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5 MARCH, 2025
Colourful celebration Wyndham Holi is gearing up for eight hours of action-packed fun to mark one the biggest events on the Hindu calendar. The festival of colour will dazzle President’s Park in Wyndham Vale on Saturday, March 15 with rides, raffles, fireworks and even a cameo from the Easter Bunny. Truly a multicultural festivity, the event is open to everyone, with no rituals to follow, just pure fun for all backgrounds. Younger members of the community wanting to actively participate can join the AFL activities, kick a soccer goal competition and the dance competition. Live music, dance performances, colourful powder throws and delicious food that will stimulate all five senses. Showcasing local artists and businesses, the event is a platform for local talent to shine. Founded by Vinayak Kolape 11 years ago, the event not only celebrates diversity but also aims to strengthen the community, foster business growth, and enhance the area’s reputation as a vibrant and welcoming destination.
Kushagra Bendale, Neha Kolape and Samarth Turekar are ready to celebrate Holi in President’s Park. (Attie Mohebali) 460429_01
Move to save Tarneit cafe Wyndham Council may intervene to prevent the demolition of Little Growling Cafe in Tarneit. At a council meeting on Tuesday, February 25, councillor Josh Gilligan proposed that council explore rezoning the site at 180 Davis Road with the intent of preserving its commercial features. He called for a report that would include a valuation of the site, its potential acquisition and authorise the CEO to engage in discussions with Frasers Property Australia, the current owner of the location.
Cr Gilligan referred to a community petition in 2024 which garnered hundreds of signatures calling for intervention to save the site in Tarneit West. “[Having the cafe] means the opportunity to have a place to go and socialise– this is something worth saving,” he said. “These are all these estates have in Tarneit other than rows of housing. “Tarneit West is in desperate need of more options than just housing.” Supporting the motion, councillor Preet Singh said it was important that Tarneit and neighbouring Truganina are “not just a city of houses.”
“More shopping and commercial sites are needed in the area,” he said. Cr Robert Szatkowski, in whose ward the cafe is located, said while he supported the idea in principle, several aspects concerned him. Cr Szatkowski said the notice of motion should have been conducted in two parts, a public meeting and a confidential one, to avoid the council being priced out. “It may make it beyond our scope – we might be pushed out of affording it,” he said. Speaking against the motion, councillor Jennie Barrera said she would not support
intervention action and that it was “not our job.” “I think it was built for the purpose of selling houses.” Councillor Jasmine Hill also objected saying “It is well intended, but premature and financially unsound.” In reply Cr Gilligan addressed the suggestion council should not play an intervening role, saying that it is reasonable to do so for broader social purposes. “Because if we don’t, who will – we may as well pack up and go home,” he said. The motion was carried 9-2. The report is due by October.
12744558-FR10-25
By Jaidyn Kennedy