29 JANUARY, 2025
Calling all radio heads Hamfest is back and everyone is invited to learn about the spirit of amateur radio and gain some handy skills in the process. Hosted by the Wyndham Amateur Radio Club (WARC) on Sunday, February 23 at the Encore Events Centre in Hoppers Crossing, the event is the only one of its kind in the western suburbs. Amateur radio, also called ham radio, is a popular hobby and service that unites people, electronics and communications. Through ham radio, many expand into other DIY communications projects that involve solid state, discrete components Arduino, Picaxe or PC. Younger members of the community are encouraged to try out the hands-on activity and even work towards a foundation licence– which permits them to operate on the airwaves. The youngest member of the WARC to gain their foundation licence was 10 and is now 15 undertaking further studies in the field. Last year in September, 11 and 13-year-old members of the WARC passed the exam with 100 per cent,
John Forrester, Sam Huang, Danna 12, Cooper 14, Josh Way, Alison Kuzminski, Andrew Sluggett and Robert Buchanan. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 454802_01
Road cash a ‘huge’ win By Jaidyn Kennedy Road upgrades in Werribee announced by the federal and state governments are expected to reduce congestion, improve travel times and provide relief to the region’s motorists. On Thursday January 23, it was announced that $333.5 million will be invested in the Werribee Main Road–Princes Freeway Interchange Upgrade and the Ballan Road Intersection Upgrade. Wyndham Mayor Mia Shaw said council welcomed the investments, calling it “a huge advocacy win for Wyndham”. “It will significantly reduce congestion for the 150,000 residents who use the interchange
each day,” Cr Shaw said. “Ongoing investment in road networks for our community is essential and helps strengthen connectivity across the city, increases employment opportunities and boosts economic growth.” She said council appreciates the funding from the federal and state governments. “Importantly, we look forward to understanding the timelines for delivery of this project.” The Werribee Main Road–Princes Freeway Interchange Upgrade will add more traffic lights at key intersections, a roundabout at the Princes Freeway exit ramp to Wests Road, a new lane to the Werribee Main Road
bridge, and an improved citybound entry ramp. The state government claims the upgrade will increase traffic capacity and reduce bottlenecks that cause dangerous queuing in peak periods. The Ballan Road Intersection Upgrade in Wyndham Vale will replace the current roundabout with traffic lights at McGrath, Ballan and Greens roads and install “better” walking and cycling paths. The state governments said both projects will build on the Ison Road Overpass and Extension, which is expected to be completed next year, and will allow motorists to travel seamlessly in and around Werribee’s town
centre. Lalor MP Joanne Ryan, who attended the announcement, said the federal government is committed to building Wyndham’s future. “This investment in essential local infrastructure will reduce congestion, ease the travel burden for residents commuting to work, and, most importantly, ensure that they return home safely,” Ms Ryan said. The two upgrades will be carried out by Major Road Projects Victoria and are expected to create 1624 jobs during the construction phase. Construction timelines are expected to be confirmed once detailed design plans progress further.
Bingo is coming... 12744479-JV04-25
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Every Wednesday, starting February 5 10:30am in our Bistro Turn to the back page to see what else is happening this February at