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Bowling for Australia

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Most people think of bowling as a recreational activity, something fun to do with family and friends on a night out. For Wyndham Vale resident Rebekah Commane, it’s the reason she’ll be travelling to the United States to compete in The World Games this July. “I got into bowling because my parents were two league followers,” Commane said. “I’m the youngest of four, my siblings before me bowled, so when it came to me it was evident that I was going to be born into bowling.” Despite being “very excited”, Commane said she shed a few tears when she found out she’d be playing for her country. “I haven’t been able to represent Australia for like three years, being able to put the green and gold back on, it’s a very intense feeling.” Commane said most people would be surprised to know the sport is “really competitive” and it’s important to her to “break the mould” and prove bowlers are serious athletes. “I want to break those stereotypes, I want bowling to be more mainstream,” she said. “We’re going to be pushing to get into the Queensland Olympics in 2032.” Rebekah Commane is one of four Australians representing the nation in July.

Local artists brushed out By Fatima Halloum A Wyndham artist is calling out council for its “frustrating” art selection process that she says brushes local artist aside. Creative Angela Hickey believes artists who live outside of Wyndham are paid for works that could instead be produced by people living in the area. “There’s an unfair process for Wyndham artists, for locals. We don’t know about the opportunities, they’re not advertised, there’s no

EOI [Expression of Interest] process,” she said. Hickey said the municipality had “so many great artists” who should be given the opportunity to submit proposals. “I don’t mind if there’s a small percentage of non-locals, that’s just a given. It just happens too often, it needs to change,” she said. “I’ve stood by and watched this over the years and it’s just reached a point … it needs to be shared with us.” Hickey suggests several artists be commissioned for jobs, joining both local and

non-local creatives. “Wouldn’t it be better to actually get the community onboard? Artists that live here?” she said. Wyndham council said many variables were contemplated when selecting a public art piece, “not just the artist’s physical principal place of residence”. “When considering artists for specific areas or works, Wyndham city takes into account a range of considerations including timelines, cost, previous experience, the aesthetics of the space and avoiding disruptions to local

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business,” acting director of city design and liveability Peter McKinnon said. Mr McKinnon said council had a public art allocation of $265,000 for 2021-22, and “many local artists participated in projects”. “Wyndham City’s priority is to develop public art opportunities for local artists through a range of initiatives including Werribee Station Photographic Prints, Wyndham Vale Station, projects with Deakin University and many temporary works, events and programs,” he said.

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Werribee a top tourism finalist By Fatima Halloum Werribee has been announced as one of eight finalist for the state’s Top Tourism Town Awards. Presented by the Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC), the awards highlight regional towns and centres offering uniques visitor experiences. Werribee Business and Tourism Association chairperson Deborah Dickinson said she was “absolutely” proud of the nomination.

“It [Werribee] has well and truly evolved and stepped up its game,” Ms Dickinson said. “The uniqueness of the suburb is that in the city centre itself, it has a river that runs through it. The zoo, the mansion, the rose garden, we have well known destination places.” Ms Dickinson believes anyone surprised by the nomination is only looking at “the shell” of Werribee. “We take those things for granted, being a local. We have that family experience, we have walking trails around the river, we have good

eateries,” she said. “No matter who you are, you’ll leave with an experience that’s memorable.” The other towns to reach the finals include Ballarat, Bendigo, Echuca, Frankston, Lakes Entrance, Mildura and Shepparton. VTIC chief executive Felicia Mariani said the awards would help support the domestic tourism industry. “Two years of being in and out of lockdown have shown many of us we don’t have to leave Victoria for a getaway,” Ms Mariani said.

“Every tourism business has worked so hard to survive the past two years. It’s the perfect time to acknowledge what regional towns and centres have done to revitalise their tourism experiences and welcome visitors back.” People vote for their favourite destination until May 31. The winners will progress on to nationals, for a chance to be recognised as Australia’s Top Tourism Town. Details: https://www.vtic.com.au/

Q Art Project entries open

Year five pupils Hayden, Athena and Chase. (Damjan Janevski) 280799_04

Pupils put their walking shoes on Every parent, carer or guardian who sends their child to walk to school hopes for them to return safe and unharmed. For this year’s National Walk Safely to School Day on Friday May 20, pupils at Iramoo Primary School and their families will skip the daily drive and stroll to school instead. “In the lead up to the event we have put up posters around the school and classroom

teachers have discussed the event with their grades,” Iramoo Primary School active travel co-ordinator April Anapliotis said. “If they live too far to walk the whole distance, they are also encouraged to park closer to school and walk part of the way.” Ms Anapliotis said the school aims to inform pupils of the advantages associated with active travelling.

Residents in Wyndham can submit their entries for a Q Art Project organised by Wyndham Youth Services. Young people with a connection to Wyndham can submit a short story, poetry, drawing, comic, painting or photography that explores the expression of sexuality and gender identity. Wyndham councillor Marcel Mahfoud said all creatives were encouraged to enter. “The Q Art Project is a great opportunity for young Wyndham creatives between the ages of 12 and 25, whether traditional artists, illustrators, writers or inspiring fashion designers and make-up artists,” he said. “Entries can take many forms and can be as creative as you like.” Council said the project seeks to include young people’s art expression in the community and aims to empower and celebrate Wyndham’s young, diverse community and improve broader community awareness of gender diversity and sexuality. Successful entries will receive $300 and be included in the Q Art Project; LGBTQIA+ self-expression art book. The art book will include the selected art expressions of rainbow identifying youth aged 12-25 with a connection to Wyndham. Entries can be submitted online or in person at the Youth Resource Centre between 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday, until May 31.

“We hope the students learn the benefits of walking to school, that walking to school is good for the environment, their physical and mental health,” she said. “The event will also remind students of important road safety rules when walking to school.” Fatima Halloum

Galvin Park set to light up thanks to a $200,000 grant Wyndham council will receive a $200,000 grant from the state government to fund the installation of new oval lighting at Galvin Park. The field is home for the Werribee Centrals’ men and women’s football, netball and cricket teams and the group says they’re “ecstatic” to be receiving the investment. “If you don’t know much about Werribee Centrals, it’s a club that basically built itself. All the lights and all of the facilities that we’ve got, we’ve built ourselves,” club spokesperson Alan Stewart said. The current light towers, put up in the early 1980s, were too short and not bright enough,

Mr Stewart said, and replacing them was outside the scope of a small sporting club’s capabilities. “In the old days, council didn’t have the money … so this club has built itself up,” Mr Stewart said. Mr Stewart said the poor lighting conditions have impacted the club in numerous ways. “It doesn’t allow you to use a lot of areas on the ground because the lights … aren’t up to scratch. So you’re basically traveling across the brighter areas of the ground all the time so that has wear and tear on the ground,” Mr Stewart said. “The other thing is power for the old style

lights is huge compared to the newer LED lights, LED is probably only 20 to 30 per cent of the cost.” The grant was announced by Community Sport Minister Ros Spence last month and is one of 14 new projects to be funded by the 2021-22 Country Football and Netball Program. “Country football and netball is the lifeblood of regional communities and plays a vital role in maintaining a positive spirit in good and tough times,” Ms Spence said. “We’re delighted to back even more projects that can make a real difference in people’s lives.”

Werribee MP Tim Pallas, Cr Jennie Barrera, mayor Peter Maynard, Community Sport Minister Ros Spence and members of Werribee Centrals. (Supplied) Wednesday, 18 May, 2022 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 3

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Police investigate collision Police are investigating a fatal collision between a car and a motorcycle in Point Cook last month. Police believe the vehicles collided on Saltwater Promenade on Sunday, April 24 just after 7pm. The motorcyclist, a 29-year-old Point Cook man, was taken to hospital in critical condition, but later died in hospital on Wednesday, May 4. The 56-year-old Point Cook car driver was not injured and is assisting with police inquiries. Anyone who witnessed the collision is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestoppersvic.com. au.

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Point Cook resident wins big on Hot Seat The next time you’re watching a game show on TV and you think to yourself ‘I could be a contestant on this’, you could find yourself in the same position as Stephen Fe. The Point Cook resident took home $50,000 in winnings during the Monday, May 16 episode of Millionaire Hot Seat. “I’ve done a little bit of trivia quizzes in the past and I was quite good,” Mr Fe said. “I started watching Millionaire Hot Seat about six, seven years ago, I did the questions as the people were doing the questions and always seemed to do quite well.” Mr Fe said it was around this time last year when he saw an advertisement looking for contestants for the series. “I thought ‘go for it and see what happens’ and it got me on the show,” he said.

“My targets were not to come last … if I could answer one question right in the hot seat I’d have been delighted.” The episode also marked the first time crowds were allowed back in the audience and Mr Fe said the energy in the room was electric. “People were just hoping the person in the seat would do the best they could, it was an amazing experience and having the crowds there made it so much better,” he said. Originally, Mr Fe intended to use his winnings to take his family on holiday to Ireland, his home country, but his kids weren’t too keen on the long flight. “What we are going to do for some of the money is go to Singapore next year, for a week for the family. They have to go to an Irish pub every day that they’re there,” he said.

Point Cook winner A Point Cook man is $150,000 richer after purchasing a winning scratchie from a newsagency in Laverton.The $10 Jumbo Crosswords ticket was purchased from Laverton Authorised Newsagency on 12 Aviation Road. The lucky winner said at first he didn’t realise how much money he actually had won. “At first I thought it was a $1000 win, then I thought it was $15,000, but as I was talking to my daughter and giving her the news, I said, ‘hang on, I think it’s actually $150,000’,” he said. “I’m going to share it with my family, maybe take a long holiday and upgrade the car.”

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Fears for river wildlife By Fatima Halloum Werribee Riverkeeper John Forrester is calling on residents in Wyndham to help protect the Werribee river and keep surrounding wildlife safe. Mr Forrester raised concerns about VicForests’ decision to log trees in Wombat Forest, which he says will have a “multicore outcome” that will eventually reach waterways in the municipality. “We have just completed a report in the Werribee River, and it centers around Werribee where there’s a viable platypus population, but it’s under threat,” he said. Mr Forrester said waterways have lost about 20 per cent of their rainfall due to climate change over the last few decades, but the figure could rise if the logging goes ahead. “If we put this new growth in there, where the loggers remove all the trees and put in new trees, then that area will soak up more water, so we’re likely to reduce down to about 40 per cent of rainfall,” he said. The reduction in water will affect the quality of the river and sediment from the logged trees will stop invertebrates from growing and feeding, affecting the main food source for platypus. But Mr Forrester said it won’t just be the animals that are impacted. The pandemic highlighted the value of open space areas, particularly local waterways, which Mr Forrester said provided residents with a “healthy respite from their daily grind”. Mr Forrester said residents will have even more limited access to nature if the logging goes ahead. “They’ll have water which will be impacted with Blue Green Algae floats … people won’t go near the water because it stinks and it’s poisonous,” he said.

Mr Forrester said fishing nets and litter often harms the platypus population.

Members of the community wanting to “help out” can join the Werribee River Association, Mr Forrester said. “They could also write to [Premier Daniel] Andrews and say ‘look we’re worried about this logging in the forest because it does a few things’,” he said. A VicForests spokesperson said the trees marked for removal present a hazard or need to be logged for operational necessity. “VicForests is operating to strict environmental standards provided for the protection of soil and water quality,” the spokesperson said. “We are moving this heavy debris in a planned and controlled manner to reduce the fire risk from windthrown trees and debris and for the long-term protection of the water quality in the catchments from major bushfire events.”

Werribee Riverkeeper John Forrester. (Damjan

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Crackdown on tobacco sales Wyndham council has cracked down on businesses found to be selling tobacco and e-cigarette products to children. Between January and May, 16 tobacco and e-cigarette retailers were randomly selected and tested by purchase assistants. Purchase assistants under the age of 18 visited the stores with the aim of buying tobacco, cigarettes or e-cigarettes such as vapes. They were not allowed to lie about their age or present any fraudulent identification during the test. Three businesses sold tobacco to the test purchase assistants and staff were fined $727 each. The operation was completed as part of council’s commitment to undertake tobacco safety related activities and mayor Peter Maynard said a number of businesses had received warning notices and infringements. “While it was encouraging that most businesses complied with the law, it is disturbing that cigarettes or e-cigarettes were still being sold to those under the age of 18,” he said. Council officers also made 64 on-site educational visits to a number of businesses and provided additional information to 180 businesses to ensure staff training on tobacco laws was adequate, training records were kept up-to-date. “This is a reminder to all Wyndham businesses to inform their staff of the importance of asking for ID when selling tobacco.”

Janevski) 280654_01

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Police targeting risky drivers By Fatima Halloum Wyndham police will undertake a series of operations in the municipality as part of Road Safety Week, from May 16-23. Police say numerous additional patrol units will work alongside general duties and specialist highway patrol units to intercept impaired and high risk drivers. Road policing inspector Steve Hayes said all motorists should take the opportunity to think about their road behaviour.

“I have unfortunately been to far too many incidents witnessing firsthand the tragedy and devastation that can be caused through unsafe and reckless driving,” he said. “This includes two fatal collisions within Wyndham PSA [Police Service Area] in the last 18 months where multiple youths under 18 have lost their lives and numerous other instances where people have suffered serious injuries to which they will never fully recover.” “Often these accidents could be avoided by people doing the right thing, not speeding,

not using their mobile phones while driving or simply just paying full attention at all times whilst behind the wheel.” Patrol units will be targeting drivers impaired by drugs and alcohol, distraction offences such as using mobile phones and other devices, and ensuring pedestrians obey traffic signals. Operation Takeback, a 48-hour road policing blitz, will occur on Thursday, May 19 and Friday, May 20 and will focus on intercepting high risk drivers speeding,

displaying hoon behaviour and causing risks to the safety of other road users. Frontline police will also participate in Walk Safe to School day on Friday, May 20, by attending primary schools in the area to promote and encourage the benefits of walking to school, and how to do so safely. National Road Safety Week was created by Safer Australian Roads and Highways’ Peter Frazer, after his 23-year-old daughter was killed in a car crash in 2012. Details:roadsafetyweek.com.au

Trugin on to help raise funds for cancer research

Brendan and Carmen named their shitbox Olaf.

come together,” Brendan said. “As we as we’re traveling around, we’re going to some very remote towns so we’re trying to spread the word through the remote towns about the Cancer Council and Shitbox Rally.”

(Steven Hudson)

Brendan said the scenery in the outback helps to keep the restlessness of sitting in a car for long hours at bay. “Outback Australia is an amazing place, you do not get bored, there’s always something to

look at,” he said. In case of emergency, multiple medical and support vehicles follow the teams on their journey. “If you can’t fix your car on the side of the road within 20 minutes, you put it on a trailer and they bring it back to where we’re staying for the night,” Brendan said. “If it doesn’t survive, you get a medallion that says your car died on Shitbox, to continue you hop in a car with someone else from your buddy group.” Brendan and Carmen’s attempts to participate in the rally had been thwarted multiple years because of COVID-19, but he says they’ve caught the rally bug. “We really want to keep doing it, we want to fundraise and do the work for the Cancer Council,” he said. “We’re very proud of what we’re going to achieve, we had a lot of people that couldn’t believe what we’re gonna do in the car that what we’re doing it in.“

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If someone asked you to drive a shitbox car 3594 kilometres through the muddy and untamed tracks of the Australian outback for charity, would you do it? Brendan Andre, and his wife Carmen did. The couple, known as Team Trugin on, left the warm confines of their Werribee home to participate in a week-long expedition from Wollongong in New South Wales to MacKay, Queensland. The annual Shitbox Rally starts with a fundraiser and two person teams are expected to raise a minimum of $5000 to support the cancer council. “I think everyone’s had someone affected by cancer,” Brendan said. “Carmen has had breast cancer, so we’re affected directly that way.” The next phase of the fundraiser involves 250 teams taking to the roads in cars worth no more than $1500. “The event is a celebration of all that fundraising, and for like minded people to

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Wyndham homes embrace solar By Fatima Halloum Residents living in Tarneit, Hoppers Crossing and Truganina, have topped the list for the highest concentration of rooftop solar by postcode in the state. Data compiled by electricity distribution company Powercor revealed the 3029 suburbs had 15,343 installations as of January, 2022, and 40 per cent of households had rooftop solar panels. Tarneit resident Kelvin Tan said had his

solar panels installed about 2010 and “it’s been great since”. “We’re paying per year maybe $200 to $400 … for a family of four,” Mr Tan said. Prior to purchasing solar panels, Mr Tan said his family was spending between $2000-$3000 a year on their electricity bill. “It has helped me save a lot tremendously. I mean, $400 compared to $2000 a year, it’s a big saving,” he said. Mr Tan believes installing solar panels is a long-term benefit and all new houses should

have a certain number of panels installed. “With rising costs at the moment, everything is going up,” he said. “If you look at this as a long term investment, it’s worth your money right now for you to enjoy the savings. “All these new houses should have a minimum of four or five kilowatt solar panels be installed on their roof, that would move everyone to renewable energy.” Werribee and Point Cook recorded the second-highest number of solar panel

installations (10,994). Wyndham Vale, Manor Lakes, Mambourin and Mount Cottrell were ninth on the list,at 3992 installations. Powercor general manager electricity networks Mark Clarke said rooftop solar and other current technologies will build a crucial gateway to a clean energy future. “These solar enablement works allow our customers to export their excess solar, while also supporting Victoria to reduce emissions and increase the use of clean energy generated by customers at home,” he said.

SES volunteers needed People say it takes a certain type of person to join the State Emergency Services (SES), but Wyndham West unit controller Tim Smiley disagrees. “If you’re the type of person who wants to give back to the community and learn different skills and frameworks outside of your day to day office job, that’s more than enough,” Mr Smiley said. “Anyone can do it, it’s just the skills you learn on the way make it more challenging and exciting.” He said an increase in overall incidences has left many SES units across the state needing more volunteers. “From storm damage to [fallen] trees, we’re even getting calls now for people that have burst pipes in their house,” he said. “With the more members we can get, it takes a lot of strain off those other members.” Mr Smiley has dedicated more than 12 years of his life to volunteering and enjoys giving back to the community, but says he initially

found the SES “by accident”. “A friend that I hung around with was in it, he said ‘come along’ so I joined, and I’ve loved it ever since,” he said. “The amount of skills and community engagement that you do here is just phenomenal.” When responding to call-outs, Mr Smiley said community members are “very grateful” for their assistance. “You’re only there to give them a lending hand, so they know some people do care. Sometimes that’s all they need, just to know someone’s listening to my problems,” he said.

Wyndham West unit controller Tim Smiley. (Supplied)

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Volunteers from the Rotary Club of Wyndham Harbour, Mohammed Isah, Seema Lal, Sibo Moyo, Mamode Osikoya, Ejaz Ali.

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The birth of a great idea It took an hour and a half for more than 20 volunteers from the Rotary Club of Wyndham Harbour and St Peter’s Charismatic Prayer Community to assemble 200 birthing kits for women in need. The volunteers assembled sets made up of gauze, plastic sheets, sterile blades, soap, cord ties and gloves that would then be boxed up and distributed to women living in developing countries. Project leader Mamode Osikoya said the project was a good opportunity to help people living outside the community.

“The beauty of this project is that you don’t know where the birthing kids will land eventually, it’s part of our community service to reach out to people around us, but this was part of our international service,” she said. Mamode believes the aim of the Rotary Club is to have people come together, while simultaneously volunteering for communities and humanity. “The feeling you get knowing that the little gesture you have done, the little thing you have done, has probably save 200 women and

200 babies,” she said. “As a group, the feeling of fulfilment is knowing you have done something good for someone you don’t know.” This was the first time in a few years that the group was able to get together and assemble the kits together, but Mamode says the club plans on participating in the project every year. The kits are provided by the Birthing Kit Foundation Australia who have supplied more than 2.4 million clean birth kits to women all over the world.

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

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

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

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

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Volunteer expo draws a crowd The Wyndham Volunteer Expo on Saturday, May 14 showcased 44 volunteer groups working in the municipality. More than 300 attendees visited the Encore Event Centre to peruse the volunteer options available, ranging from emergency services to sporting clubs. Local councillors and Mayor Peter Maynard were also in attendance. “The Volunteer Expo was great for Wyndham as it brought together a range of different volunteer organisations all in one place,” Cr Maynard said. “The feedback from everyone was positive and people enjoyed visiting the expo to find out information about volunteering.” Details: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/ volunteering.

Australian Coast Guard Werribee’s Bob and Angelique. 280491_02

Western Emergency Relief Network’s Paul Hartcher

Friends of Werribee Park’s Carole, Jean and Tammara. 280491_07

Western United Soccer Club’s Shane and Carole. 280491_09

Lions Club Werribee’s Doug. 280491_08

(Pictures: Joe Mastroianni) 280491_01

Werribee Bowls Club’s Rhonda Edwards and Cathy Taylor. 280491_05

Rotary Wyndham Vale’s Alex and Maryanne. 280491_10

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Wednesday, 18 May, 2022 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 9

THE BEST IN POINT COOK RETIREMENT LIVING

Established homes now available

Call Michael to inspect the villas, tour the village and to discuss your retirement future in this friendly and welcoming community.

Apt 266

Apt 267

Villa 76

$375K $375K $540K 2

Resort style facilities

320 Point Cook Rd, Point Cook

Freecall: 1800 645 264 pointcookvillage.com.au Information Request I wish to receive (Please tick): A phone call from a Point Cook Village representative Point Cook Village Brochure 10 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 18 May, 2022

Mr,

Mrs,

Ms (Please tick)

First Name ...................................................... Surname ......................................................... .............................................................................................................. Postcode.......................

Reply to: RCA Villages Unit 1/39-43 Duerdin Street Notting Hill VIC 3168

Telephone ....................................................... Email ................................................................

STAR NEWS. MAY 2022

Address........................................................................................................................................

Prices valid at publication date.

From time to time selected refurbished units become available for sale to new residents of Point Cook Village.

Advertising feature

Tour delightful Point Cook Village By Elle Cecil

oint Cook Village is a resort-style retirement community offering the convenience of a small town inside its gated walls. With a shopping centre situated a short walk or less than five minute drive from the village, you’ll have all you need in an intimate yet spacious environment. The past two years have proved difficult for many people with social isolation and loneliness affecting Australians as we fought through the pandemic. There are a myriad of positives to living in an RCA Village. Extensive security measures including gates, vigilant neighbors, security cameras and keycards will put your mind at ease. You can also get rid of your lawnmower at Point Cook Village, and focus your time on your garden if that tickles your fancy! If not, you can establish a low maintenance, simple garden that both looks great and proves easy to take care of. The pandemic has taught us the importance of social interaction and emotional support for everyone, and Point Cook Village has a strong team of professional support staff and amicable residents. As we continue to be released of more and more restrictions, older people and retirees may be once again left as the only ones at home in the street during business hours. Living in a retirement community such as Point Cook Village means residents will always have a peer to chat to, walk with, have a cuppa with or play a game of cards. The heart of the village is the clubhouse, where smiling faces will welcome you at reception, serve you tea and coffee from the cafe or drinks from the bar and stop for a chat in the shared spaces. Point Cook Village possesses onsite medical consulting rooms that are regularly visited by a doctor and allied health practitioners, as well as pampering services including a hairdresser and nail artist. Facilities also include a pool and spa, gym room, billiards and games room, library with computers and wifi, as well as a multi purpose room. There is also the opportunity to meet new people with similar interests and values. Activities such as lawn bowls, golf, bridge and craft groups meet regularly at the village and can make life far more rewarding and inclusive, while a workshop provides a purposeful hobby to tinker with, and the veggie garden nurtures the soul. The village will be welcoming prospective residents into its grounds on Wednesday May 25, where you can tour the grounds, view the facilities and chat with village manager Michael Lynch. You can also chat with residents on the day as well as enjoying drinks, a barbecue and some sweets. “The bowling club has organised some games of bowling, volunteers will be staffing the barbecues and coffee club with cakes and scones, residents will be doing meet and greets in the clubhouse, apartments and villas will be open for inspection and visitors will have a chance to speak directly with residents and village staff,” Michael says. The brilliant gardens and fantastic homes are based around the central canal - sweeping views of the bowling green and canal from the Clubhouse showcase the beautiful water features and add a tranquil feel to the village. With luscious landscaping lining the walking tracks through the village, residents

Point Cook Village will welcome the community to its open day on Wednesday May 25.

(Elle Cecil)

The variety of services and facilities at Point Cook Village will have you wanting for nothing.

(Elle Cecil)

With scenic gardens and a central canal, Point Cook Village is a relaxing resort-style environment.

can enjoy a morning stroll, a walk with their dog or even chasing after the grandkids. If you’re looking to downsize your home but increase convenience and security,

as well as keep living life to the fullest, consider Point Cook Village today. The open day runs from 10am to 2pm on Wednesday May 25.

(Elle Cecil)

Point Cook Village is located at 320 Point Cook Road, Point Cook. For more information, phone (03) 9394 6799 or visit www.pointcookvillage.com.au. Wednesday, 18 May, 2022 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 11

WYNDHAM BUSINESS AWARDS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Financial wellbeing is a priority By Elle Cecil Now in her 19th year of business, Belinda Mangani provides a variety of financial and wellbeing services to residents of Wyndham and beyond. The business, Find Your Zero, has entered into the 2022 Wyndham Business Awards in the Home-Based Business category. The awards celebrate business entrepreneurs, innovators and hardworking operators and highlight achievements of leading Wyndham businesses across key industry sectors. Commencing as a mortgage broker in 2004, Ms Mangani specialises in home loans, personal loans and business and asset finance, as well as conducting wellbeing and finance programs for individuals, families and corporate clients. Ms Mangani was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer in 2015, which led her into deep research on how underlying emotional trauma can often unconsciously affect personal wellbeing. As of 2019, Ms Mangani has been certified to train and teach neuro-linguistics and hypnotherapy. These new learnings had a profound impact on Ms Mangani, leading her to include their principles in her business. Driven by creating positive change and transforming lives in the community, Ms Mangani has written three books emphasising the need for mental health strategies for success, as well as providing her successful FindYourZero program. She is proud of the quality over quantity approach she takes to new clients. “Most lenders/mortgage brokers focus on client volumes – my services focus more on clients seeking a more personalised, in-depth, tailored, step-by-step guidance and coaching service such as first home buyers,” Ms Mangani says. “A typical client experience includes

Belinda Mangani is driven by creating positive change and transforming lives in the community. (Supplied)

extensive hours of one-on-one phone calls often outside typical working hours. “Now more than ever, with media attention focused on interest rate hikes, a higher cost of living and higher housing prices, it is vital to address and provide solutions for managing ongoing affordability, stress and anxiety, all of which have a huge impact on personal

wellbeing, mental health and relationships, both at work and in the home.” Ms Mangani provides an honest, open and caring approach toward all her clients, sharing her personal journey with both good and not so good experiences, in the hope that she can assist you to avoid financial mistakes and become debt free.

For more information, contact Belinda Mangani at findyourzero@gmail.com. Wyndham Business Awards entries close on Friday, June 3 for the category awards and Friday, June 17 for the People’s Choice Awards. To enter or nominate a business for an award, visit: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/ essawards.

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STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

COMMENT

Critical surgery saves flying fox Werribee Open Range Zoo’s team of expert veterinarians has performed life-saving surgery to help one of Australia’s most precious wild animals return to the night skies. A Grey-headed flying fox was returned to its Geelong home last month, after becoming entangled and breaking its wing in old fruit tree netting in January. The flying fox underwent two critical life-saving operations and spent time rehabilitating with a wildlife carer during its three-month recovery. Werribee Open Range Zoo associate veterinarian Dr Paul Eden said the animal’s condition was precarious when first found. “Flying foxes are highly dependent on their wings for many purposes,” Dr Eden said. “They can fly an astonishing 6,000km in a year to search for food and pollinate a wide range of plants, supporting ecosystems such as entire eucalypt forests, an important habitat for animals like koalas and possums. They also use their wings to help capture insects, regulate body temperature, and attract other flying-foxes during mating season. So, it was extremely important that we did everything we could to help this animal make a full recovery.” To assist with the recovery process, vets operated to remove some of the damaged wing tissue and administered antibiotics and pain relief. Following the successful procedure, the flying fox was transferred to the wildlife carer

Veterinary nurse Layla Merritt performs surgery on flying fox at Werribee Open Range Zoo.

to prepare it for release back into the wild. Dr Eden said it was extremely rewarding to see the flying fox return to full heath and safely returned to the wild as the species has a critical role in Australia’s ecosystem, supporting both animal and human life. “Our ecosystem would be dramatically different, or cease to exist altogether, without flying foxes. If we don’t have flying foxes, we don’t have forests, if we don’t have forests, we don’t have as much oxygen supply. They are

(Zoos Victoria)

critical to our survival.” Dr Eden said there are some simple actions that people can take to keep flying foxes safe. “We can greatly reduce the risk of entanglements by using nets with a mesh size of five-by-five millimetres or less at full stretch for fruit-trees or vegetable gardens. If you encounter a flying fox that is sick or in distress, for the safety of everyone, don’t attempt to rescue the animal yourself. Instead, contact Wildlife Victoria who will deploy a

trained officer to rescue the animal.” Grey-headed flying foxes are classified as vulnerable in the wild, with their population declining due to a reduction in food availability from the destruction of native habitat and impacts of climate change, particularly extreme heat, drought, and fires. Zoos Victoria members and Werribee Open Range Zoo visitors are reminded that all tickets must be pre-booked online at zoo.org.au.

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BEHIND THE NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Handyman is John of all trades John Warren is a curious man, dabbling in a number of pastimes over the years. He speaks with Helena Abdou how his various outlets have helped him overcome a battle with depression.

ohn Warren was only young when he lost his father to suicide. Years later, his brother took his own life after a battle with schizophrenia. Not long after, John’s sister followed. He lost three family members to suicide and was scared he would fall victim to the unrelenting grasp of depression. “Because of the depression that I went through, that sort of made it a bit tougher because I thought oh maybe it’s my time to kick it too.

‘‘

I’m back on top and full of laughter ... It could have gone the other way for me but I’m glad it didn’t

’’

- John Warren “Maybe I was just a little bit stronger and lucky to pull myself out of it.” Born in Albert Park, and raised in Broadmeadows, John is one of five children. He later moved to Jacana, where he met his wife Carol. The pair have been married for 50-odd years. He has two sons, Paul and Adam, who he says are his whole world. “I love my boys and I’m proud of the men that they are. They’ve done really well for themselves.” Sadly, John didn’t have the same loving relationship with his father. “In those days, men were pretty hard on kids ... I suppose I’ve got bad memories as far as my

John Warren has lived quite the life and now puts his time into passion projects.

dad goes,” John says. “I think that happened right up to the age of 15 and I looked him in the eyes one day and I go, well, you’re not going to break me anymore, he realised what he was doing. And I thought how stupid is this. I will never do this to my kids in the future, it was a lesson that I learned.” John wasn’t very fond of school and left at the age of 15.

(Damjan Janevski) 276198_04

“I didn’t have it in me to do school but I was always very good with my hands. On the exact same day I left school, my mum made me get a job at the grocery shop, where I packed shelves for about two years. “And then I knew a minister where I used to go to a church and he said to me, ‘I can get you an apprenticeship as a wood machinist’, which is a person who deals with operating machines and builds wardrobes, cabinets and

that sort of stuff. So I did that for five years as an apprentice.” He went on to work at Hillcrest Secondary College in Broadmeadows as a wood machinist for 17 years before injuring his back. “I had a back injury and I collapsed the three discs in my lower back. That put me out of work for the rest of my life actually,” he says. It was then that John fell into depression, but he didn’t let that stop him.

Print and Online Sales Executive

JOURNALIST

Star Weekly

GEELONG INDEPENDENT Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic sales executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms.

Geelong Independent seeks a talented and enthusiastic person to join our team as a journalist or graduate cadet journalist. Geelong Independent is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future. Based in our Geelong office, you will be responsible for gathering and compiling news, sport and feature stories and photographs for the Geelong Independent, Ocean Grove Voice and associated publications. The successful applicant will need to possess a strong news sense and news writing skills, and be able to maintain positive relationships with stakeholders and customers. We are highly interested in applicants with strong community knowledge and connections. Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle and a current driver’s licence.

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

Send your application letter and resume to: News Editor Laura Michell laura.michell@starweekly.com.au

12549818-SG20-22

14 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 18 May, 2022

12518321-AV43-21

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

John also loves doing up old cars.

(Damjan Janevski) 276198_08

12544962-AV15-22

“I figured I need to try and do something with my life instead of just sitting around doing nothing. So I went back to school for four years and I learned how to do computers and stuff like that.” John describes himself as a curious type of man, having dabbled in a number of different activities over his lifetime. “I went to church for about five or six years, tried a few different churches to see what the difference was. Enjoyed partying and swimming a fair bit. I did a bit of horse riding and I got into obedience work for about five years with my German shepherd and won a few prizes.” “It was all just an outlet. “Carol turned to me and said, ‘what are you going to do next?’ And I said ‘I’m going to buy a Harley’, and so I did.” After his back injury, John sold his bike and turned towards passion projects as a way to keep himself occupied. “I got into playing with old cars and building old cars and I probably got about seven old cars at home.” His latest project that drew the attention of his neighbourhood and strangers was his ‘crazy caravan,’ a fully furnished piece of art he built. “That took me about six months to build and I was hoping to get away with the wife but then she got a bit ill so I’m hoping to sell it.” The father-of-two has a positive outlook on life and encourages everyone around him to do the same. “I’m back on top and full of laughter, enjoying the grandkids that I love. It could have gone the other way for me but I’m glad it didn’t,” he said. “Put a smile on your face and keep pushing through because the next day it becomes better.”

BEHIND THE NEWS

Wednesday, 18 May, 2022 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 15

COMMUNITY STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

COMMUNITY CALENDAR WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication

Bingo move binGO MOVE is an active and social game of bingo. A number is called but triggers a standing or seated exercise, song or movement. Monday or Thursday at IPC Health Hoppers Crossing, 117 Warringa Crescent. ■ 8734 1400

Climate change forum Join psychologist Susie Burke at an online forum 7.30pm, Tuesday, May 24, to hear about ways of coping with the ‘uncomfortable truths’ of climate. This session is suited to educators, parents and those wanting to help children cope with climate change now and in the future. ■ admin@werribeeriver.org.au

Discover our wetlands Join scientist Rob Walsh for a talk at 11.15am-noon on Saturday, May 28, for an exciting glimpse into the hidden world of freshwater creatures, looking at micro-fauna and macro-invertebrates, and explaining their vital role in our eco-system. After this informative talk, attendees will be invited to view these fascinating creatures up close under microscopes. Stall and talk at Dianella Community Centre, 6 Congo Drive, Tarneit. Co-located at the Makers & Growers Market.

Colin Gough having a great time at the Morning Melodies at Iramoo Community Centre. 280248 (Damjan Janevski)

Werr-I-Bee Long photo comp Submit your photos, and digital art, to the Werribee River Association annual photo competition. three prizes awarded, $650 in-total. Open to amateur skill levels and to people who live, work or study in Wyndham. Competition closes June 15. ■ comps@werribeeriver.org.au

Bingo for all The Werribee RSL hosts Bingo every Monday, except public holidays. Eyes down from 12.30-2.30pm. ■ 9741 5525

Western Budgerigar Club The Western Suburbs Budgerigar Club meets at 7.30pm on the third Thursday of each month at Masonic Hall, 223 Watton Street, Werribee. Meet other members who are also passionate about breeding Budgerigars. ■ Don, 0414 975 862

Wyndham Ladies Probus Are you recently retired or semi-retired? Looking for fun, fellowship and to increase your social networks. The Ladies Probus Club of Wyndham meets on the first Wednesday of each month at Hotel520, Sayers Road, Tarneit, and normally has an outing or event on the third Wednesday of each month. ■ Rosa Sanderson, 0410 303 046

CWA Werribee Branch Are you looking for an opportunity for friendship, personal development and advocacy in support of relevant social issues? The CWA Werribee Branch has been serving the Wyndham area for 74 years and has a great history of helping members with these opportunities. We also support needy causes and charities locally, across Australia and overseas. Meetings are held on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at the Wyndham Park Community Centre at 1pm. Other activities include a craft and chat morning, various social outings and fundraising events. ■ Michelle, 9741 4402

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 16 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 18 May, 2022

foyer, 117 Synnot Street, Werribee.

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

Williamstown will be holding a free community morning tea and lunch every Friday at the Parish Centre on Nelson Place. The morning tea starts from 10am. Tea and coffee will be served, alongside a variety of fun activities like knitting, board games and puzzles. The lunch will run from noon-1pm, with takeaway options available. Check-in and vaccination status are required.

Wednesday Walking Group The Williamstown Community Centre offers a regular Wednesday walking group that walks the local area, 10.15-11am. New members are warmly welcomed. This activity is free and includes morning tea. ■ 9397 6168

Musicians wanted Sunshine Community Brass is looking for new members to join its vibrant band of musicians. With over 90 years of history, the band is looking to grow for the future. Sunshine Community Brass is currently looking for trumpet and percussion players. It rehearses Tuesdays from 7.30pm, 45 Furlong Road, North Sunshine. ■ Andrew Wilson, 0419 444 620

Altona book sale Friends of Altona Library hold a monthly 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, 10am-1pm ■ https://libraries.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/ community/friends-of-the-libraries

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

All Aboard Club

Walking group

The All Aboard Club has been going for 85 years. It is a social club which works for charities, with speakers, theatre and trips. It meets in the chambers at Williamstown Town Hall at 1.30pm on the first and third Tuesday of the month. New members welcome. ■ Wendy, 0421 747 040

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-Meadows-and-NewportHeart-Foundation-Walking-Groups

AeroSpeakers Toastmasters Club Would you like to develop confidence in communicating, competence with language and clarity in writing? AeroSpeakers Toastmasters Club would like to invite any and all residents to join them on the first and third Thursday of every month to help develop public speaking, communication and leadership skills. The group meets at the Laverton Community Hub, 95-105 Railway Avenue, Laverton from 7.00-9.30pm. ■ Vince Camilleri, 0413 734 707

Community Lunch and morning tea The Holy Trinity Anglican Church in

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/WilliamstownCraft-Market

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

Musicians welcome 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

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

Point Gellibrand 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. The club has some great speakers and need new, energetic, enthusiastic members who want to make a difference in their community. Visit our website to find out more about our projects and community work via www. rotarypointgellibrand.com.au. ■ 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.

PUZZLES

2 4 7 hard

3 8

10 11 12 13

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

9-LETTER WORD

easy

medium

1 2 5 7 6 4 3 9 8

3 1 4 2 5 6 7 9 8

9 5 7 8 3 1 4 2 6

8 2 6 4 7 9 5 3 1

4 7 9 6 2 3 8 1 5

ISLAMIC OVERDUE RELIEVE RESENTS 8 LETTERS REELECTS SEPARATE SURROUND TIRELESS

6 LETTERS TWANGS VIEWER

10 LETTERS ERADICATED GLOSSARIES

7 LETTERS CLIMATE ENGAGES

A compass needle always points in what direction?

Bundesliga and La Liga are both leagues of what sport?

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

What genre of writing is novelist Nicholas Sparks primarily known for?

The movie Fargo is named for the town in which US state?

NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

David Lee Roth is the lead singer of which band?

Is This Anything? is a 2020 book by which famous comedian?

Tabula Rasa is a latin phrase meaning what?

Henry Cavill (pictured) plays which character in the TV series The Witcher?

‘Cast on’ and ‘purl’ are terms used in what activity?

No. 081

A G E R E N S

5 LETTERS ADORE AGAIN AGLOW AMASS APRON AROSE ASSET AUDIT CHASE CHESS CIVIL CLUNG EASES EDGED ELOPE ENDOW

4 LETTERS ACRE AWES CHIN EATS ECHO GAGS HERD HERS IRIS LILT LOIN NEST RAKE REST RIPE

SNOTS SOFAS TACIT TASTE TEMPT UTERI WARMS

ERROR FLORA GLARE HENCE IDLER INDEX LINER MORON NESTS OLDER OTTER PULSE RANGE REMIT RENTS SAUNA SCENE SEEDS SEXES SLIME SNIPE

20-05-22

A P S E P R O N N O U T

7 6 2 4 3 8 9 1 5

L A S

2 6 8 3 4 7 1 5 9

7 9 1 5 6 8 2 4 3

5 4 3 9 1 2 6 8 7

9 8 4 5 2 1 7 6 3

8 1 6 2 7 3 5 9 4

2 7 9 1 5 4 3 8 6

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

E O

19 words: Very good

SCUM SPAT USED

agio, agist, APOLOGIST, gait, gaol, gaslit, gasp, gilt, gist, gloat, gloats, goal, goalpost, goat, igloo, lags, logo, logs, pogo, sago, slag, slog, spigot, stag, tags, toga

6 3 2 1 8 5 9 7 4

3 8 7 9 1 2 5 4 6

6 4 9 3 5 8 2 1 7

9 7 3 4 8 1 6 5 2

4 5 3 6 8 9 1 2 7

3 2 8 9 4 5 6 7 1

6 4 5 8 1 7 2 3 9

Today’s Aim: 13 words: Good

8 5 6 2 9 3 4 7 1

2 1 4 6 7 5 9 8 3

4 6 1 5 3 7 8 2 9

7 3 2 8 4 9 1 6 5

5 9 8 1 2 6 7 3 4

1 9 7 3 6 2 4 5 8

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

26 words: Excellent

hard

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”.

R A N G E

QUICK QUIZ

3 4

2 4

7 5

Q R

5x5

XWC BM I Z P AN Y F J

E T H U D S V G K L OQ R

1 7

10 The America’s Cup is a prestigious event in which sport? ANSWERS: 1. North 2. Romance 3. Van Halen 4. Clean slate 5. Geralt of Rivia (The Witcher) 6. Knitting 7. Soccer 8. North Dakota 9. Jerry Seinfeld 10. Yacht racing

4 3

3 LETTERS AIM ALE AND DIG EEL ELK GEL GET HEM HEN HIS IDS ION IRS MES NIT ONE OUR PEA PEG RED RUE SAC SAD SEE TIN

No. 081

O V E R D U E

9 3 5 4 7 4 9 3 6 1 2

WORDFIT

S A U N A

No. 081

A G L O W

DECODER

T A C I T

2 7 6 2 1 3 6 1 7 3

I S L A M I C

O L D E R

Condiment (4) Incapable of being seen (9)

L I N E R

medium

DOWN 1 2

G L A R E

1 3

S P A I T R S A C R R E E L I E V E

3 5 4

22 23 25 26

O F A S U L S E R O S E R E D E A T S C H A S E O U N D D I G R I P E A T E D K E W E R A L E P R O N E M P T A S E S

5 2 9 1 5

24 27 28 29 30

C L I M A T E

5 7 4 8

18 20 21

16 17 19

T S I L R I E M L E E S S U S G E A D G S H G E E R T S

R E S E N T S

1 6 9 9 6 1 2 3 4 1

S N C I U T M I R R I E S S T S E P A R A T E

9 8

S A M D O R O N

1 3 2

Travelling bag (8) Brought about (6) Riverside embankment (5) Pleasure (9) Climb (6) 16th US president (7) Those who believe in social change (8) Latin name of England (arch) (6) Family members (6) Practise (8) Exchanging something for money (7) Library-goer (6) State of existing in reality (9) Rough woollen cloth (5) Christian festival (6) Swedish telecommunications company (8)

T E I N N G A N G E E S S T H L E O R I D N A O W N E E S

easy

Greek island (5) Plan (8) City in southern France (7) To deal with (3,2) Release (9) Gem (4) Painting of the countryside (9) Bulkiness (9) One who exposes another (8) Territory ruled by an Islamic monarch (7) Waterlily (5) Profit (4) Mesoamerican culture (5) Biblical garden (4)

3 4 6 7 8 9 14

ACROSS 1 5 10 11 12 13 14

No. 081

I N D E X

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.

QUICK CROSSWORD

H E N C E

No. 081

C H E S S

SUDOKU

Wednesday, 18 May, 2022 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 17

SECTION STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

networkclassifieds.com.au Trades & Services

www.networkclassifieds.com.au

Place your ad in print and online

V Deadline

V Trades Business Profile

V Fencing & Gates

We install All types of fences including Colorbond and paling fences.

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

Removal of old fence if required

TRADES & SERVICES

V Garden Services

A1 Garden Maintenance & Rubbish Removals

From plumbers to pest control, carpet cleaning to building services, dry cleaning to computer repairs, lawn mowing and more, Network Classifieds has been connecting local businesses with the local community with our Trades and Services each week. 12435710-CG03-20

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V Bathroom & Kitchens

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12420493-CG25-19

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servic s of specialised property Very diverse in all aspect ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

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Altona, Laverton, Hoppers Crossing, Werribee. ฀ ฀

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PENSIONER RATES

GEORGE FOX 0431 277 046

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STEVE’S GARDENING • Lawn Mowing • Weeding • Rubbish Removal • Removing Trees • Gutter Cleaning • Spraying

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M & D MICALLEF

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KITCHEN REVIVAL

Martin 0418 171 280 or 9748 3196

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drive ways Bobcat and dingo hire

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Steve’s Carpentry Services

Philip - 9741 5708 or 0412 543 709 Stewart - 0413 277 588

V Concrete Products & Services 12335742-HM02-17

Doug 0410 227 974 or Brent 0416 913712

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Phone Tony 0404 775 573

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Call 0430 332 368

G6425413AA-dc5Nov

V Kitchens

STONE BENCHTOPS

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KS Heating & Cooling

LOCAL ELECTRICIAN Specialising in small jobs

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1232632-ACM26-16

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section of Network Classifieds.

rec: 15262

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

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SM & J Cleaning Service P & A GATT P/L EXPERT CONCRETE WORK Specialising in office cleaning, building, cleaning, window cleaning and vacate

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★ New & Existing ★

12411120-MB07-19

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Andrew 0425 852 621 | Froggys.com.au | info@froggys.com.au

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CONTRACTING

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Call Chris 9399 8104 or 0419 329 550

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LAWN MOWING SERVICES

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For Prompt Service Call 0414 930 586 V Painters/Decorators

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Bashyrr Saida 0416 561 594 Ibrahim Saida 0403 610 782 12416368-CG17-19

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V Home Services DO you need a cat sitter? Experienced with all types of cats. Yarraville area. $25-35 per day. 0413 078 933

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V Garage Sales

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David Sheridon 0412 311 148 Lic No. 38755 ABN No. 58054025352

MIRMIC PLUMBING 12530339-JW02-22

Lic 35031

Call Mick 0417 352 040 V Reblocking/Underpinning

NEW STAFF? Use code: EMPDISC

ZZZ QHWZRUNFODVVL´HGV FRP DX PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE VODAFONE & OPTUS MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT 68-72 LOCK AVE, WERRIBEE VIC 3030 WITH 5G 1. The proposed upgrade to the existing facility includes: • Removal of existing Vodafone and Optus antennas and equipment • Installation of three new 5G antennas for Vodafone, 0.8m long and six new 5G antennas for Optus, 0.9m long (9 in total) on new mounts • Installation of three panel antennas for Vodafone and three panel antennas for Optus, 2.7m long, on new mounts • Installation of ancillary equipment including 21 remote radio units, antenna mounts and cabling ,QVWDOODWLRQ DQG UHFRQÀJXUDWLRQ RI HTXLSPHQW ZLWKLQ existing equipment shelters.

3. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Rohan Montgomery at Nokia Solutions & Networks on 0420 310 857 or at communityrelations.vha@groups. nokia.com by Friday 3rd June 2022. Further information may be obtained from the RFNSA website at www.rfnsa.com.au/3030020 12550213-AI20-22

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V Positions Vacant

Concretor

OPERATORS AND LABOURER

Looking for exp concrete labr in F/path & Drwys must have white card ABN & own transport Contact Rob 0425747157

Deli Assistant / Cashier / Floor Assistant Casual and Part-time positions available at Franks Supermarket located in Keilor Park for Deli / Cashier / Floor Assistants. Email your resume and contact details to: frankssupermarketjobs@ outlook.com

1 x Excavator Operator 1 x Loader Operator and 1 x Labourer required. Duties include greasing, maintenance and adhoc. Contact Norm after 5pm for further details:

0428 568 004

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NICK’S RE-BLOCKING SERVICE

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DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL 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.

Motoring V Wanted To Buy CARS wanted. $$$$ Paid. Buying all years and models. Call 0455 776 443 LMCT 11618

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MEMBER OF MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

Reg No 8659

NEED

PLACE YOUR

2. Vodafone & Optus regards the proposed installation as a Low-impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”) based on the description above.

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ZZZ QHWZRUNFODVVL´HGV FRP DX

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

• General Plumbing & Maintenance • Spouting & Roofing • Hot & Cold Water Services • Gas work

Truck Driver – Rigid/Semi Please contact us on (03) 9314 1245 or email your resume to HR@eurekagarages.com.au

V Public Notices and Event

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Forklift license preferred

License and Crane experience is preferred.

THE PLUMBING COMPANY

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A TEACHER Available for tutoring. Mathematics, Science, Chemistry, Chinese and Japanese. Phone 0418 871 203

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

0439 858 298

Folder Slitter Operator

V Tuition

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seaview

The longer you advertise the cheaper your ad!

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V Wrecking

FREE CAR REMOVAL Pay up to $500 for most cars Dead or Alive

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

0435 904 818

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Your local paper has brought together local employers and local employees for generations... Call our Network Classiﬁeds team on 1300 666 808 or email us sales@networkclassiﬁeds.com.au

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

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Sab: 0410 318 310 info@sabsautos.com.au

12400545-LB38-19

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32 Dunlop Rd Hoppers Crossing

ASAP TILING

We are seeking a fully qualiﬁed motor mechanic to assist in our busy workshop. We have excellent working conditions, very clean workshop with state of the art facilities. Competitive salary. No weekends, uniforms supplied. Immediate Start - Maribyrnong.

Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identiﬁcation number. It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identiﬁcation number is included in the advertisement or notice. For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au

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G6133636AA-dc2Jul

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• Demolition Specialists • Backyard Cleanups • Concrete Broken or Cut & Removed • Tree Lopping & Removal • Rental Cleanups • All types of dingo work. • Deceased Estate Cleanups We Take Anything Away

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AARON & JOHN’S DEMOLITION & RUBBISH REMOVALS

12504269-BL30-21

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• Specialising in Excavation & • Instant & Synthetic Turf Landscape Construction • Garden / Nature Strip Design & Makeovers • Site Clean Ups & Removal of all types Free Quote Call Mick 0403 059 904

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12548899-SG19-22

Trades & Services

Wednesday, 18 May, 2022 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 19

MOTOR STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Practical lines with plenty of style work well visually. (Pictures: Supplied)

Smart SUV for the whole family By Ewan Kennedy, Marque Motoring

seven-seat models It has lane- and road-departure warnings, there’s blind-spot monitoring is fitted to the VTi X and up models. If you’re driving another model you will have to pay attention to what’s happening rather than having the car do it for you. What Honda calls ‘Lane Watch’ is a blind spot camera that gives a picture on the interior screen when you turn on the blinker. However, it’s only on the passenger side, presumably because Honda feels the driver has better vision on their side. Can’t say we liked the way it works, so I used the usual turn of my head to check before changing lanes.

Honda CR-V VTi L7 is a seven-seat SUV that is one of many models within the comprehensive range. It’s aimed at those who need to carry plenty of people, often including children either on everyday running about, though it’s the sort of vehicle that can be used on holiday trips as well. Keep in mind that if you do carry seven the luggage capacity is severely limited. Check for yourself be taking the family along while you are choosing which SUV you’re going to buy and making sure how they all fit in. At the same time have the little ones have a good view out to the side.

Driving Styling The designers have sensibly kept practicality in mind when penning CR-V but have managed to give it a pretty styling look. All who commented on it during our test period liked the shape.

AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE

Interior

CR-V 2.0 Vi 2WD: $35,300

The front seats are wide and comfortable and are shaped to provide support during fairly spirited cornering. The second-row seats have plenty of space to accommodate two adults or teens who are growing up fast. And the centre seat is wide enough to be reasonably comfortable. There’s a fold-down centre arm rest with drink holders, directional air vents provide a good flow. There are pockets behind both front seats, and bottle holders in each door. The rearmost seats are reasonably spacious but aren’t all that easy to get into. At least for adults, the kids will love them and will chose to sit way back there as far from the parents as possible! Ahead of the driver is a part-digital instrument cluster, with a 7.0-inch touchscreen sitting out from the dashboard. There is a phone-shaped shelf in the centre console, large drink holders and a deep centre stowage as well as big door bins.

CR-V 1.5 VTi 2WD: $38,300

20 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 18 May, 2022

CR-V 1.5 VTi 7 2WD: $40,300 CR-V 1.5 VTi X 2WD: $41,200 CR-V 1.5 VTi L7 2WD: $48,700 CR-V 1.5 VTi L AWD: $45,500 CR-V 1.5 VTi LX AWD: $53,200

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

Infotainment Android Auto and wired Apple CarPlay are standard in the CR-V model, as is satellite navigation with traffic updates.

all the way from 2000 to 5000 revs. The CR-V’s engine sits beside a CVT automatic that keeps the revs at exactly the right place all the time.

Engines / Transmissions

Safety

Power comes from a high-tech1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine. It has 140 kW of power and 240 Nm of torque that’s there

Honda CR-V has a five-star ANCAP rating. There are front, front-side and curtain airbags, the latter extending to the third row in

Driving on smooth roads, these Hondas are quiet and unflustered, indeed there was near silence from the tyres on motorways. Some coarse-chip surfaces added significant noise, but not to an uncomfortable level. Comfort is good and the seats supported well, even over long distances. Steering is light and responsive, it’s safe and forgiving in tight cornering if you push it hard. Obviously, it’s not intended to be driven that way, but it’s nice to know should you want to give it a fang. Honda has a long history in motor sport, whether it’s on two wheels or four. The cruise control is easy to set up and adjust on the move. Honda CR-V’s engine has a minimum of turbo lag. The transmission is always in the correct ratio - which is hardly a surprise given that it has an infinite number of ‘gears’ between the lowest and highest ratios in the automatic. If you’re not used to driving a continuously variable transmission you may initially not like the way it operates. However, you will become accustomed to it and appreciate the added performance and fuel saving it provides. Fuel consumption on our 500-plus kilometres of testing was in the seven to eight litres per hundred kilometres around town and in the suburbs. On the motorways it dropped to an impressively low five to six litres per hundred.

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

SPORT

Women’s dream becomes a reality for United Western United’s vision for a female team in the A-League women’s competition is a reality with the side being granted a license. United announced on Thursday that it had been granted a licence to compete in the 2022-23 season. The club has done a mountain of work the last couple of years on its female program, including having a development squad. Western United chairman Jason Sourasis said this was a special day for female soccer in Melbourne’s west. “This is a special day in the history of our club,” he said. “This is one of those days that will stick out on the timeline when you look back 10, 20, 30 years from now. “To be a truly equal, inclusive club and to represent all people in the west, it was a non-negotiable from the start that Western United needed to have a women’s team. “Everyone at the club is excited about this next step in our journey and we are all committed to bringing success on the pitch with our women’s pathway.” United chief executive Chris Pehlivanis said

Western United will have a women’s A-League team in 2022-23. (Supplied)

this was another step in the club’s continued ambition to grow the game for all people in the west. He said there were a lot of people who had worked tirelessly to be ready for this moment. “We dream big for our people in the west and we want to unite the west through football,” he said. “That is exactly what we’re

doing by opening up opportunities for women to shine in an elite sporting environment at Western United. “I’m so excited to see our girls representing Western United and witness all of the subsequent milestones that we will be able to celebrate.”

Western United women’s football integration manager Amanda Stella said this moment has been a long time coming with the work the Club has done in partnership with Calder United. Stella is also president of Calder United, the only National Premier League Women’s side in the west. “It’s been a long journey but one that I am so proud to have been a part of, and now I am just so happy that we finally have this opportunity that we can give to our girls of the west,” she said. “To have young girls of the west with something to aspire to, role models to look up to and a distinct pathway to map out for their own journeys is what we’ve been striving to achieve. “The opportunity to be part of the United family from an early age and progress through girls community and NPL teams in the hope to play A-League Women’s all within the one family is now a reality.” Tara Murray

Grammarians focused on the future

Western United are through to the semi-finals. (Supplied)

United through to semis By Tara Murray The dream is still alive for Western United in the A-League competition after a thrilling 1-0 elimination win against Wellington Phoenix. After losing to the Phoenix three times this season, United needed to turn the tables in their first ever home final. Aleksandar Prijovic scored the only goal of the game inside the opening 10 minutes with a half-volley that flew into the top corner of the net. Both goalkeepers pulled off some superb saves to keep the score line at 1-0. United coach John Aloisi said the club was thrilled to win its first home final in its short history. “We were really happy with the win,” he said. “It was our first finals home game we have won as a football club. We are on a journey and we’re trying to create history with the club, and the players were again exceptional. “We’ve had our difficulties in terms of players unavailability and we’ve had our difficulties in terms of not having a home ground and travelling. “They put their head down. [We were] poor

last week in terms of results, [but] finals are different, we got the win that we wanted.” Aloisi said it was some of their more experienced players who stood up when it was really counted. He said the best two players on the park were the goalkeepers. Jamie Young had five saves including a brilliant one in the second half. “I expect that from Jamie,” he said. “I’ve known him for a long time. I coached him in Brisbane and I knew that Jamie can and will pull off those saves and in these games you need experienced players to step up.” Aloisi said he had spoken with Prijovic during the week, after the striker had been left disappointed with his performance against Adelaide United. He said he wanted Prijovic to make the most of his big game experience. “These are the games they enjoy and step up,” he said. “He was so calm the way he took it and we knew we would create overloads in the box. “We had Alek and Dylan Wenzel-Halls in there and a lot of the time we had a winger there too. “We were getting balls into the area as much

as possible, we knew we would have chances.” Aloisi said the partnership between the two strikers was starting to gel, having only played together in recent weeks. Another thing that impressed Aloisi was the composure of Nicolas Milanovic, Rhys Bozinovski and Jerry Skotadis, who haven’t played a lot this year but continued to stay ready when needed. In a good sign for United, vice-captain Josh Risdon returned from injury, coming on in the 69th minute. It wasn’t as good news for Rene Krhin, who left the field with a hamstring injury. Aloisi said he would have scans on Monday to see how bad it is. United now looks forward to the challenge against Melbourne Victory. Game one is on Tuesday, May 17 and game two on Saturday. Aloisi said it was massive for the club. “The players deserve it and the club drive it, been in the top two-three along with Victory and [Melbourne] City,” he said. “It’s good for Melbourne and we’re excited to be there. “It’s going to be difficult, Victory a good side but we believe in ourselves and believe we can match it with anyone.”

Westbourne Grammarians are focusing on the small wins in the Victorian Amateur Football League division 3 competition. After a pre-season to forget, the Grammarians have managed to get two sides on the park most weeks. While they haven’t got any wins on the board, the club knows this season is about the future. Coach Roger Hand said it had been difficult for them. “We lost the senior coach a couple of weeks before the season,” he said. “We didn’t have many players and we were happy to just get two sides up and go and have some fun. “Two weeks from the start of the season, we had just five players.” Hand said they had lost a number of players going to play for league’s that pay players, something that they understand given the impact of COVID-19 the last two years. He said others just decided they didn’t want to play football any more. Hand said with all the changes, they had a much younger side than the last few years. “We have more kids from the school than in previous years,” he said. “We are a really young team with most of them playing their first year of senior football or have never played before. “It’s something to build on. They’ve come through a really strong school program.” On Saturday, the Grammarians lost to Hawthorn 27.19 (181)-6.5 (41). Ali Eqbal was the only multiple goal kicker, while Jack Lishman was named their best. Hand said while the score lines don’t look great there had been some positive signs. “For us it’s about the small wins,” he said. “We’ve been in matches for a quarter and shown some resilience and encouraging signs. “Small wins are the key for us. Little periods of play, try and have 10 minutes, then 20 minutes, then a quarter, two quarters and so on. “It will take most of the year.” Wednesday, 18 May, 2022 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 21

The Point Cook Centrals taking it as it comes Point Cook Centrals may sit undefeated after six rounds of the Western Region Football League division 2 season, but they aren’t getting ahead of themselves. After finishing second bottom last season, the Centrals have made massive improvements in the opening rounds. Coach Dean Chambers said they were continuing to focus on the task ahead of them each week. “You don’t hand out medals in May,” he said. “It’s been a good start considering last year when we were second last and the reserves were middle of the road. “Our seniors, reserves and women’s teams are all undefeated. There’s a good vibe around the club with a lot of juniors watching week by week.” Chambers said while the on field results were good, it was about getting the things off field right first.

He said the club had made a real focus of being an inclusive club, and setting a strong culture right from the start. “There’s been a whole culture shift and it’s about leaving the egos at the door. We’re playing some good footy and getting good numbers at training, Winning helps too.” On Saturday, the Centrals had a big win against a struggling West Footscray side. Centrals won, 37.15 (237)-6.7 (43). Aaron Williams kicked eight goals, while Lachlan Grant and Daniel Strnak chipped in with six goals each. Chambers said in matches like that it can be difficult to stay focused. “Credit to West Footscray, they were a little undermanned but they were able to fight out the game. “We still had a decent side in as we didn’t want to flirt with our form.

“We got through unscathed and have pretty much a full side to pick from this week.” Chambers said one of the strengths this season had been the spread of goalkickers, with 13 players hitting the scoreboard on Saturday. The big test comes this week for the Centrals, who face Parkside which is also undefeated. Chambers said that while the match would give them a good opportunity to see where they were at, it was all part of the process. “We had set a target of playing finals this year,” he said. “It’s been a real team effort and it’s taken us a good four to five weeks to gel. “It just gives the club a bit of belief. We talk about opportunities every week, and every week is an opportunity to get better. “Icing on the cake is hitting the scoreboard the way we are.” Tara Murray

Some of the Point Cook Centrals new recruits. (Supplied)

Briefs AFW Several Western Jets players have been invited to the AFLW draft combine. More than 100 players have been selected for the combine, which will be state-based this year. The combine will be shorter this year with just one physical test, the two-kilometre time trial. Jets captain Charlotte Baskaran leads the Jets selected with Montana Ham, Krystal Russell and Laura Elliott also invited.

WRFL Spotswood stamped its authority in the Western Region Football League women’s division 1 competition on Saturday against Hoppers Crossing. Spotswood piled on the goals in the 17.9 (111)-1.2 (8) win. Caitlin Brennan kicked five goals in the win. In the other division 1 match in the first weekend of the split round, Werribee Centrals beat Yarraville Seddon Eagles, 7.14 (56)-3.2 (20). In division 2, Point Cook Centrals, Caroline Springs, Point Cook and West Footscray took the points.

FV Tanielle Knight is one of Wyndham’s rising stars.

(Wyndham Basketball)

Hard work is paying off By Tara Murray The

hard work off the court is paying off for Wyndham in the Big V women’s state championship division. After a slow start to the season, Wyndham has won its last seven games and sit second on the table. On Saturday, Wyndham defeated McKinnon Cougars, 70-69 after trailing at three quarter time. Speaking before the match, Wyndham coach Gerard Hillier said like many teams the biggest challenge had been getting their whole team on the court. He said they were yet to have everyone available at the one time. “We have won six games which is pretty pleasing,” he said. “For us it’s more about getting the majority of the team on the floor at the one time. Hopefully that should happen in the next couple of weeks. “COVID is still keeping players off the court. We had two young girls, Tanielle Knight and Dyani Ananiev, at the under-19 Australian camp and then the under-20 nationals.” Hillier said while they were struggling to 22 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 18 May, 2022

get their whole line up on the court, the group had been doing a lot of hard work behind the scenes. “We wanted people who would commit to extra workouts and sessions,” he said. “But developing a strong squad that is buying into what we’re doing, we’re getting wins on the weekend. “There’s still plenty of work on how we want to play and what’s required to win a championship.” Hillier said the experiences that Knight and Ananiev had brought back to the club are invaluable, as the club continued to focus on youth. “Our whole focus is on the young players like them and Lauren Jones,” he said. “We want to achieve and have high end junior players. “They are really important for us.” While Wyndham has started the season well, Hillier is all too aware of how quick the season can change. Several teams haven’t been at full strength for large parts of the season. “We’ve played a couple of teams twice already,” he said. “The difference between the first and second

times, they’ve had completely different rosters. “It’s an interesting landscape where you rock up expecting something and have something different there.” Wyndham will get a clear idea of where it sits in the coming weeks. It plays third placed McKinnon Cougars and ladder leaders Bulleen Boomers, twice each in the next four weeks. “After those weeks, we’ll know where we stand,” Hillier said. “We’re confident we will go well.” Things aren’t going just well in the Big V competition for Wyndham. Hillier said things were flying across all their programs. “Lucas Allen is running the majority of the development programs and we’ve put on additional sessions to account for all the kids. “Our Aussie Hoops program has 300 kids. By the mid-point of year we’re looking at having the largest program in the country. “I’ve spoken to a lot of clubs around the country and it’s completely opposite. It’s a good position to be in.” The men’s side remains undefeated after beating Blackburn 102-78.

Hoppers Crossing suffered a rare loss in the FV state league 2 north-west competition on Saturday. Sitting on top entering the round, the Reds were beaten 2-0 by Mill Park. The loss and Upfield’s win means the two teams switch positions. In state league 3 north-west, Point Cook lost to Westvale Olympic, 2-0. In state league 4 west, Truganina Hornets had a 1-1 win against Bell Park, while in state league 5 west, West Point lost 2-1 to Balmoral.

VNL City West Falcons put on an entertaining display against the Ariels as they continued their winning ways in the Victorian Netball League championship division. Playing in the late time slot, the Falcons overcame a slow first five minutes to run away with an 81-39 win on Wednesday night. Falcons coach Marg Lind said they were pretty happy with the result. “We started off a bit slow and were over using the ball,” she said. “Once we settled we were OK.” FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Wyndham Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

WERRIBEE FOOTBALL CLUB Y

Club’s community-first focus a point of pride By Tara Murray While Werribee had the bye at the weekend, the work behind the scenes to ensure the Victorian Football League club imprint in the community never stops. Whether it’s school clinics, setting up a female academy, running female programs and getting more people out to watch football at Avalon Airport Oval, there’s something always going on. It’s such this broad range of activities the club is focused on, that attracted new community manager Brooke Lochland to the role. “It is a good role,” she said. “Obviously the main part of the community side of things, but it’s a broad role. I’m across the football department and part of some of the sub-committees. “I work with Mar [Gattek] and do school visits and female footy is a big part of what we are doing. We had the NAB League Girls grand final at our ground and then the national championships, there was a triple header. “It was great for our club.” Lochland brings a wide range of experience to Werribee. She worked in the fitness industry for five years managing a gym, before heading into coaching. She started her own coaching academy with AFLW star Sarah Hosking in October to provide young girls with the rescources they aren’t getting as they rise through the football ranks. Lochland has made a name for herself on the football field as well, playing 29 AFLW games for the Western Bulldogs. The 31-year-old said being at a small club like Werribee gives you the opportunity to help across a number of different areas. “I can help with the footy department and the community part is the main role and there’s women’s academy stuff. “Being able to be across more things and experiences has been great. We’ve been able to reach about 700 kids in schools in just this term. “The multicultural part is so important to the club. “It’s a very diverse area. Getting kids into footy and making them active makes a difference in the participation space.” Not surprisingly, female football is a huge passion for Lochland. She wants others to be able to have the chance to play AFLW like she does now. “We’ve got lots of female clinics coming up,” she said. “Women’s academy starting in a month with high performance facilities and coaches. “So far we’ve contacted 10 girls from the NAB League program in the Wyndham area and down the track we’ll look to expand that to the top talent in the WRFL. “It’s really exciting. Hopefully one day they will want to pull on an AFLW jumper.” Lochland said a lot of work was being done behind the scenes as the club aims to get a VFLW licence within the next five years, which she is playing a key role in. She said they would look at junior teams as well as part of their plans to cater for everyone. The club will host two themed rounds in the coming weeks, as they look to further

Brooke Lochland at one of the clinics.

(Supplied)

Brooke Lochland in action for the Western Bulldogs. (Luke Hemer) 203633_13

include the community in the club. “We have an indigenous round coming up, and it’s the first time we are doing this which is exciting for the club,” Lochland said. “We’re doing a pride round, which is the first one we’ve done. Being able to bring the community to our club and have that

Brooke Lochland is enjoying her time at Werribee.

place that everyone feels safe is important for us.” While Lochland is busy focusing on her role at Werribee, she has one eye on the AFLW season. Pre-season is expected to start next month. She said working within a football club

(Supplied)

environment helped juggle the work life balance. “The men here work full time like we do,” she said. “Their program is set up similar to ours. The whole club understands the commitment of working full time.”

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Wednesday, 18 May, 2022 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 23