Star Weekly - Wyndham - 3rd December 2025 by Star News Group

Build conﬁdence in the water at BlueFit Swimming

As Australia prepares for another hot summer, swim schools across the country are seeing a clear shift: more new families toAustraliaareprioritisingswimeducation thaneverbefore.

According to BlueFit Swimming, this momentum is driven by a growing recognition that water safety is essential to everydaylifeinAustralia.

The new BlueFit National Water Safety Report reveals a widening gap in children’s swimming competency. More than half of surveyed six-year-olds did not meet the minimum benchmark for their age, and these numbers decline steadily through primary school. By twelve, only a small portion reach the expected national standard, with many who fall behind no longer enrolled in lessons. These findings have encouraged families settling into Australia to act early, ensuring their children build skills that are both lifesaving and culturally essential.

Adults are increasingly joining their children in this journey. Many did not growuparoundbeaches,rivers,andpools, and are now embracing lessons so they can participate safely in the lifestyle that surrounds them. Some arrive with fears of deep water or anxiety about starting late, while others carry childhood trauma from a past water-related incident or near-drowning experience. For many, booking that first lesson is the hardest step. Once they walk through the door, instructors guide them with patience, reassurance, and gentle progression, helpingadultsrebuildtrustandconfidence fromtheveryfirstsession.

Australia’s broader water-safety landscape reinforces why this shift matters. The latest Royal Life Saving Society Australia drowning report shows a rise in adult drowning rates nationwide, with adults aged 65 and over experiencing a 48 per cent increase over the past 12 months. Significant numbers of drownings also occur across other adult age groups, underscoring the

importance of learning to swim at any stage of life.

BlueFit Swimming tailors adult programs with cultural sensitivity in mind, offering simplified language, visual demonstrations, flexible lesson times, and respect for personal preferences around

attire, privacy, and instructor gender. The team also helps families access government-fundedswimvoucherstoease financialpressure.

BlueFit Swimming’s message is simple: everyone is welcome, everyone is capable, anditisnevertoolatetolearn.

Legal help at Christmas is only a phone call away

Unfortunately, it is during the festive season that domestic violence escalates dramaticallywhenitshouldbeaseasonof cheernotfear!

Manyofusexperiencethefestiveseason celebrated with Christmas trees and tinsel,giftsandjoy,celebratedwithfamily and friends with a table spread that is all merry. But unfortunately, it is not so for many. Closed doors for many is a time of fear, sadness, isolation, and violence. In fact, crime statistics in Victoria report it is one of the most dangerous periods for those living with domestic and family violence.

Across the world Christmas is a joyous time, however it is during this time of Christian celebrations, victims of domestic violence often face heightened fear and danger. As a domestic family violence lawyer I can attest it is this very time of emotional intensity and financial pressures that become severe triggers for domestic violence and abuse in many households. I believe the financial strain of gift-giving, travel, and entertaining can ignite financial pressures and conflict amongsttheestrangedandnon-estranged family members. Many households are ignitedwiththeintersectionality’salcohol and substance misuse, which are more prevalent during celebrations, especially whenlovedoneshavedeceased.

Often the unrealistic festive expectations of peace, joy and harmony often fuel anger, aggression and exacerbates tensions within families. Many households are alone, many are

isolated from their loved ones and many need support networks, and as many support services reduce hours or close over the festive period, this season of jolly leaves victims with fewer lifelines and supportnetworks.

Crimes Statistics Agency data speaks for itself when across Australia, police and support services report a consistent rise in domestic violence incidents during December and January. In some regions, calls to crisis lines increase by over 30 per cent during this period. Hospitals see more injuries related to family violence, and shelters often operate at capacity. The emotional impact of victim safety and protection is profound. Many victims who experience domestic violence daily but fear to report may feel trapped in a Christmas and New Year cycle of fear and guilt, especially when children are involved.Thepressureto“keepthepeace” or “not ruin Christmas” can exacerbate the silent cries for safety and protection: whereisthehelp?

It is vital during the festive season to check in on friends, neighbours, colleagues. A simple R U, OK? can be life changing. It’s imperative that we reassure victims to reach out to our many support services as they are accessible all year round. I am available during the festive seasonon1300140888shouldyourequire legal assistance and support service referrals.Youdonothavetoputupwithit. Iamaphonecallaway.

DFV LAWYERS DOMESTIC FAMILY VIOLENCE LAWYERS

Carmella Acciarito Principal Criminal Lawyer [Juris Doctor] Clarence Chambers Level 11 456 Lonsdale Street Melbourne www.domesticfamilyviotencetawyers.au info@domesticfamilyviolencelawyers.au

We close on the 17 December 2025 and reopen on 6th January 2026.

a safety or protection concern over the festive season please

Carmella Acciarito director and principal lawyer at DFV

Carmella Acciarito is the director and principal lawyer at DFV Lawyers.

Connecting through art

The Aboriginal Health Lounge Courtyard at IPC Health in Wyndham Vale is looking much brighter thanks to Aunty Susan Kuhl’s new mural.

On Friday 28 November, Kuhl’s Journey of Connection mural was unveiled at a special ceremony.

The mural has a top section that includes a crow, western grey kangaroo, wedge tail eagle, blue wren an emu, with a gathering circle in the middle.

Down below are more native animals and the handprints of members of the local area.

“It was a big challenge and my ﬁrst ever mural,” Kuhl said.

“I drew up a rough sketch of what I was doing and with the bigger animals I gridded it out and free-hand drew everything up the top.

“It was two to three months in the making up the top, but once I got into it went pretty quick.

“The emu itself probably took about 10 hours to complete … the paint I was working with dries really quickly, so I had to work pretty fast.”

No Sunday hours

By Jaidyn Kennedy

After months of petitioning, debate and a controversial consultation process, the Manor Lakes Library will not open on Sundays.

At the Tuesday 25 Wyndham council meeting,anofficer’sreportrecommending the library’s current opening hours remain the same was narrowly passed by councillors,sixvotestofive.

The opening hours at the library are 10am-6pm on weekdays (8pm on Wednesdays) and10am-4pmonSaturdays.

Following residents petitioning the council, Cr Peter Maynard successfully

motioned for a survey to gauge support for Sunday opening hours to be included in the 2025-26 budget at the June council meeting.

The survey was released in September and asked residents if they would prefer the library to open on Sunday instead of Saturday as part of a 12-month trial at an estimatedcostof$80,000.

Cr Maynard said he was voting against the officer’s recommendation due to his belief that the survey question was manipulated.

“The CEO assured me that my request for the question asking for Sunday hours will be asked and not phrased such that

it would be at the expense of the Saturday hours–asthatwasnevertheintention,”Cr Maynardsaid.

“The intent of this motion has been deliberately changed by officers to reflect something that I did not want – in fact the opposite.”

More than 75 per cent of respondents voted to keep 10am-4pm on Saturdays instead of switching to 2-5pm on Sunday, however 145 of the 428 respondents criticisedthebinarychoice.

Cr Maynard said voting it against it will make no practical difference but show his dissatisfactionwiththeprocess.

“But it indicates my distrust of the

process and the way it was undertaken, “ hesaid.

“It is quite clear to me that this is the tail waggingthedogandmyfaithinthesystem atthismomentisnon-existent.”

CrMiaShawsaidshehadfullfaithinthe process and the question posed was cost neutral. She believes the data indicates a preferenceforweekdaysandSaturdays.

Cr Robert Szatkowski said it was a squandered opportunity to advocate for more funding from the state ahead of the 2026election.

Wyndham chief executive Stephen Wall and city life director Liana Thompson declinedtocomment.

Artist Susan Kuhl with her Journey of Connection mural. (Damjan Janevski) 518969_03

Your Questions Answered

HOW DO I DO THIS?

Show your items to our expert buyers. After we have calculated the price based on its resale value, you can then decide to sell them to us or just walk away with a free assessment of your jewellery! WHY SELL?

Is it worth keeping old jewellery that you will never wear again? The extra cash may help now or in the future rather than unwanted jewellery sitting in your drawer!

“Your Jewellery maybe worth a lot more than what you think!”

Shopping centre underway

Works have begun on a new shopping centre complex in Werribee’s Riverwalk estate, with construction expected to start inthecomingmonths.

On Wednesday 26 November, developer Oreana announced that early works had kicked off on the $88 million Riverwalk Village.

Spanning 26,000sqm across two sites at 1 and 2 Newmarket Road, the future shopping centre will be built around a ColesandLiquorland.

Alongside those facilities, there will be 42individualshopsdeliveredintwostages,

officersandasectionforfoodandbeverage retailers.

Shops and workplaces are grouped into connected clusters across both sides of Newmarket Road, which is intended to create a pedestrian-friendly environment that invites movement and discovery, the developersaid.

According to the company, construction is expected to commence at the end of the first quarter in 2026, and the complex is slated to open to the public sometime duringthefirsthalfof2027.

Retailers confirmed include Anytime

Fitness, Direct Chemist Outlet and a medical centre complemented by other health and wellness services, a butcher, nailsalon,barberandalaundromat.

OreanamanagingdirectorTonySasssaid Riverwalk Village would be a cornerstone ofthegrowingWerribeecommunity.

“This new shopping centre has been purposefully designed to make everyday life easier – bringing together everything locals need in one place, from a state-of-the-art supermarket and early learningcentretoadiversemixofspecialty retailers,”hesaid.

Two

centuries marked on the one day

Two Werribee residents celebrated turning 100 on 28 November, both markingquiteremarkablecenturies.

On Tuesday 25 November, Star Weekly visited James Colgan at Baptcare WyndhamLodge.

“Yeah, I never imagined that I would ever reach that age. Never,” Mr Colgan said.

Mr Colgan started his life on a small farm in Newry – about 35 miles from BelfastinNorthernIreland.

“Ilefthomeat17andahalfandIturned RAFduringthewar,”hesaid.

In 1951, at the age of 25, he emigrated to Australia – spending about five or six weeksatseaandenjoyingtheride.

Hehasbuiltquitethelegacyforhimself down under, having six children and 14 grandchildren.

Onthebigday,hisfamilytookhimtoan Irish pub in Brunswick where he enjoyed a pint of cold pint of his favourite drop

Guinness.

Not far away at Estia Health, Star WeeklyattendedChrystalDietrich’s100th birthdayparty.

Ms Dietrich was also born on 28

November 1925, but in German Silesia–whichistodaypartofPoland.

Moving to Australia in 1958, she has two children, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildrensofar.

“IfeelverygoodbutIdon’tfeelthatIam 100– only my hearing is bad, otherwise I feel okay,” Ms Dietrich said about the occasion.

Son Michael Dietrich and daughter Gabriele Haveaux said their mother is someone who would do anything to help herfamily.

“She is always friendly, would do anything for you, and she disciplined us in terms of teaching us good values and how to be good members of society,” Mr Dietrichsaid.

“Sheisverygenerouswithhertimeand shewoulddoanythingwithhertime–she hates being the centre of attention, but she’s getting into it now,” Ms Haveaux said.

Funding for Al-Taqwa to construct primary school building

Al-TaqwaCollegeinTruganinawillreceive $3.6 million from the state government to carry out construction on its new primary schoolbuilding.

On Monday 24 November, Laverton MP Sarah Connolly announced the school was one of nine successful recipients of the latest round of funding for independent schools across regional and metropolitan Victoria.

The Islamic P-12 school and eight other independent schools will share in the $26.2 million to expand and modernise existing facilitiesorbuildnewschools.

Al-Taqwa College will commence stage

one of its new primary school building, which will consist of 18 classrooms, gathering spaces, student amenities and staff workspaces, as well as landscaping works.

“Al-Taqwa College provides families right across Melbourne with access to a high-quality faith-based education, and this funding will ensure that they can continue to do just that with world-class facilities,”MsConnollysaid.

EducationMinisterBenCarrollsaidmore than a third of Victorian students attended Catholicorindependentschools.

“I am proud that we are supporting

nine more low-fee non-government schools – to kick off vital projects that will improve schools and create new learning opportunities for students in the education state,”hesaid.

As part of the announcement, the state government also opened the fourth and final round of the Building Fund for Non-Government Schools, Independent Schools, with applications closing in February2026.

Details:schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au

Mr Sass said the developer’s intention was to create an area that encourages peopletosocialisewhiletheyshop.

“It’s more than just a shopping destination; it’s about creating a true community hub, a place where people can meet, connect and feel part of their neighbourhoodasitcontinuestogrow,“he said.

“Commencement of early works and the confirmation of retailers is an important milestone for the community, which has been waiting eagerly for this project to cometolife.”

Police briefs

Speedster charged

Police have charged the driver of a vehicle which was allegedly speeding in Keilor Park on 27 November. Ofﬁcers caught sight of a Volkswagen Golf travelling along the Western Ring Road about 11pm.

The Volkswagen was allegedly spotted at speeds exceeding 220km/h with no headlights on. Police attempted to intercept the vehicle however the driver — an 18-year old Tarneit man — allegedly failed to stop and continued driving whilst weaving in and out of trafﬁc. Air Wing came in to assist and the Volkswagen was followed to Furlong Road in Sunshine where ofﬁcers successfully used stop sticks. The man was charged with numerous offences including dangerous driving while being pursued by police.

Pedestrian killed Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal collision in Brooklyn on 22 November. It is understood a car struck a pedestrian at the intersection of Geelong Road and Docklands Highway about 4.30am. The male pedestrian, who is yet to be formally identiﬁed, died at the scene. The driver of the car stopped at the scene and is assisting police with their enquires.

Pair arrested in drive-thru Police arrested a 39-year old man and 35-year old Werribee woman in an allegedly stolen car at a St Albans drive-thru. Ofﬁcers were patrolling Paringa Drive when they observed the allegedly stolen Subaru about 1.50am on 26 November. They continued to follow the vehicle into a drive-thru bottle shop on Sunshine Avenue and attempted to intercept the car. The Subaru came to a dead-end and allegedly reversed into the police vehicle. Realising there was no way out, the driver and passenger allegedly attempted to run off but were quickly arrested. It is alleged the Subaru was stolen from Yarraville on 22 October.

Altona death

A man has died after being found with a gunshot wound in Altona. Emergency services were called to Second Avenue just after 3.30am on 25 November, where they located the man. The 26-year-old from Werribee died at the scene. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the man’s death and are yet to determine if it is suspicious.

Chrystal Dietrich celebrating her 100th birthday. (Jaidyn Kennedy)

James Colgan. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 519884_02

Student pathways

By Jaidyn Kennedy

Westjustice and Victoria University’s new memorandum of understanding is underpinned by individuals passionate making the law more accessible to everyone.

Tam Kumail is one of them.

“I have always been passionate about human rights but also my journey as a refugee I think inspired me to study law,” Ms Kumail said.

“I just wanted to be able to one day help minority communities and to be able to empower women coming from refugee backgrounds.

“I came here when I turned 14 without speaking any English.“

As part of their new memorandum of understanding (MoU), VU and Westjustice have agreed to work together on joint advocacy projects in the youth wellbeing, student employment and social inclusion spaces.

Living on the other side of the city, Ms Kumail studied at VU to give her access to the law in everyday life.

“Initially, it was a strategic decision as it is right near the Supreme Court and the County Court which gave me the opportunity to go to court after my classes and develop advocacy skills,” she said.

ConstantemailsfromVUaboutvolunteer opportunitiesatWestjusticewereabigpart of her deciding to intern there in 2023.

“That’s when I actually gained knowledge about the organisation’s values and the crucial role it plays in the community.

“It is what motivated me to join Westjustice in 2025 as a receptionist and now I successfully work as a legal admin within the family law and family violence team.“

MY PLACE

Ultimately, Ms Kumail believes the mixtureofrobustguidanceandnopressure iswhatmakesWestjusticetheperfectplace for students of all stripes.

“If they are passionate about community service, human rights and they like a bit of a challenge, then I think Westjustice is a great place to start your legal career.”

Westjustice has been the perfect place for her to focus on her ambition of helping decriminalise young people, and viewing youth offenders as people first.

“It is very easy to just look at the outcome and label people, but what we need to do is lookattherootcauseofwhatisencouraging these young people to do these things.”

SES funds boost

The Wyndham West SES Unit has received $101,306 to help with the purchase of a Ford Ranger Twin Cab to replace the older support vehicle currentlyinuse.

On Wednesday 26 November, Werribee MP John Lister and parliamentarysecretaryforemergency services Sheena Watt visited the recipientstodeliverthenews.

The unit primarily covers Wyndham Vale, Manor Lakes and the surroundingareas.

The funds will come from the state government’s Volunteer Emergency ServicesEquipmentProgram(VESEP).

VESEP is an annual grants program that helps Victorian emergency services volunteer groups purchase essential equipment or make facility improvements.

Volunteergroupscanapplyforgrants of up to $250,000 and the government willcontribute$2forevery$1raisedby thelocalvolunteergroup.

Werribee MP John Lister said the state government is seriously dedicated to helping out emergency servicesvolunteers.

“With more funding on offer than ever before – almost double – we’re showingourdeterminationtosupport our hardworking emergency services volunteers,”hesaid.

“This investment will make a real difference here in Manor Lakes and Wyndham Vale– delivering a new vehicle so our volunteers can respond quickly and effectively during emergencies.”

A full list of this year’s VESEP grants and more information about the system is available at emv.vic.gov.au/ vesep.

JAY THATCHANAMURTHY is a Manor Lakes resident who runs free financial literacy programs. He discussed his connection to the growing suburb and its people with Jaidyn Kennedy.

Tell us who you are and a bit about yourself?

I am Jayaraman Thatchanamurthy, founder and leader of Help4People, a community organisation that has grown to more than 4000 members, with 2000 in Wyndham. My mission centers on empowering residents through financial literacy and mutual support. I organise financial awareness sessions teaching practical money management and savings strategies. My philosophy is simple: those who receive help should help others. This “pay it forward“ approach transforms beneficiaries into contributors. Through Help4People, members donate portions of theirsavingstoassisthomelessindividuals, creating a self-sustaining community network. My work demonstrates that real change comes from inspiring collective responsibilityandbuildinginterdependent communities where people genuinely support one another. I’m passionate about creating tangible, lasting impact beyond individual assistance.

WhatisyourconnectiontoManorLakes?

Manor Lakes is my home and the foundation of my community work. As a resident here, I’ve witnessed first hand the challenges families face with the cost of living pressures. This personal connection drives my commitment to helping Manor Lakes families achieve financial resilience and stability. My community initiatives directly benefit Manor Lakes residents alongside broader Wyndham support. WhatisyourfavouritethingaboutManor Lakes?

What I love most about Manor Lakes

is its wonderful diversity and strong sense of community spirit.The suburb brings together families from various backgrounds united by shared values of mutual support and growth. I’ve seen neighbours helping neighbours, genuine connectionsforming,andcollectiveefforts to improve our area. The community’s receptiveness to Help4People initiatives shows residents genuinely care about each other’s wellbeing. This supportive atmosphere makes Manor Lakes a truly special place where people aren’t just neighbours—they’re genuine friends

invested in each other’s success. Favourite things to do in Manor Lakes?

I enjoy facilitating my financial awareness sessions where community members learn practical money-saving strategies. I love connecting job seekers with employment opportunities, especially supporting young graduates and women returning to work. My free lawnmower service lets me contributemeaningfullytoresidents’lives. What would you change about your suburb?

I’d enhance employment opportunities within Manor Lakes itself, creating

more local jobs so residents don’t need to travel far for work. This is for obvious truth that travelling through Ballan Road is as good as donating one to two hours of our time to travelling on the stand still road. I’d also expand access to financial literacy programs in schools, helping younger generations build strong financial foundations early. Additionally, I’d improve community spaces for gathering and collaboration. Finally, I’d strengthen support systems for vulnerable populations, ensuring no family falls throughcracksduringeconomichardship.

Jayaraman Thatchanamurthy. (Damjan Janevski). 520785_01

Tam Kumail. (Damjan Janevski) 520262_02

Writers continue their craft

For the Western Union Writers (WUW), turning 40 earlier this year was received as more of a milestone to embrace than a number to dread.

Since first putting pens to paper and minds together in 1985, the group has become one of the longest continuous writing groups in the country.

Considering the founders of the group, Kip Chauli, Bronwen Hickman and Helen Cerne are still active as treasurer, secretary, and coordinator, they might be one of the most consistent, too.

Given they have been working their craft by each other’s side for 40 years, you wouldn’t bet against the quality of their new anthology called Mind and Heart that was launched on 22 November.

The group is open to all fiction and non-fiction writers–poets, prose writers, novelists, historians, biographers, published, new and young writers.

Which probably explains why some of its members have become commissioned

historians, tutors or academics, professional writers, playwrights, publishers, editors and featured in writers’ festivals across the country.

Since their inception they have been involved with, assisted and organised writing events as part of major local events like the former Weerama Festival.

Members enjoy sharing their writing, storytelling and poetry with wine, cheese and laughter usually on the second Friday night of the month.

Certainly in no hurry to close this chapter in Wyndham’s literary history, the group welcomes anyone interested in literature and writing— whether fiction or non-fiction.

The group expressed their thanks to Wyndham council for cultural community grantsacrosstheyearsthathavesupported workshops, anthologies, local writing events and readings to take place.

Copies of the book are $20, for more email jamragg@optusnet.com.au

Briefs

Meet Santa Santa, the Point Cook Fire Brigade and the local SES will be visiting six local parks across Point Cook and Seabrook on Sunday 21 December. Stop one will be 9- 9.20am at Boardwalk Park, stop two 9.30-9.50am at Bensonhurst Parade Reserve, stop three 10-10.20am, at Alamanda Wetlands Park, stop four 10.40-11.10am at Crocodile Park in Saltwater, stop five 11.30-11.50am at Regatta Park in Sanctuary Lakes, and stop six non.10-12.30pm at Seabrook Community Centre. Visitors are urged to be careful about where they park as the fire truck will need room to pass through. The event will be a chance to revel in Christmas joy with family, friends and to learn about the work first responders do.

Free English lesson

Members of the community who do not speak English as their first language and want to improve their conversation skills are encouraged to visit the Hoppers Crossing Library on Monday 8 December. Hosted by Wyndham City Libraries, the event will run from 11am-noon. The session will primarily focus on practicing English speaking and listening skills, meeting new people, and building confidence with the language in practical scenarios. The library is located within the Pacific Werribee shopping centre complex. It is suitable for adults with lower-intermediate English skills. Registration not required. Details: 8734 8999.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT

Web: starweekly.com.au Wyndham Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Helen Cerne, Margaret Campbell, Carol Rowlands, Jonathon Grifﬁths and Indika Fernando. (Damjan Janevski) 518339_01

Delivering on Christmas

Australia Post’s Hoppers Crossing Delivery Centre is in the middle of its busiest time of year. Jaidyn Kennedy visited the team to get a peek at how they keep up with peak.

While the concept of mail itself is timeless, the way it is delivered is anything but.

AftermorethanthreedecadesatAustralia Post, Raymond Brown has seen first-hand how the delivery of mail has transformed.

“I have been in the job for 37 years, and 20 years ago, when I was a postie, your postie woulddeliveryourmail,theoddparcel,and your passport,” Mr Brown said.

“Then a guy in a van would pull up next and would deliver your parcel, another guy would deliver something else.

“Now, the postie can deliver it all. They have condensed their work area, but given them more to do in the area.“

Now the operations manager at the HoppersCrossingdeliverycentre,oneofthe busiest in that state with 141,000 addresses on its routes, devising ways to keep up with change is part and parcel of the job.

The busy season – or peak– is one of those things that keeps on changing Mr Brown said.

“Peak used to be December. Now, some years it will start in mid-November and then the next year it is the first week of November– so anytime October starts to come around, get ready for peak.”

We still have an obligation to the community because our grandma still posts a letter. We’ll get that letter to you for sure, but the rest of the community want their parcels

- Raymond Brown

Mr Brown said the global pandemic fundamentally changed consumer habits, and Australian retailers adopting the North American Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales that fall in late November super-charged online shopping.

“People stopped going to the shops – a lot of the older people still like going to the shops, but a lot of the younger ones just say I’ll shop online,” he said.

“Like anywhere in the world, someone says go a week earlier– we’ll get to the market.”

And if Australia Post’s latest quarterly eCommerce report is anything to go, the market is certainly in their catchment area.

The 3029 postcode, which includes Hoppers Crossing, Tarneit and Truganina, topped the list for online shopping nationwide.

Postcode 3030, home to Point Cook, Werribee and Werribee South, wasn’t far behind in fourth position.

Postcodes 3024, 3027 and 3028 in Wyndham and a small part of Hobsons Bay also fall under its catchment.

The centre delivered more than 2.8 million articles last peak, and is expecting a 20 per cent increase this season.

Delivery manager Alex Luca, who has been with the company for more than 40 years, said rapid population growth and shopping trends equate to having to hire three new people each year.

“Last year we delivered 501,000 small parcels and 635,000 large parcels and that was just in peak–like six weeks,” Mr Luca said.

“This year the expectation is for posties with the small parcels to go up to 572,000 and for the large parcels to be 660,000 – so there’s significant growth.”

Mr Brown said growing suburbs are not easy to keep up with.

“In the growth areas it’s still difficult because there might be a house at number one and then vacant land until number 17,” he said.

“You go down one street one day and you go down it a month later and you are like there are six new houses here.”

The map he put up in his office a year ago is living proof of that.

“I made that for me because we are in the process of change and I’m trying to capture the growth as it’s growing,” he said.

“It was great when I put it up 12 months ago, but I think I might have to go back to Melways and get another one.”

And while its been a while since Mr

Brown and Mr Luca were posties, but they still haven’t lost the sense of what it takes to get the job done.

Naturally, that starts with the mode of transport.

Australia Post has been rolling out new electric three-wheel bikes with built-in canopies, aptly named Rapide 3.

The vehicle can reach 80km/h, allowing posties to alternate between main roads and pedestrian paths.

Itcancarryupto150parcelsataonce,but there’s no avoiding having to cut inventory at times.

“They can only carry so much on the vehicle, so we send it out in bags and they get to that point with the green bin, get what is left and keep going,” Mr Brown said.

The expansion of 24-hour parcel lockers have been one of the ways to meet the consumer half way – especially as their habits have changed.

“Yougethomeat7pm–postofficeisshut–ah great, I can go to the parcel locker and scan, Mr Brown said. And as parcel numbers continue to surge, Mr Brown said Australian Post still takes its obligations to letters seriously.

“We don’t forget this [letters], but we work reallyhardtosustaintheparcelvolume,”he said.

“We still have an obligation to the community because our grandma still posts a letter.

“We’llgetthatlettertoyouforsure,butthe rest of the community want their parcels.”

Left: The senior team at the Hoppers Crossing Delivery Centre: Alex Luca, Mario Pastore, Michael Prasad, Richard Camileri, Stasie Cassar and Raymond Brown. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 518138_07 Right: Senior postal delivery ofﬁcer Jack Nottelmann picking up mail for his route. 518138_01

Jack Nottelmann ready to hit the road. 518138_05

Fashion, horses and family fun at the Werribee Cup

The Picklebet Werribee Cup is back on Sunday 7 December and it’s shaping up to be one of the biggest days on the Wyndham communitycalendar.

With free entry for kids and free kids’ activities running all afternoon, it’s the perfect chance for families to settle in for a huge day of action and live entertainment withoutblowingthebudget.

Kidsnotonlyhavefreeadmissionbutwill enjoyunlimitedaccesstothegiantinflatable challenge, facepainting, giveaways and plenty of space to run around. A picnic rug

and a few snacks are all you need to enjoy the sprawling lawns and easy Cup Day atmosphere, or you can let the food trucks temptyouwithsweetandsavourytreats.

For adults, general admission is just $25. Bookingonlinegivesyouexpressscanentry at the gates, which means you can skip the queues and get straight inside and into the fun.

Get together with friends and family to cheer home the feature races, enjoy live entertainment and try your luck in the PicklejarKickforCashforashareof$10,000

(entrants 18 years+). Land your kick in the giant Picklejar and you could walk away withaseriouspayday.

Werribee Racing Club general manager Adam Wilkinson said his staff have been looking forward to Cup Day for months and cannotwaittowelcomeguestsoncourse.

“Our team has been so excited to plan such a great day for our local community, withsomethingforeveryonetoenjoyacross ajam-packedafternoon,”hesaid.

Most hospitality packages have now sold out, which shows how strongly the

community has backed this year’s Cup. A small number of tickets remain in The Bridge Hotel Marquee, which bundles your admission, exclusive marquee access, elevated views of the home straight, lounge stylefurniture,adeliciousfeedbytheBridge Hotel, live music and five hours of drinks. It’s fantastic value and a genuine ‘walk in, don’tbringathing’optionwhereyourentire racedayissortedinjustafewclicks.

Book now at https://country.racing.com/ werribee

Gather friends for a great day out at the Werribee Cup.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors

40 years ago 4 December 1985

The recent surprise temporary closure of Werribee’s community services office angered councillors and council officers, caught MLA Ken Coghill in the dark and left Community Services regional manager John Gadsden blaming it on staff shortages.

30 years ago 29 November 1995

Many Werribee families are facing a bleak Christmas this year because of theburdenofpayingoffhomemortgage loans, a welfare worker said last week.

20 years ago 7 December 2005

Hundreds of ducks at the Western Treatment Plant wetlands have been killed by an unconfirmed illness, in the biggest incident of its kind so far recorded.

26 Bolivar Esplanade,

A wonderful opportunity to secure a home offering open plan living, three comfortable bedrooms and a double car garage, ideally suited to those seeking comfort, scope and future potential. With generous spaces and a layout that encourages you to add your own personal touch, this residence is perfectly suited to buyers who are ready to carry forward the improvements already started and bring their own vision to life. Offering everyday convenience and the flexibility to evolve with your lifestyle, this home provides a strong foundation for those looking to complete the remaining works and create something truly special within the sought-after Allura Estate.

Paul Caine 0421 551 051 paul.caine@ljhooker.com.au Mary Jamal 0451 145 598 mary.jamal@ljhooker.com.au

10 years ago 2 December 2015

The number of parking fines issued across Wyndham has has skyrocketed over the past quarter … and business owners and residents are not happy.

Toy drive is on the move

The annual Christmas Toy Drive run by western suburbs based not-for-profit, West Welcome Wagon, is underway again in an effort to ensure children fromasylumseekerandrefugeefamilies have a merry Christmas in 2025.

The toys donated during the drive will be wrapped and distributed to more than 500 asylum seeker and refugee families across Melbourne’s west so their children have presents to unwrap on the morning of 25 December.

This year West Welcome Wagon is collaborating with inner-west Bandego Bank branches for the toy drive, with donations being accepted at Seddon, Altona and Laverton and Williamstown community banks now. Donations can also be dropped off at the Sunshine office of Fraser MP, Daniel Mulino and at the West Welcome Wagon warehouse in Sunshine West.

West Welcome Wagon chief executive Colette McInerney said the Christmas Toy Drive was a highlight of their year.

“Each Christmas, West Welcome Wagon delights in providing gifts to more than 1,000 children from asylum seeker and refugee families across Melbourne’s west,” Ms McInerny said.

“Thistraditionisonlypossiblebecause of the kindness of our community.

“Right now, we’re urgently needing gifts for young people aged 11 to 16.

“Anysupportyoucanofferwillmakea world of difference.”

Ms McInerney also thanked those who’vealreadydonatedtothisyear’stoy drive which began on 18 November.

“Your generosity brings joy where it’s needed most,” she said.

To find out more and to donate, visit: https://www.westwelcomewagon.org. au/

West Welcome Wagon community engagement coordinator Fay Salem (left) and chief executive Colette McInerney sort through donations to its annual Christmas Toy Drive which is underway now. (Damjan Janevski) 518832_01

Faces of the west

Each week StarWeekly photographers are out and about capturing events and people across the west. Keep an eye on this new weekly section for faces you may know.

Mercy Hospital awarded

Werribee Mercy Hospital has won the Victorian Healthcare Award for its neonatal and paediatric Hospital in the Home (HITH) program.

The model allows babies and children to receive hospital-level treatment safely whileinthecomfortoftheirownhome,and won top spot in the Care in the Community category.

Families receive tailored support with feeding, monitoring and phototherapy treatment for jaundice, holistic disease management, and ongoing clinical assessments,withoutaninpatientstay.

By shifting appropriate care into the home, the HITH program reduces pressure onhospitalbeds.

Director of paediatrics Dr Kathy McMahon said the award acknowledges a program built around compassion, cultural responsivenessandfamilyneeds.

“The service delivers true hospital-level care in the place where families feel the safest,theirownhome,”DrMcMahonsaid.

“It keeps parents close to their baby, builds confidence and strengthens their understandingoftheirchild’scare.

“We’re incredibly proud of the difference this program is making for families in our community.”

Between February 2022 and June 2024, 932 of 2240 neonatal admissions were transferred to HITH, with infants recording excellent average daily weight gains and requiring fewer hospital visits compared withtraditionalinpatientpathways.

Paediatrician and medical lead of paediatric and neonatal HITH services Dr Jye Gard said the success of the program reflects both clinical strength and communitytrust.

“Families tell us every day how much it means to keep their baby at home, and the outcomesareoutstanding,”DrGardsaid.

“It reduces multiple stressors for the family, strengthens bonding, improves feeding, health outcomes and gives parents realconfidence.”

Duke Street Community House’s Filomena Parente and Thi Do, and below, Felicia Oleka and express art workshop facilitator Augustine Ang.

(Pictures: Ljubica Vrankovic) 516067

John Hamilton and Nathan Shea have been recognised for their work with the B-24 Liberator Memorial Australia in Point Cook. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 518122_01

Mawout Muo is one of the faces of Respect Victoria’s campaign during the 16 days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence, which began on 25 November and ends on 10 December. (Damjan Janevski) 518097_01

Brothers on K owner Eli Touma, Marie ‘Gremlin’ Grima, Jenni Dunn and Andrew Cakebread are collecting toys for Wyndham children. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 517598_03

Sureway International Christian Ministries of Melton’s Reverend William Osagiede with Melton acting sergeant Joanne Mutsearts and sergeant Luke Prats Sergeant are taking part in a program to donate hampers to people in need this Christmas. (Damjan Janevski) 518725_05

Secretary of the Department of Health Jenny Atta, Mercy Health clinical nurse specialist Sharnee Lowry, Mercy Health paediatrician Jye Gard, Mercy Health clinical director of paediatrics Professor Kathy McMahon

Pathology people power

By Christopher Carter, CEO, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network

Being a passive patient can be very frustrating. Not knowing what’s making you feel ill, waiting to be told by your GP or specialist,andthenwaitingagaintobetold whattodonextcanmakeyoufeelpowerless.

It’s been recognised for a long time that putting decisions back into a patient’s hands – by making them a key part of their own care team – can lead to much better outcomes.

It’s cliché, but a true one: knowledge is power. The more information – reliable, evidence-backed information – that a patient has, the better the questions they canasktheircareteam.

Important changes introduced a couple ofweeksagobytheAustralianGovernment go a long way towards making sure people have access to information about their own health.

Pathology tests are a big part of health care. We get tested for all sorts of things –sometimes, multiple times within a short period.

But until now, once you’ve had the test done you’ve had to wait to find out the results. There’s always a bit of time needed forthepathologylabstoanalysesamples,of course,butthentherealwaitingstarts.

TheresultsgotoyourGPoryourspecialist andsometimesdayspassbeforeyou’reable to discover what they’ve found. That can be frustrating,andworrying.

Butnow–nomore.

Changes to how pathology results are distributed mean that your results are uploaded to your centralised health record – known, predictably, as My Health Record

– at the same time they land in your GP’s inbox.

My Health Record is also linked to an app, called – you guessed it – my health. Test results will also be uploaded there, for peoplewhopreferthatkindofthing.

Of course, it is vitally important for every one of us to discuss any results with a GP or specialist before making any decisions. But this new immediate access makes it easiertodoso,becauseyouarebothlooking

atthesamedata. Itmeanspatientshavemoreinformation. And that means deeper understanding, smarter questions, and more meaningful conversations.

It’s important to know that this system isn’t fully automatic. As a patient, you can alwaystellthepathologistthatyouwantthe results of any particular tests kept private –andtheywon’tbeuploaded.

But this change also means that if

managing your health means you have to bounce around between your GP, a hospital and some outpatient clinics, the information they all might need is in your digital record. This ensures that everyone inyourhealthcareteamisintheloop–and thatyoucanmakesureofthis. Ifyou’renotsurewhetheryourMyHealth Record is fully set up, it’s easy to check. Just go to the My Health Record website and followtheinstructions.

Festive craft to bring Christmas cheer

Each month, Stephanie Martinez will share an exciting craft project designed to inspire and spark creativity.

Stephanie starred in the first season of Making It on Network 10, where she discoveredandignitedherpassionfor crafting.

Join Stephanie as she explores the endless possibilities of crafting and turn everyday materials into something extraordinary.

This month, Stephanie is creating mini Christmas trees.

Mini Christmas Tree

Materials

Green and white yarn

Styrofoam cone

Coloured felt

Equipment

Glue

Scissors

Needle

Step 1: Wrap the green yarn around the entire styrofoam cone, securing it with glue as you go until the cone is completely covered.

Step 2: Cut the coloured felt into strips, then trim them into small squares. Thread the white yarn through the needle, and string the felt squares onto it to create a festive garland.

Step 3: Attach one end of the garland to the base of the tree with glue. Wrap it gently around the cone, securing it in place as you go.

Step 4: Finish your tree by gluing the glitter foam star to the top.

Stephanie Martinez.

Exploring Filipino culture

AnoriginalFilipinomonodrama,exploring themes of migration, nationhood, identity, and political history through the lens of Filipinofolklore,isopeningearlyDecember.

‘The Encounters - Mga Salubong’ creator and director Ricardo Magno said the play focusesonthreemaincharacters.

“It’s about a grandmother, a mother and a daughter … it’s largely about intergenerational relationships and family but also about migration…migrants grappling with questions regarding their identity and wanting to know more about theirfamilyandrelationships,”Magnosaid.

The play incorporates the physical theatre genre, which emphasises the

actor’s movement of their body through storytelling.

Magno said movement of the body helps Mayen Estamero, the sole performer of the play, distinguish between the three characterssheplays.

“... Really just letting the actor’s body and voiceenrichthetextandevencommunicate certain ideas that might not be in the text but intuited by the actor and their body,” Magnosaid.

Magno said the show provides an opportunity to share Filipino culture with locals, while connecting with members of theFilipinocommunity.

“Wewanttheaudiencetobeabletoknow

a little more about Filipinos — where we come from, what we go through. It’s largely aboutmigrationaswell,”Magnosaid.

“There’s a big Filipino community in Brimbank and we want to reach out to them.”

‘The Encounters - Mga Salubong’ will be showingattheBoweryTheatre,33Princess Street, St Albans on Friday 5 December, from 7-8pm, and Sunday 7 December, from 6-7pm.

The show is supported by Brimbank council through its Bowery Theatre residencyprogram,andissuitabletowatch forpeopleaged14andolder.

Details:creativebrimbank.com.au

Preparing for Melton’s merry carols event

Hannah Watts Park is set to light up with festive cheer as Melton’s Carol by Candlelights returns on Saturday 13 December.

The much-loved, free family-friendly celebration will begin with a special screening of The Santa Clause movie, followed by performances from local schoolsandcommunitygroups.

Thoseplanningtoattendcanlookforward to a vibrant atmosphere filled with food trucks, market stalls, face painting, and a festive neon trail featuring large colourful lightdisplays.

The little ones can also write their own letter to Santa through a craft workshop, with the Santa Claus himself taking part in themerryevent.

Folks taking part are encouraged to bring along a picnic blanket and settle in for an evening of music and joy, with a dedicated accessible viewing area and a sensory friendly area being made available for all those to enjoy the festive fun.

Melton Mayor Lara Carli said the event is the perfect opportunity to bring the communitytogether.

“CarolsbyCandlelightisawonderfulway to welcome the festive season, enjoy each other’s company, and embrace community spirit,”CrCarlisaid.

“Carols are such an important part of Christmas, and this is one of my favourite events of the year. I can’t wait to see everyone come together for this wonderful communitycelebration.”

The event is set to kick off at 5pm on Saturday 13 December at Hannah Watts Park, 183-225 High Street, Melton, and will concludeat9.30pm.

Details:melton.vic.gov.au/carols

Saturday of the dog

Saturday 6 December will be a dogs’ day out in Yarraville with the Sun Theatre hosting a cinematic celebrationoftheWesternBulldogsto mark the club’s 100th anniversary in theVFL-AFL.

Unsurprisingly the day will begin with a screening of the iconic 1997 documentary, Year of the Dog, that captures raw passion, loyalty, and heart of the Bulldogs community as theclubgoesthroughanon-fieldand off-field transition ahead of the new century.

A much more recent documentary, Dogma, will then have its premiere screening.

The locally produced documentary offers a fresh and intimate look at the club’s cultural significance through the eyes of fans and filmmakers from thewesternsuburbs.

A panel discussion and book launch will then be held, including special guests Shaz and Carlos who feature in the film, as well as the publishers of Bulldogs Through and Through, the club’s official 100-year commemorativebook.

3AW’s and Laura Spurway will moderateasMC.

The third and final film of the day, The Outsiders, a powerful and emotional documentary chronicling the Bulldogs’ historic rise, resilience, andultimatetriumphinthe2016AFL Premiership,willthenbeshown.

BulldogiconBobMurphy,whowas famously on the dias to help raise the premiership cup that day, will be on-stage for a panel discussion to closeoutthisdogdaytoo.

Copies of Bulldogs Through & Through will be available for purchase as will Western Bulldogs merchandise.

To book tickets and for more information, visit: https://tinyurl. com/w885mtjv

Learn to decorate gingerbread people at free Christmas workshop

As the calendar flicks over to December and Christmas decorations come out of closets and into shopping centres and onto streets, you may start to crave the taste of gingerbread.

For those more inclined in the culinary arts, making gingerbread men might be part of their festive season fun. However, even gingerbread men or ladies deserve to go out in style. Wyndham council will be hosting severalgingerbreaddecorationworkshops in Werribee and they are free for all ages.

SituatedattheWedgeStreetPiazzanear

Watton Street and the Werribee River just across the road from the Cultural Centre, the workshops will not be hard to spot.

Participants will have creative control over icing and sweets, as they work towards creating their masterpieces and enticing treats.

The first session will run 3-6pm on Saturday 6 December, and is not far from the screening Home Alone 2 at Kelly Park.

Coinciding with the Twilight Christmas Market on Station Place, the second session will happen 4-7pm on Friday 12 December.

And last– but certainly not least– the

final chance to join in will be from 10am-1pm on Sunday 14 December.

No bookings are required for any of the sessions.

While in Werribee town, people can have a gander at the big Christmas tree in Station Place and snap a photo at one of the designated selfie spots to share on social media.

Those wanting to share their memories can use the #werribeecitycentre and #wyndhamchristmas hashtags.

To see all of Wyndham’s Christmas events, visit: https://www.wyndham.vic. gov.au/events

Melton City Mayor Lara Carli with mum Jasmine Lynch and her kids Liam, 10, and Annabelle, 12, and Carla and Derek Bendall from MPA Singers. (Damjan Janevski) 520111_03

Actor Mayen Estamero. (Damian Vincenzi)

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Christmas tree fundraiser

The Rotary Club of Hoppers Crossing will be selling freshly cut Christmas trees at the Rotary shed on Derrimut Road between 9am-5pm on 6-7 December. All funds go to Rotary and the various groups they support through their volunteer work.

Christmas crafts at Iramoo Western Homeschoolers Community is warmly inviting all to its Christmas craft market at the Iramoo Community Centre on 4 December. The parent-led community is running the event in conjunction with the centre to raise funds for the group and to foster social connections.

Wyndham Makers and Farmers Market

This market serves as a hub for talented artisans and small businesses to display their unique creations, connect with fellow entrepreneurs, and take their ventures to new heights. Food trucks, live music and children’s activities are regular staples. Runs on the third Sunday of every month at Werribee Racecourse. Gold coin entry.

Wyndham Carols by Candlelight

Wyndham Carols by Candlelight is returning to the Great Lawn for 2025. On Saturday 13 December, some of the best local talent will deliver Christmas cheer at the biggest carols event in Victoria outside of the CBD. Visitors will also have the chance to view the traditional nativity procession on the Great Lawn.

 Tickets, wyndhamcarols.org.au

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. Contact  altonaview@gmail.com or Julie, 0421 315 846

The Creative Corner

A program to create an inclusive

environment for young people from different schools to come together and learn new skills and ways to be creative. The program will aim to teach a variety of different skills and allow young people to create projects with different mediums each week. Meets every Monday from 3.30-5.30pm at the Youth Services Centre, 1 Everton Road, Truganina.

 Jordyn Grifﬁths, YouthInWyndham@ wyndham.vic.gov.au

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

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

Wyndham

National seniors meeting

On the ﬁrst Wednesday of every month at 1.30pm, the metro west branch of national seniors meets at the Deer Park Club, with meals available to purchase. The group also holds lunches on different Fridays each month, as well as activities such as theatre visits, bus trips and more.

 0425 713 004, or lesley1.collins@outlook.com

Practise English with Let’s Talk

A weekly meet to help members of the community improve their practical English conversation skills to help with daily tasks such as shopping and booking appointments. Meets 10am each Saturday at Werribee Church of Christ, 200 Tarneit Road, Werribee  Bronwyn, 9741 6051

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 10 am at The Brook Point Cook, 215 Sneydes Road, Point Cook.  John Sloan, 0436 480 728 or sloanrisk@gmail.com

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

With One Voice Wyndham Choir

With One Voice Wyndham Choir is a community choir open to all. The community choir welcomes all ages, abilities, faiths, cultures and genders and is directed by a very experienced and friendly professional conductor. Fun weekly rehearsals and amazing performance opportunities are provided. They sing for an hour and then have a cuppa. The ﬁrst two visits are free; and then payment is by tax-deductible donation. Tuesday evenings, 7-8.30pm, at Wayaperri House, 106 Duncans Road, Werribee.

 wyndham@withonevoice.org.au

Adult community garden group

The group meets on the ﬁrst Wednesday of the month, 10-11am, at Iramoo Community Centre, 84 Honour Avenue, Wyndham Vale. Head down and join them as they maintain their rejuvenated community garden. Planting and harvesting produce that they grow.

 8742 3688

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

Bingo for all

The Werribee RSL hosts Bingo every Monday between 12.30-2.30pm.

 9741 5525

Western Budgerigar Club

The Western Suburbs Budgerigar Club meets at 7.30pm on the third Thursday of each month at Masonic Hall, 223 Watton Street, Werribee. Meet other members who are also passionate about breeding Budgerigars.

 Don, 0414 975 862

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of siblings Samuel, 4, Sienna, 9, and Sebastian, 5, outside their home. (Damjan Janevski) 519428_01

PUZZLES

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

14 Point above focus of an earthquake (9)

15 Distressing (9)

17 Dissect (7)

18 Directories (7)

21 Bottles, windows, etc. (5) 23 Furniture item (5) 24 Laundry appliance (5)

Using the nine letters in

four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.

1 TheVirginSuicides (1999), Lost in Translation (2003) and Marie Antoinette (2006) are all films by which American filmmaker?

2 Stretching roughly 30,000km from Alaska to Argentina, what is the name of the longest motorway in the world?

3 Published posthumously, Ariel is a 1965 collection of poetry by which American writer?

4 Paccheri, garganelli and bucatini are all kinds of what?

5 Which animal has the largest eyes of any land animal?

6 True or false: monocytes are a type of red blood cell?

7 SpicksandSpecks is a 1966 song by which band?

8 Corsica is an island belonging to which nation?

9 Which Greek god was the twin brother of Artemis?

10 Emma Thompson (pictured) plays which character in the Harry Potter film series?

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Which team did North Melbourne defeat to qualify for the 2025 AFLW Grand Final?

2. Travis Head's century in the First Test at Perth came from how many balls?

3. Which former AFLW player was named Gold Coast’s new general manager of women’s football?

4. Which team did the Brisbane Lions defeat to qualify for the 2025 AFLW Grand Final?

5. Which NRL great is set to be the inaugural coach of the Perth Bears expansion team?

6. Adelaide 36ers basketballer Bryce Cotton played for which US college?

7. Which fictional football coach did actor Kyle Chandler portray in FridayNightLights?

Women's world No.1 golfer Jeeno Thitikul hails from which country in Southeast Asia?

The Roughriders defeated the Alouettes in which Canadian league's 2025 championship game?

10. Tusky is the ice-skating costumed mascot for which NHL team?

11. Which two soccer players were jointly awarded the FIFA Player of the 20th Century award?

12. William Webb Ellis is credited with inventing what sport?

13. Which tennis tournament is often referred to as the ‘fifth slam’?

14. Max Dowman recently became the youngest player in Champions League history: how old is he?

15. In rugby league, how many tackles do you get before losing possession?

16. Cristiano Ronaldo recently scored an overhead kick in Al-Nassr’s 4-1 win over Al-Khaleej. What are overhead kicks more commonly known as?

17. Gold Coast Suns selected Zeke Uwland with which pick in the 2025 AFL draft?

18. Which 1990s female boxer's rise is chronicled in a biographical sports drama starring Sydney Sweeney?

19. In an upcoming A24 film starring Timothée Chalamet, the character Marty Mauser is inspired by which real-life table tennis legend?

20. Clayton Oliver has moved to which AFL team in the offseason?

21. In ice hockey, how long must a player leave the ice for commiting a minor penalty?

22. And what is the only ice hockey posistion exempt from leaving the ice if penalised?

23. Which two numbers are red in a standard set of pool balls?

24. Glen Powell plays the titular character in which Disney+ sports comedy series?

25. The IGF is the governing body of which sport?

26. Which sport, introduced as a medal event in the 1965 Southeast Asian Games, is regarded as Malaysia's national sport?

27. Which band with a sports-related name has a hit called Ocean Avenue?

28. Hailee Steinfeld is married to which NFL quarterback?

29. In which year did the Central Coast Mariners last win a championship?

30. The Vancouver Warriors and Las Vegas Desert Dogs are teams in which league?

Tasman is good - it had to be

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll know that the Kia Tasman is Kia’s first ute.

And it has a big task ahead of it as Kia attempts to acquire a chunk of the lucrative light commercial market.

Now the number four brand in the Australian market, the South Korean car maker has come a long way in the past decade.

But it can’t take the fight up to market leader Toyota without a ute as part of its arsenal – and what a ute it is.

Together with partner Hyundai, the pair arenownumbertwoinsales,withToyotain its sights.

Styling

The Tasman dual cab ute is priced from $46,490 driveaway for the 4×2 S.

There are five grades: S, SX, SX+, X-Line, andX-Pro,withallbuttheentrySfour-wheel drive.

Single Cab Chassis is offered in either S 4×2 ($38,010), S 4×4 ($45,010), or SX 4×4 ($49,520),whiletheDualCabChassiscomes as either S 4×4 ($48,240) or SX 4×4 ($52,740).

On road costs must be added to the cab chassis prices, but the following dual cab figures are driveaway – no more to pay.

TheDualCabPick-Upspansallfivegrades, from S 4×2 ($46,490) to S 4×4 ($53,890), SX 4×4 ($58,490), SX+ 4×4 ($66,490), X-Line 4×4 ($70,990), and X-Pro 4×4 ($77,990).

In this report we’re looking at the dual cab version and our test vehicle was the top-of-the-line X-Pro priced from $77,990 driveaway.

The Kia design team has deliberately shunned the familiar form language that has dominated the pickup genre for decades.

It says this fresh approach strips away the unnecessary to begin with a basic, honest form that highlights the vehicle’s sense of solid power through simple yet functional elements, without relying on the oversized styling that has come to dominate the pickup segment.

Note the X-Line and X-Pro are fitted with a differently styled grille and front bumper.

Standard equipment includes 17-inch steel wheels, cloth trim and dual zone climate air, adaptive cruise control, auto high beam, dusk-sensing lights, auto wipers for SX+ and above, auto-dimming rear view mirror on SX+ and above, LED head and daytime running lights, smart key with push-button start, front and rear parking sensors,andintegratedtrailerbrakecontrol.

By the time you get to X-Pro there’s alloys with all-terrain rubber, artificial leather trim, tinted windows, heated and cooled seats, heated steering wheel, power adjust front seats, ambient mood lighting, tilt and slide sunroof, auto-dip on reverse mirrors, front, side and reverse parking sensors as well as a tray liner – to name some features.

Tasmanincludesthebrand’s10must-have sustainability items such as a crash pad made from bio-plastics, seats crafted with recycled PET fabric and bio-PU synthetic leather, a paint composition that includes BTX-free and bio-paint, and an interior carpet is made from recycled PET material.

Tasman is covered by Kia’s seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty, with three-, five- and seven-year prepaid service plans available.

Infotainment

Kia’s latest integrated infotainment display, comprises a 12.3-inch driver screen, 5.0-inch climate control and 12.3-inch multimedia displays.

There’s also voice control, multi-connect

Bluetooth, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Sounds of Nature background noise, six-speaker generic audio and Kia Connect with intelligent remote-control functions as well as innovative in-car services and Over-The-Air (OTA) updates.

SXaddsbuilt-insatellitenavigation,while X-Lineaddsdoublewirelessphonecharging and X-Pro adds eight-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound.

Weirdly SX+ only gets single wireless charging. Stepping up to the X-Line reverts to a double charger.

There are two USB-C ports in the front as well as a 12-volt outlet and another two USB-C ports on the side of the front seats for use in the back, along with a 240-volt outlet.

The position of the front passenger seat can also be adjusted from the back.

Safety

Tasmangetsafive-starratingforsafetyfrom the ANCAP organisation, but this rating specifically excludes the X-Line and X-Pro versions of the ute which remain unrated.

Seven airbags are standard, including a centre airbag which provides added protection to front seat occupants in side impact crashes.

There’s also a 360-degree reversing, together with Autonomous emergency braking (Car-to-Car, Vulnerable Road User, Junction & Crossing and Head-On), as well as a lane-support system with lane keep assist(LKA),lanedeparturewarning(LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK), and an advancedspeedassistancesystem(SAS)are standard across the lineup.

Notably absent on the top-of-the-line X-Pro is head-up display.

Two top tether and two ISOFix child restraint anchor points are provided in the rear.

A full-size alloy spare is provided.

Engines/transmissions

The 2.2-litre engine produces 154kW of power at 3800 rpm and 440Nm of torque from 1750-2750 rpm.

It’spairedwithaconventionaleight-speed automatic transmission, including paddle shifters.

Driving

Basedonanall-newladderchassisplatform, Tasman has a kerb weight of 2237kg and is 5410mm long, 1930mm wide, with a 3270mm wheelbase and in the case of X-Pro

240-volt power outlet.

However, the plastic corner steps appear prone to damage because of their position and one had already received a scrape.

The dash with its sweeping infotainment panel is a feature of most models in the Kia lineup, but the surrounding honeycomb trim is a departure.

Separatecontrolsareprovidedforvolume and air, with other touch sensitive shortcut buttons located below the air vents.

RATINGS

Looks: 8/10

Performance: 7.5/10

Safety: 7.5/10

Thirst: 8/10

Practicality: 7.5/10

Comfort: 7/10

Tech: 7.5/10

Value: 7.5/10

Overall: 7.6/10

stands 1920mm high.

The off-road focused X-Pro has been specifically engineered for off-road performance, with 252mm of ground clearance and an 800mm water fording ability.

It’s equipped with 17-inch gloss-black alloys with all-terrain tyres and offers enhanced off-road performance thanks to a 28mm higher ride height.

There are also no pesky side steps to get hung up on, but of course that makes entry and exit more difficult for the 99 per cent of the time it will spend on the road.

Suspension is double-wishbone at the frontwitharigidaxleandleafspringsunder the back, incorporating vertically mounted shock absorbers to ensure more effective damping and greater control, even at the extremes of suspension travel.

The suspension units are enhanced by Kia’s frequency selective Sensitive Damper Control (SDC) and Hydraulic Rebound Stop technology.

The brakes are ventilated discs front and back.

A gross vehicle mass of 3250kg across all variants,contributestoagrosscombination mass (GCM) rating of 6200kg.

AllTasmanscancarryapayloadinexcess of one tonne, with even the better equipped X-Pro 4×4 capable of carrying 1013kg. All grades are rated to tow 3500kg braked load.

Dual cab variants are also available with a reduced payload option specifically at meeting the criteria for novated leases, which often require a payload of under 1000kg.

Helping to make towing heavier loads as safe as possible is an Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (ITBC) which integrates with Towing Mode (TBC), enabling the driver to set up specific loads and optimise all other towing related functions including Trailer Sway Control.

Dual Cab pick-up set a new benchmark for tub size, at 1512mm in length, 1572mm wide and 540mm deep, with the ability to accommodate an Australian-sized pallet.

Given its size we expected more legroom in the back, but it’s not much more than adequate.

X-Line and X-Pro feature under-seat storage with a slide and recline function for the second-row seating.

Another segment first is a folding console table on X-Line and X-Pro.

Rear bumper corner steps provide easy access to the tub which has two lights plus a

However, there’s no shortcut for the radio which we found difficult to access.

The dash from 0-100km/h takes 10.4 seconds and, with an 80-litre tank, fuel consumption is a claimed 8.1L/100km. That gives it a theoretical range of 988km.

The advanced 4×4 system includes a low-range transfer case, rear differential lock, and an intelligent traction control system – the requisite for serious off-road adventure.

A Ground View Monitor (GVM) provides drivers with a further level of confidence while traversing challenging off-road terrain.

Drive is to the rear wheels in 2H, or to all four wheels as required in 4A.

Lock in 4H and Drive is split evenly between the front and rear wheels.

Moving to 4L requires stopping and putting transmission it engages, which takes only a few seconds.

Drive modes include Eco, Sport, Normal, Tow and MyDrive, plus Snow, Mud, Sand, Rock all-terrain selections.

There’s also an off-road section in the infotainment system.

It’s a lot of information to digest, so we’ve tried to keep it to the essentials.

With zero preconceptions, we found Tasman engaging and comfortable to drive, with predictable handling.

Even Mrs Riley enjoyed driving this one and she’s no pushover.

We took the time to take the X-Pro for a spin down our favourite fire trail, which includes some low range sections. No worries. Tasman is just as enjoyable and capable to drive off-road as it is on. It feels relaxed and confident, and ride quality is impressive – even over rough terrain.

This is a real ute, not a pretend one, with the necessary credentials to take up the fight to the three established utes that are now a regular inclusion in the list of the top 10 selling vehicles in Australia.

We clocked up 534km at a rate of 8.9L/100km. A 60km run down the freeway returned 6.5L while the trip computer showed a long-term average of 11.2L after 3700km.

Not bad. Not bad at all.

Summing up

Kia Tasman is good and it had to be, as Kia’s first offering in this segment of the market. It’s easier to lose customers than it is to win them back again and Tasman has all the hallmarks of a winner.

Having said that, buyers, especially ute buyers, tend to be followers of fashion – and that means they want the same Hilux or Ranger as their mates.

Tasman’sstylingwillbepolarisingandwe note both the brand and name are stamped onthetailgate,justsothere’snomistakingit for anything else.

At the end of the day there’s no point doingthesameoldthingaseveryoneelse,is there? But who’ll be the first to break ranks?

The off-road focused X-Pro has been speciﬁcally engineered for off-road performance. (Supplied)

Rain was again the story

By Tara Murray

Hoppers Crossing again had to settle for a draw after rain impacted results in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association on Saturday.

For the second time in as many matches, the Cats have managed to get on the ground despite heavy rain in the lead up and on game day but haven’t been able to finish the match.

The Cats had made 345 on day one of its match with Bayswater with Bibek Virk and Wajh e Ali Bangash finishing 86 not out.

The two sides were able to get 67 overs of action on Saturday but neither side were able to get a result.

Bayswater finished 5-220 from the overs

after being in trouble at 2-18. Brett Smith and Sai Surapaneni took two wickets each for the Cats.

After six rounds, the Cats sit in fourth spot with three wins and a loss to go with two draws

While the Cats played out a draw, Werribee didn’t even get on the ground on Saturday.

The Tigers had a big run chase on their hands against Balwyn which had made 302 on day one of the match.

The two sides had to settle for a draw due to the rain.

The Tigers sit seventh on the ladder, three points outside the top six.

In round seven, the Cats face Mt Waverley and Werribee is at home to Noble Parkin

two-dayers on the next two Saturdays.

Rain also played a role on Sunday but both Werribee’s and Hoppers Crossing’s women’s side were able to get results in their respective competitions.

In the Cricket Victoria Women’s Community Cricket Competition shield (1) competition, Werribee lost to La Trobe University Flamewings.

The Tigers batted first and made 3-154 from their overs. Puneet kaur Dhillon top scored with 43 at the top of the order before being run out.

The Flamewings took the run chase to the final over as they hit the winning runs with three balls remaining.

The Flamewings finished 5-156. Harkirat kaur Sarkaria took two wickets for the Tigers.

Warriors stun Falcons, make it three in a row

By Tara Murray

It wasn’t the greatest conditions for spinners, but two spinners were able to spin Point Cook to victory and end Caroline Springs’ winning start to the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Roy Picone Shield season.

After a little bit of a slow start to the season, the Warriors have started to find form and made it three in a row on Saturday.

The Warriors had made 199 on day one of the clash with Neeten Chouhan making 87 at the top of the order.

They had the Falcons at 1-1 heading into day two.

Warriors captain-coach Shafraz Mohamed said it was a really good performance from their group across both days.

“It was a pretty big win and we bowled really well,” he said.

“On our home ground with 199 with our spinning attack we are always confident.

“To have them 1-1 overnight was really good and the rest was history and then the

spinners came into play.”

Mohamed said with rain in the lead up to the game and on match day, it was always going to be tough to grip the ball.

He said there was drizzle throughout the play and when the ball got wet it made it difficult.

“We’ve got four spinners,” he said. “Our two young ones couldn’t grip the ball.

“Myself and Suresh Thelge had to bowl the majority of the overs. He took five wickets and I took three to get them out for 118 in challenging conditions. It was a really good effort.

“They got a couple of partnerships and Salman Afridi barred really well, making 70 odd.

“With wickets falling at the other end we didn’t try to attack him and give him scoring opportunities.

“We tighten things around him.”

The win is the Warriors third of the season and continues their good form at home, having not lost on their home deck.

Mohamed said they found themselves in a good spot now.

After 10 rounds, the Tigers sit in ninth spot. Werribee faces Edinburgh in round 11 on Sunday.

In the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association women’s social T20 competition, the Cats lost to Gellibrand (2).

After being sent in, Gellibrand (2) made 2-134 from 15 overs in a shortened game. Sruthy Saseendran and Syeda Bahadur were the wicket takers for the Cats.

The Cats struggled to get going and finished 2-54.

Sophia Raissa top scored with 11 not out. The Cats sit in sixth spot, still without a win.

Hoppers Crossing will face Mambourin this Sunday.

Mitch Lloyd joins Werribee in VFL

Defender Mitch Lloyd will add to Werribee’s Victorian Football League ranks for next season.

Lloyd arrives at Melbourne Avalon Airport Oval after a breakout 2025 campaign in the Victorian Amatuer Football Association, where he claimed the league rising star award.

The 19-year-old made an immediate impact in premier men’s football, playing 16 games in his debut season and slotting seamlessly into the Blues backline.

Standing as a composed and athletic intercept defender, he averaged 18 disposals, 8 marks and 3 rebound 50s per game, quickly becoming a key pillar in defence.

Lloyd’s football journey began in the Hampden Football League with Koroit, progressing from the junior ranks to make his senior debut in 2022.

He also featured for the GWV Rebels in the Coates Talent League in 2023 and 2024.

In 2025, he moved to Melbourne to study at Deakin Burwood and played four games for Geelong’s VFL program.

Lloyd’s first taste of VFLcame in remarkable circumstances in round one this year.

“The youngsters are starting to gel and we’re now starting to win games,” he said.

“We’ve got a lot of experience and we have the perfect mix with some talented juniors.

“Things have taken shape since the Point Cook Centrals game and we’ve kept the momentum going.

“It has set the tone.”

The Warriors also had a win midweek in a super over against Sunshine Heights in the T20 competition adding to the momentum the group has.

The Warriors will face Kingsville in a Saturday-Sunday clash this weekend. Kingsville also sits in the top four at this points of the season.

“We’ve got a T20 against Wyndham Vale as well,” Mohamed said.

“It’s a lot of cricket but we’re working to manage the workload. We did a lot of work in the pre-season as we can step back a little when we have a lot of cricket.”

Point Cook Centrals was the only other winner in the Roy Picone Shield on Saturday, beating Melton South.

He was preparing to play a practice match for University Blues when Geelong contacted him shortly before the opening bounce, calling him in as a late replacement for their clash with Sandringham.

After rushing to Trevor Barker Beach Oval and joining the game in the second term, he produced a composed debut.

His early-season form with University Blues later earned him selection for the Big V under-19 side, where he helped steer Victoria to a dominant win over the Bendigo Football League.

“I’ve signed with Werribee for next year, and I’ll be giving everything I can to try and get the best out of myself. AFL is still the goal and the dream, so hopefully I can tick off more steps over the next couple of years and get my name in there one day,” he said.

Lloyd becomes Werribee’s eighth confirmed new signing for the 2026 season.

Point Cook has gained momentum. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 514159_01

Eagles take down Altona

By Tara Murray

Hoppers bounced back in perfect fashion to account for Altona 3 in the Bowls Victoria weekend pennant division 3, section 1 competition on Saturday.

After a strong start to the season, the Eagles are in the middle of one of their most challenging parts of the season.

Sitting in the top three, the side faces the other two sides in the top three along with them.

After losing to Yarraville-Footscray 3, the Eagles bounced back on Saturday to account for Altona 3, 97 (16)-59 (2).

It was Altona’s first loss of the season.

Hoppers coach Stephen Macklin said the

group had chatted after the loss to the Bulldogs and to get back on track.

“I think it was one of those does where nothing went right and everyone pretty much felt like they had a bad day,” he said.

“My perspective as a coach was how can we learn from it and what can we do better to make our bad days not as bad.

“We tackled it head on about what we needed to do and a few people were fiery in the conversation.

“We have work to do and how are we going to do it.”

Macklin said the focus of the group had been to make sure they were playing together as a team and that everyone was playing their roles.

“When you’re winning it’s easy,” he said. “If you lose you have to reset and rethink.”

Macklin said a couple of rinks that had struggled a little bit the past couple of weeks had really good performances on Saturday.

Macklin’s rink had a 28-9 win, Albert Wu’s rink had a 21-15 win and Glenn Voysey’s rink had a 32-15 win.

“They took responsibility as a group and we got back to basics,” he said.

“Sometimes you can try too hard. It’s not always about the perfect bowl, it’s about the solid team approach.”

Macklin said he and team captain Andrew Doyle spoke before the two matches against Yarraville-Footscray and Altona and said they wanted to win at least one of those

Sharks pull oﬀ a ﬁghting win over Royals

By Tara Murray

Point Cook Centrals overcame a couple of midweek injuries and the weather to beat Melton South Royals in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Roy Picone Shield.

The Sharks have become somewhat of a wet weather specialist having claimed points for the second time this season, when many teams didn’t get on.

The Sharks’ Brett Talbot said the weather was quite annoying on Saturday as they were on and off the field all day.

The side entered day two of the match with a 42 run lead.

The Royals had been bowled out for 85 with the Sharks to resume at 6-127.

“The intent was to bat for five to 10 overs and then have 70 odd overs at them,” Talbot said.

“We felt like that was enough but we lost overs with everyone coming on and off.”

Sharks’ skipper Owen Doolan was one of the unbeaten batsmen and had to retire straight away on day two after hurting his hamstring in the midweek T20 match.

Wicketkeeper James Garnham also dislocated his shoulder in that match.

The Sharks finished their innings at 9-143.

Garnham top scored with 39 for the Sharks.

The Sharks bowlers then set about giving themselves a chance at an outright win,

They had the Royals in trouble at 5-44. The Royals dug in and finished the day at 5-50 to avoid an outright loss.

“They were stubborn,” Talbot said. “Andrew Hodgart knows how to make sure they don’t lose outright.

“There were a couple of close LBWs which weren’t in our favour, that is cricket.

“We had some good bowling spells and kept the pressure on but they were very difficult to get out.”

Mitchell Waugh was the only multiple wicket-taker for the Sharks with two.

The win was the Sharks third of the season.

It comes after they lost their last two matches.

Talbot said it was nice to get back on the winners list.

“We did have some bad losses and those teams outplayed us,” he said.

“We were able to get a good result and to get a convincing win which was nice.”

Talbot said they would get some reinforcements this week coming which would be a good boost for the side.

The Sharks this week face East Keilor in a Saturday-Sunday clash.

Talbot said on their day they can take it up to any team and they had to be switched on.

Meanwhile in the Clark Shield, Bell-

bridge lost to Pascoe Vale Central

The Bears had been bowled out for 173 on day one of the match, with Pascoe Vale making 5-174 in reply.

Werribee Centrals didn’t get on against Sunshine YCW.

games. Just eight points separates those three teams which all have 4-1-1 records, with Hoppers sitting third.

Macklin said having achieved that the focus of winning at least one of the past two matches was now on Keilor 2 this weekend. In division 2, section 2, Werribee lost to Club Sunbury 2. Sunbury only just got home, winning 92 (14)-89 (4).

Gavin Joyce and Ian Milledge were the winning skips for the Bees.

The Bees sit in sixth spot with a 3-2-1. In division 4, section 1, Point Cook beat Yarraville-Footscray 4, 84 (16)-71 (2). Point Cook sits second on the ladder.

Sports shorts

Western FL

The Suns have signed former Caroline Springs player Dean Galea for next year’s Western Football League division 2 season. Galea played in a premier with Caroline Springs in 2016 before moving to the Outer East Football League where he won a league best and fairest in 2021. “Dean is an inside mid that enjoys the contested ball,“ the Suns said. “Dean will bring plenty of toughness to an already elite midﬁeld unit.“

Point Cook has announced Geoff Sypott been appointed as the interim women’s coach for next year’s FV state league season. Sypott has been part of the club for about six years and brings valuable experience, including three years coaching women’s sides. “His deep understanding of our club environment, strong developmental approach, and calm leadership style make him well-equipped to guide the program through this period,“ the club said. “This interim appointment ensures stability for our players, supports continuity, and reﬂects our commitment to strengthening the women’s program for 2026 and beyond.“

GDNL

Werribee Centrals have announced the return of Lauren Winter for the Geelong and District Netball League season. Winter has spent the past few years playing football with Williamstown CYMS where she played in back-to-back premierships. The Centurions said she was ready to return to where it all began. “She’s keen to go all in, chase ﬁnals, and bring premiership success back to the green and gold,“ the Centurions said.

Western FL

Xavier Mizzi will join Wyndhamvale for next year’s Western Football League division 2 season. He joins the club from Sunshine Heights where he became the club’s second youngest senior debutant at the age of just 16. He was the club’s reserves best and fairest this season along with playing six senior matches.

In the Russell Pollock Shield, Wyndham Vale’s hopes of a first win of the season ended in a draw.

The Vales had made 256 on day one of the match, with the Jaguars’ 7-152 when play ended.

Mitchell Waugh. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 514159_10

Former Jet is now a Giant

By Tara Murray

Greater Western Sydney was the first AFL club to show interest in possibly drafting Western Jets’ Finn Davis.

Whilehewouldlaterspeaktootherclubs, it was the Giants that would take him in the AFL draft with pick 51.

Speaking during his first week of training fortheGiants,Davissaidtherealisationthat he had been drafted had started to settle in.

“It’s still pretty unbelievable,” he said. “I’ve still got to come back down to earth in the next week or so.

“It’s been easy to be honest, the club has made the move pretty smoothly.

“It has been nice moving in with the other two and the second year Joey [Delana]

has been great for us so far.”

Davis said it was pretty emotional to get picked up.

He said his parents had been on the phone a bit since he had made the trip up to Sydney.

“They’re definitely missing me,” he said.

“They put in all the work as well.

“It’s definitely emotional as I’m the first kid to leave the house.”

The Williamstown Junior and Williamstown CYMS defender had a mixed top age year.

Injuries early meant he missed the start of the season.

Once he was on the field, Davis starred and ended up finishing second in the Jets’ best and fairest.

“I knew if I came back and played the footy that I wanted to play,” he said.

“If I could put myself in the best possible position and get drafted and make the dream come true.

“It all panned out pretty well.

“The Giants were watching closely from the start and I always knew they were in the running.”

While Davis missed some early rounds, a strong off season including time with Williamstown’s Victorian Football League side had helped him.

“It was good that I was introduced into next level,” he said. “The next level of intensitygotsomegoodtrainingundermybeltto prepare me for the Coates season.

“It is definitely still a step up from VFL to

Crows give McGuane a chance to shine

By Tara Murray

Western Jets’ Tom McGuane’s AFL dream remainsaliveafterbeinginvitedtotrainwith Adelaide in the pre-season.

The 18-year-old from Keilor missed out having his name called in the AFL drafts afterbeingspokenaboutasapossibledraftee.

Collingwood, which could have taken McGuane as a father-son pick, had earlier ruled out taking him in the national draft.

Tom’s father Mick McGuane played 152 games for Collingwood and Tom had been part of the club’s academy for a number of years.

The Magpies had left the door open to take him in the rookie draft, but ultimately went a different direction.

Just days after the draft, Adelaide invited McGuane to train with them with the club still having a supplementary selection period. spot available.

He is one of two players currently training with the club.

Less than 24 hours later, McGuane was landinginAdelaideandreadytogettowork on Tuesday.

“I’m super grateful for the opportunity andcan’twaittogetstuckin,”McGuanetold media at Adelaide Airport.

“I had an interview (with Adelaide) yesterday [Monday].

“Obviouslyitwasaprettycrazyweekhow itallunfolded.Theygavemetheopportunity to train over pre-season.

“Can’t wait to get started.

“MyultimategoalistoplayAFLfootyand I’ll do whatever it takes.”

McGuane said not being taken by Collingwood and then going through the draft was tough to take.

He said it wasn’t how he had expected it to all pan out.

“It was a little bit disappointing,” he said. “I was in the mix with a few clubs and didn’t know what was going to happen, so for this opportunity to happen, super happy.

“There’s always a little bit of that (wanting to prove Collingwood wrong), but I’m always trying to prove myself right. I believe I’ll be good enough at the top level and I’ll stick by that.

“I’ve had the same mantra, controlling what I can control and for me it’s just work

AFL. “It was good to get the early exposure in the pre-season helped when I came here.”

Nowhavingtakenthenextsteptoachieving the dream he’s had since he was 11 and firststartedplayingfootball,Davisissettling into life as an AFL player.

Hesaidhewastryingtogetintotheswing of things before Christmas and then ramp it up post-Christmas.

Helping make the transition a light bit easier is having former Jets coach and now Giants assistant Trent Dennis-Lane to call on.

“It’s a bit reassuring that having that if I need to talk to any of the coaches about anything, I’ve got that comfort with him, it’s been good.”

Churches T20s continue

Glen Orden Thunder and Tarneit Central remain undefeated in the Western Suburbs Churches and Community Cricket Association T20 competition.

The two sides are the pacesetters of the division 1 group shield.

Tarneit Central had a big win against Truganina United. Tarneit made 6-245 from its overs with Amrit Nagra scoring 100 not out off 31 balls. He hit 12 sixes and four fours in his innings.

Jazeer Nijamudeen was the pick of the bowlers for Truganina United withthreewickets.At4-37,Truganina was in trouble in the run chase. It was eventually bowled out for 97in the 12th over. Pushpendrasinh Kosamia top scored with 34 for Truganina. Amrit Pal Singh took 4-16 for Tarneit.

The Thunder continued its good start with victory against Williams Landing.

TheThundermade8-158fromits overs with Abhishek Balarammahanti top scoring with 47 not out. Taranjeet Singh took three wickets for Williams Landing.

At 2-91, Williams Landing was in a good spot. The wickets then started to fall and it was all out for 140 in the 19th over. Lovepreet Singh top scored with 46.

Altona Sports was able to get homeagainstManorLakeswithtwo overs remaining.

hard.

“My dad’s always told me the harder you work, the luckier you get so I’ve stuck by that.

“This opportunity has arisen … I want to get to work.”

McGuane averaged 27.9 disposals this year for the Jets and made his Victorian Football League debut.

He isn’t the only Western Jets player who has been invited to train with AFL clubs.

Tom Burton has joined Richmond and headed to Yarrawonga as part of the Tigers’ AFL Community and Training Camp as pre-season got underway.

Burton averaged 29.6 disposals across 12 matches in the Coates Talent League to be named in the team of the year and as the Jets’ best and fairest,

Burton also co-captained Vic Metro this year, where he impacted games with his speed and energy.

ForwardOskarAinsworthistrainingwith St Kilda.

Ainsworth found form in the back half of the Coates Talent League season after switching positions.

Manor Lakes was bowled out for 139 with two balls remaining in its innings. Tarun Sharma top scored with 31. Lachlan Bangs took five wickets for Altona Sports.

Despite losing star Scott Edwards for just one, Sports was able to get the job done, finishing 6-142.

Dhanushka N K E Withanage and Sachin Silva both top scored with 32. Muhammad Aslam Jan took 4-27 for Manor Lakes.

In division 2, Vic Bangladeshi, Western Eagles and Truganina Strikers were the winners in round three. The Strikers sit top undefeated.

In division 3, Brimbank Strikers, the Indigos and United Tarneit got wins, while in division 4, Yarraville Club was disqualified against Bellbridge.

Manor Lakes and Western Eagles both got wins.

Tom McGuane. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 410527_11