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12 MARCH, 2025
Womenspire gives hugs Tarneit will be the place to be on Thursday, March 20 when Womenspire hosts its third International Women’s Day celebration. This year will be even more special because Womenspire will partner with Big Group Hug. Womenspire founder Priyanka Chowdary said the event, which started as a small gathering three years ago, has grown into a thriving movement, fuelling confidence, collaboration, and action among women. For Ms Chowdary, supporting Big Group Hug goes beyond just helping out a charity. “Powered by passionate volunteers and a strong community spirit, Big Group Hug proves that small acts of generosity can create a huge impact,” she said. “Recognising and supporting them means being part of something bigger, a hug that wraps around children and families when they need it most!” She believes the importance of taking the time to recognise women lies in helping them recognise their own potential. “We’ve seen first-hand how recognition fuels confidence, opens doors, and strengthens connections,” she said. “Women who once hesitated to step forward are now leading, mentoring, and inspiring others.”
Back Carmen Aquilina, Ann Butcher and Venus Kati. Front: Sonal Dang and Priyanka Chowdary (Ljubica Vrankovic) 462370_01
Transport is a top need By Jaidyn Kennedy Wyndham needs faster train services, more bus routes, expanded library services and more pools, according to Infrastructure Victoria’s 2025-2055 30-year infrastructure strategy. The Wyndham Vale corridor was listed as a priority for train services, with the report suggesting that moving the weekday Melton V/ Line services to Wyndham Vale would provide a 10 minute service to stations such as Tarneit. According to the report, the increased V/ Line services would halve waiting times and be a first step in extending and electrifying these services. The report also said the state government should begin planning for bus rapid transit by
completing a detailed assessment of routes. Five routes were prioritised to progress by the early 2030s, including routes from Tarneit to Maribyrnong and Point Cook to Watergardens. “Our research shows that rapid transit buses should run every 5 minutes during peak hours, and every 10 minutes at other times to offer a convenient and fast alternative to driving, especially in growth areas,” an Infrastructure Victoria spokesperson said. Wyndham was deemed to have poor access to aquatic centres and that the need for new or expanded library services was ‘urgent,’ as rapid population growth will incease demand for both. Wyndham Mayor Mia Shaw said the council welcomed the report’s analysis of the
region’s needs. “This reaffirms our position for many years, particularly around the provision of aquatic facilities, libraries, rail connections, and better buses in our rapidly growing City,” she said. Committee for Wyndham chair Craig Kennedy said that “any kind of additional public transport would be welcome.” While supporting increased bus and train services, and extended bus routes, he said he was disappointed to not see any plans for a train station near Avalon Airport due its potential to be a “huge employment precinct” for Wyndham residents. “People from Wyndham who would want to work in that precinct, can’t because there’s no train station,” he said.
“If you don’t have your own vehicle, it’s almost impossible for you to work there. “It could also be a gateway for tourism.” The extension of the smart motorway network ( information, communications and control systems incorporated in and alongside the road) along the Princes Freeway to Werribee was listed as a way to complete the network by incorporating Melbourne’s growth areas. Expanded TAFE services and a collaboration between The Gordon and Victoria University were proposed as a way to potentially address limited trade and construction offerings in Werribee. To read the report go to https://www. infrastructurevictoria.com.au/resources/draft30-year-strategy
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