Star Weekly - Wyndham - 1st May 2024

Local in feel good movie

When Point Cook actor Kaarin Fairfax is asked why people should go and see the new film she stars in ‘What About Sal’, she gives a simple but compelling answer: it’ll make you feel good.

“I have lots of friends that say to me, ‘I would love to be able to watch something that’s uplifting that’s not full of violence or negativity’, said Fairfax, who’s appeared on screens and stages since the early 1980’s.

“I think [the film] gives us hope that people are good and that good things can happen.

“The story takes you through the journey of this boy [Sal] whose mother is dying and decides he needs to find his father,” said Fairfax who plays the mother Sophie. “We basically follow the story of Sal trying to find his dad in a world that doesn’t really know how to help him,” she said of Sal who has Down Syndrome.

While conceding that the material is heavy, Fairfax said the film is very funny and the performances, particularly that of Down Syndrome actor Gerard O’Dwyer who plays Sal, are remarkable. What About Sal was launched at Cinema Nova in Carlton last week and will open to the public at the same venue from May 2.

Shake up for aged care

By Cade Lucas

Wyndham council will cease providing aged care services by the end of this year, a change which will affect 700 elderly residents and result in job losses.

The changes, which will come into effect on December 31, have been made in response to the federal government’s upcoming reforms to the way aged care services are funded and delivered.

By moving from a direct service to an assisted service model, council run programs will be shut down and replaced by the 120 aged care providers currently operating in Wyndham.

Among the council services set to go are home maintenance and modifications, cleaning and household chore assistance, personal care such as showering and dressing, community social activities, respite for carers, delivered meals, Lunch with the Bunch, 121 transport and community transport.

Job losses are expected and it’s believed some employees have already been informed that they will be made redundant come the end of the year.

Wyndham mayor Jennie Barrera, said council was working closely with affected residents to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.

“We are committed to assisting these

residents and their families or carers understand and navigate these changes,” Cr Barrera said.

“Council will continue offering these services until the end of 2024 to give current clients ample time to move to a new provider.”

Cr Barrera said the changes reflected the results of community consultation on aged care in Wyndham, which showed residents didn’thaveapreferredprovideroutofcouncil, community agencies or the private sector.

“The results also showed that 29 per cent of respondents want council to prioritise helping older residents to understand the aged care system and connect them to services; and 26 per cent want council to support aged

care service providers expand their services across Wyndham,” she said, adding that council would still provide support to elderly residents.

“As we transition out of delivering these services, council will strengthen our role in sector support, advocacy and support for the aged care community. We will do this by increasing our investment in the Community Connector Program, which provides residents with access to the information, support and services that they need, when and where they need them, helping to ensure that no one falls through the gaps.”

For more information, go to https://www. wyndham.vic.gov.au/aged-care-ndis-reforms

Cade Lucas

Point Cook actor Kaarin Fairfax stars in the new film ‘What About Sal’ alongside Wolf Creek star John Jarratt. (Damjan Janevski) 403789_01

Draft budget ‘reckless’ says Cr

By Cade Lucas

Wyndham deputy mayor Josh Gilligan has called for council to redistribute funding set aside in its draft 2024-25 budget for a road widening project in Little River, labelling the budget allocation as ‘reckless’.

The draft budget received unanimous support at a meeting of Wyndham council on Tuesday, April 23, and is now on public display until May 25.

CrGilligansaidaLittleRiverroadwidening project of up to $26 to $28 million had been included in the draft budget.

“This is a suburb [Little River] that pays about $800,000 in rates and councillors are recklessly voting for a road widening project of an amount up to $26 to $28 million,” he said.

“This is a project I will not support in the

final round when this does come back and that is money that should be redistributed because that is … entirely funded on debt that people in Truganina, Tarneit, need to pay for.

“Notasingleofficerinthiscounciloperation has provided me with a business case that shows the cost benefit of delivery of widening this road.

“Shut down the amount of roads that exist along Little River that are unsustainable because there are very few roads in and out of Point Cook, Tarneit and Truganina.”

Council is planning to spend $164 million in capital works over the next financial year, according to the draft budget.

A budgeted operating surplus of $245.7 million is proposed for 2024-25, which includes subdivision assets, developer contributions and capital grants.

The underlying result excluding assets,

contributions and grants is a surplus of $102 million, but once depreciation and amortisation totalling $130 million is factored in, the budget has an underlying deficit of $28 million.

An increase in rates is consistent with the average 2.75 per cent rate cap set by the state government, while other user fees and charges will generally rise by four per cent in keeping with CPI.

The capital works budget of $164 million includes $58 million for recreational, leisure and community facilities, $52 million for roads, $13 million for parks, open space and streetscapes and another $13 million for property, such as land improvements and heritage buildings.

After receiving legal advice, council is proposing to use some of the near $40 million in legacy developer contributions for Point

Graduate nurses are ready to care

For Holly Jane Silvester and Janice O’Brien, becoming nurses at Werribee Mercy Hospital (WMH) was a natural progression.

MsSilvester,22,wasbornatthehospitaland grew up in Werribee aspiring to be a nurse.

For Irish born Ms O’Brien, the journey has been less straightforward, but still filled with signpostspointingtohereventualdestination.

The 41 year old is the daughter of a nurse and grew up in the Irish city of Cork where their local hospital was run by nuns from the Sisters of Mercy.

Cook on the Jamieson Way Masterplan Implementation stage one and two allocating $750,000 and $5 million respectively.

Council currently owes $15 million in external borrowings.

Cr Mia Shaw said some older suburbs, such as Hoppers Crossing and parts of Werribee and Wyndham Vale, were being neglected while money is spent on growth areas, pointed to drainage works at K Road cliffs as an example.

“This is a $24 million project and only $800,000 has been allocated this upcoming financial year,” Cr Shaw told the chamber.

“I’ll be frank it was originally going to be zero, it was going to come into the budget on allocations and I have had to fight hard to get the budget allocated for this project to start.”

The 2024-25 budget will return to council for a final vote on June 25.

Armed robbery charges laid

A Point Cook man will remain in custody after appearing in court over the weekend charged with a series of armed robberies in Melbourne’s west during April.

Thirty-year-old James Siaosi was arrested in Point Cook on Friday, April 26 and charged with two counts of armed robbery, two counts of attempted armed robbery and three counts of possessing an imitation firearm.

He faced the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Saturday, April 27 and was remanded to appear again on July 22.

The charges against Mr Siaosi relate to four alleged incidents earlier this month, three of which were in Wyndham.

At about 2pm on Monday, April 15 a man entered a store on Duncans Road, Werribee South, armed with a weapon. He allegedly made demands for cash before the shop keeper declined and chased the man out of the store.

Despite their differences in age and background, both Ms Silvester and Ms O’Brien recently completed WMH’s graduate nursing program together and now work full-time at the hospital.

“I love that every day is different and you don’t know what’s going to come in,” said Ms O’Brien who works at WMH’s emergency department.

“It helps you grow because you’re learning something new every single day.”

After arriving in Australia with her boyfriend and now husband 14 years ago, the O’Briens settled in Wyndham and had two kids, both born at the hospital where their mother now works.

Like Ms O’Brien, Ms Silvester started the WMH graduate program in January 2023 and finished at the end of January this year.

“Pediatrics was always something I wanted to do,” said Holly Jane of the ward where she is now works as a permanent employee while also undertaking postgraduate study.

“I’m really specialising and putting myself into a niche little corner for being a children’s nurse, so I’ll do that for the foreseeable future really,” she said.

Cade Lucas

About 3.30am on Tuesday April 23, the man then allegedly threatened a worker at a fast-food restaurant on the corner of Morris and Heaths roads in Hoppers Crossing. He demanded cash and fled empty-handed.

Then at about 4am later the same morning, it is alleged a man attended a service station on Point Cook Road, Point Cook and threatened the shop attendant with a firearm, demanding cash.

The attendant handed over the money and the man fled in a vehicle.

The following evening at about 9pm on Wednesday April 24, the man allegedly threatened a worker at a business in Brooklyn.

Findings show female students are being left behind in financial literacy

A female-led recruitment social enterprise operating across Melbourne’s west has joined calls to improve financial literacy standards among school-aged girls.

Earlier this month the Financial Basics Foundation released findings that girls were leaving school with a lower standard of financial education than their male counterparts.

The synthesis of peer reviewed research found that although schools offer classes in this area, the delivery of this course material negatively impacts girls’ confidence and

engagement, leaving them at a disadvantage when they enter the workforce.

Often key skills such as budgeting, saving and investment are lumped into mathematics classes, where girls often underperform.

Sally Caruana is the founder of Sheforce, a social enterprise designed specifically to get more women into the workforce and to provide job training where necessary.

Ms Caruana said she has seen many women seeking employment but lacking key skills.

“Most of our people at Sheforce come from disadvantaged backgrounds and have not had

the support and guidance at home,” she said.

“We built our Sheforce wellness program to focus on supporting our people in the areas of health, wellbeing and financial literacy to assist in making good decisions and planning for their future so they retire with enough.

“Women are the future face of poverty and homelessness in Australia, they need to become financially independent to retire comfortably and not in poverty.”

Joint research published by the University of South Australia and the the University of Adelaide found that women tagged 55 or older

were the fasting growing group of homeless people in Australia.

Financial Basics Foundation chief executive Katrina Samios said there needs to be a shift in current practices to support future generations.

“We know that financial wellbeing is inextricably linked to our individual and social wellbeing,” she said.

“We also know that schools have a key role toplayinthesocial,emotionalandintellectual development and wellbeing of their students.”

Holly Jane Silvester and Janice O’Brien are Mercy Health nursing graduates at Werribee Mercy. (Damjan Janevski) 403298_01

Boutique cinema on the cards

By Cade Lucas

The Picture Palais building in Werribee could become a boutique cinema as part of plans to refresh the city centre.

Thefutureofthehistoricbuildinghasbeena source of speculation since Wyndham council paid $4.4 million to purchase it in February. Currently home to a Cash Converters outlet, the former movie theatre could return to its former use under the draft Werribee City Centre Plan passed by Wyndham council on April 23.

The prospect of the Picture Palais building being converted into a boutique cinema is mooted as part of plans to turn the surrounding Station Place into a dining and entertainment precinct.

It’s one the so-called ‘big moves’ or high impact projects mentioned in the draft city centre plan which is now open for public feedback.

Wyndham deputy mayor Josh Gilligan said with Wyndham one of the fastest growing regions in Victoria, Werribee’s city centre

needed to grow and develop with it.

“The forecast population for the region by 2040 of 505,822 will make it bigger than the current size of Canberra,” he said.

“The refreshed Werribee City Centre Plan is designedtohelpshapethatgrowthinawaythe community prefers.”

The current draft plan was itself informed by community feedback provided last year and

the latest round of consultation is taking place online and in drop-in sessions until May 22.

Cr Gilligan said given the growth of the Werribee city centre and its importance to the rest of Wyndham, extensive consultation was required.

“Planning for growth is important as Werribee is acknowledged as a Major Activity Centre and part of the Werribee National

Employment and Innovation Cluster by the state government,” he said.

“The Werribee City Centre has attracted a number of hospitality and accommodation businesses,whichhaveincreasedby37% since pre-COVID levels in 2019, with ten new businesses opening in the last 12 months.

“Many of these local business owners, cut their teeth in city venues and have chosen to bring their experience and passion back to their own neighbourhood here in Werribee, particularly in relation to our restaurant scene in Watton Street.”

Along with Station Place, the plan incorporates Watton Street, and Synnot Street in to a central precinct with a focus on employment, while the northern, eastern and western edges of the central city form a perimeterprecinctofmixeduseandresidential development.

Wyndham Park, Chirnside Park, Werribee RacecourseandEagleStadiumareincorporated into a river and recreation precinct.

To provide feedback, visit: www.theloop. wyndham.vic.gov.au

Wyndham good sports nominated for awards

Rebecca Johnstone’s efforts to revive netball participation rates in Wyndham post COVID 19, has resulted in her being named a finalist in this year’s Victorian Sports Awards.

Ms Johnstone and the Wyndham Netball Association (WNA) are in the running for the Sport and Active Recreation Initiative of the Year award for their Positive Starts program.

The program had its beginnings in November, 2022, when Ms Johnstone, who is assistant principal at Wyndham Secondary College, joined the WNA board and proposed the idea of creating a partnership between the association and the Department of Education and Training’s Positive Starts netball grants program.

Offeringparticipantscomplimentary‘Train

Like a Vixen’ skills sessions, Ms Johnstone secured funding for primary schools and secondary school participation, recruited ten coaches to support the program and ensured transportation expenses were covered to eliminate schools’ financial concerns.

In all, 2161 students participated across 12 schools and 20 year levels, revitalising the local netball scene.

Despitethesuccessofheridea,MsJohnstone was still surprised to have been nominated.

“I must admit, when I first heard about this nomination, I was genuinely taken aback, it’s not every day that one finds themselves in the running for such a prestigious award,” she said.

“ I am truly shocked and deeply honoured to have been selected among such remarkable

Rebecca Johnstone is a finalist in the Victorian Sports Awards for her work with the Wyndham Netball Association. (Damjan Janevski) 402229_01

individuals. I honestly believe this is just a part of my normal work, so it’s been nice to receive recognition for it.”

Ms Johnstone joins BMX racer, Cameron Gatt, as Wyndham finalists in the Victorian Sports Awards.

Gatt, who last year took out the 15-16 age group BMX world championship, is nominated for Young Athlete of the Year.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony on June 12.

Cade Lucas

Plan ahead and allow extra travel time for

Saturday 4 May 2024

CityLink inbound between Flemington Road and Footscray Road will be closed at night on Saturday 4 May from 11pm—7am

Detours will be in place, but remember to check before you travel and allow extra time.

Cameron Gatt , 15, finalist for Vic Sport Junior Athlete of the Year 2023. (Damjan Janevski) 402229_05

A rendering of the Picture Palais building as a boutique cinema contained in draft plans for the Werribee city centre.

Wyndham wins growth funding

By Cade Lucas

Almost $180 million worth of infrastructure funding is headed for Wyndham after the latest round of Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution(GAIC)fundingwasannounced by the state government on Wednesday.

Funded by contributions from developers buying and developing land in Melbourne’s growth suburbs, the GAIC fund awarded Wyndham more than $112 million for community infrastructure projects and $65 million for public transport projects.

Bus services were an especially big winner, with more than $60 million allocated for new routes and services across the municipality, with $39,732,000 for a new fixed route service in Tarneit and $21,473,000 for a new connectionbetweenHarpleyandCornerstone estate’s and Wyndham Vale Station.

More than half of the funding allocated towards building community infrastructure will go towards the Ison Road overpass which will receive $60 million for a road link.

Almost $30 million has been provided to purchasethesiteofaproposednewgovernment school in Wollahara, while $14 million will pay for land acquisition and construction of new SES facilities in Tarneit and Wyndham Vale.

Wyndham Vale will also receive a new

Ambulance Victoria branch, with the project awarded nearly $8 million.

With more than two-thirds of Wyndham’s GAIC funding going to projects within his electorate, Werribee MP and state treasurer Tim Pallas, was understandably pleased with the announcement.

“Werribeewillsoonbehometoanewschool, more emergency services, better transport connections thanks to our government’s nearly $130 million investment in our growing community,” Mr Pallas said.

The investment in buses has been welcomed by public transport advocates such as Sustainable Cities who’ve been calling for improved connectivity and frequency in Wyndham through their Better Buses for the West campaign.

However, Sustainable Cities spokesperson Adam Bain said it needed to be the start not the end of improvements.

“While this is good news for communities in those areas, It is vital that the government doesn’t lose focus from delivering the bus plan, announced almost 3 years ago,” Mr Bain said.

“Established residential areas are not eligible for GAIC funding, yet still require service and route upgrades after decades of underfunding and inaction. We cannot let the west fall behind.”

Take advantage of free skin checks in Altona

The Lions Club of Altona, Altona City Rotary and Bunnings Altona will be joining forces to host a skin check van which will provide a free skin checking service across two days.

Lions Club president Martin Case said the van will visit Bunnings on May 18 and 19 to do their part in combating Australia’s skin cancer problem.

“One of my initiatives is to gather community groups to work together and pull together different resources,” he said.

“We have a look at gaps in the government and council and see where we can fill in the gaps.

“Even though Australia has good health care, skin checks aren’t free so we reached out to the skin cancer van people to get it going.”

The van will provide a free skin checking service to local people and will be operated by fully trained, certificated and professionally supervised volunteers.

It is the hope of Mr Case and his colleague,

Altona City Rotary president Danny Civitico, that other institutions will follow in their footsteps.

“We hope other institutions will see this and offer funding for the vans,” Mr Case said.

“We hosted sausage sizzles to raise the funds needed to make it happen and hope we can make this an annual event.”

Mr Civitico said the day is all about raising awareness and helping others,

“It is all about community service, and getting people to check these spots which can become cancerous,” he said.

“We hope to raise awareness about the sun and being safe.”

The air conditioned van has three fully equipped checking rooms and an entry foyer, as well as a disabled lift and entry at the rear. Bookings are required.

Details: https://www.bunnings.com.au/ stores/vic/altona

L-R: Bunnings staff Julie Culliver , Altona City Rotary President Danny Civitico , The Lions Club of Altona President ,Martin Case , member Meredith Blackstock. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 400832_02

Werribee South grower fined

A Werribee South tomato grower has been fined more than $150,000 after admitting to underpaying its employees.

On Monday, the Federal Circuit and Family Court issued a fine of $130,806 against Lotus Farm Pty Ltd and $28,987 against one of the company’sdirectors,SonThai,forunderpaying two employees, falsifying records to hide the underpayments, and making unlawful deductions.

The fines follow an investigation into Lotus Farm by the Fair Work Ombudsmen (FWO), whichreceivedrequestsforassistancefromtwo former employees of the company.

The employees, both from non-English

speaking backgrounds, alleged they were paid unlawfully low hourly rates while working at the farm as pickers and packers.

In a statement, FWO said Lotus Farm admitted it underpaid the two employees in hourly rates, casual loading, overtime and public holiday penalty rates as set out in the Horticulture Industry Award 2010. As a result one worker was underpaid $22,364 and the other $6,167 between June, 2017, and September, 2020. Mr Thai conceded he was involved in the underpayments and also in providing false and misleading pay slips to the FWO, making unlawful deductions from one worker’s pay and failing to make and keep

records as required, according to FWO.

Deputy Chief Judge Patrizia Mercuri characterised the conduct of failing to provide the employees with pay slips, then providing false pay slips to the FWO as “particularly serious”.

“… The provision of misleading information wasclearlyadeliberateactandhadthepotential to derail and or extend the investigation,” she said.

In imposing the penalties, Deputy Chief JudgeMercurinotedtheneedtoreflectinthem “the court’s strong disapproval”.

“This is particularly so given the nature of the industry and the vulnerability of the

affected employees.”

Acting Fair Work Ombudsman Michael Campbell welcomed the penalties and said the employer’s conduct was serious.

“The exploitation of vulnerable, non-English speaking migrant workers is not something we tolerate,” he said. “These substantial penalties against Lotus Farm and its general manager send a clear message that those who attempt to cover up significant underpayments, including with false payslips, will be found out and face costly consequences.”

The underpayments have been paid back in full and Lotus Farm is believed to have introduced changes to prevent a recurrence.

New orchestra strikes a chord across the west

Wyndham might be more outer-west than inner, but that hasn’t stopped Werribee violinist Elisha Gillespie-Lloyd from joining the Inner West Symphony Orchestra .

Founded in October last year by three Yarraville music teachers who realised there was no significant musical outlets for residents in the west, the Inner-West Symphony Orchestra recently held its first official concert at the Williamstown Town Hall.

Among the orchestra members performing pieces by Sibelius, Bizet, Tchaikovsky and local composer George Barsoum at the concert was Gillespie-Lloyd, a private violin teacher in Werribee.

Having not played in a orchestra setting since leaving school, she was perhaps a little too excited by the prospect of doing so again. “I accidently arrived a week too early to

their first rehearsals –I literally couldn’t wait,” said Gillespie-Lloyd, who is a prime example of why the orchestra was established.

After taking up violin aged nine, she progressed through to youth orchestras and string ensembles, but after leaving school,

a lack of local orchestras in Werribee meant she could only perform solo at weddings and events.

Gillespie-Lloyd said the opportunity to join the Inner West Symphony Orchestra had filled a void in her musical career.

“As soon as you arrive at rehearsals you can feel the excitement in the air,” she said.

“The sense of community and the gratitude that we can meet each week to share our love of playing an instrument in a full symphony orchestra – it’s such an honour to be part of. The friendships we have made in such a short period of time is something I am so thankful for.”

The orchestra is planning another concert in July and rehearses every Monday night at Footscray Primary School. Details:www.iwso.com.au

Cade Lucas

Werribee resident Elisha Gillespie-Lloyd performing with the Inner West Symphony Orchestra during its inaugural performance in April.

Youths activate Eid fun

Point Cook Pop-Up Park was lit up on Saturday,April20,withavibrantandbustling celebration of Eid-al-Fitr.

Organised by Activate Youth, the second-everPointCookEidFestivalwitnessed a strong turnout as members of the Wyndham Muslimcommunitycametogethertocelebrate the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

The event included traditional performances, face-painting, games, competitions, and food, while an assortment of stalls showcased local small businesses offering clothing, henna tattoos, perfumes, crafts, and traditional desserts.

Event organiser, Benish Chaudhry, hailed the festival as a stellar success.

“The Eid Festival was not just a celebration for those within the Muslim community but an opportunity to share the beauty of Eid with the wider community,” she said.

“By opening its doors to all, Activate Youth exemplified the spirit of inclusivity and

cultural exchange, inviting individuals from diverse backgrounds to join in the festivities.”

Ms Chaudhry also thanked local organisations such as IREA, UMRA, IMCV, MedicFirst, Viola Community Care, CoLocal andtheWyndhamCommunityandEducation Centre for their support and helping make the festival happen.

Local dignitaries such as Point Cook MP Matthew Hilakari, Wyndham mayor Jennie Barrera, deputy mayor Josh Gilligan and councillor’s Adele Hegedich, Susan McIntyre, and Jasmine Hill were also in attendance.

Activate Youth are already looking ahead to next year’s Eid Fest and are inviting community participation and suggestions to make the event even better.

Those interested in providing suggestions, volunteering or becoming a member are encouraged to follow the @activateyouthau Instagram page.

Cade Lucas

Briefs

Burglary, assault charges

Police have charged a man after an aggravated burglary and assault in Werribee on Saturday, April 27. It is alleged the man gained access to a residence on Cottrell Street about 2.30pm, before he was interrupted by a neighbour. The man then allegedly assaulted the neighbour, before fleeing to a residence a few doors down. It is alleged the man then threatened the residents of this address with a knife. He was arrested on Werribee Street a short time later. The man, a 52-year-old of no fixed address, has been charged with burglary, criminal damage, theft, false imprisonment, assault with weapon, intentionally causing injury, recklessly causing injury, three counts of threats to kill, unlawful assault, three counts of assault with weapon and trespass.

Hoppers Crossing man charged A Hoppers Crossing man has been arrested and charged with a home invasion in the eastern suburbs last year. Detectives arrested the 23-year-old man at his Hoppers Crossing home on Friday, April 26 and charged him with aggravated home invasion, false imprisonment, common law assault and theft. The charges relate to an alleged aggravated home burglary at a residence on Beckett Road, Donvale on June 29, 2023.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au

Wyndham Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Two young participants in traditional dress at the Point Cook Eid Festival on April 20. (supplied)

ADHD app wins Apple accolade

University student Mason Cao has won Apple’s WWDC24 Swift Student Challenge, for the creation of an app designed to help those with ADHD.

The 20-year-old first discovered Swift programming as part of the Apple Foundation Program at RMIT while he was studying a bachelor of computer science.

Mr Cao said the app, MorningDew, is meant to help people with ADHD kick start their day and manage the many distractions mornings can bring.

“For most people when you wake up in the morning you feel groggy, tired and distracted, for people with ADHD it is 1000 times worse,” he said.

Police uncover record number of illegal vapes

A Point Cook man was one of six people arrested last week in relation to the largest seizure of illegal vapes in Australian history.

Almost 500,000 vapes with an estimated street value of more than $15 million, were seized after a warrant was executed by Victoria Police at a West Melbourne warehouse on Wednesday, April 17.

The joint investigation between Victoria Police and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) had only commenced days earlier after police identified that the warehouse was possibly being used by an organised crime syndicate for the trafficking of illicit tobacco products.

Police arrested six men at the Lennon Street property, including a 37-year-old Point Cook man, two 20-year-old Melbourne men, a 31-year-old Southbank man, a 33-year-old Adelaide man and a 24-year-old man of no fixed address.

All six were interviewed and released pending further inquiries.

Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner–Crime Command, Martin O’Brien, said the seizures and arrests were the result of cooperation between state and federal law enforcement.

“Those partnerships are crucial when it comes to our ability to target and disrupt these organised crime groups and the offending taking place here in Victoria,” Assistant Commissioner O’Brien said.

“Over the past 12 months in Victoria we have seen the illicit tobacco market become a significant driver of organised crime groups, with an array of serious and violent offending taking place as these groups fight over profit. Taskforce Lunar was established back in October last year and has worked closely with a range of specialist units including the VIPER Taskforce to target these organised crime groups.

We have seen almost 100 people arrested in connection to illicit tobacco as well as multiple large scale seizures of illegally imported product.”

Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said the latest seizures further vindicated the government’sdecisiontobantheimportation of vapes.

“Our coordinated efforts are working to control a product that has hooked a whole new generation on nicotine,” said Minister Butler.

“Now we need Parliament to pass our legislation to return vaping to its original purpose of helping hardened smokers to quit - as prescribed by their doctor and purchased at a pharmacy like any other prescription.”

The Therapeutic Goods Administration will now take control of the investigation which remains ongoing.

Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppers.com.au

Using his own experiences with ADHD, Mr Cao designed the app in only three weeks, with accessibility and inclusivity in mind to lessen the stigma around ADHD and show how those impacted can be just as high-functioning as anyone else in the workforce.

“PeoplewithADHDmightstartsomething just trying to get through your morning routine, but then other things take your attention,” he said.

“So MorningDew accompanies you on your morning routine, with alarm check ups and encouragement to keep you motivated and on the path to get up and running and getoutwithaslittletimewastingaspossible.”

This is the 13th year of a formal WWDC student program, which Apple created as an opportunity for student developers to showcase their love of coding.

Mr Cao is one of the student developers from all over the world who submitted an entry to the challenge.

He will receive a one-year membership to the Apple Developer Program, a complimentary voucher to take an app development with Swift certification exam, and a gift from Apple.

Mason Cao. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 402319_01

Wyndham stops to remember

By Cade Lucas

Anzac Day commemorations again attracted large crowds in Wyndham last Thursday.

The dawn service at the Werribee Cenotaph was again by far the largest Anzac Day event inthemunicipality,withthousandsgathering in Watton Street and Station Place from 6am on April 25.

Current defence force members and representatives from the Werribee RSL conducted the service, with dignitaries including Werribee MP Tim Pallas and Wyndham mayor Jennie Barrera laying wreaths.

Following the conclusion of the service at 7am, many made their way back to the Werribee RSL for a gunfire breakfast, with gold coin donations going towards assisting veterans.

Others wanting to learn more about Wyndham’s military history made their way across to the Werribee Museum and Historical Society which had opened early for a special Anzac Day display to coincide with the dawn service.

WithWyndhamhavingalreadyhavingheld its traditional pre-Anzac Day march down Watton Street on Sunday, April 21, many then travelled to the city for the Melbourne march, before returning to the Werribee RSL in the afternoon to play two-up and watch football.

Wyndham’s other main dawn service took place at Saltwater Reserve in Point Cook where an estimated crowd of 1000 gathered.

Hosted by Point Cook FC, the service featured a tribute from the club’s No 1 ticket holder, Leanne Down, to Frank McNamara, who served at the Point Cook RAAF base during World War 1 and was awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery whilst stationed there.

Cr Barrera also paid tribute to the municipality’s Anzacs in her Anzac Day remarks.

“Wyndham city thanks the 350 soldiers from Werribee and surrounding areas that served in World War I. We honour the 60 fallen soldiers that fought at Gallipoli, the Middle East and the Western Front that were killed in action or died later of their wounds. They will never be forgotten,” Cr Barrera said.

“On Anzac Day we reflect on the sacrifices madebyAustralianandNewZealandsoldiers. We reflect on their spirit of loyalty, courage, endurance and strength. We will remember them. We also thank our current servicemen and women who are doing their best to help secure Australia’s future.”

In WFL football, Werribee Districts again won their annual Anzac Day clash with rivals Hoppers Crossing, though the 12-point margin was much closer than last year.

The reigning premiers held off the fast finishing Warriors at Hogans Road Reserve, 14.10.94 to 12.10.82.

Werribee MP Tim Pallas lays a wreath at the Werribee Cenotaph. (supplied) 403769_05

The Werribee Cenotaph in Station Place at the conclusion of the dawn service. (supplied) 403769_01

A wreath is laid at Point Cook dawn service at Saltwater Reserve. (supplied) 403769_04

A collection of wreaths laid at the Werribee Cenotaph during the dawn service on April 25. (supplied) 403769_02

Plenty of council satisfaction

By Cade Lucas

Wyndham has recorded its second highest satisfaction rating on record and the highest among residents of any western suburbs council.

According to the 2023/24 Annual Community Satisfaction Survey, Wyndham residents gave their council a seven out of 10 for their performance over the past 12 months, just below its highest ever score of 7.2 in 2015/16.

The score represents an eight per-cent increase on lastyear’sresult of6.6andis above the long-term average of 6.7.

Wyndham not only achieved the highest rating of any council in the western suburbs, but of any council in Melbourne’s growth areas and one of the highest in the city overall.

Unsurprisingly, Wyndham mayor Jennie Barrera was thrilled with the outcome.

“When Wyndham City adopted our Wyndham 2040 Community Vision at the start of this council term, our community told us what was important and the results from this year’s Annual Community Satisfaction Survey demonstrate that we’ve listened and we’ve delivered,” Cr Barrera said.

The survey recorded significant increases in satisfaction in the delivery of maintenance

and repairing local roads (up 18 per cent), traffic management (up 10 per cent), sleep/ settling programs (up 16 per cent), dealing with dumped rubbish (up 13 per cent) and the provision and maintenance of public toilets (up 13 per cent).

“This reflects Wyndham City’s focus on getting the important things right – including service delivery, governance and leadership, and providing our residents with the facilities they need, close to home,” Cr Barrera said.

“Importantly, none of Council’s 46 services declined in their satisfaction ratings during 2023/24, and all services deemed of high importance obtained an excellent or very

good score.”

Wyndham also ranked the highest among surrounding councils for maintaining community trust and confidence; community consultation and engagement; and representation, lobbying and advocacy, results Cr Barrera was especially proud of.

“The average satisfaction across all indicators is up by an average of 10 per cent, including an 11 per cent increase in satisfaction for community consultation and engagement.”

Thefullresultsareavailableat:https://www. wyndham.vic.gov.au/population-researchand-surveys

Dixie shares his legendary military memories

Anzac Day is always an opportunity for ex-servicemen and women to get together and share stories about their days in uniform and for some, their time at war.

Few though would be able to share stories as numerous and as colourful as those of Wyndham Lodge resident, Ronald “Dixie” Lee.

The 99-year-old Navy veteran is one of just twosurvivingCoastwatchersfromWorldWar II, military intelligence operatives stationed on remote Pacific islands who observed enemy movements and rescue stranded Allied personnel.

Born and bred in Tasmania, Dixie was well used to remote islands and seeing navy ships dock in his hometown of Burnie fostered a desire to join up and go to sea himself.

After enlisting as a 17-year-old in 1941, Dixie was assigned to HMAS Manoora and set sail for Singapore where they were docked when Japanese aircraft launched their first raids on the territory and Britain declared war.

After quickly departing, Manoora returned to Sydney in 1942 where it narrowly avoided being attacked by Japanese midget submarines. Dixie was then soon assigned to HMAS Moreton in Brisbane, the new temporary headquarters of legendary US General Douglas Macarthur.

In his next role Dixie rubbed shoulders with an even more famous American statesman.

While serving in Guadalcanal in the SolomanIslandson1943,Dixiehelpedrescuea young American naval officer whose vessel had collided with a Japanese destroyer and sunk.

His name? Lieutenant John F Kennedy –JFK – who less than 17 years later would be elected president of the United States and 20 years later assassinated while in office. More than 80 years later JFK’s daughter Caroline Kennedy is the US Ambassador to Australia and regularly sends Christmas cards to Wyndham Lodge, addressed to the man who helped save her father.

- Cade Lucas

99-year-old Wyndham Lodge resident Ronald ‘Dixie’ Lee with a picture of his younger self as a naval coastwatcher in WWII. (Supplied)

Free Kinder: Enrol for 2025.

Free Kinder is available for three- and four-year-old children in Victoria at participating services. Free Kinder is available in sessional (standalone) and long day care (childcare) settings, saving families up to $2,563 each year, per child.

At kindergarten, your child will:

• learn language, literacy and numeracy skills through play, art, music and dance

• learn to express themself and make friends in a safe and caring environment

• build skills and confidence before primary school.

Contact your preferred kinder service or local council to learn about how to enrol for 2025. Visit vic.gov.au/kinder

MY PLACE

Point Cook resident Suzanne Ferris was born and raised in Cameroon. She now loves embracing all Wyndham, her adopted home, has to offer as she tells Cade Lucas.

Can you tell us a little more about yourself?

I’m 47 years old, and happily married for 15 years. I’m the mother of a nine-year-old daughter. Since arriving in Australia from Cameroon, I have worked in the beauty industry, aged care industry, security industry and been a small business owner. I enjoy family time and catching up with friends.

How did you end up living in Australia? I met my husband while we were both living and working in Dubai. We fell in love and he invited me to migrate to Australia. We owned and operated a car wash in the western suburbs for 14 years. We have lived in Point Cook for five years.

What do you like about where you live?

What I like about where I live is how the council always make an effort to bring the community together by organising various activities for families. For example my family and a few friends went to the LIT show. Also the continuing initiative by council to support and promote local businesses.

What’s your connection to Wyndham?

The reason I feel so connected to Wyndham is because when I first migrated to Australia in August 2011 to join my husband and his family my first home was in Wyndham and I haven’t left since.

What, if anything, would you change about where you live?

I would like the further development of infrastructure such as public transport buses and trains.

Where is your favourite local place to spend time?

My favourite place to spend time with my family and friends is at home, but we also love spending time are Werribee Park. We love the rose garden, the mansion and the zoo. We

YOUR NEW CAREER

...

starts here

love Wyndham Harbour, the library, Pacific Werribee and the culture centre.

Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you. I have a lot of things that will surprise many

people,herearetwoIcanletout-noteveryone knows but I am a very shy person and also not all my friends know me as Suzanne. Some know me as Gladys.

Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic Full or Part Time 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 mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au

An unrivalled location on the corner of Station Street and Rossiter Road in the heart of Koo Wee Rup. The site of 118m2, offers the unique opportunity to occupy one premises, while receiving an income from the other with an established tenancy in place.

The site benefits from the following features:

• Established tenant in place paying $1,030 + GST, and outgoings per month on a lease to February 2025, with a 3-year option to renew

• Suitable for immediate owner occupation in the other premises

• Prominent corner location

• Rear shared car park

Address: 275 Rossiter Road, Koo Wee Rup Floor Area: 118m² | Category: Retail

For more information or an inspection, please contact: Shannon Hynd | 0499 980 100 Commercial Department Manager Todd McKenna | 0418 391 182 Managing Director

Suzanne Ferris. ( Damjan Janevski) 395211_05

One hundred year 7 and 8 students at The Grange P-12 College are dedicating their Tuesday afternoons to sports training as part of the school’s sports science academy.

Academy assistant principal Kendall Clarke said the Hoppers Crossing school introduced the academy in 2017.

Four hundred students from years 4 to 12 are involved in the program.

On Tuesday afternoons, the academy’s year 7and8participantstrainfortheirpillarsports of rugby, soccer, volleyball, netball, basketball and athletic development.

“Students are coached by experts in their fieldtobecomefaster,stronger,moretactically advanced student athletes,” Ms Clarke said. Star Weekly photographer Ljubica Vrankovic stopped by training earlier this month to check out the action.

Head coach Danielle Pisano. 401032_06

Sarah, 13. 401032_20

Joshua, 13, Tyla, 13, and Kylani, 13. 401032_02

12. 401032_18

Midwife mums Jess and Carolyn

March was a record month of births at the Bacchus Marsh Maternity Hospital. Among the babies born was Henley, who has a very special connection to the hospital. His mum, Jessica Bibby, and grandmother, Carolyn Bibby, work as midwives at the hospital and chatted to Jennifer Pittorino about their special connection.

Melton woman Jessica Bibby and her mum Carolyn Bibby have a mother-daughter bond like no other.

Not only do they share a passion for their career in midwifery, but they work together at the same hospital.

Even more touching, is that they have both given birth to their children at that very hospital, the Bacchus Marsh Maternity Hospital.

Initially known as ‘Mama Bibby’ and ‘Baby Bibby’ by the hospital community, the pair have now become a trio with Jess welcoming baby Henley in March.

“Even before Jess came on the scene I was known as ‘Mama Bibby’ because I had been there for so long,” Carolyn said.

“Then Jess came along and we got our nicknames because she wasn’t married at that point, now we are known as ‘Grandma Bibby’, ‘Mama Bibby’ and ‘Baby Bibby’.”

The nicknames were given to the pair by theirworkcolleagues,whoafteralltheseyears have turned into more than work friends.

“It’s just that camaraderie that we have that is really lovely in the workspace that we have,” Carolyn said.

“The really amazing thing about Bacchus Marsh is that you’re not just working in birthing, you also work with postnatal women.

“We all share a lot of the responsibilities so everyone is in it together, it is not separated which gives it a nice homely feel.

“There are women that are our women, they’re not just a number, it’s a really holistic women-centred experience.”

For 27-year-old Jess, this holistic experience transferred into her experience giving birth for the first time.

“I was surrounded by my mum and the girls who I chose to have in my birth as they feel like my work family,” Jess said.

“I chose to have a water birth at the hospital, which made it feel like I was having a home birth without being at home.”

The knowledge Jess has as a midwife helped

‘‘ There are women that are our women, they’re not just a number, it’s a really holistic women-centred experience ’’ - Carolyn Bibby

her through her birth, which she said she couldn’t fault.

“It was an amazing experience to have that water birth with them and the knowledge definitely helped,” she said.

“It can be good and bad, but for me, it was definitely a positive thing because it went so well.”

Baby Henley was one of 62 babies born at Bacchus Marsh maternity service in March, the most the unit has delivered since October, 2015.

It was revealed in 2015 that the hospital, which was operated by Djerriwarrh Health Services at the time, was being investigated over the deaths of 11 babies, seven of which were later found to have been avoidable.

The hospital joined the Western Health network in 2021 following the amalgamation

of Western Health and Djerriwarrh.

The birth was the first water birth that Carolyn had witnessed as Bacchus Marsh recently started offering water births, which Jess said would be a very positive experience.

“I really wanted to do a water birth from my knowledge as a midwife, I knew it was meant to be really good for pain relief,” Jess said.

“Theclinicwasverysupportiveofmychoice which doesn’t happen for some women, but I was lucky I had a smooth easy pregnancy.

“It was a really calming, soothing, relaxing, environment and the water really helped me, I was super lucky the stars aligned.”

Since Carolyn’s career has shifted from delivering babies to house visits, experiencing this for the first time with her daughter was special.

Since beginning her career in 1993, Carolyn has evolved through many stages of midwifery, something she said was always a dream of hers.

“It was what I wanted to do forever. In my early days I wanted to be a Mother Craft nurse but I don’t think that exists anymore,” she said.

“I knew I wanted to work with babies, I did my general nursing then months later did nursing and midwifery, and once I finished

went to Bacchus Marsh hospital and I have been there ever since.”

Jess always knew she wanted to follow in Carolyn’s footsteps.

“IoriginallywentintoaBachelorofNursing and I really like it to be honest.

“But I always knew I wanted to do something in healthcare and helping people so I had some discussions with mum and recalled prior conversations with her.

“Listening to her experiences at work and how she was able to deliver babies and look after them at home made me decide to jump on a double degree of midwifery.”

Since 2021, Jess has worked with Carolyn, which has been a dream come true for them both.

“I never in a million years thought she would follow in my footsteps,“ Carolyn said.

“So to her to have her now as a midwife working in the same environment and the same hospital is just really special.”

For anyone thinking of getting into the business, both women couldn’t recommend it more.

“It is the appreciation that women give our profession which is my favourite thing,” Jess said. “The most rewarding part is knowing that you’ve made a difference.”

Jess and Carolyn Bibby with baby Henley.

(Pictures: Ljubica Vrankovic)

Club Tarneit is the west’s most exciting new venue

Club Tarneit general manager Tanya Inkret answers questions about the west’s most excitingnewvenue,whichopensonMay27.

Tell us about Club Tarneit?

Club Tarneit sits in the heart of Tarneit’s lively retail hub between Tarneit Central and the Westbrook Estate. Our brand-new entertainment destination caters to the diverse needs of this thriving community. Our goal is to establish a dynamic gathering place for everyone. You can explore our café, sports bar, bistro, and stunning function rooms – we invite you to step inside and experiencethedifference.

What makes Club Tarneit different?

Conceived by the Werribee Football Club back in 2017, the local community has been the beating heart of this venture from day one. Every decision has been thoughtfully considered. Every member of our team has embraced this vision wholeheartedly. Together, we’re committed to revolutionising hospitality in our region evident in the atmosphereassoonasyoustepinside.

What does it cost to eat at Club Tarneit?

We understand that times are tough and we have created an inclusive and affordable menu. We believe that enjoying a night out with the family shouldn’t be a privilege reserved for a select few. From hearty classics to innovative culinary creations, there’s something for every palate and budget at

Club Tarneit. We’re committed to ensuring that everyone can savour the joys of dining outwithoutbreakingthebank.

What entertainment options does Club Tarneit offer?

Our entertainment options are next level. With an epic television spanning over four meters (just one of 20), our Sports Bar will be the ultimate gathering spot for friends. Whether it’s UFC bouts, the Boxing Day Test, the race that stops the nation, or the adrenaline-packed AFL Grand Final, our venue will be the place to enjoythose experiences. Sharing moments like the Matildas’victoryoverFranceintheWomen’s World Cup or our own Werribee Tigers in the VFL Grand Final will become even more memorable.

What safety measures are in place?

ClubTarneitisdedicatedtoensuringasecure and inclusive environment for our entire community. With extensive measures in place and our team on hand at every turn, you can simply unwind and rest easy. Be greeted by the smell of fresh coffee at our welcoming café, or head on through to our family-friendlybistrowithitsconsideredand affordable menu, outdoor dining space and children’s play area – there is something for everyone.

For all these reasons and more, we know that you will experience things differently at ClubTarneit.

SOMETHING EXCITING IS COMING TO THE WEST…

Club Tarneit general manager Tanya Inkret.

Horticultural jewel of the west

Located in a prime location opposite the beach, Williamstown Botanic Gardens date back to when the gates first opened in 1856. This makes it one of Victoria’s first public gardens.

The gardens are heavily influenced by Victorian and Edwardian horticultural practices and traditions such as the Pinetum, a magnificent cluster of pine tree specimens of various ages and ornate stone water fountains and statues nestled within the gardens.

As you enter one of the entrance gates off Osbourne Street, you are greeted by a graceful avenue of Mexican Fan Palms that transport you along a pressed earth pathway, a little hypnotically, towards the shimmering ocean views. On the weekday I visited, I spotted a yoga class taking place, parents and babies picnicking on the plentiful lawns, social walkers and people and their dogs.

The Williamstown Botanic Gardens are maintained through the work of Hobsons Bay Council with support from the Friends of Williamstown Botanic Gardens volunteer group.

Intermsofnewdevelopmentsinthegardens, these are guided by an overall masterplan. There is a real focus on redevelopment of the Pinetum and a monitoring of the aging pine trees already planted. Some other exciting

admiring their flowers as well as the insects that are busy pollinating them. Australian Indigenous species are not known for their flowers and many people are surprised to see they even have them. Alongside the habitat beds,arebedsfilledwithcoastalMediterranean plants.

New introductions such as these show that the garden team is evolving to respond to local climate and conditions. It is a real focus of those working in the gardens to work towards climate-proofing and to this end they are

will see many incredible plants. The gardens contain over 400 trees and includes rare plants such as Asiatic lilies. Towering established trees within the gardens are a combination of exotics such as English elm tree and the afore-mentioned Mexican fan palms along with Australian native trees such as the Bunya, the majestic Moreton Bay figs, Norfolk Island hibiscus and brush box, many of these hailing originally from Queensland but

found as a street tree across Melbourne. It is an evergreen, fast growing rainforest tree with an attractive round shape that can reach up to 10m in cultivation. It tolerates poor soils and most pests and diseases as well as being

Above: Sunlight slants through mature trees. Above centre: Succulents in the Pinetum (top); Moreton Bay figs. Above right: The magestic palm walk. Right: A postcard depicting the a gardens in 1917. (Pictures: Supplied)

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

Wyndham Ladies Probus

Retired or semi-retired ladies are invited to join this very active social group. Enjoy impressive monthly guest speakers, interesting monthly outings and many lunches where the development of friendships is encouraged. The Ladies Probus Club of Wyndham meets on the first Wednesday of each month at Hotel 520, Sayers Road, Tarneit, at 10am.

■ Pat, 0411 316 795

Laverton Community Choir

The choir is currently welcoming new members – especially male voices. If you love singing and would like to be part of a choir - come along and try out your vocal cords. There are no auditions and you don’t need to be able to read music. The group meets on Thursday evenings during school terms, at Laverton P12 College, 91 Bladin Street, Laverton, from 7-9pm.

■ Sue, 0418 386 147 or lavertoncommunitychoir@gmail.com

Live Well for Life

Live Well for Life is a free five-week program that provides support and information to Wyndham residents 18 and older, on a number of issues including how to make healthy behaviour changes, heart disease, diabetes and stroke, healthy eating, physical activity and sleep. The program will run at IPC Health, 117-129 Warringa Court, Hoppers Crossing in April and May. Registration is essential and participants must be able to attend all sessions.

■ livingwell@ipchealth.com.au or 1300 472 432

Point Cook Probus

A meeting to establish a new probus club in Point Cook will be held on Wednesday, May 8 at The Brook, Point Cook. Those interested in being part of the new club are encouraged to come along.

■ 1300 630 488 or admin@ probussouthpacific.org

Point Cook VIEW

The Point Cook Day VIEW Club (for ladies) meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month at the Point Cook Library 1-21 Cheetham Street, Point Cook. Members enjoy afternoon teas and outings. New members welcome.

■ Catherine, 0407 726 852.

Watton Group

A support group providing a social space for carers to get together in a safe and compassionate environment. Gives carers an opportunity to connect, share their experiences and offers emotional and practical support. The group meets at the Eco-Living Centre at 10am every fourth Tuesday of the month.

■ Patricia, 0434 487 360, or wattongroup131@gmail.com.

All Abilities Netball

All Abilities Netball for 10-to-25-year-olds is run by Wyndham Netball Association every Saturday morning during school terms from 10.30am on outside court 14 at Eagle Stadium, Ballan Road, Werribee. Intellectual, physical and social disabilities are catered for in a fun and supported group. Come and try your first session for free, with stadium entry $2.

■ Phil, 0437 078 739

Walking Netball

Walking Netball is a low impact, no running, no jumping version for those that love the fun, friendship and activity of a weekly game of netball. Sessions are run every Thursday during school terms, from 8pm at Eagle Stadium, Ballan Road, Werribee.

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of comedian James Liotta. (Damjan Janevski) 402571_01

Come and try your first session for free, with stadium entry $2.

■ Phil, 0437 078 739

Wyndham Rotary

Wyndham Rotary welcomes people interested in helping people in need in the community. Interested in finding out more, come to the Italian Sports Club each Wednesday at 6.30pm for a meal, to share ideas and to work for a common cause.

■ Julie, 0406 196 630

With One Voice Wyndham Choir

With One Voice Wyndham Choir is a community choir open to all. The community choir welcomes all ages, abilities, faiths, cultures and genders and is directed by a very experienced and friendly professional conductor. Fun weekly rehearsals and amazing performance opportunities are provided. They sing for an hour and then have a cuppa. The first two visits are free; and then payment is by tax-deductible donation. Tuesday evenings 7-8:30pm at Wayaperri House ,106 Duncans Road, Werribee.

■ wyndham@withonevoice.org.au

Adult community garden group

The group meets on the first Tuesday of the month 10-11.30am at Iramoo Community Centre, 84 Honour Ave, Wyndham Vale. Head down and join them as we maintain their rejuvenated community garden. Planting and harvesting produce that they grow.

■ 8742 3688

Seniors House of Fun

The Grange Community Centre invites 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 8000, or enquires@ grangecommunity.org.au

Seniors club

The Werribee Senior Citizens Club 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

Diabetes Support Group

The Werribee Diabetes support provides an opportunity to hear from experts on how to manage your diabetes, to share information on diabetes and to engage with other diabetics Meetings are at the old council shire buildings at 10am every second Friday of the month.

■ Bob, 0409 252872.

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.

■ 0408 123 669

Sunrise Social Groups

GenWest Sunrise Social Groups are currently seeking new members for their Melton, Brimbank and Wyndham programs. The free groups are organised by Genwest and provide a social space for women, gender diverse and nonbinary people, who have a disability, chronic health issues and/ or mental health challenges.

■ https://genwest.org.au/what-we-do/ health-wellbeing-programs/

U3A Werribee

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.

Lions Club

Lions Club of Werribee meets at the RSL Club, 2a Synnot Street, Werribee, on the first and third Wednesday of the month at 6.30pm.

■ Jorge, 0433 566 575

Bingo for all

The Werribee RSL hosts Bingo every

Monday between 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 Street, Werribee. Meet other members who are also passionate about breeding Budgerigars.

■ Don, 0414 975 862

Wyn FM

Wyn FM is Wyndham’s community radio station, broadcasting on 88.9 and online from its studios at the Victoria University campus in Werribee. It offers a wide range of programming including music, sport, news and lifestyle shows as well as broadcasts in languages other than English. New broadcasters, volunteers, members and sponsors are always welcome.

■ 9919 8089, or wynfm.org.au

Wyndham Combined Probus Club

Wyndham Combined Probus Club has been providing friendship and fun for retired people for 22 years. They have recently moved to a new home at Iramoo Community Centre in Wyndham Vale and offer speakers, lunches, brunches, shows, trips and tours. Newcomers are welcome on the second Tuesday of the month at 1.30pm.

■ Judy 0411 034 311

Help clean our environment

Want to help support a monthly community clean-up? The Love Our Street 3029 clean up group is seeking a co-leader, supported by the Werribee River Association. Monthly events on the third Sunday of the month, for 1.5 hours. Can you assist?

■ Lisa, 0433 559 530

Rhyme time

Join the Wyndham pop-up library van at Wyndham Park west lawn on Thursdays, from 10-10.30am, during term two for rhyme time and pop up library. In the event of inclement weather, the sessions will be cancelled.

■ 8734 8999

Application documents are available to view via Council’s website or at the Civic Centre:

-The Council website www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/advertising Wyndham City Council Civic Centre, 45 Princes Highway, Werribee, VIC 3030 between 9am and 4pm Monday to Friday

Any person who may be affected by the granting of the permit may object or make other submissions to the Responsible Authority by post or in person or;

- Online: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/planningobjection

- Email: mail@wyndham.vic.gov.au

An objection must be made to the Responsible Authority in writing, include the reasons for the objection and state how the objector would be affected.

If you object, the Responsible Authority will tell you of its decision. Council

The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before:

PUZZLES

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.

ACROSS

1 Metal disc under nut (6)

4 Supress (8)

9 Cover story (5)

10 Lasting (9)

11 Intending (coll) (5)

12 Pointless (9)

13 Coffee (8)

15 Peels (6)

16 Tabooed (6)

18 Scale of colour (8)

23 Without trust or belief (9)

24 Long-barrelled firearm (5)

26 Point above focus of an earthquake (9)

27 Senseless (5)

28 Japanese game company (9)

29 Natural aptitude or skill (6)

DOWN

1 Argue noisily and angrily (7)

2 Twig offshoot (5)

3 Territory ruled by an Islamic monarch (7)

5 Tantrum (6)

6 Bucking (7)

7 Grenade-wielding soldier (9)

8 Landed properties (7)

10 Pieces (5)

14 Divide into parts (9)

16 Ten plus five (7)

17 Excel (7)

19 Adhesive mixture (5)

20 Mediterranean island (7)

21 Most shy or submissive (7)

22 Impassioned (6)

25 SOS light (5)

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 nouns ending in “s”.

1 Who is the lead singer of the band Yeah Yeah Yeahs?

2 What evergreen tree is featured on the flag of Norfolk Island?

3 The Great Fire of London occurred during what year?

4 Which country’s president is known by his initials AMLO?

5 Which character did Ke Huy Quan (pictured) play in the movie Indiana Jones and theTempleofDoom?

6 What is the term for a multihulled boat or ship consisting of two hulls?

7 What is the historic capital of the Inca Empire?

8 Who directed the 2009 documentary Capitalism: ALoveStory, about the global financial crisis?

9 What is the more common name for the bird Gymnorhina tibicen?

10 What were the Luddites famous for destroying as a form of protest?

No.

RATINGS

Looks: 9/10

Performance: 8/10

Safety: 9/10

Thirst: 9/10

Practicality: 7/10

Comfort: 8/10

Tech: 8/10

Value: 8/10

Peaceful motoring with Lexus ES

By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring

The growth in SUV sales has seen a corresponding decline in demand for traditional four-door sedans.

In the case of Lexus only two of the latter have survived, the company’s flagship luxury LS and the medium-large family ES.

The ES comes with the choice of the ES250 powered by a 2.5-litre petrol engine with outputs of 152 kW and 243 Nm names ES250, andtheE300hwitha131kW/221NmAtkinson Cyclepetrolenginecombinedwitha88Kw/202 Nm electric motor for a total of 160kW. Both ES models come with the choice of LuxuryorFSportequipmentlevels,theES300h adds a higher level Sports Luxury grade which was our test vehicle.

Styling

We particularly like the spindle grille in this model. Some of the earlier efforts of Lexus at this fascinating shape just didn’t work to our eyes, but this one fits perfectly. The front of the ES spreads out far and wide visually.

Theloweredgeofthewindowlineswoopsup attherear,andmeetsadownwardswoopofthe roofline. The lower area of the rear doors also parallels this, moving up from their rear edge to meet the taillights, then continues into the bootlid for a few centimetres.

Interior

The ES300h is a full-on luxury vehicle with the interior trim made from high-class materials. It’s finished in three different coloured materials, which is a major improvement on the endless black-on-black that we see in so many cars, even upmarket ones.

Thisisavehicleaimedatgivingalloccupants a comfortable life. Even the rear seats can be inclined and there’s a three-zone air conditioning.

There’s good legroom in the back, though if there’s a long-legged driver it may be necessary to talk to them and do a deal on space. Either that or sit the shortest rear passenger behind them. Your call…

The boot is generously long but the low set nature of this semi-sporty sedan makes it rather low in height.

The asymmetric shape of the dashboard makes a real stylish statement. More about it in the Driving segment of the review

Infotainment

The upgraded 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment has proprietary sat-nav, DAB+ digitalradio,wiredAppleCarPlayandAndroid Auto smartphone mirroring together with Lexus Connected Services.

The screen projects forward from the dashboard to bring it within easier reach of the driver and eliminates the need to use the annoying and potentially dangerous sensitive touchpad that’s located in the centre console.

The driver’s screen combines digital and analogue gauges.

The Sports Luxury that we tested came with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system. Sound quality is excellent and we really enjoyed the feeling of luxury inside the cabin.It’sevenmoreenjoyableintheveryquiet interior of the Lexus than in lesser cars with a similar system.

Engines/transmissions

This is where it gets really interesting. The Lexus ES300h has a 2.5-litre four-cylinder

Atkinson-cycle high-compression petrol engine producing 131kW. And an 88kW electric motor.

Peak torque is 221Nm on the petrol unit and 202Nm on the electric motor. The petrol doesn’t get to its torque peak until it reaches 3600rpm, the electric unit has its torque from one rpm. Yes, one rpm.

TheLexushasitsfrontwheelsdriventhrough a continuously variable transmission.

Safety

TheLexusESrangereceivedafive-starANCAP when tested in September 2021.

Standard features include 10 airbags including knee airbags for the driver and front passenger.Therearechestandheadbagsacross its two seating rows.

There’s also autonomous emergency braking including junction assist, emergency steering assist for collision avoidance, lane-departure andblind-spotwarning,rearcross-trafficalert, parking support brake with vehicle and object detection.

Child occupant protection top tethering and IsoFix child seat anchors.

Driving Acceleration is instantaneous, you move the accelerator and the Lexus gets up and goes.

This is one of the best features of all electric

vehicles, be they hybrid or full electric.

It doesn’t slow as quickly as we like when we backed off on the pedal. But you do become used to this after a period of time at the wheel. Regular drivers of any vehicle with electric power soon adapt to this.

Fuel consumption from the ES 300h was impressively low, sitting around 5.3 litres per 100km during our week behind the wheel, just 0.5 L/100km above the listed figure.

Ride and handling will suit the typical buyer in being comfortable rather than sporty. Having said that it handles bends well and on the few times we tested it close to its limits around corners on our standard ‘official’ test route it responded well and gave us good feedback.

Summing up

Lexus ES300h is a beautifully designed and built Japanese machine from a company that has specialised in hybrid and electric vehicles for many decades. It’s very much deserving of a place on your shopping list if you want to minimise climate change, and also enjoy peaceful motoring.

Lexus and its parent company Toyota are past masters at petrol-electric hybrids, with a history stretching back well over 20 years. They continuetoaddmoreperformance,atthesame time reducing emissions.

Lexus and its parent company Toyota continue to add more performance, at the same time reducing emissions. (Pictures: Supplied)

Westbourne Grammarians enjoying challenge

Westbourne Grammarians are enjoying the challenge in the Victorian Amateur Football Association premier B women’s competition.

The Grammarians have reformed their women’s program this season under new coaches Ian Allan and Chris Grant.

Many of the players have never played in the competition having followed their coaches across from Spotswood in the Western Football League.

Allan said it had been a good challenge so far.

“We’re looking at baby steps, taking it week by week,” he said. “We’re learning a little out of each game and growing with confidence.

“It’sagoodstandardoffootballandthegirls are being pushed and challenged.”

Coming off their first win of the season, the Grammarians on Saturday, the Grammarians faced Williamstown CYMS, the other western suburbs women’s teams in the VAFA

Allan said the match up between the two

sides was one they had looked forward to when they first saw the draw.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better day to play football,” he said. “The standard was high quality from both teams all day.

“We wanted to see where we are with our footy. It was a really good game of football.”

The CYs came away with the win, 8.10 (58)-2.1 (13) to continue its unbeaten start to the season.

Manaia Huta, Sienna Burns Bradley and Gracie Lamers were named their best.

Allan said the difference between the two sides was the CYs experience of having played together for a number of seasons in the VAFA.

“We are on the right track,” he said. “We are learningwhatittakestowingamesoffootball.

“Losing isn’t a bad thing either. You take that on board and what areas you need to improve in to play good consistent football.”

Allan said the standard of competition was higher than what a lot of the girls were used to

and that there were no easy games.

“Thisyearisarealunknownforus,”hesaid. “We don’t know what we are up against.

“Until we get that experience every team we don’t know all the things we need to improve in our game.

“The girls have played four really good quartersthelasttwoweeksandareseeinghow much pressure there is on a constant basis.”

Allan said they had put any expectations on the group heading into this season as they began from scratch.

He said they would take things week by week and see where it takes them.

‘We’re just learning a lot of things,” he said. “We acknowledge how important it is to get these things in place.

“We’ll keep working away and see the results at the end of the day,”

The Grammarians this week face ladder leaders Old Geelong.

Tara Murray

Tigers hold off Warriors

By Tara Murray

Werribee Districts were able to hold off a physical Hoppers Crossing in their annual Anzac Day clash in the Western Football League.

The long-time Wyndham rivals in the division 1 competition, the match up between the two sides is one of the biggest on the calendar.

The Tigers led at each of the breaks with the Warriors not allowing them to blow out the margin.

The Warriors came hard in the final quarter with five goals but fell just short as the Tigers kicked two of their own to win, 14.10 (94)-12.10 (82).

Tigers coach Chris Gilham said it was a good result for his side.

“We’re lucky to have the opportunity to play on Anzac Day,” he said. “It’s always well supported and well done by both clubs.

“They had a goal to be physical and aggressive. It was a good solid game of footy and to get a win like that in those circumstances was good.”

Gilham said they started the game pretty well and they were able to play a lot of their football.

He said the Warriors had come late but they had done enough to get the win.

JackBonnett,TimJenkins,MichaelLuxford and Lucas Rocci kicked two goals each for the Tigers.

Gilham said he was really happy with the spread of contributors they had in the win.

“We’re a look team this year,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of youngsters.

“Without being dominant, we’ve had a lot of young kids do some things at key times. Late in the last quarter young Jack Bonnett kicked a crucial goal, our young ruckman, Josh Puli, pushed forward and took a mark kicked a crucial goal.

“Lucas Rocci has had an outstanding start to the season. So has Bailey Siwek and Sean Gregory in defence is once again leading the charge there.

“Some young guys are coming up into our team and having an impact, which is really pleasing.”

For the Warriors, Jackson Viola kicked five goals and was named their best.

The Tigers remain undefeated after three rounds, while the Warriors are yet to win a match.

Gilham said this was coming despite fielding a very different line up to last season when they won the grand final.

“We had 11 of the 22 that didn’t play in our grand final,” he said. “We are a very new team and a very young team that lost a lot of experience.

“We’regivingalotoftheyoungboyswhoare

coming up and there’s the great recruitment of Rocci coming back to the club from the VFL and some guys who weren’t available last year.”

week.

Gilhamsaiditwasareallyevencompetition as shone by them and Hoppers Crossing being at different ends of the ladder despite their closeness on Anzac

In

Coaching change at the Bees

Another big loss has forced a coaching change at Werribee City.

The Victorian Premier League 1 club has had a tough season with just one win from the first 11 rounds and sit second bottom, just two points clear of the North Geelong Warriors.

Having not won since round one, the Bees faced the Preston Lions on Friday night.

The Bees lost 5-0, conceding five goals for the third time this season.

On Saturday, the club announced that there would be changes off field.

“Werribee City FC announces today that it has mutually agreed to part ways with head coach Dominic Barba and assistant coach Jeff Olver,” the club said on social media.

“TheclubextendsitsgratitudetoDom and Jeff for their dedication and support during their tenure with the club.

“Additionally, the club acknowledges the service of Sam Defina and wishes him the best in his future endeavours.

“The club will soon announce the appointment of a new head coach as we shift our focus to the upcoming match against Bentleigh Greens this week.”

Barba was appointed coach of the Bees in September 2022. He had played at the club 30 years ago and said at the time the Bees were a club close to his heart.

The club didn’t waste long to appoint Craig Moore as coach. Moore had been at the Bees previously and was with Melbourne Knights as an assistant coach until Saturday when the club parted ways with its coaches.

Meanwhile in the state league 2 north-west competition, Hoppers Crossing had a 1-1 draw with Craigieburn City.

The Reds had led at half time and were able to hold on to get a point, their first of the season.

They remain on the bottom of the table.

In state league 3 north-west, Point Cook lost to the Western Eagles 1-0 on Saturday evening.

In state league 4 west. West Point lost to Melton Phoenix 5-2, while Truganina Hornets lost to Surf Coast, 6-0.

Wyndham took a 1-0 win against Tarneit United in state league 5 west.

Roxana Sefton looks to escape her opponent. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 403543_26

The Tigers face Parkside this

It’ll be the first time the two clubs have faced each other

Day,

other results, Point Cook Centrals beat YarravilleSeddon,16.13(109)-16.7(103).Point Cook had the bye.

Lachlan Smith (Jacob Pattison) 357618_21

Wyndham starting to build after four in a row

Wyndham is starting to get going in the Big V women’s state championship division.

Afterabitofaslowstart,Wyndhamhasnow won its last four matches to be sitting among the contenders.

Wyndham coach Gerard Hillier said that things were starting to come together.

“We had a pretty good weekend [in round three],”hesaid.“Wehadourfullsideexceptfor Lauren Jones, who isn’t back from college.

“We’re now off and racing. Last Saturday night we got our running game going and with a new group that can take half a season.

“We then played on the Sunday and it was a good experience for the group to play back-to-back matches at that tempo.”

Wyndham’s core group from last season has remained, while they’ve added some key pieces to have more depth.

Bethany Theodore adds some more

experience. The former Sunbury Jet had a good college career before having last season off.

Ella Macleod, who has been through the pathways at Wyndham has stepped up into the senior side before she heads off to college.

The other new signing is import Julie Brosseau.HilliersaidBrosseauwasstillfinding her feet but would be a key player as the season progresses.

On the weekend, Wyndham was able to make it two from two against the Sunbury Jets and Pakenham Warriors.

On Saturday night against the Jets, Wyndham started well and led by 11 points at the first break. Wyndham was able to extend the lead in every quarter to win, 97-75.

Jamilee Pearce scored 33 points, while Amanda Paschal scored 25.

On Sunday, Wyndham backed it up against Pakenham.

It was another four quarter performance by Wyndham as built into a 113-86 win.

Brosseau top scored with 27 points as five players scored double figures.

Hilliersaidthecompetitionthisseasonwasa lot closer than it had been and he didn’t expect to see as many blowouts.

He said he expected them to be in the mix again.Thesideisinthirdspotafterfourrounds.

Wyndham this week faces the Bellarine Storm on Sunday.

Wyndham’s men’s side also came away with two wins on the weekend, beating the Jets and Western Port.

On Saturday night, Wyndham beat the Jets, 90-81. Oskar Jones top scored with 27 points.

Against Western Port, Wyndham won 104-80 with Jones again the star finishing with 33 points.

Practise makes perfect

By Peter Howe

YounggolferGeorgiaSchwartzisrenownedfor always having a smile on her face, a strong zest for practise and a mantra for simply getting better every day.

With a handicap of +1, which in itself is remarkable for a young person of her age, the 13-year-olddisplaysamaturitywellbeyondher years.

“Ialwayswanttogetbetter,butIamwanting towinas well,” laughs Schwartz as she reflects on her achievements in golf in such a short time.

“I tried swimming and tennis for a while, but I got bored with them pretty quickly.

“I didn’t feel they suited me, I need to be challenged.

“I went to the driving range with dad and really liked the challenge of hitting the ball.

“I then took some group lessons at Keilor and when I got good enough, I entered some competitions at Medway Golf Club, where dad and pa played.”

Schwartz, who is the April Don Deeble sports award nominee, took her golf to the next level post COVID and says there isn’t a day that goes by when she doesn’t practise.

In 2022, Schwartz competed in the 12 and underSchoolSportAustraliaChampionships in the team Victoria golf team, winning by six shots.

In 2023, her first year in secondary school at Maribyrnong Sports Academy, Schwartz went from strength to strength.

Attending gym strength and conditioning sessions every morning before school that included Pilates, low bearing body weight conditioning to prepare her for when she’s older.

She has match play simulation at Medway Golf Club on Mondays and Wednesdays after school. “My coach, Richard Cooney, is incredibly supportive,” she said. “He is also the high-performance coach for Tasmania. “Thestrengthofmygameismyconsistency. My irons are very good, as is my short game.”

Schwartz does believe her swing could be better.

Schwartz finished second at the 2023 12 and under National Golf Championships in Perth and her Victorian team finished third overall.

“It was my first interstate experience; I was very nervous but as soon as I got onto the course my nerves settled,” she said.

From there she went on to win the Medway Golf Club’s women’s open golf championship at and the junior girls’ cross.

She recently won the Bendigo Junior Open and was second at the Royal Melbourne Junior Open as well as the Portarlington Junior Open,

She plays as the number one in the Medway junior and senior women’s pennant for And a highlight for Schwartz was playing in the Sandbelt Invitational Professional Golf event in December.

Two weeks ago, Schwartz was presented with a “Sporting Blue” for golf at the Victorian School Sports Awards in recognition of her outstandingperformancesatstateandnational level in 2023.

Schwartz has been recently added to the Golf Australia high performance program where she will attend the Golf Australia High Performance Centre for intensive coaching.

Sports shorts

Australia Cup

Hoppers Crossing is through to the sixth round of the Australia Cup for the first time. The Reds faced state league 3 side Western Eagles on Wednesday night. Scores were locked at 2-2 at the end of regular time and again at the end of extra time. The Reds would win the penalties 3-1 to go through to the next round.

GDFL

Werribee Centrals returned to the winners list in the Geelong and District Football League on Saturday. Facing Bell Post Hill, the Centurions had to do it the hard way after being down by 39 points at half time. A seven goal third term turned the game in the favour of the Centurions before they finished it off with two goals to none in the final quarter to win, 12.18 (80)-11.8 (74). Connor McKenzie was named the Centurions best.

GDNL

Werribee Centrals produced one of its best performances of the Geelong and District Netball League season so far to beat Bell Post Hill. It’s been an up and down start for the Centurions, but on Saturday they were able to get the win 56-36. Brigitte Ardossi shot 24 goals for the Centurions and Tayla Bonnett shot 18. The Centurions sit in sixth after four rounds.

WFL

has two golfing heroes,

and Cameron

So, what does the future hold for Schwartz?

“I’d love to go to college in America and of course turn professional,” a pause, and she adds, “but that’s a long way off,” she said.

The Don Deeble Sports Star Award is sponsored by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club, Strathmore Community Bank, the Deer Park Club, Ascot Vale Sports and Trophies and Star Weekly.

If you would like to nominate a monthly winner or attend a dinner, contact swrsportsclub@gmail.com or 0408 556 631.

The Suns made it two from two in the Western Football League women’s competition on Saturday. After a bye last round, the Suns came out strong against Laverton and were able to get a 21.23 (149)-0.0 (0) win. Sharni Currie kicked five goals in a best on ground performance. Meanwhile, Wyndhamvale fell short in the division 2 grand final rematch from last season, losing to West Footscray, 5.3 (33)-1.4 (10).

Schwartz

Cassie Porter

Smith.

Georgia Schwartz. (Supplied)

Tara Murray Bethany Theodore (Ljubica Vrankovic) 403555_06

Tigers’ Anzac Day ‘reality check’

By Tara Murray

Werribee produced one of its worst performances in recent times in the Victorian Football League on Anzac Day against Williamstown.

The two western suburbs standalone sides were keen to get back on the winners list, following their first losses of the season the previous round.

It was the Seagulls that got going in the first half and were able to take the game out of reach of the Tigers.

While the Tigers narrowly won the second half, it was nowhere near enough to close the gap, with the Seagulls winning, 15.11 (101)-7.7 (49).

Werribee coach Jimmy Allan said it was a tough day at the office.

“There were signs early that we didn’t really come to play,” he said. “We were OK in the second half, but the game was done at half time.

“We talked a lot about how we wanted to move the ball and how they wanted to move the ball through the week and we didn’t really put into practice the plans that we wanted to execute during the game.

“All round it was a pretty ordinary performance.”

Allan said the game was a good reflection of something for both the players and coaching group.

He said there were some small wins in the second half.

“We had to chuck an extra number around the footy and even things up around there,” he said.

“That let us one short in the forward line, even though we didn’t look like scoring quickly at all, we stemmed the bleeding a little bit around the contest.

“We set ourselves a challenge of winning the second half which we did by a point.”

Jack Riding and Angus Hicks kicked two goals each for the Tigers.

Dom Brew led the way with 25 possessions,

while Kye Declase had 23.

Allan said there were a couple of solid performers in the loss.

“I thought Angus Hicks played his role pretty well as a high half forward, he ended up moving onto the ball in the second half to give us a bit around there.

“I thought Jack Riding was OK, Kye Declase was pretty quiet in the first half and then moved on ball in the second half and had an impact and I thought Dom Brew’s second half was reasonably good too.”

Having lost their last two games, Allan said it was a bit of a reality check for the group.

“We thought our performance the week

before was fairly good even though we lost,” he said. “We reviewed it and thought we were in reasonable form, but definitely a reality check.

The vision for a vibrant Tarneit is outlined in the draft Tarneit Major Town Centre Urban Design Framework which Wyndham City has released for community feedback.

“I guess when you reflect a bit, it’s easy to think we are following on from last year but we only had 11 from last year’s grand final side playing. We are a new look side.

The Tarneit Major Town Centre is designed to be a hub of economic prosperity, that is beautifully designed with green corridors, and has the capacity to accommodate a centre for art, health and education.

“It will test our depth a little bit,” he said. “It gives a great opportunity for our local guys who are playing this weekend to put their hands up to take their spots.

It offers quality recreational and retail opportunities and housing while celebrating the area’s Indigenous and cultural heritage – making it a dynamic destination of choice.

“We had some of our really good leaders out as well, it’s no excuse. We have to look for other guys to step up and fill that void.”

The injury list grew for the Tigers with Sam Paea hurt his shoulder in the first five minutes of the game leaving them a key forward down all day, while Daly Andrews did something to knee.

“I mentioned that after the game in the rooms… The guys on the outside should be licking their lips at the prospect of playing well at their clubs and being in the frame for selection.”

The framework will be a guide for staged development in the area and for attracting investment over the next 30 years.

The Tigers have slipped to ninth with that loss.

It will help to ensure the town centre meets the needs of the growing population in Tarneit with the centre ultimately providing a capacity of 8,000 jobs and a home to more than 10,000 people.

Werribee will face Carlton on Saturday at 2.05pm at Avalon Airport Oval.

Please register for an information session to find out more:

The Blues have won just one game this season.

• • Questions can be emailed to tarneitudf@wyndham.vic.gov.au and feedback shared on the Loop by 20 March on https://theloop.wyndham.vic.gov.au/tarneitudf

Werribee plays line up for the Anzac Day ceremony. (Belinda Vitacca Photography)

Jay Dahlhaus is on the end of a big tackle. (Belinda Vitacca Photography)

Simon Fenech Fruit 2

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