iscw.com.au

Werribee River lovers required A new family-friendly conservation group is forming to support the Werribee River in central Werribee. The next event is Tuesday, March 8, 5.30–7pm, river end of Edgar Street, Werribee. ■ maryann.weatherill@werribeeriver.org.au

Education volunteers EdConnect Australia is on the search for Wyndham residents to mentor and volunteer with students for the 2022 school year. The charity places volunteers in local schools to help improve the lives of vulnerable young people and equip them with life skills. EdConnect Australia offers training and support to its volunteers. ■ www.edconnectaustralia.org.au/ volunteer/ or 1800 668 550

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.

Computers for beginners Williamstown Community and Education Centre is now taking enrolments for classes to help those with limited computer skills. Classes are run daily at both Joan Kirner House, Williamstown, and North Altona Library. ■ Lynne or Tahlia, 9397 6168.

Knitting group Anyone is welcome to come along to Yarraville or Footscray library for a weekly knitting group, where you can share your favourite patterns and techniques, and have a chat with like-minded people. Registrations are recommended via Eventbrite. ■ https://www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/ library/Events/Knitting-Group

and-Newport-Heart-Foundation-WalkingGroups

Williamstown Craft Market Commonwealth Reserve comes alive on the third Sunday of the month for the Williamstown Craft Market. The market boasts more than 50 stalls showcasing everything from handmade craft, homegrown produce and food vendors. There will also be live music. From 10am-4pm. ■ https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/ Community/Whats-On/Williamstown-CraftMarket

Conversation Cafe The Conversation Cafe is back on at Footscray and Braybrook libraries. The Cafe gives people the chance to meet new people and practice English conversation skills in a relaxed and friendly environment. ■ https://www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/ library/Events/Conversation-Cafe

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

month at Altona Sports Club. Includes a speaker, organised trips and outings, and a friendly atmosphere. ■ Lesley, 0414 481 442

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 347 691 or rotarypointgellibrand@gmail.com

Mouth organ band The Yarraville Mouth Organ Band meets Friday evenings at 203 Williamstown Road, Yarraville. Great music, friendly atmosphere. Everyone is welcome. ■ Heather, 9399 2190

Friendship Group Altona Day View (Voice Interest and Education of Women) Club meets at 11am on the third Wednesday of the month at Altona RSL. The club is always open to new members, and anyone interested is encouraged to get in touch today and see what it’s all about. ■ Janet 9394 6522 or 0412 010 176.

Altona Meadows and Newport residents are invited to take part in a Heart Foundation walking group that meets on Wednesdays and Fridays. The group walks for 60 minutes, and is a great way to socialise and get active at the same time. Members are required to register with the Heart Foundation to join. ■ Ian Watson 0411 566 862 or https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/ Community/Whats-On/Altona-Meadows12 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 2 March, 2022

Pie workshop Ever wanted to learn how to make the perfect pie? Melton South Community Centre is hosting a savoury pie masterclass on Saturday, March 26 and Sunday, March 27 from 9am to noon. Participants can learn the art of making the perfect meat-filled or meat-free for friends and family. ■ 9747 8576

Writers and Readers Festival The Brimbank Writers and Readers Festival (BWRF) is an annual event that encourages a love of reading and literature, celebrates creativity and diversity, and promotes lifelong learning in Brimbank. The free festival which runs between March 17-26 includes workshops, author talks, panel discussions, writing, storytelling and more. ■ https://www.brimbanklibraries.vic.gov. au/writersfestival

Book sale Heritage walks Enjoy a leisurely two-hour walk around historic Williamstown and nearby suburbs with guide John. Walks start at 9.20am each Tuesday outside the Visitor Information Centre in Nelson Place. ■ John, 0418 377 336

Friends of Altona Library hold a book sale on the first Tuesday, Friday and Saturday of each month at the rear of Altona Library 123 Queen Street Altona, access via Coles carpark, from 10am to 1pm. Pop down to grab a new book or two. ■ https://libraries.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/ community/friends-of-the-libraries

Musicians welcome Walking group

treatments in Melton South Community Centre’s upcoming Deluxe Facials workshop. The event will be run on Saturday, March 26 from 10am to 1pm. Tickets are $60 or $55 for concession holders. ■ 9747 8576

Do you play trumpet, flute or lower brass instruments? The Hobsons Bay City Band is seeking musicians to join its community band. Rehearsals are held Mondays from 7.30pm at the Newport Lakes Primary School, Elizabeth Street, Newport. ■ Roger Lewis, hbcityband@gmail.com, or www.hbcb.org.au

Annual Charity Golf Day Hobsons Bay Community Fund will be holding it’s seventh Annual Charity Golf Day on Friday March 18, hosted by Kooringal Golf Club. Sponsors, players and supporters are welcome to join the fun and support the local Hobsons Bay community. ■ https://events.humanitix.com/ hbcfgolf2022

Altona North combined probus The Altona North combined probus club meets on the fourth Wednesday of each

Learn how to pamper Discover how to give relaxing beauty

Women’s group Duke Street Community Centre has set up a women’s social group to give people a place to interact. The group will run every second Friday, from 1pm, as a way to connect with other women in the community in a safe, fun and social way. It will be developed to suit the needs of the participants and will be in a casual setting. ■ 9311 9973

Ladies probus The Woodlands Ladies Probus Club of Sunbury meets on the fourth Monday of each month at the Sunbury Bowling Club at 9.45 am. The club is based on fun, friendship and fellowship and enjoys monthly outings, an annual trip away and a lot of fun meetings. ■ Val, 0418138214.

PUZZLES No. 070

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

easy

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

6 8 1 1 7 9 3

6 5 9 4 1

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

Surgeons’ instruments (8) Calms (8) Wattle (6) Made greater (9) Primary (4) Handsome nursery plant (6) Oral (6) Counter (7) Bankrupt (9) Bestowed (7) Definite (8) Still (8) Zigzag (6) Affirmation (6) Art of dwarfing shrubs or trees (6) Book ID (1,1,1,1)

1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 16 17 18 19 22 23 24

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

No. 070

DOWN

System without private property (9) Tie-on labels (4) Extension (3) Group of islands (11) Outlines (8) Orb (6) Falsehoods (4) Gives (7) From Stockholm, say (7) Sulk (4) Uniform (6) Material for floors (8) Anarchy (11) Qld city, Mount — (3) Masculine (4) Food (9)

2 medium

QUICK CROSSWORD

DECODER

No. 070

hard

3 2 6

4 2 5 1

10 11 12 13

5 LETTERS ABASE ACRES ADORE ADORN AGAPE AGATE ALIAS ALIVE ALLEN ANGEL APPLE AVAIL BRING CASEY CEDAR COCOA CORSE COSTA DRESS ELIDE

Today’s Aim: 17 words: Good 25 words: Very good

9 2 5 4 1 8 7 3 6

7 8 4 2 9 6 1 5 3

NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

C E

L A D E A V E N B O U T

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

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

No. 070

L D E R

3 9 7 2 5 1 6 8 4

SAUDI SEEDS SIREN SNEAK SOLAR STEPS STUDY SUPER TRUER

ELUDE ERRED EVITA FACTS GENII HEARD IBIZA ISSUE LAPUP LEONE LOSER LOTUS MACRO NURSE OMEGA OWNER PANIC PESTS PRIOR RALPH RIVEN

6 LETTERS CENTER GERALD METALS SEEMED

7 LETTERS BREAKER LOCATED PUERILE RAUCOUS SUPREMO WARRIOR 8 LETTERS PASSABLE PROCURES SIDESTEP SORCERER

04-03-22

6 5 9 8 3 1 4 2 7

5 4 6 1 8 7 3 9 2

8 7 2 9 4 3 5 6 1

6 4 1 7 3 8 5 2 9

7 6 9 3 8 5 1 4 2

8 2 3 4 1 6 9 7 5

4 LETTERS APSE BIDE CASA FAIR FRED HANS INTO ISPY LOAM ORBS RACE SAIL SARK SKIM

No. 070

COMPETING, cope, coping, epic, incept, inept, mope, moping, open, opine, optic, opting, pectin, pent, peon, picot, pigeon, pigment, pimento, pine, ping, pint, pinto, pitmen, piton, poem, poet, poetic, point, tempi, tempo, tope, topic, toping

2 1 3 5 7 4 6 8 9

4 6 7 3 5 9 2 1 8

G R A

3 5 9 7 1 4 6 8 2

1 3 8 7 6 2 9 4 5

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”.

4 1 8 3 6 2 9 7 5

7 2 6 9 5 8 4 1 3

1 4 3 6 2 7 8 5 9

8 6 2 5 9 3 7 4 1

9 7 5 8 4 1 2 3 6

2 9 7 4 3 5 1 6 8

6 3 4 1 8 9 5 2 7

5 8 1 2 7 6 3 9 4

1 5 4 9 2 7 3 6 8

4 7 2 1 9 3 8 5 6

5 1 6 8 7 2 4 9 3

9 3 8 5 6 4 2 1 7

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

9-LETTER WORD

34 words: Excellent

hard

M G 18

medium

easy

3 LETTERS ADO ADS ARE ECO EGO EMU EYE FOR GAR GOT HOT IDE MBA MIR ODE ONE OUT OVA RAT TEA TIE TOE TVS ZED

I O T UNQC S X H V E D

6 3 7

3 3 8

6 4

4 7

5x5

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

AWB L K R Z P J F YMG

2 5

1 9 7 8 8

WORDFIT

QUICK QUIZ

What are the bars of a xylophone commonly made from?

In what year did Xi Jinping become president of the People’s Republic of China?

Who (pictured) starred as Xena in Xena: Warrior Princess from 1995 to 2001?

Roentgen rays are more commonly known by what name?

The first X-Men comic, The X-men #1, was published in what year?

What is the name for the letter X in the Greek alphabet?

Fox Mulder and Dana Scully were the main characters of which US television show?

Xenophobia is the fear of what?

What company produces the Xbox gaming console?

10 The first photocopier was produced by which US company?

ANSWERS: 1. Wood 2. Lucy Lawless 3. 1963 4. The X-Files 5. Foreigners 6. Microsoft 7. 2013 8. X-rays 9. Chi 10. Xerox

SUDOKU

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0428 568 004

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We are looking for a skilled boiler maker for interesting, varied work, including TIG. We don't do heavy structural. Regular overtime is available. Permanent position after satisfactory trial period. Australian Flexible Joints, Currumbin, Qld. Email: gavinphillips@afj.com.au

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Wednesday, 2 March, 2022 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 15

MOTOR STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Beware of falling in love with the Jolion

The Jolion has a fair way to go to beat rivals in ‘love’ match.

(Pictures: Supplied)

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring Jolion sounds like one of those decent chaps in a Billy Bunter or Tom Brown’s Schooldays caper - a young toff in a starched collar and a top hat. It is, in fact, a compact sports utility vehicle from a Chinese company generally known for its cheap-as-chips workhorse utes. To add to the incongruity, we are told by the maker, Haval Great Wall Motors, Jolion is Chinese for ‘first love’. I suppose with a price range in the mid $20k, what’s not to love about the SUV. The ‘school bell’ first rang for Jolion in Australia with two variants - mid-grade Lux and range-topping Ultra, priced from $27,990 driveaway and $30,990 driveaway, respectively. These were later joined by an entry-level Jolion Premium model from $25,490 driveaway. The Lux was on test. Haval GWM continues to offer one of the best after sales and customer care packages in the industry with a seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty, five years roadside assist and an attractive capped price servicing program.

Styling There is a touch of Hollywood about this ‘first love’. The spotlight falls brightly on a grille with sparkling finish and horizontal accents to create a bold, if flashy, show. The ‘main event’ is flanked by LED headlamps, foglamps and a most striking set-up of daytime running lights. The car’s profile is standard SUV lines, while the back is plain, if a little hunchbacked.

Interior Soft touch surfaces, aluminium-style accents and leather wrapped steering wheel give a premium look to the cabin on the surface, but hard plastic buts in to cheapen the image, not to mention the rubber surround of the rear-view mirror coming adrift at a touch. Seats, in Comfort-Tek material, are heated up front, the driver getting a six-way adjustable 16 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 2 March, 2022

Engines / transmissions Power is delivered to the front wheels by a re-engineered 1.5 litre turbo-petrol engine with 110 kW of power and 210 Nm of torque mated to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission.

Safety

AT A GLANCE MODEL LINE-UP Haval Jolion Premium from $25,490 (driveaway) Haval Jolion Lux from $27,990 (driveaway) Haval Jolion Ultra from $30,990 (driveaway)

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

spot. The rear has class-leading leg and shoulder space. Storage is taken care of by a central bin and a pair of cupholders in two sizes in the centre console, while door pockets can fit bottles. Boot space is not left behind, checking in at 430 litres, expanding to 1133 litres with the 60:40 second row stowed. A space-saver spare nestles under the floor.

Infotainment Connectivity is front and centre with a 10.25-inch colour multimedia touchscreen linked to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 7-inch LCD instrument display carries range of system info. The position of the touch screen on the centre dash of the test car had its problems, with air-con controls underneath easy to catch accidentally while resting the palm on working the screen. Audio is handled by a six-speaker system, while dual-zone air-conditioning keeps occupants in relative comfort.

Safety is expansive with autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition and rear cross-traffic alert standard across the range.

Driving New from the ground up like its larger sibling, the new H6, the Jolion, a replacement for the H2, is underpinned by Haval’s new global lightweight modular platform to appeal to a wide range of driving needs. The 1.5 litre petrol engine, with the turbo slow to catch on at times when setting off, delivered up to 110 kW and 210 Nm to the test car front wheels smoothly through a the seven-speed dual clutch transmission once the vehicle was up to speed.

As far as fuel consumption is concerned the claimed combined urban / highway cycle of 8.1 litres of premium unleaded per 100 kilometres, compared with the 10 litres per 100 kilometres recorded on test in a range of driving conditions. For those interested, four different drive modes - standard, eco, sport and snow - are available on demand. With eco snail-like and sport highlighting the small engine syndrome, standard was an acceptable all-rounder. After a serious bout of gardening, my back was worse for wear. I don’t think I could have enjoyed a long(ish) journey in the Jolion Lux. Despite looking good, the seats were hard and generally unsupportive. Loading from the rear had its problems with the tailgate not lifting enough to get the cargo cover out of the way, making it a prime target for a whack on the head. The dim boot surroundings did not help. The keyless entry also had a mind of its own - at times not unlocking the driver’s door to the touch of the handle. The key fob button was the back-up. Don’t get me on about the ‘spy’ camera with its constant eye on the driver from its elevated spot on the A-pillar. Whatever motivated the Chinese to come up with this Cyclops of a driver fatigue monitoring system? This one-eyed monster supposedly checks the driver’s concentration level and if it deems it to have elapsed, flashes up the message on the multimedia screen “Hey, don’t stray”. Other warnings included one about the position of the vehicle ahead (which wasn’t there). It all became a niggling bore.

Summary So, what’s not to love about the Jolion? Apart from the keen pricing, there is quite a bit, actually. The Chinese compact SUV could best be described as a work in progress.

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Bulldogs aiming to close the gap Point Cook is hoping to close the gap in the Western Region Football League division 1 this season. The Bulldogs won just one match in 2021 and were on the bottom of the ladder when the season ended prematurely due to COVID-19. While they finished bottom, there was no relegation and promotion, meaning they have another shot at the top division. Bulldogs coach Brett Jacobs said the club felt like it belonged in division 1. “It was tricky because of COVID there were so many impact injuries and I don’t feel like we’ve had a good crack at it. “The ladder says we were the bottom team and we probably were. We had a little bit of inexperience, but we see ourselves as a long term division 1 club with the right foundations and strong junior base in place. “It’s hard coming up and being competitive straight away.” The Bulldogs have looked to add some experience in their recruiting. The club has

put in clearances for four players with either AFL or Victorian Football League experience. Derek Eggmolesse-Smith and Ryan Pendlebury are the two big ins for the Bulldogs. Eggmolesse-Smith comes straight from Richmond’s AFL list. He will combine his commitments with the Bulldogs with playing VFL with Collingwood. Jacobs said they would likely use Eggmolesse-Smith in a number of positions to make the most of his skills. He is joined at the Bulldogs by Ryan Pendlebury. Pendlebury was with Werribee’s VFL side last season. Premiership Western Bulldogs player Clay Smith has signed on as an assistant coach, while a clearance has been lodged for another former Western Bulldogs player, Brodie Miles. Son of former coach Ian Denny, Luke Denny, has also joined the club. Jacobs said Denny, who comes across from

Taylors Lakes, fits the profile the club was aiming for. “We have a lot of talented players coming through,” he said. “The under-18s are strong. “There’s some good kids coming through, we just need some experienced guys to guide them and steer the ship. “Some of the young guys are two to three years in seniors now and it’s showing on the track.” Jacobs said they were keen to sign a couple more players, but the pandemic meant some players had changed priorities. “We would like a couple more,” he said. “We’ve got a bit of ground to make up. People aren’t that keen to play and train. COVID has had an impact and they would rather spend time with their partners and families. “We’re struggling to get them to training.” The Bulldogs will kick off their season on April 2 against Werribee Districts. New Point Cook recruit Ryan Pendlebury.

Tara Murray

Werribee’s batting class

Sports shorts VTCA Werribee Centrals and Laverton both suffered big losses in Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 3 on Saturday. Werribee Centrals were bowled out for 78 in reply to Sunshine Heights 8-220. Laverton fell well short in reply to Williamstown Imperials 4-274, making 9-140. Point Cook had a better day, beating East Keilor. Point Cook made 120 before bowling East Keilor out for 79.

By Tara Murray Werribee put together one of its best batting performances in years to defeat local rival Hoppers Crossing on Saturday in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association south-west. While at different points on the ladder, the match between the two Wyndham sides continues to be one of the biggest of the season for both sides. The Tigers showed why they will play finals in a dominant display. The Tigers made 6-279 from their 45 overs before bowling the Cats out for 136. Tigers skipper Tim O’Brien said every time this play the Cats they need to be playing their best cricket. “It was a good performance,” he said. “We batted particularly well, we batted aggressively. “To get that score and then bowl them out for what we did was really good. “We went at over six runs an over with the bat. I think it’s our biggest one-day score in my time at the club.” Nathan Taylor top scored with 95. O’Brien said Taylor had the opportunity to get that int he final over. “He needed five runs of the final over, he had enough balls. “He tried to hit one for a two and hit it too hard and straight to the fielder.” Jonathan Freeman also had a good innings, making 72 not out. O’Brien said they didn’t get off to the best start with the ball in the first over, but from there they were able to get constant wickets. Adam Alifraco was the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets. The win is the Tigers sixth in a row and has moved the side to second on the ladder. The lowest the Tigers can finish is third, with a home final in the first week of the finals already wrapped up. The Tigers face bottom side Melton on Saturday in the final round. O’Brien said the key for the side this season had an even spread across the board. “We lost the first game back after Christmas, but we haven’t lost a game since. “At the start of the season we didn’t play our best cricket. We feel like we’re building. “We’ve got a pretty good side and we’re getting contributions from all the players. We haven’t had someone make 700-800 runs this season. “Someone else always steps up.” It’ll be a big finals series for the Tigers, with their second, third and fourth XIs all sitting on top of the ladder. In other results, Spotswood kept its finals hopes alive with an upset win against top side Caulfield. Caulfield was restricted to 9-141, with the

(Belinda Vitacca Photography)

Bowls Werribee cemented its spot in the Bowls Victoria weekend pennant division 2, section 1 two with a win against Yarraville Footscray 2. The teams split the rinks two apiece, but Werribee was able to come away with the overall win 81 (14)-68 (4). Robert Panton and Brendan Barker were the winning skips for Werribee. Werribee sits second on the ladder on 160 points, 10 behind ladder leaders Deer Park 2.

Women’s cricket Werribee has claimed the minor premiership in its first season in the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association women’s competition. The Tigers finished on top of the ladder in division 3, with only one loss for the season. The Tigers finished the regular season with a big win against Keilor. Point Cook will also play finals after finishing fourth. In the Cricket Victoria Women’s Community Cricket north-west (B) competition, Hoppers Crossing has finished the regular season in second. The Cats will play Greenvale Kangaroos (2) in the first week of finals.

Baseball

Nathan Taylor on his way to making 95. (Joe Mastroianni). 270159_08

Woodsmen making 5-142 in reply. Spotswood, which sits seventh, needs to win its final round match against Hoppers Crossing and hope that Caulfield beats Malvern to make finals. Altona and Yarraville also had wins on Saturday, beating Taylors Lakes and Malvern

respectively. Williamstown lost to Elsternwick, while Melton remains winless after losing to Point Cook. Ormond and Moorabbin were the other winners

Werribee had a big win against Port Melbourne in Baseball Victoria summer league division 2. The Giants had no issues at all in the 14-0 win on Sunday. The Giants sit fourth with four rounds remaining. The Giants women’s side had a tough day on Saturday in division 3 west. The Giants lost to North Western Black, 20-3. The Giants sit bottom of the table with two rounds remaining.

FOR MORE SPORT, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Wyndham Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly Wednesday, 2 March, 2022 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 17

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United continue on its winning run in Tasmania Western United continues to shine in the A-League men’s competition, this time beating Perth Glory under lights in Tasmania on Sunday. Coming off a solid mid week win, United was keen to add another win to the board and regain its spot on the top of the table. Aleksandar Prijovic opened the scoring in the first half, before Dylan Pierias sealed the result in the second half, with United winning 2-0. United coach John Aloisi said they were thrilled to get the result after a tough week on the pitch. “This group is made of different stuff,” he said. “They are a strong group that enjoy each other’s company, also they are up for the challenge. “At times, we were a little bit off when we went to press and our defensive structures weren’t as good as it had been. “We showed them at half time what we needed to do defensively and I thought the second half we were really good. “We won the ball in good areas … Going

forward we created a lot of problems, we know that Perth hasn’t conceded a lot of goals, so scoring two and creating a number of opportunities [was good.]” Alosi was really pleased with the game of Pierias saying he was one of the main reasons for the win. Pierias was benched at half-time of their previous match. Another pleasing sign, Rene Krhin made his first start for the club, after an injury interrupted the first part of the season. The win is the club’s ninth this season and means they have more wins and points than they did for the whole of last season. Aloisi, who is in his first season at the club, said a lot had changed in that time. “A lot of work was put in during the off season, not only by us coaching staff and players, the club in general. “The club is on a journey. The club knows it needs to improve on and off the field and we’ve spoken about certain things they didn’t well last season. “We’re not even talking about tactics. The

Dylan Pierias was the stand out on Sunday.

(Getty Images)

boys have adapted since day one of pre-season and it’s held them in good stead for these moments. “When you start winning football games, players start to believe in what you’re doing.” United’s next game is on Saturday afternoon

against Newcastle Jets. Aloisi said he was unsure whether captain Alessandro Diamanti and Connor Pain would be back from injury for that match. Tara Murray

Cricket review

Tom Gribble.

(Belinda VItacca Photography)

Werribee itching to go By Tara Murray Werribee players are itching to get back out on the field in the Victorian Football League. The team returned to the park at the weekend in their first practise match ahead of the season getting under way on March 26. Werribee coach Michael Barlow said the playing group continued to impress him, with the want to return and taste success. “I think this February, there’s definitely been a little more thirst from the players and the squad to get back into it. “It’s a credit to the group, that the real core has stuck around for a long time and has come back despite the uncertainty with the financial flux across all of football. It’s humbling for us as a coaching staff at the club. “Our retention has been great.” Barlow said this pre-season had been easier for him this time round, after being thrown into the role late with Mark Williams returning to the AFL. He said having 12 months in the role and along with football manager Mark Micallef, who was appointed last February, was 18 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 2 March, 2022

showing in things like the game plan and the preparation for the season. On field, the group will look pretty similar. The departures of former AFL players Matthew Lobbe and Wylie Buzza are the biggests outs. Barlow said they had been really targeted in their recruiting. “We weren’t going out there casting our web far and wide,” he said. “We had specific people that we wanted to bring in. “Guys from other VFL clubs starved of opportunities and were attracted to the appeal of playing for a standalone club.” Sam Witherden, Saad El-Hawli, Sam Clohesy, Ethan Jackson, Sam Para, Marty Brennan, Oliver Hanrahan, Declase, Charlie Ham, Sam Conway, Josh Porter, Reuben William and Darcy Cassar are among the signings for Werribee this year. Kye Declase also returns after being a drafted in the mid-season AFL draft last year. Barlow highlighted the likes of Cassar and William as players to keep an eye on. “Ruben has a high level of leadership,” he said. “He brings a really wholesome personality to the club.

“Darcy is a young man in a hurry. He will compliment the team and is an underage player. “I’m confident when pinch comes to shove, selecting team on a full quota, he would be part of it.” Para, Aiden Johnson who joined from Laverton last year and Porter, will be given chances to fill the role left void by Buzza’s departure. It’s the third time Porter has been at the club. Barlow said there had been a number of players access the board who had really strong pre-seasons. He said while he didn’t want to single out guys, some of the senior guys like Tom Gribble, Dom Brew and Nick Coughlan continued to elevate their performance. “They’re senior guys who want team success. They’re not done with growing and learning.” The players will select a new captain in the coming weeks, after Michael Sodomaco decided to stand down from the role. Werribee will start its season against Frankston.

A two-tier premier cricket competition, renewed focus on the quality of junior coaching, communication, list management selection and improved pathways for women’s cricket are among the recommendations in a new Cricket Victoria report. The recommendations were a result of the findings from former Australian star Mike Hussey who conducted a review of Cricket Victoria’s selection and contracting processes to ensure it was in line with best practice and provides the best opportunity for elite talent to be identified, nurtured and progress to state and international level. The recommendations were split into seven areas. Among the recommendations were, employing the best available people to fulfil specific roles, delivering a renewed focus on the quality of coaching, expertise, and skill development on offer, building opportunities for club coaches to be involved in the Youth Pathway and Cricket Performance program, develop a consistent vision and strategy on list management and talent identification and improving pathway structures and building stronger foundations through metropolitan regional Victoria. Hussey found there was a disconnect between Cricket Victoria and the state sides and Victorian Premier Cricket. He called for better communication and clearly identifying the purpose and the role of premier cricket. Hussey said among the current perceptions and concerns was the continual selection of pathway talent despite underperforming at premier cricket, premier cricket performances. not holding much weight and senior players losing faith in the selection process. “An emphasis to be placed on strong communication and relationships combined with a focus on junior development programs, a thriving premier cricket and second XI competition is the basis for the production of quality Australian players and the sustained success of Victorian cricket.” One of Hussey’s recommendations was to re-structure the premier cricket competition into a two-division system with promotion and relegation opportunities. Cricket Victoria, in its initial response, said that was for the clubs to decide.

Wyndham goes with youth for Big V season ‘22 Wyndham has turned to youth for this year’s Big V women’s state championship season. Under coach Gerard Hillier in his second season, Wyndham will have a fairly new line up. The club has recruited imports Amanda Paschal and Gianna Smith to provide support for the players who are coming through. Hillier said things were looking pretty good heading into the season. “We have a fairly new group with a number of younger players,” he said. “We definitely wanted a younger group and I always focus on a youth group and a couple of strong imports and a couple of senior players. “We had a slightly aged team for the last couple of years, and COVID made them assess what they were doing with their time. “It jump started bringing in the younger

players. They’re a core group we can build around for five or six years.” Hillier said the two imports were already making their presence felt in the pre-season matches and in the community. The pair have been getting out in the community and schools, with the association seeing a number of people enquiring about joining the club. “Amanda Paschal comes from the University of Kentucky and is a natural leader and will help the side out on both ends,” Hillier said. “Gianna Smith is from the University of Carolina. She’s really strong bodied and will provide a presence. “She has a lot of energy.” The two will provide leadership to the likes of Dyani Ananiev, Rachel Kerr, Tanielle Knight and MacKenzie Drew, who are some

of the younger players who will get their opportunity this season. Knight was this week named in the Victorian under-20 navy team for the national championships. Wyndham will face National Basketball League 1 side Keilor Thunder in a practice match on Sunday. It’s one of a number of pre-season matches the club has scheduled ahead of the March 19 season opener. The team play Chelsea in that game. Hillier said despite having a younger side, nothing changes in terms of expectations. “We still expect to win it. “They still compete, but we are mindfield they are young and the development will come.” Tara Murray

(Wyndham Basketball Association)

Davies and Holmes join Collingwood

Western Jets’ Caitlin Sargent lays a tackle.

(Joe MastroiannI). 268325_01

Four in a row for Jets By Tara Murray Western Jets are breaking new ground in the NAB League Girls competition, with the club winning four games in a row for the first time. Having not had much success in previous seasons, the Jets have this year found the right mix and the results are going their way. On Saturday, the Jets beat the Geelong Falcons, 7.13 (55)-2.5 (17). Jets coach Robbie Chancellor said the side is building and gaining plenty of momentum. “The girls program had never won three in a row,” he said. “We’ve had incremental improvement. We were disappointed with the game against Sandringham Dragons despite getting the win. “We had a bit of a chat after that match. They haven’t had much success, so we spoke about are we happy with just winning or do we want to judge how we are playing. “We had a strong week on the track and it was the most complete performance we’ve had.” The Jets were playing at home in the west for the first time this season, which Chancellor

said the girls were really up for the challenge. Chancellor said that they were tested in every quarter. “They jumped us at the start of each quarter with their physicality. Credit to the girls they were able to hold their pressure and work their way back into the game. “There was a strong breeze towards one end, most of the scoring was from that end. They didn’t make the most of it in the first quarter, but we were able to in the second quarter.” Chancellor said the scoreboard could have been convincing had they been able to kick straight. Caitlin Sargent kicked three goals in the win, while Charlotte Baskaran had another fantastic game. Chancellor said that there were seven or eight girls who had really strong games. He said the spread of performance had been the big key for the side this season. “Last year we were relying on too few,” he said. “There’s more depth in the performance and playing more consistently. “The next group of players are putting their

names. Kiera Leare, Paige Ryan, while Laura Elliott has had a fantastic couple of weeks in the backline. “It’s a good group that is building, winning builds that confidence.” The Jets now sit third on the ladder. Chancellor said the belief in the group was starting to grow. “The girls have belge and the performances are coming,” he said. “Hopefully we’ll keep improving. We have some tough games late in the season. We’ll go in with wins on board and confidence with that.” The Jets this week face the Brisbane Lions Academy, at the Hangar in Essendon on Sunday. Chancellor said he didn’t know much about the side heading into the game. “What has been working for us is reviewing our own performance, training hard and working on the areas that we can improve.” The Northern Knights and Calder Cannons are among the other winners in round six, beating the Murray Bushrangers and Bendigo Pioneers respectively.

City West Falcons pair Zoe Davies and Montana Holmes will be part of the Collingwood Super Netball set up after earning training partner contracts. The Magpies announced last week that the pair along with Casey Adamson had been named training partners. Nyah and Sienna Allen have previously been named training partners. Davies, who was best on court in the 2018 Victorian Netball League grand final for the Falcons, said her sporting journey was “all over the shop”, due to playing other sports and getting knockbacks and having not come through the Netball Victoria pathways. “I started netball when I was 15 after watching mum on the sidelines,” she said in the club’s announcement. “I decided it was my turn to give it a go and I haven’t looked back since, and ever since then I’ve set a personal goal to push myself through the ranks and become the best individual I can be.“ “I have a lot of motivation and dedication to bring. I haven’t had the luxury of being able to go through pathways and have programs written up for me, I’ve had to learn for myself how to get fit and how to get better footwork, how to jump higher all on my own.” Holmes joined the City West Falcons last season and made an instant impact. Stepping into the midcourt role left void with Molly Jovic joining the Magpies, Holmes was right at home. She first played netball when she was 14, having played basketball before that. “I pretty much just played locally and then did all the Eastern Academy Zones, and was lucky enough to make the state side in under-17s,” Holmes said. “After I played state I started playing VNL, started with Boroondara in div 1 and then moved up to champ and made my way over to City West Falcons and now here I am.” While she’s made a name for herself at the Falcons as a midcourter, Holmes played defence growing up in Gippsland. “I’m extremely honoured to be here with these girls and to train with such amazing athletes, I just want to give it everything that I have and to see what opportunities could potentially arise.” The Super Netball season gets under way on March 26. Wednesday, 2 March, 2022 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 19

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