A labour of love
Three brave young boys, Archie, Keni, and Jack, have visited a home that will be auctioned to help other brave children receive vital medical treatment.
The boys have each been helped by the Royal Children’s Hospital.
The five-bedroom family home in Tarneit will be auctioned off next year for the Good Friday Appeal. The home was built by Henley on land donated by Villawood Properties, and volunteer tradies and suppliers have worked to ensure its timely completion.
Keni underwent a craniotomy in 2023 to remove a rare brain tumor, while Archie frequently visits the hospital’s respiratory clinics. Jack, the youngest, was born with a large tumor on his arm and was also diagnosed with craniosynostosis.
The boys enjoyed a morning of fun and met some of the tradies who worked on the house.
Jack’s mother Kay Lovus thanked Henley and Villawood for their donations.
“The Royal Children’s Hospital is such a special place for so many children and their families, including ours,” she said.
Sarika lives on
By Jaidyn Kennedy
The legacy of late Tarneit resident and mother Sarika Gupta is living on through her heart, liver and kidneys and her family want others to know the importance of organ donation.
Sarika was healthy and excited when she, husband Kedarnath and their two sons departed Melbourne on 17 October to celebrateDiwaliwiththeirfamiliesinIndia.
While in Pune, the 46-year-old suffered a sudden brain haemorrhage and severe lung infectionafterreportingthatshefeltunwell. She was formally declared brain dead on 2 November.
Inthemidstofhisshock,Sarika’shusband recalled a wish of hers.
“A few times we were just sitting and discussing things and she said just in case something happens to me, I would love to have my organs donated,” Kedarnath said.
“AfterCovidshehadmentioneditthreeor four times.”
After speaking with their two sons about Sarika’s wishes, the family agreed to do what they could to fulfil her final wish.
With the support of local authorities, and the Australian Embassy, her organs were donated saving the lives of four strangers.
Sarika’s heart was transported to Mumbai,whileherliverandkidneyshelped save lives in Pune.
“Last we heard they all were doing well and they all were recovering well after receiving the organs,” Kedarnath said. “She
wasalwaysoneofthosepeoplewhobelieved in giving to others, and during the last stage of her life that is what she has done.”
Her generosity has also provided somethinglesstangiblebutperhapsequally important.
“It gives me a bit of comfort that her heart is still pumping somewhere … because of her, those four people are still alive,” Kedarnath said.
TheonlythingtheGuptafamilywantsthe community to know is that donated organs can keep others alive.
“Giving is always good– it doesn’t matter what you are giving,“ Kedarnath said. “In today’s selfish world it is very hard when you want to give someone something for nothing in return.”
Jack, 2, Archie, 8 and Keni, 7.
(Jaidyn Kennedy)
Sarika Gupta. (Damjan Janevski) 520911_04
Bring back snake removal
By Jaidyn Kennedy
A Wyndham resident is calling on council to reinstate the free removal of snakes from private properties after the service was axed in August.
Aijaz Moinuddin has submitted a petition calling for the return of the service to council and said he felt obliged to fight to get the service back.
“The community has been frustrated, ignored, and left exposed,” Mr Moinuddin said.
Mr Moinuddin said council should reinstate the service because the difference between private land and council-man-
agedlandisnotaconsiderationofsnakes.
“Snakes don’t read boundary fences – they move straight from council-managed creeks and reserves into our backyards.
“Safety cannot be a ‘user pays’ system when the risk of snakes comes from public land such as creeks – council must help manage the consequences.“
The Tarneit local said the service is most needed in summer and that is why he acted now.
“When I checked the council website in September, I found the service for private homes had been removed..
“That’s when it hit me: snakes are in-
creasing, services are decreasing — and families are left on their own.
“This gap affects everyone, especially during summer when snake activity is highest.”
He said ultimately the rapid development of new estates and the displacement of the animals in the process is why private properties need the same access to free snake removal.
“A perfect example is new housing developments around Davis Creek and along the Werribee River are pushing snakes out of their natural habitat and straight into nearby neighbourhoods.
“When we keep expanding suburbs
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Woodville mural is a symbol of connection
A new mural at the Woodville Shopping Centre in Hoppers Crossing is a tangible reminder of connection and collaboration in the Wyndham community.
A Place to Grow was created by local artist Andrea Draper in collaboration with students from Warringa Park School in Hoppers Crossing.
Draper and the students paid a visit to their creation on Tuesday 2 December to see it in its final form.
According to Draper, the piece was all about providing young people with disabilitieswithachancetoexpressthemselvesand
shape their local space.
“The tree serves as a unifying symbol, connecting leaves, shapes and animal life, to the environment,” she said.
“As an artist who often works digitally, I was excited to collaborate on this project.
“Using design software, I tailored the students’ drawings to fit within the organic shapes, and used Adobe Illustrator to create the birds, background elements, and the main eucalyptus tree.”
Each shaped drawing is filled with unique marks made by students from Warringa Park Primary School.
The Eucalyptus tree serves as a unifying symbol, connecting leaves, shapes and animal life, to the environment and the community.
The colourful mural brings vibrancy, energy and local stories to the precinct, transforming eight metres of blank windows along a key pedestrian path into something vibrant and welcoming for the next two years.
The piece was commissioned by Wyndham council as part of its strategy to fill more local activity centres with locally produced and inspired art.
Applications for Wyndham council arts grants now open
Wyndham council has opened applications for its 2026 art grants to local artists publishing free works.
The two grant categories are for creative and skills development as well as actual presentations.
For the production of new creative work within Wyndham, across any artform or medium, $5000 can be accessed.
Up to $3000 is available to those who need support for researching, scoping, testing, and developing new creative work, or building skills that strengthen
creative practice. Grants are open to applicants who live, work, or have a clear connection to Wyndham, with all presentation outcomes taking place locally.
Emerging artists, established creatives and groups are encouraged to apply regardless of their approach or industry.
Applications close at 3pm on Wednesday 14 January 2026, and successful recipients will be announced on Wednesday 28 January.
To be eligible, all applicants must be
but reduce safety services, we’re creating the perfect storm — more snakes, less support.
“If we shrink their habitat, their movement becomes our problem and our risk.
“That’s why a proper snake response service is essential — it protects both residents and wildlife as Wyndham continues to grow.”
A Wyndham City spokesperson said council has received the petition.
“The petition will be dealt with in line with the governance rules,” the spokesperson said.
The petition will be tabled at the Tuesday 16 December council meeting.
Briefs
Weapons seized
A man has been charged after weapons were seized in Ardeer on 3 December. Officers responded to reports of three males spotted allegedly in possession of a machete and a baseball bat knocking on the door of a Chesley Street property about 5pm. The three men, all from Truganina, were allegedly seen a short time later travelling nearby in a green Holden sedan. Police pulled over the Holden and it is alleged the vehicles occupants matched the description of the trio spotted earlier. The three males were arrested without incident. Officers searched the vehicle and seized a firearm, baseball bat and machete. A 19-year-old man was charged with possessing a general category handgun, possessing cartridge ammunition, possessing a prohibited weapon, possessing a controlled weapon and carrying dangerous article.
Armed robbery
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding an armed robbery in Braybrook on 5 November. It’s believed the offender, armed with a kitchen knife, approached the victim on Churchill Avenue about 5pm as they were sitting in their car. The offender leant across the passenger seat holding the knife demanding the phone, passcode, keys and laptop, according to police. The victim did not sustain any injuries during the incident. St Albans attack
Police have charged a man after he allegedly assaulted another man in a random attack in St Albans on 29 November. Police will allege the victim was walking along Main Road East when the man walked past him just after 4pm. The man allegedly circled back and physically assaulted the victim, rendering him unconscious. The 73-year-old St Albans man was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries where he remains in a critical but stable condition. Officers arrived on scene and located the offender before arresting him. The 45-year-old man, of no fixed address, has since been charged with intentionally causing serious injury and recklessly causing serious injury. Motorcyclist killed
18 years of age and older, ensure their projects break no laws and they must not be the immediate family of council staff members.
Other things for potential applicants to consider are that they must be able to articulate the merit of their proposed activities, demonstrate they have the capacity to finish the project and can provide a budget and timeline for that.
A total of $30,000 in funding is available for the 2026 program.
Police are investigating a fatal collision that occurred in Hoppers Crossing on 2 December. It is understood a car and motorcycle collided at the intersection of Tarneit Road and Hogans Road at about 12.25pm. Emergency services worked on the rider, a 56-year-old Werribee man, but he died at the scene. The driver of the car was not injured.
Jo Skladzien, Warringa Park principal Ashwini Sharma, artist Andrea Draper and Cr Jennie Barrera with students Harbir, Kendall, Ruby, Faye, Jake, Kai and Moses. Ljubica
Flooding to be examined
By Jaidyn Kennedy
Wyndham council has agreed to look into mitigating flood risk and improving community safety around Lollypop Creek.
Tabled as a notice of motion at the 25 November council meeting by Cr Maria King, the report will come back to council by 3 February and provide an analysis of the current safety issues around the waterway.
In addition to the risk assessment, council officers have been asked to explore potential fixes to the current flooding issue and implement any temporary measures they deem necessary within 14 days of the
meeting.
Cr King said the issue has been something residents have been raising with her even prior to her election last October.
“The flooding along Lollypop Creek is something the community can work around – it has become a real safety issue,” Cr King said.
“Kids are playing in these areas, people are walking through the water that looks shallow but isn’t, and the depth of water can be unpredictable.”
Cr King said Olive Way Reserve in Wyndham Vale was a particularly problematic area for flooding.
“In Olive Way park in particular, this is happening next to a playground and a community oval,” she said.
“What distinguishes this location from our usual rivers and creeks around Wyndham is that it has a footpath that leads right through where the water floods over frequently.
“Creating a situation where young children unknowingly step straight into deep water simply through the unconscious act of following the path.
“I saw a young teenage person who goes to school lift their school trousers up and walk through the flood pathway.
Sophia, 9 (Ljubica Vrankovic) 520421_01
Primary school wins the literacy battle
St Mary of the Cross Catholic Primary School has been named the winner of the Battle of the Books in 2025.
The program is run by Wyndham City Libraries and encourages students in years three to six to visit their local library and log their reading achievements.
This year, more than 500 students from four local schools participated, recording1899 reading and library activities and logged more than 460,000 minutes of reading.
St Mary of the Cross students , com-
pleted 708 activities and 176,298 minutes of reading logged, an average of 1024 minutes per student.
Its students were presented with the Battle of the Books trophy and a curated collection of new release titles for the school library.
Wyndham librarians also presented awards and attended assemblies at Christway College, Tarneit P–9 College, and AlTaqwa College.
Wyndham council survey data indicates that 80 per cent of Battle of the Books
participants reported increased reading at home, with many citing the competition as a motivating factor.
Mayor Josh Gilligan said the competition was more than just books.
“To all the students, teachers, families and our amazing library staff who helped make this happen,” Cr Gilligan said.
“You’re building a lifelong love of reading and learning right here in Wyndham.”
More childcare assault charges laid against Point Cook man
Police have charged Point Cook man Joshua Brown with a further 83 charges as part of an investigation into alleged sexual assaults at Melbourne childcare centres. There are 23 childcare centres where it is known Brown worked across Melbourne’s northern and western suburbs between January 2017 and May 2025, and police said this list has not changed since 16 July.
Police said the new charges issued against Brown, 27, relate to an additional four victims as well as further charges laid in relation to eight victims previously identified, as well as some additional matters
Those additional four victims were placed at the following three childcare cen-
tres: Nino Early Learning Adventures in Point Cook on 26 March, 2019; Only About Children in Williamstown on 1 December, 2020 and 22 February, 2021; and Aussie Kindies Early Learning Centre in Keilor between 3-11 February, 2025.
The new charges include the multiple counts of the penetration of a child under 12, multiple counts of the sexual assault of a child under 16, using a carriage service to transmit child abuse material, and bestiality.
The bestiality offences are part of a separate investigation unrelated to any childcare centres.
The families of the four victims have
“I just was absolutely mortified.”
Cr Preet Singh said he was happy to offer his support on the matter.
“Creeks are dangerous… our community deserves better,” Cr Singh said.
“I am not sure how we ended up in this situation where there is continuous flooding around the creek – especially on the footpath – but that’s got to be fixed.“
Cr Peter Maynard also threw his support behind the motion, mentioning the issue has been a persistent issue since at least 1982 when he moved to Black Forest Road.
The motion was passed 10 to one, with Cr Larry Zhao voting against.
New curfew for Wyndham cats
Pet owners in Wyndham will have to keep their cats indoors at all times following the adoption of the council’s domestic animal management plan.
Approved by councillors on Tuesday 25 November, the new rules will extend Wyndham’s cat curfew to 24-hours, having previously been in place between 10pm-6am.
Cr Robert Szatkowski added an amendment to the original officers report which he said made the plan clearer and fairer.
The cat curfew will be rolled out in different stages, so residents know what to expect and when.
An education campaign will run from January to March, a caution first period from April to August, final warnings with targeted patrols between September and November, and full enforcement from 1 December next year.
Council will publish quarterly updates of the enforcement results and make adjustments when needed.
The plan will also include one free return per calendar year for registered pet owners whose animals have been impounded by the council, and a waiving of the impound release fee in the same period.
Exclusions to these policies include dangerous dogs, instances of animal cruelty and repeated instances of non-compliance by residents.
Speaking to his additions to the plan, Cr Szatkowski said it was about giving residents a clear guide on what is expected of them but a fair one.
“While perspectives vary, this plan moves us forward and aims for a thoughtful balance between responsibility, welfare and amenity,” Cr Szatkowski said.
“The strategy works because it balances responsibility with support– more pets get to go straight home from the street, avoiding the stress of impoundment for animals and the costs for families.“
Cr Szatkowski also said the educational component of the curfew would be delivered in multiple languages.
been notified and the Department of Health has advised no children will require further testing as testing has previously been recommended for the childcare centres involved.
A dedicated website has been established by the state government with a full list of employment locations and dates as well as support and information for impacted families and communities.
The list is accessible at:https://www.vic. gov.au/childcare-centres-investigation Police are urging anyone with further information about the matter to contact Crime Stoppers on www.crimestoppersvic. com.au or via 1800 333 000.
“The cat timetable protects local wildlife while giving owners time, information and practical help to comply,“ he said.
“Translated materials and community pop ups ensure newer residents and people for whom English is an additional language aren’t left guessing.“
Several councillors voted against Cr Szatkowski’s amendments, claiming they were satisfied with the officers original report and that they were not sure the proposed measuring of the data was possible in relation to enforcing a cat curfew.
Dead heat at Werribee Cup
Not many people could have predicted what would happen at the 2025 Werribee Cup, as more than 4000 turned out to witness the first dead heat in the race’s history.
In a decision that could not be split, both Holymanz and Precious Charm shared in the glory on Sunday 7 December.
Indispensable was hot on their tails and made up the final place, running third behind the two winners.
While the main race made history, Fashions of the Fields brought its traditional flair to the stage.
First up to strut their stuff were kids below the age of 18 in the Little Lady and Little Gent competitions.
Followingtheyoungstersweretheadults
decked out in their race finery.
Honours were given to both ladies and gents in an open field as well as a heat just for the locals.
Runnerupinlastyear’sLocalGentofthe Day heat Michael McAlpine and winner of last year’s Local Lady of the Day Michelle Robinson were sitting at the judges desk this time around.
Werribee Racing Club general manager Adam Wilkinson said everything fell into place for a memorable cup.
“It was a great community day with perfect weather and a really positive atmosphere,” Mr Wilkinson said.
“The dead heat in the Picklebet Werribee Cup topped off a memorable afternoon for everyone on course.”
Briefs
Factory death charges
WorkSafe has charged a concrete pole manufacturer after a worker died at a Werribee factory in September 2024. The 36-year-old man died when he was struck by a metal bucket, which dislodged from an electrical chain hoist and fell approximately 15 metres.
Vertech Hume Pty Ltd faces two charges under the Occupational Health and Safety Act for failing to provide or maintain a working environment that was safe and without risks to health.
WorkSafe alleges the company twice failed to provide or maintain safe plant and safe systems of work to prevent the bucket from dislodging while the hoist was in use. The matter is listed for a filing hearing at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 16 December.
Festive twilight shopping night
Residents are invited to visit the Festive Twilight Market in Werribee City Centre on Friday 12 December. Between 4-8pm at Station Place, there will be 15 local artisans selling handmade gifts, homewares and other items related to the festive season. Retailers in the vicinity will also have special offers across the evening. Children and families will be able to join the free gingerbread workshop at the nearby Wedge Street piazza, where there will also be a card-making activity and a visit from Santa.
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Vivaan: Double virtuoso
Being a prodigy at one instrument is impressive as it is, but Wyndham’s own Vivaan is a virtuoso of both the drums and piano.
It might be worth mentioning that he is only seven years old.
At the Oz Schools Instrumental Championships (OSIC) National Finals Competition, Vivaan secured a double first place, winning top performer in both drums and piano.
While his win may have come on 29-30 November, father Vivek Agarwal said his dedication is present 365 days of the year.
“With his dedication, hard work and confidence, he poured in all that he could in preparation for the event,” Mr Agarwal said.
“In the journey of six weeks, he successfully turned around the state finals results where he had secured third place for both drums and piano to
successfully securing the first place for both instruments.”
In June, Wyndham council awarded Vivaan with a grant for International Make Music Day, where he conducted a drumming workshop for more than 30 children.
Mr Agarwal said Vivaan was very proud and honoured to win.
“He says it feels very good. Amazing. Especially because he had muddled a few things at his piano concert a day prior but was able to do everything properly on competition day,“ he said.
“He says he loves to create different melodies and tunes. He finds it quite soothing and fun.“
Vivaan’s musical dream is to share his love for music with others by opening a music school some day and his parents dream of him performing in large stadiums.
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Piano judge Nathan Byrne with Vivaan, 7, and Yiyun Gu. (Supplied)
The sun shone on punters for Sunday’s Werribee Cup. (Lizzy Jacobs Photography).
An uncle’s waves of grief
Seth Crane, a young man from Tasmania’s north west coast, recently took his own life at just 19 years of age. His uncle,
It’soneofthosemomentsthatmakesyou wish smartphones didn’t exist. If I had a flipphone,aNokiaoroneofthosebricks from the 1980’s that needed to be tuned in likearadio,Ilikelywouldn’thaveknown,at least not straight away.
Better still, if there were no mobiles or internet, my week off down the Surf Coast would’ve continued in ignorant bliss until I got back to Melbourne at the weekend and my landline rung with someone bearing bad news.
Instead, I was standing on a lookout above Bells Beach, only a few hours after leavinghome,usingmysmartphonetotake pics of the surf below when it buzzed with one of its many other functions. It was my older sister Erin messaging the family group chat.
Erin’s calm, sensible and taciturn so the fact her message began with a profanity repeated three times in a row hinted that the rest of it wasn’t good.
And if the previous 19 years were any guide, something to do with my older sister that wasn’t good likely involved her eldest son.
Seth had always been a difficult kid.
He was loud, rude and could be stunningly self-centred. He was prone to wild outbursts that would upset those around him, but for which he showed little or no remorse.
His ears were deaf to the word ‘no,’ he had no concept of the word ‘share’ and ’sorry’ was just something to say to get out of trouble rather than a word with any real meaning.
The rest of our family used to (only half) joke that Seth would end up in jail by the time he reached adulthood, yet when he didgetthere,hisvastreservesofenergyhad been channelled towards something much more positive.
His thirst for attention, absence of shame and ability to charm and manipulate at will saw him gravitate towards performing arts rather than prison, and having finished high school in Tasmania last year, he recently started work as a theatre assistant at a local private school.
That he’d only sporadically attended school himself and needed ChapGPT to disguise the fact he was functionally illiterate, made it even all the more impressive.
He still had rough edges; empathy and generosity weren’t strong suits and neither was financial management or personal hygiene, but these were neither here nor there.
They didn’t matter.
Seth was on his way and he was gonna be fine.
He had an abiding passion that he was pursuing and he had the combination of charismaandchutzpahtobluffandbullshit around any obstacles that lay ahead.
It’s why I wasn’t too worried when my mum told me last year that Seth has spent time in the mental health unit at Burnie Hospital after breaking up with his long-term girlfriend.
And it’s why I was concerned, but not too concerned, when I learnt that Seth had recently gone back there after the end of another relationship and that having been discharged, he’d been re-admitted again.
And it was why, after reading the rest of my sister’s message and learning that earlier in the afternoon, nurses at the unit had found Seth unconscious following a suicide attempt and that after performing CPR and keeping him alive, he was now in ICU, I felt more stunned and numb than outright concerned.
After replying to her message with some profanities of my own, I stood there on a
reflects the loss of his nephew and the numbing experience of youth suicide.
sunny spring afternoon above the waves crashing below, feeling more worried about the welfare of my older sister and for my parents who were on holiday in Spain, than Iwasformynephewwhowasnowbreathing with help of a ventilator in a hospital on the other side of Bass Strait.
Afterall, he was alive and in the best of care. And he was Seth. He always found a way. He’d be alright. Wouldn’t he?
I avoided answering that rhetorical question as I left the lookout, destination unknown.
I’donlyleftthatmorningonawhimandin typical fashion hadn’t organised anything, but I’d come too far to turn around now and what was there to turn around for?
I was on holidays and had come down heretogetoutofthehouse,soIwasn’tgoing back. And I couldn’t organise trip down to Tassie and wouldn’t be of any use down there even if I could.
And I wasn’t certain that was even necessary because, after all, Seth was gonna be fine, right?
My mind was scrambled to the point where I probably shouldn’t have been driving, but drive I did: Anglesea, Aireys Inlet, Moggs Creek and finally to Lorne where I booked into an overpriced room in a cheap motel, just in time for my sister to send a picture of Seth hooked to a machine in the ICU.
His hair was dark, thick and shaggy like mine at the same age. His eyes were closed. He looked at peace.
The sun was up in Spain and my parents said they were cutting short their tour and looking at ways to get an early flight home. I’d contacted my brother who’d long checked out of the group chat and after a flurry of sorries and swear words, everything went calm.
I spent a couple of days wandering around Lorne trying to pretend things were normal, before heading off to Apollo Bay feeling slightly optimistic.
Seth was now breathing on his own and was booked in for an MRI on Friday afternoon.
I lulled myself into thinking the worst had passed when Erin dropped another message.
It was Friday night and I was having a drink at the pub when I opened and read it.
There were no swear words this time, just a matter-fact update on the results of the MRI which showed Seth had suffered too much brain damage to ever regain consciousness.
By the time I got to the crying emoji she’d posted at the end I’d already made it redundant.
The next day I drove home via the inland route to avoid any reminders and on Monday I returned to work; the deadlines that I’d recently sought to escape now provided a timely distraction.
But while Seth was no longer alive, his healthy heart and lungs meant he wasn’t dead either. So for the the next two weeks I found myself in the purgatory of wanting to tell people about it, but not wanting to add a qualifier: “he attempted suicide and was mostly successful.”
The lag period allowed my parents to complete their trip and come home (they decided against spending $10,000 on new flights to return three days early) and also for my youngest sister Peri, to return from overseas too. They took it in turns staying with Erin at the hospital while Seth slowly passed.Mumspoketohim.Peripaintedhis toenails.
By Melbourne Cup Day, a fortnight after attempting suicide in another part of the
hospital, he finally succeed.
Aswasnowcustomary,Erindeliveredthe news with a simple message to the group chat. It was a relief.
Since Apollo Bay, I’d been thinking about Seth in the past tense anyway.
I’d been thinking about the first time I met him as a baby at my sister’s old place in Burnie, near the hospital where he died. About the force of nature he was as a little boy, a wrecking ball trapped in an infant’s body. About how since moving to Melbourne in 2009, I hadn’t seen much of him, yet I still witnessed him grow-up. His mother posting pictures on Facebook messenger helped. So too his outsized personality that transcended any distance.
I remembered trying to be a good uncle and messaging him during his relationship struggles, telling him that I was there if he ever wanted to talk. I got a cheery ‘Thanks!’ in reply.
I recalled that in more recent years as he grew taller, we’d stand back to back to see who was now tallest in the family. Having conceded the title a few years ago, I wasn’t planning on regaining it so soon.
I included some of these anecdotes when I spoke at Seth’s funeral last month. It was much bigger and also much worse than I expected. Seth’s fabulous flamboyance won him a lot of friends. All of them were distraught.
Everyone knows suicide is bad, youth suicide especially.
Yet the reality is immeasurably worse than I could ever have imagined.
I don’t think I’ll be going back to the surf coast.
Lifeline: 13 11 14
https://standbysupport.com.au/resources/
Star Weekly journalist Cade Lucas,
Seth Crane. (Pictures: Supplied)
MY PLACE
Becky Cui is an art teacher, artist and organiser of the annual Wyndham Multicultural Lunar Festival. She discussed her connection to Wyndham with Jaidyn Kennedy.
Tell us who you are and a bit about yourself?
I am an art teacher, artist and community cultural organiser who believes deeply in the power of art to connect people. Since 2022, I have led the International Youth Art Exhibition for Earth Day and World Environment Day in Wyndham, watching hundreds of young people use their creativity to speak up for our planet. I serve as vice president of the Point Cook Cultural Community and direct the performances for the Wyndham Multicultural Lunar Festival, where I have seen15differentculturescometogetheron onestageasonecommunity.Forfiveyears, I have also hosted the Chinese Traditional Cultural Festival at Federation Square, sharing Chinese culture with hundreds of thousands of people. In 2025, I stepped onto the runway at Melbourne Fashion Week, and this year, my painting You Are My Galaxy was sold at a charity auction to supportchildrenwithcancer.
What is your favourite thing about Wyndham?
My favourite thing about Wyndham is the feeling of home it gives to people from all over the world. Here, different languages, cultures and stories live side by side in harmony. When I stand on stage at a local festival and see families from many backgrounds smiling together, I truly feel theheartofthiscommunity.
What are your favourite things to do in Wyndham?
My favourite thing to do in Wyndham is working with young people and community performers through art and culturalevents.Iloverehearsals,backstage
moments and seeing confidence grow on stage. Outside of events, I enjoy quiet walks near the waterfront, spending time
with my family, and finding inspiration in everydaycommunitylife.
What is something people might be surprisedtolearnaboutyou?
People are often surprised that behind my calm teacher’s role, I am also the organiser and host of large-scale cultural events. From directing major festivals to leading long stage programs, I thrive in high-energyenvironments.Beingonstage, guiding thousands of people through shared cultural moments, truly inspires me.
In your opinion, why are multicultural festivals a great way to build a stronger community?
Multicultural festivals allow people to connect not through labels, but through shared joy. When we watch each other’s dances, taste different foods and hear new stories, understanding happens naturally. These festivals create pride, trust and belonging. They help children grow up seeing diversity not as a difference, but as somethingbeautiful.
Is there anything you would change about Wyndham?
Wyndham is growing fast and has incredible cultural energy. If I could change one thing, I would wish for more permanent arts spaces and long-term support for community artists and youth programs. With more creative platforms and resources, even more young people could discover confidence, identity and purposethroughthearts.
Women meet for Turkish coffee and conversation
The Turkish Coffee Club Project was presented to Wyndham council on Tuesday 2 December, outlining the struggles of older Turkish and Turkish Cypriot ladies in accessing community services.
The Wyndham Turkish Coffee Club consists mostly of women who have been living in Wyndham for several decades, and was established to be a place they could socialise and advocate forthemselves.
Compiled by Victoria University in partnership with North Cyprus Turkish Community of Victoria, the report discussesthegroup’sneedsforimproved access to digital language services, mobility challenges and their social experiencesinthecommunity.
Dr Lutfiye Ali, who helps run the club and worked on the report, said serious gaps between the women of Turkish heritage and the rest of the community
exist.
“What we found was despite living in the area for 30 or 40 odd years for some women, they have had very little active participation in the community,“ Dr Ali said.
“When they get together there is an opportunitytoshareandlearnfromeach otheraboutservices.
“The idea is to uplift the women’s voices and for them to tell us, from their perspective,whattheirchallengesare.“
Shesaidoneofthemostpressingissues is the the switch to digital language services making it harder for some womentoaccessinformation.
“Accessing an interpreter is very difficult and there is a disconnection to services, so we capture some of those issues.“
The club meets at the Wyndham Park Community Centre in Werribee on the firstTuesdayofeverymonth.
The Turkish Coffee Club.
Alev Zeybek, Sonay Ali and Iffet Mehmet.
Project team Refah Tasnia, Dr. Lutfiye Ali, and associate professor Doris Testa.
Suleyman Gokkaya and Sevilay Adal from the Classic Turkish Music choir.
Becky Cui. (Damjan Janevski) 521058_07
Cannabis debate reignited
By Sam Porter
A Western Metropolitan MP has accused the state government of ignoring its own Labor members after a motion to legalise cannabis for personal use was rejected in Victorian Parliament last month.
Western Metropolitan MP and Legalise Cannabis member David Ettershank said Labor members had voted for the legalisation of cannabis as part of Australian Labor Party (ALP) policy and called for immediate decriminalisation at the 2025 Labor Party state conference.
“Why is Jacinta Allan ignoring the wishes of ALP members and the ALP state conference?” he said.
Mr Ettershank and South Eastern Metropolitan MP colleague Rachel Payne, said the state government had also chosen to ignore the recommendation to decriminalise personal cannabis use in a report from a joint party parliamentary committee that included Labor MPs.
The report, tabled in March this year, took into consideration the impacts of the ACT’s decriminalisation of the personal use of cannabis.
“That committee heard from pre-eminent health and law experts who also argued for decriminalising,” Ms Payne said.
According to Fitzroy Legal Service, almost 4000 people are arrested across the state for possession of cannabis per year.
“The vast majority just for possessing or consuming small amounts,” Mr Ettershank said.
Across Melbourne’s north-west, Hume recorded 296 cannabis drug use and possession offences for the 12 months to June, followed by Brimbank (244), Wyndham (212), Melton (203), Maribyrnong (151) and Hobsons Bay (86), according to the Crime Statistics Agency.
Ms Payne said the costs of police arrests, court proceedings and other agencies associated with cannabis arrests is a waste of taxpayers’ money.
She said First Nations, LGBTQ+, young people and culturally and linguistically diverse community members are the
A cafe of opportunity at new law courts
A new social enterprise cafe designed to create employment and training pathways in the western suburbs has opened at the Wyndham Law Courts.
Opened on Tuesday 2 December, the Little Social will operate as a hospitality venue as well as a training site for Youth Projects’ pre-employment program Here4Hospitality.
Youth Projects is a , Melbourne-based registered charity with a 40-year history of creating pathways out of disadvantage.
The launch marks the first Little Social cafe to open in the west and is the result
of a three-year collaboration with Wyndham council, supported by $50,000 seed funding designed to support new social enterprise initiatives.
The new cafe directs all profits back into Youth Projects’ early intervention frontline services, including youth outreach, homelessness support, and employment programs.
Lauren Rowarth has secured a place at the cafe after completing the Youth Projects Transition to Work program.
“I used to feel overlooked at work, but The Little Social treated me with kind-
ness and patience,” Ms Rowarth said.
“Now I wake up excited to come to work— I give 100 per cent every day because from day one they gave 100 per cent to me.“
Youth Project head of social enterprise Celeste Norris said the organisation has seen an uptake in its services and having opportunities for young people west of the Yarra is more urgent than ever.
“Every order at The Little Social directly supports young people to gain skills, confidence and real job opportunities.”
most likely to get in trouble, with cannabis arrests often impacting future employment and housing opportunities.
A state government spokesperson said there are no current plans to change laws regarding personal use or possession of cannabis.
“However, the government will continue to monitor and consider emerging evidence,” the spokesperson said.
The state government said it supports diversion programs as a way for low level offenders to avoid a criminal record and promote rehabilitation, and that it will use the report’s findings to inform future changes to these programs.
New kinders coming
Construction has commenced on two new kindergartens in Manor Lakes and Werribee.
Located next to Westgrove Primary School and Manor Lakes P-12, both kindergartens will have modern facilities and gardens reflecting the First Nations history of the area. These facilities will offer new kindergarten places to local three and four-year-olds and are forecast to finish construction early next year.
Gowrie and BPA Children’s Services have been appointed as the operators of these new kindergartens, and enrolment inquiries are open.
The kinders will be built off site in a factory and then assembled on site in order to speed up the process.
Werribee MP John Lister said they are much needed in his electorate.
“These new kinders in Werribee and Manor Lakes will give more children in the area the chance to attend a great local kindergarten, where they can learn, play and make new friends,” he said.
The two new locations are part of the state government’s plan to support 15 hours of three-year-old kindergarten by 2029.
Minister for children Lizzie Blandthorn said “We’re proud to be funding early childhood infrastructure because we know how important the early years are in setting our kids up for the rest of their lives.”
Lauren Rowarth at the Little Social. (Supplied)
Coping with holiday stress
Across much of the world, December and January are special. The change of year, the change of season, the sense of renewal – it’s no coincidence that this period contains special days for most people, religious or secular.
These days can be fun, or sacred, or both. But they can also be highly stressful, triggering, trauma-inducing and utterly exhausting.
Self-management and self-care are critical to making it through the holiday seasonfullofgoodcheerandinonepiece.
So here is our handy list of tips and tricks for taking care of your mental health this season – provided by the good folk at North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network.
Takeitadayatatime: Forsomepeople,this is the season of the invitation. You might be invited to work events, family events, sporting club events, social club events, street parties – all sorts of jolly occasions. And that can be fantastic, but it can also be completely draining. Too much of a good thing can leave people tired and cranky –whetherornotalcoholisinvolved.
Think carefully about how many get-togethers you want to go to, and try to makesureyouleaveyourselfadayortwoto rest up and recover between gigs. So maybe you miss out on seeing your cricket mates at the clubhouse this year. It’s ok. They’ll understand.
Keep it nice: At this time of year, we’re all people-pleasers, which means declining an invitation for a gathering of friends or family can feel challenging. We don’t want to disappoint, after all. But sometimes we
have to. And here’s the thing: saying no politely,kindly,andopenlymakesthewhole processeasierforeveryoneinvolved.(Andif someone gets angry because you’ve gently declined their invitation, well, that rather suggestsyou’vemadetherightdecision…)
Not all friendly families are family-friendly: We live in a world where the concept of family is often portrayed as central and supportive. Family is everything,wehear.Familycomesfirst. Sometimes it is, and sometimes it does. But not all families are sweet like sitcoms. Sometimes there can be conflict, or isolation, or judgement. Your mental and physical health are more important than once-a-year family obligations. Don’t be afraidtoturndowninvitationsifthethought ofattendingdoesn’tfillyouwithjoy.
Beingaloneandbeinglonelyaredifferent things: Sometimes the public holidays
Faces
or employment shutdowns that happen over the season are a glorious excuse to spend some time in solitude, and that’s a wonderful thing. Sometimes, though, for people who for whatever reason have few social connections, they can be a time of loneliness and sorrow. But they can also be a good opportunity to build and find new connections.
Many community centres, neighbourhoodhouses,faithorganisations, libraries and other places put on free events at this time of year. It can be fun, doing a bit of research, learning where and when these are happening, taking a deep breath and attending. True, it might require some new-found confidence to attend –but, equally, it might be the start of new friendshipsandnewadventures.
Reach out, people will listen: The holiday season can be difficult, and sometimes all you want is someone to talk to, to explain
how you feel. Friends and family can sometimes provide help – but sometimes tooit’sgoodtoreachouttoothers.
Medicare Mental Health is a free national service that can help you find the help you need, in the right place at the right time. Dedicated mental health counsellors will talk with you and link you with the most appropriate service to provide you with supportandcare.
Youcanmakecontactthroughthewebsite – medicarementalhealth.gov.au – or make a free call on 1800 595 212 between 8.30am5pmweekdays(exceptpublicholidays).
If it all gets too much: If you feel overwhelmed, help is available, right now. Here are some options for immediate support:
Lifeline - call 13 11 14 for this free, Australia-wide crisis support and suicide preventionservice
Suicide Call Back Service - call 1300 659 467 for this free service for people having suicidal thoughts or for family or friends affectedbysuicide
SuicideLine -call 1300651251 forfreeand anonymous support, 24 hours a day, seven daysaweekacrossVictoria
13YARN – call 13 92 76 to reach this free crisissupportlineforFirstNationspeople. Kids Help Line - call 1800 55 1800 for free counselling for young people between the agesoffiveand25
Mensline Australia - call 1300 78 99 78 to access this free telephone support serviceformenwithfamilyandrelationship issues
Poisons Information - call 131 126 if you haveoverdosedorbeenpoisonedormadea mistakewithyourmedications.
Carers Tharme Bautista, Kylie Harrigan and Hien Nguyen with staff Amy Breedon at Brimbank council’s carers seed swap and afternoon tea event. (Damjan Janevski) 520257_01
Werribee centenarian James Colgan. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 519884_05
Melton’s Saran Konteh has founded The Wellness Table to help migrant and refugee-background families tackle the education system. (Damjan Janevski) 519909_02
Zoe, 9, is enjoying the range of festive books available at the Point Cook library. (Damjan Janevski) 519565_02
Melton mayor Lara Carli with Jasmine Lynch and her kids Liam, 10, and Annabelle, 12, and Carla and Derek Bendall from MPA Singers are counting down to the carols at Hannah Watts Park on 13 December. (Damjan Janevski) 520111_02
West Welcome Wagon chief executive Colette McInerney and community engagement co-ordinator Fay Salem launchng the organisation’s annual Christmas appeal. (Damjan Janevski) 518832_05
Bottle-hunting siblings clean up and cash in
Wyndham Vale’s recycling super-siblings, Divit and Diya Nathan, haven’t slowed down since they first hit the headlines for “bottle hunting” in their local parks. Back then, they were just getting started, taking a bag along on family walks and seeing what they could find.
Since then, they’ve kept it up right through autumn and winter. While most people were hurrying home out of the cold, Divit and Diya were still scanning footpaths, gutters and playgrounds for stray bottles and cans. They say they’ve actually noticed more containers on the streets than before - enough to fill a few bags almost every time they go out.
Now that the warmer weather has arrived, their efforts are really paying off. Divit, 13, and Diya, 10, return their haul through Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic), which pays 10 cents for every eligible drink container. The pair has quietly built up a stash of pocket money they’re planning to put towards summer treats, small outings and maybe a new game or two.
Their parents, Manuja and Reg Nathan, say the whole thing started as a simple family activity.
“We just encouraged them to pick up a few bottles on our walks, and it’s grown from there,” Manuja said. “Now they remind us to bring the bags. We’re really proud they’ve found a way to earn their own spending money and look after the places we all use.”
What began as a bit of fun and some light-hearted sibling competition over who can spot the most containers has become part of the family’s routine and a low-key way to tidy up their local area.
TOMRA Cleanaway CEO, James Dorney, said he’s impressed by the siblings’ efforts and the way they’ve stuck with it.
“Divit and Diya have turned a simple idea into a great little habit,” Mr Dorney said.
“They’re getting out for a walk, picking up containers as they go and earning a bit of extra cash. It’s a small thing, but it adds up, for them and for the environment.”
TOMRA Cleanaway operates refund points for Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme in the West Zone, including 18 across Wyndham. Locals will recognise their bright reverse vending machines and depots in shopping areas and light industrialprecincts,makingiteasytodrop in a bag or two on the way past.
Anyone in Wyndham who wants to try their own “bottle hunt” over the summer holidays can collect empty drink containersathomeorwhilethey’reoutand about, then cash them in at their nearest CDS Vic refund point.
To find a location and check which containers are eligible, visit https://cdsvic. org.au/locations
Super-siblings Divit and Diya Nathan. (Supplied)
VICTORIA’S CONTAINER DEPOSIT SCHEME
HELP KEEP DRINK CONTAINERS OUT OF LANDFILL
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication
Victoria State Rose Garden
The Victoria State and Rose Garden Supporters group are always welcoming new members to help keep Werribee Park beautiful. The volunteers work 7am-noon on Wednesdays and 7-11am on Saturdays. If you enjoy gardening, roses or just enjoy the company of like-minded people, visit: www.victoriastaterosegarden.com.au
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.
FROM THE ARCHIVES
Star Weekly looks back at the pages of our predecessors.
40 years ago
11 December 1985
East riding councillor Stuart Southwick on Monday night threatened to shut down two of his Laverton North businesses if council offered them only temporary special trade registration.
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The group meets every Wednesday between 11am-1pm at the Youth Services Centre, 86 Derrimut Road, Hoppers Crossing. Wyndham Youth Services team, 8734 1355
Soulful Spreads Community Cafe
Soulful Spreads is a purpose-driven social enterprise based in Tarneit that looks to create meaningful work and training opportunities for women and young people with disabilities. Come meet for a meal and support inclusion, empowerment and connection. Meets 8.30am-noon every Monday and Thursday at the Tarneit Community Learning Centre.
info@soulfulspreads.com
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
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
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This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Jan Batty with Christmas decorations outside her home in St Albans. (Damjan Janevski) 521123_01
Uplifting tales of recovery
A moving exhibition telling women’s stories of family violence recovery will have its first presentation in Melbourne’s westaspartoftheexhibition’sfinalseason.
“Black and White Exhibition – stories of the hearts reflected through diamonds” is a project initiative of Underneath My Umbrella’s founder and chief executive, Julie Kelly, and has previously exhibited in Upper Ferntree Gully, Forest Hill and Boronia.
The exhibition, which features photography and visual art, creates a thoughtful and reflective space that honours survivor resilience, sparks empathy, and strengthens community
understanding of abuse and healing.
Ms Kelly said the exhibition has been well-received.
“It’sreallyimpactedpeople,reallystirred them a lot. The stories are quite real … it’s presented in a way that people can still take it in,” Ms Kelly said.
Ms Kelly said the recovery journey for women who have experienced family violence is not often talked about.
“Often the women and children are left with mental health issues. It’s actually an ongoing process and ongoing journey for many women,” she said.
Ms Kelly said the impacts of family violencealsoimpactthewidercommunity.
Local Brimbank artist Shannon Meilak, who created 10 intimate photographic portraits for the exhibition, said it’s been an honour and privilege to contribute her work to the exhibition.
“Capturingtheseportraitsallowedmeto see the incredible resilience and courage in each woman,” Ms Meilak said.
“It’s a powerful testament to the strength of these women and a crucial step in supporting those who are healing. Ihopethatviewingtheseartworksinspires empathy and drives vital conversations about recovery and support.”
The free exhibition, supported by Brimbank council, will be showing from
Summer daze at Seaworks in Williamstown
Seaworks Williamstown will come alive on Saturday 13 December, from 10am – 5pm, as BIG Summer Daze brings a full day of entertainment, market shopping, food, and family fun by the bay.
Perfect for those chasing last-minute gifts, the BIG Summer Daze Market will feature a vibrant mix of local makers, artists, designers, and creatives.
From handmade treasures to unique homewares and festive treats, there’s something for everyone and plenty of reasons to support the west’s incredible community of stallholders.
The entertainment line-up is set to thrill audiences of all ages, with roaming performances by the Giant Seagulls (hold onto your chips!), incredible aerial artistry from The Sway, the high-energy soul sounds of Sweethearts, and the crowd-favourite Super Amazing Dolphin Show is sure to leave everyone with a huge smile on their faces.
Visitorscanalsoenjoydeliciousofferings from a range of food trucks, while the Pirates Tavern will be open throughout the day.
Andofcourse,adayatSeaworkswouldn’t
be complete without a nod to maritime heritage.
A beautiful wooden boat display will be on show, celebrating the craftsmanship and seafaring history of Melbourne’s West.
BIG Summer Daze is a free community event supported by the Westgate Tunnel Neighbourhood Fund and will take place at Seaworks, a working maritime precinct on the Williamstown waterfront.
For more information about BIG Summer Daze and other upcoming events at Seaworks, visit: seaworks.com.au.
Friday 5 December until Monday 12 JanuaryatBrimbankGalleryandSunshine Library, 301 Hampshire Road, Sunshine. The gallery is open Monday to Friday from 9am-5pm. UnderneathMyUmbrellaisacommunity organisation dedicated to assisting women who have experienced domestic, family, sexual, or spiritual abuse.
The exhibition aims to educate the community, inspire action, and generate vital support for recovery programs.
Details: creativebrimbank.com.au
Lifeline: 13 11 14
1800Respect domestic family and sexual violence counselling service: 1800 737 732
TheMeltonLibrary&LearningHubis rollingouttheredcarpet(andmaybe a few booby traps) for its festive film night on Thursday 18 December with a special community screening of Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. The film kicks off at 5.45pm and runsto7.45pmwithfamilies,friends, and Christmas tragics alike invited to settle in for a night of laughs, nostalgia, and yuletide chaos. If you’ve ever worried about losing your keys, spare a thought for the McCallisters, who have once again managedtoloseKevin,provingsome Christmas traditions are harder to shake than fruitcake. This time, Kevin hops on the wrong flight and findshimselfinNewYorkCity,where he uses his dad’s credit card to check into the luxurious Plaza Hotel before running into his old enemies The Wet Bandits, who are back to cause more mischief than a naughty elf on a shelf.
This year’s screening is PG and open to all, so feel free to deck yourself out in your best Christmas gear - ugly sweaters, Santa hats, or even a pretend Talkboy if you’re feeling extra nostalgic are more than encouraged. Bring along some snacks, cushions and picnic rugs to get comfy - just maybe leave the paint cans and micro-machines at home.
So, mark your calendars and jingle all the way to 31 McKenzie Street, because this festive flick is guaranteed to leave you laughing, gasping and feeling all the holiday heart.
Login with your library membership to book online at https://libraryevents.melton.vic.gov. au/event?id=176389
Pack the marmalade and a picnic and catch Paddington 2 in the park
Many people in Wyndham might be able to relate to Paddington Bear in some way shapeorform.
Like many Wyndham residents, Paddington found a new home, a place he loved in London and a community for whichhecares.
As part of Wyndham council’s summer activity schedule, there will be a screening ofPaddington2atKellyParkinWerribeeon Saturday24January.
Following his departure from Peru after anearthquake,beingadoptedbytheBrown family and braving many culture shocks in
the first movie, the friendly bear is happily settled.
In the sequel, a special gift for his Aunt Lucy is stolen, and it is up to Paddington and his friends to solve the mysteryleadingtoplentyoflaughter,adventure,and marmaladealongtheway.
Pre-movie entertainment starts at 5pm, withthemoviecommencingat6pm.
The movie is free, so gather the family, relax under the summer sky, and enjoy this wholesome story that’s sure to warm hearts ofallages.
Guests are encouraged to arrive early
to enjoy family-friendly pre-movie entertainment and activities, and don’t forget to grab dinner or treats from nearby Werribeerestaurantsbeforethefilmbegins.
In the case of poor weather, the session maybecancelledormoved.
Check for updates on the council website or on the Werribee City Centre Facebook pageonthedayoftheevent.
This session is part of the Movies in the Park series taking place in Werribee City Centreuntil14March.
For the full program: https://www. wyndham.vic.gov.au/moviesinthepark
Paddington 2 will be screening at Kelly Park in Werribee on Saturday 24 January. (Supplied)
Crowd favourites, Super Amazing Dolphin Show, will perform at BIG Summer Daze at Seaworks, Williamstown on 13 December. (Supplied)
Merry Melton movie night
SPORTS QUIZ
1. Which team did North Melbourne defeat to win the 2025 AFLW Premiership?
2. Australian athlete Nicola Olyslagers competes in which track and field event?
3. US-born AFL player Mason Cox is set to play
4. Perth Thundersticks defeated which team to win the 2025 Women’s Hockey One Grand Final?
5. Which AFL team did Ross Lyon coach first in his senior coaching career?
6. Which Spanish golfer won the 2025 Australian PGA Championship?
HC Melbourne defeated which team to win the Men’s 2025 Hockey One Grand Final?
R360 is a proposed international competition showcasing which team
Eli Katoa plays for which NRL club?
Idrissa Gueye was sent off during a match against Manchester United for slapping which Everton teammate?
Argentina has lodged a formal complaint against which England rugby union player for alleged bad behaviour?
12. What is the name of Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s iconic WWE elbow drop move?
13. Which F1 team had two drivers disqualified from the recent Las Vegas Grand Prix?
14. What happened for the first time in 104 years during a recent Ashes Test match between England and Australia?
15. Former basketball player Luc Longley part-owns which two NBL teams?
16. Performed by many athletes before major events, what does the term ‘tapering’ refer to in sports training?
17. The domed Macquarie Point Stadium has been proposed for which Australian city?
18. In which year did Mike Tyson infamously bite Evander Holyfield’s ear during a boxing match?
19. Waldi, the first ever Olympic mascot, was created for which Olympic Games?
20. And what type of animal was Waldi?
21. What was the nationality of F1 driver Ayrton Senna?
22. What is the name of the track by Blur that is featured on the soundtrack of FIFA 98?
23. Which team won the very first AFLW premiership in 2017?
24. Stephen Amell starred in a TV show called Heels, which is about which sport?
25. Tarni Brown, who recently retired, played for which two AFLW teams?
26. True or false: in gymnastics, women compete in the pommel horse event?
27. In the NBL, how long is an offensive player allowed to stay in the key?
28. Which sport features in the movie Inside Out 2?
29. The Washington Nationals play in which league?
30. How many times has Ronnie O’Sullivan won the World Snooker Championships?
1 Small hard seed in a piece of fruit (3)
Free from contradiction (10)
Travel slowly to the airport terminal (4)
Greasy (4)
US science magazine, National – (10)
Molten rock (4)
Capital of Catalonia (9)
Suffer (7)
18 Ancient Greek goddess (9)
21 Thoroughfare (6)
22 Courting (6)
24 Assume (5)
25 Sheep’s cry (5)
26 Celebration (4)
1 Which spice is derived from the flower of Crocus sativus?
2 What is the northernmost capital city in the world?
3 Jack Black (pictured) plays which children’s author in the Goosebumps series of films?
4
7 What does the ‘E’ stand for in BASE jumping? 8 Mickey Mantle is best known for playing which sport?
9 What is the name of Linus’ sister in the Peanuts comics?
10 Who wrote the novel Crime andPunishment?
No. 299
No. 267
Flawed but impressive MG
By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring
Wow. MG’s Cyberster is a knockout.
You can see why the company lavished so much time and money developing a car that realistically few people will buy.
The Cyberster (great name) provides a direct link between the modern Chinese company and the storied British manufacturerfromwhichittakesitsname.
It’s a modern interpretation of a very old idea, based on such classics from the company’s past as the famous MGB sports car from the 1960s.
MG says Cyberster isn’t just here to be another car, it’s here to make a statement and continue to propel the legacy of MG into the modern era, with discrete badges that celebrate its 100th anniversary.
As impressive as it is, however, the fully electric roadster is not without its flaws.
Styling
Believe it or not there’s actually two versionsofthecar,althoughtheybothlook exactly the same. In April this year MG added a cheaper, less powerful, rear wheel drive version, presumably for those who like the style but who don’t feel the need to compete with Ferrari.
Cyberster RWD is priced from $115,000; CybersterAWDfrom$129,000–bothprices before on-road costs.
Our test vehicle was the top-of-the-line twin-motor, high performance all-wheel drive model finished in Diamond Red Metallic.
StandardkitintheAWDincludes20-inch alloys, Alcantara leather trim, two-zone climate air, heated power-adjust seats (but not cooled), a heated steering wheel, sporty metal pedals, ambient lighting and sun visors with a mirror and illumination.
There’s also LED lights front and back, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, autohighbeam,andfrontandrearparking sensors.
There are six colours from which to choose: English White, Sterling Silver Metallic, Camden Grey Metallic, Mayfair Blue Metallic, Royal Yellow Premium and Diamond Red Metallic. They can be teamed with a red or black cloth roof.
English White is the only colour that does not incur a charge. Sterling Silver Metallic, Camden Grey Metallic, and Mayfair Blue Metallic add $1000 to the price.RoyalYellowPremiumandDiamond Red Metallic $1200.
There are also two interior colour options: Century Red is standard; Victory Grey adds $1000.
Cyberster is covered by a 10-year/250,000km warranty and that includes the battery.
However, the convertible roof is only warranted for five years.
Infotainment
Infotainment comes in the form of two 7.0-inchtouchscreenswhichflankacentral driver 10.25-inch centre screen. The two smaller screens are partially obscured by the steering wheel most of the time and being small are difficult to operate on the move.However,theycanalsobecontrolled from the two unlabelled buttons on the wheel. It’s a learning experience.
Dark mode works best, especially in bright sunlight which makes them hard to see.
There’s Bluetooth, voice control, FM and DAB+ digital radio (but no AM), satellite navigation, wired Apple CarPlay and AndroidAutoandeightspeakerBoseaudio for both grades.
Access to connected services is free for 12 months.
USB-A and -C ports are provided as well as a 12-volt outlet in the boot (Not sure why – the car fridge isn’t going to fit).
Safety
Cybersterremainsunratedforcrashsafety. It is fitted with four airbags and a 360-degree camera, blind spot monitor, as well as Autonomous emergency braking (Car-to-Car, Vulnerable Road User, Junction & Crossing, Backover and Head-On).
There’s also a lane support system with lane keep assist, with lane departure warning, emergency lane keeping and rear cross-traffic alert with braking, plus an advanced speed assistance system with a speed sign recognition system.
Andgetthis,dooropenwarningprevents the doors from being opened into the path of an oncoming vehicle or cyclist. Firstly, they’re too slow and secondly, they go up, not out? LOL.
Engines/transmissions
The two electric motors in the AWD model generate a total 375kW of power and 725Nm of torque, propelling the car from 0 to 100km/h in a supercar 3.2 seconds, with a top speed that is limited to 208km/h. RWD is rated at 250kW and 475Nm, with 0-100km/h taking 5.2 seconds (199km/h top speed). Not to be sneezed at.
Driving
Built on the same platform as the MG4, Cyberster is 4.5 metres long and weighs in at 1985kg.
One of the more eye-catching features of this two-seater is its electric, scissor-style doors.
They are what turn it from a sports car into a fully-fledged, electric supercar. It just had to have them (red upholstery too). Unfortunately, the doors are also Cyberster’s main weak point. Although they look sensational, they are totally impractical when it comes to day-to-day use.
Gettinginandoutislaborious,especially if you forget something and have to open the car again.
What’s more, as we discovered, they don’t actually work if the car is parked on
putting the boot into their new Ferrari and Lamborghini, only to wrap the car around the nearest power pole, stunned by the sudden response of the accelerator.
Just saying.
Theseatsarecomfortableandsupportive once you’re in, but the dash feels a little cramped and busy. The right screen is wasted.
UnlikeotherMGs,theblinkersareonthe left which is kind of understandable, given that it is probably targeted at the American market.
RATINGS
Looks: 8
Performance: 8.5
Safety: 7
Thirst: 7
Practicality: 5
Comfort: 7
Tech: 7.5
Value: 9
Overall: 7.4
a slope. Yep. They open a few centimetres, but that’s as far as they go.
WTF? The first time it happened we were perplexed. What to do? How to get out?
Should we call for help?
Some deep breaths later, we decided that brute force was called for and using both hands we were able to push the doors far enough upwards to get out. However, it required force to close them again and we were concerned this operation could damagethem,althoughthistimewehad the advantage of leverage.
Older or infirm folk might find this task beyond them. How come this anomaly wasn’t picked up in the research and development phase?
We’ve been to factories where robotic armsopenandclosedoors24/7,thousands oftimesadayforweekstoensurereliability. The doors don’t always respond to the key fob either.
Also of note, your seatbelt must be fastened or the car will not move off when you put it in Drive. Great idea, but highly impractical in execution.
This combined with the clumsy doors made positioning the car for our photo shoot extremely difficult.
Still, Cyberster is a head turner and heaps of fun to drive – easy or flat out.
The roof is made of cloth and takes 15 seconds to raise or lower and this can be accomplished at speeds of up to 50km/h. When dropped it does not impinge on boot space which at 249 litres is surprisingly large.
There’s also a bit of storage behind the seats.
A puncture repair kit is provided.
Convertibles are great fun, especially in Spring or Autumn, but you can forget dropping the roof in summer because it’s too damn hot.
Incasethingsarealittlelibrary-likewith the top up, you can tell the sound system to generate a traditional engine note or a more futuristic electric sound.
Of course, there’s always music to fall back on and the car is equipped with eight-speaker Bose audio, but sadly we couldn’t get any sound out of the system.
Cybesterisalotofcarandinexperienced drivers could easily get themselves into trouble.
There’s plenty of examples of drivers
Over the shoulder vision is terrible with the roof up and it is also difficult to see the extremities ofthecar,butcamerasareprovided to compensate for this.
Disconcertingly, the reverse camera displays to the right of the steering wheel, instead of centre of dash.
The 360-degree camera is so tiny however that it is almost useless –day or night.
Ridequalityisquitegoodoverall, but can become a bit unsettled on back roads.
A low centre of gravity and sticky Pirelli rubber sees the car corner flat with plenty of mid-corner grip.
However, undulations in the road can really unsettle the suspension (the driver too), suddenly snapping the car sideways. The regenerative brakes are discs all round, with Brembo calipers up front, but braking could be stronger. They don’t quite give the driver the confidence to go really hard into corners. That said the car more than makes up for this on the way out.
The driver-assist systems work okay, with the usual caveats, but the car slows unnecessarily on bends with cruise active.
Range for the AWD is 443km; the RWD 507km, under the widely accepted WLTP test procedure.
With energy consumption rated at 19.1 kWh/100km, we were getting 19.4 kWh/100km after about 300km of driving, some of them pretty quick.
During this period the car reportedly recovered 21.6 kWh of energy from regenerative braking, believe it or not?
The button on the left of the steering wheel labelled KERS can be used to modulatethelevelofbraking,rightdownto one-pedal driving where it is not necessary to physically apply the brakes.
The red button on the right selects drive mode: Comfort, Sport, or Custom, or Super Sport. Comfort mode is fine and the one in which we spent most time. Be careful with the latter.
There’s Launch mode too for impressing the neighbours, in case they aren’t impressed already.
Both models are fitted with a 77kWh ternary lithium-ion battery.
Recharging can be performed in as little as 34 minutes with the right DC fast charger.
But this is from 30-80 per cent which leaves you 50 percent out of pocket.
ThreephaseACpowertakesninehours–that’s to 100 per cent. The supplied granny charger is good for 144 hours.
Summing up
Bravo. What a great effort.
The price is a bargain for this type of car too and it could well become a collectable item in years to come.
But the tech already feels a little dated and those scissor doors need some work.
Whoever signed off on them has rocks in their head, or doesn’t have a job anymore.
The Cyberster is here to make a statement. (Pictures: Supplied)
Local sports people were again greeted with rain on Saturday as they were keen to get out on the fields, greens and pitches. While many matches were called off on Saturday, others went ahead. Star Weekly photographer LJUBICA VRANKOVIC managed to find some of the action.
Weather again the story
Harkness had a tough day in the field. 522509_19
Diggers Rest Bulla have fun on the bench. 522509_25
Macedon Ranges Rockies’ Hakaraia Tahi. 522496_42
Macedon Ranges Rockies’ Matthew Merrett. 522496_48
Riddell’s Jarvis Boland. 522511_02
Macedon Ranges Rockies pre-game. 522496_10
Riddell comes together on Saturday. 522511_07
The Western Crusaders in action. 522498_35
The Western Crusaders celebrate a score. 522498_09
Western Crusaders’ Joseph Donaghy. 522498_54
Roos hop by to play ball
By Tara Murray
Wyndham Basketball Association’s all-abilities program had some special guests on Tuesday afternoon 2 December as community connections were fostered.
North Melbourne players attended the program as part of its AFL community campwhichalsoincludedschoolvisitsand an Auskick clinic.
TheKangaroosalreadyhaveaconnection with the Wyndham Basketball Association through its Huddle program.
North ruck Tristan Xerri said days like this means not only something for the participants, but also the footballers themselves.
Xerri grew up in Melbourne’s western suburbs, having played his junior football with Caroline Springs.
“We get amongst the schools and the communities, it’s been really good,” he said.
“Obviously growing up in the western suburbsmyself,ifthiseverhappenedwhen I was younger, I knew how exciting it was.
“It was a really good opportunity to give back and all the boys look forward to it.”
Xerri said it was special to see the club invested in the Wyndham-Werribee area and there was a good connection between the club and the community.
He said the Huddle does some good things in the Wyndham community.
“That is one of the perks of the North Melbournefootyclub,we’vehadthatgoing for several years now,“ he said.
“It is so good to have that culture at the Huddle and the connection between sport and the community, they do such a great job.
“You can seriously, see the enjoyment.”
Paul Curtis is another North Melbourne player who grew up in Melbourne’s west having grown up in Melton.
He was among the group that took delightinparticipatinginsomewheelchair basketball at the visit on Tuesday.
“It’s just meeting the kids with so many different characters and people who don’t play footy and are giving it a go,” he said.
“It’salwaysgoodseeingthosekidstrying something different.
“It [wheelchair basketball] was actually really fun, trying something new.
“Basketball is not my strong suit and a young lady was showing me a few tricks. She was hitting every shot.”
Wyndham Basketball Association general manager Jason Kelly said it was an amazing opportunity and he couldn’t thank the club and the Huddle program enough.
“To be able to bring out an AFL team and it was nothing to do with basketball,” he
said. “It was all about community, it was about connection and it was about turning around and just showing people, hey, they’re actually real people.
“It had a basketball component to it, but what an amazing opportunity for these players that may never ever get to see an AFL player to be here at Eagle Stadium.”
Kelly said the connection with the Huddle program was massive for the association.
Theycurrentlyhavetwoworkexperience
people through the Huddle program helping with their inclusion program.
“The extension of that is we’re going to connect again with the Huddle in 2026 in not just the inclusion program, but across our association.
“They might work in all abilities, wheelchair, or walking basketball. But we’re going to have a look and see how can we extend this into the domestic program, the junior clubs, or junior teams, and also our junior representatives program.”
North Melbourne players with the Wyndham All-Abilities program. (Pictures: Ljubica Vrankovic) 520756_16
Tristian Xerri (front) with Paul Curtis, Bailey Scott, Lachy Dovaston, Zac Banch and Jackson Archer. 520756_10 Top right: Some of the participants with North Melbourne players. 520756_03
North Melbourne players listen in. 520756_01
Left: Bailey Scott presented a jumper of Wyndham All-Abilities coordinator Kylie Bozanic. 520756_13 Centre: Elita Berisha goes to put a shot up. 520756_05 Right: Elita Berisha, Tylah Shilligton, Majier Adut, Zac Banch, Lachy Dovaston, Paul Curtis, Bailey Scott and Jackson Archer. 520756_06
Two re-sign for Werribee
Louis Pinnuck is back for a 10th season while Myles McCluggage is hoping to backup a strong first season at Werribee in the Victorian Football League.
The pair are the latest re-signings for the Tigers, who have managed to keep their core group together.
Pinnuck comes off his best season statistics wise.
Pinnuck added another 16 games to his tally in 2025, taking his total to 123, which places him as the 13th most capped player in the club’s history.
He now joins Dom Brew as one of two Werribee players set to play their tenth season with the club in 2026.
Across the 2025 season, Pinnuck featured
across his usual half-back role as well as on the wing and was one of the club’s most reliable ball users.
He averaged a career-high 21.9 disposals, 9.3 marks, which ranked third in the competition among players who played ten or more games, and six rebound 50s per game. His consistency across the year was reflected with another top ten finish in Werribee’s best and fairest count.
“The Werribee Football Club is my home. I’ve spent my whole adult life here so far, and I absolutely love the club and its people. I’m so excited to see what we can achieve in 2026,” Pinnuck said.
After an impressive first year at VFL level, Myles McCluggage will return to Werribee.
McCluggage joined Werribee after an outstanding year with South Warrnambool in the Hampden Football Netball League, where he earned Team of the Year honours, brought up his 50th senior game, and celebrated a premiership.
It followed his junior years through the GWV Rebels in 2021 and 2022 before he began his senior career with the Roosters.
McCluggage earned his VFL debut in round one against Southport on the Gold Coast, one of nine debutants to pull on the Werribee jumper in the season opener.
Playing on the wing, he finished with nine disposals and four clearances.
He went on to play 16 straight games in his debut season, missing only Werribee’s
O’Connor Moreira’s stunning rise as draft beckons
By Tara Murray
Western Jets’ Charlie O’Connor Moreira thought her AFLW draft chances were over when she got injured at a training session earlier this year.
The injury had her in a moon boot for a few weeks and out of football for another two or three on top of that.
O’Connor Moreira returned through the Victorian Amateur Football Association with Williamstown CYMS before making her way back into the Jets side.
Some strong form saw her rewarded with a late call up to the AFLW state combine and she’s now among the hopefuls wanting to hear her name called out on 15 December in the AFLW draft.
“It’s very nerve wracking,” O’Connor Moreira said in the lead up to the draft.
“I’m pretty grateful to be able to experience it this year.
“My ultimate goal is to get drafted and after what happened at the start of the year I didn’t think it was going to happen.
“Whatever happens on draft night happens.”
O’Connor Moreira landed funny in
training resulting in a grade two ankle sprain and set back her season.
While she couldn’t fully train, she was keen to stay involved with the Jets.
“I was trying to get back to footy with rehab and I was able to get that social contact at training,“ she said.
“I could do the upper body in the gym. I was able to see the physios to get tasks to build my ankle strength.”
Once fit, O’Connor Moreira came back through the reserves at the CYs before stepping into the senior side in May for her senior debut.
She had joined the club in the off season after Point Cook, where she had been playing, didn’t have the numbers for the side.
“I was pumped to get out there,” she said. “There was a lot of work to get out there.
“I really enjoyed the reserves and then had four or five games in the seniors.
“It was good to experience that level of footy. The girls were more skilled and helped me come back from injury.”
O’Connor Moreira worked her way back into the Jets and found her groove.
She said she was happy with how her
final two matches through a back injury.
Across his 16 games, McCluggage averaged 9.6 disposals, 3.3 marks and 3.1 clearances while also booting four goals.
He put together several strong performances across the season, including a career-high 16 disposals in Werribee’s round six win over Frankston to go with five inside 50s and four marks.
McCluggage said he really enjoyed my first year at Werribee.
“The way everyone welcomed me into the club was awesome,” he said.
“It’s a privilege to be part of such a great club, and myself, as well as the rest of the boys, are really excited to give it another crack in 2026.”
Centurions are on the board
Werribee Centrals got its first win of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Clark Shield season on Sunday.
Rain washed out much of the play on Saturday, leaving to most of the weekend’s two-day matches becoming one-dayers.
The Centurions were able to get the job done against Footscray Angliss.
The Centurions made 5-251 from their overs to set Angliss a good score to chase.
It proved too much with Angliss finishing 8-215. Meanwhile, Bellbridge was one of the few teams to get on the pitch on Saturday.
The Bears batted first and were bowled out for 217.
Skipper Dillion Hinge top scored with 83, while Henro Dias scored 76.
Seabrook was bowled out for 135 in the 50th over in reply.
Colin Weller took four wickets for the Bears.
The Bears sit fourth on the ladder with the Centurions in ninth spot and now off the bottom of the ladder
Point Cook and Point Cook Centrals both added another win to the tally in the Roy Picone Shield.
Point Cook was able to come away with the win against Kingsville on the road.
season panned out.
O’Connor Moreira also cemented her spot in a new position, playing on the wing.
“I was able to use my speed,” she said. “I loved playing forward and kicking goals, but at the Jets I’ve been able to learn how to play on the wing.
“I like playing on the wing more.”
O’Connor Moreira ended up being a late invitee to the AFLW draft state combine which she said was unexpected.
It gave her the opportunity to speak with AFLW clubs.
“I had a couple of clubs talk to me and them watching me it was pretty daunting,” she said.
“I did my best, which was good.”
O’Connor Moreira was able to take her mind off the draft with a trip to Queensland for Schoolies.
While being drafted is the plan, she has a back up plan for next year.
“I did some training with North Melbourne VFLW [Victorian Football League Women’s] and they have offered me a contract,“ she said.
“It’s pretty exciting. They’ve won a couple of premierships,”
The Warriors batted first and made 7-221 from their overs.
Kingsville was bowled out for 189 with 16 balls remaining to give the Warriors the win.
Point Cook Centrals came away with the points against East Keilor. East Keilor was bowled out for just 115 in the 34th over.
Vineet Yadav took three wickets for the Sharks.
The Sharks got the runs within 27 overs, finishing 2-121.
Rasanjana Jayarathna top scored with 56 not out at the top of the order.
After six matches, the Warriors sit in second spot and Sharks in third.
In the Russell Pollock Shield, it was a tough day for Wyndham Vale on Sunday against Donnybrook. Wyndham Vale was bowled out for just 65 with Donnybrook making 8-263.
The Vales sit second bottom after six matches.
Charlie O’Connor Moreira. (Ljubica Vrankovic)486897_12
Bees bounce back for win
By Tara Murray
Werribee got an important win as the first half of the Bowls Victoria division 2, section 1 competition came to an end on Saturday.
While heavy rain fell on Saturday, the Bees game against Strathmore was able to go ahead.
It was a solid win for the Bees, who claimed an 81 (14)-58 (4) win.
Gavin Joyce’s rink had a 25-8 win, while Rob Smith’s rink had a 24-10 shot win to give the Bees the points.
The rinks of Ian Milledge and Darren Hooper both lost by four shots.
Joyce said it was an important win for
the side.
“It was great to get a win away from home, as the ladder is quite tight and away wins are valuable,” he said.
“After a very close loss to Sunbury at home the week before, it was good to bounce back with a win.
“All rinks kept it tight throughout the dayprovidinganopportunityforustoskip away with a strong win later in the day.”
The win has the Bees in fifth spot after seven rounds, with only 23 points separating them and ladder leaders Keilor.
Every team has now played each other.
The Bees face Keilor in the second last round before the Christmas break.
The Bees beat Keilor back in round one.
“We play top of the ladder Keilor away this Saturday which is a great challenge for us,” Joyce said.
“We have had some real tussles with them over the last two or three seasons, so playing them at their venue will be tough but we are looking forward to the challenge and will put our best foot forward.”
Meanwhile in division 3, section 1, Hoppers continued its good form with a win against Keilor 2.
The Hawks claimed the win, 79 (16)-61 (2).
Stephen Macklin (22-15), Andrew Doyle (25-13) and Albert Wu (18-12) were the winning skips for the Hawks.
Hoppers remain second on the ladder,
Defender makes her mark with eye on AFLW
By Tara Murray
Being selected in the AFLW draft would mean everything for the Western Jets’ Alex McBride-Loane.
Having fallen in love with football after she started playing it at school, McBride-Loane has done everything she couldtobeselectedon15Decemberinthe AFLW draft.
“I’vebeentryingnottothinkaboutittoo much, but then someone will ask me, ‘oh, how far away is it?’“ she said.
“I’vewantedtodoitsinceitwascreated, 10-11 years ago.
“It was basically my first year playing for a girls team and I was like 100 per cent that’s something that I want to get into.
“Obviously with the past few years having it actually become something that could happen. I’m excited, but I’m nervous.
“It would mean everything.”
McBride-Loanestartedherfootballwith MooneeValleybeforejoiningMaribyrnong Park as the Fog didn’t have a girls side.
It was a move so she could continue to the sport she loved.
A big stepping stone in her football journey was going to Maribyrnong Sports Academy on a football scholarship.
“That definitely helped me,” she said. “I went there from year 7-12 through the footy academy which was cool.
“We started doing gym from year 7 so physically wise that helped a lot and it was kind of how I got into the Jets so early.”
With a crossover between coaching staff at the Jets and the Sports Academy, McBride-Loane got invited to the Jets when she was 13 or 14.
It was an environment that she’s loved since.
“I think that the environment and the people at that school are a big reason on how I am, where I am at the moment,” she said.
“iIt was definitely a bit intimidating, I knew some people who were in there like Sierra Grieves and Charlotte Baskaran because I went to school with them.
“Itwasdefinitelyahigherintensitytraining to what I was used to. I guess I would say an eye opener and was like OK well this is what I’ve got to get used to.”
McBride-Loane had to wait for her chance to play for the Jets due to her age though.
Former coach Robbie Chancellor said he would have picked her earlier on during their premiership season in 2022 if he could have.
McBride-Loane said her final year with the Jets was really exciting.
“I feel like I developed a lot not just in terms of my football but also off the field and a little bit of the leadership side.
“With a new coach there was a new per-
spective on training and training standards like that. I feel like that’s what helped that a lot.“
McBride-Loane played four games for Vic Metro at the national under-18 championships showing her flexibility as she played two different roles.
She was really happy with her season and saw her selected for the AFLW draft state combine.
“I was just happy to have at least gotten one of them,” she said. ”I didn’t really care if it was the national or state as long as I got an invite to one of them.
“I’ve learnt not to put heaps of pressure
threepointsbehindYarraville-Footscray3. Hoppers faces Bacchus Marsh 2 this Saturday.
In division 4, section 1, Point Cook suffered a close loss to Footscray Park.
The two sides split the rinks with Footscray Park winning, 85 (14)-77 (4).
For Point Cook, John Greygoose’s rink won 20-18 and Brian Turner’s rink won 22-15.
The loss was Point Cook’s second. It sits second on the ladder after seven rounds, now 27 points off top spot.
In division 5, section 1, Palm Lake lost to Bacchus Marsh 3, 81(14)-72 (4). Palm Lake sits second on the ladder, now three points behind Club Sunbury 4.
Cricket comp hitting sixes
The North West Cricket Club’s three competitions continue to grow with an even bigger season planned for January.
The club, which is based in Tarneit, therearethreeseasonsheldacrossthe year.
The spring season, the North West Cricket League, was recently completed with the summer season, which is a 30-over a side North West Premier League kicking off early next year.
Committee member Vimal Bhushan Chatrati said they had 40 to 50 teams compete each season making it one of the largest community cricket tournaments in Melbourne’s west.
“NWCL has been proudly operating for the past 13 years, with the core motto of fostering harmony, togetherness, and community spirit through cricket,” he said.
“It’s really going well. Most are working people who enjoy playing cricket.
“It’s a social competition but it’s really good and very competitive.”
In the recently completed season, the highlight was the performance from Werribee Lions’ Pawanjot Singh in his side’s second last game.
He scored 200 not out off just 89 balls, hitting seven sixes and 26 fours. It’s the highest score of the spring season which is a 25 over tournament.
on it, like realistically, you’re just having a chat with them.
“I’veenjoyedtalkingtodifferentpeople.”
McBride-Loanesaidfinishingschoollast year had been massive for her so she could focus more on her football this year.
“I’m going out there to just play footy, which is what I love to do,“ she said.
McBride-Loane said she was trying to keepherselfbusyaheadofthedraftandnot change things too much.
She’s been training with the Jets to keep her fitness up while also training with Maribyrnong Park while she waits to find out her footballing future.
“Pawan has played these tournaments for many years and has shown great consistency in his performance both with bat and bowl apart being an excellent fielder,” Bhushan Chatrati said.
“Hewasoncloudnine.Hetakeshis cricketseriouslyandisalwaystraining and working hard across the seasons.
“He also plays on Saturdays elsewhere.”
Bhushan Chatrati, who is on the committee with Venkat Sarabudla, Srinivas Suthari, Venkat Nommula and Lennin Nelam said the club and competitions continue to have a positive impact within the community.
Alex McBride-Loane. (Jacob Pattison)346076_18
Pawanjot Singh. (Supplied)
