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7 MAY, 2025
Mum’s bundle of new love
Rupinder Kaur Rekhi and husband Gagandeep Singh Rehkhi with their 2-day-old son. (Damjan Janevski) 475083_06
While many mothers will be receiving breakfast in bed or handmade cards this Mother’s Day, Rupinder Kaur Rekhi will be spending her Mother’s Day cradling the newest addition to her family – a little baby boy. For Ms Rehki and her husband Gagandeep Singh Rekhi, the arrival of their son has been a heartwarming and emotional experience, bringing a mix of emotions and deep reflection. “It’s mixed feelings when you go into labour of course,” Ms Rekhi said. “But after that it’s all well – when we see the baby, it makes it all worth it.” While Mother’s Day might be a little more low-key this year, there will still be room for celebration. “Grandmother is here so maybe we will go out and have dinner to celebrate,” Ms Rekhi said. For Mr Rehki, witnessing his wife’s labour gave him renewed appreciation for the strength of mothers everywhere. “When I see my wife giving birth, I get even more respect for motherhood. I always have more respect for my mother and for my wife, for every mother in this world,” he said.
Carjacking nightmare The victim of a carjacking at Pacific Werribee is urging other young women to be cautious around the area. Alisha, 19, who works at the shopping centre, said she was confronted by a masked male carrying a machete in the Coles car park at about 1.50pm on Monday, April 28. “I was driving into the plaza, didn’t notice anyone following me, I was just going in there to go shopping,” Alisha said, who asked that Star Weekly not publish her surname. She said a car pulled up behind her, but didn’t initially alarm her. “Someone opened my door, and I just assumed it was someone I knew trying to scare me,” Alisha said.
According to Alisha, the machete-wielding male, who she described as no older than herself, demanded she get out of the car and hand over her keys and phone. Frightened for her safety, Alisha did as she was ordered. The man drove off with Alisha’s car. Alisha said a female and three other men were in the other car. She said she thought she was going to die and is still coming to terms with the terrifying ordeal. “It’s so hard for me to speak at the moment. I keep picturing in my head, and hearing the guy with the machete,” she said. “I haven’t been to work, and at the moment, I can’t even drive past the plaza, let alone be there. I’ve just been at home, and I guess it’s
pretty boring, but normally I’m out every night with the girls going on drives and stuff.” Alisha said she has struggled sleeping and is seeking counselling. “I’ve definitely been having struggles trying to fall asleep, been envisioning it over and over in my head,” she said. “I haven’t been out of the house by myself and every time I get out of the car, I have to look behind me.” Her friends and colleagues have also become fearful, Alisha said. “Most of my friends work at the plaza as well, and they park where I park, so they’ve been on edge.” She said given the volume of foot traffic at the plaza, increased security measures and police presence in the area is worth
consideration. A Pacific Werribee spokesperson said the centre’s security personnel were supporting police with an investigation. “The safety and wellbeing of our entire Werribee community is always our overriding priority and something we take very seriously,” the spokesperson said. Alisha warned others to be wary when driving or parking alone in shopping centre carparks. “You don’t think it’s going to happen to you until it does.” Victoria Police was contacted for comment. Anyone who may have witnessed the carjacking or has information about the incident can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Spoil mum with a home cooked breakfast using Casaccio Eggs. www.casaccioeggfarms.com.au 170-198 Bulban Road, Werribee. | 9741 0185 Monday – Friday: 9am to 4pm | Saturday & Sunday: 9am to 1pm
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By Jaidyn Kennedy