Star Weekly - Wyndham - 25th January 2023 by Star Weekly

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Experience the Pacific Tonya Toi hopes residents who attend the Nesian Rise Festival on Saturday, January 28 leave the event feeling unified. As the president of the Pacifika Community of Australia, Ms Toi is optimistic that the festival will give residents an opportunity to learn more about the group’s culture. “It’s our first celebration following the lockdowns and it celebrates our community and the broader diverse community,” she said. Ms Toi said the event will officially begin with a traditional indigenous smoking ceremony. Attendees can also enjoy cultural performances, a live band, food stalls, live panellists, free kids entertainment and participate in a question and answer session and youth open mic. The festival will take place on the corner of Wickford Road and Penrose Promenade, Tarneit, from 10am-10pm.

Liahona, 5, and festival organisers Tonya Toi, Vicki Kinai and Jone Temo at the Tarneit community garden. (Damjan Janevski) 316227_01

Feral noise cat-astrophe The noise coming from the parkland outside Emanuel’s home is so vexing the Tarneit resident is seriously considering moving houses. He estimates there are about 60 feral cats living in the bushes, keeping him, and other residents awake with sounds of hissing and screeching. “This issue has been going on for over five years,” he said. “I haven’t had a good night’s sleep in years.” Emanuel, who asked for his surname not to be published, said he isn’t usually the type of person to complain or whinge, but

the situation has been exacerbated by people leaving cat food and attempting to feed the felines. “They’re feeding the cats because they feel sorry for them, if they aren’t fed they think they’re gonna die, but cats know how to hunt,” he said. “I’m an animal lover, however a lot of these cats carry diseases … these cats don’t look very well.” A Wyndham council spokesperson said council officers had spoken to residents concerned about stray cats around Reflections Boulevard, and officers were continuing to monitor the situation. Emanuel believes council should issue

Our aim is to take the stress and

warnings to people not to feed stray cats, much like the displays positioned around the pond at the end of the boulevard informing people not to feed ducks and not to litter around the pond. “The same thing should be with the cats, because they’ve been an issue for a number of years,” Emanuel said. “They need to put a permanent sign out there.” A council spokesperson said council officers would be conducting trapping programs in environmentally sensitive areas, provide education to the community and enforcing council’s local law, which prohibits feeding an animal that a person does not own.

“Feeding an unowned cat contributes to the increase in population, which affects our environment and can become a nuisance to the community,” the spokesperson said. Emanuel said the situation posed multiple environmental threats as well, as the cats have been sighted attacking ducks, and the food containers are often blown by the wind and can end up in nearby waterways. “I don’t want the cats to be euthanised, in a perfect world, they could be re-homed, but the issue is they could spread these diseases onto the next cat, onto the next cat and onto the next cat,” he said.

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Wyndham to enter an residents are being invited which aims amateur photo comp to showcase etitio together how local n durin s came Non-proﬁ g the COVID-19 for Australast group, Bridge Buildpandemic. Wyndham ia (BBFA), is runn ers Stronger 2020 & Beyond, ing the You, Together Me, comp by Manor Lakes Com etition, supported initiative muni ty Fund, of the an BBFA presi Dennis Family Corporatio dent Melb the group n. a Waug document organised the phot h said o contest how Wynd a community to ham stood The comp during the pand strong as residents etition, for Wynd emic. aged 18 ham to images and older , whic is open h tell a visua hope, coura l story of or patience ge, innovation, resili and must ence between January 2020have been taken No digita and Marc l phot Cash prize o editing is allow h 2021. on March s are on offer. Entried. 31. es close Details: wixsite.co https://bbfaustralas m/mysite Australas , Bridge ia. Builders ia for wyndham@ on Facebook or email bbfa gmail.com .

Council ‘soap op era’

By Alesha

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competitio n. (Supplied)

Capone

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Laverton Ray White Real Estate 6/161 Railway Avenue Manor Lakes Manor Lakes News & Lotto Shop 14, 455 Ballan Road (Manor Lakes Central Shopping Centre) Manor Lakes Manor Lakes Shopping Centre 455 Ballan Road (Manor Lakes Central Shopping Centre) Point Cook Featherbrook Shopping Centre 238 Boardwalk Boulevard Point Cook Wyndham Library Service Unit 1-21 Cheetham Street Point Cook Point Cook Pharmacy Shop 1-11 Dunnings Road Point Cook Jamieson Way Community Centre 59 Jamieson Way Point Cook Direct Chemist Outlet Shop 13, 15 Kenswick Street Point Cook Stockland Point Cook Shopping Centre Murnong Street Point Cook Saltwater Community Centre 153 Saltwater Promenade Point Cook Saltwater Coast Sales Office 261 Saltwater Promenade Point Cook The Brooks 215S neydes Road Point Cook YPA Real Estate Shop 10/46-56 Tom Roberts Parade Point Cook Wyn City 36 Wallace Avenue Sanctuary Lakes Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club 70 Greg Norman Drive Sanctuary Lakes Sanctuary Lakes Resort 72 Greg Norman Drive Sanctuary Lakes Waterstone Café Sanctuary Lakes 72 Greg Norman Drive Sanctuary Lakes Sanctuary Lakes Real Estate 300 Point Cook Road Sanctuary Lakes Sanctuary Lakes Shopping Centre 300 Point Cook Road Tarneit Tarneit Central Shopping Centre 540 Derrimut Road Tarneit NewsXpress - Riverdale Village SC 200 Hummingbird Boulevard Tarneit Penrose Promenade Community Centre 83 Penrose Promenade Tarneit Brian Mark Real Estate Shop 18, 380 Sayers Road Tarneit Wyndham Village Shopping Centre 380 Sayers Road Tarneit Shell Service Station 380 Sayers Road (Wyndham Village

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Shopping Centre) Tarneit Barry Plant Real Estate Shop 9, 380 Sayers Road (Wyndham Village Shopping Centre) Tarneit Community Centre - Tarneit 150 Sunset Views Boulevard Tarneit Serranos Cafe 747 Tarneit Road ( Tarneit Gardens SC ) Truganina Koomail Tardy Community Centre 117 Alcock Road Truganina Palm Lakes Resort 7 Taronga Road Truganina Arndell Park Community Centre 29-49 Federation Boulevard Werribee Eagles Stadium Café 35 Ballan Road Werribee Ison Village 150-168 Bulban Road Werribee Casaccio Egg Farm 170-198 Bulban Road Werribee IGA Supermarket 92-94 Cottrell Street Werribee Mercy Place Wyndham 39 Deutgam Street Werribee Werribee Park Motor Inn 112-124Duncans Road Werribee Italian Sports Club 601 Heaths Road Werribee The Woman’s Hub 236 Hoppers Lane Werribee St Vincent’s Private Hospital 240 Hoppers Lane Werribee St Vincent’s Care Services Werribee 240 Hoppers Lane Werribee Wyndham City Council 45 Princes Highway Werribee Werribee Mercy Hospital Coffee Shop300Princes Highway Werribee SIMS IGAWerribee Village Cnr Shaws & Tarneit Rd Werribee Tatts Lotto16Station Place Werribee Westwoods First National1Synnot Street Werribee Werribee RSL2A Synnot Street (Kelly Park) Werribee Werribee Fersh Market2/57Synnot Street Werribee OBrien Real EstateShop 2/85Synnot Street Werribee Cellarbrations 52-54 Vincent Crescent

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Werribee Professionals Triwest 6a Watton Street Werribee Bendigo Bank 42 Watton Street Werribee P. Di Natale Real Estate 44 Watton Street Werribee Coles Supermarket 143 Watton Street Werribee Wyndham Cultural Centre 177 Watton Street Werribee Hodges Werribee Level 1/1 Watton Street Werribee Raine and HorneShop 4, 1-13 Watton Street Werribee Barry Plant Real Estate 21 Watton Street Werribee YPA Real Estate 1 Werribee Street Werribee Wyndham Private Medical Centre 242 Hoppers Lane Werribee IPEP Clinic University Werribee Campsus Gate 1, Building 12 - 235 Hoppers Lane Werribee South Werribee South General Store 785 Duncans Road Werribee South Wyndham Cache (LT’s Egg Farm)1K Ave Werribee South Anglers Anchorage Take Away 67 O’Connors Road Williams Landing Williams Landing News, Lotto & Tobacco Shop T10, 100 Overton Road (Williams Landing Shopping Centre) Williams Landing Woolworths Supermarket 100 Overton Road (Williams Landing Shopping Centre) Wyndham Vale BP Service Station 210 Ballan Road Wyndham Vale Woolworths 205 Greens Road (Wyndham Vale Square Shopping Centre) Wyndham Vale IGA Wyndham Vale 50 Honour Avenue Wyndham Vale Iramoo Community Centre 84 Honour Avenue Wyndham Vale Manor Lakes Community Learning Centre 86 Manor Lakes Boulevard Wyndham Vale 7 Eleven Wyndham Vale Corner McGrath Road & Ballan Road

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Back to school road warning Motorists have been warned not to participate in “completely unacceptable“ behaviour as traffic increases in the lead up to students returning to school. Westgate Highway Patrol senior sergeant Andrew Whelan said speeding was identified by police as a key community concern in the Wyndham area. “At this time of year in particular we’re all especially busy and rushing around with things to do...please take the time to concentrate when you’re behind the wheel,” Senior Sergeant Whelan said.

“It’s of enormous concern people would behave like this at any time, let alone when we know there are so many children out on the roads.” Police said they detected 42 offences, impounded two vehicles, detected a drink driver and a drug driver and spoke with more than 180 people during an operation staged outside three schools across three mornings in the Wyndham in October last year, One driver was alleged to have been travelling at more than 25km/hr over the speed limit, resulting in the automatic

suspension of their licence. “The penalties are severe but that’s nothing compared with seriously injuring or even killing an innocent child,” Senior Sergeant Whelan said. Mayor and community safety portfolio holder Susan McIntyre said safety around the municipality is everyone’s responsibility. “We encourage local residents, school parents and caregivers to observe safety issues around their local schools on a daily basis,” she said. Wyndham council is also seeking feedback

from parents on road safety issues around Woodville Primary School, Bellbridge Primary School and Truganina South Primary School, in an effort to ensure students remain safe. “The feedback will be used to develop projects or initiatives that will be trialled to improve safe travel for pedestrians and motorists,” she said. General feedback from the broader community around other schools is also welcome. The survey is open until February 12.

Explore hidden waterways

Grace Bowater competing at the Bend The Air National Finals.

(Artistry Photography)

Silk-nificant win for young acrobat Wyndham Vale resident Grace Bowater has placed second at the national finals of the Bend The Air aerial, acrobatics and circus arts competition. Held in Gold Coast from January 12-15, Ms Bowater said her initial reaction to her name being announced was an astonished ‘oh my God, no way’. “I was extremely surprised, I was really unsure of whether I would place because you never know, [aerial] silks is such a dynamic

sport in a way that everyone does it different,” she said. The 21-year-old said she was grateful for the win, but Ms Bowater said it more important to her that I walked off stage feeling good. “Before doing aerial silks I didn’t really have a lot of confidence in myself and my ability to do things,” she said. “I’ve really found a lot of self confidence with this sport, it’s so important to trust yourself.”

Ms Bowater said she first became involved in the sport when she was gifted a lesson. “My mum thought it would be funny to buy me a lesson as a joke because I’m afraid of heights,” she said. “I have been doing circus, or aerial silks for seven years now.” Ms Bowater is also an aerial silks coach, and hopes to continue teaching in the future.

From the Cheetham Wetlands to Werribee River, Wyndham residents are encouraged to put on their hiking gear and explore the waterways of western Melbourne this holiday season. Eighteen interactive maps of local waterway trails are now available on the Victoria Walks website as part of Melbourne Water’s Liveable Communities, Liveable Waterways program, including Brimbank’s Taylors Creek, Wyndham’s Lollypop Creek and Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay’s Kororoit Creek. Melbourne Water northwest waterways and catchment services head Rod Clifford said walking along your local waterways are a healthy way to learn more about an area’s ecosystem. “There are so many incredible places to walk in the west where you can appreciate our waterways and enjoy open spaces, abundant birdlife and beautiful views,”he said. “You don’t have to travel far. “A waterway walk is a great option for those looking for a free school holiday activity, to boost fitness or simply immerse yourself in nature.” The maps include time, length and difficulty ratings, photos and points of interest including billabongs and wetlands. Victoria Walks executive officer Ben Rossiter said the maps “showcase how much Melbourne’s west has to offer with nature walks ranging from 1.2 kilometres to an all-day, 22 kilometre hiking adventure exploring four creeks, two wetlands, a marine sanctuary and two beaches”. Details: www.victoriawalks.org.au/ western-waterways-walks

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NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU Briefs

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Correction An article published in the January 18 edition of Star Weekly incorrectly stated a new Priority Primary Care Centre would open at Werribee Mercy Hospital. The clinic will be located at 1-5 Station Street.

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Singer Melissa Langton at a Morning Melodies session in November. COMMUNITY CALENDAR ENTRIES communitycalendar@starweekly.com.au

Published by MMP Star Pty Ltd ACN 168 220 399 Head Office Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042 Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas All material is copyright to MMP Star Pty Ltd. Responsibility for election comment is accepted by Paul Thomas. All significant errors will be corrected as quickly as possible. Distribution numbers, areas and coverage are estimates only. For our terms and conditions please visit starweekly.com.au

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Music program Wyndham council has released the program for Morning Melodies 2023 at Encore Events Centre. Morning Melodies run each month on Tuesday morning, and feature a different genre and theme. Returning in February with a ‘Back to the 50’s and 60’s’, featuring classical favourites, Karen Carpenter – Close to you will be held on March 14, followed by a Michael Buble tribute in May, ‘Chameleon’ in June, and Shaken Not Stirred in August. Nina Simone – A Musical Life will take place in September, the AV8 Air Force Band in October and Wendy Stapleton in November.

December will feature ’Tis the Season festive fun. “The 2023 Morning Melodies season features a spectacular array of musical shows for all to enjoy,” Wyndham council’s creative city portfolio holder, councillor Marcel Mahfoud said. “Morning Melodies is great way for residents to experience musical performances. “The shows are entertaining, affordable and in Werribee so there is no need to travel far to sing along to your favourite songs.” Each show is $14 and includes morning tea. Details: www.wyncc.com.au/whats_on

Residents are being encouraged to provide feedback for Aquarius Street Reserve in Truganina. Council said the reserve is in need of an upgrade to improve the condition, accessibility, and functionality for the community. Feedback closes Friday, February 24. Details: https://bit. ly/405xrEK

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Don’t travel to bushland on Extreme Fire Danger Rating days. If you plan to travel through Victoria during fire season, it’s important to check the Fire Danger Rating every day. If the rating is Extreme or Catastrophic, avoid travelling to high risk bush or grassfire areas. It’s safer to travel to cities or towns for the day.

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Leave pets home advises nurse On a standard weekly supermarket visit Tarneit resident Emma Douglas noticed something she can only describe as horrible. Outside in the carpark, she noticed a small dog inside a car and the window rolled down less than an inch. Checking the temperature, Ms Douglas was startled to realise it was 37 degrees. “I tried putting my hand in the window to give the dog some water but as the window was up so high I couldn’t get my hand in,” she said. Another member of the public attempted to call the police, but Ms Douglas said the dog

was in the car for at least 30 minutes before the driver returned and drove away. The experience has prompted Ms Douglas to issue a desperate plea to dog owners. “Be responsible,” she said. “It’s much better to leave your dog at home (even outside with shade and access to water) if you’re going to supermarket,” she said. Wyndham Vet Clinic head nurse Susan said heat stress is a real concern for pets in the hot summer months. “We see this when pets that are left in cars but also on hot days ( greater than 30 degrees) when pets are in their own backyards or going

for routine walks,” she said. “Certain dog breeds, especially brachycephalic dogs like French bulldogs, boxer and pugs, are more prone to heat stress due to their physical conformation that is; shorter noses, narrower airways and longer soft palate. “During extremely hot days or excessive exercise these breeds are more susceptible to overheating/hyperthermia. “Overheating can be serious, causing dehydration, tremoring and seizures which can lead to permanent brain damage and even death in some cases.”

Susan suggests keeping pets inside on very hot days, making sure that they’re not out in the direct heat for long periods of time, have access to shallow dog pools to keep cool in or shaded areas and access to fresh drinking water. “Prevention is key with heat stress but signs of heat stress would include excessive panting, including drooling, tremors and seizures,” she said. “If you believe your pet is overheated you can wet down the animal and hydrate the pet and contact your local vet for assistance immediately.”

Boost for Hoppers CFA Hoppers Crossing Country Fire Authority has welcomed the addition of a support vehicle, offering a safety boost for firefighters while out on the job. “We are excited to announce that our Breathing Apparatus (BA) Support vehicle is nearly online and undergoing finishing touches,” First Lieutenant Peter Habersatt said. Mr Habersatt said the vehicle would provide support at fires, as well as other emergencies and could be used by neighbouring CFAs as well. “This specialised vehicle will allow our volunteer firefighters to provide additional BA Cylinders which give firefighters a supply of clean air, protecting firefighters from the dangerous smoke, heat and toxic gases that can be present in a fire, ensuring that they have the operational capacity to safely and effectively protect our community,”he said.

The vehicle was purchased using grants from the state government and donations from community members during the 2019-2020 bushfires. “We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this possible,“ Mr Habersatt said. “Your support is greatly appreciated. We would also like to thank our Operations Team for their hard work in bringing this new addition to our fleet.“ Mr Habersatt said the crew was always looking for dedicated and passionate individuals to join the team. “If you are interested in volunteering with the Hoppers Crossing Fire Brigade, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us,” he said.

First Lieutenant Peter Habersatt and Fourth Lieutenant Mitch Bevan. (Supplied)

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Plea to keep beaches trash free As the streak of warm weather continues and people flock to popular hot spots around the municipality to cool off, a Werribee resident is pleading with the community to help keep Wyndham clean. Jess Fairfax said she recently went for a run along Werribee South beach when she was stopped by the sight of rubbish bags brimming with Uber Eats packaging and discarded bottles. “I was like ‘oh my goodness,’ I know it’s summer, but people just aren’t cleaning up after themselves,” she said. “Just leaving the bag there, it was

intentional, and also right next to the beach where it could end up in the water.” A few days before, Ms Fairfax had been at Riverwalk Splash Park and says she was shocked by the state it had been left in. “I don’t want to go to a park that’s trashed, I’m sure other people don’t want to go to a park that’s trashed,” she said. “There were bins nearby. “If you are having a picnic, make sure that when you’re leaving, you’re leaving the site in a decent state.” Both experiences prompted Ms Fairfax to put a call out on Facebook in the hope people

could provide advice about what can be done to lessen the rubbish behaviour. “We really need to up the enforcement on littering...we need to write to our politicians, [and ask] why is there not enforcement of littering?” she said. Ms Fairfax also recommended residents consider joining a clean up group, or do individual clean ups. “Take a bag when you go for a walk, take some tongs, even if it’s a small amount, it’s something practical that can be done,” she said. Ms Fairfax also encourages people

download Litterstopper, an app that allows residents to log how much rubbish is collected, which can be used to influence laws. “The other one is Snap, Send, Solve so if you see a trolley or a whole bunch of dumped rubbish, you can take a photo and upload it and that gets sent to the relevant organisation, and they will deal with it,” she said. “But there are obviously bigger things that need to happen at a higher level. “It’s depressing, nobody wants to go on a walk and just be confronted by a whole lot of people’s trash.”

New art exhibitions Two new exhibitions have launched at the Wyndham Art Gallery and will be available for viewing until March 19. Between US and Content Warning: Queer, Fat, Sexy, officially launched on Thursday, January 19. “Come and visit the Wyndham Art Gallery and be immersed in these two unique and interesting new exhibitions,“ Wyndham mayor Susan McIntyre said. “Between Us is Wyndham local Ivy Mutuku’s first role as guest curator and Content Warning: Queer, Fat, Sexy is the first solo exhibition for Connor Ovenden-Shaw. “Both exhibitions highlight the fabulous talent we have in our local community.” Councillor McIntyre said council is committed to supporting the arts in Wyndham. “We are building our reputation as a city that values, respects and appreciates arts,

culture and creative expression,” she said. Wyndham council’s creative city portfolio holder, councillor Marcel Mahfoud encouraged residents to visit the gallery. “Ivy Mutuku’s Between Us exhibition is displayed upstairs in the gallery and explores the significance of friendships and why we need them,“ Cr Mahfoud said. “Connor Ovenden-Shaw’s Content Warning: Queer, Fat, Sexy, is displayed on the ground floor of the gallery and explores the many facets of queer identity in every shade, delving into questions about identity and community. “Visit the Wyndham Art Gallery and be immersed in Between Us and Content Warning: Queer, Fat, Sexy, two interesting and unique exhibitions that are not to be missed. Ivy Mutuku curator of Between Us, next to Najla Said’s digital photograph Never Too Many. (Jorge de Araujo)

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Wyndham takes growth crown Wyndham has emerged as the fastest growing region in both the state and country, amassing more than 34,5000 new residents between 2019 and 2022. The latest data from professional services firm KPMG ranked the states and territories with the highest annual population growth, and according to the figures, Wyndham’s annual growth rate was 4 per cent from 2019-22. Wyndham mayor Susan McIntyre described Wyndham as a fast-growing community. “Currently, around 315,000 residents

call Wyndham home, which is predicted to grow to around 505,000 by 2040,” councillor McIntyre said. “People in Wyndham come from many places, and we are pleased to welcome them as we grow. Wyndham is a diverse and exciting city with so much to offer. “We are home to many natural wonders, great food and wine and world class attractions.” Cr McIntyre said it’s imperative that all tiers of government work together with the council to continue to invest in building a liveable city

for those who choose to call Wyndham home. “By working with the state and federal governments, we can build a city that meets the needs of all community members, with the educational, transport, economic and community infrastructure to make our city thrive,” she said. Wyndham covers about 20 suburbs, which contain a significant number of greenfield developments, former rural land areas that have since been developed for housing. KPMG demographics expert Terry Rawnsley said Australia has added more than

a million new residents since December 2019 and nearly a quarter of those new residents have settled in one of the top 10 fastest growing areas. “Significant road and rail investments over the past twenty years, combined with development ready land has resulted in strong population growth,” Mr Rawnsley said. Melton and Bacchus Marsh were featured as the sixth fastest growing areas, with an annual growth rate of 3.6 per cent followed by Tullamarine and Broadmeadows at 3.1 per cent.

Serving up a good time It’ll be an ace day of tennis fun at Stockland Point Cook’s Pop Up Park on Sunday, January 29. “The Point Cook community can come together to watch the highly anticipated Australian Open Men’s Finals on the big screen and kids will be able to get involved at the free Dane Nebel’s Tennis Academy workshops to learn tennis drills,” centre manager Frank Pizi said. “We welcome the Point Cook community to get together with their friends and family, bring a picnic rug ... while they enjoy the free viewing of the Australian Open Men’s Finals on the big screen in Pop Up Park.” The event will kick off with tennis workshops from 5-7pm, followed by the screening from 7.30pm onwards. “We hope that this event provides an opportunity for the community to connect in a safe, family-friendly environment while picking up some new skills at the kids tennis

workshop,” Mr Pizi said. Attendees can also participate in giveaways, with gifts provided by Tennis Australia. The Point Cook Pop Up Park will host of series of free community events until April, including Kids Yoga, Live Music in the Park, and Lunar New Year – Kid’s Fun Day. Details: Stockland.com.au/pointcook

The free kids event will be hosted by CoLocal and Dane Nebel’s Tennis Academy. (Supplied)

WHEN YOU NEED US , BUT NOT THE SIRENS YOU CAN GO ONLINE NOW

SAVE FOR NON-URGENT SITUATIONS Wednesday, 25 January, 2023 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 7

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Art gallery book awarded

Werribee Mercy Hospital emergency department nurse Khym Barber, Paul Daley, and physician Jamie Roberts. (Damjan Janevski) 315272_01

A picture of gratitude By Fatima Halloum When Hoppers Crossing resident Paul Daley fell off his off push bike in December, he punctured a lung, damaged a few ribs, and had to be rushed to Werribee Mercy Hospital’s emergency department. Mr Daley said the care he received from the staff was “just fantastic” and as a symbol of his gratitude, he revisited the hospital on Friday, January 13 to deliver a special gift. “As a token of my appreciation for the doctors and nurses at the emergency department I [presented] them with three photos that I’ve taken and enlarged,” he said. “The emergency department is just phenomenal, we’re so fortunate.”

The photographs were taken in August last year, as a storm cloud rolled over the Point Lonsdale Pier and Mr Daley hopes the images can serve as a reminder that trying times don’t last, and help release some tension during stressful situations. Mr Daley said he felt his experience compelled him to bring awareness to the unfair backlash that is often directed at emergency department staff. “It really opened my eyes and it just makes my blood boil when I hear negative complaints about it, because when I was there, it took three doctors and four nurses [to help me]. So people [when] complain ‘oh I was [at the emergency department] for ages’, they don’t know about the life threatening dangers going

on behind the scenes,” he said. Werribee Mercy Hospital emergency department acting director Jamie Roberts said the hospital is proud of the service it provides to the Wyndham community, and in the last month alone, 4000 patients had received care at the emergency department. “Every patient who presents to the Werribee Mercy Hospital emergency department is important to us, and we are glad to have played a part in getting Paul back to his family and doing what he loves,” Mr Roberts said. “We are extremely grateful to Paul for his positive feedback and for donating his beautiful photos, which we will proudly display.”

Wyndham Art Gallery’s celebratory 10-year art book, DECADE, has been awarded a Distinction in the category of publication at the AGDA [Australian Graphic Design Association] Awards. Held annually, the awards recognise talent across a wide range of creative industries from artists around the country. DECADE highlights 70 the artists and exhibitions that have featured at the Wyndham Art Gallery since 2011. Wyndham creative city portfolio holder, councillor Marcel Mahfoud, said he is “delighted“ that DECADE was recognised. “Wyndham Art Gallery is gaining lots of traction as being the best little Art Gallery in the west of Melbourne and this award is testament to this,“ he said. “Wyndham Art Gallery’s book DECADE, which celebrates 10 years of artistic programming, was a finalist in this year’s AGDA Design Award 2022 at an awards ceremony held in Sydney.” The book includes works that explore themes such as waste consumption, marginalised communities, indigenous history and the human legacy and what we leave behind. Each year the AGDA Design Awards recognise the best work in Australia across a wide range of design disciplines. The publication was co-published with Black Inc Books. The ceremony was hosted in November. Details: https://bit.ly/3XCnrRj

We’re building big near you and there will be transport disruptions As part of Victorias Big Build, we’re building the Metro Tunnel. Creating space in the City Loop to run more trains to and from the suburbs by taking our busiest train lines through a new tunnel under the city. We’re also widening the West Gate Freeway. Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions Williamstown Line

8.05pm 8 Feb to last train 9 Feb 8.30pm 10 Feb to last train 12 Feb

North Melbourne to Williamstown

Werribee Line

8pm to last train, 8 Feb and 12 Feb

North Melbourne to Werribee

8.30pm to last train, 9 Feb 8.30pm 10 Feb to 8pm 12 Feb

North Melbourne to Newport

Road disruptions: Closed roads, lanes and ramps West Gate Freeway

Until 5am 27 Feb

One outbound lane at Williamstown Road

Williamstown Road

Until 5am 27 Feb

Outbound entry ramp to the West Gate Freeway

Footscray Road, West Melbourne

Until early Apr

Eastbound from Dock Link Road to Appleton Dock Road

8 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 25 January, 2023

2216

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne 12581433-JC04-23

2216

Check before you travel at bigbuild.vic.gov.au

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NEWS

Aged care assault case settles A personal injury lawyer in Melbourne’s west says the physical assault of an aged care nurse in Point Cook is a sign of chronic understaffing in the sector. Shine Lawyers legal practice manager Catie Norman says her client, Catherine Furphy, was attacked by a resident on or about April 8, 2016, at Homestyle Aged Care facility. “The attack on Catherine was entirely preventable because her employer knew the resident had a history of violence,” Ms Norman said. “Catherine repeatedly asked her boss to

have duress buttons installed but this plea fell on deaf ears. “The failure to ensure a safe workplace meant it was only a matter of time before an employee was seriously injured while on the job.” Homestyle Aged Care chief executive Tim Humphries said the centre’s intent is always to provide the best care for residents as well as a safe working environment for its team. “Regrettably in this instance an injury was suffered for which we are deeply sorry,” he said.

“Immediately after the incident, WorkSafe viewed all documentation and deemed our systems and processes met their requirements. “We have policies and procedures in place detailing how team members are to provide care as well as care plans for all residents detailing how team members are to care for each resident.” Ms Norman said the 48-year-old remains unable to work after suffering an injury to her right shoulder, and was also diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression.

Ms Furphy sued her former employer for negligence through the County Court of Victoria and the matter recently settled for a confidential amount. “We’re pleased to have been able to resolve this case for Catherine and I hope lessons have been learned from this incident,” Ms Norman said. “Australia has an ageing population so we need to do everything in our power to protect nurses like Catherine otherwise nobody will be prepared to look after the elderly.”

Baby, what a great name Victoria’s most popular baby names from the past year have been revealed, with Charlotte and Oliver coming in at number one for the third year in a row. The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria revealed there were 593 babies named Oliver in the last year, and 367 named Charlotte. The name Oliver has cemented its place as number one, continuing it’s nine-year streak while Charlotte continues its shorter three-year streak. New mum Kate Galling said she chose the name Oliver for her new baby as she had always liked it. “We’ve loved the name for a long time,” she said. “I have two other children named Zachary and James, and Oliver felt like it fitted in.” Over the course of its nine-year reign, 4790 babies across the state have been named Oliver.

Ms Galling said Oliver is now 10-months old and is happy as ever. “He is the happiest boy on the planet – he loves life,” she said. Other popular names for boys included Noah, Jack, Charlie, and Leo, and for girls Olivia, Isla, Amelia, and Mia.

Mum Kate Gelling with her 10-months-old son Oliver. (Damjan Janevski) 315729_01

YOUR NEW CAREER ... starts here PRINT AND ONLINE SALES EXECUTIVE

REQUIRED

Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic sales executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms. Star Weekly is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future. The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business. 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: Advertising Sales Manager, Mandy Clark salescareers@starnewsgroup.com.au

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Wednesday, 25 January, 2023 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 9

BEHIND THE NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Proud to be Australian citizens Becoming an Australian citizen is a dream come true for many migrants, as Jordan Doherty and Millicent Spencer discovered.

ou might struggle to find prouder Australians than St Albans’ Havinder Singh and South Morang’s Swati Sharma on Thursday, January 26. Havinder and his wife Manjinder Kaur, will be among 200 permanent residents receiving their Australian citizenship during Brimbank council’s Australia Day citizenship ceremony, while Swati and husband Hans will mark their first Australia Day as citizens. The couple received their citizenship in December having migrated from India to Australia for work. Havinder, who moved to Australia from northern India in 2008, says he can’t wait to celebrate the milestone.

‘‘

I will feel proud to say ‘I am an Australian’

’’

- Havinder Singh

Havinder Singh, Manjinder Kaur and son Amolak.

the need or want to leave. He and Manjinder married in India a few years after he first came to Australia, before she joined him in St Albans. The couple welcomed their son, Amolak, two years ago. He was born at Sunshine hospital. “I was a young man when I first moved and have really grown so much as a person throughout my time here,” Havinder says. “We have created many wonderful memories in St Albans. “There is a real sense of community here and I am very proud and happy to be part of

(Jordan Doherty)

Right: Swati and Hans Sharma.

(Supplied)

it. I had never even visited another country before moving here all those years ago, the move here was a daunting … but it has been 100 per cent worth it. “We know many people from very different backgrounds who have also chosen to make it their home here. Our next-door neighbours in St Albans emigrated to Australia, I believe in the 1950s and it is fascinating to hear their many stories about the area that I now call home, and to hear about how it has developed over time. “It makes me look forward to what else is to come here in the future for my son.”

Sent – 15th Feb

Sent – 23rd Feb

Getting there.

Glad I’m back!

Eliza (work) – 1st Feb

Eliza (work) – 20th Feb

How are you?

See you soon.

The Sharmas feel similarly about South Morang and the wider Whittlesea local government area. The couple chose to move to Australia because their know their profession in the health industry was highly regarded here. “We have chosen Whittlesea council area for our residence and business as it is one of the fastest growing areas and has a high immigration population,” Swati says, “Whittlesea council offers various multicultural events which helps us stay connected to our culture as well.” “We are feeling very proud and happy to be citizens of this amazing country.”

The sooner you get in touch after an injury, the better the return to work journey. If you’re recovering from a psychological or physical workplace injury, or if you are an employer supporting an injured worker, make contact as soon as possible. It just takes a few simple words to make a big difference. The sooner, the better. worksafe.vic.gov.au/thesoonerthebetter

10 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 25 January, 2023

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“It is truly an amazing feeling, to become a citizen of Australia this year. I will feel proud to say ‘I am an Australian’,” Havinder says. “This is a really huge milestone for us to celebrate, it is hard to even try to put into words just how great it feels. “We … are excited to celebrate our citizenship and just how much this means to us.” Havinder says he felt drawn to Australia after learning about it at school. “To me, it seemed like the best place in the world. It is a beautiful country and there are so many opportunities here. For many people, including myself, this is a complete dream come true.” he says. Havinder chose to settle in St Albans after moving to Australia and says he has never felt

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COMMUNITY

Kulinda the Cheetah enjoys an iron-rich ice block on a hot summer’s day.

Resident Hippopotamuses munch on a fruit-filled icy treat before splashing in the water.

(Pictures: Werribee Open Range Zoo)

Keeping cool at Werribee zoo As summer gets into full swing, animals of all shapes and sizes at Werribee Open Range Zoo like to keep cool and carry on. Aside from always having access to shade and hydration, zookeepers make sure all animals stay extra comfortable by offering nutritionally-dense icy treats and specially-created mud wallows. Right: Ice blocks are keeping Vervet Monkeys cool and mentally stimulated.

Asian Wild Horses gravitate towards mud wallows to keep cool and protect themselves from parasites and insects.

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Wednesday, 25 January, 2023 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 11

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

ONEWyndham WYNnovation h t n o M e h t f o n so r e P g n u Yo

Winners

Congratulations to the following Wyndham residents for being awarded the One Wyndham Young Person of the Month for October, November, December 2022 and January 2023. The award aims to build the profile of young people who are positively contributing to the Wyndham community and thank them for their dedication. ER R WINN OCTOBE

NOVEMBER W INNER

line-up released

Wyndham council’s economic development unit has released the line-up for this year’s WYNnovation program, which includes an array of events for local businesses. Now in its sixth year, the annual WYNnovation festival offers local businesses an opportunity to connect, network with other businesses and learn from successful entrepreneurs, innovators and strategic thinkers right based in Wyndham. The 2023 program kicks off in February and, with events such as The Summit, The Masterclass, workshops and the Committee for Wyndham’s annual lunch. “This year’s WYNnovation festival offers businesses of any size, from any industry sector or at any stage of maturity, a fantastic program focussing on the future, innovation and creativity,” Wyndham council’s future focused economy portfolio holder, councillor Mia Shaw said. “With practical tips and tools to help businesses reach the next level, the WYNnovation 2023 program is not to be missed. The suite of events is sure to inspire, motivate and invigorate.” The Summit will be an all-day event on Friday, February 3, featuring a presentation by Amanda Stevens titled, ‘Epic: Future – Proof Your Brand’ and an address by body language and communications expert Dr

Wyndham Civic Centre. (Damjan Janevski) 255196_04

Louise Mahler, Overcoming Performance Stress/Towards the Light. Held over a half day on Thursday, February 16, The Masterclass will feature Mark Dobson, with a presentation titled ‘A Clear Execution Path for Scaling – Revenue and People Performance’. The WYNnovation festival’s final event for 2023 is ‘The Lunch’, hosted by the Committee for Wyndham and features guest speaker Dr Lucy Cameron, a digital transformation and new industry development expert from CSIRO who will give an address titled, ‘Our Future World – Global megatrends impacting the way we live over coming decades’. Details: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/ services/business-investment/businessawards-special-events/wynnovation

Ally

DECEMBER WINNER

Ganika

Laura

Y JANUAR

WINNER

Arthur Jones and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (front) with the Melton graduates of the 2022 program. (Shawn Smits)

Free men’s health help

Eijaz and Za

Learn more: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/onewyndham

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12 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 25 January, 2023

Wyndham men are encouraged to get active and learn more about supporting their health, as part of the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation’s Sons of the West program. In partnership with local councils and community health services across Victoria, Sons of the West is a free 10-week health program for men, with the 2023 program commencing in March. Program participant Mike Dunne said the benefits of the program include weight changes and improvement in overall wellbeing. “I now have regular medical checks, I’m more outgoing and reduced my weight significantly thus reducing potential health issues later in life,” he said. “Sons of the West changed my life for the

good and will continue to further on into the future.” Fellow participant Anthony Camilleri said the program is the reason behind his discovery of heart health and other health issues. “From the first session, they challenged us to go for a health check,” he said. “To my surprise, I was told that some time in the past I had a heart attack. “I was admitted to Western Private Hospital where three stents were inserted to clear a totally blocked artery attached to my heart.” Sons of the West is open to men aged 18 and over who live in west of Melbourne and Victoria. Details: www.westernbulldogs.com.au/ foundation/about-us/expression-of-interest or foundation@westernbulldogs.com.au

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Holly and Matilda, 1.

Ella, 1, and Carmen.

COMMUNITY

Emma and Nate, 3.

Water babies pool their talents The sound of children singing and clapping floated through the air at the Werribee Outdoor Pool on Monday, January 23, during a special summer edition of Rhyme Time. Parents and kids could afterwards browse Wyndham council’s Pop-Up Library Van and go for a cooling splash in the water. The final summer session will be held on Monday, January 30 at 10am. Details: https://bit.ly/3R5bFgg

Arlo, 3.

(Pictures: Fatima Halloum)

Madison, Nicola, Miles, 1.

Renee Dowd, David Dowd, Hannah, 2, and Alex, 1.

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF WASTE IN WYNDHAM Wyndham City is seeking expressions of interest from local residents to fill seven voluntary positions on the Wyndham Refuse Disposal Facility and Waste Management Community Reference Group. This includes people from the community representing: •

Landowners adjacent to the RDF

•

A ratepayer association, advocacy or business group in Wyndham

•

A local environmental group

•

Other residents of Wyndham

As a member of the CRG, you will help shape the future of waste in Wyndham by providing invaluable community input into Council decision making about the current and future operation and environmental performance of the Wyndham Refuse Disposal Facility and waste collection services in Wyndham. The group currently meets six times a year at the Wyndham Civic Centre or online. Meetings are currently held on a Thursday from 4:30pm-7pm, with the first meeting in 2023 nominally on 16 March 2023. The future frequency and meeting day/ time will be discussed with the newly-formed group. Group membership is for a three-year term. For further information and to apply please visit www.wyndham.vic.gov.au Expressions of interest close at 5pm on Friday 10 February 2023. You may also be invited to attend a short informal interview.

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Wednesday, 25 January, 2023 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 13

COMMENT STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Focus on making your life better By Christopher Carter, chief executive, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network

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Come on now, be honest, have you’ve broken your New Year’s Resolution already? It’s okay if you have: most people do, and that might be a good thing. It’s natural to focus on making life changes when the calendar clicks over, but sometimes the way we frame these intentions can be unrealistic, setting us up for failure. In some cases, too, resolutions that require long-term planning raise our anxiety levels – which is especially ironic if the resolution involves becoming less anxious. Setting goals for the coming year can be a very positive thing, but mental health experts tell us it’s important to focus on things that make life better rather than more challenging. Be sure to acknowledge what’s already right in your life. What things are you grateful for? Resolve to remember these often. Feeling good about yourself will make achieving long-term aims, such as quitting smoking or maintaining healthy weight, a bit easier. It’s important too to reflect only on yourself and refrain from impossible comparisons. You are probably never going to play tennis like Serena Williams or write pop songs as well as Baker Boy. Your icons aren’t your rivals. In the end it doesn’t matter if you can’t carry a tune – just resolving to sing might be all you need. If you set small goals, you’re much more likely to succeed. Cook one more meal instead of getting takeaway; try just one new healthy food; read one more book; walk one more lap. Small achievements count. It’s also important, of course, to not beat yourself up if you slip. The path to any goal is never smooth – it would be too easy, otherwise. Just because you fail once doesn’t

14 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 25 January, 2023

Focus on setting goals that make life better rather than more challenging. (iStock)

mean you’re a failure. Which raises another important point. You don’t have to reach your goals alone. One of the most useful things to decide is to ask for help when you need it. If you opt to learn a new skill, don’t be afraid to find someone who can teach you. YouTube might be full of instructional videos, but it can be a pretty soulless way to find stuff out. Human connection can make a huge difference.

And the same goes for your mental health. If you’re struggling, don’t be afraid to reach out to a support service, a therapist, a social group, friend or family member. If your resolution is to be the best you can be, that’s something vastly easier to achieve with the company and support of others. Of course, if you’re having a crisis, ring Lifeline on 13 11 14, or 000. To find non-emergency help, however, consider calling

Head to Health on 1800 595 212. A trained professional will take your call, give you advice, and connect you to the best support or service for you. CAREinMIND™ is another excellent mental health counselling service. You can reach them for a chat on 1300 096 269. Their website – careinmind.com.au – has a great blog, chock full of ideas which can help you get through 2023 with style, smiles and joy.

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

COMMUNITY

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

Trivia night Wyndham Health Foundation is encouraging residents to get a trivia team ready and help raise funds for much-needed medical equipment to support patient care in Wyndham. The event will take place from 7pm on Friday, February 24 at the Plaza Tavern, Hoppers Crossing. Early bird tickets $30 until Feburary 6, or sold out, then $35 individual ticketsm with table of eight or 10 options available. Tickets are limited. ■ https://bit.ly/3IRw3iW

Seniors House of Fun The Grange Community Centre would like to invite the seniors of Wyndham to its weekly Seniors House of Fun. This is a free program running every Friday 11am-12.30pm, at The Grange Community Centre, 260-280 Hogans Road, Hoppers Crossing. ■ Vanessa, 8742 800 or enquires@ grangecommunity.org.au

Seniors club The Werribee Senior Citizens Club Inc meets at 80 Lonsdale Circuit, Hoppers Crossing. The group is open to all people 55-plus , and it runs on Wednesdays, 10am- noon. Entry: $2, includes morning tea. ■ 0403 041 499

Walking group Generations in Gaia is a monthly walk for young to old, exploring Wyndham’s open spaces and nature trails. Visiting a new site each month, the walks are especially tailored to little legs, delicate bodies and curious minds. ■ Jess, 0450 348 969.

Wyndham Rotary Wyndham Rotary is welcomes people interested in helping others in need within the community. To find out more, visit the Italian Sports Club on Wednesday nights at 6:30pm to join them for a meal, share ideas and work for a common cause. ■ Julie, 0406196630.

Hoppers Crossing Ladies Probus The friendly and vibrant group meet at Hotel 520 on the second Wednesday of each month from 10am. They have a guest speaker each month as well as social lunches, outings and theatre trips. ■ 0407 856 519

This week’s photographer’s choice pictures is of five year old Isla at Scienceworks. (Damjan Janevski) 315507_01

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

AeroSpeakers Toastmasters Club The group is a not-for-profit community organisation for semi-retired and retired Wyndham residents. They hold a variety of classes/activities specifically designed for Seniors, including, light physical and mental wellbeing sessions, arts, games and craft, and general classes such as current affairs, history and lunch groups. Most classes/activities are held at Wyndham Community Centres. ■ Rick, 0402 299 220.

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 7-9.30pm. ■ Helen Fairlie, 0474 498 052

Lions Club

Art workshops

Lions Club of Werribee meets at the RSL Club 2a Synnot Street Werribee on the first and third Wednesday of the month 6.30pm for a 7pm dinner meeting. ■ Lou, 0409 331 271

The Louis Joel Arts & Community Centre presents MonArt. Workshops for people of all abilities facilitated by community art specialist Amanda Neville, Mondays 10am-11.30am. $5 casual fee each week. ■ admin@ljac.com.au or 9398 2511

U3A Werribee

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

Walking group The Altona Meadows & Newport Heart Foundation Walking Group is a local community of men and women committed to walking and socialising together for about 60 minutes. It meets Wednesdays at 10am at the Jolly Miller Cafe in Altona Meadows or Fridays at 10am at the Newport Lakes Reserve. Members

are required to register with the Heart Foundation in order to join. ■ Ian Watson, 0411 566 862 or www. hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Community/ Whats-On/Altona-Meadows-and -NewportHeart-Foundation-Walking-Groups

Drop in chess, cards and Scrabble If you love playing chess, cards or a game of Scrabble in an informal and fun setting, visit Braybrook Community Centre on Tuesdays, from noon to 2.30pm.

Williamstown book sale Friends of Williamstown Library holds a book sale every second Saturday of each month, 10am-12.30 pm. The book sale is held at Williamstown library in the Friends room, which can be accessed through the front desk. The event is cash only. ■ libraries.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au

Woodcarving workshop Aimed at all levels of ability in the ancient and international craft of woodcarving. Women are welcome. Bring your own tools and projects if possible. Or do you have Grandpa’s old gouges to donate? On Tuesdays, 9.30am to noon, at 280 Queen Street, Altona. ■ jah2802rot@gmail.com

Alcoholics Anonymous Regular meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous are held at St Andrew’s Church Hall, Williamstown, Wednesday at 7pm and Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Newport, Thursday 6.30pm and Saturday 8.30am. All welcome including friends and family of people with drinking problems. ■ 1300 22 22 22, or www.aatimes.org.au

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 to 1pm. libraries.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/ community/friends-of-the-libraries ■

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 to 4pm. ■ www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Community/ Whats-On/Williamstown-Craft-Market

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

Friendship group Altona Day Voice Interest and Education of Women [VIEW] 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

Mouth organ band The Yarraville Mouth Organ Band meets Friday evenings at 203 Williamstown Road, Yarraville. Great music, friendly atmosphere. New members welcome. ■ Heather, 9399 2190 or ymob1933@yahoo.com.au Wednesday, 25 January, 2023 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 15

PUZZLES

hard

3 2 6 1 8 8

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Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.

Today’s Aim: 13 words: Good 19 words: Very good

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16 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 25 January, 2023

E T A S X E R T E R G E

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NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

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

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No. 117

T A T

TRAIN TRAMP TREES TREND TYRES WARNS YELLS

7 LETTERS FEATHER LEOPARD NIMBLER RINSING TARTARS TEENAGE

6 LETTERS RESETS RETARD SHRINE STRINE

8 LETTERS DEPLORES OVERSEES SALLOWER STARTLED

27-01-23

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RABBI RANGE REGAL RESET ROTOR SABRE SARIS SEEPS SLEEK SLOTH SMART SNEER SNOUT SORTS TEMPO TENET THOSE TINGE TIRES TONAL TONNE

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QUICK QUIZ

From what cereal is pumpernickel made?

Who did Monica Bellucci (pictured) play in The Passion of the Christ?

What comic strip did Jim Davis work on before Garfield?

The endocrine system is a system of what in the human body?

What is the term for a baby ferret?

What colour is the element cadmium?

The Nobel Prize was established in 1901 in which country?

Who released the 2004 single Coin-Operated Boy?

And to what musical genre is it said to belong?

10 In computer data storage, if you are striping, are your disks in RAID 0 or RAID 1?

ANSWERS: 1. Rye 2. Mary Magdalene 3. Gnorm Gnat 4. Glands 5. Kit 6. Bluish-white 7. Sweden 8. The Dresden Dolls 9. Dark cabaret 10. RAID 0

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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

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CONCRETING Martin 0418 171 280 or 9748 3196

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

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GEORGE FOX 0431 277 046

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Lexus IS 2013 - 2021 USED CAR CHECKOUT

What to look for

By Ewan Kennedy, Marque Motoring

Prior to calling for a professional inspection look over the complete vehicle, preferably with the owner’s handbook in front of you, as these are complex cars. You may weed out obvious duds by doing this. At the very least, test each of the functions on the stereo, climate-control, windows and door locking. Listen for squeals from the brake discs, even when you’re braking gently. This could indicate they are near the end of their life, but there could be other troubles. Go to a brake specialist to have this checked. Look for damage to the bodywork and the interior trim as it should be close to immaculate in all areas. We have heard a few complaints about the dash top deteriorating if the car has been out in the sun all the time. One that’s been garaged or parked under a building is a better bet. Make sure the engine starts virtually instantaneously, idles smoothly and doesn’t hesitate when accelerated. During your test drive check for anything out of the ordinary in the way the car drives, sounds and feels. The automatic transmission should operate almost imperceptibly and not hold onto any gears unnecessarily.

The 2020 Lexus IS-F, 2013 Lexus IS300h (top right) and 2016 Lexus IS200t (right).

makes all Lexus models a delight in which to travel. Lexus Remote Touch controller (joystick) on the centre console looks after audio, climate control and satellite navigation. Lexus has an excellent Mark Levinson audio system in its upscale vehicles. For example, the IS Sports Luxury has no fewer than 15 speakers carefully placed around the cabin for optimum sound reproduction. Interior space is good for a rear-drive car, but this Lexus has less room than a front-wheel-drive of this size. In its earlier generations it’s possibly best to regard it as being a two-plus-two rather than a four-seater if you’re intending to transport adults. Try the back seat for size if adults will be frequently using it. IS models being covered here are better for interior space than the first ones, but check for yourself to be sure. The boot is a surprisingly good size. Any Japanese car maker who doesn’t provide space for golf clubs is likely to suffer severely in sales. However, the sporty shape of the rear makes for a relatively slim boot opening and a

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12561969-JC32-22

NICK’S RE-BLOCKING SERVICE

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Television/Video/Audio

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ANTENNA MAN 12474997-DL50-20

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Find it in the

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Celebrations section of Network Classiﬁeds.

ASAP.E TILING

V 12559990-AV30-22

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

Tel 04 3277 4645

Positions Vacant

Garage Sales

DARLEY 16 Taylor Drive. Saturday 4th February, 7am-4pm. Household items, electrical goods and furniture, all must go.

Positions Vacant

Budget on paying from $10,000 to $16,000 for a 2013 Lexus IS250 Prestige; $15,000 to $23,000 for a 2015 IS200t F Sport; $19,000 to $28,000 for a 2015 IS250 Sports Luxury; $25,000 to $33,000 for a 2016 IS350 Sports Luxury; $32,000 to $43,000 for a 2018 IS350 F Sport; $39,000 to $52,000 for a 2020 IS300h F Sport; and $42,000 to $57,000 for a 2021 IS300 F Sport.

Pets & Services

Excavator Operator Loader Operator and Labourer required.

Weighbridge Operator

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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MALTESE SHIH TZU puppies 2 male, 2 female. 9 weeks old for adoption. Vaccinated and microchipped. 956000015860226 956000015866692 956000015863820 956000015864393 Source number EE207495 Call Andrew 0401 781 199

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Massage Therapists

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Contact Norm after 5pm for further details:

12423634-SN31-19

Registered Building Practitioner

Rainbow Club

MEMBER OF MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

Reg No 8659

high loading lip. The rear seat backs fold almost flat to provide room for longer objects. In most cases the model number of the Lexus engines refer to their capacity, 200 is a 2.0-litre and so on. The Lexus IS Line is available as the IS 200t with a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, the IS 350 has a 3.5-litre V6 engine. The 300h petrol-electric hybrid has a four-cylinder petrol 2.5-litre assisted by an electric motor. The ‘300’ indicates the hybrid provides the sort of performance normally requiring a 3.0-litre unit. Spare parts and servicing are reasonably priced for a car in this class. Lexus dealers in the earlier years were fairly scarce in rural areas. However, that has significantly changed in recent years as major country cities are now being serviced. Some senior Toyota technicians are trained in most aspects of the car. Toyota is, of course, the parent company of Lexus. Insurance is generally moderate in pricefor a car in this price and social class and we haven’t seen any big variations between the major companies.

General Classifieds

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Motoring V

Wrecking

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

V 12321532-HM36-16

Lexus IS is a relatively minor player in the Lexus range of upmarket cars. It can be an excellent used car buy, particularly if it has been maintained by the book and driven sensibly – many are. Quite a few used ones are sold by Lexus dealers which may make them more expensive, but it’s usually worth any added cost as the dealers will pick and choose which ones they keep, and which ones they move onto other car yards. Having been relatively sedate in their shape for many years Lexus launched the third generation of its IS sedan range in July, 2013 and went way out in styling. The Lexus IS was designed from the start to have sporty, balanced dynamics and the new shape echoes that. As well as the upgrades in styling, all models had the option of the F Sport package with an adaptive suspension system. They are well worth hunting down if you like to pedal your cars hard. The Lexus IS got a major makeover in September, 2020. Its body is 30mm wider thanks to bolder wheel arch flares. The front and rear tracks are 45mm and 50mm wider respectively. It also received a new grille, larger wheels and a technology update. The bonnet is more sharply raked towards its leading edge and the slimmer headlamps are positioned 43mm lower. The new rear roofline is 15mm lower and the boot-line is 31mm lower. These changes combined to give the MY21 IS a much squatter and more muscular appearance than before. Not many are on the used market yet, but it’s worth looking out for them as they are significantly better than their predecessors. The quality of materials and workmanship

LMCT 10268W

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Call our Network Classifieds team on 1300 666 808 or email us sales@networkclassifieds.com.au 18 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 25 January, 2023

12550336-AV20-22

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Hyundai Palisade stands out from the SUV crowd. (Pictures: Supplied)

Hyundai Palisade is big and bold By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring Palisade is the largest model in Hyundai’s SUV range. At a smidgen under five metres, it’s around the same size and price as competitors such as Toyota Kluger and Mazda CX-9. Launched in late 2020 it was given an upgrade in May 2022 with updated exterior and interior design elements, improved safety and tech features. Palisade comes in two equipment levels, Elite and Highlander, each with the choice of 3.8-litre petrol FWD or 2.2-litre diesel AWD. Prices range from $65,900 for the Elite petrol 2WD to $79,900 for our test vehicle, the Highlander diesel AWD.

AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE Palisade Elite 3.8-litre petrol 2WD: $65,900 Palisade Highlander 3.8-litre petrol 2WD: $75,900

Styling Not only is Palisade a large vehicle but it has styling that accentuates its bulk, starting from the front with a huge version of the parametric grille that’s being progressively rolled out across the Hyundai range. The grille is flanked by vertically stacked triple LED headlights, together with similarly shaped taillights, that emphasise the height of the Palisade. The Highlander variant that we tested came with exclusive design touches, including a satin chrome finish for the grille with matching badge and skid plate finishes. There are hidden-type turn signals, body-coloured cladding and exclusive 20-inch wheels with a 15-spoke turbine design.

Engines / transmissions The 3.8-litre petrol V6 generates 217 KW of power at 6000 rpm and 5200 NM of torque with standard unleaded fuel. The 2.2-litre CRDI diesel has less power (147 kW at 3800 rpm) but extra torque (440 NM between 1750 and 2750 revs). Both have a recently updated eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission. The diesel AWD uses an active on-demand HTRAC system.

Interior Inside, Palisade comes with a full-width front air vent and a great-looking and feeling

Palisade Elite 2.2-litre diesel AWD: $69,900 Palisade Highlander 2.2-litre diesel AWD: $79,900 Decked out with a 12.3-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system.

four-spoke steering wheel capped off in Highlander with a two-tone finish. A floating centre console angles up to merge with the dashboard, with a large space below for out-of-sight storage as well as a USB-C and 12V sockets. There’s plenty of additional storage space at the rear of the centre console with two adjustable drink holders and another pair of USB and 12V jacks. Palisade comes with two seating options, the more conventional 3-3-2 eight-seat family-focused arrangement or an executive 3-2-2 seven-seater with a pair of individual captain chairs in the middle row.

Safety All variants come with seven airbags including one between the front seats, full-length curtain ‘bags, and lap-sash safety belts for all occupants rather than the normal lap-only belt in the centre-rear spot. Other advanced safety features come with the Hyundai SmartSense system and include Blind Spot View and Collision-Avoidance Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Forward and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist,

Lane Following and Lane Keeping Assist, and Safe Exit Assist.

Driving Initially, the large dimensions can be a bit intimidating when you first get into the Palisade but the various assistance features together with its high driving position and excellent visibility help to quickly overcome these concerns. Also, with its comparatively tight turning circle of 11.8 metres it can handle the average shopping centre with room to spare although the backside tends to jut out. While other eight-seat SUVs are based on a heavy-duty four-wheel-drive ’ladder frame’ chassis, the Hyundai Palisade is built like a car. That means its centre of gravity is lower and steering and suspension should be more like the average passenger vehicle. Travelling in stop-start city low-speed conditions, this is the case. Out on the motorway the Palisade cruises smoothly and quietly with little clue that it is powered by a diesel. Most of our time was spent with either one or two occupants on board but

SPECIFICATIONS Hyundai Palisade Highlander 2.2-litre diesel AWD

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

it felt that it would have no trouble coping with the maximum eight people. The steering is well-weighted and gives good feedback. Combined cycle fuel consumption is listed at 10.7 litres per 100 kilometres with the petrol engine and 7.3 L/100km from the diesel. We averaged 8.7 L/100km during our test.

Summing up Hyundai Palisade is an impressive vehicle that combines the practicality of an SUV while coming close to being car-like in the way it drives. It’s reasonably priced and comes with plenty of safety and tech equipment. Palisade comes with Hyundai’s standard five-year, unlimited warranty. Bluelink is also free for the same five-year period but incurs a charge from then onwards. Wednesday, 25 January, 2023 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 19

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Two break with United Western United has parted ways with Christian Theoharous and Dalibor Markovic, midway through the A-League Men’s season. The club announced on Tuesday that it has reached a mutual agreement with Theoharous to terminate his contract. Central Coast Mariners announced later that day that Theoharous had signed with them for the rest of the season. The winger had failed to play a game this season with United. Having signed a two-year scholarship contract in November 2021 in his return from playing over in Europe, Theoharous made four appearances in his first A-League season with United registering an assist against Wellington Phoenix in January. He was part of the club’s first ever championship-winning team. The winger also played a major role in Western United’s promotion campaign in National Premier League 3 last year. Theoharous played nine games in the regular season, scoring one goal, and starred in the promotion play-off with a goal and two assists. The club in its announcement thanked Theoharous for his time at the club and wished him every success with the next steps of his career. Theoharous made his debut in the A-League as an 18-year-old with Melbourne Victory. He played a significant part in Victory’s 2017-18 championship and he also played six games in the Asian Champions League. The club also announced it had released

Sports shorts VTCA The finalists for the Victorian Turf Cricket Association T20 competition have been finalised. The final pool matches were played last week, with the top team in each of the 16 pool groups going through to the next round. Point Cook, Werribee Centrals and Sanctuary Lakes are joined in the next round by Gellibrand, PEGS, West Coburg, Sunbury, Jacana, Yarraville Club, Sunshine, the Druids, Maribyrnong Park St Marys, Deer Park and St Francis de Sales.

Bowls Werribee got the points in the local derby in the Bowls Victoria weekend pennant, division 2, section 1. The Bees hosted Hoppers, which was coming off its first win on the season on Saturday. It was a big win for the Bees, winning 92 (16)-58 (2). Robert Smith, Robert Panton and Brendan Barker were the winning skips for the Bees, while Gregory Berry was the winning skip for Hoppers. Christian Theoharous

(Supplied)

Markovic by mutual consent last week. Markovic signed for United in March 2021 having impressed against the Green and Black while playing for Melbourne Victory a month earlier. The left-back made his debut for the Club in a 2-0 win over Newcastle Jets soon after joining but picked up a foot injury in the game, returning in the final round of the 2020/21 season against Central Coast Mariners.

Last season, Markovic played a part in United’s first ever championship-winning squad. He played three A-League games for the club. The defender was also a key player in the NPL which earned promotion to NPL 2. Markovic played 10 matches and scored two goals in the regular season before featuring prominently in the promotion play-off win over Goulburn Valley Suns.

FOR MORE SPORT, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Wyndham Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

SPORTS QUIZ 1. The flags of which two countries were banned from being displayed at the 2023 Australian Open? 2. Before being recently rehired as Wallabies coach, Eddie Jones last coached the team in what year? 3. Women’s world number one tennis player Iga Swiatek is from which country?

4. The Australian cricket team recently cancelled a One Day International series against which country? 5. The Mighty Roos represent Australia in which sport? 6. Actor Frankie Muniz has a career in which sport? 7. Josh Giddey plays for which NBA team? 8. Which Australian Grand Slam champion recently announced her retirement? 9. What two sports were added to the Winter Olympic Games in 1998? 10. AFL star Jaeger O’Meara will play for which team in 2023? 11. What was baseball Hall of Famer Babe Ruth’s real name? 12. And what was the first team he played for? 13. Why did Nick Kyrgios pull out of the 2023 Australian Open?

Iga Świątek

Nick Kyrgios

16. Which NBA player is close to meeting Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time NBA points record? 17. What is the name of the Melbourne runner who smashed the female world record of consecutive marathons, running 150 in a row? 18. What was controversial about shots awarded as sixes in the January 14 match between the Melbourne Renegades and Melbourne Stars? 19. When was the last time the Australian men’s cricket team won a series against India? 20. While playing golf, what is the maximum amount of clubs allowed in a player’s bag? 21. Which Serbian tennis professional won the 2023 Adelaide International 1 men’s singles title? 22. Which Belarusian tennis professional won the 2023 Adelaide International 1 women’s singles title?

23. A bronze statue of Australian Cricket Hall of Fame member Belinda Clark resides at which sports stadium?

28. Babar Azam, allegedly caught messaging a teammate’s girlfriend, captains which nation’s cricket team?

24. How many runs did Australian spin bowler Ashton Agar score in his debut Test innings?

29. What year were Johnathan Thurston and Jarryd Hayne joint winners of the NRL’s Dally M Medal?

25. Which South Korean tennis professional won the 2023 Adelaide International 2 men’s singles title? 26. Which Swiss tennis professional won the 2023 Adelaide International 2 women’s singles title?

30. By what nickname is Australia’s national gridiron (American football) team known?

27. Rocky the Mountain Lion is the costumed mascot of which NBA team?

1. Russia and Belarus 2. 2005 3. Poland 4. Afghanistan 5. Ice Hockey 6. Motor racing 7. Oklahoma City Thunder 8. Sam Stosur 9. Snowboarding and curling 10. Fremantle 11. George Herman Ruth 12. Boston Red Sox 13. Knee injury 14. Tombstone Piledriver 15. Defensive 16. LeBron James 17. Erchana Murray-Bartlet 18. They hit the roof 19. 2004 20. 14 21. Novak Djokovic 22. Aryna Sabalenka 23. Sydney Cricket Ground 24. 98 25. Kwon Soon-woo 26. Belinda Bencic 27. Denver Nuggets 28. Pakistan 29. 2014 30. Australian Outback

2701

14. What was the finishing move of WWE wrestler The Undertaker?

15. In American football, is a blitz a defensive or offensive tactic?

20 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 25 January, 2023

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SPORT

‘‘

The only problem I have with my basketball is others’ perception of my disability

’’

- Jack Innella

Jack Innella and Matthew Farrar.

(Jacob Pattison) 315227_03

Young guns shooting for glory By Tara Murray Two western suburbs youngsters are making an impact on the basketball court on an international stage. Truganina’s Jack Innella and Deer Park’s Matthew Farrar are both part of the Australian Boomerangs team, which recently won gold at the Virtus Oceania Asia Games in Brisbane in November. The Boomerangs are the men’s national basketball team for athletes with an intellectual impairment. Innella and Farrar are hoping to head to France in the middle of the year as part of the Australian team for the Virtus Global Games. Both said it was pretty exciting to represent their country and win gold. At just 17, Innella was the youngest in the team in Brisbane “I was selected in the Australian Boomerangs squad when I was 14 years old, but due to COVID and lockdowns we were unable to train face-to- face … so I didn’t get to meet as a whole squad until early last year,” Innella said. “The selection process for Boomerangs is picked from performances at the Aussie champs, [the] Ivor Burge program. “It has been such an honour and quite humbling to be able to represent your county in a sport that you love, we have an amazing team and incredible coaches and support staff. “The experience was one of the best experiences of my life.” Farrar agreed and said the experience in Brisbane was the best of his life. “Getting to play with my peers against international level players was a real eye opener and an experience I will forever cherish,” he said. “Winning gold was a dream come true for me as it is something that I have always dreamt about and something I worked very hard to try to achieve. “It was an honour to be selected in the side considering my age. I was hopeful of getting a development role for the experience but to be picked in the team was an awesome feeling.” Innella started playing basketball when he was about 10, but it wasn’t love at first sight. As the smallest on the court he didn’t enjoy it and

The gold medal winning Boomerangs team. (Supplied)

he went and played football for a season. His parents encouraged him to give basketball another go and the rest is history. “Because of my ADHD my mum and dad really encouraged me to try basketball again so I could keep myself busy,” he said. “I went back when I was 13 and have been playing since then, so I have been playing now for four years consistently. “We have just moved back to Melbourne after 10 years in Ballarat and have been playing with Pakenham Warriors for the last two years. “I am currently playing for the Warriors Big V div 1 men’s team and also under-20s rep [team].” Farrar, who is part of the Wyndham under-20 Victorian Junior Basketball League side, started playing basketball to help his football. He no longer plays football. “I started playing basketball when I was 12,” he said. “I only started playing basketball for fun because I thought it would be good to help me with my football, as football was my game of choice. “I felt that taking rebounds would help my

overhead marking (which it did) and hustling in defence would help me read the play better and not be so reactive but try to stay in front of the ball. “I have been playing ever since.” Both Innella and Farrar will represent Victoria at the upcoming Ivor Burge national championships. While they have excelled on the basketball court, both said it’s not without their challenges, which makes it harder for them. They say it’s about making sure they work to their strengths. “I was diagnosed when I was very young with ADHD and a mild Intellectual disability,” Innella said. “The only problem I have with my basketball is others’ perception of my disability. I learn a little slower but I work incredibly hard to make sure I am on top of anything my coach requires and spend countless hours going over plays . “I am very dedicated to improving my skill and a lot of time this means instead of playing PlayStation.” Farrar said the hardest thing with dealing with his impairment is that at times it may take

him longer to process new things if there are multiple instructions. “Once I understand what is required I don’t seem to have any problems after that,”he said. “It also helps me talk to my teammates that don’t understand as we can go through it together and both understand together. “I train every opportunity I can get not only on my game skills but also my mind and my body.” Innella’s performances have seen him invited to attend a national performance camp at the Basketball Centre of Excellence this month. It’s a history-making moment. “This is a program for some of the best basketballers in Australia,” he said. “This is the first time I have been told that a player with a disability has ever been invited to attend a mainstream high performance camp. “I am truly grateful for this opportunity to learn from some of the best coaches and players in Australia and I hope that others that doubt themselves with their disability can see that anything is possible if you work hard, surround yourself with good people and believe in yourself.” While both are busy on the basketball court with their various commitments, both are keen to test themselves against the best players in the world in France. Innella said he’s training six days a week to make sure he’s ready for the opportunity. “To be able to travel overseas and represent your county is something that not everyone gets to experience in their sport, so I am so grateful for the opportunity to do this,“ he said. “I am very ready to go and can’t wait to get on the court and compete against the world’s best. Farrar is looking forward to his first opportunity to travel overseas. “Having the opportunity to go to France for the world cup is very exciting,” he said. “Firstly I have never been overseas and to go for the first time to represent my country is unbelievable, a feeling that is hard to describe. “Hopefully I will make my teammates and my country proud.” A fundraising page has been set up to help both players and the Boomerangs get to France. To donate: http://ow.ly/JprU50MsaAM Wednesday, 25 January, 2023 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 21

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Ball winner Handley joins the Tigers David Handley is making the move from Carlton to Werribee for this year’s Victorian Football League season. Werribee announced on Thursday that Handley would join the side for the upcoming season. Handley joined the Blues midway through the 2021 season, playing two games before the season was called off due to COVID-19. Last year, Handley played 16 games having nearly 300 disposals for the season, while kicking seven goals. Werribee football manager Mark Micallef said the club was delighted to secure another strong ball winner with the 23-year-old’s signature. “We’ve been tracking David for nearly two years and are thrilled to have him sign for 2023,” he said. “He reads the game well, has good ball winning ability and can also go forward and hit the scoreboard. “He adds another dimension to our team,

and we look forward to his contribution this season.” Handley is the latest signing for Werribee. West Australian youngster Cameron Anderson joins the club from Western Australian Football League side Claremont. The small rebounding defender represented WA in the 2019 under-18 National Championships before going on to play seven league games for the Tigers over the past two seasons. Micallef said the 21-year-old was an exciting signing for the club. “Cameron’s a hard running defender with elite speed and the ability to take the game on with his run and carry,” he said. “He’s cousins with Collingwood’s Bobby Hill and is looking forward to taking his game to another level here in Victoria. “We think he can learn a lot from our experienced backs and being around the likes of Nick Coughlan and Michael Sodomaco will be great for his development.”

North Ballarat’s Jack Riding’s form in the Ballarat Football League has been rewarded with a VFL contract. The 22-year-old utility enjoyed a dominant 2022 season capped by selection in the BFL team of the year after kicking 37 goals in 16 games. “Jack was identified by our recruiters and was invited to our trial day at the start of pre-season,” Micallef said. “He really impressed the coaching staff with his application and has quickly adapted to learning our style of play. “He’s got a nice left foot, is damaging forward of the play and around goal, but also has the versatility to play a number of positions on the ground.” Werribee is back training following the Christmas break. Tara Murray David Handley

(Supplied)

Giants resume with a defeat

Werribee Centrals’ Raja Rakay Behram

(Jacob Pattison)315347_08

Consistency a key aim By Tara Murray Werribee Centrals are searching for consistency in the final few rounds of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 3. Results wise it has been a pretty tough season, with wins few and far between, but for the most part Centrals have been in the contest. Centrals president Luke Allister said while they had no expectations heading into this season, the side wasn’t where they would like to be. “We had a good start to the year,” he said. “We’ve been in most games. We’ve been outplayed in two or three games, but we’ve lost key moments in games that have cost us three or four games this season. “We’re definitely looking for consistency. We’re a brand new team with a lot of fresh faces and still learning to play together.” Allister said there had been a number of positives this season among the side. Jacob Russell has returned after a couple of years off and is an important player in the side. A couple of younger players are also making their mark. 22 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 25 January, 2023

“Thomas Giallo and Lleyton Purcell are both 15-year-olds and have stepped up from the seconds,” Allister said. “Both were out there for more than 100 balls [in this game]. It’s about getting more consistency with the older guys around them. “It’s about learning and taking things into the next few years.” On Saturday, Centrals fell short against the Williamstown Imperials. Centrals were bowled out for 168 on day one of the match. Allister said they were happy to win the toss so they didn’t have to field in the heat, but they didn’t get as many runs as they would have liked. He said closer to 200 would have been a better score. The Imperials then had to face four overs at the end of the day. They got through unscathed and resumed at 0-2. Speaking before day two, Allister said they needed early wickets if they were to have any chance of getting the win. It wasn’t the case with the Imperials getting to 70 without losing a wicket. The wickets started to fall from then, but the Imperials got home, finishing 8-169.

Jayden Golowka and Usman Ashraf took three wickets each for Centrals. Centrals sit in ninth spot after 10 rounds. One bright side for Centrals is the T20 competition, with the side through to finals. Allister said it is nice to progress through to the next round and they were aiming to go deep in the competition as they look for on field success. Meanwhile in other division 3 matches, Point Cook knocked off ladder leaders Grand United. Chasing Grand United’s 134, Point Cook chased the runs five wickets down. Point Cook was eventually bowled out for 177. Gurbaksh Khaira top scored with 59. Point Cook sits third on the ladder. In division 4, Bellbridge beat Williamstown Congs. Chasing the Congs 191, Bellbridge did it with ease, finishing 2-204. It was Bellbridge’s third win for the season. In division 5, Sanctuary Lakes lost to Sunshine YCW. The Sharks were bowled out for 119 in reply to Sunshine YCW’s 137.

Werribee Giants’ hopes of pushing into the Baseball Victoria summer league division 2 top five received a set back on Sunday. In the first round back after the Christmas break, the Giants were keen to get an early win to put the pressure back on the top sides. The Giants faced fourth placed Doncaster at Doncaster’s diamond in Deep Creek. The match was a high scoring one, with Doncaster getting over the line, winning 14-8. The result has the Giants in seventh place, having played 13 matches. The Giants this week face Port Melbourne at Port Melbourne on Sunday. It was a tough day for the Giants women’s side on Saturday against Port Melbourne in division 3 west. It was a good test for the Giants facing the ladder leading Port Melbourne, but they fell short, losing 13-4 at home. The Giants sit fifth on the ladder with seven wins from their 12 matches. There is a division wide bye this weekend in the women’s division 3 competition. The Giants next match is on February 4 against Fitzroy. Meanwhile it was a big week for Giants young gun Addison Bishop-Worn, who was part of the Victorian under-18 team for the national championships. The Victorian side came away with a bronze medal, beating New South Wales 13-4 in the final. Bishop-Worn said before the event that he was excited to see where he stood against the best under-18 players from across Australia.

Addison Worn-Bishop (Supplied)

McDonald heads home to the States on a high American Jessica McDonald leaves Western United on a high as she helped the side to another win on Saturday in the A-League Women’s competition. Having signed a short term contract to join United for its inaugural season, McDonald has been influential in helping the side to an 8-1 record. On Saturday, she played a role in both United’s goals as they beat the Brisbane Roar 2-0 and cement the side’s spot at the top of the table. Speaking on the A-League coverage following the game, McDonald said her time at United had been fun. “I would definitely have to say it was a fun season,” she said. “I know I’ve said that before, but it truly was to obviously come here and help create a winning environment and that was my goal when I came down here. But to also have fun and one incredible thing that I have done at the end of the day … This is just the cherry on top but created new friendships. “These are such incredible human beings that I was able to play on the field with… I’m just so grateful for that and grateful for what my job brings to the table and that’s

Jessica McDonald has played her last match for Western United.

creating many friendships around the world and back.” McDonald said her biggest goal when coming down to Australia was to have the biggest impact possible. For the world-cup

(Joe Mastroianni). 309000_06

winning star, it was also a chance to get some confidence back. “This journey has honestly … truly humbled me and especially to come down here and make the sacrifice that I made to obviously

leave my son. We wanted to end it with a bang and being eight and one before I leave, I mean it doesn’t get any better than that to help create a winning program.” McDonald said making the journey to Australia and United had been bittersweet with having to leave her son back home. She said it was what she needed to do to continue her career which is at the back end. “My son, he’s at an age where he understands the sacrifice that I’m making,” she said. “But at the end of the day, this was the journey that I had to continue on in my career because I lost a lot of confidence last season in 2022 as a footballer, and one thing I really wanted to do this offseason, coming down here to play for Western was to have fun and gain more confidence. “So that’s exactly what I did. And I’ll definitely leave here satisfied and I know my son at the end of the day will be proud of me.” McDonald said there had been offers to stick around in Australia long term, but for now she rejoins Racing Louisville FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Watching from the other side of the world, McDonald said she sees a deep finals run for the team in the future. Tara Murray

Woodsmen, Cats through

Nathan Taylor. (Joe Mastroianni). 270159_07

The Tigers sneak home By Tara Murray Experience is showing through for Werribee as the two-time reigning champions move back into the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association east-west top six. After struggling in the earlier parts of the season, the Tigers have won their last four games and are getting on a roll. On Saturday, they accounted for Altona in the first two-dayer since before COVID-19, winning with one wicket in hand. While the Tigers are winning, skipper Tim O’Brien knows that they aren’t playing their best cricket. He said experience was paying off for them in tight situations. “We have won some close games,” he said. “We’re not firing on all stops, but we’re getting over the line in close games. “Towards the back end our experience is showing through. It was Michael Kelly this week and Jonathon Burton the round before. “In those situations at the end, the experience helped to get us across the line.” The Tigers entered day two of their match with the A’s on top.

The A’s were bowled out for just 133 in 57.1 overs on day one. Burton took three wickets. The Tigers lost two early wickets to be 2-38 at stumps. Day two belonged to the A’s. “We had a very good first day,” he said. “We definitely didn’t want to lose two wickets overnight, but we were still in a good position. “They probably won the second day, with us hitting the winning runs nine down. It was certainly a good game of cricket.” The Tigers needed four runs for victory when they lost their ninth wicket. O’Brien said there were a few nervous moments. “Mitchell [Cullen], who used to play for Altona, came in at number 11 with four overs to go,” he said. “He was a bit nervous being nine down.” The Tigers were eventually bowled out for 163. O’Brien, who was not out over night, top scored with 60, while Kelly made 34 coming in at number 10. The Tigers now sit in fifth spot after 11 rounds.

O’Brien knows the hard work is only just starting. “It’s very close,” he said. “Top spot is only three points ahead of us and seventh is three points behind us. “We need to keep winning to play finals.” The matches don’t get much bigger than this round, with the Tigers facing local rival Hoppers Crossing. The Cats sit in fourth spot. They are coming off a massive win against Williamstown. Needing 296 for victory, the Cats finished 7-297, hitting the winning runs with eight balls remaining. Sanka Abeyruwan top scored with 71. O’Brien said they were looking forward to the challenge. “It’s a big game, it’s the local rivalry,” he said. “It’s normally a good game of cricket. “They’re coming off a big win and they’re usually around the mark for finals at this time of year. “We have got them earlier in the season the last few years, this time we get them in the back end.”

Spotswood and Hoppers Crossing are through to the next round of the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association T20 competition, but Melton was the unlucky team to miss out. The three teams finished the first two rounds undefeated, along with six other teams. With just eight teams progressing through to the next round, ninth-placed Melton missed out on percentage. The second round of the competition got underway on Tuesday night, with some matches affected by heavy rain. Plenty Valley and Kew’s match was declared a tie and the points shared, while some other matches were also not completed, but results were still awarded. Spotswood made it two from two against Altona. The Woodsmen made 5-157 from their overs with Jarrod Martignago top scoring with 63 off 43 balls. It was all single wicket takers for Altona. The A’s started their innings well and at 2-93 were looking on track. But the wickets started to fall leaving the A’s short, finishing 8-147. James Grubb finished with 41 off 28 balls. Muhammad Arslan Khan took four weeks for the Woodsmen. Hoppers Crossing won through to the next round by beating Yarraville. The Cats made 7-166 from their overs with Brett Smith top scoring with 66. The Eagles were 2-34 off 8.4 overs when the rain hit. Melton continued its good form, beating Werribee. The Tigers made 8-125 from their overs with Luke Reid top scored with 54. Stephen Wiig took two wickets for the Lions. The Lions hit the winning runs with five balls remaining, finishing 6-126. Anthony Hibbert top scored with 56 not out at the top of the order.

Wednesday, 25 January, 2023 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 23

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