Star Weekly - Wyndham - 7th October 2026

7 OCTOBER, 2026

Music Man on stage

Archer, 10, is among those performing in the upcoming production of The Music Man. (Damjan Janevski)

Werribee performing arts students will perform Meredith Willson’s beloved Broadway musical, The Music Man, featuring up to 70 local performers and crew. The story follows charismatic salesman Harold Hill, who arrives in fictional River City to sell a boys’ band to townspeople. His scheme complicates when he meets town librarian Marian Paroo and unexpectedly falls in love. Set in 1912, the show features wonderful music, colourful characters, period costumes and comedy. Dynamic Performers Australia founder Cassandra Beckitt told Star Weekly planning began 12 months ago, with Beckitt emphasising audiences will experience “a lot of heart.” “We always encourage students to be the best they can be,” she said. Ms Beckitt’s team crafted 75 handmade Edwardian costumes. Watch for teenage stars Natalia Mesiti and Alexa Pridham, playing Tommy and Zaneta—described as “amazing” actors, dancers and singers. Performances are at 2pm and 7:30pm Saturday, October 10; 2pm Sunday, October 11 at Wyndham Cultural Centre, Watton Street.

Panel aquatic call By Glenn Fisher Wyndham council is calling on all candidates and political parties contesting the upcoming state election to commit funding towards a new aquatic centre in the city. The chief executives of Lifesaving Victoria and Infrastructure Victoria, Catherine Greaves and Dr Jonathan Spear respectively, led a panel of experts discussing the impacts of aquatic facility shortages in Wyndham, particularly on culturally and linguistically diverse communities, as part of a recent panel discussion event titled Treading Water: A Way Forward for Aquatic Centre.

The panel also featured Wyndham mayor Mia Shaw, Western Leisure Services chief executive Cam Vale and Melton council city life director Troy Scoble. The panel event was designed to get all parties and candidates to make commitments on key infrastructure projects throughout the municipality in the lead-up to the November poll. “Surrounded by beaches, rivers, lakes and backyard pools, Australians regularly engage with water environments,” Cr Shaw said. “However, for many newly arrived migrant families and refugees in Wyndham, exposure to water-based recreation and swimming is not a common

recreational activity and often access to pools and aquatic facilities has been limited or non-existent. “In multicultural communities like Wyndham, the benefits of aquatic facilities and water safety education is even more significant. Every child, parent and community member deserves the opportunity to feel confident and safe around water, and local swimming pools are essential to making that happen.” Ms Greaves said accessible aquatic facilities were essential places for people of all ages and backgrounds to learn swimming and water safety skills. “This is particularly important in fast-growing communities such as

Wyndham, where many people face barriers to accessing these opportunities,” she said. Dr Spear highlighted recent data, which “tells us that Wyndham is one of the areas in highest need of aquatic facilities”. “It is unrealistic to expect councils to deliver aquatic facilities alone. Infrastructure Victoria recommends the state government fund a third of the cost and the federal government fund a third of the cost towards new aquatic facilities,” he said. Continued on page 3

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One Nation in Tarneit race By Glenn Fisher Former Wyndham councillor and deputy mayor Walter Villagonzalo is hoping it’s third time lucky when he contests the seat of Tarneit for One Nation at next month’s state election. The Hoppers Crossing resident, who immigrated from the Philippines in 1988, previously contested the upper house Western Metropolitan Region seat as a Democratic Labour Party candidate in 2018 (receiving 3.54 per cent of votes) and as an independent in 2022 (0.36 per cent). Mr Villagonzalo, awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia last year for his community service and named 2015 Wyndham Citizen of the Year, said he re-

connected with One Nation after the 2022 election when migrants he’d worked with expressed support for the party’s policies. “I felt that the community was not ready for One Nation then,“ he explained. “Since then, more and more migrants have expressed agreement with their policies.“ While announcing his candidacy generated support from friends and community, Mr Villagonzalo acknowledged “some backlash and negative reactions“ from those relying on media portrayals rather than reading One Nation’s actual policies on immigration. The long-time advocate for migrant integration founded the Migrant Hub in 2009, a social enterprise helping newcomers assimilate into Australian society. He

also established short-term accommodation for over 1000 asylum seekers and their families. “One of my major advocacies has always been encouraging migrants to integrate better and become active citizens,“ he said. “I am for managing Australia’s borders and for Australia to decide who comes into the country.“ Mr Villagonzalo acknowledged immigration is technically a federal issue but stressed that decisions impact local communities. He expressed trust in One Nation’s leadership to manage migration responsibly, noting that Labor and the Coalition also recognise the need to reduce Net Overseas Migration. “I would like to see a louder migrant

voice heard in Parliament,“ he said. “I want to be in those conversations.“ In 2021, Mr Villagonzalo founded the Canopy Accelerator Cooperative addressing Wyndham’s low tree canopy coverage—an issue One Nation doesn’t specifically address. However, he noted the party supports sustainable tree planting for timber production and expressed hope to advocate for community tree planting on underutilised crown land. Safety is also a priority for Mr Villagonzalo, who emphasised Tarneit needs increased police numbers, more schools and buses, and improved roads and train services.

VEC campaign to make sure all voices are heard

Former school friends Tina Polizzi, Rose Filippin and Jan Stewart. (Damjan Janevski). 580491 01

School’s in at St Andrews, 70 years later! More than 35 former students will enjoy an afternoon of food and recollections when the St Andrew’s School prep class of 1956 gather for their 70th anniversary reunion this month. One of the reunion organisers, Rose Filippin, said everyone the organising committee had been in contact with was extremely excited about catching up and reminiscing on Sunday 11 October at the Italian Sports Club in Werribee.

Many of the former students were still living locally, Ms Filippin said, while others would be travelling from interstate for the reunion. While a Catholic primary school in Werribee first appears in records in 1868, the first school building – consisting of three classrooms, two cloakrooms and a cleaner’s utility room – was built in Greaves Street, opposite the old bluestone church, and opened in 1921 as St Andrew’s co-ed

school. Ms Filippin said most of the chat at the reunion was expected to be about the different teaching methods used by the Sisters of St Joseph in the 1950s. Records show that nuns were involved with teaching and school administration until 2006, when the last remaining sister retired. Memories of school always flooded back because she still attended church every Sunday at St Andrew’s, Ms Filippin said.

Greater Western Water customer sessions in Wyndham Greater Western Water is continuing its faceto-face customer support program across Wyndham this October, holding monthly Customer Care Days to help residents access information and account assistance closer to home. The sessions provide locals with the opportunity to speak directly with Greater Western Water staff about payment plans, government grants, and concessions, or receive help understanding their water bills.

Margaret Watson, general manager customer experience at Greater Western Water, said the initiative reflects acommitment to supporting households. “We’re hosting Customer Care Days across local community hubs because our community comes from all walks of life, cultures, and backgrounds,“ Ms Watson said. “It’s important that customers have access to in-person support so we can meet them where they are.“ Wyndham sessions will take place at

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the following locations: • Truganina: Monday 19 October at Koomail Tardy Community Centre, 11am–3pm. • Werribee: Thursday 22 October at Wyndham Community & Education Centre, 11am–3pm. Customers are encouraged to make a booking to guarantee a time slot, but walk-ins are also welcome. To learn more or register, visit gww.com.au/customer-care.

Victorians aged 18–44 years of age will have a very strong voice this state election, making up 44 per cent of the vote on Saturday 28 November. The youth vote is key to deciding this election, Gen Z (age 18–29) and Millennial voters (aged 30–44) represent 44 per cent of enrolled Victorians, while 24 per cent are Gen X voters (aged 45–59) and 32 per cent of voters are above the age of 60.1 Along with strong youth representation, 30 per cent of Victorians are born overseas and 52 per cent have either one or both parents born overseas. Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel said more than 4.6 million Victorians are being asked to make their voices heard in the 2026 state election this November. “We are urging all eligible Victorians to make sure they participate at this state election and have their say,” Mr Bluemmel said. “Voting is our democratic right, and while it is compulsory in state elections for those living in Victoria who are Australian citizens aged 18 years and over, voting is also a privilege that allows each of us to have a real say in our future. “Every vote counts, so make sure you’re enrolled, understand your voting options and plan ahead to cast your vote by 6pm on election day, Saturday 28 November.” The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) has launched its new statewide advertising campaign with information about enrolment and voting. The campaign will also address the spread of false or misleading information about election processes. While there are no laws that regulate truth in political advertising in Victoria, all election material must be authorised under the law. “If someone is telling you how, when or where to vote, stop and consider where the information is coming from, to help you make an informed decision,” Mr Bluemmel said. “The VEC is an independent, reliable source you can trust for information about elections to make your vote count.” For more information about the 2026 state election, including how to check your enrolment and voting centre information, visit vec.vic.gov.au or call 131 832.

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Free senior PT push

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Panel pushes for acquatic centres

By Glenn Fisher

Cotinued from page 1

A Wyndham senior citizen is calling for wider public transport concessions, advocating for free public transport for Victorian seniors every day of the year. William Hui’s call comes during this month’s Victorian Seniors Festival 2026, themed ‘Connect, Create, Celebrate’. Victorian seniors are currently being offered free public transport for nine days until 11 October and Mr Hui believes the difference raises an important question about how Victoria supports its senior population. “If we are celebrating our seniors for 30 days under the theme ‘Connect, Create, Celebrate’, why is free public transport limited to just nine days?” he said. “Seniors need to connect, create and participate throughout the entire month – not just during nine selected days.” After contacting the festival organisers to seek an extension of free public transport, he said he was directed to the Department of Transport and Planning, with a customer resolutions adviser telling Mr Hui that they had “forwarded your feedback onto our Fares & Ticketing team for their consideration“. But his campaign also goes beyond the 30-day festival. Mr Hui is advocating for free public transport for Victorian seniors 365 days a year, pointing to the different arrangements available to seniors across Australia’s states and territories. “When you look across Australia, seniors do not have the same public transport arrangements everywhere,” he said.

Wyndham has one aquatic centre for every 48,000 young people, compared with the City of Melbourne with one aquatic and recreation facility for every 5000 young people. According to Life Saving Victoria, 37 per cent of drowning fatalities between 2015 and 2025 involved people from multicultural backgrounds. Wyndham is already home to AquaPulse in Hoppers Crossing and the seasonal Werribee Outdoor Pool, with another aquatic centre planned for Riverdale in Tarneit. Councillors also voted in June this year to ask chief executive Stephen Wall to provide a report at the March 2027 council meeting that assesses the current and projected demand for aquatic facilities in Point Cook and surrounding communities, having regard to population growth, existing aquatic facilities and the proposed Riverdale Aquatic Centre. Community Sport Minister Ros Spence told Star Weekly that since 2014, Labor had invested $2.4 billion in community sport infrastructure and that “we continue to work with local councils, including the City of Wyndham, to explore how we can support our growing communities“. The State Opposition was also contacted for comment.

William Hui is leading a campaign to get free public transport for seniors during October’s Victorian Seniors Festival. (Damjan Janevski). 581428 01

“That raises a simple question for Victoria: why can’t we consider a system where Victorian seniors can travel free on public transport every day of the year?” He says the issue is especially relevant to senior and migrant communities, many of whom rely on public transport for medical appointments, shopping, family visits, community activities and maintaining social connections. “This is not simply about saving the

cost of a bus or train fare. It is about mobility, independence, participation and making sure seniors are not discouraged from getting out into their communities. “Our seniors have contributed to Victoria for decades. The Seniors Festival says ‘Connect, Create, Celebrate’. Let’s make sure our transport policy helps seniors do exactly that – throughout the whole month and, ultimately, throughout the whole year.”

Have your say Ballan Road and Armstrong Road Intersection Upgrade Shravan Krithiga Subramanian of Mackillop College Werribee won fourth prize, presented with his award by judge Trish Murray (left) and organiser Vijisha Venkatram (supplied).

Budding scientists and engineers will return to Wyndham next year for the 10th anniversary of the Young Scientist competition, following the recent statewide event hosted at RMIT in Melbourne. The annual competition is organised by Vijisha Venkatram and her Wyndham-based VJ Academy, which promotes science, technology, arts, wellbeing, and youth innovation. RMIT’s School of Science collaborated with VJ Academy to run the Victorian competition this year, but Ms Venkatram said the event would revert to the Young Scientist of Wyndham competition in 2027. This year’s theme was sustainability, with 38 projects entered by students aged 13 to 18. The top five projects received trophies, gift vouchers from Jaycar, and a 120-hour space curriculum from Spacekidz India. A three-member team from John Monash Science School won the top prize for “Sunscreen for Coral,” an innovative design tackling coral bleaching through an engineered floating mineral film to reduce harmful so-

lar radiation. Other award winners included Plenty Valley Christian College, Pascoe Vale Girls College, Mackillop College Werribee, and Alamanda K-9 College. Westbourne Grammar School received a special recognition award. Projects addressed multiple issues, including grey water recycling, water filtration, and space debris cleanup. Ms Venkatram praised the “wonderful volunteers who generously contributed their time, energy and talents,” noting that most are working professionals or engineering students who sacrificed their own commitments to support young scientists. She also thanked the judges: STEM Girls founder Trish Murray, IT specialist Dr Ruwangi Fernando, ICT Prof Ritesh Chugh, RMIT’s Dr Erin Grant, and graduate Himani Nayak. Next year’s competition will be held on Saturday, 4 September in Wyndham to celebrate the milestone anniversary.

Planning is underway for a future upgrade of the Ballan Road and Armstrong Road intersection in Wyndham Vale, to improve safety, reduce travel times and increase road capacity. To help inform our planning work and shape design options, we want to hear from you. To have your say scan the QR code or visit engage.vic.gov.au/brariu by Sunday, 25 October 2026. You can also meet us in person to ask a question or have your say at Manor Lakes Central Shopping Centre (opposite Jolly Miller), on Saturday 10 October from 10am to 3pm. Initial planning for the intersection upgrade will be complete in late 2027 and will be used to inform government decisions on future funding.

bigbuild.vic.gov.au/roads 1800 105 105 (call anytime) For languages other than English please call 9209 0147

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Young scientists tackle sustainability

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Wednesday, 7 October, 2026 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 3

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Catch the ‘cowards’:Victim By Cade Lucas A woman who was brutally bashed during a carjacking in West Footscray earlier this month, has labelled her attackers “cowards“ and accused them of increasing their violence towards her once they realised she was female. Emma, a 27 year-old from Wantirna South, was riding her motorbike to a friend’s house to watch movies when she was attacked by a group of motorcyclists while stopped at traffic lights on Sunshine Road about 11pm on Saturday 19 September. One of the riders is believed to have

jumped from his bike onto Emma’s, knocking her to the ground where the rest of the all male group assaulted her with tasers and blunt instruments. “They were tasering me on my arms and back and I have burn marks on my stomach now amongst bruises and a fractured rib,” Emma said recounting her injuries at a police press conference held on 29 September to release CCTV footage of the incident and call for public assistance to identify those responsible. “I’m incredibly lucky I did not sustain crazy injuries.” Emma said she initially clung on to her bike during the attack to prevent it being

stolen. “I didn’t want them to have it, they don’t deserve it,” she recalled, before eventually letting go due to their increasing violence. “Their actions escalated very rapidly and I felt their anger, I felt their frustration that I wasn’t letting go of my bike.” Rather than bring an end to the attack, Emma said letting go of her bike led to its most disturbing moment. “I heard one of them make a statement in reference to me being a female. I can’t remember their exact words but it was something along the lines of “let’s get her,” she said.

“I believe they took it personally that they as a group could not remove one female off a motorbike.” Emma said the attack became ever more violent until the traffic lights changed and the offenders fled the scene with her motorbike which has yet to be recovered. Police have released CCTV footage of four motorbike riders they want to speak to in relation to the attack on Emma as well as two similar carjackings and assaults that occurred in West Footscray earlier the same day. Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www. crimestoppersvic.com.au

Briefs Home invasion

Tarneit community group Celebrate Diversity secretary Kriti Kapoor has welcomed the $10,000 Australia Post grant. (Damjan Janevski). 582254 02

Celebrating diversity dollars in the post A Wyndham community group focusing on improving mental health for multicultural seniors is one of 18 across Victoria to share in more than $160,000 of funding in Australia Post’s 2026 Community Grants program. Tarneit-based Celebrate Diversity Inc will run a year-long Wellbeing Circles program designed to reduce loneliness, strengthen belonging, improve self-reported mental wellbeing, foster lasting friendships, and equip seniors with practical wellbeing skills for everyday life. The program, which received a $10,000 grant from Australia Post, will deliver 10 multilingual wellbeing workshops for so-

cially isolated culturally and linguistically diverse seniors in Tarneit, Truganina and Point Cook. Celebrate Diversity secretary Kriti Kapoor told Star Weekly the not-for-profit organisation began in 2017 with a simple belief: diversity can bring people closer, broaden perspectives and make communities stronger. The organisation was created to turn isolation into connection, confidence and care and to create spaces where culture is something to share, celebrate and learn from, Ms Kapoor said. “Our philosophy is simple: people should never have to choose between pre-

serving their culture and feeling part of the community around them.” The $10,000 Australia Post grant for its Wellbeing Circles: Mental Health Program for Multicultural Seniors will deliver interactive multilingual sessions in culturally appropriate resources and activities, while remaining free and accessible to seniors who may otherwise face language, travel or financial barriers. “The Australia Post grant will therefore do more than support a program. It will help create moments of connection that can ripple through families, friendships and communities long after this program concludes,” she said.

Wyndham Council launches a 10-year resilience strategy Wyndham Council has unveiled its ambitious new draft strategy, ‘Resilient Wyndham 2026–2035’, designed to fortify the municipality’s diverse community against mounting social, economic, and environmental challenges. The comprehensive framework aims to build social cohesion and strengthen the community’s capacity to prepare for and respond to future disruptions, according to Mayor Cr Mia Shaw. “The more cohesive and connected our community is, the better we can cope with disruption,” Cr Shaw said, noting that Wyndham faces “increasingly complex and interconnected challenges that

require coordinated and long term approaches to resilience.” The strategy focuses on three interconnected themes: Social Cohesion – strengthening relationships, trust, and connections within communities Climate Resilience – reducing emissions while preparing for and adapting to climate risks Community Preparedness – ensuring residents are informed and equipped to anticipate, respond to, and recover from emergencies Cr Shaw highlighted the urgency of the initiative, citing escalating climate-relat-

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ed threats and socioeconomic pressures. “Climate related risks like heatwaves and flooding are becoming more frequent and intense, while ongoing social and economic pressures, including cost of living and financial stress and social isolation, continue to impact community wellbeing,” she said. The strategy recognises that these challenges rarely occur in isolation, compounding the difficulty for individuals and communities to respond effectively. Community feedback is welcome until October 21. Visit theloop.wyndham.vic. gov.au/resilient-wyndham-2026-2035 to learn more and contribute.

Police are investigating a home invasion in Truganina last month. It is understood four unknown male offenders gained access to a property on Fiore Way about 9pm on Tuesday, 11 August. Once inside the property, the offenders confronted two occupants in a hallway. One resident, a 35-year-old man, was threatened with a machete while demands were made for cash. He sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The second occupant, a 40-year-old woman, was not physically injured during the incident. The group rummaged through a number of rooms, before fleeing the scene with multiple pieces of gold jewellery. It is understood the group arrived and left in a silver Holden Commodore. Despite a thorough search of the area, the offenders were not located. Detectives have released CCTV of a silver-grey Holden Commodore and multiple offenders dressed in black to assist with their investigation. The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Operation Scoreboard Some drivers in Wyndham had their foot down over the grand final long weekend, as police targeted motorists as part of Operation Scoreboard. More than 6500 traffic offences were detected by Victoria Police during the statewide Operation Scoreboard over the AFL Grand Final long weekend. The four-day road policing blitz, which focused on roadside alcohol and drug testing, saw a rise of almost 1500 offences against the same operation last year as police looked to clamp down on high-risk driving behaviour. In the Wyndham a total of 179 offences were detected across the four days. Speeding dominated the statistics with 92 offences recorded, while 30 drivers were caught disobeying signs or signals. Police caught 20 unregistered vehicles, nine seatbelt offences, seven mobile phone offences, six drink drivers, six disqualified drivers, three drug drivers, three unlicensed drivers, two cyclist offences, and impounded one vehicle. From the same operation in 2025, speeding offences (up 34 per cent) and mobile phone contraventions (up 170 per cent) dominate the other notable takeaway statistics from the long weekend. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Wyndham Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

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As a former university professor in Afghanistan, Khatera Barez was forced to leave her homeland following the humanitarian crisis in 2021. Settling in Melbourne, Ms Barez recognised the significant challenges facing newly arrived Afghan women including social isolation, language barriers, unfamiliarity with Australian services, and limited opportunities to participate in community life. Determined to support her community, she established the Afghan Women Empowerment Association (AWEA) to create a safe and welcoming environment where women could rebuild their confidence, develop new skills, and form meaningful social connections. Operating in Melbourne’s western suburbs, the organisation has become a welcoming space where women can connect, learn new skills, improve their health and wellbeing, and build lasting friendships. Over the past year, AWEA has delivered a variety of community programs, including women-only swimming sessions, educational workshops, community excursions, cultural celebrations, and wellbeing activities. These initiatives are aimed at reducing isolation, promoting healthy lifestyles, increasing confidence, and encouraging active participation in Australian society whilst respecting cultural values. Ms Barez said her vision was simple, “to ensure that every Afghan woman feels welcomed, valued, empowered, and able to achieve her full potential while contributing to a stronger, more inclusive Australian community“. Looking ahead, AWEA is expanding its work through new health and wellbeing initiatives, including yoga, Zumba,

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Briefs School upgrade promise The state government has promised $19.74 million to upgrade The Grange P-12 College if re-elected. Premier Ben Carroll said students and staff at Grange P-12 College deserve modern, fit-for-purpose facilities. The project will upgrade and modernise the school’s main building block. “Our investment will mean students, teachers and families will have the spaces and facilities they need for years to come,” he said.

Blue trees for mental health Wyndham City will mark World Mental Health Day on 10 October by bringing the community together for a special Blue Tree Project event. The project is a community initiative that uses painted blue trees as a powerful symbol to spark conversations about mental health, reduce stigma and remind people that it’s okay to seek support. Residents are invited to attend the free event at Glen Devon Park in Werribee from 10am.

Khatera Barez in Brimbank.

swimming, and community education programs The AWEA welcomes new members, volunteers, and community partners who share the vision of supporting women and creating positive change across Melbourne’s multicultural community.

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Many of us are feeling under cost-of-living pressure, so what’s causing the inflation the RBA acknowledges is making Australians “furious”? Households have been dealing with years of higher prices. Consumer confidence is weak, house prices have fallen and the economy is slowing. Yet inflation remains stubbornly above the Reserve Bank of Australia’s 2% to 3% target range. RBA Deputy Governor Andrew Hauser acknowledged the frustration in a recent interview with the ABC’s 7.30 program. “People want inflation down. People are furious about inflation. I understand why. It’s unfair. It hits people on low incomes. It damages price signals. It makes the job of companies difficult. What they want us to do is our job and bring inflation down,” Hauser said. The latest ABS inflation figures show annual inflation rose to 4.0% in August from 3.5% in July. Trimmed mean inflation, which strips out some of the more volatile price movements to give a better sense of the underlying trend, remained at 3.6% for the third consecutive month. The first thing to understand is that inflation doesn’t measure how much we’re buying. It measures how much prices are changing. It also doesn’t tell you how high prices have already become. Imagine something that cost $100 rises to $110 one year and then $113 the next. The rate of inflation has slowed considerably, but you’re still paying $13 more than you were before. So where is the inflation actually coming from? The short answer is: from several places at once. Some of it is coming from prices Australians can’t easily avoid. Housing was the biggest

contributor to inflation in August, rising 5.7% over the year. Some of the pressure is also coming from overseas. Higher oil, diesel, fertiliser and other costs linked to the Middle East conflict don’t always reach consumers immediately. Businesses can absorb those costs for a while before eventually putting up their own prices and passing them through to customers. Then there’s a more structural problem: how much the Australian economy can produce. The RBA’s August Statement on Monetary Policy says the economy is still operating with capacity constraints. In other words, demand for some workers, goods and services remains stronger than the economy can comfortably supply without pushing up prices. So inflation can keep running even while parts of the economy are clearly slowing. CommBank Household Spending Insights data showed spending among Australians aged 65 and over was 10.1% higher in June than a year earlier. Spending growth among 25 to 34year-olds was just 4.2%, while 35 to 44 and 45 to 54-year-olds recorded growth of 4.5%. “Household consumption patterns diverge by age. Shifts in interest rates, inflation and wealth affect age cohorts differently, which can lead to varying rates of spending growth,” CommBank Head of Australian Economics Belinda Allen said. One obvious reason is housing debt. “These groups are more likely to have a mortgage, making them more sensitive to higher interest rates,” Allen said of the younger and middleaged groups. Higher rates can’t build more houses, lift productivity overnight or bring down the global oil price. What they can do is cool demand.

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If everyone’s feeling the squeeze, where’s all this inflation coming from?

Australians cutting back and inflation remaining too high aren’t contradictory. The squeeze

What matters most now is whether those pressures fade as the economy slows, or whether

is landing very differently across households, and many of the prices still rising are for

inflation remains persistent enough for the RBA to decide that more rate rises are needed.

things people can’t easily avoid.

Find out more at CommBank Newsroom

Wednesday, 7 October, 2026 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 5

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Chloe’s quest to help kids By Glenn Fisher When Wyndham Vale teenager Chloe Zayneh is not studying at RMIT for her associate degree to be a paralegal or at her parttime hospitality job in Point Cook, you will find her fundraising for a children’s charity and preparing for this year’s Miss World Australia competition. Yes, you read that right. And about now, us mere mortals are feeling quite inadequate. Chloe, 19, is without doubt a high-achiever, but the former Corpus Christi Primary School and Mackillop College Werribee student doesn’t see it that way. She told Star Weekly she always believed making a difference did not have to start with something massive, that sometimes it simply began with kindness and compassion. And that is one of her main reasons for entering the Miss World Australia competition – with mum Melissa’s encouragement and support: to give back to children, to look around and see others – especially children – who may be struggling, and to help make an impact. “What resonates deeply with me is knowing that there are children who face challenges beyond their control and may not have access to the same opportunities, experiences or support that so many of us easily take for granted,” Chloe said. “Every child deserves to feel valued, supported, and encouraged. Each child deserves the freedom to experience the joy of childhood and to grow up believing that their dreams are possible.”

Miss World Australia entrant Chloe Zayneh (right) and mum Melissa (supplied)

That is why fundraising for Variety – the Children’s Charity - as part of the Miss World Australia journey means so much to her, she said. A keen tennis player and swimmer

who is now more into pilates and gym workouts, Chloe (and mum) is also an avid Western Bulldogs AFL supporter who was a frequent visitor to the Whitten Oval when she was younger.

“Mum even organised for the Bulldogs mascot, Woofa, to be at my fourth birthday party at the local play centre. I loved it, even though some of the other kids were a bit scared at the size of him,” Chloe said. Chloe said there was no doubt Mum passed on many of her traits, such as resilience, strength, braveness and empathy. “Mum is always smiling, holds herself with grace and doesn’t let things get to her,” Chloe said. Along with the other Victorian entrants in Miss World Australia, the next 12 weeks will decide which state finalists progress to the national finals, with fundraising and a themed Beauty with a Purpose project a huge part of the journey. Chloe has created “I need help right now“ as her Beauty with a Purpose project, a service that is accessible to everyone, whether it’s online or on the phone, when people need to reach out to someone and have no one else to turn to. “It is kind of like a relationship you would have with your brother or sister when you couldn’t go to, for example, your parents or anybody else,“ Chloe said. “With no judgment, no ridicule, just to hear somebody out, to be uplifting, caring, supportive, a person on your side no matter what you’re facing. “At the end of the day, it is everyone’s first and only time living on this earth and we’re all trying our best.” To support Chloe in her Miss World Australia fundraising quest, go to https:// miss-world-australia-2026.raiselysite. com/chloe-zayneh

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Laura E. Goodin and student Kaizen (9). (Damjan Janevski). 581742 05

Fiction writer brings fencing to the west Whether penning science fiction and fantasy or bringing fencing to local communities, Laura E. Goodin’s passion is fierce and unbridled. As a longtime martial artist, Ms Goodin did not discover fencing until her late forties. “I discovered it when I was living in Wollongong. The coach there made it really accessible and I wanted to do the same,” she explained. Now Ms Goodin is bringing fencing to the western suburbs with her program Western Swords. “I started Western Swords because I want to bring fencing to people who are new to Australia and want to find ways to meet new friends and be part of a community,” Ms Goodin said. Her program is free and is funded through donations and in-kind support. 12906420-EB41-26

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“Everyone deserves a chance to fence. Fencers learn focus, determination, courtesy, and self-respect as they get stronger and more skilled.” As a writer, Laura E. Goodin sees both the pen and sword as mighty, discussing how sport and craft interact. “Any skill a writer picks up is never wasted. Like science fiction and fantasy, fencing has this sense of possibility and competence.” The club has 30 fencers of all ages from six to over 60 and is welcome to people of all backgrounds and experience levels. Western Swords trains on Thursdays from 6.30pm - 8 pm during school terms at St Albans Meadows Primary School, 2a Laurel Street, St. Albans. People interested in fencing can contact Ms Goodin at coachlaura@westernswords.org or call on 0432 695 505.

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NEWS

Victims cry out for help As part of Star Weekly’s ongoing We Deserve Better campaign highlighting crime in Melbourne’s west and north, and the push by six councils to improve safety in the region, Glenn Fisher looks at what help is available for victims of crime. Support services for victims of violent crimes are facing unprecedented demand in Melbourne’s west and north, with a funding shortfall impacting on growing waitlists for adults and especially children. Of the 44,850 reported ‘crimes against the person’ across Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Hume, Maribyrnong, Melton and Wyndham in the 2025-26 financial year, 6869 of those were ‘high-harm’ offences. High-harm offences classified by the Crime Statistics Agency Victoria include murder, attempted murder, manslaughter, driving causing death, serious assault, rape, indecent assault, incest, sexual offences against children, abduction, slavery, extortion, aggravated robbery and aggravated burglary. So, apart from reporting a crime to police and getting medical attention, where else can a victim of a violent crime turn to for support? The first step to access free services in Victoria is the state government’s Victims of Crime Helpline, which offers information, advice and support. A Department of Justice spokesperson told Star Weekly the Helpline received 18,435 calls from across Victoria in the 12 months to 30 June, an average of more than 50 calls a day, with figures not available for specific council areas. When a person contacts the Victims

of Crime Helpline, trained victim support workers provide information based on the person’s individual needs and circumstances, as well as referrals to victim support services, family violence services, sexual assault services, mental health and counselling supports, legal assistance, and housing services. Referrals for callers from Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Hume, Maribyrnong, Melton and Wyndham may include Windermere Victims Assistance Program, The Orange Door and Footscray-based GenWest, Unison for housing support across parts of Melbourne’s west or WestCASA for sexual assault support. GenWest is a family violence support service that has been operating since 1988, focusing on helping to prevent violence by addressing what is driving it before it happens. GenWest CEO Dale Wakefield told Star

Weekly “the demand on all of our family violence services is unprecedented”. Ms Wakefield said its services, which are currently funded to support more than 2500 people every year, enabled people experiencing family violence to be safer, to recover, and to rebuild their lives. “We support many more people than this, and our waitlists can still be long. There are 50 people on our waitlist, who will wait over a month to be supported,” Ms Wakefield said. “That’s a long time when you are not safe in your home or relationship.” In tandem with The Orange Door, staff provided almost 80,000 hours of support to family violence victim survivors in the 2024-25 financial year, a 30 percent increase on the previous year. An after-hours program that supports victim survivors with emergency assistance outside regular business hours supported 698 victim sur-

vivors in the 2025-26 year. GenWest’s Children’s Counselling program is funded to support 234 children each year but regularly supports more than 300 children and young people, alongside their carers and support networks, Ms Wakefield said. “More than 100 children are currently waiting for this service, with some waiting up to a year,” she said. “We know that children who experience family violence are two to three times more likely to go on to experience intimate partner violence later in life. Research also indicates that boys who experience family violence may be at greater risk of using violence themselves as adults. “This is why GenWest’s children’s counselling is not simply a recovery service. It is a critical part of breaking the cycle of family violence,” she said. “We are urgently trying to source an additional $500,000 in funding to clear this waiting list and give these children the support they need now.” Ms Wakefield said of the funding GenWest received from government, the smallest amount was allocated for the prevention of family violence before it occurred. GenWest received no funding to conduct longer term healing and recovery with clients beyond their allocated support period, she said. “Survivors tell us this is something they badly need.” The Victims of Crime Helpline is 1800 819 817 and GenWest can be contacted on 1800 436 937. Any victims experiencing a crisis or worried about their safety should contact Victoria Police on Triple Zero, Lifeline, Safe Steps or 1800 Respect.

Speckles’ youngsters are the first emu chicks to hatch at Werribee Open Range Zoo in 20 years. (Zoos Victoria)

Speckles’ emu chicks strut their stuff Male emu, Speckles, is one lucky bird, stepping out at Werribee Open Range Zoo’s Australian trail with an entourage of five long-legged chicks. Native animals keeper Malinda Delahant said the emu chicks, which hatched in mid-September, are already turning heads with their striking looks. “These little ones are supermodels in the making” Ms Delahant said. “They have beautiful long legs and they’re still getting the hang of using them.” “The chicks have gorgeous eyes, luscious eyelashes, and have been strutting their stuff as if they’re on a catwalk.” Emu chicks are the first to sport a seasonal trend, hatching out cream-coloured with distinct dark brown stripes running along their backs and heads. The markings help them blend in among grassland tussocks and woodlands. In just a few months, however, they’ll drop this season’s patterned down for a shaggy, grey-brown monochromatic look, which has already been adopted by their

older flock mates. Male emus are exceptional parents and take on the bulk of parental duties. During the two-month incubation, males will sit on the eggs to regulate the nest temperature, during which time they will forgo eating and drinking. With the sedentary dad-duties over, Speckles is now getting his steps up. “Speckles is an incredibly attentive dad and is keeping the chicks safe and together as a small unit. He’s already busy teaching them how to forage, where to find food and water in their habitat and how to preen their beautiful feathers.” Speckles’ clutch marks a milestone as the first emu chicks to hatch at Werribee Open Range Zoo in 20 years. The five chicks join a multi-generational flock of 11 adult birds at the zoo’s free-roaming Australian Trail habitat. Werribee Open Range Zoo is open all year round. Kids visit free on weekends, public holidays and Victorian school holidays. 12904223-AM41-26

Wednesday, 7 October, 2026 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 7

BEHIND THE NEWS

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Help where it’s needed Brimbank is one of Victoria’s drug hotspots, recording the fourth highest rate of drug-induced deaths between 2015 and 2024 according to a recent report. Sebastian Conidi spoke to cohealth manager and Health Work’s Healthcare program facilitator Scott Withy about the work done by Van West to save lives.

S

cott Withy has seen more than most when it comes to drug and alcohol abuse. While my grand final was spent in front of the television, his was spent on-call, aiding people across the community. “All the data would show you that around Christmas Day, Melbourne Cup and Grand Final day, there is a significant increase in drug-and-alcohol-related harm,” Mr Withy said. “There is a significant increase in domestic and family violence callouts for police.” Working across Melbourne’s west, Mr Withy has seen firsthand the impact drugs and alcohol can have on vulnerable communities. He highlighted cohealth’s Van West program as one service working to address the issue. Funded through the Victorian government’s $95 million Statewide Action Plan, Van West is part of an outreach network providing mobile health, social and harm-reduction support to people in Footscray, St Kilda and Melbourne’s CBD who may otherwise face barriers to accessing care. “It connects people to housing, alcohol and Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) services, as well as health and social services,” Mr Withy explained. The program provides mobile support to people across Melbourne’s west, including first aid, basic health checks, safer drug-use information and overdose-reversal medication such as naloxone. Mr Withy said population growth and gentrification had pushed some vulnerable people to the margins, creating a need for services that could reach people in a myriad of locations and situations. “We had to ask the questions – do we have the right services in the right areas and, if not, how do we engage people who use drugs in areas where there aren’t fixed primary health services?” Launched in 2024, Van West operates seven days a week, spending four days in St Albans and Sunshine, with the remaining time in Footscray. Mr Withy said the program’s mobility was particularly important for people who faced difficulties accessing

traditional healthcare services. “Our clients find it difficult to even get from Braybrook to an appointment in Footscray. We’re really trying to meet people where they’re at.” The van often sets up in what Mr Withy calls “known hotspots”, including near Sunshine station and Alfreda Square in St Albans. It provides a range of services, including sterile injecting equipment to reduce the spread of HIV and hepatitis C. “We know people are going to inject drugs. From an evidence-based and health perspective, Australia has an excellent record of evidence-based interventions to prevent HIV and Hep-C.” The portable service also provides safer injecting advice, vein care and wound care. The van includes a nurse’s station where clients can receive basic health assessments. “If someone is hypothetically intoxicated or dehydrated or if they have an abscess that needs to be looked at, they can come into the van, sit in the pathology chair and get an assessment.” The van also provides naloxone, which can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, alongside education on how to administer it and respond to an overdose. The service also has a fridge and microwave. “We like to make sure there is access to water and meals,” Mr Withy said. “A lot of the work we do is engaging vulnerable people.” The team provides broader support through referrals to other cohealth services, including optometry, allied health and further medical care. Mr Withy said community engagement was a major priority for cohealth, with education playing an important role in helping the wider community understand how drug use is addressed from a health perspective. “If you ask the average person on the street why we give clean injecting equipment for drug use – you’d get a varied response,” he said. “People may ask if it’s illegal or whether it should be treated as a criminal matter instead of a health matter.” Mr Withy said providing sterile

8 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 7 October, 2026

Harm reduction workers Christo Keene and Nick Downie at Van West. (Damjan Janevski) 580662 02

injecting equipment helps reduce the broader burden on the health system. “What we know is that if you’re giving out clean injecting equipment and stopping the spread of HIV and hep-C, you are reducing the impact on the health system. These types of interventions provide evidence-based benefits to the health system.” He also stressed the importance of reducing stigma around drug use to ensure people can receive appropriate healthcare. “The people we look after from a health perspective are some of the most stigmatised individuals in the community,” Mr Withy said. “These are people with untreated mental health issues, trauma, experiencing homelessness, financial pressures, food insecurity – and are using drugs and alcohol to manage their trauma. “There’s an assertion between people who use drugs for pleasure and people who use drugs to mask their trauma and mental health issues.” Mr Withy said the healthcare system could do more to address the complex issues surrounding drug and alcohol use. “It’s a really unknown area of healthcare. It is not well understood. People don’t really talk about it in a broader sense.

“It’s a specialised area because you need to build trust with people that aren’t particularly trusting of health services in general because of prior poor experiences.” Mr Withy said he would like to see better education and engagement across the healthcare system so people feel more comfortable seeking care. “I would like to see more education in emergency departments and hospitals who are inundated with clients who use alcohol and other drugs but don’t feel comfortable telling a nurse or doctor what they’re doing.” He said seeking care could be particularly difficult when people feared being judged or stigmatised. “Even people in mainstream society who take legal substances such as cigarettes feel uncomfortable telling a doctor for fear of stigma. “If you have a client who’s sleeping rough and already feels stigmatised, they’re not going to feel comfortable telling a stranger exactly what’s going on in their personal life.” For Mr Withy, services such as Van West provide an opportunity to bridge that gap by bringing healthcare directly to people who may otherwise struggle to access it. Van West can be contacted on 0499 848 295.

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COMMENT

Salvias a spring favourite If, like me, you’ve been sustained by the winter plant colours of acacias and port wine magnolia flowers, you are probably hankering after some spring colour in the gardens. In that case, what do we have to look forward to in the months ahead? Early delights include cherry blossoms, daffodils, jonquils and ranunculus. And don’t forget the long-lasting winter glow of camelias and hellebores. Come October, a flowering plant that can last from early spring until the cooler autumn weather is the Salvia plant. There are over 900 different Salvias. Salvias provide long-lasting flowers with plentiful bursts of colour and minty scented foliage. Salvias are resilient plants that grow in a wide range of conditions but prefer free draining soil, some organic matter, full sun and are drought-tolerant once established. The Salvia plant genus belongs to the mint family, scientifically known as Lamiaceae. A common Salvia most people are familiar with is sage, best enjoyed in a sage butter with pasta. Some specialised varieties, like Salvia dorisiana or specific shrubby types push their hot pink flowers from July through to October. Other Salvias that I would recommend growing in Melbourne include: Spurflower (Plectranthus sp.), German-

Sage is a popular ingredient in many dishes.

der (Teucriumsp.), Coleus (Plectranthus sp. syn. Coleus sp.), Basil (Ocimum basilicum cv.) and Sage (Salvia officinalis). I love the purple varieties which include Salvia Rockin’ Deep Purple and and Salvia Mirage Deep Purple. Other features of Salvia plants are that they flower prolifically, attracting birds and bees. The flower colours range from pink, red, white, orange, yellow, blue, green and black. Of real benefit is that fact that they can often tolerate frost. A fun fact about this species is that it contains oils unappealing to rabbits – bonus! These plants can vary in height from 15cm to 3m. Salvias will benefit from pruning. When it come to pruning, it is important to understand that are three main types of Salvia, and understanding which is which will mean greater success. These are (eg S.elegans and S.patens), also called shrubby (eg S. leucantha, S.greggii and S. chamaedryoides, S.coccinea and S.microphylla), and (eg S.nemarosa, and S. x superb). There are also small herbaceous

types such as S.koyamae ‘Yamagata’ that die back completely. If you are interested in propagating your own Salvia plants, this works best by using vegetative cuttings rather than seed. Remove all but the top two leaves and place a stem of Salvia into a container directly into perlite with soil around the outside. Continue to water and care for these cuttings until leaves start to populate the stems. Transplant into the garden when the plant has become more estab-

lished. Some Salvias can be used in the home, in the kitchen or elsewhere. For example, White Sage (Salvia apiana) is traditionally used for smudge-sticks to cleanse a living space and Fruit Salad Sage (Salvia dorisiana) has edible, sweet and fragrant foliage that can be added to cakes and desserts. For further information about Salvias from passionate experts and home gardeners at the Victorian Saliva Study Group try: https://salvias.org.au

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Wednesday, 7 October, 2026 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 9

NEWS

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MY PLACE For Bacchus Marsh local Teagan Scarlett, life in Melbourne’s west has always been about community, familiarity and connection. Born at Bacchus Marsh Hospital, Scarlett spent her early years in Melton before moving closer to Melbourne to study, work and experience city life. She eventually found herself drawn back to the western suburbs and the country-town atmosphere of Bacchus Marsh. She chats with Jack O’Shea-Ayres. What’s your connection to Melbourne’s north-west? My siblings and I were all born at Bacchus Marsh Hospital in the ‘80s and ‘90s, and I lived in Melton for the first 20 years of my life. In 2018, after living in Footscray, Brunswick, Coburg, and after travelling abroad, my husband and I bought our first house in Bacchus Marsh where we’ve been ever since. I was in Footscray from around 2009-2013, which was great to be so close to the city for university and for meeting up with friends. Footscray was so different at that time compared to now. But, one consistent thing is that the food has always been superb! What do you like about where you live? I love living in a place where it is so easy to chat with people who you’ve never met before - people here are pretty easy going and friendly. Living with nature at your fingertips is also wonderful, we love spending time outdoors. I’m not really sure what else to say about my time in Bacchus Marsh other than we just really enjoy living here. What, if anything, would you change about where you live? The rate of development in Bacchus Marsh is a little difficult to watch when you remember the cosy country town it was back in the day. Where is your favourite local place to spend time? Any park or trail! Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you…

COMMENT

Teagan Scarlett. (Damjan Janevski) 561733_01

I get to drive trains for a living. I’ve been working for Metro Trains since 2019 as a driver. It is wonderful, I get to see lots of

different parts of the city and get to see people going about their everyday lives. I have been trained to drive four different types of

trains which is great fun and very interesting.

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A cinema classic and a movie the whole family will enjoy Romsey movie buff Evan Turok is Star Weekly’s film reviewer. Each month he shares his take on recent releases, cult classics, modern favourites and everything in between. Coyote vs. ACME (PG) Walking the tightrope of invitation and homage is something director Dave Green pulled off flawlessly and left us with perhaps the most fun movie of the year. Having had enough of ACME’s faulty gadgets constantly stifling his endless quest to catch the Road Runner, Looney Tunes character Wile E. Coyote sets out to sue the ACME Corporation. Represented by lawyer Kevin Avery (Will Forte), the pair set out to prove malicious intent behind the megacorporation’s malfunctioning products, such as rocket-powered roller skates and dehydrated boulders (Just add water!). What follows is a hilarious investigation and trial that features all the classic characters I hoped to see. Shot as a live-action cartoon in the style of 1988’s Who Framed Roger Rabbit, this film is a machine gun of comedy, firing off joke after joke, only pausing to deliver some shockingly heartfelt moments. When animation interacts with real actors and objects, it can often look out of place, but the time and passion put into the animation created such a strangely natural dynamic. Unfortunately, the original human characters are almost entirely forget-

Evan Turok.

table, lacking any sort of individuality. Considering Forte’s character was front and centre throughout the entirety of the film, it would have been nice to be given an opportunity to build a connection. If you are looking for an excuse to get back to the cinema, especially with the family, Coyote vs. ACME will have a little something for everyone and leave you

10 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 7 October, 2026

with just a little more than your average family comedy. 3.5/5

The Apartment (PG) Billy Wilder’s ‘The Apartment’ (1960) is a masterful showcase of why well constructed writing trumps all else in the world of film making. C.C. Baxter (Jack Lemmon) rapidly

rises up the ranks of his insurance company by loaning out his apartment to his higher ups looking to find a private place to cheat on their wives. Treated with a wildly early 60s casual attitude, what follows is a charming love story that sets an unreachable standard for future romcoms. Here, actions have ongoing effects that domino throughout the full two hours. Smart writing doesn’t mean complicated writing. Having a clear understanding of the plot while still being thoroughly invested is the true mark of an amazing script. Its finest feat is in the way the early dialogue effortlessly weaves in necessary exposition without feeling forced. An iconic scene features C.C. Baxter is seated in a sea of desks that reach far into the depths of the frame. A genius visual metaphor to show Baxter’s unremarkable life, and simply a cool shot. To achieve this, the set was built with progressively smaller desks, and even going so far as to fill the far ends of the set with child actors to create the distant effect. Most often, films in production during the late 50s barely had enough of a budget to pay attention, so seeing ’The Apartment’ take advantage of its huge budget in such a creative way is truly special. There’s no wonder why ‘The Apartment’ is still a classic to this day. 4.5/5… enjoyment wise.

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NEWS

Youths caring for youths By Glenn Fisher A group of Wyndham youths continues to be at the forefront of helping their own through tough times. YouthMIND Australia is a youth-led initiative focused on mental health awareness, education, open conversations and youth empowerment. The organisation provides opportunities for young people to get involved through volunteering, campaigns, resources, community projects and other initiatives.

We may not be able to solve every mental health challenge, but we can make sure people feel seen, supported and reminded that they’re not alone - Ishana Vyas YouthMIND recently held a community fundraiser at the Point Cook Community Learning Centre, where group members prepared more than 30 care and wellbeing packages to be donated to local mental health services, including headspace. YouthMind founder and executive director Ishana Vyas said members worked together to prepare the packs, which included items such as journals, pens, colouring books and materials, mindfulness cards and stress-relief items. Ms Vyas said the initiative was designed to turn community participation into

YOUR SAY Preserve history, plan smarter Re: RAAF Flight Furore, Wyndham Star Weekly 16 September There has been a massive surge on Facebook (960 comments to date) backing the historic Point Cook Airfield and making the point that the airfield and flying training has been there for the past 112 years, since 1914. The local consensus urges transparency, with many stating that buyers should exercise due diligence and accept the area’s existing acoustic environment rather than pushing to restrict an important local landmark. Obviously, people building or buying a

practical wellbeing resources that could reach young people accessing mental health and wellbeing services. “You don’t have to be an adult or have a huge platform to make a difference. Sometimes change starts with a small idea, a group of young people and the decision to do something about an issue that matters,” she said. “We may not be able to solve every mental health challenge, but we can make sure people feel seen, supported and reminded that they’re not alone. Even a small act of kindness can have an impact that reaches much further than we realise.” Ms Vyas, who is supported on the YouthMIND executive by chairperson Lily Dang-Brown, treasurer Hattie Culbertson, secretary Riya Tipnis and communications & marketing director Aanya Agrawal, said the group was also appreciative of Wyndham City Council waiving the usual hire fee for the community centre on the day. YouthMIND also has volunteers who contribute across areas including social media, events, campaigns, research and resources. Ms Vyas said YouthMIND was created to provide young people with opportunities to take an active role in mental health awareness and community wellbeing, rather than simply being recipients of information. “For us, the care packs event wasn’t just about what we could accomplish in one afternoon,” she said. “It was about starting conversations, encouraging people to look out for one another and showing that positive change can begin with us.”

house since that time would have been aware of the airfield as one does when moving next to a railway line, race track, river or late-night-music venue and taken that into consideration. It is surprising and disappointing that a “Kingston City Council“ type Airport Environs Overlay planning requirement was not put in place for many of the existing housing estates and as development continues towards the base as was done for the environs around Moorabbin Airport. Should this be considered for any future residential developments near airfields - like Aviation Fields? Modern building technology offers an easy fix for noise complaints. As people have chosen to live near the airfield, new

YouthMIND members Lily Dang-Brown, Ishana Vyas and Riya Tipnis preparing the care packs. (Supplied)

and existing homes should consider the use of wall and ceiling “sound proofing” rated insulation batts as well as the use of double glazing on glass windows and doors – not a big cost for those complaining and if they want to live near the airfield. It is a relatively small additional cost in a new home Cost perhaps in the order of an additional $10 to $15k when you consider fitting double glazing (becoming more common), wall and ceiling sound insulation that also reduces heating and cooling costs. The payoff would be an increase in value of the property as part of a typical $1 million land and home package / mortgage. With the hundreds of responses continuing to flood in, the message from

the community to local planners is clear: preserve our history, plan smarter and build for the environment. Len Waddell, Werribee

HAVE YOUR SAY Star Weekly welcomes letters to the editor as well as comments and story tips on our websites and Facebook pages. Post: Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042 Email: westletters@starweekly.com.au Web: starweekly.com.au Wyndham Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

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Wednesday, 7 October, 2026 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 11

FEATURING ... SENIORS

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One day, 25 communities: Discover a lifestyle you’ll love The statewide Open Day offers an opportunity to step beyond the brochure and hear directly from those who have already made the move. Whether they were looking to downsize, free up time for travel, build new friendships or enjoy a more connected way of living, every homeowner has a story to share. Explore low-maintenance homes, including brand-new display homes at Lifestyle Communities’ newest locations,

while also discovering established communities across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria. Along the way, they can meet the team, ask questions, and gain an authentic perspective on everyday life at Lifestyle Communities. Visitors can also experience the amenities that help bring communities to life, including clubhouses, swimming pools, gyms, wellness spaces, bowling greens, cinemas and social hubs designed to sup-

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On Saturday, 17 October from 10am to 2pm, Lifestyle Communities will open the doors to all 25 communities across Victoria, inviting visitors to experience firsthand what life in a community designed for over-50s is really like. While display homes and resort-style amenities often capture attention, many homeowners say it’s the people and sense of connection that make the biggest difference.

12 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 7 October, 2026

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Wednesday, 7 October, 2026 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 13

NEWS

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Basketballers celebrate More than 250 people helped celebrate at the Wyndham Basketball Awards night in late September. The association celebrated another successful year of growth, achievement and community connection, recognising the outstanding contributions of players, coaches, referees, volunteers and clubs. The annual celebration brought together the Wyndham basketball community to honour the people who have helped strengthen the association over the past 12 months, highlighting excellence across coaching, officiating, inclusion, representative programs, community participation and volunteer service. Life members, club presidents and committee members, players, coaches, supervisors, families and staff were amongst those at the night. “It was amazing to see all areas of our association represented and coming together to celebrate everyone. Wyndham Basketball is about community,” Wyndham Basketball Association president Nicole Casaccio said. The 2026 junior female coach of the year was awarded to Emma Hooper from Hoppers Crossing Junior Basketball Club, recognising her dedication to player development, sportsmanship and continued growth as a coach. The 2026 junior male coach of the year was awarded to Jayden Aban from Heathdale Hornets Basketball Club, celebrating his contribution, commitment and leadership within junior basketball. Gojco Stevkovski won programs male coach of the year, while Emily Matthews won programs female coach of the year. Mel Hoppert and Jade Bishop were the

domestic female and male coaches of the year respectively. Elena Papakirikou was named the female referee of the year, while Cooper Little claimed the male referee of the year. A major highlight of 2026 was the continued growth of Wyndham Basketball’s inclusion programs. The association recognised Laura Williamson as inclusion coach of the year and Brooklyn Walker as assistant inclusion coach of the year. The award recipients for the representative season included Deng Yak (Adam Self Award), David Costea (Paul Watkins Award), Sarah Tipping (Kevin Hornblower Award), Louise Ursu (Victorian Junior Basketball League encouragement award), Jackie Stephens (VJBL female coach of the year) and Ken Kirkham (VJBL male coach of the year). In the Big V awards, Malik Miller won the men’s championship most valuable player, Georgia Denehey won the division 1 women’s most valuable player award, Declan Reno won the youth league most valuable player and Alana Poulton and Admira Ali shared the youth league women’s most valuable player award. The association presented 10-year service awards to several community members, alongside 20-year service awards recognising Brad Salter, Jackie Stephens and Matthew Stephens. A special 30-year service award was presented to Troy Johns for his contribution to Woodville Basketball Club. The Giblin Volunteer of the Year Award was awarded to Samantha Silcock from Iramoo Basketball Club, while Iramoo was named the club of the year.

Troy Johns. (photos tjphotos)

Iramoo Basketball Club.

Cooper Little.

Gojco Stevkovski.

14 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 7 October, 2026

Jayden Aban.

Emma Hooper.

Laura Williamson.

Samantha Silcock.

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ENTERTAINMENT

A day of fun by the river The Lauriston community is invited to a special family and cultural day on the Coliban River to celebrate the waterway and find out more about the project to restore it. The Coliban River Gathering Day will be held at Lauriston Common on Friday, 9 October, hosted by the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation (DJAARA), Coliban Water and North Central Catchment Management Authority (North Central CMA). The common is the site of the current

restoration work under the A Healthy Coliban Catchment (AHCC) project, a community-backed plan to restore and protect key sections of the waterway. “We’d love to see locals, visitors, farmers, community and their families join in the activities, lunch and river walk,” project manager Tess Grieves said. “It will be a relaxed celebration of the river and the people who make it special. “There will be interactive turtle and native fish displays, a barbecue, information displays, a lovely river walk, and we’ll also

have a community clean-up of the site for those who want to get involved.” Now in its ninth year, AHCC is a partnership between Coliban Water, North Central Catchment Management Authority, DJAARA, local councils and local communities. AHCC works to revegetate and fence stream banks, remove weeds, and build off-stream watering systems for landholders along waterways throughout the Upper Coliban River catchment. The catchment is home to significant

numbers of threatened plants and animals and is a key social, cultural, and economic asset for the region. It’s also home to three water storages – Malmsbury, Lauriston, and Upper Coliban – that supply raw water for drinking purposes to more than 130,000 people, including the towns of Trentham, Tylden, Bendigo, Kyneton, and Castlemaine. The event will run from 10.30am-2.30pm, with registrations open now. Details: colibanrivergatheringday. eventbrite.com.au

Delight for green thumbs

A play for all ages Cast members from the new intergenerational play, Prime Time, which will be performed at The Substation in Newport from 14-17 October. (Supplied)

Many events and festivals claim to have something on offer for all ages merely as a marketing ploy. But when it comes to this year’s Melbourne Fringe Festival that might actually be the case, at least as far as a show being performed at The Substation in Newport is concerned. Billed as a celebration of life in all its stages, Prime Time is a show that interrogates the relationship between age, power, visibility, and value. And given that it features cast members aged between 5 and 93, it’s very well

placed to do so. Produced by independent Melbourne theatre company Born In a Taxi and directed by Penny Baron, Prime Time challenges assumptions and expectations about age and ageing and forges new dialogues across generations through shared stories, perspectives, dance and sound. Oaka Scully, Florence Bertoli ,Gilly Wright, Rhinestone Desbois, Natasha Mohamed and Corey Saylor-Brunskill are among the 14-strong cast which will perform the show from 14–17 October,

with a preview showing on the 14th, opening night on the 15th and a closing matinee show on the afternoon of the 17th. The Wednesday evening preview begins at 6pm, the Thursday and Friday night performances are at 6.30pm and the Saturday afternoon matinee starts at 2pm. Tickets are on sale now, with concessions for Hobsons Bay locals and First Nations peoples. For more information and to book, go to: https://thesubstation.org.au/program/ prime-time

Spring will be in full bloom when the annual Bacchus Marsh Flower and Garden Show returns to the Bacchus Marsh Public Hall in October. The much-loved community event is set to bring together gardeners, growers, creatives, and families for a weekend celebrating the colour, fragrance, and produce of the region. Visitors can wander through a vibrant display of competition entries, with sections dedicated to roses, cut flowers, floral art, Australian natives, pot plants, and garden produce. Green thumbs will also have the chance to show off their talents in the jams and preserves categories. For those possessing a creative streak, the show will offer plenty for visitors to enjoy, with stalls run by local not-for-profit organisations, free face painting, and balloon twisting for children. Devonshire tea will also be available, giving the perfect opportunity to take a break and soak up all the atmosphere. Green-minded visitors can also take a piece of the show home with them, with plants available to purchase throughout the weekend at the show’s plant stall. Organisers are inviting the community to come along and experience the sights and smells of spring gathered all under one roof at the historic public hall. The show runs from noon to 4pm on Saturday 25 October and 10am to 4pm on Sunday 26 October, with admission costing $5 for those aged over 15. Details: https://www. bmflowershow.org/.

Eagles cover band takes fundraising ‘to the limit’ Australian cover band The Eagles Story will hold a special “one off” event at the Keilor Sports Club from 4pm on Sunday 18 October to support the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. The band was inspired in its fundraising quest by keyboardist and guitarist Norm McNaughton, a cancer survivor. “At the beginning of last year I was diagnosed with throat cancer. It was all a bit of a shock,” McNaughton said. After seven weeks of treatment and a long recovery, McNaughton wanted to help others, pledging to raise a minimum of $10,000 for the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. “It was a way of giving something back to

The Eagles Story, live in concert. (Supplied).

the facility that treated me so well.” The afternoon of Eagles’ classics will help the fundraising effort. Keilor Sports Club will put on a barbecue while the band

performs two sets of Eagles’ hits. Whether its the mellow country tunes of Take It Easy, Tequila Sunrise and Peaceful Easy Feeling, the rock ragers of Hotel California and Witchy Woman or tender love ballads of Take It To The Limit and Desperado, this group has something for every classic rock fan. “The Keilor Sports Club is an important part of the local community and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre is a world class facility,“ McNaughton said. Doors open at 4pm with the show kicking off at 5pm. Tickets are selling fast. See the link for more details: https://www.trybooking. com/events/landing/1598867.

This year’s annual Bacchus Marsh Flower and Garden Show will take place on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October at the Bacchus Marsh Public Hall. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 361628_04

Wednesday, 7 October, 2026 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 15

CALENDAR

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

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. Church fete St James Community Fete will be held on Saturday 17 October at St James The Apostle, 336 Derrimut Road, Hoppers Crossing, between 10am and 4pm. Enjoy food and drinks, fairy floss, crafts, spinning wheel, show bags, entertainment, rides and stalls selling cakes, plants and toys. Everyone is welcome. Garden swap Calling all gardeners. The Wyndham Community Garden Swap has been running for more than years. It is a friendly group of local gardeners who loathe waste and like to share surplus produce, plants,or all things relevant to gardening. The group meets at 10am on the first Sunday of each month at a park in Hoppers Crossing. It is free to join and no money is involved. ■ All queries to admin.wcgs@gmail.com Car show Classic, retro and special interest vehicles will roll into Williams Landing on 15 November for the Outwest Concrete Wyndham Retro Motor Show 2026, bringing the local community together for a morning of motoring, entertainment and family fun. The Outwest Concrete Wyndham Retro Motor Show 2026 is hosted by Wyndham Health Foundation and will be held from 9am to 1pm at 70 Overton Road, Williams Landing. Alongside the cars, visitors can enjoy live entertainment, food trucks, family activities and more throughout the day. Vehicle + Driver: $20, General Admission: $5, Children under 12: free. ■ wyndhamretromotorshow.com.au Bridge in the west The Williamstown Bridge Club has bridge sessions each week on Wednesday night at 7.15pm and Friday afternoon at 1.25pm for experienced players and a supervised session Friday 10am at Hobsons Bay Sport & Game Fishing Club, 17 Altona Road, Seaholme. All levels welcome and partners can be provided. Bridge lessons for beginners start on Friday 9 Oct 10am. ■ Peter, 0427 302 236, Alan, 0430 309 255, or www.bridgewebs.com/williamstown Pain support group Iramoo Community Centre hosts a Chronic Pain and Depression Support Group every second Wednesday, 10am- noon. Everyone is welcome. Find support, friendship, arts and crafts, barbecues, coffee and a listening ear. The centre is at 84 Honour Avenue, Wyndham Vale. ■ Admin@iramoocc.com.au CWA Werribee South Branch The Country Women’s Association’s Werribee South Branch is inviting ladies seeking friendship, personal development and advocacy in support of social issues to come and join them. The group does everything from cooking, crafts and raising money for charity. Meets third Wednesday of the month at the Diggers Road Hall, Werribee South at 7pm. ■ Julia, 0409 045 306 Social Pickleball A fun blend of tennis, badminton and table tennis, pickleball is a fun, active and inclusive sport that has a low impact on the body and is easy for beginners of all ages to learn. Sessions run 10am-noon Tuesdays and Thursdays at Eagle Stadium. Coached sessions are also available.

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Mark Warner from Sunbury Model Railway Club. (Damjan Janevski). 580942 01

■ stadiumbookings@westernleisureservices.com The Coffee Table in Manor Lakes The Coffee Table aspires to be a safe space for the local community to share, to connect with others to create positive change in their home and communities. Runs Wednesday, 9am-2pm, at the Manor Lakes Community Learning Centre. ■ theecoffeetable2022@gmail.com Inclusive employment support SYC’s Inclusive Employment Australia Program supports people living with disability to find and maintain meaningful employment. Through the free program, you will get the chance to create a personalised job plan to help achieve your work goals. Runs 9am-5pm on Fridays at the Tarneit Community Learning Centre. ■ 9036 5350 Community Breakfast Program Life Community Kitchen and Dianella Community Centre are coming to together provide breakfast on Wednesdays and Fridays. The program is free and runs 89.30am. ■ dianellacc@wyndham.vic.gov.au One on One IT help Free IT help sessions run each Tuesday, 10-11.30am, at the Manor Lakes Library, covering everything from using email, creating accounts and accessing the online library. People can get help with their Macs, PCs and phones. ■ 8734 8930 Rotary Bingo Werribee Rotary hosts its weekly community bingo event on Monday evenings at the Italian Sports Club of Werribee. There are cash prizes and proceeds go to worthy causes that Rotary supports. 6.30pm arrival time. ■ secretary@werribeerotary.org.au

16 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 7 October, 2026

Community connectors Wyndham Council has launched a community connections and care service to support residents who may need help navigating life’s challenges. Whether you’re looking for mental health support, food relief, or guidance accessing government services, this free and confidential service is here to help. Meets 8am-noon on Wednesdays at The Element’s Activity Park and Cafe. Crafties at Iramoo The Crafties meet at Iramoo Community Centre every Wednesday between noon2pm and put their knitting and crocheting skills to use. The crew make items for themselves and participate in charitable causes. ■ 8742 3688 Community Kitchen Wyndham-based not for profit group Pulse with Purpose sells delicious meals each Tuesday 10am-5pm at the Dianella Community Centre in Tarneit. Each purchase helps provide free meals to families in need. Meals are by pre-order, the menu is typically updated every Sunday. ■ bpulsewithpurpose@gmail.com

■ CodeClub@wyndham.vic.gov.au or 8734 8999 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 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-12pm every Monday and Thursday at the Tarneit Community Learning Centre. ■ info@soulfulspreads.com

Wyndham Turkish Coffee Club A place for older Turkish and Cypriot Turkish migrant women in Wyndham to gather, connect, learn and advocate for one another over coffee. Anyone is welcome to join the group at the Wyndham Park Community Centre from 1-2pm on the first Tuesday of each month. ■ Lutfiye, 0474 533 923

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

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.

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-noon last Saturday of every month. ■ Liz, 0448 781 111

PUZZLES ACROSS

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Pontiff (4) Disputed Spanish region (9) Ancient Roman aristocrat (9) Bygone (5) Feudal Japanese warrior (7) Boredom (5) Preceding day (9) Individual from Belgrade, say (4) Written declaration under oath (9) Father, as head of family (9) Travelling (2,7) Latter part of the day (7) Rundown (5) Musical drama (5) Data (coll) (4) Shortened form of boulevard (4)

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8 7 2 3 4 9 5 1 6 1 5 9 8 6 2 3 4 7 3 4 6 5 7 1 9 8 2 4 6 1 2 5 3 7 9 8 9 8 3 7 1 4 6 2 5 5 2 7 9 8 6 4 3 1 6 9 8 4 2 7 1 5 3 7 3 5 1 9 8 2 6 4 2 1 4 6 3 5 8 7 9

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in 's'.

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Today’s Aim: 14 words: Good 21 words: Very good 28 words: Excellent

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No. 417 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down. NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

T E S T S R E C A P A R O M A S I R E N H E E D S

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elfin, feign, fern, filing, fine, finer, finger, firing, fling, fringe, genii, glen, grin, infer, lien, line, liner, linger, PILFERING, piling, pine, ping, reign, rein, rifling, riling, ring, ripen

2 7 5 9 4 8 3 1 6 3 6 9 2 7 1 5 4 8 8 1 4 3 6 5 2 7 9 5 9 7 4 1 3 6 8 2 4 8 3 6 2 7 9 5 1 6 2 1 5 8 9 4 3 7 7 4 2 1 3 6 8 9 5 9 3 8 7 5 2 1 6 4 1 5 6 8 9 4 7 2 3

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Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

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WORDFIT 3 LETTERS ACT AGE AIL ALL ASK ASS EAR EAT EBB EEL FLU IFS INS ION KEG LAD LEE LET NEE OHS ONE PEA TAG TEE

ANNEX ARENA CAROL CHIPS EDGES ELDER ELUDE ERASE FIRST GLEAM HARSH HERDS IDLER IMAGE INLET LOATH MATTE NEEDS NESTS NOISE PALED PAPAS PEACE

4 LETTERS ADDS ARMS ASKS FLUX GENE GIGS MASS NOTE ODDS SCAB SETS SIPS SKIS THEE 5 LETTERS ABLER AIRED AMBER AMUSE

QUICK QUIZ

No. 310

T H E E

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Strike with the beak (4) Furniture covering (10) Long-suffering (7) Requirements (7) Ancient Roman lower classman (8) Elevate (5) Adolescent skin problem (4) Made easy (10) Brotherhood (10) Abide (4) Mournful song (5) Fresh (8) Inocculation (7) Turndown (7) Study of surface features (10) Ladies’ man (4)

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No. 310

PIANO RAILS RATIO REIGN RENEW ROMPS SAUNA SECTS SHIES SLANT SLEWS SLING SOARS STAMP STARS STATE STEAK STEMS STINT TENET THESE TRITE UNTIE

6 LETTERS HIKERS MISSES ORDEAL SERIAL

8 LETTERS ESTIMATE RECOURSE STRADDLE TONNAGES

7 LETTERS ALARMED BLUNDER CREATES HAPPIER HASSLES RANSOMS

09-10-26

1

Which historic building was originally known as the Cappella Magna?

2

Heath Ledger (pictured) starred in Brokeback Mountain with which other lead actor?

3

How many stars are on the flag of the Solomon Islands?

4

Which song from the movie Barbie won the Academy Award for Best Original Song?

5

The Red Wings are an NHL team from which city?

6

Who led the First Fleet?

7

In which year did the Chernobyl disaster happen?

8

What is written on the poster that Mulder has up in his office in The X-Files?

9

And what object is also depicted on it?

10 Which instrument closely resembles a fiddle? ANSWERS: 1. The Sistine Chapel 2. Jake Gyllenhaal 3. Five 4. What Was I Made For? 5. Detroit 6. Captain Arthur Phillip 7. 1986 8. I Want To Believe 9. A UFO 10. Violin

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

QUICK CROSSWORD

P A P A S S O A R S M A T T E I M A G E I N L E T A I R E D A B L E R P E A C E S L I N G I F S R O M P S T E E N E E O R D E A L A M U S E S E T S B L U N D E R A C T S C A B O D D S H A R S H E A R S K I S E S T I M A T E H A P P I E R C R E A T E S T O N N A G E S G I G S L A D S L A N T T H E E A S K S E E L R A N S O M S F L U X E R A S E H I K E R S I O N N E E D S A S S L E T I D L E R S A U N A R A T I O S T I N T G L E A M E L D E R N E S T S S L E W S T H E S E

No. 310

P E C K U P H O L S T E R Y O A S A L A N E P A T I E N T D E M A N D S A R R E U U T E P L E B E I A N R A I S E O C A R S I M P L I F I E D A C N E F I A A N A S T A Y F R A T E R N I T Y V R R I D I R G E O R I G I N A L A E N P A N N B R E F U S A L V A C C I N E I A N R C O I V T O P O G R A P H Y S T U D

SUDOKU

Wednesday, 7 October, 2026 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 17

SECTION

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

networkclassifieds.com.au networkclassifieds.com.au Trades & Services

General Notices

TRADES BUSINESS PROFILE

PUBLIC NOTICES AND EVENT

BRICKLAYERS

All Types of Bricklaying Restoration Work • Brick Fences • Repair Work

Contact Adam 0422 250 675

TRADES & SERVICES

WYP2026/0162

The applicant for the application is:

Easton Consulting

Responsible Authority:

Wyndham City Council Telephone: 03 8376 5503

You may look at the application and any documents that support the application at: The Council website http://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/ planning-register By contacting the Town Planning Unit on the number above. Any person who may be affected by the granting of the permit may object or make other submissions to the Responsible Authority by post or in person or; Online: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/planning-register An objection must be made to the Responsible Authority in writing, include the reasons for the objection and state how the objector would be affected. If you object, the Responsible Authority will tell you of its decision. The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before:

• One stop shop - Kit • Complete service frochen, bathroom, laundries & renovation needs. • Appliance packages m start to finish, including kitchen 3D des ign. • Bathroom tapware, available. • Mobile Ensuite Available accessories & tiles on display in our showro om. Showroom by appointment only We specialise in ful l bathroom & kitchen renovatio WE DO NOT DO REPA IRS & MAINTENANCE ns 8348 5441 T & C’s apply

M & D MICALLEF

Aggregate

CONCRETING

Stencil Slate

Martin 0418 171 280 or 9748 3196

Plain concrete

Coloured concrete

Wash/seal old drive ways Excavation

ELECTRICIANS THINKING ABOUT SOLAR?

www.topedgekitchen

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s.com.au

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• One stop shop - Kitchen, bathroom, laundries & renovation needs. • Complete service from start to finish, including kitchen 3D design. • Appliance packages available. • Mobile Ensuite Available • Bathroom tapware, accessories & tiles on display in our showroom. 12435710-CG03-20

Deadline for all classifications is 1:00pm Tuesday.

section of Network Classifieds.

BATHROOM & KITCHENS

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1152992-LB36-14

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19 Oct 2026

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Showroom by appointment only We specialise in full bathroom & kitchen renovations WE DO NOT DO REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE T & C’s apply

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8348 5441

www.topedgekitchens.com.au

Removal of old fence if required

Call Chris on 0401 230 861

12357251-LB28-17

The application number is:

Kitchens & Bathroom Renovations

12831318-KF01-26

52.02

Before a person proceeds under Section 23 of the Subdivision Act 1988, to create, vary or remove an easement or restriction or vary or remove a condition in the nature of an easement in a Crown grant

Specialising in quality kitchen facelifts Re-laminating existing bench tops & doors New cabinets-Kitchen, Laundry, Bathroom

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12906030-JO40-26

Matter for which a permit is required

KITCHEN REVIVAL

From plumbers to pest control, carpet cleaning to building services, dry cleaning to computer repairs, lawn mowing and more, Network Classifieds has been connecting local businesses with the local community with our Trades and Services each week.

A permit is required under the following clauses of the Planning Scheme: Planning Scheme Clause:

CABINET MAKERS

Lou’s Colorbond Fencing Gates & Pergolas ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ Lou 0412 339 445 Tony 0431 339 739 ฀

12402755-RA44-18

The application is for a permit to:

Removal of the single dwelling and specified building materials restrictive covenant contained in transfer No.L861048R applicable to Lot 106 on LP139568 (9618/364)

Grow your business with

12619654-AP28-23

727 Sayers Road HOPPERS CROSSING VICTORIA 3029 V 9618 F 364 L 106 LP 139568 Tarneit Parish

12901604-GC40-26

PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT ACT 1987 - FORM 2 PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT INTERIMREGULATIONS 2026 The land affected by the application is located at:

12853324-RV12-26

AK BRICKLAYING

NEED WORK LOCALLY?

202530001-KF29-25

18 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 7 October, 2026

SPORTS QUIZ 1. Who is the current coach of the Wallabies?

3. Collingwood player Nick Daicos was awarded the 2026 Brownlow Medal with a record number of how many votes?

2. Including this year, how many times have the Dockers reached the AFL grand final?

11. Mark Nawaqanitawase is leaving the Sydney Roosters to join which club? 12. And aside from a lucrative contract, why else is he leaving the NRL?

4. What are the surnames of the Australian and English Ians involved in a bitter, decades-long cricket feud?

13. Which Wallabies player scored two tries in two minutes against South Africa in September?

5. How old is Arsenal’s Max Dowman, the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history?

14. What two teams compete in tennis’ Laver Cup?

6. Aussie musician G Flip played which three instruments during their pre-game performance at the AFL Grand Final? 7. Which two soccer players were joint recipients of the one-off FIFA Player of the Century award in 2000?

16. Since 2020, how many NRL grand finals have the Penrith Panthers played in?

8. What name is Fremantle’s viral post-goal celebration known by?

18. Who recently became the second batter, after Sachin Tendulkar, to reach 15,000 ODI runs?

9. Sydney’s AFL and NRL teams are both named after what?

19. The Wallabies managed to defeat South Africa despite only having as little as how many players?

22. And who won the 2026 Norm Smith Medal in that match?

28. Ireland’s players refused to shake the hands of players from which country during a 2026 UEFA Nations League match?

23. What ladder position did NRL grand finalist Newcastle Knights finish at the conclusion of the 2026 Premiership season?

29. Which English Premier League club was recently charged with financial breaches?

24. Which NRL captain switched his international rugby league allegiance from Australia to New Zealand this year?

30. NBA star Jalen Brunson recently hosted an episode of which longrunning sketch comedy show?

25. Mike Baird recently quit as the chair of which Australian sporting body?

20. Which Penrith Panthers player suffered a serious leg injury in a 2026 preliminary inal?

26. Talia Gibson is the current top ranked Australian woman in what sport?

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Potential to be a winner By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring How about that grille heh? It’s the GAC M8 (mate, get it?) and it shouts look at me! The vertically-ribbed grille brings sparks memories of the so-called ‘cow catchers’ they used to fit to trains. The idea was to lift and push obstacles out of the way rather than slice and dice them in the case of an unfortunate cow. Perhaps that’s GAC’s plan for the M8, billed as Australia’s only plug-in hybrid people mover – to push the competition out of the way? Those competitors include but are not limited to the Denza D9, Kia Carnival, Lexus LM and Zeekr 09. The Carnival has been around longer than any of them and pretty much owns this segment of the market. All of them come as hybrids, but not as a plug-in hybrid and that makes GAC believe the M8 has the potential to become a genuine automotive ‘disruptor’ – for business users and families alike. For those not familiar with the brand, the Chinese state-owned Guangzhou Automobile Group is the fifth largest auto maker in China, with 1.74 million sales last year.

Styling M8 seats seven in a 2+2+3 configuration that includes two separate captain’s style armchairs for the second row. It comes in two grades: Premium priced from $76,590, and Luxury from $83,590 – both figures before onroad costs. Okay, so the styling is a bit over the top. Well, quite a lot really, but it will appeal to some punters and there’s a growing demand for these flashy super wagons. Make no mistake, the M8 is a luxury vehicle, trimmed to a high standard in half-aniline leather, with 10-point air pump massage chairs, leg rests with four-way adjustment, heating and ventilation, personal USB charge ports and a 58-degree rear recline angle. Getting the picture? Those phones you see on the arms of the captain’s chairs aren’t really phones, but small individual control panels for making fine seat adjustments with a tap of a finger. The two armchairs are the highlight of the experience, deep and genuinely comfy, and had us contemplating pinching one for the loungeroom at home. The second and third rows feature the latest i-Size standard in child seat restraint compatibility whatever that is? There’s also ‘draft free’ air-conditioning, ensuring the cabin temperature is kept where you want it, without blowing air directly on any passengers. Further enhancing the ambience are 10 different sorts of noise-reduction to keep things library-quiet. They include 108 sound-insulation panels, acoustic soundproof glass and 20 cavity partitions that block wind noise transmission and noise cancelling technology that actively reduces interior noise by 4dB. They reckon 30 rounds of optimisation were conducted to ?nalise the design of the A-pillars and side mirrors, a prime source cabin noise. Storage, important when you’re catering to needs of seven people, sees 15 hooks, 15 storage boxes and 14 cup holders scattered throughout the cabin, with privacy screens and drop-down tray tables for second row passengers. The lower console tray is expansive. The short but deep boot offers 280 litres of capacity with all seats in use, expanding

remained open, the car allowed us to move off Looks: 7.5 without any warning. Performance: 7.5 The engine both powers the battery and Safety: 6 drives the front wheels Thirst: 7.5 as required. Practicality: 8 With no charge however performance Comfort: 8 will take a big dent. Tech: 7 The dash from Value: 8 0-100km/h takes 8.8 seconds while claimed Overall: 7.4 fuel consumption is 6.1L/100km in hybrid mode. Combined range is 1032km, while all-electric range is 106km. The battery can be charged at a rate of up to 6.6kW AC or 35kW using a fast DC charger, the latter providing a zero to 80 per cent charge in 30 minutes. For a people mover, performance is surprisingly strong. Fun, even. It accelerates sharply and smoothly, with an emphasis on smoothly – thanks to the lift from the electric motors. Lexus watch out. But, frustratingly, there is some initial hesitation and rather than put the boot in, some experimentation revealed a quicker response with a lighter foot. Pushing hard through corners, not that you’d do that with the fam aboard, it remains reasonably flat and controlled thanks to a low centre of gravity. Only accelerating hard out of a second gear left-hander did the rear wheels begin to show some movement – remember it is front-wheel drive after all. There’s a lot to like about this car. The glittering gearshift with its round faceted piece of plastic adornment threw us a couple of curve balls too. Said jewel rotates and on more than one occasion swiping at the shift resulted in our hand sliding across its surface and off again. You also need to watch out when switching quickly between forward and reverse during three-point turns, because sometimes it did not produce the desired result – instead the car continued to move backwards instead of forward. Whoops! Mind you it has 12 – yes, count them 12 – parking sensors as well as automatic parking and rear auto braking, so the chances of actually hitting something are slim. Riding on 18-inch aluminium wheels with 225/60 profile Michelin e-Primacy tyres, electromagnetic dampers smooth out the bumps. While adaptive dynamic control adjusts throttle sensitivity to limit both lateral and vertical movement during turns and varying speeds, keeping the vehicle balanced and composed. A word of warning because the front apron is very low and you should keep this in mind at all times when approaching dips and driveways and so forth. We were getting 6.3L/100km and 3.4 kWh/100km after close to 400km of mixed driving. RATINGS

No car is perfect but the M8 has got the potential to be a real winner for GAC. (Pictures: Supplied)

to 1500 litres with the third row tumbled (they don’t pack flat). It sounds more like the level of engineering that goes into building a Bentley rather than a modest $80K Chinese people mover. M8 is covered by a seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty, with another eightyear/200,000km coverage for the high voltage battery. Customers will also beneit from five-year complimentary roadside assistance.

Infotainment We were expecting a large-to-very-large, free-standing touchscreen, but instead it’s a modest, 10.1-inch screen that is inset in the dash like they all used to be once upon a time. It looks larger than it actually is because it blends with its piano black surrounds, with touch sensitive controls either side for volume and fan speed. The graphics are bright and clear with rich colours. There’s AM and FM radio and support for Bluetooth audio streaming, as well as wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. But surprisingly there’s no digital radio and no satellite navigation, although these days we tend to head straight for Android Auto (maybe it’s changing cars all the time). Sound comes from a premium eight-speaker Yamaha audio system which does a credible job. The sound is very clean but there does not appear to be any way to add bass or treble. A quick audit revealed a single wireless phone charger in front and a mix of eight USB A + C ports, along with 12-volt and 240-volt outlets.

Safety M8 has not been tested for safety by ANCAP but boasts an extensive list of active and passive safety systems, with seven airbags including an industry leading 3.2m side curtain airbag plus unique rear window airbag to protect occupants in a rear-ender. There’s a 360-degree camera, lane departure warning and lane-keep assist, autonomous emergency braking and forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise

20 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 7 October, 2026

control with stop-go, blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert and braking, rear car approach warning, door open warning and emergency lane-keeping. Head-up display, however, is missing and that is out of step with the rest of the car.

Engines/transmissions Power comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, together with a pair of electric motors and 26 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Combined output is 274kW of power and 630Nm of torque, with drive to the front wheels through a dedicated, two-speed hybrid transmission.

Driving M8 is a large vehicle and it needs to be, to accommodate seven people, at more than 5.2 metres in length, with a 3070mm wheelbase. The boxy design with the wheels pushed out to the four corners is more practical than it looks because it maximises the amount of interior space available. Sitting lower to the ground a people mover is much easier to get in and out of and more comfortable to travel in than an SUV. Dressed in black our test vehicle looks ready for its next shift as a hire car or corporate shuttle, but the opulence appears to have its limitations. That black by the way is a $1200 option (white is free). A detailed examination revealed an unexpected amount of generic plastic, but not where you can see it and this certainly increases the closer you get to the back. By the time you reach the boot, it looks and feels just like any car. The sliding, electric side doors could be a bit slow for some people and access to the all-important third row is a squeeze between the two middle seats. But it’s worth the visit because they’re actually large enough to accommodate real adults and quite comfortable into the bargain, not so much for three but two occupants is fine. Of note, although one of the sliders

Summing up Wow. No car is perfect but the M8 has got the potential to be a real winner for GAC. Not only does it look and feel a million bucks, but performs way better than you might expect. It’s comfy, nice to drive with strong performance and the ride quality is good even on secondary roads – and it doesn’t use much fuel. For long distance jumps it could be just the ticket.

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Business as usual By Tara Murray It’s business as usual for Werribee as it enters the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association north-west season. After last season being an underdog before clicking at the right time to claim the east-west premiership last season, the Tigers this year will go in as one of the favourites. Having kept most of the group together, coach Brad Robertson said that nothing changes for them this time round. “We are pretty much the same as last year,” he said. “Madhur Ghai is not playing this season and Reeyo Bal Pannu, who played a couple of games for us and will likely play Victoria under-17s this summer, but basically every-

one else from last season will be there again. “We’ve had some different young players at training and there’s a couple of young guys that we’ll look to get into the second XI and possibly the first XI. “Things are pretty much the same as last year.” Robertson, who came on as coach last year, said they continued to have a real focus on development. He said there had been some players from neighbouring clubs keen to take their game to the next level. “We’ve got a big job in helping develop these young players as much as possible,” he said. He said while their first and second XI sides were strong last year, they lacked a bit of depth in the lower grades.

“It’s about building with these guys and they’ve all come back and they’ve got another year of development under them.” Last year, the Tigers started slowly before building into the season and firing at the right time of the year. Robertson said it wasn’t ideal to start the way they did, but they know they can come back from that situation if it was to occur again. “That is what it is,” he said. “We have guys playing football and there’s a lot of guys with young families. “Ideally we would like to start a little bit better than last year. We won’t be panicking if it’s anything like last year.” The Tigers were set to start their season on 3 October against Ivanhoe, but day one of competition was called off.

Jonathan Burton. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 543456_03

The two teams will play in a one-dayer on 10 October. Having been under the radar last season, Robertson knows that teams won’t underestimate them this year. “We still see ourselves as underdogs as nothing is guaranteed or granted,” he said. “We’ll make sure that we do the little things right that we did last year. “We’ll take the same approach and treat ourselves as underdogs, whether anyone else sees us as that, that’s out of our control.”

Sports shorts

Jake Miller, Griffin Barker and Nate Jenkins. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Devils announce first players By Tara Murray Western Jets’ pair Jake Miller and Griffin Barker, along with Calder Cannons’ Nate Jenkins are among the inaugural players selected for the Tasmania Devils’ AFL team. The Devils announced their first eight players on Tuesday night, ahead of the Devils introduction to the competition in 2028. Under list concessions granted by the AFL, the Devils were allowed to pre-list up to 12 potential draft picks over the next two seasons. The first group was chosen after careful consideration from the club’s list management, recruiting, and coaching team. West Australian Axel Walsh was the first signing announced, with Miller the second player taken. Miller made the All-Australian squad as a bottom age player this year, after kicking five goals in three games for Vic Metro this year. He was also named at centre half forward in the Talent League team of the year. After his All-Australian selection, Miller told Star Weekly his goal was to just play one game this season for Vic Metro. “I didn’t really expect to play three games but I felt like a bit of reward for my

effort in the pre-season and the work that I put in before the champs started. “It was awesome. The whole carnival and eight weeks before the lead up to the champ games and all the training was special and the coaches have been awesome for me.” Barker, who like Miller comes from Yarraville-Seddon, was also selected by Tasmania. The midfielder was described by the Devils as a powerful, line-breaking midfielder who has established himself as a threat both on the wing and through the midfield. “His combination of speed, agility and ability to fend off opponents makes him one of the more exciting midfield prospects in his age group.” Jenkins will add to the young forward talent for the Devils after being selected. The Pascoe Vale player was the last of the seven 17-year-olds selected with Tasmanian Hugh McCallum, who is in his draft year, also selected. The Devils said that Jenkins is a highly talented and athletic key forward, who has shown consistent improvement throughout 2026. “His agility and evasiveness with ball in hand rival those of most midfielders in his

age group,” the Devils said. “His penetrating field-kicking and strong endurance base will see him begin his journey as a key forward, although he possesses the traits to impact the game across all thirds of the ground.” Devils’ coach Ken Hinkley spoke glowingly of the talent joining his first AFL squad and will work closely alongside the club’s head of development Nigel Lappin, and head of academy Matthew Knights to prepare the group for 2028. “Tonight is a very special evening, and it’s a proud moment to welcome our first group of Tasmania Devils players to our state,” said Hinkley. “I am excited to be working with such a talented group of young footballers, all of who have tremendous skill sets and AFL attributes already. “It will be great to share this moment with their families. “The build of our list is a significant focus for the club and tonight is another great step forward as we move toward 2028.” All pre-listed players will move to the state later in November and begin their preparation for their AFL debut in 2028 with individualised training programs and plans in 2027.

Talent League Lachlan Hicks and Jacinta Eteuati have claimed the Western Jets Talent League best and fairest awards. Hicks won the boys ahead of Khaled El Souki and Kobe Williams, while Eteuati pipped Addison West and Leilani Petaia. Western FL The Suns have added another member of one of their most important families for next year’s Western Football League division 2 season. The Suns announced that Paul Tomelty would be returning to the club. “You thought four Tomelty brothers was enough… think again,” the club said. “A well-known name around the Suns, Paul is no stranger to the red, yellow and black and we couldn’t be more excited to see him back where he belongs. A 2022 best and fairest winner and 2023 senior premiership player, Paul brings plenty of experience, quality and a proven ability to perform when it matters most. With four Tomelty brothers already part of the Suns’ family, we’re officially adding number five.” Baseball Werribee Giants will have to wait another week to get their Baseball Victoria premier 1 first nine season underway. Heavy rain meant just two matches were completed on Saturday, with the Giants match with Upwey FTG abandoned. The Giants are scheduled to face Waverley this Saturday. The Giants women’s side is also set to start its season this Saturday against Waverley. VAFA The Victorian Amateur Football Association has announced the commissioning of an independent strategic review of the Association. The league said the review was consistent with its commitment of reviewing and refining the association’s strategic objectives every four years. The VAFA board has appointed former AFL footballer and respected leadership and performance consultant Dean Anderson to lead the review and develop the VAFA strategy. The scope includes reviewing the current strategic plan, engaging with stakeholders, making recommendations and providing observations on the capability of the association to deliver on the identified strategic priorities.

Wednesday, 7 October, 2026 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 21

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Sharks are ready to go By Tara Murray Point Cook Centrals is hoping the work that has been done off the pitch will pay off on it in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Roy Picone Shield. The Sharks are again hoping to be in the mix after just missing out on last season’s grand final. Sharks’ Brett Talbot said things were continuing to head in the right direction. “We’ve had a good pre-season and numbers have grown in seniors and we’ve got healthy numbers in juniors,” he said. “We’ve got new guys at the club and there’s been a shift in culture the last few years and we’re in a better position now. “We’re doing something right as we’re

getting people to the club.” On field, the Sharks have attracted several players from Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association clubs. “They’ve come from a winning culture,” he said. “A lot have come from Werribee and they understand how to win. “They offer leadership while being at a younger age. Hopefully it will push us further.” Jack Waugh steps into the captaincy role having joined the Sharks from Werribee. Waugh joins the club from Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association club Werribee. Callan Gilboy has committed to the club after playing limited games last season. Fin and Josh Cowell are the other two

signings announced by the Sharks, who are both former juniors at the club. Talbot said they had been working a while to try and be a destination club in a really competitive local cricketing area and they were starting to see more people want to be around the club. “We’re a family oriented club and we’re supportive of players with all skill sets,” he said. “We want good players at the club.” The Sharks were set to start their division 3 season on Saturday against East Keilor in a one-dayer. The match and all other round one matches were called with not enough grounds being ready. The Sharks are now set to face West New-

McPherson wins the Barry Priest Medal By Tara Murray Albion gun Caleb McPherson’s strong finish to the Western Football League division 1 season saw him come home with the Barry Priest Medal on Friday night. The Cats co-captain was best on ground in the final two rounds of the season to come from behind and claim the competition’s top honour. McPherson polled 25 votes to beat Caroline Springs’ Cooper Pepi, who finished two votes behind. Pepi led heading into the final round, but didn’t poll. Werribee Districts and former winner Dillon Viojo-Rainbow finished third with last year’s winner Michael Selsby in fourth. McPherson, who missed Friday’s awards night as he was in the Northern Territory to play football, said it was a pretty special honour. He said he did try and change his flights to try and be there to receive the honour and enjoy the night. “Congratulations to all the award winners, a fantastic effort from everyone in under-18s footy through the netball and men’s and women’s football programs,” he said. “To all of the premiership coaches and captains, congratulations again, they’re not easy to win.” “I would like to take the chance to thank the Albion Football Club for everything that you have done for me and my family forever, but specifically the last five or six years I’ve been back at the club. “It’s an honour to play for Albion and I love pulling on the hoops. I love the club and I love all the people there.” Cats’ coach Blake Richards accepted the medal on behalf of McPherson. Richards said McPherson won just about every stat this year including tackles, clearances, handballs and possessions overall. “He’s a great kid and he works really hard,” Richards said. “He might have been a 19-20 year-old with a bit of talent but what he has produced himself into over the last eight years and he continues to get better. “He had a really great year.” Richards said McPherson was the hardest worker he had come across in football. He said to see him develop within the league and then win an award like the medal was pretty special. “This guy works on his footy more than anyone played with or seen,” Richards said. “If he has a weakness he will be there before training to try and get better.” McPherson stepped up as Cats co-captain alongside his brother Darcy McPherson this season. He had previously been captain before going to play in the Victorian Football

Caleb McPherson. (Western FL)

League and was an assistant coach last year. Earlier in the night, Richards was named coach of the year after helping the Cats return to division 1 finals for the first time in more than a decade.

22 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 7 October, 2026

Parkside star Zach Morris was awarded the most valuable player award by the coaches, while Newport’s Harry Gardner-Solomon was named the rookie of the year for his breakout season.

port this Saturday in a one-dayer. Having finished third last season, Talbot said they were hoping to continue to build on that. “It was a pretty close semi final last year to Point Cook,” he said. “We weren’t at our best and couldn’t get it done. “Shaf [Shafraz Mohamed] managed the pieces well and out played us late in the game. “There’s a couple of new ones in the division and we’ll see how they play out. “A lot of teams have recruited well and hopefully we’ll be competitive again.” In other matches, Point Cook will face Laverton on Saturday, as clubs hope to get the season underway in round two.

Jets star at combine Western Jets’ Lachlan Hicks and Kiara Boyd were two of the stars at the AFL and AFLW draft combines last week. Players from across the country tested at both the draft combine and state combines last week, with the best young male and female players looking to impress. Testing was held at the State Netball and Hockey Centre, with participants completing a standing vertical jump, running vertical jump, 20m sprint and agility test. A two-kilometre time trial was completed on the opening day of each combine for the boys, while the girls had a 1.6 kilometre time trial. Hicks, who last week won the Western Jets boys best and fairest, finished second in the two kilometre time trial. He ran 6:01, two seconds behind Sandringham Dragons’ Albert Macgowan, who broke the six minute mark with a 5:59. Hicks won the agility test with a time of 7.8 seconds and he also finished top 10 in the 20 metre sprint. Among the highlights of this year’s testing was Victoria Metro and Northern Knights key forward Sam Gayfer smashing the running vertical jump record at the boys draft combine. Gayfer’s effort of 114 centimetres was seven centimetres higher than the previous best jump recorded by Leek Aleer in 2021. He also won the vertical jump. Knights’ Harvie Cook finished in the top 10 in three categories, while Archie Spencer and Toby Krasna also achieved top 10 results. At the girls AFL draft combine, Jets’ Kiara Boyd tested strongly as well. She finished second in the agility test in a time of 8.176 and also finished second in the vertical jump as she jumped 59 centimetres. Boyd also finished top 10 in the running vertical jump. Murray Bushrangers forward Eliza Roche set a new record in the agility test, with her effort of 8.106 seconds beating the previous best time of 8.163 seconds recorded by Lavinia Cox in 2024. Meanwhile, Northern Knights midfielder Maddison Meagher produced the second fastest 20m sprint of all-time, with a blistering 3.059 seconds. State combine results will be released after the state combines in Perth and Adelaide are conducted.

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Hayley Cran left stunned By Tara Murray Werribee Districts’ Hayley Cran was left stunned after claiming the Western Netball League division 1 best and fairest award on Friday night at the league’s awards night. The Tigers midcourt claimed the top netball honour as she beat home Albanvale’s Charlie King, with a three-way tie for third between Albanvale’s Leona Hirstovska, Glen Orden’s Beyonce Palavi and Caroline Springs’ Rahni Samason. “I wasn’t expecting it,” Cran said minutes after winning. “I was like third, that would be nice but it’s very exciting. “I had no idea, I just thought we did well as a club. I’m very surprised.

“As a team I thought we had a really good season, really enjoyable.” It’s the second time Cran has taken out the top honour, having shared the medal with Point Cook Centrals’ Rebecca Hicks in 2022 when she was still at Spotswood. Cran is the second player to win two netball division 1 best and fairest awards, joining her former Spotswood teammate Kimberley Philipps at the top of the table. Cran said it had been a big year for the club and her honour was good for the club as a whole. She said it was nice to see so many players recognised. “We had Emily [Evans] win division 5, Janine [Long] and Jess [Lumani] were also

there tonight [Friday] as they polled really well,” she said. “So much success this year and hopefully some premierships next year.” Cran, who is part of the Tigers coaching panel, and coaches with the City West Falcons, said it was nice to get recognised on court. “The coaching is probably my preferred part of it, but it’s nice to get on the court and not listen to myself yelling all the time, which is good,” she said. The Tigers finished this season in fifth spot in division 1, in their second season in the competition. They were knocked out in the second week of finals.

Medal caps off perfect season for Petridis By Tara Murray Winning the Alan Smith Medal as the best player in the Western Football League division 2 competition is icing on the cake for North Footscray’s Adam Petridis. The Devils captain had already claimed the prize he wanted most, a division 2 premiership, along with winning a best on ground medal. He finished the season with another individual honour as he did enough to hold on to claim the Alan Smith Medal. Petridis led by one vote heading into the final round, with Braybrook’s Jayden Danaher one vote behind. Petridis didn’t poll in the final round, but what he and most of the guests at the awards night didn’t realise was Danaher played reserves in the final round, not seniors. It meant Petridis had already won the medal. Adding to the final round suspense, Taj Danaher, Jayden’s brother, would poll the three votes in the final round. Petridis said it was a pretty special moment to claim the Alan Smith Medal on 20 votes. Danaher finished on 19, with West Footscray’s Henry Lovell in third, while last year’s co-winner Lewis Stanton and North Footscray’s Abdikhane Fitaax rounded out the top five. “A pretty special year,” he said. “I didn’t expect much when I came here, I thought it would be a presentation for the premiership. “But to get the medal, special year allround. Great for the club and great to cap my year off too.” Petridis said heading into the final round, he thought his chances were blown. He finished the game in hospital. “I split my chin open in the second quarter and went to hospital,” he said. “I was speaking to Muller [Cameron Mullenger] the president over there on the bench at the time, I kind of want to play the last half out. “He said go to hospital, you’ve just got finals to play for, and then to go to the last round one vote ahead, I let him know about it. “When they said the name [Danaher] I thought I might have got beat here, but apparently it was his brother.” For Petridis, who stuck around when the club went through the hard times and nearly shut the doors, this season was pretty special. “To win the flag was something that I always dreamed of,” he said. “These medals are cool, but winning the flag with 21 of your best mates is always going to be special. “Moving up to div 1 is going to be a challenge, but exciting for the club for sure.” Meanwhile, Parkside Spurs pair Taquila

Adam Petridis. (Tara Murray)

Angel and Rita Ceravolo shared the women’s best and fairest award. The dynamic duo shared the league’s women’s best and fairest award with both players polling 24 votes in a count that went down to the final votes. West Footscray’s Layla Dawkins, who earlier claimed the rising star award, led by one vote heading into the final round. Dawkins, Angel, Ceravolo and Wyndhamvale’s Larissa Renaut were split by just two votes with one round remaining.

Renaut had earlier won the leading goalkicker award. Renaut polled two votes to move equal with Dawkins, who didn’t poll, leaving the medal going down to the final game. Ceravolo polled two votes and Angel three votes in the final round to finish on 24 votes, one clear of Dawkins and Renaut.

Cran said the side and the club overall was hoping to keep building and aim to win some premierships next season. In other netball awards, Albanvale’s Brodie Roberts won the first men’s best and fairest award. He finished ahead of Sunshine’s Jayden Cowling with the Kangaroos’ Joel Brown and Cobras’ Harry Nelson finishing equal third. Glen Orden’s Zac Mabilia rounded out the top five. In division 2, Point Cook Centrals’ Paige Hunter and Sunshine’s Lola Tuafafo shared the top award. Hunter was also named the netball rookie of the year.

Round one a spring washout The Victorian Turf and Victorian SubDistrict cricket associations cancelled day one early last week, before the rest of the competitions in Melbourne’s north-west later followed suit. The VSDCA made the call on Tuesday, with the VTCA decision being announced on Wednesday morning. The decision is not a new one, with the last time both competitions kicked off on time was in the 2019-20 season. Since then rain, grounds not being ready and Covid-19 meaning there have been delayed starts across both competitions. The VSDCA confirmed its decision on Wednesday. “On behalf of the board, I write to advise that due to the large number of grounds being unavailable for play for this coming weekend plus the forecast of heavy rain across Melbourne on both Thursday and Friday, the board has decided to delay the commencement of our 202627 season until Saturday October 10,” chief executive Ken Hilton said. “All games scheduled for Saturday October 3 and Sunday October 4 have been cancelled. “Round one will now be played as a One-Day fixture on Saturday October 10. In the VTCA, with round one being one-dayers, the games have been abandoned and there are no backup dates this season. “Due to a large number of grounds being unavailable for play this weekend, the VTCA has made the decision to cancel this weekend’s scheduled commencement of the 2026-27 season,” the VTCA said on social media. “The season will now commence on Saturday, 10 October.” The decision to make the early call was the right one. Heavy rain was predicted later in the week and on Saturday, which proved to be the case including some flooding, which resulted in all other senior and junior competitions cancelling matches on Saturday, including Victorian Premier Cricket, the Western Suburbs Churches and Community Competition and the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association.

Wednesday, 7 October, 2026 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 23

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