Let there be light
By Jaidyn Kennedy
A busy Point Cook intersection is an “accidentwaitingtohappen,”ifpermanent street lights are not switched on immediately,accordingtoa resident.
Dwayne Kelly said the Point Cook Road and Sneydes Road intersection is not adequately lit by current temporary lighting.
“There’s not much lighting considering I almost ran over the swans that live over there because I couldn’t see them,“ Mr Kellysaid.
“If someone is crossing that road, you cannot see them in the early morning or night.”
Mr Kelly said the intersection – which has recently undergone an extensive state government-funded upgrade including the installation of new traffic lights – is dangerous to turn into from nearby residential areas and businesses.
“The people turning left out of the retirementvillagearemostatrisk,”MrKelly said.
“If someone is driving without their high beamsonthatisamajorcollisionwaitingto happen or even people are turning left out ofMcDonald’s.
“Thereisahugerisksomeonecouldeasily be killed – it’s a major community concern justbecauseofthesafety.
“There is a lot of talk as to why they [the lights] can’t be switched on and we have beengivennodetails.
“How many state politicians does it take toflickaswitch?”
Mr Kelly said that the issue persists 24 hoursaday.
“I go to the gym at 5am in the morning
every day and there are lots of cars on the roadatthattime,andthatisoutsideofpeak hour as well and still extremely busy,” he said.
ADepartmentofTransportandPlanning (DTP) spokesperson said that the state government was working with the power authority to have the permanent street lightsswitchedon.
“We are working with the power authority to have the lights connected as
quickly as possible,” the spokesperson said.
“In the interim, we’ve installed temporary street lighting to make sure this section of road is well-lit at night and safe for everyone using this busy route.”
AspokespersonforPowercor– thepower authority responsible for connecting the traffic lights – said the company has not received any requests to activate the lights.
“Powercor’sroleinthisDTPprojectisto connect the lights once the department’s contractors complete the electrical work at the site and pass the required safety audits,” the spokesperson said,
“It’simportantwehavethisinformation before we connect, because it will show that all the relevant checks and safety testshavebeencompleted.”
Dwayne Kelly is waiting for permanent street lights at the Point Cook Road and Sneydes Road intersection. (Damjan Janevski). 490634_03
Cr cleared of misconduct
By Jaidyn Kennedy
An internal arbitration process to investigate alleged misconduct by Wyndham councillor Robert Szatkowski has been dismissed.
The process was initiated by mayor Mia Shaw after Cr Szatkowski supplied Council Watch with a letter he penned to the local government minister.
OnApril6,CrSzatkowskiemailedaletter toLocalGovernmentMinisterNickStaikos requesting that he encourage the Local Government Inspectorate, an independent agency, to investigate Wyndham and
determine if a municipal monitor was warranted.
In the letter, seen by Star Weekly, Cr Szatkowski cited decision-making processes, financial oversight and councillor conduct as the reasons for his request.
According to the arbiter’s report, Cr Szatkowski then forwarded a copy of this letter to an email account associated with Council Watch on April 7.
The report found that Cr Shaw’s request for arbitration alleged that by forwarding the letter to Council Watch, Cr Szatkowski engaged in behaviour that brought
Playground airfield tribute
AnewplaygroundhaslandedinWerribee, recognising the heroes of yesterday .
Hangar Street Park, located between Estate Road and Farm Road in the Riverwalk estate, is located on the site of a World War II airfield.
The park is a short walk from the B24 Hangar where a crew of volunteers are working to restore an original Royal Australian Air Force B24 Liberator.
Hangar Street Park’s aeroplane-themed playground is designed to build on the site’shistoricalconnectiontotheWerribee Aerodrome from decades past.
The playground’s installation comes as oneofWerribee’shistoricalhangarswillbe relocated to the site of the B-24 Liberator. Since the late 1980s, the B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Fund has been working to restore the American-made
aircraft which the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) deployed across all theatres of World War II it participated in.
Therelocationwillprovideanexpanded and upgraded space for the volunteers to continue, and will be supported by Melbourne Water, Development Victoria andvolunteersfromthemuseum. Housing Minister Harriet Shing and Werribee MP JohnListerpaidavisitonThursday,July17 to unveil the new addition.
Mr Lister said that working with the volunteers brought him a sense of pride.
“It’sanhonourtoworkwiththededicated team of volunteers at the B24 Liberator Memorial to secure this relocated hangar and recognise the service of our RAAF at the Hangar Park,” he said.
“As we build a new community in Riverwalk, we want to celebrate the past.”
3D-printed housing on display
By Jaidyn Kennedy
A meeting that may influence the future of housing construction in Victoria recently took place in the west.
Housing minister Harriet Shing and Werribee MP John Lister visited a house being constructed by a 3D printer in Wyndham Vale on Thursday, July 17.
Among the features of the house, designed by AI and executed by the 3D printer, is a self-shading wall, a wall with airpockets,cavitiesforpowerconduitsand even a pizza oven.
Ahmed Mahil, the chief executive of Luyten, a 3D concrete printing technology company, led a tour around the site.
Mr Mahil said he believes 3D printing will allow small-to-medium-sized businesses to produce cheaper housing and overcome labour scarcity by replacing several trades involved in the traditional building process.
“We don’t believe the solution for the housing crisis lies in big builders being able to build more,” he said.
“We believe we are offering a tool for small business owners, and that is evident because we have sold to a number of companies in New South Wales.”
“We are replacing here five different trades and with the most resilient material – which is eco-friendly concrete.”
The house will actually be Mr Mahil’s own home.
“You know what, I have been preaching this for a while, I’m not going to just go and live in a traditional house, I am going to go live in a 3D-printed house,” he said.
Ms Shing said that innovative methods of construction will be part of addressing the challenge of providing more affordable housing at a faster pace.
“This is where 3D printing has proven to be a really significant player in the market globally,” she said.
“Across Scandinavia and the US in particular, 3D printing of homes and of buildings and of homes has been a really important part of making sure that the growth can be accommodated.”
Ms Shing said she is continuing to work with federal counterparts as part of a joint approach.
Mr Lister said he is excited about the opportunitiessuchtechnologycanprovide for Wyndham.
“Having sites like this here in Wyndham, shows that Wyndham has always been a place where innovation happens,” he said.
discredit upon council as outlined by the Local Government Act 2020.
Clause 4 of the Model Code in the act concerns actions that diminish “the public’s trust and confidence in the integrity of local government“.
Arbiter Joel Silver said that “while Cr Szatkowski did not act ideally, I am not satisfied that he engaged in misconduct“.
Mr Silver did, however conclude Cr Szatkowskididnotfulfilhisresponsibilities of supporting the council.
“Itishardtoseehowacouncilcanprovide good governance when its councillors are publicly stating or implying that their
colleagues are not taking governance and integrity seriously,“ Mr Silver said.
“I struggle to see how Cr Szatkowski’s distribution of his letter was not a self-interested exercise, designed to raise his public standing.
“I can understand that his colleagues would see his unilateral actions as an implicit criticism that Cr Szatkowski alone was taking governance seriously.”
In his ruling, Mr Silver also stated that Cr Szatkowski’s outlined concerns were too “opaque” to seriously discredit the council andthatitwouldnotcausemostreasonable readers to lose trust in Wyndham.
A 3D-printed wall, a 3D-printed wall at back of the house with air pockets, and a socket for power and irrigation pockets to flow through. (Pictures: Jaidyn Kennedy)
Luyten chief executive Ahmed Mahil explaining the building process of a 3D-printed house.
Hangar Street Park playground unveiled. (Supplied)
Driver ‘weaponised’ van
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A man accused of fleeing in a stolen van frompoliceandcrashingintomultiplecars in a high-speed erratic chase across west and south-east and Melbourne on July 11 has been refused bail.
Aleksander Misovic, 36, appeared on a courtvideolinkonJuly16fromhishospital bed under police guard facing more than 60 charges.
They included car theft, multiple counts of reckless conduct endangering life, aggravated reckless exposure of a police officertoriskbydriving,dangerousdriving while pursued by police and bail offences.
With crutches beside his bed, he was reportedly suffering a broken femur and broken hip.
This was allegedly due to jumping from the moving van and being struck by a police car at the end of the pursuit in Point Cook.
Misovic was days away from being possibly discharged from hospital.
His defence lawyer argued there was a “compelling reason” for granting bail, given Misovic was unable to drive due to his injuries. Misovic has asked to be bailed to his parents’ home in Point Cook.
In refusing bail, magistrate Michelle Mykytowcyz said Misovic was an unacceptable risk to public safety.
He had “weaponised” the vehicle in “one of the most serious examples of this sort of driving I’ve seen before this court”, she said.
She noted the alleged high speeds, driving on the wrong side of the road, collisions and failing to stop for police. It was “simply staggering” others weren’t
injured on Monash Freeway, Princes Highway and Dandenong Road as well as suburban areas for two hours during the day, she said.
More would have been injured if they didn’t drive “defensively” to evade him.
At the time, Misovic was on four counts of bail – including two counts that banned him from driving.
He’dbeenreleasedfromprisonjustthree weeks earlier, the judge noted.
His 27 pages of criminal priors included dangerous driving while pursued by police and reckless conduct endangering serious injury as well as 27 bail offences.
Detective Senior Constable Tyler Sherlock of Victoria Police’s Melbourne Serious Crime Team said that Misovic had burgled an office on St Kilda Road, and stole a van outside the National Gallery of Victoria hours before the pursuit.
At the time, its owner was cleaning outside the van but had left the keys in the ignition with the engine running, according to police.
About 9.20am, the van was spotted in Sunshine by the police Air Wing. It had been located by tracking the owner’s laptop, which was inside the van.
It failed to stop under police direction. Instead it fled at speed, erratically mounting median strips, running red lights, and police lost sight of it, Detective Senior Constablet Sherlock said.
Police say they tried to hem in Misovic in a Docklands car park about 11.30am.
He allegedly reversed at speed while an officer had his arm inside the window and forced another officer to take evasive action.
CCTV shown to the court depicted the
van ramming through bollards and a sign to escape the car park.
Ms Mykytowcyz noted pedestrians in the footage, including a woman pushing a child in a pram soon after Misovic left.
At another point in Port Melbourne, he allegedly rammed a police car.
He fled onto Monash Freeway up to Eastlink in Dandenong North.
He reached speeds up to 150km/h, swerving around vehicles and driving in the emergency lane, Detective Senior Constable Sherlock said.
In police Air Wing footage shown to the court,thevanranaredlightonDandenong
and Koornang roads, Carnegie and a small blue car crumpled head-on into the side of the van.
The van sped off via a service lane, not stopping to render assistance, Detective Senior Constable Sherlock said.
It was not known if the driver of the car suffered injuries, the court heard.
In Southbank, Misovic struck 16 cars as he split between lanes 3 and 4 of stop-start traffic, police told the court.
On the West Gate Freeway, a driver allegedly veered into another vehicle as he tried to avoid Misovic from ramming his vehicle from behind.
Despite the van losing a front wheel, Misovic allegedly continued speeding at 125 km/h in Point Cook and rammed a carload of four people, causing their vehicle to spin.
This was minutes before he jumped from the van at 1.10pm and was arrested.
DetectiveSeniorConstableSherlocksaid Misovic later confirmed he was using meth as well as other drugs.
According to a defence lawyer, Misovic spiralled into drug addiction after taking opioid medication due to an earlier motorbike accident.
Ms Mykytowcyz said she wasn’t satisfied there was compelling reason for bail. Misovic was a real risk of endangering public safety, given the current allegations and past behaviour, she said.
She noted the prosecution case was strong. If the charges were proven, Misovic faced a lengthy jail term – longer than his likely remand period.
Misovic was scheduled to next appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on October 7.
Have you heard of the Parent Pathways program? Are you a footy fan?
If you’ve got a child under 6, aren’t working, qualify for parenting payments and live in an eligible suburb you may have access to extra support through The Salvation Army Employment Plus.
Our West Melbourne Parent Pathways program is run out of sites at Werribee and Hoppers Crossing but is available to eligible parents and carers in the following postcodes: 3015, 3016, 3018, 3024, 3025, 3026, 3027, 3028, 3029, 3030, 3211.
Want to know more? Register your interest to attend a FREE, no obligation fun day out on Friday 15th August at the Western Bulldogs Women’s Health and Leadership Hub.
n Return transport (buses leave designated Werribee and Hoppers Crossing stops at 9.15am and return approx 1pm)
n Activities at the Doggies HQ from 10.00am-12.30pm
n Mascot photos, face painting and entertainment for the kids
n Pampering room for parents - think massages and manicures
n A delicious lunch, refreshments and goodie bags
n A chance to watch the Western Bulldogs team train on Mission Whitten Oval
n Learn great nutrition and lifestyle tips from the Western Bulldogs health team
n Be inspired about your future opportunities by the Parent Pathways team
For more information about the Parent Pathways program visit www.employmentplus.com.au.
Email communications.eplus@salvationarmy.org.au if you have any questions.
Top: A van allegedly driven by Aleksander Misovic crashes through bollards and a sign while escaping police at a Docklands car park. Right: A blue car crashes into the side of a van allegedly driven by Misovic through a red light on Dandenong Road. (Pictures: Supplied)
Church event open to all
Werribee Church of Christ is inviting the community to come celebrate its 53rd anniversary on the weekend of July 26-27.
Bronwyn Hickman has seen just how muchthechurchhasevolvedalongsidethe rest of Werribee since 1972.
“I would say it has been one step forward and one step back, but has grown overall,” she said.
“We used to be a little bunch of people who used to go meet at the local primary school and borrow a meeting space.”
“I can feel how very different the structure of the church is now, for a start the number of different nationalities, it really is a multicultural church.”
The action will kick off on Saturday with a men’s breakfast between 8-9.30am and
will be followed by ‘Let’s Talk’,’ a weekly fixture that helps people practise their English conversation.
Sunday service will begin at 10am and will lead into the birthday lunch.
Pastor Garry Cowley said the occasion is a celebration of God’s faithfulness in the church.
“Also to show people that is more than just a Sunday thing, but what is going on throughout the week as well,” he said.
“Seeing new people come through all the time is encouraging as a church, and we are discussing where we want to go as a community.”
Werribee Church of Christ is at 200 Tarneit Road, Werribee.
Details: 9741 6051
Briefs
Man charged over elder fraud
A Werribee man has been charged with 71 offences relating to defrauding elderly people. The man, 33, and a 30-year-old Corio man have been charged with obtaining property by deception, theft and obtaining financial advantage by deception. Police will allege the pair stole approximately $250,000 from seven elderly victims located in Victoria and Western Australia between June 2024 and February 2025. It is understood the pair made contact with the victims and remotely gained access to their bank accounts. The pair were bailed to appear before Geelong Magistrates’ Court on October 21.
Altona Meadows attack charges
Several teenagers from Hobsons Bay and Wyndham have been charged following an armed robbery and serious assault in Altona Meadows. Police allege a man was approached by a group of males and pushed to the ground at Central Square Shopping Centre. One of the males allegedly produced an edged weapon and struck the victim’s forearm, causing a serious injury. The victim, a 33-year-old Altona Meadows man, remains in hospital with serious but non-lifethreatening injuries. A 14-year old boy from Wyndham and two 15-year-old boys from Hobsons Bay were each charged with multiple offences; a 14-year-old boy is expected to be charged on summons. Police are searching for a fifth individual. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au
Wyndham Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
The West Gate Tunnel will transform travel from Werribee to Melbourne when it opens at the end of the year. You will be able to enter the new tunnel from the West Gate Freeway near Williamstown Road and travel quicker to destinations such as universities, hospital and sports events. Drive the West Gate Tunnel through our driving simulator at Pacific Werribee 25 July to 3 August
Scan the QR code for upcoming events and to explore Melbourne's newest roads with our Explore Your Journey Tool
Pastor Garry Cowley and Bronwyn Hickman are inviting you along to Werribee Church of Christ’s anniversary celebrations. (Damjan Janevski). 490323_05
Reward to find firebombers
Police have announced a $500,000 reward for information in relation to the fatal fire that killed Katie Tangey in Truganina in January.
Emergency services were initially called to reports of a fire at a residential property on Dover Street about 2.30am on Thursday, January 16.
CCTV captured two people getting out of a dark coloured vehicle, which police say resembles a BMW X3 or X5, that was parked outside the address shortly after 2am.
A significant explosion then occurs and the pair leave the area.
A 27-year-old woman who was inside
the house at the time, now known to be Ms Tangey of Hoppers Crossing, then calls triple-0 to say the home was on fire.
Ms Tangey was housesitting the property which belonged to her brother and his wife.
She and the family’s golden retriever, Sonny, died at the scene and the three-storey townhouse was completely destroyed.
The dark coloured vehicle is then captured on CCTV travelling north on Forsyth Road in Truganina at approximately 2.12am.
A ring camera at the Dover Street house also captures the moment the house is en-
gulfed, before two men, one carrying what appears to be a jerry can, flee the scene.
Police have been investigating the motivations of the arson attack for six months and established that they believe it was likely linked to the illicit tobacco dispute in February.
Information received suggests it was a targeted attack but at the wrong address.
Investigators have also established that Ms Tangey was completely innocent and had nothing to do with the illicit tobacco trade.
In April, investigators released a digital composite image of a man they would like
490676_02
Painting through the winter blues
An award-winning artist and art therapist from Wyndham is harnessing the power of painting to help conquer the winter blues.
Xiang Li’s ‘100 Days ART YOU OKAY?’ will showcase a selection of small pieces of art each centred around a positive mental health word.
Li, who also runs her art therapy practice at The Doctors Werribee working with adult clients who are experiencing personal hardship, will incorporate themes such as mindfulness, calm, hope and connection.
“The cold and shorter days of winter have been a challenge to many of us, both mentally and physically,” Li said.
“To manage this, I’ve been creating one small piece of art a day around a positive word. It is a way to stay grounded, reflect, and bring a little light into each day.”
The display will feature at the Positives and Negative Spaces at the Louis Joel Gallery in Altona from August 9-28.
She will feature alongside fellow art-
ist and environmentalist Ariel De Ramos whose acrylic landscapes illustrate the importance of small, daily actions such as pausing for a while or painting can help achieve emotional balance.
“We wanted to create an experience that feels like sitting under a warm winter sun,” Li said.
“It’s not about making perfect art–It’s about finding small joys, relaxing and inspiring moments in life. It matters even just for a few minutes every day.”
Cigarettes continue to pose major fire risk say authorities
Victoria’s fire services are issuing a strong warning about the serious risks of smoking indoors, as it remains the leading cause of fatal house fires across the state.
According to Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV), half of the state’s 18 fatal fires in 2024 were caused by discarded cigarettes and smoking materials, such as lighters, matches or open flames.
Smoking in bed is the leading cause of smoking-relatedfiredeaths,asfallingasleep with a lit cigarette in hand can easily set fire
to soft materials such as bed linen.
In addition to the fire fatality figures, more than 10 per cent of residential structure fires that FRV responded to between May 2024 and March 2025 were caused by smoking materials.
FRV deputy commissioner of community safety Joshua Fischer said the statistics show the danger of cigarettes.
“The numbers don’t lie – cigarettes are dangerous when misused or used while drowsy, and must be handled with extreme
to speak to in relation to the investigation.
The image of the man’s face was compiled using CCTV footage which has been enhanced.
Facing the media on Monday, July 21, Detective Inspector Chris Murray of the Arson and Explosives Squad, said he hoped the reward would encourage people to come forward.
“We just need the names of the two [people] who committed this and leave the rest to us,” he said.
“From my squad’s perspective, it is the most important and prioritised investigation that we have.”
Red Cross changes blood donation rule
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has removed sexual activity wait times for life-saving plasma donations.
On Monday, July 14, the organisation removed most sexual activity wait times for life-saving plasma donations, aiming to safely pave the way for many gay and bisexual men, transgender people, sex workers, and people on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEPi) to help save lives.
Previous donor rules prevented many people from the LGBTQIA+ and sex worker communities from donating plasma if they had sex within the past three months.
Plasma – referred to as the ’liquid gold’ part of blood – is now the donation type most needed by Australian patients, with treatment for more than 50 medical conditions reliant on its supply.
Some 625,000 Australians may become eligible to donate plasma, with Lifeblood anticipating around 95,000 additional donations of plasma to be made each year.
Lifeblood chief executive Stephen Cornelissen said the organisation is looking forward to welcoming many more people into its donation centres.
“Importantly, today’s change will allow those on PrEP to become the first in the world to donate plasma without a wait period,“ Mr Cornelissen said. He said patient safety would always be Lifeblood’s top priority, and that extensive research and modelling had shown these changes can be implemented without compromising the safety of Australia’s blood supply.
“Over the next 12 months, we estimate an extra 24,000 donors will give plasma, but we know people have been eagerly awaiting these changes and hope to far exceed these numbers,“ he said.
Lifeblood has also been progressing changes to blood and platelets donation eligibility, with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) recently approving a submission to remove gender-based sexual activity rules.
These changes – known as gender-neutral assessments – are expected to be introduced in 2026, and once implemented, will see all donors being asked the same questions about sexual activity, regardless of gender or sexuality.
caution,” he said.
“If you notice burn marks on a friend or family member’s carpet, furniture, clothing, or nightwear, speak up, let them know the dangers and encourage them to take action.”
Steps that can be taken to decrease the risk of smoking-related fires include smoking outdoors, having working smoke alarms in every room, not smoking in bed or while intoxicated, and using heavy, high-sided, non-combustible ashtrays to dispose of cigarette butts.
“These two changes are underpinned by research and evidence that demonstrate safety, and together, will allow the greatest number of people to donate blood and plasma,“ Mr Cornelissen said.
To book a donation, call 13 14 95 or visit lifeblood.com.au
Artists Xiang Li and Ariel De Ramos Molina are hosting an art exhibition aimed at improving mental health during winter. (Damjan Janevski).
Tobacco extortion charges
A Tarneit man has been charged with several offences after he allegedly made multiple threats to a tobacco store in the Bass Coast area that is yet to open.
Police charged the man, 52, on Wednesday, July 16, and believe he extorted the owner of the store on behalf of an offshore syndicate leader.
Police will allege the man, who is the owner of a tobacco store located on the same road and believed to be paying the extortion fee to operate his own store, visited the site on three separate occasions to make the threats.
The incidents occurred on Thursday,
June 12, Monday, June 16 and Friday, July 1, according to police.
On each occasion, workers at the site were allegedly told if the store opens, it will be subject to arson and the owner will be shot, police allege.
Police said that on Saturday, July 5, the owner of the store received a call from an international WhatsApp number – previously used in a number of other extortions–allegedlymakingthesamethreats.
With the assistance of the VIPER Taskforce, three search warrants were executed on Tuesday, July 15 at a residential address in Tarneit and a tobacco store and
residential premises in the Bass Coast area.
Approximately 6500 illicit e-cigarettes (vapes) with a street value of approximately $260,000, just under $15,000 cash and approximately 255,331 illicit cigarettes with a tax excise avoidance of approximately $358,260 were seized, police said.
The Tarneit man was charged with two counts of extortion with threats to destroy property, extortion with threats to inflict injury and knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime.
He was also charged with dealing with
Birthday of growth for Tala and the planet
It would be harder to find a more unselfish 18th birthday celebration than the one hosted by Tala Clarete.
Along with her friends and members of her community, she held a tree planting day at WynTree’s Point Cook nursery on Friday, July 18.
The year 12 student arrived in Wyndham in 2023 from the island of Luzon in the Philippines – a place where trees dominate the skyline.
“I guess my passion for climate
change was sparked when I realised certain parts of the world don’t have the chance to live in such a green environment,” Ms Clarete said. “I think with a lot of people aren’t really informed about the low percentage of tree canopy coverage in the western suburbs.”
Spending time at the nursery with her parents and replotting plants were some of her fondest times when she first arrived in Australia. Now she wants other young people to experience the serenity
of nature saying “I do get a lot of satisfaction because there is a certain kind of feeling to be the person to deliver that message and then see the people you tell make something of it.”
“I think there is something very poetic about plants and trees, even if there is no change on the surface, there is a world of change underneath. You may not see change happen when you input time, but the change is rewarding once it comes.”
property suspected to be the proceeds of crime and possessing tobacco products that were imported with the intent to defraud the revenue made from their sale.
The man was bailed with ‘strict conditions’ to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, July 22.
The arrest was carried about by Taskforce Lunar with assistance from search warrants executed by the VIPER taskforce.
Anyone with information on crime linked to the illicit tobacco trade is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppers.com.au
Doherty’s Cafe contract awarded
The construction of Doherty House cafe is a step closer with the construction contract awarded and work to commence in the coming weeks.
The bluestone landmark will be transformed into a 50-seat cafe with an outdoor dining area and fenced garden, paying homage to the site’s history by incorporating the original walls and chimney.
Doherty House was built in the 1870s but was left in ruins after 1969 bushfires, which ravaged the area and destroyed the building’s wooden structure.
The ruins were identified back in 2021 as an example of the area’s European heritage and became protected by the council’s heritage overlay.
Preservation works then commenced on the site the following year.
Wyndham is investing more than $2 million to transform the Doherty House ruins into a cafe, run by Riverside Group. Wyndham mayor Mia Shaw said the cafe would blend historic character with modern design to create a unique dining destination in Tarneit.
“This exciting project will breathe new life into Doherty’s House and is part of Council’s ongoing commitment to enhancing community spaces and local amenities,” she said.
Councillor Josh Gilligan said he can’t wait to see the cafe come to life.
“I know that the Riverside Group, who have a long-standing reputation for their successful venues in Werribee, will offer a high-quality experience.”
Tala Clarete celebrated her 18th birthday by having a tree planting session. (Damjan Janevski) 490616_01
Artist pieces it all together
Georgia Tacey sits down with Sunbury artist Renee Broders in her home studio as she chats about her artistic process, favourite pieces and her recent exhibition where her artwork was projected onto the Broadmeadows Town Hall for the Hume Winter Lights Festival.
Walking into Renee Broders’ home studio is like taking a step inside her mind.
Eclectic, bright and colourful, just like thebrightpinkglassesperchedonherface.
Every inch of the small room is filled to the brim. Art supplies, trinkets, finished projects and ones she’s still tinkering with cover the space.
Thisishermind,heartandsoul,baredon display.
“I think if it was empty, I would feel lost,” Broders said.
“It’s a place where I go to feel found.
“It’s my heart, my home, but then sometimes I don’t want to come out here. I avoid it all together because it’s too much.”
These four walls are brimming with energyandcreativity,andBrodersthinksit might just be at capacity.
“I feel like I’m almost suffocating out here a little bit, but this for me is probably my favourite place to be at the same time,” she said. “You just sort of suffer for your own love, I suppose.”
Art has always called to Broders. From as young as five she was drawing, painting andmakinghermarkontheworldthrough her art.
Not everyone is going to love what you do and no one appeals to everybody. But I suppose you have to appeal more to yourself and the others will come
- Renee Broders
“I surround myself with as much creativity as I can, and I find that’s kind of wheremyheartlies.I’macreativeatheart,” she said.
At university, she studied print making and painting, thinking this was where her life would take her as an etcher, before painting took over.
“I think that’s part of the creative journey,” Broders said.
“You kind of fall into things and then you fall out of things, and if you take that sort of mindset, you’ll learn a lot more, I think, as an artist because you don’t get trapped.”
Now at 49, Broders is a mum-of-two, living with her husband and two sausage dogs in Sunbury, with a purpose-built home studio nestled in her backyard.
Known for her bright, bold, striking colours, abstract pieces and collages, Broders’ artwork steps into people’s mind and dives into emotion.
Represented by national group Studio Gallery Group, her artwork has been exhibited across the country. While she has had many career highlights, like being the featured artist of the 2023 Affordable Art Fair in Sydney, a mention in Vogue and multiple award recognitions, she said she takes all the big things in with the small.
One of the big will be her first solo exhibition with Studio Gallery Group which will be held in Sydney, featuring many of her paintings and some collage pieces.
And something smaller in her community, she plans to offer collage classes for those interested in learning more about the art.
Broders has exhibited all over Australia, but most recently was a part of an event close to home.
AsoneofthefeaturedartistsintheHume
Winter Lights Festival, Broders wowed the crowds with her whimsical interactive exhibition titled ‘Paper Dreams’.
“The piece was an animated and interactive digital collage, where I put together backgrounds with objects, all cut out of vintage paper, and then little charactersthatImakeonmyphone…were all sort of put together,” she said.
“Anybody that wanted to could come up and interact with the projection by using a software that was set up, so it became something that people could change and manipulate whilst it was playing out on the wall.”
Broders took inspiration from her daily commute to work and the characters you find on the train.
“It was just about life’s journey and just how as you travel along through your day, you see all sorts of weird things and a lot was inspired by riding the train,” she said.
She said the piece was really well received, with over 5000 people attending
the festival and catching a glimpse of her creation. To bring it to life, she worked with Nicholas Marriott and Sean Healy, an animator and software engineer.
“It was my first projection, and hopefully it will lead to more of the same because I think collage is a really interesting medium to work with, and it’s really good for storytelling,” she said.
“And when you work with an animator and a software designer you definitely can come up with pretty spectacular results.”
In her long-spanning career, there have been many stand out pieces, with many tackling mental health, emotions and societal issues.
One piece on display in her studio is one of Jeni Haynes, a Queensland woman who has over 2000 personalities.
Broders said after watching a 60 Minutes episode on Haynes, she reached out to her through Facebook, which resulted in her flying up to Queensland twice and staying with her, creating two pieces of art.
“Getting to know Jeni was probably the coolest part of that,” she said.
In Haynes’ mind, every decision she makes is voted on by all her personalities, which prompted her to respond to Broders message, saying “two and a half thousand hands had come up to say yes, they wanted me to paint them”.
Broders said she uses a lot of negative spaceinherart,withthestorytoldthrough intricate, small details. At the core of her process is her wanting to share the inner workings of people’s minds with the world.
“I’vegotafeelingofwantingtotellstories about people’s lives and what’s important and embrace diversity, embrace change andchallenge.Allofthosethingsarereally important to me,” she said.
“Not everyone is going to love what you do and no one appeals to everybody. But I suppose you have to appeal more to yourself and the others will come.”
Search @arts7_5 on Instagram to find more for Broders’ work.
Renee Broders inside her home studio.
(Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 486598
Right: “Ruby Star“ c/o Studio Gallery Group. Artwork featured as Affordable Art Fair Sydney’s Campaign piece in 2023.
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Additional centres revealed
Policehaveidentifiedafurtherfivechildcare centres which employed a Point Cook man accused of 70 offences against children.
Intwostatementslastweek,policeadded centres in Mickleham, Tarneit, Braybrook, GreensboroughandPointCooktothelistof centres that employed Joshua Brown.
Police also amended the dates Brown was employed at 11 centres previously named.
Brown, 26, was arrested on May 12 and has since been charged with more than 70 offencesrelatingtotheallegedsexualabuse of children.
He was remanded in custody and will
appear before the Melbourne Magistrates Court on September 15.
On July 1, police said Brown was believed to have worked at 20 different childcare centres between 2017 and 2025.
The Department of Health recommended 1200 that children who may have come into contact with him during this period be tested for infectious diseases.
On July 15, police said Brown had also worked at Kids Academy Waratah estate in Mickleham on August 29, 2024; Milestones Early Learning Tarneit on September 10 and 13, 2024; Milestones Early Learning Braybrook on December 4 and 6, 2024; and
Milestones Early Learning Greensborough on December 5, 2024, January 31, 2025 and February 27, 2025.
Police also amended the dates Brown worked at Explorers Early learning in Point Cook, Adventurers Education in Wyndham Vale,OnlyAboutChildreninWilliamstown, Nido Early Learning School in Werribee, DOTS Occupational Therapy for Children in Footscray, Aussie Kindies Early Learning in Sunbury, Milestones Early Learning in Hoppers Crossing, Kids Academy in Melton, Aussie Kindies Early Learning in Keilor and Papilio Early learning in Essendon.
Fun day out offers a pathway for parents
The Salvation Army’s Employment Plus network is inviting parents and children to apply for the Parent Pathways program and the chance to join in a day of fun activities at Whitten Oval on August 15. Since launching in the west last year, the service has financially supported parents with children younger than six to help them receive training, licences and skills.
Thirty parents and their children will be selected for the day of fun, with return buses running from Werribee and Hoppers Crossing.
Mother-of-two Ashleigh Malone has
had her life transformed by the program and is encouraging others to apply.
Ms Malone first presented her dream of becoming a nurse, but the timing just wasn’t right.
“I was actually looking at nursing, but it didn’t match up with my lifestyle having two young boys [aged three and four],” she said.
However, Parent Pathways found another way Ms Malone could channel her passion for helping others.
“I was suggested to do a community case management course and that matched up with my lifestyle.”
“I feel amazing doing the course, and that I am also doing something beyond motherhood.”
“I am doing something for me now–the last two years have just been about my kids– and now it’s [Parent Pathways] given me a chance to get back in the game,” Ms Malone said.
“You feel alive again.”
Those who meet the criteria and live within the following postcodes are encouragedtoapply:3015,3016,3018,3024, 3025, 3026, 3027, 3028, 3029, 3030, 3211.
More: https://www.servicesaustralia. gov.au/parent-pathways
The following day police said he also worked at World of Learning in Point Cook on August 24, 2023 and amended the date he was believed to have worked at Kids Academy in Melton.
Although records obtained by police recorded that Brown had worked at Papilio Early Learning in Hoppers Crossing between August 22, 2024, and March 12, 2025, further investigation determined it incorrect and the centre has since been removed from the list.
Police now believe Brown worked at 24 childcare centres between January 2017 and May 2025.
Feedback wanted on Polly Parade
Wyndham council is inviting residents to share how they would like to play at Polly Parade Reserve when it opens later this year in Tarneit.
Wyndham mayor Mia Shaw said she welcomed the new sporting space that will allow residents to stay active.
The space is set to include three sports fields for cricket and soccer, six tennis courts and cricket nets.
In addition to this there will be new lighting, pathways, a children’s play space, and a BBQ and picnic area.
“Feedback will guide the development of future clubs at the reserve, allowing interested community members to put their hand up to be part of the inaugural club working groups,” councillor Shaw said.
“It will also provide guidance regarding age groups, values and experiences that are important to residents.
“We know that programmed sport helps boost community connections and wellbeing, we look forward to the reserve growing into a valued community asset.
“Located next to Bembit Bagrook Community Centre, the reserve is expected to become a vibrant hub where people can come together to play, connect, and support one another.”
The $12.3 million reserve project is supported by a $50,000 grant from the state government.
Ashleigh Malone with her sons Harley (4) and Bear (3). (Damjan Janevski). 490553_01
Part two of Olivier’s odyssey
BY LEE MCCARTHY
This week, we continue to explore the adventures of Noosa-based Olivier Miller and her husband Ian.
Olivier is the owner and principal of four Laguna real estate offices on the Sunshine Coast and Gympie, specialising in prestige and waterfront properties. The two have travelled extensively by sea and land throughout Olivier’s 40-year real estate career.
They recently returned from the 23-day Viking ‘European Sojourn’ sailing three rivers and eight countries.
Olivier said her most favourite place was Budapest (Hungary).
“A very lively country, the tours took us right into the CBD and of course a lot of churches and castles but the architecture and the actual port was virtually in the heart of town, so we got a really good sense of what it had to offer. This was a highlight.
“Because of the size and construction Viking can get closer to ports which makes the trip easier and more special because we could walk off the boat.
“In Kalosca, Hungary we travelled to a local farm which bred horses and saw a horse show. It is the town where paprika is from so we went to a paprika museum and had a day in the country.”
“In Osijek, Croatia we went into a local’s house and had morning tea, and she made a plum liquor and pancake, and the houses are all very neat and tidy with lovely hosts.”
“The weather ranged from eight degrees to about twenty-one with the average 14 to
20 degrees, so we layered up as it was nice in the sun.”
“In Serbia we saw the Iron Gate which was impressive, and we enjoyed our time when we were on the boat lounging and weather permitting on the top deck.”
“We had a couple of days in Bulgaria and
then Bucharest which was another of my favourites. There were lots of historic and cobble stone alleys, inns and shops and the biggest Parliament House I have ever seen. We had a bit of fun there as well and we left the cruise there.
Olivier noted that the embarking process
was straightforward, and they stayed at the Marriott, a large hotel with ample space.
“Once again, the food on the boat was always buffet breakfast from about 7am to 10am and the wait staff were exceptional. For lunch, the choice was the deck or downstairs which had a western menu as well as a local menu which changed daily depending on where we stayed,” she said. Afterweembarked,wewereagainlooked after by Viking staff and then transported to Transylvania and once again took tours including Dracula’s castle and we were then escorted to the airport and virtually escorted to the ticket counter, and it was amazing.”
“For those who find travel daunting, Vikingdothisveryverywell.Wecan’tpraise the staff enough, they were all brilliant and if someone said would I recommend it I would say definitely,” she said.
“They have a tour director on that boat which was amazing and nothing was too much trouble. There were so many highlights, and you can do as much or as little as you like.”
“As a foursome we really enjoyed what we did and had a lot of laughs.”
“You do have opportunities to interact with other people, and I did notice a lot of Aussies did mix well.
“If there was one thing I noticed from start to finish it was the Viking staff were absolutely six stars with our room cleaned twice a day and anything you asked for addressed immediately.”
For more information on Viking please call 138 747 or visit www.viking.com
Kalocsa, the birthplace of paprika and a chance to have a day in the country and a horse show.
Sail through one of Europe’s most dramatic natural wonders, the picturesque stretch famously known as the Iron Gate.
Ian and Olivier Miller enjoy the sights of Bucharest. All photos supplied.
Riverside beauty and a vibrant cultural scene blend together in Budapest to form one of Europe’s most rewarding cities.
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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 atthe 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
Resume Help
Wyndham Council is providing resume workshops for young people aged 15-25. Book into a one-on-one session, online or in person, with an education and youth services librarian to get some help crafting your resume and answering interview questions. Sessions run at 9am, several times a week.
resumehelp@wyndham.vic.gov.au
Walking 4 Health Victoria
Walking Football 4 Health Victoria runs at Eagle Stadium every Friday morning between 10-11am. Walking Football is a low-impact, modified version of football where players are required to walk instead of run. Ideal for individuals over 50, those recovering from injuries, or anyone looking for a gentle yet engaging way to stay active.
Mick, mick_trim1@hotnail.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
Laverton Community Choir
Open to new members and everyone is welcome. If you enjoy singing, and are curious about joining a choir, come along and try out your vocal cords with our fun and inclusive group. No audience or musical knowledge required. Meets on Thursday evenings during school terms at Laverton P12 College, 91 Bladin Street, Laverton from 7-9pm, with supper provided.
Sue, 0418 386 147 or lavertoncommunitychoir@gmail.com
Wyndham Rotary
If you have an hour or two to volunteer in a local project Wyndham Rotary would love to hear from you. If you have an idea and you want some help taking the idea to action, contact us. If you want to connect with friendly, like-minded people, come and chat to us. Meeting locally each week, you will be made welcome.
Julie, 0406 196 630
Rotary Club of Wyndham Harbour
Assist with service projects in the local community and overseas. The club meets at 7pm on the first Tuesday of the month at the ‘By the Bay Cafe’ in Wyndham Harbour.
Mamode, 0469 888 126
Wyndham Combined Probus
A social club for retired or semi-retired people. There is a broad range of social activities to suit all interests such as lunches and brunches each month, day trips, theatre outings and longer trips away. Hear interesting speakers and make new friendships. The group meets on the second Tuesday of each month at Iramoo Community Centre, Honour Ave, Wyndham Vale. Meetings commence at 1pm.
Kaye Angel, 0407 551 694, or wcpc1306@gmail.com
153 Saltwater Parade, Point Cook. 0411 028 077 or bfmusic15@gmail.com
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 49 Watton Street, Werribee at 10am, every fourth Tuesday of the month. Patricia, 0434 487 360, or wattongroup131@gmail.com
Lions Club
The Lions Club of Point Cook meets at the Featherbrook Community Centre on the third Monday of the month at 7.30 pm. The club is seeking to grow the Lions free vision screening in schools team. Volunteers needed to work with the region’s schools in combating undiagnosed children’s vision issues. You do not have to be a Lions member but must obtain a working with children check.
Robert Eyton, 0417 549 684, or robeyton@bigpond.com
Seniors House of Fun
The Grange Community Centre invites seniors of Wyndham to its weekly Seniors House of Fun. This is a free program running every Friday, 11am-12.30pm, at The Grange Community Centre, 260-280 Hogans Road, Hoppers Crossing. Vanessa, 8742 8000, or enquires@grangecommunity.org.au
Wyndham Ladies Probus
Retired or semi-retired ladies are invited to join this very active social group. Enjoy impressive monthly guest speakers, interesting monthly outings and many lunches where the development of friendships is encouraged. The Ladies Probus Club of Wyndham meets on the first Wednesday of each month at Hotel 520, Sayers Road, Tarneit, at 10am. Pat 0411 316 795
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. Yvette, 0411 952 706
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
Bingo for all
The Werribee RSL hosts Bingo every Monday between 12.30-2.30pm.
9741 5525
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
Adult drumming classes
If you ever wanted to try out your rhythmic skills, the first class is discounted 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,
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
Werribee River Association
New volunteers to support Landcare work along the Werribee River. A great way to give back, get outdoors and work at your own pace.
admin@werribeeriver.org.au, or www.werribeeriver.org.au
This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Zoe, 11, who is playing Duffy in the Melbourne season of Annie the Musical at the Princess Theatre. (Damjan Janevski) 489773_01
Cut loose at fun musical
Why not kick off your Sunday shoes and head out to see Footloose the Musical?
The feel-good show is back as part of its encore season in Melbourne in response to audience demand.
Cairnlea resident, Chad Rosete, who performs as Travis and is a member of the ensemble,saidaudienceshavebeenloving the show.
“A lot of people come up to us after the show and say that they’re a huge fan of the movie. They remember the movie from when they were a teenager and say watching the show brought a sense of nostalgia for them,” said Chad.
Footloose tells the story of a teenage boy from Chicago, Ren McCormack, who moves to the small town of Bomont with his mother.
When he arrives in Bomont, the free-spirited Ren is shocked to find that dancing is outlawed in the town.
Ren then makes it his mission to bring the joy of dance back to the townspeople of Bomont who are healing from their own collective tragedy.
“Footloose is this high energy, feel-good, up-tempo musical that’s in the same category as Grease or Mamma Mia ...audiences can leave the show feeling like they’ve had so much fun,” said Chad.
Chad fell in love with singing and performing as a child, later developing a passion for musicals in high school.
After studying at the Australian Institute of Music and Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance, Chad made his first professional debut in Rent the musical last year.
Chad said the rehearsals for the encore season of Footloose were focused on making the show even bigger than it was the first time.
“We’re building on the show we had previously and I think it’s really coming into something that’s more refined and electric.”
Without revealing too much, Chad said one of the highlights of the show is a well-known musical number that features in the movie.
“It’s a good surprise…I don’t think audiences will expect it,” he said.
Footloose the Musical is showing at the Athaneum Theatre with performances running until Sunday, August 17.
Tickets and more info: www. footloosethemusical.com
(Damjan Janevski) 488447_01
Significant milestone in first exhibition
Swirling colours come together on canvas in a new artist’s exhibition.
Debbie Van Ravenstein’s love for art has been reignited in her later years, and is proudtoshowcaseherveryfirstexhibition, ‘Pour Paint’ in the Sunbury Hume Global Learning Centre.
“I’ve always been into art, all my life, I just didn’t know how to start,” she said. After learning the pouring technique through watching YouTube, Van Ravenstein decided to buy all the supplies and try it out herself.
“I like doing it, so I kept doing it, and the paintings just turned out the way they
turned out,” she said.
Colours collide and melt together in her paintings, creating shapes and faces in the way the paint falls.
Using fluid, layered colours, she explores movement and emotion through her art and mindfulness.
While apprehensive at first, her occupational therapist helped convince her to take part, to which Van Ravenstein said she couldn’t have done it without her.
Going into the exhibition, Van Ravenstein didn’t think a single painting would sell. That became her goal, which she completely smashed by now selling
four pieces of her collection.
“I never thought any would sell,” she said.
When the exhibition opened back in April, the opening night was one of her highlights, being one of the last to leave.
“To hear the mayor mention my name, andhimwantingtomeetme,Ican’tbelieve that happened,” Van Ravenstein said.
Pour Paint’s run at the Sunbury Hume Global Learning Centre has now been extended to Sunday, October 5.
Both other exhibitions have been extendedatthegallerysectionaswelluntil this date.
Instrumentalist brings Celtic music to Little River
The magic and mystique of Celtic music will grace Little River when multiinstrumentalist Rennie Pearson comes to town next month.
Channelling the traditions of Ireland, Scotland and Maritime Canada, the virtuoso’s wooden flute, Irish whistles, guitar, fiddle, bodhrán, and voice will tell tales old and new.
While his first guest slot in a festival camein2011,MrPearson’smusicaljourney started long before.
“Actually when I was a baby, I had the music [playing] around the house on CDs and my grandparents had Riverdance on VHS,” he said.
“I was completely entranced by it.”
It might be better to let one of the best proponents of Celtic music explain what is
so special about it.
“There is so much joy contained in it, but also so much hardship– it makes you want to leap out of the chair and dance,”
Mr Pearson said. “The melodies have
these ethereal qualities that go beyond the mortal realm, and the driving rhythms are dance music through and through.”
“Another one is the connection with ancient times, it’s kind of got this otherworldly element where the tunes and songs have been passed down.”
TheLittleRiverMechanicsInstituteHall, where the show is taking place on Sunday, August17,mightjustbetheperfectplaceto channel these tunes.
“When the local community comes together to share an evening of live music, there’s a crackling energy in the room— banter and music flow freely, and it’s an absolute joy to be a part of,” Mr Pearson said.
Tickets: https://www.renniepearson music.com/
An exhibition in Bacchus Marsh of poetry by Moorabool poet, artist, and storyteller Barry James Gilson is sharing local stories, education, and a sense of place.
Running until July 31 at MAPP Gallery Bacchus Marsh, the original poem by Gilson shares personal and local themes.
“The whole concept was basically from the connection I have being a Wadawurrung person and … Kirrit Barrett– or Gordon – I’ve been living there all my life,” Gilson said.
“Just about every weekend when I was a little fella, I used to walk down to the Bostock Reservoir … it used to be a natural sort of watercourse that flowed from the water from under Kirrit Barrett and it’s called Paddock Creek now, but it was called Kangaroo Creek,” he said.
Gilson said that he used to follow the creek all the way down to the muddy flats of what is now the Bostock Reservoir.
“Itwasjustmudflatsandalongside it were inland mussels – they were called Timboo – now they were an inland mussel, a freshwater mussel, andtheywereinabsoluteabundance everywhere,” he said.
Gilson said after the waterway was dammed, the presence of it was changed, and he did not see the mussels at the site any more.
“I used to light a little fire and cook these little things in there and eat them. I didn’t know at the time that it was a bush food that my family had been eating for thousands of years,” he said.
“That’s basically a local story of the place … I write stories about all places and collect the information, so hopefully one day I’ll get a book together that people can learn from after I’m gone … because if these stories aren’t collected – well, they’re lost.”
It is through this storytelling that Gilson hopes to educate people and provide a deeper understanding and sense of place.
Gilson’s poetry is being exhibited atMAPPUpinLightsBacchusMarsh at the Village Green, 197 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh, until July 31. Details: moorabool.vic.gov. au/Services-and-support/ Arts-and-culture/Artistopportunities/MAPP-Up-in-Lights
Debbie Van Ravenstein at her Pour Paint exhibition.
Rennie Pearson. (Supplied).
Brimbank local, Chad Rosete, stars in Footloose the Musical. (Supplied)
SPORTS QUIZ
1. After over 10 years of professional racing, which Australian sprint cyclist announced his retirement in May 2025?
2. Nearing $50,000 in total, who is the most fined player in AFL/VFL history?
3. What is the nationality of Jasper Philipsen, the winner of the first stage of the 2025 Tour de France?
4. Slovenia’s Tadej Pogacar has won three Tour de France titles competing for what team?
5. Achieved in July 2024, what is tennis player Alex de Minaur’s highest-ever
Who is the all-time leading points scorer in the NRL?
A famous Aussie with the same name plays in what other sport?
8. Which is the only team in the US NFL to have never hosted nor played in the Super Bowl?
In which winter sport are the terms ‘stale fish’ and ‘mule kick’ used?
Which NBL team is from
The third Test against the West Indies marked which Australian cricketer’s 100th Test?
12. Which ultra-successful F1 team recently sacked its team principal after 20 years?
13. Which Maroons player was named man of the series for State of Origin 2025?
14. How many squares does a chess board have?
15. South African Wiaan Mulder scored a monumental 367 not out against which cricketing nation?
16. Super Bowl I in 1967 was won by which team?
17. Which three clubs entered the VFL 100 years ago in 1925?
18. Maro Itoje is the captain of the British & Irish Lions and which nation?
19. Who will coach Port Adelaide in 2026 following Ken Hinkley’s final season with the AFL club?
20. Which Indian batsman scored 430 runs (269 and 161) against England in the second Test, the second-highest aggregate in Test cricket history?
21. Who did Jannik Sinner defeat in the recent Wimbledon men’s singles final?
22. Which three A-League teams will Wrexham AFC play on their Australian and New Zealand tour?
23. Which politician presented Chelsea with the winning trophy in the recent Club World Cup final?
24. Prior to 2025, in what year did a fully-fit Nathan Lyon last not play in a Test match for Australia?
25. How many Sheffield Shield teams has Usman Khawaja played for during his career?
26. West Coast player Jack Graham was recently suspended for how many games due to an on-field incident?
27. Who is the current coach of the Gold Coast Titans?
28. Golfer Grace Kim was born in which Australian city?
29. How many countries boycotted the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games?
30. Birdman is the mascot of which NBL team?
YOUR NEW CAREER
Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic Full or Part time Sales Executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms.
Star Weekly is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future.
The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business.
Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance.
The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme.
Send your application letter and resume to: Advertising Sales Manager, Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au www.starnewsgroup.com.au
de Minaur
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
ACROSS
1 Assail (5)
4 Keep trying (9)
9 Ancestry (7)
10 Stinging plants (7)
11 Deliverance from harm (9)
12 Restore (5)
13 Stun (3)
14 Entitlement (11)
16 Impossible to rectify (11)
19 Be in debt (3)
20 Of them (5)
22 Helper (9)
25 Japanese paper art form (7)
26 Instructs; improves (7)
27 Without paths (9)
28 Varieties (5)
DOWN
1 Girdles (5)
2 Plant with large yellow head and edible seeds (9)
3 Jewelled coronet (5)
4 Officiate (7)
5 Encounter (3,4)
6 Pull up by the roots (9)
7 US comedian,
– DeGeneres (5)
8 Not here (9)
13 Sleeveless garment worn over a shirt (9)
14 As opposed to hardcover (9)
15 Quarantine (9)
17 Understand clearly (7)
18 Woven containers (7)
21 Nickname of Eva Perón (5)
23 Deft (5)
24 Check-ups (5)
1 Name the mineral known as 'fool's gold'.
2 For which animated Disney Channel series did Solange Knowles (pictured) sing the title theme song?
3 In culinary terms, what does 'au gratin' mean?
4 Which video game company published The Sims?
5 Tibet's Potala Palace houses the tombs of how many Dalai Lamas?
6 Which late author was best known for their Discworld series of 41 novels?
7 In which Australian city were KeepCups first created and sold?
8 What colour is coquelicot?
9 TangointheNight, The Dance and Mirage are albums by which British-American rock band?
10 The erhu, a Chinese musical instrument, has how many strings?
Haval drives value further
By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring
Great Wall Motors (aka GWM) continues to lead the way in China’s surge into the Australian new vehicle market, currently sittinginseventhplaceoverall.
Nearly two-thirds of these sales come from the Haval sub-brand and its Joleon andH6SUVs.
The larger of the pair, the H6, has been here since 2017 and has grown steadily in the highly-competitive medium SUV segment against big-hitters like RAV4, Outlander,CX-5andSportage.
Originally petrol-only, it added a conventionalpetrol/electrichybridvariant in 2022, followed in early 2025 by GWM’s firsteverPlug-InHybrid(PHEV)vehicle.
Both hybrids come to Australia in the top-spec GT Ultra model with a high level of safety equipment and technology. The PHEV that we’re testing here is priced at $55,990driveaway.That’s$9500morethan thehybrid.
Thatpricehasitsittingmidwaybetween the Mitsubishi Outlander, Mazda CX-60 and Jeep Compass and the Chinese BYD Sealion 6, HG HS and Jaecoo J7. Importantly, it does significantly outdo all of these rivals with its claimed EV-only rangeof180kilometres.Moreonthatlater.
Styling
The H6 GT streamlines the body to the extent that GWM tags it as an SUV Coupe in line with the recent trend adopted by otherbrandstoescapefromthetraditional boxyprofile.
It certainly works and combined with the other styling elements gives it a real premium look that could easily pass, not onlyforitsbig-sellingJapaneseandKorean rivals but even for much more expensive EuropeanSUVs.
These styling elements include body-coloured side panels that extend the grille to the edge of the vehicle, LED lighting in twin rectangular headlights that wrap around the front, LED daytime running lights, LED foglights, taillights andafull-widthlightingpanel.
There are 19-inch alloy wheels with red brakecalipers.
In a search for brand recognition in previous models the ‘Haval’ name is emblazoned across the front and rear in large, bold letters at the front and rear. Consistent sales growth means that’s no longer needed and they’ve been replaced bymuchsmallerandmoresubtlebadging.
There are five exterior colour choices, HamiltonWhiteisstandard,theotherfour are$495options.
Interior
It’s hard to fault anything inside the H6 Hybrid Ultra PHEV with a real feeling of qualitythroughout.
Comfortek front leather seats are heated and ventilated with the driver having an eight-way power adjustment, heated leather steering wheel and a head-up display.
There’s good storage space with adjustable twin drink holders and a large storagebininthecentreconsole.
There’s dual-zone air conditioning which, together with a flat rear floor, good foot, leg and headroom, and the panoramic sunroof make for a pleasant environment for rear passengers. There’s a centre armrest with two cupholders and airvents.
At the back there’s a powered tailgate which opens out to a 600-litre boot, expandable to 1485 litres with the rear seatbacksfolded.
The batteries are located beneath the false floor taking up the space where a spare wheel would otherwise be stored leaving a puncture repair kit as the only option.
Powertrain
The Haval PHEV combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine with two electric motors, one at the front and one at the rear.
The engine alone generates 110kW and 230Nm. The batteries add 135kW for combinedoutputsof321kWand762Nm.
Thetwosystemsworktogethersmoothly with the battery providing instant torque attake-offandtheturbochargerkickingin athigherrevs.
Power is sent to all four wheels through GWM’s two-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission electronically controlled transmission.
Safety
The Haval H6 Hybrid comes with an impressivesuiteofsafetyfeaturesthathave contributed to it getting the maximum 5-StarANCAPrating.
There are seven airbags; enhanced ABS brakes with brake assist, cornering brake controlandbrakeoverride,rollmovement intervention, hill descent and hill-start control,frontandrearparkingassistanda 360-degreecamera.
Other features include automatic parking, adaptive cruise control, intelligent cornering control, rear cross traffic alert and braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning and correction; autonomous emergency braking including pedestrian and cyclists, traffic sign recognition, blind spot
detection, rear collision warning, driver drowsiness detection and two IsoFix child seatanchors.
Infotainment
Access is through two large colour displays, a centrally-mounted 12.3-inch touchscreen for the infotainment features and a 10.25-inch instrument cluster behindthesteeringwheelfordrivingdata.
As is the growing trend there are no raised physical knobs for the most commonly-used features such as audio system and air conditioning meaning a series of taps on the screen for adjusting sound.Therearesomeshortcutbuttonson thesideofthescreenandothercontrolson thesteeringwheel.
Thereisnoembeddedsatellitenavigation so access needs to be made through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto (both wired) or direct from the smartphone via Bluetooth. There is a wireless smartphone charging onthefrontconsole.
There are five USB ports, three in the frontandtwoattherear.
Driving HavalH6isatthelargerendofitssegment and entry is quite easy. While the seats are adjustable in most directions the base can’t be tilted and we found them a little uncomfortable.
Take-off is by battery only with the instant acceleration that we love. The zero to 100 km/h sprint can be done in just 4.9 seconds.
There are two different EV modes that both default to electric only driving and only switch to the engine when needed for hard acceleration or when the battery
chargeislow.
The combination of the smaller turbo engine and batteries mean that the H6 Hybridcruisesquietly.Brakeregeneration can be adjusted and monitored on the driver’sdisplay.
Out in the rural segment of our teat route the H6 Hybrid provides a surprisingly enjoyable drive with plenty of punch when needed. The ride was a bit spongy at times and handling was typical ofmostSUVs.
Fuel consumption is listed at 5.2 litres per100km,weaveragejustunder6.0L/100 kmduringourtest.
Summing up
Thejury’sstilloutonthebenefitsofplug-in hybrid vehicles in their role between conventional hybrids and full electric vehicles.
While PHEVs do eliminate the range anxiety that remains one of the major concerns for potential EV buyers the relatively small batteries in most PHEVs means that their electric-only driving range only sits around 50 kilometres and afterthat,unlessre-charged,theybecome just another hybrid, but one that typically costs about $10k more than equivalent hybrids.
While the Haval H6 PHEV does cost $9000 more than the H6 Hybrid, it does provide significantly greater range, listed at 180km. Even if that equates to 150km in real-life driving conditions it makes for a much more attractive option than all of its rivals.
With the 55-litre fuel tank full and battery charged, GWM claims a driving rangeof1000kilometres.
While the Haval H6 PHEV costs $9000 more than the H6 Hybrid, it provides significantly greater range. (Pictures: Supplied)
Local sport on Saturday had the added intrigue of wind making things a little bit more tricky. Star Weekly photographer
LJUBICA VRANKOVIC was out shooting some of the action.
Wind tests weekend play
Altona Gators men’s side. 490086_01
Diggers Rest’s Matthew Krul and Riddell’s Ben Taylor. 490807_14
Glenroy’s Zac Smith and Westmeadows’ Michael Mayne. 489371_09
Lancefield’s Alice Bromley. 490796_04
Craigieburn’s Abe Solano. 490086_09
Lancefield’s Carolyn Cusack. 490796_12
Craigieburn’s Luke Tropeano. 490086_17
Lancefield’s Keiley Walker and Alex Cairney. 490796_02
Riddell’s Dylan Podolczak and Diggers Rest’s Ryan Lewis. 490807_18
Riddell’s Tommy Alkemade. 490807_01
Westmeadows’ Aaron Evans. 89371_13
Westmeadows’ Korey Flavel-Wood goes to lay a tackle. 489371_04
Jets fight for a top six spot
By Tara Murray
It’s the wild, wild west in the FV state league 4 west competition with Point Cook among those battling for important spots.
With the restructure of the state league competitions after this season, where sides finish is even more important.
Jets coach Tome Petreski said it had been a really competitive league so far this season.
“It has been a good challenge and considering where we have come from and are happy with where we sit,“ he said.
“There’s still a lot of football to play. We are in fifth now which is great for us.
“There’s four teams battling out for the
title and we’re kind of a step away from them and a step above a couple of the teams below us.”
This season the top team is the only team that earns promotion.
Teams that finish second to sixth stay in state league 4 next season while all the other remaining teams either drop one or two divisions with a new structure coming in.
Petreski said their biggest aim was to stay away from seventh place to ensure they are in the new state league 4 northwest competition next season.
“We want to stay in the top six, ideally fourth, third, second or even first if all the stars align,“ he said.
“We are still mathematically a chance to win the title.”
Petreski said with the competition so close they were only focusing on what was ahead of them and not worrying about what is to come.
He said they need to ensure they put in the effort and step up and they would get a fair result of where they end up.
“We have a mixed run with seven games to go,” he said.
“Three games against sides in the top four and other teams spread across.
“We are hoping to win four or five of our last seven games and see if we can get a couple more wins on the board.
Point Cook has a big test on weekend
Centurions put in a strong performance
While Werribee Centrals kept its small finals chances alive on Saturday, coach Rhyce Prismall knows the likelihood of sneaking into the top five is remote.
The Centurions got their fifth win of the season as they upset Bell Post Hill to sit three games outside the top five with five rounds remaining.
Primsall said while there was a mathematical chance of making the top five, it wasn’t something they were banking on,
“We aren’t too optimistic about it,” he said. “A few of the boys have written it off.
“It’s the old cliche, we’re just looking forward to each game and achieving something at the end of the year.
“Hopefully we can take some momentum into next year.”
Prismall said with only five finals spots for a 12 team competition, you have to be winning at least 11 games to be comfortably playing finals.
He said while they haven’t hit the mark in terms of wins they were looking for, there have been a lot of good signs.
“We’ve lost a number of close ones,” he
said. “We’ve lost four games by less than one goal which is disappointing.
“All bar one game we have been very competitive.”
Prismall said while it can be hard to remain optimistic at this time of the season, Saturday’s result against Bell Post Hill showed what they can do.
With tricky conditions which forced the Centurions to change their game plan, they came away with an 8.14 (62)3.13 (13) win.
The Centurions led at every break.
“Everyone who was there would say that it was blowing a gail,” Prismall said. “We played a good brand of footy for two hours to get the win.
“It was a really tough day to execute our game plan. We had to have a little bit of plan B and try some things.
“We tried to nullify their strengths and be good at what we wanted to do while stopping their weapons.”
Primsall said the playing group really bought into what they wanted them to, including new roles and different positions.
against the Westside Strikers. The Strikers sit in the top four and are coming off a win against the Melton Phoenix, who was on top.
“They are one of those teams challenging for the title and it is more of less do or die in my perspective for them,“ Petreski said heading into the match
“We’re aware they will come out guns blazing.“
Petreski would have been happy with the result, with the Jets winning, 2-1 after scoring a goal in each half.
In other results, West Point lost to Lara United, 4-0.
In state league 3 north-west, Hoppers Crossing lost to Surf Coast, 2-0.
Sports shorts
VNL
The City West Falcons are now completely focused on finals after going through the regular Victorian Netball League season undefeated. On Wednesday night they finished the regular season with another big win, this time against the Peninsula Waves. The Falcons led 20-10 at quarter time and doubled that margin by half time. It was much the same in the second half as the Falcons came away with an 82-42 win. The Falcons will face the Boroondara Express in the first week of finals.
VPL
Werribee City’s hopes of avoiding relegation has suffered another blow in its hopes of trying to avoid relegation in the Victorian Premier League 2 competition. Needing to get wins on the board, the Bees trailed North Geelong Warriors 1-0 at half time. The Warriors continued on their way in the second half to come away with a 4-1 win. The Bees now sit bottom with four rounds remaining.
Western FL
He said there was a really good vibe from the group.
Carmelo Saliba kicked three goals for the Centurions.
Joshua MacDonald, Max Murdock and Daryl Chesterman were named their best.
Prismall said they would continue to take some learnings out of the season.
“We have under-achieved from what we set out to do in the pre-season,” he said.
“We’ll look to get anything out of it. We have a fairly young list and we want to try to develop week in, week out.”
The Centurions face East Geelong this Saturday.
Prismall said they had been the team to beat the past few years and with it being past players day it would be a big day for their club.
Meanwhile in A-grade netball, Werribee Centrals beat Bell Post Hill, 44-31.
Ashlee Brunato shot 22 goals for the Centurions.
The Centurions sit in sixth spot, six points outside the top five.
Werribee Centrals fell short in the Western Football League women’s grand final rematch on Saturday to Caroline Springs. The Centurions had a big test against the undefeated Lakers and were under pressure early as they trailed 26-0 at quarter time. The Centurions struggled to make the most of the wind in the second quarter before the Lakers blew the margin out to 40 points at the last break. The Centurions finished with two goals in the final quarter, but it wasn’t enough as they lost, 7.7 (49)-2.4 (16). The Suns and Wyndhamvale also suffered losses.
Western FL
Hoppers Crossing suffered a second shock loss in recent weeks as it lost to Caroline Springs on Saturday in the Western Football League division 1 competition. The Lakers led throughout on the way to a 0.5 (65)-7.5 (47) win. Meanwhile Werribee Districts won another top four clash, beating Yarraville Seddon, 10.15 (75)-5.12 (42).
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Blake Taylor. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 475479_14
Wyndham’s positive signs
By Tara Murray
Wyndham pushed top two side, the Pakenham Warriors, before ultimately falling short in the Big V women’s championship division on Saturday.
Keen to get a couple more late wins on the board to get some more reward for effort, Wyndham started strongly at home on Saturday night against its higher ranked opponent.
Wyndham led early and still had a narrow one point lead heading into the final quarter.
The Warriors experience shone through late with a 20-10 final quarter to come away with a 94-85 win.
Wyndham coach Jason Bryant said neither side could really take control of
the game and it was another good effort from his side.
In a close-fought game, our women took the game to the second placed Pakenham in a game where the lead changed 19 times,” he said.
“Taking a narrow lead into the half time break, we held a one point lead at the final break. The last quarter saw Pakenham punish our late turnovers and take the lead to close out the game.
“Another strong performance from our women against a top two team, showing great improvement through the season.”
Bryant said there was some outstanding shooting from Briana Bailey with 27 points and Ella Macleod with 28 points.
He was impressed with the defensive efforts of Alana Anthony and Chelsea
Suemai saying they defended above their size all game.
Wyndham will be in action on Saturday night at home against the Bellarine Storm in the second last round.
Wyndham’s men’s side was also in action against the Warriors on Saturday night at Eagle Stadium.
The Warriors jumped out of the blocks and led by 15 points at quarter time before extending the margin to 32 points at the main break.
While the game was over, Wyndham showed some second half resolve.
It won the third quarter 33-22 and the final quarter 20-24 to reduce the margin as the Warriors won, 105-90.
Junior Garbrah top scored with 19 points along with David Dut, who scored
Titans lose in a thriller, focus on the future
It’s more than about the scoreboard for Tarneit in the Western Football League division 2 competition.
The Titans knew they were likely in for a tough 2025 season but have shown some development throughout the season.
On Saturday, they fell agonisingly short of their first win of the season as they lost a thriller to Sunshine Heights.
Titans skipper Zach Thornton said they hadn’t been in that sort of position this year and it showed as they lost 8.13 (61)-9.4 (58).
“We did a lot of good things before we let them get on top,” he said. “We then left our run a little too late.
“We have got such a young group and we haven’t been winning and not in positions to be close in games.
“In three of our last five games, we’ve been solid post the bye.”
Thornton said after not having the intent the last couple of weeks, it was good to see them get back to playing football the way they wanted to.
Jayden Smithers, Jacob Millar and Will
Magher were named the Titans best in the loss. Magher was the only multiple goalkickers with two goals.
Despite not having a win on the board this season, Thornton said they had seen the group really make some inroads.
The Titans are fielding a young playing group this season.
“Every player that played yesterday [Saturday] is better than the start of the year,” he said.
”We’re developing these guys not just as footballers, but their game awareness. They are getting better and we’re not losing off the field.
“We are getting walloped on the scoreboard but it’s not as bad as what it shows.“
Thornton said the playing group was really buying into what they were doing and had been keen to stick around and help the club through the tough times.
He said while they were keen to hit the scoreboard in the last few rounds they were looking at the bigger picture and what they can do in the future.
19 points off the bench.
Wyndham faces Bellarine on Saturday night after the women’s match. It’s season over for Wyndham’s youth league women’s division 1 with two tough losses on the weekend to finish off the year.
On Saturday night, Wyndham lost to Western Port Steelers, 103-58.
A 33-8 first quarter set the tone for the match. Wyndham showed some positive signs to win the third quarter, 25-20.
On Sunday, with just six players, Wyndham lost to the Knox Raiders, 140-33.
Wyndham finished the season in ninth spot.
Its youth league men’s side finished its season the week before in youth championship, finishing bottom.
Garuccio sticks with Western
Ben Garuccio will continue leading Western United into its exciting future after putting pen to paper on a new two-year deal at Ironbark Fields.
Captaining the side in its first full season in Tarneit in 2024-25, Garuccio’s commitment means he will continue to spearhead the team into a new era in the A-League men’s competition.
His four years in green and black so far have been full of personal and team achievements, firmly cementing himself as one of United’s most iconic players in the club’s formative years. In 2021-22, he won the player of the season and helped United lift the A-League championship.
Garuccio became an A-League Men all-star in 2024 before being named Western United captain and guiding his team to a record-breaking season with the most wins, points and goals scored in club history in 2024/25.
“They are better players and have better connections,“ he said.
“In the last four weeks we play four of the top five sides. Everything is bigger than the next four weeks.
“For our point of view it’s all about the positives and stacking things up and we will be better next year.
“We’re only going to get better and better. We want to have close competitive games against sides in finals.
“It will happen organically.“
In other results, Wyndhamvale claimed the victory against the Western Rams, 11.22 (88)-3.1 (19).
Lewis Stanton kicked five goals for the Falcons.
Nathan Griffiths, Alex Mackinnon and Ryley McGaw were named their best.
TheSunsfellshortagainstWestFootscray after leading at three quarter time. The Roosters won, 13.9 (87)-10.13 (73).
The Suns remain in fourth spot.
Braybrook and North Footscray were the other winners.
Garuccio is pledging to keep the good times going and called on the Western United faithful to stay on the journey.
“I’m so grateful to be able to continue my time with Western United,” he said. “This club has been such a special part of my journey and I’ve had the most memorable moments of my career since being here.
“I think now is probably the most exciting time to be a part of this club and the future is looking brighter than ever.
“I want to say thank you to everyone who turns up to support us each week, it really is the most important thing in football.
“We’ll be putting in the work this pre-season to make sure we can go one better this year and reach that grand final. I’m looking forward to seeing Ironbark packed in Green and Black this season.”
Kai Wright. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 478414_17
Ben Garuccio. (Western United)
Tigers back on winners list
By Tara Murray
Werribee snapped a five game losing streak to keep its tiny Victorian Football League finals hopes alive.
After their worst half of the season in the previous round, the Tigers showed plenty of fight to get the job done against Coburg on Sunday.
The Tiger led narrowly at quarter time before extending the lead to nine points at half time.
Four goals to none in the third quarter opened the game up in the favour of the Tigers before they were able to hold Werribee off, winning 13.11 (89)-10.9 (69).
Tigers coach Jimmy Allan said it was much nicer to be on the winning side of things this week.
“The boys played well,” he said. “It was a good reward and a blueprint for sticking to the task.
“Everyone did their job and when we do that we’re a good team.”
Allan said the way they bounced back showed that the previous week wasn’t the norm and that Casey Demons were a really good side.
On Sunday, he said they approached the game in the right mindset.
“We played well from start to finish,” he said. “Both teams made mistakes.
“We gave our forwards a lot more chances. The midfielders were given a big challenge and they stuck to the task.
“In other games, the opposition was getting out the front with dangerous clearances. We wanted to stop that and they did a great job from there.”
Allan said it was nice to get a lot of inside 50s and take the pressure off their backline which had been doing a lot of work.
Werribee had contributors across the board in the win.
Hudson Garoni continued his good season with another four goals, while Harry Miller kicked two goals.
Allan said Miller’s finishing off, he also kicked three behinds, was the only knock on his game.
Daly Andrews and Jack Riding had their best games of the season in the midfield, while Dom Brew and Jake Smith were also solid contributors
Sam Conway in the ruck, Emerson Jeka, captain Jesse Clark, Mace Cousins and Sam Azzi were others mentioned by Allan.
Liam Kershaw in his third VFL game and second for the club and Luke Preece on debut were also good.
Allan said Kershaw set the tone early for them with a good tackle and he grew in confidence from there.
Preece was one of three debutants for the club.
William Kliszewski came in and kicked a goal, while Reuben Rode was a late inclusion for his Werribee debut and was busy with and without the ball.
Allansaidthereweren’ttoomanyplayers that hadn’t played at least one game this
season.
“They were our 19, 20 and 21 debutants,” he said. “They got their opportunity to play at this level.
“We haven’t had the consistency in the team as the turnover has been significant.
“Jay Dahlhaus, who is important for us, had a fitness test and didn’t get through.
Bior Malual, who has been one of our more consistent players, is out for a while.
“JaelenPavlidiswasstartingtoplaysome good footy. Those guys who have come in and adapted well.”
Werribee sits in 14th spot, still 10 points outside the top 10.
They this week host Richmond on Saturday at Melbourne Avalon Airport Oval.
Allan said they were focused on playing how they played on Sunday.
“Finals are still mathematically still a chance, but it would be a real long shot,”
Allan said.
“There’s still plenty to play for and we want to show that spirit we had on the weekend again this week.”
tarneitudf@wyndham.vic.gov.au
Seven players played in their first win for Werribee. (Supplied)
Jack Riding. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 481994_14
