Caravan park anger
By Jaidyn Kennedy
PointCookresidentsarecallingonWyndham council to reject plans to build a camping and caravan park on Point Cook Road.
In December, council received a planning permit application from Oakleigh-based developer Planning Central to build 197 cabins, 48 caravan bays and a 40-space camping area at 425 Point Cook Road.
The development would also include a reception area, entertainment room, canteen, indoor pool and spa, library, bowling space, movie room and laundry, according to plans submitted to council.
The caravan and camping park would be built next to the Starr Point Market, which has already been approved.
John Kenny, one of more than 430 people to submit a formal objection to council, said building a caravan park in the area would be inappropriate.
“Itdoesn’tfitthedynamicofthecommunity and there’s been no community engagement about it – it’s not going to be a holiday park, that’s for certain,” he said.
“We [residents] don’t want to come across looking like we don’t want riff raff on our doorstep,butitcouldincreasecrimeandbring down a very community-oriented suburb.”
Mr Kenny has started an online petition that has more than 1700 signatures and createdaprivateFacebookgroupofmorethan 500 members to oppose the proposal.
He said many community members are not opposed to the vacant area being used for housing, but do not support temporary commercial accommodation.
“Most of the residents say if this was a properly community engaged plan – if this was a social housing model with social workers involved - they wouldn’t be doing this,” Mr Kenny said.
“One of the things most members of
the community I have spoken to totally understand and support is everyone needs a place to live and chance in life.
“Not one person has contacted me worried aboutthepriceoftheirhome,theyareworried about the integral value and essence of their suburb.
“Positive development is great, but throwing 197 fixed cabins in without proper consideration is not.
“This has the risk to potentially change the entire dynamic of Point Cook.
The estimated $1.8 million cost to deliver the project outlined by the developer in the application was another point of contention.
“The submission is very lazy, as it notes $1.8 million in the total cost – you would be lucky to build a few houses on that,” Mr Kenny said.
He said many also disagree with the traffic impact assessment report that estimates the number of vehicles travelling in the area duringafternoonpeaktimeswillrisefrom304
to 375 per hour, with many residents believing that the increase will be much higher.
Mr Kenny said he and the other objecting residents would continue the fight even if council approved the application.
‘If the councillors vote for it, we will potentially take the council to [the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal],” he said.
“If the developer takes council to VCAT we will have a group of volunteers in the community who will continue to push back against it.”
Wyndham planning and liveability director Eric Braslis said council is assessing the planning application and that all objections are considered as part of the assessment process.
The process is open for consultation and council will not make a decision on the permit before Thursday, May 22.
Planning Central was contacted for comment.
Front: Alida Bezuidenhout, John Kenny, Miken Gandhi and Meenakshi Lamba are among a group of Point Cook residents opposed to a planned caravan park. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 477945_01
Law courts to open after delays
Jaidyn Kennedy
Following months of delays and speculation, the Wyndham Law Courts are set to open later this year.
On Tuesday, the state government announced it would contribute $114 million dollars to opening what will be the largest courtcomplexinVictoriaoutsideMelbourne’s CBD, in the 2025-26 budget.
The precinct, which was originally slated to open in March, will include specialised courts for children, family violence cases and First Nations people and replace the Werribee Magistrate’s Court.
The courts and the new Tarneit West station
will receive additional bus services when they open.
Riverwalk and King’s Leigh housing estates in Werribee are also set to receive new and expanded bus routes.
Another new bus route will also connect Wyndham with neighbouring growth corridorMelton,runningfromTarneitStation to Rockbank Station via Mount Atkinson.
Train services on the Werribee line are expected to increase by 33 per cent with the Metro Tunnel upgrade.
Motorists in Wyndham were also budget winners, with the state government pledging $250 million to upgrade Werribee Main Road.
This project will upgrade four intersections
and the Princes Freeway on-off ramps, as well as adding an additional lane to the existing Werribee Main Road bridge that crosses the Princes Freeway.
Point Cook Road, Jameson Way to Dunnings Road in Point Cook and stage two of the Wyndham Ring Road in Wyndham Vale are among the key road upgrades listed in the budget.
Thefundingispartof$1.2billionannounced for 19 projects in partnership with the federal government to upgrade roads across growing suburbs in Victoria.
The East Werribee Employment precinct, which is touted to become one of the area’s key business hubs, will receive $45 million.
The CWA ‘family’ want you to join
If you want to put your passion or skills to good use, then the Werribee South branch of the Country Women’s Association (CWA) would love to have you on board.
The group meets at the Diggers Road Memorial Hall and participates in a range of activities that help a variety of groups and individuals in the community.
From making compassion bags for Mercy Hospital’s palliative care patients to supporting programs that help young people in Melbourne and Geelong find their way in
Ex-Liberal
life, the ladies are always lending a helping hand.
Secretary Julia Toffolon said the branch is more like a family than a club.
“We support one another in many ways, it’s like a family and we rally around each other, we’ll go and help out when someone might be sick,” Ms Toffolon said.
“It’s a lovely community down here.”
President Fran Gillett is very keen for prospective members to know that they don’t need to be artisans or Michelin star
chefs to join.
“There’s no pressure to have a particular type of skill – sometimes people think they have to be able to cook or something, but just come as you are and we’ll find a way you can help” she said.
“If someone joins they learn a lot of new skills with us whether it’s sewing or crafting.“
Ms Gillett said the ideal volunteer is “just an everyday person with a good heart and a desire to make a difference“.
Wyndham schools also received a boost. According to the government, the next stages of Brinbeal, Walcom Ngarrwa and Bemin secondary colleges will support the needs of the growing community.
Funding has been allocated for an improved learning space at The Grange P-12 College and for modernisation work at Manorvale Primary School.
Werribee police station will share in $3.8 million of funding to continue the Embedded Youth Outreach Program that aims to reduce youth offending by early intervention methods.
Air quality grants open
A new series of grants designed to improve air quality in Melbourne’s west have been announced by the state government.
The air quality improvement precinct grants will be drawn from a pool of about $1 million and will aim to support local solutions to reduce emissions from smoke, dust and other sources of air pollution.
It will serve as continuation of two previous grant rounds which focused on supporting local business in the west to reduce pollution output.
The grants are open to public schools, community groups, research institutions and businesses in Melton, Brimbank, Maribyrnong Hobsons Bay and Wyndham.
The grants will run in conjunction with the West Gate Tunnel project which will aim to remove 9000 trucks a day from local roads in the west.
Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos said the program will allow local groups to come up with their own fixes.
“Extending the program means we can now also support schools, local councils and community groups, together with local business and industry to deliver initiatives that support improved air quality in Melbourne’s west,” he said.
“Whether installing dust sensors or planting vegetation barriers to block and capture dust, we encourage all kinds of innovative mitigations to ensure we improve air quality in our pollution hot spots.”
Details: environment.vic.gov.au/ grants/AQIP-grants-2025
leader ordered to pay $2.3 million legal bill
Ousted state Liberal leader John Pesutto has been ordered to pay $2.3 million in costs after he was found to have defamed first-term MP Moira Deeming.
Federal Court registrar Alison Legge made the cost ruling on Friday after Mr Pesutto’s lawyers sought details on Mrs Deeming’s crowdfunding efforts and a loan from a property developer.
“It is uncontroversial that the purpose of a cost order is not to punish the unsuccessful party,“ Ms Legge said.
“The purpose, no more and no less, is to compensate the successful party for the cost she has reasonably or not unreasonably incurred in the proceeding.
“I have determined that monies gifted or lent to Ms Deeming to assist her to meet her legal costs of the proceeding are not relevant to my determination and neither displace nor offset the quantum of her entitlement to costs.“
In December, Federal Court Justice David O’Callaghan found Mr Pesutto had defamed Mrs Deeming by implying she was associated with neo-Nazis who gatecrashed a controversial Melbourne rally she attended. He ordered Mr Pesutto pay her $315,000 on top of her legal costs for the case, which Ms Legge calculated to be $2,308,873,11.
The scale of the costs ruling raises questions about the Hawthorn MP’s ability to fulfil the
order and MPs’ eligibility to sit in Victorian parliament if they declare bankruptcy.
Mr Pesutto’s barrister Daryl Williams KC sought a stay of 21 or 28 days on his client paying the lump sum to allow him to consider a review of the registrar’s decision.
Mrs Deeming’s barrister Sue Chrysanthou SC opposed the move, with the court expected to return on Friday afternoon to deal with the issue.
TheHeraldSunreportsMrPesuttohasbeen in discussions with the Cormack Foundation, a multimillion-dollar investment group for the Liberal Party, to cover his legal costs.
Afterlosingthedefamationtrial,MrPesutto lost the leadership in a spill and Mrs Deeming
was welcomed back to the party room. His replacement Brad Battin indicated the party wasn’t preparing for a by-election in Hawthorn and said it was up to the secretariat to decide whether to bail out Mr Pesutto.
“We don’t need a candidate at the moment,“ the state opposition leader told ABC Radio Melbourne.
“We’ve got John Pesutto, who is the member for Hawthorn, and if everything goes in a direction I would like to see John Pesutto will be there at the next state election.
“But we’ll keep those conversations internal - people aren’t interested in what’s happening inside the Liberal Party.“
Callum Goode, AAP
The Country Women’s Association Werribee South Branch is inviting you to volunteer (Damjan Janevski)
Council pushes back against levy
WyndhamcouncilandtheVictorianFarmer’s Federation have raised concerns about the e state government’s Emergency Services Volunteer Fund (ESVF) levy.
Passed in state parliament in the early hours of May 16, the ESVF will replace the former Fire Services Property Levy from July 1.
The ESVF will be calculated on a fixed charge that varies by property type, and a variable charge based on property value and will be charged alongside council rates.
The government agreed to amendments to the ESVF before it passed parliament,
including reducing the planned levy increase for farmers from 189 per cent to 150 per cent.
The government also legislated that 95 per cent of VICSES and CFA funding will come from ESVF and 90 per cent of FRV’s annual funding will come from the levy.
A Wyndham spokesperson said that council being forced to collect the levy on the state government’s behalf might lead to the municipality receiving unfair flak.
“Manyresidentsdon’tdistinguishbetweena state levy or council rate on their rates notice, and council will unnecessarily wear the brunt
Learn about democracy
Those aged 18-25 that are interested in how Australiaisgovernedstillhavetimetoapplyto join the Wyndham Youth Civic Participation Project.
Designed for Wyndham’s aspiring lawyers and policy makers, the program will include a three-day trip to Canberra in September and experience the workings of the local and state governments.
In Canberra, participants will get to visit Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the High Court of Australia and the Australian War Museum.
Following that, they can spend a full day at Parliament House Victoria and visit Wyndham council.
Participants will have the opportunity to speak with councillors, senior public servants and council staff about their responsibilities. Hoppers Crossing law student Maddison Roberts-Castano, 19, went along last year and is urging other young people to give it a shot. “It was one of the best programs I’ve ever
done and I feel like the main thing I took away from it was just a good sense of what it’s like to actually be around politics,” Ms Roberts-Castano said.
“Meeting with [Lalor MP] Joanne Ryan was my favourite part of the experience as she is one of my heroes.”
For Ms Roberts-Castano, seeing democracy in an action is an important step in participating in it.
“Young people have a choice of who is actually there in Canberra, so it would be better to make an informed decision rather thanarandomdecisionandnotbehappywith the results,” she said.
Applications will close on Monday, May 26.
Details: https://tinyurl.com/y33em3yd
Law student Maddison Roberts-Castano is encouraging young people to apply for council’s Youth Civic Participation Program (Ljubica Vrankovic) 477201_01
Have
your say
VicGrid has released the draft 2025 Victorian Transmission Plan. It sets out proposed renewable energy zones and transmission projects our state will need to keep Victorians connected to safe, reliable and affordable power.
We need your feedback to help us plan energy infrastructure in your area.
Find out more at: engage.vic.gov.au/vicgrid Or call us on 1800 418 341
of complaints and financial hardship claims,” the spokesperson said.
Wyndham was one of six councils across Melbourne’s south-west that met with Western Victoria MP Sarah Mansfield ahead of the ESVF passing parliament last week to urge her to vote against the levy.
VFFlivestockcouncilpresidentScottYoung said the organisation “does not agree with the decision that’s been made” around the ESVF.
“It’s a huge increase and that’s why farmers are so concerned,” he said.
“Farmers are not in a position … to afford
increases like this in our business.”
Through the ESVF, the state government said it will invest $110 million to deliver a rollingfleetreplacementprogramforVICSES, the CFA and Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV).
Emergency Services Minister Vicki Ward said the new funding arrangement will be used to modernise first responders equipment across the state.
“This new funding model is giving our incredible emergency service workers and volunteers the modern equipment they need to help keep communities safe.”
Disability connection expo
The Wyndham Disability Connection Expo is back and ready to help those living with a disability feel more connected with the wider community.
People with disabilities, their families, carers and support persons will have the opportunity to connect with support services in the area, as well as meet other people living with disability.
Guests will be able to acquaint themselves with resources that may help them gain employment skills, refer them to the most suitable health clinicians and discover social opportunities.
Kylie Bozanic runs the Wyndham All Abilities Basketball club, and has been involved in the planning of the expo for the past 12 months.
“The day is more so to connect people with the providers, but then also people with disabilities can find activities and respite
options as well,” she said.
“Without knowing where to actually find theseservices,theycanbeveryhardtolocate.”
Ms Bozanic said programs such as all abilities basketball, which will feature at the expo, can make a world of difference in the life of someone with disabilities.
“It’sasenseofbelonging,anditbecomespart of their routine which means they can become better connected with the community,” she said.
“They have somewhere they belong and can really make friends out it.”
This event is open to everyone, those with lived experience of disability, NDIS participants, and those not NDIS supported.
The expo will run at the Encore Event’s Centre in Hoppers Crossing between 10am-3pm on Thursday, May 29.
Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/ wdsnexpo25
Volunteer Kylie Bozani will be at the Wyndham Disability Connection Expo showcasing all abilities basketball (Ljubica Vrankovic) 475714_03
Hunt for stolen rainbow lorikeet
By Jaidyn Kennedy
The alleged theft of a bird from a Hoppers Crossing pet store has been labelled disturbing and bizarre.
Keely Diczku, who manages Victorian Bird Company, said a baby rainbow lorikeet was stolen from the store about 1.50pm on Saturday, May 10.
She said she noticed the bird was missing fromitsaviaryabout1.55pm,andimmediately checked the store’s CCTV cameras.
In footage seen by StarWeekly , a woman is seen to put what is believed to be a bird inside
her jacket and walk off.
Police arrested a 38-year-old Deer Park woman on Monday, May 12.
She was later charged with theft and bailed to appear before a magistrate in June.
Ms Diczku said herself and staff were unsettled by the incident and are anxious about the wellbeing of the bird.
“We all love what we do and love animals, so we are really upset by it – we didn’t expect anyone to do such a thing,” she said.
“It’s one thing to steal dry stock off the shelf, but to steal a live animal is absolutely unbelievable and disappointing.”
Flying through history
Year three students from Point Cook College got an exciting insight into history when they visited the RAAF Museum on Wednesday, May 14.
The students were treated to an information scavenger hunt that focused on the school’s historical figures and an engine run demonstration with a replica fighter training aircraft from the 1920s.
Some lucky volunteers got to try on some 1920s-style pilot accessories such as a leather flying helmet, sheepskin lined jackets, a woollen scarf and a leather greatcoat.
The school itself was established in 1923 as Point Cook Primary School at the RAAF (Royal Australian Air Force) base to provide education for the children of families living there.
Point Cook Primary School closed in 2009 and re-opened in 2010 as Point Cook College, but the link to the RAAF remained through the school logo, school house namesakes and regular visits.
Wing Commander Michelle McPhail said RAAF staff almost had more fun than the students.
“We were so impressed by how much the kids already knew about the unique history of Point Cook College and their very special link to RAAF Base Point Cook,” she said.
“School visits are always special days, the kidsbringsomuchenergyandenthusiasmand of course, lots of fun and thoughtful questions.
“At the RAAF Museum we like the saying ‘historyisthewindowtothefuture’sotous,not just allowing but welcoming and encouraging young people to visit the RAAF Museum is a key focus.”
Year three students Lilah, Krisha, Manha and Zara from Point Cook P-9 College, on the veranda of the original Point Cook Primary School building which still stands on RAAF Base Point Cook. (WOFF Don Kenny)
According to Ms Diczku, the bird, which is worth approximately $700, needs attentive care and supervision due to its age.
At about 12 weeks old, she said the bird is at weaning age and needs a very specific diet of wet and dry nectar, fruits, vegetables and access to clean water at all times.
“They know how to eat on their own at that age, but they need the access to eat the correct type of food at all times,” Ms Diczku said.
Apparently, the store has been inundated with community members trying to ascertain the bird’s whereabouts on their behalf.
“These social media sleuths dive deep,” Ms Diczku said.
She urged the alleged thief to surrender the bird.
“We really, really want the bird to get the care it deserves, and it would love to see it return to make sure those things happen,” she said.
“That’s our number one concern.”
A police spokesperson said the bird has not been recovered and the theft is still under investigation.
Anyonewithinformationisurgedtocontact
Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www. crimestoppersvic.com.au
Explore the possibilities of coastal living at Point Cook Village. Learn more about retirement living, meet the residents and tour the Clubhouse, bowling green, pool, gym and lounge. Inspect display residences and find out if this vibrant, welcoming and exceptionally situated community is right for you.
Refreshments will be served.
Wednesday 28 May, 2pm – 4pm 320 Point Cook Road, Point Cook
RSVP essential scan the QR code or visit vmch.com.au/openday marketing@vmch.com.au 1300 698 624
Siya is writing her legacy
Creative advocate and writer Siya has been announced as Wyndham’s Young Person of the Month for May.
Siya, 17, encourages young people to follow their creative passions and dreams through acting, drama, dance, movies and writing.
Through advocacy, she wants she reaches to gain a greater sense of self-esteem, confidence, improve their leadership skills and strengthen their personal identity.
“It’s really good that someone like me has been recognised because that serves to motivate me and is a testament to show what I am doing is right,” Siya said.
To date, she has collected a slew of academic and leadership awards for a commitment to extracurricular activities, studies and the community.
Some of her biggest achievements include winning the Australian Defence Force Long Tan Leadership award in 2023, participating in Western Metropolitan MP Trung Luu’s Academic Achievement Monash Scholars
Program and winning The Age’s Essay Writing Competition.
One of the ways in which she tries to empower her fellow young people is through volunteering for The Westsider publication.
“I think writing is one of the most accessible forms of media nowadays with everyone having phones, and when you are writing you can think about something thoroughly,” Siya said.
ForSiya,writingisaformofcommunication that stands forever.
“Writing is timeless, it’s always there,” she said.
One Wyndham recipients are residents aged 12-25 who positively contribute to the Wyndham community and are role models to other young people.
Winners are awarded a $300 gift voucher of their choice and other prizes.
Details:www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/services/ youth-services/awards-competitions/ one-wyndha
Briefs
Tarneit collision
Police are investigating a serious collision involving a stolen vehicle in Tarneit on Sunday, May 18, that left two teenagers in hospital with life-threatening injuries. Emergency services were called to a collision between a Haval Jolion and a Toyota Camry at the intersection of Dohertys and Derrimut roads about 1.25am. Two 16-year-old male occupants from the Haval were taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries. A third 16-year-old male occupant was also taken to hospital with non-lifethreatening injuries. The occupants of the Toyota did not sustain any serious injuries According to police, the Haval was allegedly stolen from a shopping centre carpark on Hummingbird Boulevard in Tarneit on May 10.
Cow heist
Police are appealing for witnesses following the theft of a life-sized fibreglass cow from a business in Truganina in April. A silver Holden VE Commodore station wagon towing a trailer containing three offenders attended the business on Peterpaul Way on Sunday, April 27 about 1.20am. Two of the thieves lifted and moved the fibreglass cow, named Betsy, into the back of the trailer before travelling east along Schembri Drive. Betsy is red and white in colour and estimated to be worth $3500.
FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT
Web: starweekly.com.au
Wyndham Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
Siya, 17, is Wyndham’s Young Person of the month for May. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 477200_02
Don’t put up with it! Call DFV Lawyers today
DFV Lawyers is Melbourne’s pioneering domestic and family violence law firm, founded by Director and Principal Criminal Lawyer Carmella Acciarito, Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court and High Court of Australia.
Carmella’s guiding principle is clear: “You do not have to put up with it! Take that next step forward and call me.”
DFV Lawyers is an exclusive specialist firm dedicated to domestic and family violence law, as well as criminal law cases linked to domestic and family violence such as family unlawful assault, common assault, recklessly causing injury, stalking, child abuse, child protection, intervention orders, and personal safety orders including breaches initiated by Victoria Police and Child Protection authorities.
Carmella regularly appears in Magistrates’ CourtsacrossMelbourne,includingWerribee, Heidelberg, Dandenong, Ringwood, and Sunshine. She also represents clients in County Court Intervention Order Appeal hearings and Melbourne Children’s Court for Child Protection matters.
DFV Lawyers advocates for applicants and respondents, assisting individuals of all genders including non-binary, marginalised, and vulnerable groups ensuring their protection from harm and justice. The firm
is committed to justice for those denied fair administration within the criminal justice system.
As Principal Lawyer, Carmella is steadfast in her commitment to client safety, well-being, and justice. A well-informed legal strategist, she brings extensive knowledge and experience, having previously worked as an educator and researcher.
She is well-versed in key legislation, including the:
• Family Violence Protection Act 1958 (Vic)
• Personal Safety Intervention OrderAct 2010 (Vic)
• Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic)
• Crimes Act 1958 (Vic)
• Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 (Vic)
Carmella is known for her deep understanding of clients, fostering trusted relationships, and providing unwavering support during their most challenging times. She is committed to meticulous legal advice and referrals, case preparation, fierce case conferencing with Victoria Police, and strong courtroom advocacy, ensuring strategic and powerful representation for optimal results.
DFV Lawyers stands as a beacon of specialised domestic and family violence legal services and advocacy, ensuring justice and protection for those in need.
Criminal Lawyer
Carmella Acciarito.
Fostering culture and curiosity at Sparrow Early Learning
Sparrow Early Learning centres focus on helping every child feel seen, celebrated, and supported as they grow, recognising that education begins long before the school bell rings.
This Education Week (19 - 23 May), the Sparrow team is proud to join Victoria in celebrating the theme ‘Celebration of Cultures’, which recognises the rich diversity in their communities and the importance of creating safe, inclusive environments for all children.
Sparrow Early Learning’s Wyndham-based centres (including Sparrow Early Learning Wyndham Waters, Tarneit, Tarneit Central, Alamanda and Manor Lakes) embrace diversity, not only in their values, but in their daily practice. Sparrow’s long-serving educators deliver enriching kindergarten programs that nurture the whole child, socially, emotionally, and cognitively through a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach. With free funded kindergarten programs led by qualified early childhood teachers and supported by passionate educators, they’re setting the foundation for confident, capable learners. Kinder rooms are buzzing with meaningful learning. Educators lead exciting enquiry projects as part of their Victorian Institute of Teaching registration, embedding reflection and innovation into each experience.
Sparrow’s services offer so much more than flexibility.Familieslovetheregularincursions and excursions, including weekly programs that support self-regulation and confidence. Meals are freshly prepared by in-house chefs, and their inclusive environments are supported by multi-lingual educators, additional needs support, and close ties to local primary schools to ease their transition to prep.
At a time when many families are seeing more relationship-based, personalised early learningexperiences,Sparrowoffersagenuine alternative to traditional models. Staff pride themselves on a strong sense of community, holistic learning, and the deep relationships their educators build with children and
families alike.
As one local parent shared, “It immediately felt like the perfect fit for my children… My kids settled in remarkably well within just a few days.”
That sense of belonging and support is what makes the Sparrow experience so valued by families.
Book a tour today and see how Sparrow Early Learning honours your child’s culture, nurtures their curiosity, and celebrates their unique potential.
Visit www.sparrow.edu.au to learn more.
Budget help for families to pay for camps and sport
Tuesday’s state budget will include $152.3 million to increase the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund and $15 million to deliver the popular Get Active Kids Vouchers for another two years.
Currently, eligible primary school students receive $154 per year, while eligible secondary students receive $256 under the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund
With an investment of $152.3 million, all paymentswillbeincreasedto$400fromTerm 1, 2026 – making sure every student gets the chance to join camps, attend excursions and play on a team with their mates.
The money is expected to help around 200,000kidsfromfamilieswithaHealthCare or concession card every year.
Families with multiple children at the same school can pool their allocated funding to use on one child or for one specific activity – helping in situations where the costs for activities in a certain year level are higher than others.
More support for sports, activities and equipment
The budget also delivers the popular $200 Get Active Kids vouchers for another two years, helping more than 65,000 kids who need it.
These $200 vouchers cover the cost of memberships, registration fees, equipment and uniforms for sports and popular activities, and are available to families with a Health Care or concession card.
The program covers more than 70 sports and more than 2,100 activity providers across the state – making sure every child across Victoria has the chance to take part.
Since the program launched in 2020, almost 190,000 vouchers have been provided to families. More than half of families who received vouchers reported their kids would
not have been able to participate without them. 22 per cent of recipients joined a local sporting club for the first time thanks to the vouchers.
Learning for future success
MacKillop College Werribee stands out as a leading choice for families seeking a holistic and future-focused education for their children.
With a proud tradition rooted in the Josephite ideals of inclusivity and education for all, MacKillop offers a nurturing environment where every student is encouraged to achieve their personal best, supported by a strong pastoral care program and a vibrant school community.
The college delivers a comprehensive and well-balanced curriculum, emphasising 21st-century skills such as creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. Students benefit from small class sizes, expert teachers, and access to state-of-the-art facilities, including a science wing, Moreno Performing Arts Centre, and the Tenison Woods Sports Centre Sports Centre.
MacKillop’s curriculum caters to a diverse range of interests and abilities, offering over 60 VCE subjects, alternative pathways and
enrichment programs for gifted and talented students. The college also values experiential learning, with unique opportunities like the Year9StMary’sCampusprogramandarobust outdoor education offering.
Looking to the future, MacKillop College is expanding to meet the needs of the growing community. A new Wyndham Vale campus is set to open in the Jubilee Estate in 2027, providing families in the area with access to the same high-quality Catholic education and comprehensive curriculum as the Werribee campus. This new campus will offer modern facilities and ensure that more students can benefit from MacKillop’s commitment to academic excellence, personal growth, and community engagement.
For families seeking a school that combines tradition, innovation, and a genuine focus on student wellbeing, MacKillop College, Werribee-andsoon,WyndhamVale-offersan exceptional choice for their child’s educational journey.
“We’re putting more money back in the pockets of Victorian families and making sure all students have the chance to take part.”
“For many students, a school camp or an excursion is the highlight of the year,” said Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll
Al-Taqwa: The place to be for valued teachers and staff
Recruiting and retaining top-tier teachers gives a school’s students and families high-quality teaching and learning experiences, enhancing the school workplace. Al-Taqwa College in Truganina takes that very seriously.
“Al-Taqwa College encourages everyone in our staff team to look out fortalented new recruits to join us. That’s why we’ve launched a new staff referral programme called Golden Connect”, said a spokesman for the college.
Golden Connect offers generous incentives to Al-Taqwa staff referring new teachers who are appointed and pass their probationary periods. Referringstaffwillberewardedwithbonusesup to themaximumgrossvalueof$5,000payablewhen thereferrednewteachercompletesprobationand six months of permanent employment. Multiple staff referrals attract additional benefits: another maximum $5,000 monetary bonus each, or a holiday package or school fee offset of equivalent value if they have children enrolled at the college. Recruited staff also will receive bonuses, to a total maximum gross value of $5,000 when they complete probation and six months’ permanent employment.
“The scheme doesn’t draw on any state or federal government schools funding”, said the spokesman. “But we are going the extra mile, in a tight job market, to recruit the best teachers for our school community.”
Golden Connect adds to staff wellbeing initiatives already making Al-Taqwa a place where staff love coming to work every day. These include on-site coffee carts and access to a state-of-the-art gymnasium, catered staff lunches,andopportunitiesforstaff“earlymarks” during the school term.
Al-Taqwa College is very excited about all these measures. “We all are a committed and passionateteamcommittedtohelpingeachother, our students and our entire school community to be the best we can be,” the spokesman said.
Programs and opportunities abound at Wyndham Central
As the first nationally recognised AVID Site of Distinction in 2019, Wyndham Central College is dedicated to preparing tomorrow’s leaders to be agile, innovative, and creative problem solvers through outstanding educational programs and teaching strategies.
AVID: A schoolwide program that employs research-based, best teaching and learning strategies to actively engage students in their education. AVID equips all students with the tools, skills, and knowledge needed to succeed academically, prepare for university and careers, and become active global citizens.
STEM: Wyndham Central College’s STEM Academy offers hands-on learning in areas like robotics, coding, engineering, and 3D printing. Students work with Wyndham Tech School and industry partners to solve real-world problems.
Enrichment: The Enrichment Program extendsopportunitiesbothwithinandbeyond the classroom, with students developing a project each year that focuses on creating an authentic product or performance, fostering real-world excellencethat extend their skills and creativity.
Spanish Immersion Program (SIP): The Spanish Immersion Program fosters bi-literacy, bilingualism, and biculturalism, preparing students to be global citizens fluent in Spanish.
Football Development Program: Through expert coaching, rigorous training, and competitiveopportunities,wenurtureathletic skills and sportsmanship, empowering students to reach their full potential both on and off the field.
is to prepare students for further education, employment,andactivecitizenshipinaglobal
Discover Opportunities: Programs for Every Student
Hindi Beacon School: As the only Hindi Beacon School in the southwest, we celebrate language and culture through immersive
learning and vibrant cultural events. At Wyndham Central College, our mission
society.
Award sowed the seeds of recognition for nursery staff
For All Green Nursery, being named Wyndham’s Business of the Year in 2024 was recognition of more than four decades of passion, dedication and brilliance.
Startingoutasahumblebackyardoperation in 1979, the Hoppers Crossing nursery has grown into one of Melbourne’s largest garden centres.
While the business now has two locations spanning over 14 acres of landscaping supplies, garden materials, and flourishing plant life, chief executive Samuel Fragapane saidtheoperationhaslostnoneofitshumility.
“Winning the award was one thing I suppose, but the impact it had internally was great because our staff felt recognised for what they do on a day-to-day basis,” he said.
“It really helped us reflect on what we had done over the 12 months.”
The win was also key to facilitating meaningful relationships with other local firms.
“It drove a lot of opportunities to start having conversations with other businesses, because we were able to showcase our own story on that kind of stage,” Mr Fragapane said.
“When people saw how genuine we were as people and our family model, it resonated with other people in business.”
It’s not hard to appear sincere when you practise what you preach.
“Where there is a staff or customer issue we won’t put that on the back burner and we’ll try our hardest to sort it out,” Mr Fragapane said.
He said sponsoring the Business Resilience Award was the perfect chance to stay involved while stepping out of the spotlight.
“For us it was good to stay connected with something that goes far beyond the awards, and we had discussions about how to still be involved in one way, shape or form.”
Near and dear to the team at All Green Nursery is making sure Wyndham’s agriculture and horticulture industries have a strong future.
“We have a lot of conversations about how we make horticulture, landscaping and farming more attractive for young people to come through, and make those career pathways accessible.
“I am a big advocate for the procurement of local people for local projects in our industries
– there are plenty of businesses here that can cater for it.”
With more than 80 members of its team, many of whom are young people just embarking on their careers, All Green Nursery is all about making sure Wyndham’s talent can work in their own backyards.
Entries for this year’s awards are now open and close on Friday, June 13. A Business Award Information Session will be held on Wednesday, June 4, 1pm-2:30pm.
Whether you’re a small startup, an established enterprise, or a local leader in your industry,theWyndhamBusinessAwardsoffer an incredible opportunity to gain recognition and celebrate the impact your business has made. For more information or to enter go to wyndham.vic.gov.au/services/ business-investment/business-awardsspecial-events/wyndham-business-awards
All Green Nursery sales manager Derek Mower, people and culture manager Carleen Goldie and garden supplies manager Steven Organ. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 477926_05
Vivid Sydney on display
Lights, music, ideas and food – the 15th Vivid Sydney is about to get under way with Dream as its theme and some surprising guests coming to help the city celebrate.
From23MaytoSaturday14JunetheHarbor City will be the place to be and well worth a visitasitbecomesawashwithcolourandlight and cultural experiences of the musical and culinary.
And those appearing this year include comedy’s coolest couple, Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally – who will appear on stage and in-conversation together for the very first time in Australia at the International Convention Centre, Sydney on Saturday, 14 June. While for the culinary-minded, watch outforeventscuratedbyNigellaLawson,while there is a plethora of musical acts to suit all tastes.
For its 15th year, the festival footprint has been redesigned to present five zones: Circular Quay and The Rocks; Barangaroo; Martin Place and CBD (for the first time since 2018); Darling Harbour; and The Goods Line and Inner City.
Each connected zone will feature events from each of the festival pillars: Light, Music, Ideas and Food.
And the nice thing about Vivid is that more than 75 per cent of the program and 100 per cent of Vivid Light Walk is free to enjoy as the city lights up major buildings and landmarks in fun and surprising ways.
Showcasing Sydney’s creative pulse during winter, Vivid Sydney will feature exclusive collaborationsforaseriesofeventswithSydney Writers’ Festival and Sydney Film Festival, as well as cultural institutions, venues and arts companies Art Gallery of NSW, Australian Museum,BangarraDanceTheatre,CityRecital Hall,StateLibraryofNSW,andSydneyTheatre Company.
“VividSydneycontinuestofindexcitingnew ways and places to bring colour, creativity and fun to our city,” NSW Minister for Tourism, Arts,MusicandtheNight-timeEconomy,John Graham enthused.
“From surprising outdoor dining experiences, to artistic light projections on our most famous landmarks and big free live shows in Tumbalong Park - Vivid Sydney has something for everyone, whether you’re a visitor or a local.
“Thisyear’sfestivalishelpingpeoplefacethe cost-of-living crisis by increasing the number of free events, which is great news if you want a good night out without blowing the budget.”
Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini said the festival’s Dream theme is something that we all experience, and it can be
interpreted in a myriad of ways.
“Dreaming is as old as time and as universal as life itself. Dreams can be prophetic, life-changing and inspirational, as well as trivial, hilarious or terrifying,” Gill said.
“These interactions are evident in every aspect of Vivid Sydney’s program this year.
“Captivating light installations and 3D projections for everyone, thought-provoking and enlightening experiences, awe-inspiring performances from the world’s best musicians, alongwithcutting-edgeculinarycollaborations and dinners in unexpected places, it can all be found at Vivid Sydney.”
The late Australian visionary, David McDiarmid’s bold and unapologetic work will be showcased on the Sydney Opera House for Lighting of the Sails, entitled Kiss of Light (2025).
Vincent Namatjira will present King Dingo onthefacadeoftheMuseumofContemporary
Art Australia while the team behind Sydney fashion label, Romance Was Born will debut House of Romance on Customs House.
This year festivalgoers can interact with installations and 3D projections across the Vivid Light Walk, including voice-activated animation, suspended swings, whimsical seesaws, a tennis match with light, and self-portraits turned into 3D projections by world-renowned entertainment studio, Moment Factory.
Free Vivid Ideas events include the weekly FiretalkseriesatBarangarooReserve,bringing togetherFirstNationsstorytellers,andEndling, a major new physical theatre work performed nightly by Sydney’s Legs On The Wall. Stranger Things: The Experience will debut at Luna Park Sydney.
Vivid Food has never been more enticing. In a festival exclusive, internationally renowned food writer and TV cook, Nigella Lawson will curate three Vivid Sydney Dinners in the recently opened pedestrian tunnel Muru Giligu in Martin Place.
Vivid LIVE at Sydney Opera House boasts more than 50 cutting-edge and legendary internationalandAustralianartists,including British singer and spellbinding performer Anohni and The Johnsons, Beth Gibbons from Portishead, Sigur Róswith the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, indie pop darlings Japanese Breakfast, soulful indie-folk crooner Marlon Williams, neo-soul artist Ravyn Lenae, plus homegrown trailblazers Miss Kaninna, SAHXL and more.
And all that is just the start. Check out www.vividsydney.com for much much more.
Unscripted and Unfiltered with Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally. (Emily Shur)
Colour The City.
The Connected City.
Taking in the views.
Lighting of the Sails - Kiss of Light (2025). (Supplied)
Explore Australia in luxury
Adventurers who have travelled through this great big country of ours by four-wheel drive might mistakenly believe they have seen it all.
Whiletickingoffthebucketlistdestinations of Longreach, Ayres Rock, Esperance, Broome, Rainbow Beach and the Kimberleys is admirable and indeed recommended, it is time to see our big, beautiful country of Australia from the sea.
Viking’sGrandAustraliaCircumnavigation
roundtrip from Sydney offers a 32-day luxury cruise which incorporates 14 guided tours and the chance to explore Indonesian treasures in Komodo and Bali.
On this special cruise setting sail from Sydney on 30 December, guests will discover the rich combination of beauty and culture, encountering iconic natural wonders and lesser-known cultural gems.
When circumnavigating Australia, Viking ensures guests take in the beauty of the unspoilt, often wild shoreline and admire the Whitsunday Islands with time to experience a fascinating underwater museum during a snorkelling excursion to the Great Barrier Reef.
While in Cairns, marine lovers can take a catamarantotheGreatBarrierReeforexplore the Daintree and Kuranda National Parks, vast rainforest systems.
Traverse the mineral-rich waters of the Coral Sea, then watch the scenery change as you pass Cooktown and trace the route of early civilisations as you sail the Arafura Sea.
Follow in the footsteps of Indonesia’s indigenous people and sail the Timor Sea before reaching the laid-back city of Darwin. Guestshavetimetocheckoutthecrocodiles, wander the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, or get lost in the extensive Darwin Military Museum, visit the Darwin Aviation Museum or perhaps take a helicopter ride to the Litchfield National Park.
Many enjoy a cup of coffee or sip on a refreshing cocktail or lunch onboard while enjoying the views of Darwin Harbour.
Sail the Timor passing stunning isolated pristine locations and drop into the Komodo National Park (Slawi Bay), Indonesia, with time to get to know the legendary Komodo dragon, or the more graceful Timor deer, beautiful wild horses and stout little boars.
Here guests can swim, snorkel and relax at one of only seven pink beaches in the world, Komodo National Park’s romantic Pink Beach.
The calm, crystal blue waters abound with
tropical fish, making Pink Beach a diversity hotspot that is ideal for snorkelling.
On day 14, it is time to discover the intriguing world of gods, temples and crafts in Bali. Enjoy a market visit and Balinese Hindu Temple,artsandcrafts,discoverUbudandthe Rice Terraces or just soak up the sunshine and relax at a private beach resort on the shores of the Indian Ocean.
Back on board jump in the sauna, refresh in the Snow Grotto or take a dip in the thermal pool to feel recharged and revitalised as the captain sails down the luxury ship down the coastline to beautiful Perth.
Here, there is time to enjoy this immaculate city or duck to Fremantle or take a Rottnest Island Segway Safari and a visit to the friendly quokkas.
Visit the leading wineries of Swan Valley and indulge in a chocolate tasting. These iconicwinesarefamedfortheireasy-drinking flavour profiles and encompass fresh, fruity reds alongside crisp, light whites, all well respected for their perfectly balanced flavours.
On to magical Busselton, renowned for its shelteredbeaches,mildclimateandthenearby Margaret River wine region. Its charming
beachfront features the 19th-century Busselton Jetty and Underwater Observatory, where visitors can view the vibrant coral reef.
Sail the Indian Ocean to Albany, Western Australia’s southernmost city, with so much to explore, including the historic Whaling Station,TorndirrpNationalParkandWhiskey Distillery or visit the Valley of the Giants.
Witness the sheer beauty of the Great Australian Bight, the massive open bay that stretches 720 miles along the continent’s southernshore.Enjoytheviewandanalfresco dining experience in the Aquavit Terrace, which serves a range of international fare and casual dining favourites, as well as a range of superb cocktails inspired by each destination.
Next stop is Adelaide, Australia’s unsung centre of high culture, history and beauty. Often called a “city within a park,” almost half of Adelaide comprises green spaces, from the lush flora and gurgling fountains of the AdelaideBotanicGardentotheJapanese-style retreat at Adelaide Himeji Garden.
Enjoy scenic sailing in the Bass Strait past King Island, which hosts several settlements and is on the migration route of several
bird species.
See another side of Melbourne and immerse yourself in local culture and cuisine with the Viking’s executive chef on an interactive culinary adventure.
Tee off in style during an unforgettable roundofgolfatoneofMelbourne’stop-ranked courses or discover the colourful culture of Melbourne’s laneways.
Pop on a scarf and some woolly socks and enjoy Burnie, the gateway to Tasmania’s rugged natural beauty, including Cradle Mountain Lake, St Clair National Park. The park is a breathtaking landscape of trails, streams, ancient pines and wildlife.
Sail the Gippsland Coast, one of Australia’s most scenic regions, along the southeastern shore of the continent on the Bass Strait. Spend a relaxing day at sea to unwind and admire the vistas from the stateroom veranda.
Visit stunning Eden and its surrounding villages that lie along the scenic Sapphire Coast before arriving back in beautiful Sydney, where new friends disembark with promises of future vacation plans.
This really is a sensational way to see the vastnessofthecountry.Formoreinformation, visit www.viking.com or phone 138 747.
Just one of the stunning areas to enjoy a beverage on Viking, the Aquavit Terrace.
LEE MCCARTHY
Circumnavigate Australia in luxury with no children, no casinos, no theme nights, just pure luxury.
Witness the stunning Australian coastline while relaxing and taking a real holiday.
Discover More on a River Journey FOR LESS IN 2025
Discover the magic of
and style. Uncover centuries of history and culture, indulging in authentic regional cuisine and enjoy everything you need included. Hurry, these offers are only available on new bookings from 8 May 2025 until sold out.
17 March 2026 49 Nights
Sail on board the stunning Queen Anne during a half-world voyage to Southampton, paired with a London hotel stay.
In Sydney, embark the illustrious Queen Anne for an unforgettable 45-night voyage to Southampton, followed by a hotel stay in London. Settle in for an exquisite onboard experience as you discover a captivating array of destinations across the South Pacific and Central America. Highlights include Fiji’s blissful beaches, a journey through the Panama Canal, and tropical Aruba.
Angeles (overnight in port), Puerto Quetzal, Panama Canal (scenic cruising), Willemstad, Oranjestad, Miami, Ponta Delgada, Southampton
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
National seniors meeting
On the first Wednesday of every month at 1.30pm, the metro west branch of national seniors meets at the Deer Park Club, with meals available to purchase. The group also holds lunches on different Fridays each month, as well as activities such as theatre visits, bus trips and more.
0425 713 004, or lesley1.collins@outlook.com
Practise English with Let’s Talk
A weekly meet to help members of the community improve their practical English conversation skills to help with daily tasks such as shopping and booking appointments. Meets 10am each Saturday at Werribee Church of Christ, 200 Tarneit Road, Werribee
Bronwyn, 9741 6051
Women Working Together
Are you 50-plus and want assistance from someone who understands? Employment Support strives to connect mentors and mentees to make this happen. Reach out to learn more
9655 2131, or EmploymentSupport@cotavic.org.au
Point Cook Combined Probus Club
Retired or semi-retired people are invited to join this active social group. Enjoy an impressive and interesting monthly guest speaker. Interesting monthly outings, and fortnightly lunches where the development of friendships are encouraged. The Point Cook Combined Probus Club meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 10am at The Brook Point Cook, 215 Sneydes Road, Point Cook.
Cathy Guiterrez, 0421 188 129, or cathygutierrez@tpg.com.au
Adult drumming classes
If you ever wanted to try out your rhythmic skills, the first class is free and concessions apply for other classes. All hand drums supplied or BYO. No experience required, just bring an open heart and mind and enjoy making some great rhythms together. The class is friendly and welcoming to everyone. Thursdays, 7.30-8.30pm, during school terms, at Saltwater Community Centre, 153 Saltwater Parade, Point Cook. 0411 028 077 or bfmusic15@gmail.com
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. VIEW Is part of the Smith Family.
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. Come and try your first session for free, with stadium entry $2.
Phil, 0437 078 739
Adult community garden group
The group meets on the first Wednesday of the month, 10-11am, at Iramoo Community Centre, 84 Honour Avenue, Wyndham Vale. Head down and join them as they maintain their rejuvenated community garden. Planting and harvesting produce that they grow.
8742 3688
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
Western Melbourne Men’s Chorus
Do you like to sing? The Western Melbourne Men’s Chorus wants you! Be part of a rewarding fraternity of fellow amateur musicians serving the community, sharing comradery and having fun. Rehearsals at 7pm Tuesday evenings at St. James Church, Hoppers Crossing.
Chris, 0400 414 215
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
Beekeeping group
Werribeeks is a group for beekeepers in and around Werribee and surrounding suburbs that meet every third Monday of the month at the Wyndham Park Community Centre to share information, tips and ideas on beekeeping.
https://www.facebook.com/ WerriBeeksClub
Dementia Carers Group
IPC Health Dementia Carers Group is held on the first Tuesday of the month, from 12.30-2.30pm. The group is for people who care for someone with dementia or a similar condition associated with memory loss. It empowers carers through education, social connectedness and emotional support while socialising and meeting people in similar situations. Registration is essential.
Leah Hewitt or Joyce Chan, 1300 472 432 or https://bit.ly/48QFwBa
This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Charlie Woods, who is one half of Indigenous sister duo, Charlie Needs Braces. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 478125
A boxer’s story, blow by blow
From the Williamstown commission flats to world title fights, boxing great Barry Michael’s first autobiography gives a blow by blow account of his life in and out of the ring, as Cade Lucas discovers.
“Cade, Williamstown back then, prior to the West Gate Bridge, was rough.”
I’d asked former world champion boxer Barry Michael what it was like growing up in Williamstown in the late 1960’s.
Many great fighters have used the ring as an escape route from poverty and hardship and by the sounds of things, it was no different for themanbornBarrySwettenhaminEnglandin 1955, whose family arrived in Australia as ten pound poms two years later and then moved into the Williamstown commission flats by the time he turned eight.
“There were junkies and drugs you know and my brother became a heroin addict. I lost about five mates over a period of 10 years from heroin overdoses,” he recalled.
“After the West Gate Bridge was built (in the 1970’s), things started to change. And now look at it, it’s about $1.6 million median house price.”
Now 69, Michael still lives in Williamstown, but like the suburb itself, his life bears little resemblance to the one he enjoyed in the days before the West Gate connected the inner west to the rest of Melbourne.
However, it’s not the bridge across the Yarra that’s responsible for Michael’s change in fortunes, but his long and storied career as one of one of Australia’s greatest boxers.
‘‘ It was very difficult to get fights for years. So I’d get on a plane and go anywhere for $1000 bucks to fight 10 rounds ’’ - Barry Michael
It’s a career that took Michael from sparring sessions in an old church hall on Melbourne Road to rings across Asia, the United States and United Kingdom, and most famously, to Festival Hall in 1985 where he finally won a world title, resting the super featherweight belt off for former friend, but then bitter foe, Lester Ellis, in one of the biggest domestic bouts in Australian fight history.
That and many other fights, both inside and outside the ring, plus his post-retirement career as a fight promoter and commentator are detailed in his first autobiography, Last Man Standing, which will be released in July.
ThetitleisareferencetoMichael’sendurance in the ring, where he was never knocked out and regularly took opponents the distance. It could equally apply to his life post-retirement, which has been longer and more successful than many of his pugilist contemporaries, particularly others from disadvantaged backgrounds who often find the fame and fortune won inside the ring evaporates once they hang up the gloves.
For Michael, while his upbringing in the Williamstown commission flats in the 1960’s might’ve been rough, boxing wasn’t his only route out of it.
“I was always good at school. I did my matriculation and I wanted to do economics would you believe,” he recalled incredulously. Michael was ultimately offered the chance to study psychology, but by this stage, the 16-year-old was already a keen student of the sweet science thanks to the exploits of the legendary Lionel Rose.
“I was in love with Lionel Rose and Johnny Famechon, they were my idols, especially Lionel.”
He was far from alone.
Rose winning the world bantamweight title over Japan’s Fighting Harada in Tokyo in 1968 made him an instant national hero.
More 100, 000 people lined the streets of Melbourne when the first Indigenous man to win a world boxing title returned home.
The late 1960’s were the halcyon days for Australian boxing, with Rose and world
featherweight champion Famechon household names and TV Ringside beaming fights into living rooms every week.
Having deferred his studies and turned professional, Michael soon became Rose’s sparring partner and friend and dreamt of emulating his idol’s world title success.
But as the 60’s became the 70’s and Rose and Famechon retired, the Australian public’s interest in the fight game went with them.
Minus the public adulation of his predecessors or the pay-per-view millions earned by those who followed, Michael spent his peak years fighting overseas, largely in anonymity.
“It was very difficult to get fights for years,” he said. “So I’d get on a plane and go anywhere for $1000 bucks to fight 10 rounds. Thus I fought in Indonesia five times, the Philippines, South America, Wales, England, the United States, all over the world.”
All over the world, but no world title.
As ever with boxing, politics and promoters gotinthewayandbytheearly1980’s,Michael’s chances of reaching the pinnacle were rapidly passing him by.
Fortunately, the Australian fight game was finally showing signs of life, driven by Jeff ‘the Marrickville Mauler’ Fenech and a young fighter from Melbourne who Michael knew well: Lester Ellis.
Like Michael, Ellis was born in England, but grew up in Melbourne’s western suburbs in West Sunshine.
Like Michael, Ellis began boxing in his early teens and showed serious promise in similar weight divisions..
Their similarities brought them together as training partners and friends, but by the mid-80’s their differences had pushed them apart.
Elliswasalmostadecadeyoungerandunlike Michael, had a distinguished amateur career, a springboard from which he quickly rose through the ranks upon turning professional in 1983.
Just two years later, Ellis defeated South Korean Hwan-Kil Yuh to do what the older man had spent more then a decade trying and failing to do: win a world title.
NotonlydidEllishavewhatMichaelwanted, he also had Michael’s former trainer, Dana Goodson.
out on Michael after he suffered a serious foot injury during a training camp in Miami.
Upon returning to Melbourne, Michael was shocked to learn Goodson was now in Ellis’ corner.
Relations hit rock bottom, yet after winning his world title, the Ellis camp unwisely booked Michael for his second and last title defence.
In a match up as bitter as it was anticipated, Ellis and Michael met for the IBF Super Featherweight world title at Festival Hall on July 12 1985.
In the same venue that once hosted his favourite program, TV Ringside, Michael produced the fight of his life to win by unanimous decision over 15 rounds.
He was a world champion at 30.
Michael made three successful defences before losing the title to American Rocky Lockridge in 1987, the final fight of his career.
But was another fight outside the ring that brought about the end.
Four months before the Lockridge fight, Michael was severely bashed in a Melbourne nightclub by notorious organised crime figure Alphonse Gangitano and his associates.
“HejustjumpedmeGangitano,Inevergot a single punch or anything,” said Michael who speculates bad blood from a nightclub fight a decade earlier and the lack of a re-match with Ellis something the gangster was rumoured to have interests in, as reasons for the ambush.
Chopper Read said I’d never be able to walk and talk again, they smashed me so bad.”
Michael not only walked and talked, but fought again.
However the injuries to his nose from the bashing meant he was never the same.
“My nose was under my left eye (after the bashing) and I had to have it re broken and reconstructed, and it wasn’t the same in the gym,” he said.
“It broke in the first minute against Lockridge in my last fight.”
Gangitano was murdered in 1998 as part of Melbourne’s underworld war, while Michael enteredintoalongcareerasaboxingpromoter and commentator, while also pursuing interests in real estate.
After long-wanting to write a book, Michael was five chapters in when his third wife Sue, died suddenly in 2023.
With help from his publisher and using someofthedeterminationthatsawhimwin48 times from 60 fights, Michael pushed through and will launch the book on
“They just pinned me on this couch and smashed the shit out of me. My nose was smashed with a glass ashtray they reckon.
The date marks the 40-year anniversary of his fight with Ellis, his former foe and now friend who has written
The American had walked
Michael poses with the IBF Super Featherweight world title he won from Ellis at age 30. (Supplied)
Former world champion boxer Barry Michael in front of the Williamstown housing commission towers where he grew up. (Damjan Janevski) 475603_01
Barry Michael (left) lands a punch on Lester Ellis at Festival Hall in 1985. (Supplied)
Moorabool creativity on display
Watercolour paintings, ceramic works, and sculptures are some of the works that will be displayed and sold at the Rotary Club of Bacchus Marsh’s upcoming art show.
The 53rd annual art show will run over the King’s Birthday Weekend at the Bacchus Marsh Public Hall, with a gala opening night on Friday, June 6. The gala night will include finger food, beverages, and live music from the local Baccbeat Jazz Band.
Club committee chair Peter Shilton said “We generally have up to a 1000 people come through over the long weekend.”
He said the show caters for all ages and all differentskilllevels,fromprofessionalartiststo
those who are just starting out – and for many artists, the show is the first time they publicly exhibit their art.
Prizes will be offered to artists across a range ofcategories,includingalocalcontentcategory.
ThegalaopeningonFriday,June6runsfrom 7–10pm, where there will be a preview of the works and an opportunity to purchase them early.
The opening night will be open to those aged over 18.
Sales will open at 8pm on Friday and then remain open all weekend, with the show open between 10am–4pm from June 7–9. Works range in price from $250–$5000.
The show is supported by local volunteers from SES, Scouts and Guides, CWA, CPNS, and hospitality students from Bacchus Marsh Grammar.
Artwork submissions to enter in the show will be accepted by the club until Monday, May 26 Details: bacchusmarshrotary.org.au/ art-show-2025.html
Rotary Club of Bacchus Marsh committee chair
Peter Shilton and secretary Donna Martin at the Bacchus Marsh Public Hall. (Damjan Janevski) 478007_01
Make a dash to see the rhino crash
The Raising Rhinos Experience is one that you may never forget.
Guests will be taken on a 60-minute adventure across the Werribee Open Range Zoo’s savannah and see the crash in action.
Zookeepers will explain what daily life looks like for a southern white rhino and the extinction plight the species faces in Africa.
One of the highlights of the experience is that it is done on ‘rhino time,’ which basically means the rhinos pick and choose when they appear – just like they would in their native
habitat.
This allows the tour to operate in a way which does not disturb the natural behaviour of the crash.
Some rhinos at the zoo have reputations more like rock stars, none more than Jabuani whose birth in August made headlines.
You will also hear the thrilling stories of how the zoo prepared for his birth and the moment the youngster finally met his family for the first time.
You and your family will be able to start the
week in style or end it with a bang, because the program runs at 1.10pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Wheelchair access can be accommodated so everyone can get out on the savannah and guests are urged to look at the rules about adult to children ratio on the zoo’s website.
As zoo entry is not included in the ticket price,makesuretobookyourrhinoexperience and general entry ticket for the same day
Tickets: https://www.zoo.org.au/werribee/ whats-on/animal-experiences/raising-rhinos/
Comedian O’Leary to bring laughs to Altona
KiwicomicRayO’Learywillbringhisdeadpan deliveryandiconicgreysuittoHobsonsBayon Wednesday, May 28 when he headlines a night of comedy at the Altona Sports Club.
A staple of stages and TV screens on both sides of the Tasman, O’Leary has featured on Channel 10’s Ten’s Have You Been Paying Attention?, Thank God You’re Here, Cheap Seats, and SBS’ Patriot Brains.
In New Zealand he regularly appears and writes for 7 Days and Have You Been Paying Attention? and has also been nominated two years running for Best Male Comedian by the New Zealand Comedy Guild.
In 2022 he picked up a win for Best Joke and Best TV Comedy Performance, after being nominated for Best TV Comedy Performance the previous three years. Additionally, he has been twice nominated
Play explores culture behind prison walls
Something powerful is stirring at the Bowery Theatre.
Essence Theatre Productions (ETP) and Nga Matai Purua (NMP) will stage the premiere of The Yellow Line, a bold play inspired by real events inside Port PhillipPrisonandthestrengthofculture behinditswalls.RunningfromMay29to June 1, this new work shines a spotlight onthehumanstoriesoftenburiedbehind headlines, particularly for Maori and Pasifikacommunitiesdisproportionately impacted by incarceration in Australia. At the heart of the story is Jordan, a young Pasifika prison guard tasked with teaching haka to inmates. The role is based on NMP president Tyson Tuala’s real-life experience.
Tuala said that as Jordan walks the metaphorical and literal yellow line that separates guard from prisoner, the audience is invited to ask: What does redemption look like when you carry the weight of culture, identity, and justice on your shoulders?
The Yellow Line is co-written by Berne-Lee Edwards (NMP), Alaine Beek (ETP) and an ensemble cast which includes first-time performers with lived experience.
“Thisisn’tjustanotherprisonshow.It’s not just another Maori or Pasifika story. It’s a story of real strength – of what culture can do when systems fail us,” Tuala said.
Yellow Line will be performed on May 29 at 7pm, May 30 at 12.30pm and 7pm, May 31 at 7pm and June 1 at 2pm.
Tickets cost $50, $30 for concession card holders and students, $10 for First Nations and Indigenous people, or $38 per person when booking a group of four or more.
Details: creativebrimbank.com.au/ the-yellow-line
forNewZealandComedyFestival’sprestigious Billy T James Award.
In 2023, O’Leary made his Australian debut at Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MCIF) where his show, Everything Funny All The Time Always and was nominated for Best Newcomer.
Fresh off another MCIF run where he performed his show, Laughter? I Hardly Know Her! O’Leary will perform at the Altona Sports Club before heading off to tour the UK.
Special guests comedians Joe White, Daniel Connell, Jeremy Dooley and Leo Filipetti will support O’Leary on the night, with doors opening at 7.30pm and the first show starting at 8pm.
Pre-show early dinner is available at the Altona Sports Club bistro, but bookings are required. Tickets: https://shorturl.at/K548P
Werribee Open Range Zoo is running the Raising Rhino Experience. (Zoos Victoria)
Kiwi comedian Ray O’Leary will perform in Altona on May 28. (Supplied)
Berne-Lee Edwards and Alaine Beek. (Supplied)
SPORTS QUIZ
1. Which two teams are set to compete in the 2025 A-League Women Grand Final?
2. What animal caused New Zealand cyclist Dion Smith to almost crash during the 2025 Giro d’Italia?
3. A team from which Australian state capital city is set to join the NRL in 2027?
4. Which San Antonio Spur won the 2024–25 NBA Rookie of the Year award?
5. Joe Montemurro appears set to be announced as coach of which Australian national women’s team?
6. Josaia Raisuqe played rugby sevens for which Melanesian country at the 2024 Paris Olympics?
By what name is the NHL’s Utah Hockey Club now known?
Welsh soccer club Wrexham is set to compete in which football league in 2025–26?
Australians Cameron Smith, Marc Leishman, Matt Jones and Lucas Herbert make up which LIV Golf team?
Australia’s Jack Della Maddalena was crowned champion in which weight division at UFC 315?
11. Which Victorian suburb was surprised by NBA star Josh Giddey’s unexpected appearance during a practice game?
12. A European power outage left tennis star Fernando Romboli trapped in an elevator for 30 minutes during which tennis event?
13. In a classic Friends episode, Ross and Monica compete in a heated game of which popular sport?
14. What jersey number does Travis Kelce wear for the Kansas City Chiefs?
15. Potentially the cutest in the AFL, what furry creature is the secondary mascot for Fremantle Football Club?
16. Which NFL team did Tom Brady finish his career with?
17. Former rugby player Nick Cummins is also known by what nickname?
18. A game of ice hockey is split into how many time periods?
19. A 2005 video of Pope Leo attending a game of which sport league has gone viral?
20. Which Rabbitohs player slotted a 50-metre field goal in a comeback victory against the Broncos?
21. Which sport is considered to have inspired the current format of the AFL’s interchange system?
22. Lily Mithen moved to which AFLW team over the offseason?
23. And which team did she move from?
24. In its inaugural season, which team won the BBL championship?
25. In 2024, Katy Perry performed at the halftime show of which sport?
26. Which animal features in the Dallas Mavericks’ logo?
27. New Zealand Warriors play their home games out of which ground?
28. Which soccer team won the Championship title for the 2024–25 season?
29. The 2014 film Foxcatcher involves which sport?
30. What is the nickname of Portland’s NBA team?
ACROSS
1 State funds (8)
5 Bug (6)
10 Small natural hill (5)
11 Ostentatiously splendid (9)
12 Without order (6)
13 Raffle (7)
14 Evoking sadness or regret (8)
15 Plaster artwork (6)
18 Hand-held curved blade for reaping (6)
20 Month (8)
21 Make better (7)
24 Flowering shrub (6)
27 Deadpan (9)
28 Group of lions (5)
29 Thanksgiving bird (6)
30 Light (8)
1 Grab (4)
2 Pathological self-admirer (9)
3 Greens (5)
4 Military unit (8)
6 Examiner of accounts (7)
7 Smog (5)
8 All (9)
9 Collapse (4)
14 One who assumes the worst (9)
16 Across the region (9)
17 Depraved (8)
19 Peek (coll) (4-3)
22 Document (5)
23 Revise (a piece of writing) (4)
25 Generous (5)
26 Spool (4)
Using the nine letters in the
how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be
1 Who wrote the 1868 novel Little Women?
2 What was the name of the tropical cyclone that caused severe damage to northern Queensland in 2011?
3 Who was the keyboard player for The Doors?
4 What was the name of the ship on which Charles Darwin sailed to the Galápagos Islands?
5 Which 1950s poem begins with the line, 'I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by madness, starving hysterical naked’?
6 And who wrote the poem?
7 One day on the planet Mercury is closest to how many days on Earth: 19, 32 or 59?
8 MySharona was an international success for which US rock band?
9 Joseph Gordon-Levitt (pictured) played Tommy in which sitcom?
10 In Judaism, what is the name for the seven days of mourning that take place after a funeral?
Price drops, but not the quality
By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring
We’re all familiar with the old adage that ‘if something seems too good to be true then it probably is’.
Well,that’snotthecasewiththeCheryTiggo 7 Pro SUV that we’ve just tested where its price has dropped by $10,000 with only a minimal reduction in equipment levels.
Just over a year ago we reviewed the original Tiggo 7 Pro. Three variants were offered, Urban, Elite and Ultimate priced from $39,990 to $45,990 driveaway respectively. The first two were two-wheel drive and the third all-wheel drive
These have now been replaced with a pair of 2WD models tagged SE and SE+ selling for $29,990 and $31,990, again driveaway.
The SE in the new names stands for Special Edition and Chery confirmed that they were effectively the same vehicles and that they were effectively being cleared in advance of a new model due here later this year.
The entry-level SE loses a sunroof and powered front passenger seat when compared to the Urban but these do come standard in the SE+.
Both SE and SE+ are front-wheel drive with no AWD option.
Tiggo 7 Pro is the third model in Chery’s SUV sub-brand positioned between the small-medium Tiggo 4 and the large seven-seat Tiggo 8. Its main rivals are the fellow Chinese Haval H6 and MG HS and – more ambitiously – the Korean twins Sportage and Hyundai Tucson.
Justtoclarify,despitethedigit,Tiggo7Prois a five-seater. The Tiggo 8 adds a third row.
Styling
The look is smart and contemporary. Neat and attractive but without anything that will stand out from the crowd.
The large grille features chrome highlights with a large Chery badge at the top, framed by large blue highlights below slimline LED headlights and LED daytime running lights.
The rear features a full-width LED tail light and LED stop light above the rear window. SE+ adds a panoramic sunroof with a powered sunshade, powered tailgate and powered folding side mirrors.
Both models get 18-inch machine finished alloy wheels, black in the SE+.
There are five colour options. Nothing exciting – just white, silver or black although the SE+ does have an optional two-tone with a black roof on the white body.
Interior
There’s the high-quality feel and ambience within the Tiggo 7 Pro that you could easily passforamuchmoreexpensive,evenpremium, vehicle.
The dashboard is beautifully crafted with the twin 12.3-inch screens merged together.
The seats are comfortable and supportive. The driver’s seat in both variants has power adjustment.ThefrontpassengerintheSE+also gets power controls, SE is manual. Likewise, only the SE+ front seats have heating.
Tiggo 7 Pro has plenty of rear legroom, with air vents and a fold-down armrest for rear seat passengers.
The steering wheel in both variants is height and reach adjustable with mounted audio and Bluetooth controls.
Cargo space is an impressive 626 litres, expandable to 1672 litres with the rear seats folded. It also has a full-sized spare under the boot floor.
Engines/transmissions
Power comes from a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that puts out 137kW of power at 5500 rpm and 275Nm of torque at 2000 rpm. It’s paired with a seven-speed
dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Safety
Tiggo 7 Pro gets a five-star ANCAP rating.
Standardfeaturesincludeeightairbags,front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, various lane keeping alerts and corrections, adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, integrated cruise assist, blind spot detection, and rear cross traffic alert and braking.
There’s also a door opening warning, speed limit information function, driver inattention warning, speed control assist, driver monitoring system and two Isofix child seat anchors.
SE+ adds a 360-around view camera.
The only thing really missing is head-up display which projects important information onto the lower part of the windscreen, and means you don’t have to take your eyes off the road.
Infotainment
Infotainment in both variants consists of a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, AM/FM radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, embedded SatNav and an eight-speaker Sony sound system.
A second 12.3-inch screen in front of the driver houses the instrument cluster which can be configured to suit.
There is no DAB+ digital radio.
SE+ adds a 50W wireless charger. Voice-control partially offsets the need to accessthetouchscreentooperatekeyfunctions, such as making phone calls or changing the music, without having to take their hands off the wheel.
There are USB-A and USB-C ports in the front, with another USB-A port in the rear, and 12-volt outlets in the front and the boot.
Driving
TheTiggo7ssquareprofilemakesforeasyentry althoughwefoundthetunethatplayswhenthe driver’s door is opened a bit annoying. Equally annoying is a loud pinning noise from the turn indicators.
As we seem to be commenting regularly in our reviews, especially of Chinese vehicles, there are far too many controls and features that must be accessed through the central touchscreen.
Tiggo isn’t the biggest offender, it does at least have a row of air-conditioner tabs below the screen although we found them difficult to see in strong sunlight and at night.
Despite its modest engine outputs Tiggo 4 provides capable if unexciting performance. Around town, which is likely to be its natural habitat, it’s easy to manoeuvre although the engine stop/start system was too sensitive, coming on and off regularly as we crept through roundabouts.
Butpromisingdynamicsarespoiledbyturbo lag, together with a touchy accelerator, and an indecisive, slow-to-respond auto transmission.
By the time the twin-clutch tranny works out what is required, the moment has passed. Paddle shifters would normally help overcome this but there aren’t any.
Once out of the suburbs the turbocharged four offers plenty of poke, with torque available nice and early. Steering is relatively light especially in urban conditions.
Ride is relatively firm but still comfortable enough.
There are three drive modes: Eco, Normal and Sport. They are engaged using a large rotary control located in the centre console. Eco is the default setting and is fine for routine drivingwhileSportdoessharpenperformance.
The lane correction feature is quite severe and we quickly included it in our turn-off sequence together with the speed limit and
8/10
7/10
8/10 Thirst: 7/10 Practicality: 8/10 Comfort: 7/10
Tech: 8/10
Value: 9/10
driver attention alerts before taking off.
While it is not apparent on smooth well-formed roads, back roads see the wagon crash through potholes. Bumps and undulations are likely to set off a series of bouncing, up and down movements – even low speeds.
Fuel economy isn’t great. Listed at 7.0 litres per 100 kilometres, we averaged 8.2 L/100km, but that was after a run down the motorway at 6.5 L/100km. Before that we were getting 8.9 which is probably more indicative.
Thevalueequationisfurtherreducedbecause Tiggo 7 Pro needs 95 RON Premium fuel.
Summing up
Although sales of its two current models are growing rapidly the Chery brand is still relatively unknown here. Which is probably a good thing because those with long memories may recall the brand’s previous incursion into the Australian market a decade or so back.
These early models were imported independently with inferior quality and sub-standard safety features and were quickly dropped.
Everything changed when Chery re-entered the Australian market with factory-backing in 2023. It made an immediate impact based not only through low prices but also attractive styling and quality engineering backed up by a seven-year warranty.
At its current bargain price Tiggo 7 Pro should be a no-brainer for small to medium sized families. But they will need to move quickly because supply is limited and when the next model arrives later this year the price will almost certainly jump back to its previous levels.
Tiggo is covered by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, with roadside assistance and capped-price servicing for the same period.
At its current bargain price Tiggo 7 Pro should be a no-brainer for small to medium sized families. (Picture: Supplied)
The Western Football Netball League returned to interleague action for the first time since 2019 on Saturday morning. Joining the senior men and under-19s, the league had women’s football and netball interleague matches for the first time. Star Weekly’s Ljubica Vrankovic was out shooting the action.
Interleague returns in the west
Winning netball team. (Supplied)
Daniel Strnak. 477563_12
Darcy McPherson. 477563_03
Emma Vitalone. 477567_07
Jackson Peet and Western’s Cooper Pepi. 477563_19
Julia Nash. 477561_15
Lauren Basto. 477561_28
Majar Hikuroa Betham. 477567_02
Mariah Burton. 477561_04
Taquila Angel. 477561_07
O’Neill Moncrieff. 477563_10
Melissa Prismall. 477567_05
Falcons show depth as they remain undefeated
The City West Falcons added another win to the tally while mixing things up on Friday night in the Victorian Netball League.
The Falcons travelled down to Hampton on Friday night to face the Wilson Storage Southern Saints.
It was a good start for the Falcons, who led 20-9 at quarter time.
They were able to continue the momentum throughout in the way to a 78-46 win.
Falcons coach Marg Lind was pretty happy with the performance against an understrength Saints side.
“Theydidn’thavemuchvariationindefence and had to play similar combinations,” Lind said.
“We were up 20-9 at quarter time and decided to do some game management.
“We wanted to give someone else and opportunity to lead over the line and made
sure we had some other leadership in attack”
Captain Maggie Lind played just one quarter having had a heavy workload so far
this season, while Sussu Liai played less than a quarter due to illness.
Olivia Cameron, who has been playing half a game in goals each week, played wing attack with Lind resting.
Marg Lind said Cameron has experience in that position and in centre and it was good to see her lead the attack.
It meant Maddie Romios played the most minutes she had this season in goal attack in another positive sign for the Falcons.
Chelsea Imanisani got plenty of court time as well, while Montana Holmes spent some time in wing defence.
“The group has been together for a long time and we have to keep the fun in it,” Lind said. “We want to keep them enjoying it.”.
Jane Cook had another good game in goals with 62.
It was a good night for the Falcons with
Aloisi flags a comeback
Western United can haul themselves off the canvasandpulloffamightycomebackagainst Melbourne City to reach the A-League Men grand final, says coach John Aloisi.
And he is adamant star striker Noah Botic will be fit again to lead that charge.
United trail 3-0 after Friday night’s first leg at AAMI Park, with everything to play fora grand final berth against Auckland FC or Melbourne Victory - in next Saturday’s away fixture at the same venue.
“I’m sure that they will be upset like I am, but we’ve got seven, eight days now to make sure that we get them believing again and try and make a hell of a game next week to turn it around,” Aloisi said.
“They’ve done it in the past, we’ve been down in games in the past, and we’ve been able to come from behind. So that’s clear that we can do that.”
Western have scored four goals or more six times this season, and at least three goals 12 times.
“The motivation will be that we believe at our best we can beat anyone,” Aloisi said.
“We can’t look at we have to score three goals, four goals. We have to look at how do we perform to win the football game?
“A lot of the time this year when we’ve performed like that - for instance, away to Auckland - we ended up scoring four goals.
“So we’ve done it, we can do it, we know that, and now it’s preparing right to be able to do it.”
Botic played just 19 minutes off the bench after he and United were reluctant to risk a quad injury he suffered against Adelaide United.
“I think that another eight days, he’ll be fine to start next game,” Aloisi said.
“We know that he’s been playing well and scoring goals and confident, so we expect him to be the same next week.
“If we get those chances, I’m sure that Noah will score.”
their 23-and-unders also getting the win, 64-61.
Lind, who sat on the bench for the match, said it was the highest scoring performance the side has had for the season.
“We rolled them a bit,” she said. “That 60 goal mark is where we need to be.
“To get 50 to 60 goals each week we have to minimise the errors.”
Lind said she would like the side to be a bit more vocal on the court.
The Falcons have a short turn around as they face Melbourne University on Wednesday night.
Lind said the Falcons have a moving circle in the championship division which is something that has been a test for them in the past.
Tara Murray
Jeka joins Werribee
Werribee has strengthened its Victorian Football League squad with the addition of former AFL player Emerson Jeka. Jeka spent time with both Hawthorn and Geelong during his AFL career. Hawthorn drafted the 198 centimetres key position player with the club’s first pick in the 2019 rookie draft. Once considered a potential first-round selection, a knee injury in his draft year saw him slide to the rookie draft.
After spending his first season developing through scratch matches during the Covid-impacted 2020 campaign, Jeka earned his AFL debut in roundseveninthe2021season.Heplayed four AFL games in 2021, including a two-goal performance against Fremantle in just his third appearance.
HealsoimpressedatVFLlevel,kicking 23 goals across the season. Although used primarily as a forward in the VFL, Jeka was swung into defence in 2022, where he featured in three AFL games. In 2024, Jeka joined Geelong and played 19 games for their VFL side, bringing his total VFL experience to 52 games. He averaged 18 disposals and six marks per game across the season.
A Werribee local, Jeka played all his junior football for the Altona and was drafted from the Western Jets.
He returned to Altona in the Western Football League this season, playing just one game. Tigers football manager Kyle Hartigan said it’s great to have such a quality local Wyndham person and player join the club.
City are ready for everything United will throw at them.
“They’re gonna come at us for sure, 3-0 up,” winger Marco Tilio said.
“But we’ll take it on as every other game, and the same way we did tonight, and just be cautious in terms of they’re gonna have to come out with everything.”
Coach Aurelio Vidmar is determined not to let his side invite pressure.
“Finals football’s completely different. Everyone’s more on edge,” he said
“We had Zane (Schreiber), Ale (Lopane), Maxy (Caputo) playing their first finals and it’s a different vibe. It’s a different feel.
“You can invite your own pressure because it is a final, it is a semi-final, and you can overthink it sometimes, but they’ve done so well through the course of the year.”
City expect to regain Nathaniel Atkinson for next Saturday’s game.
Anna Harrington, AAP
“We are really excited to see what he can bring,” he said. “Emerson is super talented,andhewillbeagreatadditionto our group. Having played at the highest level, he can add value in so many ways.”
Matt Sutton. (Western United/Getty Images)
Maddie Romios. (Grant Treeby/Netball Victoria)
Emerson Jeka. (Werribee FC)
Winning start for Western FL senior women
The Western Football League women’s interleague side got off to a winning start with a convincing win against the Southern Football League on Saturday.
While it was a return to interleague for Western, it was the first time the league had fielded a senior women’s side.
With the majority of the stars of the competition putting their hands up, Western was able to put out a really strong squad.
It showed on the field as they controlled the game all day in the 6.8 (44)-2.7 (19).
Caroline Springs coach Alex O’Shea, who coached the Western side, said it was a big occasion for everyone who was involved.
“I quite enjoyed it,” she said. “It was a really enjoyable opportunity.
“There was lots of support from the league
and they spoke about being transparent and making it enjoyable for the players.
“It was an honour to represent the league in the first interleague for women’s.”
O’Shea said it was difficult to pick a final squad of 25 with so many talented players putting their hands up.
She said there had been massive growth from the first training session until game day.
“For myself to have that new experience working with different players and coaches was really good,” she said. “It was a different preparation for us.”
On Saturday, Western won the toss and elected to kick with the wind in the first third.
They kicked three goals in the opening term, including an absolute beauty to Mariah Burton just before quarter time.
O’Shea said the goal was the goal of the day across all three matches.
Southern were unable to convert in the second term when they had the wind as Western maintained a lead at half time.
Western kicked the only goal of the third quarter before two teams went goal for goal in the final quarter.
O’Shea said the focus of the side was for the side to have fun out.
“We had never played before and played together as a team,” she said. “We wanted them to enjoy the experience and have fun and they did that in the first quarter.
“We believed in ourselves and carried it for four quarters.”
O’Shea said the Southern line up was a really competitive outfit and set up really well
Western FL win at home
By Tara Murray
The Western Football League senior men put in a commanding performance as it made a winning return to interleague.
The WFL hosted the Southern Football League on Saturday at Avalon Airport Oval in a big day for the league.
While the weather gods didn’t shine on the match up, the WFL was able to come away with a solid win, 10.16 (76)-9.8 (62).
Western coach Chris Muratore said it was a really great experience to be part of.
“It started a couple of weeks ago and we emphasised with the group that we wanted it to be a great experience, win, lose or draw,” he said. “We wanted to have fun and this is why we do it. To come out on top after the last couple of weeks has been fantastic.”
Muratore said he was really happy with the squad they had put together and that there was a real good bond between the group.
He said all the guys were there for the right
“It was really special the buy-in of everyone and everyone wanted to be there. They were determined to win and wanted to play as a team, not 23 individuals.”
Western got out to a good start with the only three goals of the first quarter. Southern was able to reduce the margin at half time, but Western had missed its chances.
The Western made good use of the scoring end in the third quarter to extend the lead to 29 points at the final break.
Southern came hard in the final quarter but it wasn’t enough with Western holding on.
“We were in control until the last eight minutes of the game,” Muratore said. “We had 26 scoring shots and had another five or six go out on the full.
“We were in full control. At half time the game looked good for us and we had to keep on going.
“They took the game on late and it could have gone one way or the other. They came home hard and were able to hold on.”
off the ball.
She said she was rapt about how her side moved the ball.
Burton and Caitlin Pretty kicked two goals each for the Western side.
Burton was named player of the match.
O’Shea said Burton was really clean with the ball all day.
Other standouts were Charlize Sindoni, who won plenty of the ball in the middle of the ground,whileKeelySpiteriwasbusyonawing.
The Basto sisters, Meghann and Lauren, both stopped a lot of ball in defence.
O’Shea said she was hopeful that women’s interleague would return again next season.
“Hopefully the league is keen to have it again,” she said. “I would love to be part of it again, it was a great experience.”
ParksideforwardTomCondonwasawarded the best on ground medal. Muratore said he kicked four or five goals, and missed five shots as well.
Muratore said Darcy McPherson on the wing was stiff not to win the medal, while his brother Caleb, who captained the side, led the way in the middle of the ground.
The coach said they had a lot of contributors across the board with everyone contributing.
With a successful return to interleague, Muratore said he hopes it returns again.
He said the standard of the game was higher than some Victorian Football League matches.
“After the game I got some really nice messages and conversations about how they enjoyed the program.
“You could see in their eyes on Thursday night the genuinely wanted to play and got going.
“I think 95 per cent will want to play again.
“Hopefully they’ll go back to their local
The exciting talent coming through the ranks was behind Shafraz Mohamed’s decision to sign as Point Cook’s captain-coach for the next Victorian Turf Cricket Association Roy Picone Shield season.
Mohamed, who coached Sunshine last season, brings plenty of experience as both player and coach.
He played in premierships with Keilor before he took Footscray United from division 4 to division 1 as captain-coach.
Mohamed had one season at St Albans where he took them to a T20 title and helpedSunshinemakethedivision1grand final last season.
Mohamed said initially he wasn’t keen on helping another side come through the ranks,buttheopportunitywastoogreatat Point Cook.
“I wanted a new challenge,” he said. “I got approached by Matt [Bennett] the president of Point Cook about me coming to help them out this year.
“Ihadachattothemanditseemedlikea well operated club and they told me about the young potential.
“They have something like 27 junior teams and five or six senior sides.”
Mohamed said having recently moved out that way, his new club is just round the corner.
He said he was keen to work with the young players coming through the club.
“I’ve been doing some Dowling Shield coaching at Williamstown and there’s some exciting young talent coming through and a few from Point Cook.
“I’ve been told a lot about the talent coming through. I want to try and help them get to the next level.
“I enjoy coaching kids and looking to get them to a higher level. That is the main reason I put my hand up.”
Mohamed said he would look to bring across two or three players with some experience to help the younger players coming through.
Mohamed said in his experience having a few experienced players to help mentor worked well.
After a tough season for Point Cook, which narrowly missed out on being relegated,Mohamedhassetthefocushigh.
“I’ve played finals at pretty much every club,” he said. “Improving players is one side to if, but i also go out there to play and win.
“We will try and play finals.”
Tara Murray
Tigers bounce back to win
By Tara Murray
Werribee showed a glimpse of its brand of football as it produced one of its best performances of the Victorian Football LeagueseasontoaccountfortheSandringham Zebras on Sunday.
Aftertheirmostdisappointingperformance in the past two seasons, the Tigers bounced back against the Zebras, winning 17.10 (112)-9.7 (61).
The Tigers jumped out of the blocks early and led by 19 points at quarter time..
Seven goals to three in the second quarter allowed the Tigers to jump out to a 42 point lead at the main break.
The Zebras didn’t allow the Tigers to get away from them in the third quarter as they slightly reduced the margin.
Werribee was able to finish the game with a strong final quarter to lock in their fourth win of the season.
Tigers coach Jimmy Allan was much happier this week with not only the result, but the performance.
“It was a lot closer to our capabilities for a lot longer, pretty pleased with the bounce,” he said.
“We had a big emphasis on doing the stuff no one really wants to do well, that is what makes great teams.
“We had sort of gone away from that a little bit, yesterday [Sunday] our commitment to the cause was a lot stronger for a lot longer, it reflected in the scoreline.”
Allan said while it was the closest they’d had to a four quarter performance this year, they still went away from the game plan a bit in the third quarter.
He said that was a little bit disappointing.
“We missed tackles and fumbled a bit,” he said. “They hurt us a little bit that quarter, but the other three quarters were really, really
strong.
“They had some really good players playing and their midfield was exceptionally strong for a VFL level midfield and it was a good challenge for our boys and I thought they stood up really well.”
Allan said their best two quarters were into the breeze and they moved the ball really well and defended really well on a small ground.
He said Flynn Young was exceptional as he kickedthreegoals,whileHudsonGaroni,who kicked four goals, showed how good he could be when he just competes all day.
Louis Pinnick and Jesse Clark were strong down back all day, while Cooper Whyte was good all day in the midfield and Zac Banch showed he can really be a strong contributor at this level.
Harrison Miller, who is from Williamstown CYMS, made his debut in the win, kicking a goal.
Allan said he acquitted himself really well and said some of his hard stuff set an example from an attack point of view,
The Tigers sit in eighth spot on 16 points.
They have a bye this weekend.
Allan said it’s much better going into a bye on the back of a win like that.
“We’re happy to have a bye,” he said. “I think our guys are ready for a freshen up a bit, we’ll be able to do that this week.
“We have a pretty light week, pool on Tuesday and give a lot of them the bye off on Thursdayandweekendoffandthenwe’reback into it with an important block of games after that.”
In the VFLW women’s grand final rematch, North Melbourne Werribee beat the Western Bulldogs, 6.7 (43)-3.4 (22).
The Kangaroos trailed at half time before kicking the only four goals of the second half to get the win.
tarneitudf@wyndham.vic.gov.au
Harrison Miller get drenched on debut. (Werribee VFL)
Sam Azzi and Ryan Eyers. (Werribee VFL)
