Local woman Melissa Frost is fighting against a proposed industrial precinct that she believes will irrevocably harm Skeleton Creek and the liveability of Point Cook, Seabrook and Altona Meadows.
On 2 August, 2024 Wyndham council received a planning application to subdivide land located at 5 Firth Place, Point Cook, into 19 lots that would eventually house an industrial precinct through which the creek would flow.
Wyndham council and the developer, theSchiavelloGroup,hadseveralmeetings about whether council had the ability to grant a permit due to the site boarding Hobsons Bay council residential areas and the environmental maintenance that would be required.
The developer later submitted an application to have the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) hear the case because Wyndham council took too long to make a decision on a permit.
At a planning meeting in September this year, Wyndham council supported more than 100 resident objections and unanimously voted against an officer’s recommended VCAT stance of agreeing to grant a permit to the developer.
Ms Frost lives less than 300 metres from the earmarked zone and will attend the first compulsory VCAT conference on 17 October to submit her formal opposition to the proposed development.
She said industrialising the location would ruin the area and turn it into a “depressing, disgusting concrete jungle”.
“Itisacompletelyinappropriatelocation. Therewillbepollution,noisepollution,the destruction of vegetation and the loss of wildlife that goes with it,” Ms Frost said.
“It will start there, but the entire creek and its ecosystem will be impacted by the inevitable run offs.
“The ecosystem would be damaged forever. Generations to come will rue the loss of this.
“There are so many walking groups, cyclists, Scout groups, parents and children just enjoying nature. This would destroy their right to enjoy such a beautiful environment.”
Shesaidheroppositiontoindustrialising the space was not tied to her wallet.
“This has nothing to do with the value of our homes, it is about the value of our
lives,” she said.
“The reason I bought this house was because I thought it would never be industrialised and this view would last forever.
“Even though you can hear a little traffic in the background, the predominant sounds you can hear when sitting on my deck or living room are the bird and the trees and it brings you a sense of peace.
“I always thought it would be my little slice of paradise while living in the city.”
Ms Frost said she was baffled that
Melbourne Water, which acts as the regionaldrainageandfloodplainauthority, supported the proposal.
“How Melbourne Water can put their stamp of approval on this is beyond me.”
Melbourne Water executive general manager Chris Brace confirmed that, subject to conditions, Melbourne Water hasconsentedtotheproposedsubdivision.
“The location of the development does not make sense because there is no way to directly access it from Palmers Road,” Ms Firth said.
“You would have to go through
residential streets to get to the proposed development. The address itself, 5 Firth Place, is just the end of a quiet, residential court with houses on it.
“Anyone who supports the idea of this proposal ought to just come and take a look at the location for themselves– pretty soontheywouldseethatthereisnologicto it.
“I urge anyone living nearby to speak up against this, because once it’s gone, it’s gone forever.”
Hobsons Bay council and The Schiavello Group were contacted for comment.
*Pay $0 for your first direct debit (pro-rata may apply).
Melissa Frost is outraged about plans to build an industrial precinct next to Skeleton Creek. (Damjan Janevski). 509138_04
Mixed house price story
By Jaidyn Kennedy
A reported drop in the median sale price of properties in Williams Landing may not tellthewholestory,accordingtoalocalreal estate agent.
The Real Estate Institute of Victoria’s (REIV) figures for the July to September quarter showed the median sale price for homes in Williams Landing decreased 13.8 per cent to $772,000.
Raine & Horne Point Cook and Williams Landing director Lyn Castillo said despite the official data, Raine & Horne had seen
consistentlystrongresultsuptoandincluding the last quarter.
“Williams Landing is always in demand as it is a high growth suburb for family homes as well as for property investment due to its accessibility to many amenities such as the train station, shopping centre, specialty shops and medical centres,” Ms Castillo said.
Ms Castillo said apartments that are walking distance to the train station and officesuites,aswellaslargepropertiesarethe housing models that are in demand.
“More developments are underway and
this will only sustain the growth momentumupwardbothfortheshorttolongterm.”
She said the average buyer profile is mainly second or third home buyers with high incomes, while first home buyers and downsizers mainly want apartments.
The REIV data also showed that properties were listed for sale for an average of 66 days during the period, much longer than the36dayaveragefortherestofMelbourne.
Across the rest of Wyndham, the data presented a mixed bag.
Among the suburbs with median price increases were Hoppers Crossing (6.1
Go pink for a good cause during October
TheHoppersCrossingNetballAssociation is turning pinkduring October tofight the good fight against one of Australia’s most deadly illnesses.
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month the association will be fundraising and helping anyone in the community facing cancer.
According to the Breast Cancer Network of Australia, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian women with one in seven diagnosed in their lifetime.
Committee lead for fundraising at the association Kerrie Gravenall said the effort is all about standing by those who need backing in a time of need.
“Breast cancer hits a lot of people– and itdoesn’tjustpickandchoosewhoithits,“ she said. “A lot of families around here have family members who have breast cancer or are suffering from it, so we just thought it would be good for the associationtorecogniseOctoberasatimewecan make a difference.
“It is to get that acknowledgement
of what it actually does to family and to donate really helps expand research into breast cancer.”
Pink Day on Saturday 25 October will involve lots of exciting activities throughout the day, including a major raffle with prizes, hair braiding, plenty of popcorn and fairyfloss to dig into and much more.
The association aims to raise $1000 for breast cancer research. Donations are being accepted, and raffle tickets will be sold at the Mossfiel Reserve picnic from 11 October.
Be careful of crossings around busy schools during term four
Drivers across Wyndham are being urged to respect school zones and kids using them during term four.
Wyndham mayor Mia Shaw reminded motorists that school zone speed limits of 40km/h will be in effect on weekdays during the school term, both in the mornings and afternoons.
“Lowering the speed limit to 40km/h helps keep children safe on their way to and from school and makes it easier to manage the busy traffic during drop-off
and pick-up times,” Cr Shaw said.
“A return to school means a return to being vigilant in observing speed zones around schools.”
Cr Shaw said it is crucial that drivers respect crossing supervisors doing their jobs.
“We ask drivers to be patient and to drive slow enough to come to a safe stop when nearing a school crossing, observe the crossing supervisor’s stop sign and make sure you are given the direction to
per cent to $716,000), Point Cook (1.4 per cent to $827,000), Tarneit (3.1 per cent to $675,000), Truganina (0.5 per cent to $679,000), Werribee (3.3 per cent to $661,000) and Wyndham Vale (5.6 per cent to $618,000)
Decreases were recorded in Manor Lakes (down 1.4 per cent to $650,000) and Werribee South (down 4.3 per cent to $770,000).
The median sale price for metropolitan Melbourne between July and September was $955,000, a rise of 2.7 per cent from the previous quarter.
Early learning centre now recuiting
Early Learning Victoria Bimbit in Werribee is looking for passionate early childhood professionals, administration staff and centre cooks to help local children get the best start in life in 2026. The centre, one of 14 government-owned early learning and childcare centres opening across the state in 2026, will offer long day care and integrated kinder programs.
Every day is different, which Early Learning Victoria chief executive officer DarrenYoungssaidis“reallyexciting”for staffatthefourcentresalreadyoperating.
“Our approach is to meet each child’s learning needs and preferences in individual ways, while ensuring that children have access to nutritious food, rest and relaxation and the opportunity for uninterrupted periods of play throughout the day,” he said.
Mr Youngs said every team member plays a vital role, with play-based learning and children’s development and wellbeing the focus.
“This includes our incredible early childhood teachers and educators, room leaders, chefs, administrators, educational leaders, assistant directors and centre directors,” he said.
Community is a big part of the culture at Early Learning Victoria, with centres rapidly becoming local hubs for child and family services, often conveniently co-located with local schools.
This gives young Victorians the best start in life and means families have the opportunity to go back to work if and when they choose.
Youngs says early childhood education and care is a rewarding and highly impactful career where you have the opportunity to instil a lifelong love of learning in our next generation.
“Staff at our centres have access to ongoing professional learning opportunities, including coaching and mentoring, career-development opportunities and upskilling,” he said.
“They also enjoy competitive wages and conditions.”
Urging qualified candidates to apply, Mr Youngs also has some advice for anyone who’s interested but may be unsure where to start.
drive on before taking off again.”
And the message for students is similar.
“We remind students to follow the directions of the crossing supervisor, make sure all the traffic has stopped and the crossing supervisor has indicated that it is safe to cross – do not run, play or bounce balls while crossing.
“Let’s finish the end of the school year safely and we wish every success to those students who will be taking their final exams.”
“If you are not yet qualified, please reach out to the Early Learning Victoria workforce team who can advise you on your first steps. Everyone starts somewhere.”
Early Learning Victoria is a child-safe organisation with a positive work culture supported by strong values.
Find out more at earlylearning.vic.gov. au/jobs or email elv.workforce@education.vic.gov.au
Laveah 9, Paytyn 10, Kerrie Gravenall, Alyriah 11, and Zhavia 7, from the Hoppers Crossing Netball Association. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 506838_01
Call out ghost buses: MP
By Jaidyn Kennedy
WesternMetropolitanMPDavidEttershank
is calling on westies to start counting ghost buses – a phenomenon in which the Public Transport Victoria (PTV) app displays cancelled buses as still running.
The Legalise Cannabis MP said he is on a mission to find out how many bus passengers are affected by the issue so he can tally the results, table them in parliament and push for the app to be upgraded.
“Constituents tell me that ghost buses are haunting Melbourne – people trying to get to work, medical appointments, and
social engagements wait at bus stops for a bus the transport app says is approaching,” he said.
“And then a minute later, the app shows the bus has left their bus stop, but it never appeared.
“This is outrageous. Victorians deserve a public transport system that works; instead, they are subjected to the ongoing mystery of the vanishing bus.”
Mr Ettershank said he has already heard from 240 residents.
“The majority of respondents were struggling to get a bus from suburbs in Melton, but the same issues were felt by
peopleinAltonaMeadows,Footscray,Seddon, Yarraville, and right across the west.”
Mr. Ettershank is demanding the state government invest in more buses to new outer suburbs, and real-time tracking of buses that can be viewed from the PTV app.
“The state government has buried its money in the Suburban Rail Loop, but it should also invest in better buses,” he said
“There needs to be buses taking commuters from their local area to train stations, as no one can get a park at a station after 7am in the outer west.
“Buses don’t require new infrastructure
Pasifika twist to Uniting Church fete
There isn’t much time to wait for one of Wyndham’s oldest fetes.
Werribee Uniting Church is inviting the wider community to come along to its annual Spring Fete on 25 October.
Margaret Gook has been with the congregation for more than 50 years and said she expects there will be a little something for everyone.
“We are hoping to have something for everyone from hot food and barbecues to trash and treasures,” Ms Gook said.
Stalls will sell baked goods and confectionery for fete revellers to feast upon.
“Its because the congregation is a bit older, this is their one and only chance to come and get involved in something like this,’ Ms Gook said.
“Instead of going to church and going home, they can spend a few hours enjoying themselves.
“It’s our chance to get together and have fun.”
However, this year will have a Pasifika twist.
“We have just joined up with the Samoan congregation from Hoppers Crossing, so now we have a bit more of the Sa-
moan culture,” Ms Gook said.
On top of the Samoan displays, there will be a range of other stalls from the Pacific Islands showcasing everything from munchies to embroidery.
All money raised will go towards keeping the church open and operational.
“It is just something we do, and there is no money available for churches and non profits, and we desperately need a new sound system in the church,” Ms Gook said.
Details: 9741 1084
like train tracks and a station – it’s an easy fix for Melbourne’s West.
“Right now, I’d say Melbourne’s bus system is cursed…it’s coming up to Halloween, and I want to hear those public transport horror stories.”
A Department of Transport and Planning spokesperson said anyone who witnesses bus drivers skipping stops should report it to Transport Victoria.
Residents can reach out via Mr Ettershank’s website or use the QR code on his bus stickers that lead directly to a form.
Details: https://davidettershank.com. au/
Palais Theatre return plan
Wyndham council has announced plans to explore the feasibility of reponing the old Palais Theatre in Station Place, Werribee.
The Picture Palais theatre and cinema first opened in 1928 and has since had several reincarnations.
With the building due to be vacant by the end of the year, council intends to explore the possibility of restoring the historic facade and relaunching the cinema. The proposal forms part of the Werribee City Centre Structure Plan, which lists the potential revitalisation of the space and reopening of a boutique cinema as an opportunity to boost foot traffic in the area.
Current tenants Cash Converters will relocate to a central new location on Watton Street in the coming months.
Wyndham mayor Mia Shaw said the soon-to-be vacant site provides council with an exciting opportunity. “In early 2024, Wyndham City made a strategic decision to purchase the former Palais Theatre site in Station Place to protect this important piece of Werribee’s history and guide the type of development that we will see there in the future,” Cr Shaw said.
“With the site due to become vacant by the end of the year, we now intend to explore the feasibility of returning the Palais to its former glory as a cinema, including restoration of its historic facade.”
Margaret Gook, Liz Barnes, Eileen Bolton and Wendy Barnes are inviting you to Werribee Uniting Church’s Spring Fete. (Damjan Janevski) 508173_02
An action-packed October
From festivals, to live jazz, to Diwali –Melbourne’s west is bursting with events big and small this month.
Love Westside – a campaign and website developed by Western Melbourne Tourism aimed at providing an easy to navigate website capturing the distinctive atmosphere of Melbourne’s western suburbs – is aiming to shine a spotlight on some of the local events on offer this October.
One of these is the Melbourne International Jazz Festival, with free live music, rooftop jazz screenings, and family-friend-
ly activities across venues in Spotswood, Footscray, and Moonee Valley from 17–26 October.
Another is the Be Bold Festival on Saturday 18 October, where attendees can celebrate the bold and multicultural local community with live music and dance, youth performances, family-friendly workshops, interactive art, a silent disco, roving entertainment, and food trucks.
The free event will be hosted at the Bowery Theatre and St Albans Community Centre.
Tammy, a voice for Wyndham
Tammy is Wyndham’s Young Person of the Month and her driving message is that no qualifications are needed to help make Wyndham a stronger community.
She has been involved in the Victorian Student Representative Council for more than a year, participating in various projects including a co-design project prioritising the dangers of road safety.
Earlier this year, she was selected and represented the Victorian Student Representative Council (VIC SRC) as an ambassador for Wyndham, preparing and delivering a pitch that considered the needs of young people within the community.
Tammy raises funds for important causes such as STEPtember, Beyond Blue and Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal and is an active volunteer with Headspace Werribee’s Youth Advisory Group, advocating for mental health services for young people.
Melbourne Airport Noise Sharing Plan
Tammy is an emerging creative and enjoys performing in theatre and drumming. Her personal mandate is to advocate and contribute to the community to help create a better world.
She said she likes to advocate for more youth voices being able to shine through creative outlets.
“I think there are lots of communities, but you just need to find the right places,“ Tammy said.
“Honestly there are a lot of people right now that have the incentive to do things, they just don’t know where to start.
“Community centres will always have things plastered on the wall, and if you can’t go out, there are lots of things you can do online– you just need to look.”
One Wyndham recipients are residents aged 12-25 who positively contribute to the Wyndham community. Winners receive a $300 gift card.
The Melbourne Airport Noise Sharing Plan survey is now live.
Scan the QR code to take the quick survey.
Whyisyourfeedbackimportant?
Your input will help shape how flight paths and runway use are planned, ensuring the Noise Sharing Plan reflects what matters most to the community.
Community feedback is vital to make sure the consultation process is transparent and incorporates local needs.
Meettheteam
Visit one of our community drop-in sessions. Follow the QR code to our website for details about dates, times and locations.
In Melton, the annual Djerriwarrh Festival will make its return on Saturday 8 November for a celebration full of community and colour.
Legendary Australian band You Am I will headline the festival that will include a vibrant street parade, other live music performances, children’s activities, interactive art, a pet expo, and markets.
Diwali – the Festival of Lights – will be celebrated at Werribee Open Range Zoo from 18–19 October, with highlights over the two days including Indian and Nepalese
music, dance, Bollywood fusion, food, lanterns, and hands-on Henna.
Diwali will also be marked in Wyndham with the Diwali Grand Festival at Lawrie Emmins Reserve in Laverton North from 2.30–10.30pm on 25 October.
Love Westside is also calling on the community to vote for your favourite pie, favourite bánh mì, and favourite potato cake across the west in the ’Vic’s Picks’ competition, with voting closing on Sunday, 19 October.
Details: lovewestside.com.au
Plenty of ways to help CFA
A lot has changed at the Werribee Fire Brigade since 1962, but Darryl Well’s presence is not one of them.
When Mr Wells, 82, started out the brigade would respond to about 20 calls a year.
In the 2024-2025 financial year, that number exceeded 1100 and made Werribee one of the busiest fire brigades in the country.
However, many may be unaware of the fact that they can help out without necessarily becoming a firefighter.
The brigade offers a variety of non-operational roles that provide vital support to a fire brigade through various non-emergency tasks,
These include areas such as administration, community education, fundraising, equipment maintenance, and promoting fire safety.
Since retiring from the frontline, Mr Wells has stepped into a non-operational role.
“My main support role is checking the keys to protected premises,” he said.
As the brigade manages more than 50 sets of keys to various buildings in the area, and does weekly checks, they need as many hands on deck as they can possibly get.
Many non-operational roles still are highly involved with the logistics of fighting a blaze or other emergency.
Mr Wells also said part of his personal role is keeping those turing out and responding informed of what they are facing by providing intelligence about the building or structure they are visiting.
“By the time they pull up, they will know what is going on just by looking at the tablet,” he said.
“We have a rough idea of how many people will be in the building and need to evacuate.“
If you are keen to volunteer or learn more, call 9742 7009.
Tammy is Wyndham’s Young Person of the Month for October. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 508996_01
Former firefighter Darryl Wells still volunteers in a non-operational role. (Damjan Janevski)
’Dangerous’ bottleneck
By Jaidyn Kennedy
A local man wants the state government to alter the Palmers Road and Dohertys Road junction in Truganina due to a bottleneck caused by one road being wider than the other.
Upgrades to the intersection in 2021 included a cycling overpass, new traffic lights and the widening of sections of Palmers and Dohertys roads.
According to Chaitanya Chalasani, the decision to not widen Dohertys west of Palmers has made the intersection dangerous and difficult to pass through.
“They should have been upgraded at the same time, or at least have sections shut off,” he said.
“Sometimes it takes more than 20 minutes just to cross that section and it is a major bottleneck.”
“If an ambulance had to enter the intersection, it would be disastrous especially during peak hours.
“So what people are doing is trying to enter the Shell servo to short cut the intersection– then it only adds to the danger when they enter back onto the road.”
Mr Chalasani said the current bottleneck is made more dangerous due to the high volume of trucks in Truganina that compete with local traffic.
“It is a major spot for trucks as it is a logistics hub and what people do is they try and take short cuts,“ he said.
“When I am around trucks, especially when they are merging at the point Dohertys forms one lane, I feel like my heart is racing because my car is a
sedan and they are huge and surround me.
“Either they have to widen the whole section [of Dohertys Road], or they have to close or remove some entry and exit points that lead into Dohertys.”
A Department of Transport and Planning spokesperson said the current junction was designed to accommodate the movement of pedestrians, motorists
and freight in a safe manner.
“As part of the Western Roads Upgrade, Dohertys Road was upgraded between Palmers Road and Grieve Parade to provide safer and more reliable journeys for drivers, pedestrians and freight operators,” the spokesperson said.
“We will consider upgrades to Dohertys Road west of Palmers Road as part of future network planning.”
Social group for men on the cards
Expressions of interest have opened to create a social group for men under 30 who live in the Altona Meadows, Seabrook and Point Cook areas.
Brandon Hayes, one of the co-foundersoftheidea,saidthevision stemmed from the death of several young men who lived nearby and the general state of men’s mental health.
“With all the tragedies we have had so close to home, we decided it would be a good time to try and give younger guys a bit of a space to connect,” Mr Hayes said.
“In this climate it can be super tricky navigating life, so what we have in mind is just a group that can meet firstofallandplanactivitiesastheygo.
“What we need is to just see if other blokes in the area are keen to do something similar.”
Mr Hayes said what is missing for a lot of men when they leave high school is genuine face-to-face time with mates.
“Messaging people on your phone or playing video games is one thing, but it doesn’t really replace quality time with friends,“ he said.
“In times like this, I think it is way better to keep regular in-person contact and not neglect those important connections.”
He said anyone keen on joining up will have the floor to share their ideas. If interested, email brandonnhayes@gmail.com
Chaitanya Chalasani wants changes to made around the Palmers and Dohertys Road intersection. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 508744_07
Forest fight is almost over
A bill decades in the making that could result the creation of the first national parks in 14 years currently sits with state Parliament. Georgia Tacey caught up with Wombat Forestcare convenor Gayle Osborne to find out about the decadeslong journey during which the group has been fighting for the Wombat State Forest to receive national park status, protecting hundreds of endangered flora and fauna which call the forest home.
Wombat Forestcare has been fighting for decades to see the Wombat State Forest recognised as a national park.
Countless hours spent advocating, protesting and lobbying, all to get to the point the group is at now.
The state government has finally introduced the bill promised in 2021 that will result in the creation of the first national parks in 14 years; The Parks and Public Land Legislation Amendment (Central West and Other Matters).
If it passes, this bill will lead to the creation of Wombat-Lerderderg National Park.
The Wombat State Forest, which sits between Woodend and Daylesford, will be combined with Lerderderg State Park, which sits between Bacchus Marsh and Blackwood, to form one big, protected, national park.
For Wombat Forestcare convenor and founding member Gayle Osborne, this is all her and her fellow forestcarers have been hoping for, since long before the group formed in 2006.
“Ourgroupgrewoutofforestprotesting,” she said.
“We protested the logging (at the) end of the ’90s and into the 2000s, when there was this very big protest movement in the Wombat Forest about the over logging.
Decades of logging and neglect have left these forests vulnerable - Gayle Osborne
“The logging ceased in 2006, because it was shown the forest had been severely overlogged…and(thatsameyear)wethen incorporated Wombat Forestcare.
“Werealisedthatwhiletheforestwasstill a state forest, it was going to be managed entirely for its resources … so the logging could come back.”
In 2010, Ms Osborne said the group officially started its campaign to get the Wombat State Forest recognised as a national park, in conjunction with the Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA).
The Wombat State Forest drive formed part of a wider campaign to fight for the Central West Parks.
Wombat Forestcare, Mount Cole-Pyrenees Nature Group and The Bendigo and District Environmental Council joined forces alongside the wider VNPA network to advocate for the protection of rare and threatened plants and animals, and thousands of hectares of forest across the central west.
Throughout the early 2010s, Ms Osborne said they worked towards campaigning for a Victorian Environment Assessment Council (VEAC) investigation into the Wombat-Macedon area, Mount Cole-Pyrenees area and the Wellsford Forest in Bendigo.
The Central West Investigation was finally granted in March 2017 to look into the public land, and provide advice on changes to land tenure, including the creation of national parks.
“It was fantastic because we’re then moving towards where we need to be,” Ms Osborne said.
On 21 June 2019, VEAC’s final report was published, recommending the creation of the Wombat-Lerderderg National Park, as
well as national parks for Mount Buangor and Pyrenees.
This was alongside multiple other conservation reserves, regional parks and bushland reserves.
“Wewereamazedwhenwesawwhatthey recommended for the Wombat-Lerderderg area,” Ms Osborne said.
Most of the recommendations were accepted in 2021, with the promise that legislation would follow soon.
The legislation is required to create the three new national parks, two new conservation parks – Cobaw Conservation Park and Hepburn Conservation Park – expanded protection including the addition of Wellsford Forest to Bendigo Regional Park and the extension of the Wimmera Heritage River around Mount Cole, as well as the revocation of Mount Cole Game Sanctuary status
“Now we’re here, four years later, and part of the legislation has just gone to parliament, a bill for the national parks
and the conservation parks , but not yet for theregionalparksandallthereserves,”Ms Osborne said.
“This has been quite the long haul.”
VPNA executive director Matt Ruchel said the legislation is significant.
“This is a major milestone for Victoria’s natural heritage and climate resilience,” he said.
“National parks are the gold standard of protection. After four years of advocacy, we’re thrilled the legislation is finally ready.
“These fragmented forest remnants are vital refuges in a landscape heavily cleared for agriculture.”
The new parks will protect over 380 rare and threatened plants, animals and fungi, including Mount Cole Grevilleas, Brush-tailed Phascogales and Mountain Skinks and Powerful Owls, both of which are found in Wombat State Forest.
It will also legislate the protection of the critically endangered Wombat Leafless
Bossiaea, with only five known plants found in the wild, all inside Wombat State Forest.
The final legislation, once passed, brings the forests under the permanent care of Parks Victoria and the community.
“Legislation is just the beginning,” Ms Osborne said.
“Decades of logging and neglect have left these forests vulnerable. We need substantial investment in ecological restoration, weed and feral species control.”
Wombat Forestcare has grown massively throughout the campaign, to now over 200 members who all continue to advocate and fight for the forest that sits on their doorstep.
“One of the great things [about the bill] is thatwewon’thave tofighttostopamineor stop logging, that won’t happen anymore,” Ms Osborne said.
“I think we’re just relieved and pleased, very pleased.”
The bill will be further debated in October, before hopefully passing both houses of parliament.
While Ms Osborne is thrilled to see the bill finally tabled, she said she was disappointed to see it permitting seasonal recreational deer hunting by stalking in the new national park areas.
She said she expects this part will be debated in parliament, and hopes it won’t cause too many delays.
Ms Osborne also expects another bill to come soon, which will provide the further recommendations for regional parks, conservation and bushland reserves protected, as part of the VEAC recommendations.
But for now, she and her fellow forestcarers remain hopeful that very soon the Wombat-Lerderderg will soon finally hold national park status.
“We’re getting there,” Ms Osborne said.
“We’re very pleased to be at this point.”
Wombat Forestcare is celebrating the new legislation. (Pictures: Sandy Scheltema)
Gayle Osborne in the Wombat State Forest.
Upgrades needed
By Jaidyn Kennedy
A Wyndham councillor is calling on the state government to speed up the delivery of several key upgrades promised for Williams Landing station.
In May last year, Star Weekly reported that the state government promised $4.5 million worth of funding from the Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution (GAIC) funds to upgrade the station.
Cr Larry Zhao said the upgrades, which include the installation of a new lift and a parkiteer on the Point Cook side of the station, need to be sped up.
“There is no lift there on the Point Cook side of the station, so it is really unfair and inconvenient for people on that side, especially for those who are elderly or have a disability,” Cr Zhao said.
“It is a very long way to climb to the top of the stairs or walk up the ramp.”
Cr Zhao said a large parkiteer on the Point Cook side of the station would encourage more people to ride to the station.
“There are more than 70,000 in Point Cook, and for people living around Dunnings Road or Featherbrook, being able to ride their bicycles to the station, would help solve some of the traffic congestion problems,’ he said.
“Some people have to use their family members to take them to the station, so if that was in place it would save them time to do more valuable things.”
A spokesperson for the Department of Transport and Planning said the government has wrapped up the planning stages, and expects construction to begin in 2026.
“The Williams Landing Station upgrade is underway and the project will deliver modern, state-of-the-art facilities to meet the needs of the growing western suburbs,” the spokesperson said.
“Development works for the project have now been completed and designs are
currently being prepared ahead of construction commencing next year.
“These upgrades will significantly improve the station experience for passengers and support increased accessibility and active transport options at Williams Landing.”
Werribee will receive several road safety upgrades from one of the state government’s major funding programs.
As part of the Safer Local Roads and Streets Program, a $210 million pool of money the government has allocated to work with councils on making local roads less dangerous, three works have begun in Werribee. The Wattle Avenue precinct will have pedestrian safety initiatives and traffic calming measures implemented, pedestrian crossings in the Werribee City Centre will receive improvements.
Greaves Street North and Greaves Street South will also undergo traffic calming measures as well as pedestrian safety improvements.
The state government is allocating up to $2 million each to 79 councils across the state and will provide a wide range of safety improvements until 30 June, 2027.
Projects within the program are set to deliver new raised crossings, upgrades to kerbs, intersections, roundabouts and pedestrian islands.
On Monday 13 October, Werribee MP John Lister announced he was happy to see Werribee would get a share of the money. “As a local who uses these roads I know that this program will provide safer outcomes for pedestrians and road users for years to come,” he said.
Cr Larry Zhao is calling for upgrades to Williams Landing Station to be sped up. (Damjan Janevski). 503165_01
Diwali fun at Werribee zoo
Werribee Open Range Zoo is a pretty colourful place to be anytime of the year, butDiwalimightaddjustalittleflare.
On 18-19 October, the savannah will be a place to celebrate one of most loved, esteemed and practised South Asian holidays.
The rhythm of the subcontinent will be on full display with captivating performancesfromlocalIndian,Nepalese andSriLankandancetroupes.
Adding to the soundscape of the Werribee Plains will be soul-stirring tabla andsitarmusicians,aswellashigh-energy Bollywoodfusionacts.
You will be able to savour the flavours of India and Nepal with a curated selection of food stalls run by local community members.
Wanderthroughpathwaysadornedwith Diwali-themed lanterns, fairy lights, and
mesmerising projection mapping that bringsthespiritofthefestivaltolife.
Get hands-on with traditional arts and crafts that are perfect for families and curiouscreativesofallages.
Henna painting, lamp making and decorating Rangoli design stations will be a few of the ways to release your creativity.
Daily keeper talks exploring the elephant’s cultural significance and conservation story, enjoy traditional South Asian elephant tales brought to life through music, and live narration will be partoftheexperience.
The state government has announced $21.5 million to bolster the Illegal Dumping Taskforce and deliver extra financial support for councils and public land managers to clean-up illegally dumped waste. Out of the investment, $8.5 million has been earmarked to deal with helping clean up illegally dumped and toxic waste in public spaces. Werribee MP John Lister said the crackdown would be important for areas like Manor Lakes and Wyndham Vale. “Illegal dumping around our new estates and rural parts of the Werribee electorate is disgusting and we will continue to crack down on it,” Mr Lister said. “Many in our community have approached me about this issue, and I encourage them to continue to report dumping to the EPA and Wyndham City Council.”
Fashion Awards Australia
Wyndham’s Fashion Awards Australia eventw dazzled all at the Encore Events Centre in Hoppers Crossing on Friday 10 October. Suits, gowns and designs made out of different fabrics captivate onlookers. The event was open to amateur designers, including secondary school and TAFE students, who showcased their creativity at the gala dinner. The event runs annually and has given local designers such as Oliver Pond their break.
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Armaan, Pooja Rawal, Myra and Praveen Kumar.
MY PLACE
Ayelet Brooks is an artist and dance school operator. She discusses her connection to Point Cook with Jaidyn Kennedy.
Tell us a little about yourself and what you do?
I was born in Melbourne and from early childhood, I’ve always been drawn to both dancing and painting. Twenty-one years ago, I fulfilled a lifelong dream and opened my own dance school in Point Cook, which still runs today. It’s been incredible to see some of my first students now teaching at the school. Alongside dance, I studied graphicdesign,animationandcompleteda Bachelor of Fine Arts at Monash University, specialising in glass. My two passions: dance and visual art, have always guided me through life and I feel most at home when creating, teaching and sharing art withothers.
What is your connection to Point Cook? Point Cook has been my home and creative base for over two decades. It’s where I built my dance school and raised my family. Watching the area grow and forming meaningful connections within the local community has been one of the most rewardingpartsofmyjourney.
Where do you like to spend your time in Point Cook?
When I’m not teaching dance or painting, I love grabbing a coffee at a local café or
going for long walks along Skeleton Creek andSaltwaterCoast.
Whichlocallandmarksornaturalfeatures inspire you most artistically?
I love the Cheetham Wetlands, especially in spring time. Looking out from the observation tower and seeing the many colours and textures of the land is always inspiring.Inmyartwork,Ipaintportraitsof people within their surroundings, whether urban or natural. Recently, I completed a muralatthePointCookCommunityCentre, collaboratingwithseniorcitizenstoportray thelocalfloraandfaunaofPointcook.
What is your favourite thing about Point Cook?
I like the local parks and the green open areas scattered between the houses, it creates a sense of calm and beauty.
What is something people might be surprised to know about you?
I have banana trees in my garden that never produced any bananas. I decided to see if I could make use of them . After a bit of research, I discovered that I could extract banana fibre from the trees. Now, I create rugs and wall pieces from the banana fibre. It’s a long process that
requires patience, but it’s also incredibly rewarding and a lot of fun! You can see some of the pieces at @mugiacups on Instagram
Is there anything you would change or fix about Point Cook?
I would love to see better public schools and more universities in the western suburbs, so that children here have the same opportunities in life as those growingupintheeasternsuburbs.Iwould also like to see more community studios, muralwallsandperformanceareaswhere creativity can flourish.
Point Cook artist Ayelet Brooks. (Damjan Janevski) 508140_01
Cancer survivor’s message
Breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. As part of Breast Cancer Awareness month this October, Star Weekly reporter Sam Porter spoke to Keilor Park resident, mother, breast cancer and uterine cancer survivor Irene Karagiolis about her cancer journey.
In May 2017, Irene Karagiolis was diagnosed with breast cancer after having a mammogram at age 40.
Afternotfindinganytraceofthedisease, doctors recommended she return for another check 18 months later, however, Irenedecidedtotestagainafter12months.
“The breast cancer had developed and it had spread in that 12 month period out of nowhere,” she said.
“It was a shock. I was only 41 years old… if I waited 18 months, my prognosis would have been a lot worse.”
In Australia, women qualify for a free mammogram every two years if they are aged between 50 and 74.
However, as Irene had a family history of breast cancer she was advised to get mammograms from 40 years old.
You’d probably call me the luckiest unlucky person to cop cancer twice before the age of 50 ... both times, they were able to catch it early - Irene Karagiolis
“There’s more and more women these days that are getting diagnosed a lot earlier… I was fortunate that I had that deadline for a repeat mammogram.”
Irene’s breast cancer was aggressive and had spread to her lymph nodes.
She underwent 16 rounds of chemotherapy followed by six weeks of radiotherapy.
During her treatment at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Irene was offered a treatment called scalp cooling.
According to breastcancer.org, scalp cooling systems and cold caps, which are tightly-fitted, helmet-like caps filled with cold gel or liquid, are fitted to patients undergoing chemotherapy to help people keep some or most of their hair.
The devices work by restricting blood vesselsbeneaththeskinofthescalp,which reduces the amount of chemotherapy medicine that reaches the hair follicles.
“I felt good about myself physically as I wasabletokeepthemajorityofmyhairdue toscalpcooling.Ithinkthatissoimportant when you go through this journey as a woman…itgivesyouthatconfidencetofeel a lot better,” Irene said.
After chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment, Irene was able to return to work and to her regular life.
She was given medication, tamoxifen, which is highly effective at preventing breast cancer recurrence.
“One of the very unlikely side effects of tamoxifen is uterine cancer. Obviously, they tell you that at the start. They say ‘yes there’s a side effect of uterine cancer however the ability of this drug to help prevent recurrence of breast cancer is far greater than the risk of you getting uterine cancer,” Irene said.
Doctors told Irene to inform them immediately if she noticed any side effects from the medication, including any unusual bleeding.
Irene experienced side effects and alerted doctors who rushed her to undergo an ultrasound.
Devastatingly, she was diagnosed with uterine cancer in January this year.
“As soon as I discovered [the side effects] and told my doctors, they moved really quickly…and they caught it early before it could spread,” Irene said.
“You’d probably call me the luckiest
unlucky person to cop cancer twice before the age of 50, but at the same time, both times, they were able to catch it early. The treatment I had was preventative in both cases, it wasn’t curative.”
Irene said that listening to doctors and following their instructions helped to detect the uterine cancer quickly.
She then underwent aggressive treatment to combat the disease.
“This time around I wasn’t as lucky with the scalp cooling. It didn’t work as effectively so I’ve lost a lot of hair on the crown of my head,” Irene said.
“Mentally I was okay going through the treatment up until the point where I lost all that hair, because I looked different. I didn’t feel confident about who I saw in the mirror and obviously that affected me a lot.”
Irene recently finished treatment for uterine cancer.
“As far as I know there’s not one trace of disease in my body at the moment,” she said.
She has not had a breast cancer recurrence for eight years now and has mammograms annually.
She also gets checkups every three months for signs of uterine cancer.
“I’m trying to stay positive. I’ve done everything the hospital has told me to do… just to give myself the best chance of this thing never ever coming back again.”
Irene’s family celebrated her 50th birthday with her this month.
“I’msogratefultobealive.I’msograteful to be here,” she said.
“A lot of people say ‘I can’t believe how strong you are’ and I don’t believe it, but then when I think back… I’m absolutely strong. I really can’t believe how I went through it all.
“If there’s one message for women, it’s just to be so vigilant about changes in your body. If there’s something that’s not right just go and get it checked. You’re better off wasting everybody’s time and getting all these scans for nothing than not doing anything and letting this thing fester.”
Irene Karagiolis. (Sam Porter)
Journey to penguin paradise
The weather is getting warmer by the day and thoughts are turning to getting away fromitalltosomewherecooler,somewhere different and new.
There isn’t anywhere that suits that description better than Antarctica – the land at the bottom of the world, the land of ice and penguins.
And let’s face it whether it is playing a starring role in a nature documentary or a blockbusteranimation,fewareimpervious to the charms of a waddling penguin.
The opportunity to encounter this loveable flightless bird in their natural habitat is one that draws many to Antarctica and sightings of colonies never fail to awe and entertain.
From Adelie penguins, who are 70 cm tall, to Gentoo penguins, who are the world’s fastest diving birds, there are so many fascinating penguin species to possibly encounter on a Viking Antarctica expedition voyage.
Viking offer a chance to “discover the “Last Continent”.
This ultimate adventure takes travellers to the Antarctic Peninsula, where they can witness towering glaciers, snow-covered landscapes, immense icebergs and epic wildlife.
It’s a chance to explore it in luxury – to follow in the footsteps of explorers such as Amundsen, Shackleton and Scott, to be one of the few to discover the world’s last truly wild frontier.
To go on a cruise where each day brings new surprises and the opportunity to change plans to maximize wildlife sightings and adapt to ever-changing weather.
The Antarctic Explorer is AU$19,495 from Australia and take travellers on a 13 day cruise taking in Argentina and Antarctica and travelling to the bottom of the earth.
The adventure begins (and ends) in Buenos Aires, Argentina with visitors checking in to a hotel in Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital – a place which is an eclecticcombinationofLatinandEuropean influences – for the night. The tree-lined streets and postcolonial architecture draw on the city’s Spanish, French and Italian heritage, while the many cafes and bodegasandvibrantnightlifearedecidedly Argentine. Its barrios, or neighborhoods, exude an intimate atmosphere that belies the city’s size.
After breakfast the next morning it’s time to check out of the hotel and board a charter flight to catch up with your home for the next 13 days. Travellers join the
cruise in Ushuaia - the southernmost city in the world. Its splendid setting, tucked between the Beagle Channel and the southernmost slopes of the Andes, lends it an outpost atmosphere, as do the Antarctic explorers readying for the expeditions that depart from here.
Ushuaia is the capital of and gateway to the celebrated Tierra del Fuego, the “Land of Fire,” named by Spaniards upon seeing the constant flames burned by the indigenous Yámana to keep warm.
This largely unspoiled region comprises the large island of Tierra del Fuego and countless Chilean and Argentine islands.
FirststopistheDrakePassage-namedfor
16th-century English privateer Sir Francis Drake, the frigid waters of the Passage stretch for some 600 miles between Cape Horn and Livingston Island in the South Shetland archipelago.
There is a chance to attend an informative lecture or watch a film on Viking’s 8k laser-projected panoramic screen in The Aula, one of the world’s most advanced venues for learning at sea before the first-hand adventure begins – the chance to explore Antarctica for the next seven days.
Atonceetherealandmajestic,Antarctica has inspired explorers and adventurers for centuries. In this icy wilderness, marvel
at icebergs glimmering in serene bays and mountains cloaked in white rising from the mainland basalt cliffs. These stunning landscapes evoke both utter tranquility as Weddell seals lounge on ice floes, and breathtaking drama as glaciers thunderously calve into the sea. In these cold and nutrient-rich waters, humpback, fin and minke whales have been known to greet expedition ships that venture into their habitat.
With memories made it’s time to return back through Drake Passage, Cape Horn and back to Argentina and everyday life.
For further information please visit www.viking.com or phone 138 747.
Happy feet and plenty of ice.
Journey to the bottom of the world.
Journey to the bottom of the world.
The penguins of Antarctica.
Visiting penguins on their home turf. (Viking)
Cultural Elegance: Murray Princess River Cruise, Aida Opera & Adelaide Retreat
8 Nights
5 February 2026
Your Holiday Includes
Full-Board River Cruise
4 night Murray River cruise on board PS Murray Princess with all meals and sightseeing
Burke Salter Boutique Winery tasting
“Murray River Cup”
Event Experience
Ticket to Franco Zeffirelli’s legendary production of Aida at the Adelaide Oval
Fully Escorted
Barossa Valley Tours
Walking tour of Swan River
Swan Reach Museum (gold coin donation on entry)
Sunnydale Woolshed Show
Sunnydale Native Wildlife Shelter
Aussie Barbecue – cooked and served in a bush setting on the banks of the Murray River
Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park tour
Scenic tender boat ride
Hotel Stay
4 night four-star stay in Adelaide at the Stamford Plaza Adelaide with breakfast
Full day Barossa Valley tour with lunch and wine tastings including: Saltram wine estate, lunch and wine tasting at Lambert Estate, visit to Barossa Valley Chocolate Company, photo stop at Menglers Hill Lookout, vineyard tour & wine tasting at Jacob’s Creek visitor centre, stop at Beerenberg Farm and free time in Hahndorf to explore the historic German settlement
All Flights, Taxes & Transfers
EUROPEAN SOJOURN
Amsterdam to Bucharest or vice versa
23 DAYS | 8 COUNTRIES 19 GUIDED TOURS
SAIL: APR-OCT 2026;
2027
From $15,895pp in Standard Stateroom
From $20,895pp in Veranda Stateroom
GRAND EUROPEAN TOUR
Amsterdam to Budapest or vice versa
15 DAYS | 4 COUNTRIES 12 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL: MAR-NOV 2026; APR-NOV 2027
From $10,395pp in Standard Stateroom
From $13,895pp in Veranda Stateroom
VIKING VIRTUAL EVENT
Grand European Voyage
Join Viking’s free live virtual information event to explore the Rhine & Danube, discover port highlights, excursions and expert travel tips.
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Free tunnel trips in 2026
By Cade Lucas
Motorists can look forward to a weekend of toll-free travel on the new West Gate Tunnel early next year.
After announcing free weekend public transport this summer to coincide with the opening of the Metro Tunnel, Premier Jacinta Allan challenged toll road operator Transurban to do the same when its West Gate Tunnel opens in December.
On Thursday, Transurban, which will operate the West Gate Tunnel along with its
Citylink toll road, partially agreed.
“We’ve been working with government on ways to say thank you to Melburnian drivers travelling on the West Gate Tunnel including free weekend travel on West Gate Tunnel in January so that people can try the tunnels out over summer,“ a spokesprson for the company said.
While only for one weekend and only on one of Transurban’s toll roads, the offer will still appeal to inner west motorists who’ve endured years of disruption while the the $10 billion tunnel has been built.
On Thursday morning, Ms Allan was joined by Transport Infrastructure Minister Gabriel Williams and Roads, Ports and Freight Minister Melissa Horne for a test drive along the elevated ‘skyroad’ section of the tunnel which connects the Yarraville entry and exit point to the Wurundjeri Way extension in Docklands.
“You’ve met skyrail, now meet skyroad,” Ms Allan said after driving along the six lane, 1.5 km road which sits 13 metres above the old Footscray Road.
“The new elevated Footscray Road will
Volunteers Lynn Harsley, Lucy Taliana, and Chris Cohen invite you to join the 1000 Hearts program at Iramoo
Crafty women put love what they create
From the bottom of their hearts, the team at the Iramoo Community Centre in Wyndham Vale is inviting everyone to participate in the 1000 Hearts program.
1000 Hearts was founded by Tasmanian Sarah De Jonge in 2016 as a way to combat feelings of pain, grief and to empower others in times of struggle.
Since its launch at the community centre in 2021, the initiative has grown by encouraging individuals and groups to dedicate themselves and their crafty abilities.
Community members have come along to create and donate pocket-sized hearts, each crafted with kindness and compassion in mind.
These handmade symbols of hope are then distributed to places where kindness and emotional support are needed most.
The program has made a significant impact, with more than 500 hand-crafted hearts donated to local organisations within the Wyndham community including Werribee Mercy Hospital’s palliative care unit and Market Road Veterinary Clinic.
Through 1000 Hearts, the centre has not only provided comfort to those in need but also created a welcoming space where individuals can come together, share kindness, and practice compassion and care.
At the community centre, the initiative has become something for residents to connect over, support one another and try to make a positive impact through simple acts of love.
For those who may have doubts regarding their crafting capabilities, rest assured it is very much the thought that counts in this project.
Everyone is invited to tag along to the next scheduled session on Thursday, November 13 from 10am.
To participate, contact Iramoo Community Centre on 8742 3688 or visit www.iramoocc.org.au.
mean less time in traffic and more time at home.”
A 2.5-kilometre cycling veloway underneath the new skyroad is also nearing completion, with technicians currently installing wiring for cameras and lighting.
Ms Horne, who is also the MP for Williamstown, emphasised the impact the West Gate Tunnel would have on reducing inner west truck traffic.
“Together with the truck bans, this will help take thousands of trucks off local roads.” Ms Horne said.
Youth summit looks to the future
Hundreds of young people from all persuasions, backgrounds and groups congregated in Werribee last week to have important conversations about their collective futures.
On Friday 10 October, MacKillop College hosted more than 200 students from across western Victoria for the Nelson Mandela Youth Leadership Summit. The purpose of the summit was to empower young people through direct conversations with key stakeholders and public figures to help them develop into leaders, and ultimately be spokespeople for peace and social cohesion.
The day started with a panel discussion about shared community values, before students were given a platform to ask questions to local politicians and social leaders about how they can personally– and collectively– make a difference in their worlds.
Western Metropolitan MP Moira Deeming, Werribee MP John Lister, Victorian opposition leader Brad Battin and Africause chief executive Dr Berhan Ahmed listened to the voices of tomorrow. Ubuntu, a southern African philosophy that stresses the importance of community and that was espoused by former South African president, civil rights campaigner and event namesake Nelson Mandela, was the guiding principle of the day.
Following the robust discussions, students took place in interactive games and leadership exercises that were designed to build confidence and cooperation skills.
The event was co-hosted by the HWPL Peace Education Program, as well as HWPL and Future Voices programs.
Community Centre. (Damjan Janevski).
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every
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 Wild dog (5)
4 Not at all sleepy (4-5)
9 Bituminous road layer (7)
10 Appointment to a job (7)
11 Doppelganger (4-5)
12 Offshoot (5)
13 Harden (3)
14 Having the power to make laws (11)
16 Reminding one of something (11)
19 Fuel (3)
20 Tests (5)
22 Relating to the lungs (9)
25 Set apart (7)
26 Breastbone (7)
27 Inelegant (9)
28 Saloon car (5)
1 Speak with elongated vowel sounds (5)
2 'Not to worry' (2,7)
3 Former US president (5)
4 Soaking (7)
5 Lower (7)
6 Helper (9)
7 Fact of being elsewhere (5)
8 Designer of goods and structures (9)
13 Tending to plants (9)
14 Visible features of an area (9)
15 Firmly fixed (9)
17 Highest (7)
18 Enrols in the armed forces (7)
21 Fragrance (5)
23 Auspices (5)
24 Arab state (5)
Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words
four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words.
1 The tree genus Salix is more commonly known by what name?
2 Which TV series centres around the angel-devil duo Aziraphale and Crowley?
3 As of 2023, who is the highestgrossing female actor of all time?
4 Which fruit is the main ingredient in a Som Tam Thai salad?
5 From which country did the Christmas tree tradition originate?
6 True or false: pogonophobia refers to a fear of needles?
7 Which character is also the narrator in Donna Tartt’s novel TheSecretHistory?
8 Glenn Close (pictured) appeared in a live-action Disney adaptation as which villain?
9 In which sport would you use a foil?
10 The ancient Egyptian goddess Bastet is commonly depicted with the head of what animal?
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
Author talk
Join Dr David Wang, former vice president of the Federation of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Societies and contributor to heart health book In a Heartbeat, for a talk on heart health at the Hoppers Crossing Library between 10.30-11.30am on Saturday 18 October. The event is free but only for adults.
8734 8999
Beginners’ Code Club
Code Club is for 8-14 year-olds and will cover the very basics of coding. Attendees can book into the whole term’s sessions. Each lesson builds on previously learnt skills and is designed to support beginner coding learners. Runs on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month from 3.30-4.30pm.
CodeClub@wyndham.vic.gov.au or 8734 8999
Altona VIEW Club
Altona VIEW is a not-for-profit club that welcomes ladies from the Wyndham, Hobsons Bay and other areas to join in for lunch the third Wednesday of each month, at 11am at the Altona RSL. Come along and enjoy the speakers each month. Other outings are arranged and it is a great opportunity to make new friends.
altonaview@gmail.com or Julie, 0421 315 846
Baby Bump and Beyond program
The Bump Baby and Beyond program is a free service, excluding small fees for some excursions, that is offered to pregnant and or mothering young women up to age of 25 years who live, work or study in Wyndham. The group meets every Wednesday between 11am - 1pm at the Youth Services Centre, 86 Derrimut Road, Hoppers Crossing.
Wyndham Youth Services team, 8734 1355
Soulful Spreads Community Cafe
Soulful Spreads is a purpose-driven social enterprise based in Tarneit that looks to create meaningful work and training opportunities for women and young people with disabilities. Come meet for a meal and support inclusion, empowerment and connection. Meets 8.30am-noon every Monday and Thursday at the Tarneit Community Learning Centre.
info@soulfulspreads.com
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
Lizzy Bizzy Food Swaps
Come along to the Manor Lakes Community Centre to exchange excess homegrown food. From vegetables, fruits, eggs to seeds and oils, members of the community are encouraged to participate and help reduce food waste. Runs between 10am-12pm last Saturday of every month.
Liz, 0448 781 111
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
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. For more information go to www.facebook.com/ WerriBeeksClub
Werribee Rotary quiz night
Join Werribee Rotary for a fun quiz night that will also include a silent auction, raffle, and plenty of games. Tables of ten, tickets $25 per person. All proceeds support vulnerable Victorians through Foodbank. Takes place at the Werribee Football Club between 7-10pm on Saturday, 18 October.
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
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 Avenue, Wyndham Vale. Meetings commence at 1pm.
Kaye Angel, 0407 551 694, or wcpc1306@gmail.com
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. John Sloan, 0436 480 728 or sloanrisk@gmail.com.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
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
With One Voice Wyndham Choir
With One Voice Wyndham Choir is a community choir open to all. The community choir welcomes all ages, abilities, faiths, cultures and genders and is directed by a very experienced and
friendly professional conductor. Fun weekly rehearsals and amazing performance opportunities are provided. They sing for an hour and then have a cuppa. The first two visits are free; and then payment is by tax-deductible donation. Tuesday evenings, 7-8.30pm, at Wayaperri House, 106 Duncans Road, Werribee. wyndham@withonevoice.org.au
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
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
Western Budgerigar Club
The Western Suburbs Budgerigar Club meets at 7.30pm on the third Thursday of each month at Masonic Hall, 223 Watton Street, Werribee. Meet other members who are also passionate about breeding Budgerigars.
Don, 0414 975 862
Step into the supernatural
Ever wanted to communicate with the dead?Achancetodosoiscomingtovenues across Melton and Moorabool, with a local company recently launching a series of paranormalexpeditions.
Hosted by Bacchus Marsh organisation Mysteries Lost in History, the Paranormal Explorations event series invites sceptics, the believers, and the curious alike to use a range of paranormal equipment to attempt tocommunicatewiththedead.
Upcoming events in the series include nights at the Border Inn in Bacchus Marsh on 28 October, the Willows Homestead in
Melton on 31 October, and the Border Inn againon18November.
According to the organisation, each venue is chosen after an initial paranormal investigation to determine if there is any supernaturalactivity.
Tools used include a voice recorder, spirit boxes,andaOuijaboard.
Mysteries Lost in History owner Amanda Powell said that the event is intended at being factual rather than theatrical, and therefore witnessing paranormal activity is notguaranteed.
The explorations begin with a history
of the venue, examples of how to use the equipment, followed by an opportunity for participants to use the equipment themselves. There is an optional cleansing ritual offered to participants at the end of eachsession.
“It’s about people having their own experiences and not us giving them an experience,”MsPowellsaid.
Ticket prices vary depending on the session, and further details on the times and how to purchase tickets are available onthecompany’swebsite.
Details:mysterieslostinhistory.com
A bold festival celebrating diversity
The vibrant ‘Be Bold Festival’ is returning to Brimbank this month in a spectacle not to be missed.
Hosted by Brimbank council, the free of charge, all ages event celebrates diversity through a fusion of everything from culinary dishes to music workshops and dance performances by community groups from as far afield as Bosnia and Aotearoa (New Zealand) to Vietnam and Spain, according to Brimbank council.
This year’s highlights include live performances by Polynesian and Bosnian dance groups, food trucks, a silent disco,
entertainment for the kids, a youth showcase,artexhibitions,andartandcraft and cooking workshops.
Therewillalsobeface-painting,painting activities, a food tour and more.
Brimbank mayor Thuy Dang described the family-friendly festival as one that brings the world to Brimbank.
“Brimbank is one of the most culturally diverse cities in Melbourne which is why this festival is so fantastic,” Cr Dang said.
“This festival is a dazzling expression of all that is good and exceptional about the fabric of our community.
“At the heart of it is our ability to welcome people of all cultures and backgrounds from all corners of the globe and celebrate our uniqueness. I encourage everyone to come along, bring the kids and enjoy the food, the fun and activities on offer.”
The ‘Be Bold Festival’ will take place on Saturday 18 October at the Bowery Theatre and St Albans Community Centre, 33 Princess Street, St Albans, Wurundjeri and surrounding areas from 3-7pm.
Beyond the Ballerina is probably the most appropriate title for the exhibition currently running at the Wyndham Culture Centre.
The eight-artist team of Joel Bray, Zoë Croggon, Anne Ferran, John McCormick, AdamNash,SallySmart,LeylaStevensand Anne Scott Wilson have brought together a patchwork of movement.
Executed across several rooms and through a multisensory experience, the integrated work serves to challenge our understanding of what dance is, where it can be experienced, and how we engage with it.
Photography, video, virtual reality, augmented reality and 3D video span across the open rooms to convey the organic and unrestrained nature of movement.
Included in the exhibition is an 3D audio
visual demonstration of a vessel in the Antarctic with choreography replicating the actions workers would use on deck, facing the elements and with only each other to rely on.
Get down to Urinetown
The Altona City Theatre wants to take audiences down, down, down to Urinetown.
Described as a hilarious show withapissweaktitle,Urinetownthe musical (not the place) is currently being performed at the Altona Theatre until Saturday 18 October.
Directed by Dean Mitchelmore, and starring Joan Christie, Laura Williams, Maria Roitman and Adrian Jones, Urinetown is set in a citywhereagreatdroughthasraged for 20 years (the “Stink Years”).
ThegreatcorporationUrineGood Company (UGC) has promised to combat this existential threat in exchange for the trust and cooperation of the people.
All they must do is comply and relieve themselves at a public amenity (ie toilet) – and pay for that privilege.
The poor people who do not or cannot cooperate are taken to Urinetown, a strange place, a mythicalplace.Aplacenobodyever returns from…
One of those who’ve disappeared to Urinetown is the father of Young Bobby Strong, a worker at one of the more dreary public amenities who begins to question the status quo. He meets Hope, the daughter of the evil Caldwell B Cladwell, and instantly (spoiler alert) falls in love. A short time later, he finds himself leading a revolution! And another short time later, we find out where the mysterious Urinetown actually is.
Inner west audiences can find out where Urinetown is by booking tickets at: altonacitytheatre.com.au
Balletitselfhassymbolicrelevanceinthe overall scheme of the collaboration, itself starting an extremely formal, disciplined profession but evolving and adapting to regions, as well as becoming a source of pleasure and wellness.
The decentralised approach of using eight artists across several artistic and technological mediums represents the evolution of movement and its core universality.
Beyond the Ballerina looks at dance through the visual arts, taking the artform out of the theatre and off the stage, placing it in the gallery, seen through the eyes of visual artists.
It is a free event and will run 9am-5pm each day between 9 October and 21 December.
Mysteries Lost in History assistant Kriss Powell and owner Amanda Powell at the front of Border Inn, Bacchus Marsh. (Damjan Janevski) 508800_04
Performers are gearing up for the Be Bold Festival this month. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 503869_01
Star Weekly journalist Jaidyn Kennedy received a preview tour of Beyond the Ballerina on Tuesday 7 October. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 508598_17
Joanna Christie (Becky Two-Shoes), Maria Roitman (Hope) and Adrian Jones (Hot Blades Harry) star in Urinetown, which is being performed at the Altona Theatre until Saturday, October 18. (Supplied)
CONTACT US NOW
PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT
ACT 1987 - FORM 2 PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT REGULATIONS 2015
The land affected by the application is located at:
The application is for a permit to:
11 and 13 Climbing Drive
WYNDHAM VALE VIC 3024
21 and 23 Climbing Drive
WYNDHAM VALE VIC 3024
Removal of Lots 250, 251, 255 and 256 from Restriction No. 4 on PS920325Q before a person proceeds under Section 23 of the Subdivision Act 1988.
A permit is required under the following clauses of the Planning Scheme: Planning Scheme Clause Matter for which a permit is required
52.02
To Remove Restriction No. 4 from Lots 250, 251, 255 and 256 created on PS920325Q before a person proceeds under Section 23 of the Subdivision Act 1988. The application number is: WYP15295/25
The applicant for the application is: Wyndham City Council
Responsible Authority: Wyndham City Council Telephone: 8376 5503
You may look at the application and any documents that support the application at;
-The Council website https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/advertising
-By Contacting the Town Planning Unit on the contact number above
Any person who may be affected by the granting of the permit may object or make other submissions to the Responsible Authority by post or in person or;
An objection must be made to the Responsible Authority in writing, include the reasons for the objection and state how the objector would be affected.
If you object, the Responsible Authority will tell you of its decision.
The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before: 30 October 2025
PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT
ACT 1987- FORM 2 PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT REGULATIONS 2015
The land affected by the application is located at:
The application is for a permit to:
315 Morris Road HOPPERS CROSSING VIC 3029
Removal of Covenant V552776B from Lot 1484 on PS347103E Volume 10296 & Folio 239 before a person proceeds under Section 23 of the Subdivision Act 1988
A permit is required under the following clauses of the Planning Scheme:
Planning Scheme Clause Matter for which a permit is required
Clause 52.02
PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT ACT 1987 - FORM 2 PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT REGULATIONS 2015
The land affected by the application is located at:
The application is for a permit to:
6 Larkana Walk MOUNT COTTRELL
To vary Clause 2.1 of MCP AA9526 to allow for the construction of a single storey dwelling on Lot 414 on Plan of Subdivision 812419J
A permit is required under the following clauses of the Planning Scheme: Planning Scheme Clause Matter for which a permit is required
Clause 52.02
To Remove Covenant V552776B from Lot 1484 on PS347103E Volume 10296 & Folio 239 before a person proceeds under Section 23 of the Subdivision Act 1988
The application number is: WYP15243/25
The applicant for the application is: JREdwards Land Surveyors
Responsible Authority: Wyndham City Council Telephone: 8376 5503
You may look at the application and any documents that support the application at;
- The Council website https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/advertising
- By Contacting the Town Planning Unit on the contact number above
Any person who may be affected by the granting of the permit may object or make other submissions to the Responsible Authority by post or in person or;
An objection must be made to the Responsible Authority in writing, include the reasons for the objection and state how the objector would be affected.
If you object, the Responsible Authority will tell you of its decision.
The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before: 22 October 2025
To vary a restriction under Section 23 of the Subdivision Act 1988
The application number is: WYP15219/25
The applicant for the application is: Praveen Gurram
Responsible Authority: Wyndham City Council Telephone: 8376 5503
You may look at the application and any documents that support the application at;
- The Council website https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/advertising
- By Contacting the Town Planning Unit on the contact number above
Any person who may be affected by the granting of the permit may object or make other submissions to the Responsible Authority by post or in person or;
An objection must be made to the Responsible Authority in writing, include the reasons for the objection and state how the objector would be affected.
If you object, the Responsible Authority will tell you of its decision.
The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before: 23 October 2025
The weather gods looked favourably on local sports people on Saturday as more competitions kicked off their summer seasons. Star Weekly photographer LJUBICA VRANKOVIC was out shooting some of the action.
Contests are heating up
Bacchus Marsh Lions’ Thomas Bens. 508554_01
Macedon Ranges Rockies’ Lucas Impey. 508555_10
Sunbury United’s Senura Perera. 508558_10
Bacchus Marsh’s Ella Sedge. 508552_02
Diggers Rest Bulla’s Travis Barratt and Charlie Hammond-Collins. 508559_09
Macedon’s Zac Waddington. 508558_01
Melton Thoroughbreds’ Aduto Chipuowuop. 508554_08
Sunbury Kangaroos’ Jacobus De Leeuw. 508559_01
Melton Thoroughbreds’ Ruby Murphy. 508552_14
Kyneton Tigers’ Josh Mundy. 508555_08
Wins for Warriors, Sharks
Point Cook and Point Cook Centrals both kicked off the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Roy Picone Shield season in fine form on Saturday afternoon.
It was the start of a new era for Point Cook under Shafraz Mohamed and the Warriorsgotofftothestarttheywereafter, with the season kicking off one week late.
Facing Pascoe Vale Hadfield, the Warriors were able to restrict it to 6-155 from its 50 overs.
NicholasPeacocktookthreewicketsfor the Warriors.
All of the Warriors top order contributed in the run chase as they finished 3-157 with nearly seven overs to spare.
Suresh Thelge top scored with 60.
TheSharksweredominantwiththeball
in their win against Greenvale Kangaroos.
Winning the toss, the Sharks decided to bat first.
They put on 7-184 from their overs with Gurbaksh Khaira (58) and Rasanjana Jayarathna (50) both making half centuries.
After opening the bowling with a new opening pair, the partnership of Khaira and Wade Kirkwood changed things.
The Kangaroos crumbed from 0-27 to all out 76.
Kirkwood finished with 5-12 off 6.3 overs.
It wasn’t the start Werribee Centrals was after in the Evans-Clark Shield.
Facing Footscray Angliss, the Centurions were bowled out for just 96.
Tarique Jeffrey was the only one of the
Centurions top eight to score more than four, with 31.
The tail wagged to give the side something to defend.
Footscray Angliss had no issues at all chasing down the runs, finishing 2-98 in less than 27 overs.
ItwasabetterstartforBellbridgewhich won a high scoring affair with Pascoe Vale Central.
PascoeValebattedfirstandmade7-221 from its over with a number of contributors throughout.
Parambir Singh was the only multiple wicket taker for the Bears, finishing with two wickets.
After a shaky start, the Bears steadied and were in a good spot at 2-88. The loss
De Pasquale’s tough day out at Bathurst
A crash at The Esses ruined Anton De Pasquale’s Bathurst hopes in one of the toughest races at the famous mountain there has been..
Rain and limited vision played havoc throughout the 161 laps of the most famous race in Australia as it went down to the wire.
While James Golding crossed the line first, it was Matthew Payne and Garth Tander, who claimed the win after Golding was hit with a five second penalty after a late race collision with then leader Cooper Murray, with only six seconds separating the top four teams.
For Werribee South’s De Pasquale, he was one of the several victims that came to a halt on the mountain.
Hoping to improve on his best finish of third in 2023, De Pasquale was one of many that came to to grief as the weather changed.
Having qualified in ninth spot, he had heavy contact with the well on the front of
the car at the Esses after being caught out in the slippery conditions.
The crash caused damage to both the front and back of the car and put it in the garageforseverallapsastheteamworked tirelessly to get it back out on the track.
Whiletheywereabletogetthecarback on the track, the pairing of De Pasquale and Harri Jones finished in 20th spot having finished 141 laps.
It was enough for the side to be classifiedandclaimsomepointsoutoftherace, which was a bonus out of the tough day.
The team at Team 18 Racing had a big weekend, after Jones came unstuck at The Chase during co-driver practice earlier in the weekend.
De Pasquale said it was a chaotic weekend of racing.
“Mixed weather, shunted a car … not very good,” he said on team 18 racing social media after the race.
“We were in the shootout with my car.
“We had pace on and off in the race as
of three quick wickets gave Pascoe Vale some hope.
When they lost another two they had slipped to 7-132.
Daniel Stock along with the tail managed to get the job done, as they finished 8-222 in the 37th over.
Stock finished 86 not out off 73 balls.
Meanwhile in the Russell Pollock Shield,WyndhamValestruggledtogetgoing with the bat against Burnside Springs United.
The Vales were bowled out for just 96 in the 37th over with Liam Glasgow-Jones playing a lone hand as he finished 38 not out.
Burnside Springs had no issues at all in the run chase, finishing 3-98.
Western Netball League to grow
The Western Netball League competition is set to expand to new horizons in 2026.
Having grown the competition dramatically in the past few years, there’s set to be more grades and opportunities next year.
League netball operations coordinator Jordan Dalliston said the league was set to introduce a men’s competition to run alongside the women’s division.
“We’ll be fielding a premier men’s open competition alongside our women’s competition on a Friday night,” she said.
“They will be playing at the State Netball Centre after men’s nationals conclude in April and the season will run right through until the women’s grand final night.
“We will be the first league to open the doors to include men’s netball in Victoria.
“It’s a very exciting time for netball in the west.
“We have so much talent coming through from the Wyndham and surrounds and we want to give boys and men more of an opportunity to play outside the M-League and VMMNA [Victorian Men’s and Mixed Netball Association] pathways.”
Several clubs include Caroline Springs and Glen Orden are already advertising for male players to join their programs.
well. Just stuffed it up and half wrote it off, but unreal by the team to get the car back out.
“Kept us in the same championship position which is really good for the finals, the sole objective of the week other than winning the thing we achieved.”
Jones said they experienced the highs and lows of motorsport.
It was his first time racing in the Bathurst 1000.
“It’s been a bit of a baptism of fire this week,” he said.
“The dry speed was really fast and then to make the race interesting we just had to add water and it definitely turned it on.
“Strategy didn’t really play our way.”
De Pasquale remains seventh in the championship and sits just under 1000 points behind leader Brock Feeney.
He has now classified for the finals.
De Pasquale’s teammate David Reynolds finished in second spot along with Lee Holdsworth.
The league said Albanvale, Braybrook, Hobsons Bay, Point Cook Centrals and Sunshine had all expressed their interest in having a men’s team next season.
The women’s competition is set to expand as well, with the competition to introduce an eighth division.
“Netball in the west is flourishing and we are proud to see the health of the netball programs within the WFNL,” Dalliston said.
Meanwhile, the league has been recognised in the Netball Victoria community awards.
The league has been named one of three finalists for the netball association of the year in a massive honour for the league.
The winner will be announced on October 19 at a ceremony.
Anton De Pasquale. (Chris Munro)
Clark and Smith re-sign
Werribee skipper Jesse Clark is first to put pen to paper to sign on for next year’s Victorian Football League season.
In his first season as skipper, Clark was one of five Werribee players to feature in all 18 games. He averaged career highs in disposals (15.9), kicks (12.4) and rebound 50s (3.8), and finished sixth in the Bruce Montgomery Trophy count.
At the end of the 2025 season, Clark had taken his tally to 69 VFL games.
With the retirements of Hudson Garoni and Angus Hicks, he will be one of Werribee’s most experienced players heading into 2026.
Clark said continuing with Werribee was a no brainer.
“Whilst disappointed with how the 2025 season played out, I know that myself and the rest of the group will be returning with a genuine sense of optimism and hunger to get back to the pointy end of the season in 2026,“ he said.
Werribee football manager Kyle Hartigan said the club was pleased to have its captain locked in for 2026.
“It’s great to have Jesse back on board,“ he said. “He’s been a pillar of consistency in the backline over the last three years, leading the way for the club both on and off the field.”
Midfielder Jake Smith is another who has put pen to paper.
The 20-year-old midfielder, who was
the youngest member of Werribee’s 2024 premiership side at just 19, elevated his game to another level in 2025.
Smith was one of only five players to feature in every game this year.
With the departure of key midfielders from the premiership side, including Jack Henderson, he stepped up through the middle to average career highs of 20 disposals, five tackles and over four clearances per game.
His consistency and team-first attitude were further recognised when he took out the 2025 coaches award, with senior coach Jimmy Allan full of praise for his performances.
“Jake is a pleasure to coach,“ Allan said.
marathon wins for Rayner
A love affair with the Melbourne Marathon and the MCG has continued for Western Athletics’ Jack Rayner.
After claiming two half marathon titles in the event, Rayner moved into the full marathon last year and claimed his first title.
On Sunday, while the hunted, Rayner made it back-to-back titles as he claimed the win as the first of 14,500 runners to cross the line.
Buoyed by a flood of encouraging cheers, Rayner outpaced the competition on the 42.195 kilometre course finishing one minute and 40 seconds ahead of runner-up Steven McKenna (02:16.42), and Fraser Darcy (02:17.38) in third position.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing for Rayner in the lead up to the race.
“I was feeling a bit off, my girlfriend came down with something two days ago and I was thinking, I hope I don’t get it,” he said. “I managed to dodge it, but not quite ful-
ly. I’m glad I didn’t get anything near what she did.
“But feeling good now, tired, but good.
Japan’s Jo Fukuda stuck with Rayner for the first part of the race, but the Aussie was able to break away.
Fukuda finished in fourth spot, nearly three minutes behind Rayner.
“I knew Joe was a pretty good, he’s run sub 2.10 before,” Rayner said. “I chatted to him a few days ago to see what he was aiming for.
“I think he went a fair bit quicker than he was telling. I was happy to shake him off after 30 k [kilometre],”
Rayner said the aim was to come back again next year and make it a hat-trick of wins in the marathon.
Caitlin Adams claimed the women’s marathon title in a time of 2:30.26 in her debut in the race.
“I’mfeelingontopoftheworldrightnow, I’m sure this feeling will carry me across the
“He’s always asking how he can help, and it’s always about the team. To play the way he did this year, clearly hampered by injury, was a credit to his ability and character. He never considered waving the white flag and still performed at a level that he can be really proud of.”
Smith said he absolutely loves the club and everyone involved.
“I am super keen, and there was no way I wouldn’t re-sign for 2026,“ he said. “I love the boys, and I know that we are all hungry to get stuck in and give it another crack next year.”
Sports shorts
Western FL
The strong off season for Wyndhamvale has continued in the Western Football League women’s competition. The Falcons have announced a second big new signing with 2024 league best and fairest winner Jess Spall making the move across from Werribee Centrals. Spall played a key role in the Centurions premiership in 2024, including a late goal in the grand final.
Baseball
The Werribee Giants weren’t able to make it two in a row in the Baseball Victoria summer league premier 1st nine competition on Saturday. The Giants were at home to Blackburn and took an early 2-0 lead. But the end of the fourth innings scores were level. The Giants regained the lead and held it until the ninth innings where Blackburn scored four runs to seal an 8-5 win. The Giants women had a 17-5 win against Research Lower Plenty to get its first win on the board.
VSDCA
It was contrasting starts for Hoppers Crossing and Werribee in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association east-west on Saturday. Hoppers Crossing was able to come away with a solid win against Yarraville. The Eagles batted first and made 182, before the Cats chased the runs with three overs remaining, finishing 5-185. It was a tough day for Werribee, which lost to Melton. The Tigers were bowled out for 140 before the Lions reached the target, finishing 7-142. Dean Russ took two wickets for the Tigers.
NWMCA
next few days, it’s going to be hard to sink in but to win Melbourne on debut, I love this event, I’m absolutely stoked,” she said.
The half marathon saw Hatfu Strintzos finish first overall with a time of 01:02.13, as Izzi Batt-Doyle took out the women’s category, clocking in at 01:08.55 and setting a new record for the race.
Adding to the list of high calibre Australian winners was Adam Goddard winner of the 10 kilometre run (28.40) for the men, and Ellie Pashley has made a successful return to competitive racing, winning the women’s 10 kilometre (33.41).
Rayner said he would have a couple of weeks break before he targets the Zatopek 10 kilometre event which also doubles as the national championships.
Rayner will be going for his fifth straight title in that event.
He last year became only the second person, behind Steve Moneghetti, to claim the title four times in a row.
Tarneit Central made it two from two in the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association George Luscombe Shield. Facing Kealba-Green Gully, Tarneit’s bowlers got the job done early on as they restricted the Cougars to 8-106. Satish Kochhar took four wickets. Tarneit wasted no times in getting the runs, finishing 2-107 off 13 overs. Anil Bhatia finished 39 not out.
