Star Weekly - Wyndham - 4th November 2026

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Tina leaves a legacy Tina D’Monte is retiring from Our Lady of the Southern Cross in Manor Lakes after 18 years of teaching. She joined the school when it opened in 2009 as a paddock and watched it grow into a modern learning facility. Starting with just seven students in co-taught grades 5 and 6, Ms D’Monte embraced the challenge of open-plan teaching, transitioning from traditional school settings. Over her career, she learned that education extends beyond academics— building positive relationships with students is essential. Her approach emphasized positivity, humor, and encouraging self-belief. Throughout her tenure, she collected cherished memories, including a touching moment when student Celeste sweetly suggested the tooth fairy would help after Ms D’Monte’s dental visit. With over 40 years in education and mentoring numerous young teachers from Australian Catholic University, Ms D’Monte feels her teaching race is complete. She’ll miss the routine, staff, and students who kept her engaged. Our Lady of the Southern Cross Primary School retiring teacher Tina D’Monte with some of her students. (Damjan Janevski) 586238 06

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Data centre push By Glenn Fisher Wyndham council will push the state government for not only a moratorium on new data centre approvals but for a parliamentary inquiry and a government taskforce to develop a range of policies for data centres. Councillors voted unanimously at the 27 October meeting to write to the state government to request a parliamentary joint select committee inquiry into data centres, as well as a joint state and local government taskforce to develop planning, environmental and infrastructure policy

responses for data centres. In the meantime, council will advocate for a moratorium on the approval of any new major or hyper scale data centres or expansion of any existing data centres “until appropriate, binding planning controls and mandatory standards are introduced”. In a lengthy report to council, Wyndham planning and liveability director Eric Braslis also recommended that council “affirm that all levels of government have a fundamental responsibility to protect and promote the voice of the people who elected us, and that fast-tracking major

developments without genuine community consultation undermines public trust and fails this core obligation”. Mr Braslis told council that data centres had become critical infrastructure supporting the global digital economy, enabling the storage, processing and transmission of vast amounts of data generated by cloud computing, artificial intelligence, telecommunications, financial services and everyday digital activities. He said data centres were becoming an increasingly significant land use and economic development consideration in

Wyndham due to its strategic location within Melbourne’s west, proximity to major transport and utility infrastructure, availability of industrial land and access to emerging energy networks. Since 2020, nine data centres spread over more than 76 hectares of industrial land have been approved, with a further 9.8 hectares awaiting approval. In supporting the recommendation, Cr Preet Singh said data centres “may be important for supporting our digital economy, but the impacts are felt locally”.  Continued: Page 2

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Tarneit teenager charged A Tarneit man has been charged as part of investigations into incidents that may be linked to the targeting of hospitality venues. Detectives from the Armed Crime Squad charged the 19-year-old Tarneit man who was already in custody for unrelated offences. The offences include an aggravated home invasion, two counts of intentionally causing serious injury in circumstances of gross violence, two counts of intentionally causing serious injury, attempt to commit an indictable offence, armed robbery, kidnap, unlawful imprisonment, home inva-

sion, and theft. The charges follow an incident in Springvale that involved a group of males committing a home invasion just after 5am on 22 April. A 34-year-old man was allegedly kidnapped, another male resident of the house obtained a serious injury to his upper body and two other women were home at the time but were not physically injured. Police believe the kidnapped man was forced into a vehicle and seriously assaulted causing serious injuries to his lower body and a partial amputation of one of his fin-

gers. The men allegedly demanded the location of a man known to him with links to the security industry. The victim was released and taken to hospital after they were unable to locate the man. Investigators believe the same Springvale Road address was previously targeted on 18 April. The investigation remains ongoing and the Tarneit man will appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 29 October. Operation Eclipse began on 27 April and

is led by specialist detectives including the Gang Crime Squad and Arson and Explosives Squad. Its aim is to target the serious and organised crime syndicates that are believed to be involved in offences linked to hospitality venues and identify the motive for the attacks. The operation works closely with local police and regional detectives who respond to and investigate the incidents. Police urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Calls for stronger e-bike laws By Ella Burns

Werribee RSL Secretary Richard Conn. (Damjan Janevski). 585705 03

Ready to remember in Wyndham The Werribee RSL Sub-Branch invites members of the Wyndham community to attend a Remembrance Day service at the Werribee Cenotaph on Wednesday 11 November. The RSL asks that those attending to gather at the Cenotaph, on the corner of Watton Street and Station Place, at 10:50am for an 11am start. Remembrance Day services are a chance to pause and reflect for a minute’s silence at 11am to pay respects to those who served in both world wars. Commemoration services began in 1919, a year after the end of the First World War when

the guns fall silent on the 11th hour of the 11th day of November in 1918. Werribee RSL secretary Richard Conn reminded locals about the importance of Remembrance Day and urged them to take time to pay their respects. “Whether you observe a minute’s silence at 11 am, wear a red poppy, attend a service, or just pause to remember, please help keep the legacy of our service personnel alive on this special commemorative service day,” Mr Conn said. According to RSL Victoria, after red pop-

pies began flowering on the devastated and desolate battlefields of the Western Front in France and Belgium, the poppy became a powerful international symbol of remembrance and fundraising after the First World War. Since then, the poppy badge has been used to commemorate Remembrance Day on November 11 each year, as a reminder of the futility of war, and of the grief and loss suffered by so many. Those who attend the service at the Cenotaph are welcomed back to the RSL at the conclusion of the service.

Push for data centre moratorium as community concern grows Continued from page 1 “The community is concerned, however they feel powerless as the decision-making authority mainly sits with the state,” Cr Singh said. “Local councils understand local needs and are best placed to represent community concerns. That’s why the incoming state government should consider giving councils a stronger role in assessing future data centre proposals and ensure meaningful community consultation becomes a part of the planning process.”

Cr Shannon McGuire said the data centre report was one of the most detailed and comprehensive that council officers had done for a long time and commended them for the short turnaround in presenting it to council. “I was somewhat surprised and also not surprised around the fact that we have nine data centres already and many more on the way,” Cr McGuire said. “I support the recommendation and I think it will at least give a voice and some oversight over the data centres as they

2 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 4 November, 2026

come into the chamber, and people will be able to come and actually talk to us. “Whether or not we can make informed decisions is another thing,” he said. Federal Parliament is currently holding a Senate inquiry into Artificial Intelligence and Data Centres, examining whether existing regulatory frameworks are adequate, and the impacts of data centres on Australian communities, infrastructure, energy and water resources. Its findings are scheduled to be released by 16 November.

Wyndham council is calling for tougher state laws to crack down on illegal, high-powered e-bikes amid growing safety fears. At its October 27 meeting, council responded to a petition raising concerns about illegal bikes being ridden on roads, shared paths and public spaces. Councillors backed calls for stronger Victorian laws targeting illegal petrol-powered pushbikes, high-powered e-bikes and other unregistered motor vehicles. An amendment put forward by Cr Susan McIntyre will see council investigate tougher restrictions under its own Local Laws while pushing for state legislation similar to measures recently introduced in Queensland. The proposed changes would cover e-bikes, e-scooters and personal mobility devices, with the aim of strengthening enforcement powers, controlling the use and sale of illegal vehicles and improving community safety. Cr McIntyre acknowledged the vehicles could be intimidating for some people. “For a parent with a young child, an older person who can’t move quickly or a person with a disability, a speeding motorised bike can be frightening,” she said. “Even without a collision, that experience can leave someone feeling vulnerable.” But council acknowledged its powers are limited, making stronger state laws and cooperation with Victoria Police essential. “We will need a strong response from the new state government for strengthening regulations and enforcement, local council can only do so much on the issue,” Wyndham mayor Mia Shaw said. Council will investigate what measures other municipalities have introduced and whether Wyndham’s existing local laws could be strengthened, in consultation with police. Councillor Jasmine Hill said the response must include community education and clear communication. “Residents need to know the difference between the legal and non compliance devices, understand the safety risks and know how to report incidents,” she said. In July, council backed a motion to the Municipal Association of Victoria calling on the state government to strengthen legislation and enforcement, and improve coordination between agencies tackling the unlawful use of unregistered, non-compliant and illegally modified motorised vehicles. Cr Hill said the motion had been adopted which “means Wyndham’s concerns have now been recognised at a state level and we can continue to advocate for a stronger response from the Victorian government.”

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Top Aussie nomination By Ella Burns A Tarneit man who has been transforming the lives of young people through sport, education and community action has been named among Victoria’s nominees for the 2027 Australian of the Year Awards. Twenty-eight-year-old Sagalee Omer is one of 16 Victorians recognised across four award categories, joining 130 nominees from across Australia celebrated for their contributions to their communities. He is nominated as the Young Australian of the Year for Victoria. National Australia Day Council chief executive Carrie Leeson said the Victorian nominees demonstrated the many ways people could support those around them. “The nominees for Victoria are standing up for what matters, providing support to people when they need it most and helping to shape better futures for the next generation,“ Ms Leeson said. Mr Omer is the founder and social impact leader behind Shooters Shoot, a youth-led organisation creating opportunities through sport, education, culture and community initiatives. The organisation emerged from Mr Omer’s 23rd birthday celebration that he transformed into a basketball tournament to create connections through sport coming out of covid lockdowns to raise money for young people’s mental health. The event raised $16,000 for Foundation House. “Being Michael Jordan’s jersey number (23), I thought I’d do something creative for my Jordan year and organise a basketball tournament to bring people together,”

Australian of the Year Awards for Victoria nominee Sagalee Omer. (Damjan Janevski) 587800 02

he said. Since then, Shooters Shoot has grown to engage more than 5,000 young people and raised more than $100,000 through its programs and events. It has also distributed more than 400 bicycles and funded over 200 therapy sessions for young people needing support. “It wasn’t just about the games being played, but the conversations, relationships and opportunities that came from bringing people together,” he said. “That’s when I realised basketball could be the vehicle for something much greater.” For Mr Omer, the greatest achievements are not measured by numbers but by the personal growth of the young people he supports.

He recalled one young person who was struggling when they first connected through Shooters Shoot and through the help he helped provide, the young person grew in confidence and is now working towards publishing a book about their experiences. “Sometimes the greatest achievement is seeing a young person begin to believe in themselves, recognise their own potential and take ownership of their future,“ Mr Omer said. Mr Omer combines local action with global advocacy. He is a member of the Refugee Advisory Group for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and contributes to conversations about refugee inclusion and representation. He has also

worked with Foundation House to develop culturally safe programs for young people from refugee backgrounds. Mr Omer said one of the most important lessons he has learned is the value of making young people feel heard. “Every young person has their own story, experiences and challenges,“ he said. “When we take the time to genuinely listen and understand them, we create an environment where they feel valued and supported.“ This west local has become a standout on both the community and national stage through his commitment to helping young people access opportunities, build connections and shape stronger, more inclusive communities. The Victorian award recipients will be announced in Melbourne on 12 November. Winners will then represent Victoria as finalists in the national Australian of the Year Awards, which will be announced in Canberra on 25 January 2027. Mr Omer said he was “extremely honoured“ to be nominated for the Australian of the Year Awards. “This recognition isn’t just about myself,“ he said. “It’s a reflection of the incredible team, volunteers, partners, supporters and young people who have all played a part in building Shooters Shoot into what it is today.“ The nomination was a reminder to Mr Omer of how far Shooters Shoot has come after more than five years of supporting young people. Shooters Shoot’s next event will be held on 28 and 29 November at RS Studios in Maidstone. Details. https:// thefifth.shootersshoot.com.au/#top

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A family legacy Fred Ackerman and Susan Jennison from Keilor Historical Society. (Damjan Janevski) 584169 01

It is easy to overlook the rich history that lies around the corner of our suburbs. Sebastian Conidi spoke to Fred Ackermann and Susan Jennison from the Keilor Historical Society about the immense family legacy behind the Keilor Hotel.

T

he Keilor Hotel has long been a landmark of the Keilor community, with a history stretching back to 1849. Promoted as Australia’s oldest family-owned hotel, the pub has been owned and operated by the Dodd family and their ancestors since 1862, making it one of the country’s longest continuously family-run pubs. Much of the hotel’s history has been compiled by Susan Jennison, vice-president of the Keilor Historical Society. With a background spanning librarianship, history, research and writing, Ms Jennison has dedicated decades to documenting the people, places and stories that have shaped the local area. The hotel was first established as the Galway Arms Tavern in 1849 by James Mitchell. Following several changes of name, it became known as the Keilor Hotel in the 1860s. The venue rose to prominence during the gold rush era, when travellers from across the world passed through the area in search of gold, particularly in Bendigo and Castlemaine. As a key stopping point for those leaving Melbourne, the hotel witnessed a period of significant activity and growth. In the 1860s, the hotel was purchased by Matthew Goudie for £1000, and he renamed it the Keilor Hotel. Its connection to the Dodd family began when John Dodd, son of George Dodd, married Goudie’s daughter, bringing the hotel into the family. George arrived in Australia in 1840 and eventually settled in Keilor, where he played an important role in the development of the community. He oversaw the construction of St Augustine’s Church and established the area’s first school. The name Brimbank is also linked to George, who named his farm after its location on the brim of the riverbank. The hotel’s history is closely intertwined with that of the Dodd family, most notably Ray Dodd, who ran the pub from 1974 until 2025. The hotel recently commemorated the first anniversary of his death, recognising his longstanding stewardship and commitment to preserving its legacy. For Ms Jennison, documenting the Keilor Hotel’s history was a natural extension of a lifelong passion for the past and decades of research into the local area.

A young Ray Dodd. (Supplied)

“I had been writing about the history of the area for decades in other books,” she said, explaining how her previous work provided a foundation for the project. With a bachelor of arts and a master’s degree, Ms Jennison said her interest in history stemmed from the opportunity to uncover forgotten stories and understand the people behind them. “I have always been interested in history,” she said. “It’s the fascination of uncovering things and learning about the people who might be affected.” A key focus of her research was the hotel’s relationship with the gold rush and the development of Keilor as a village. She reflected on the people who lived and worked in the area during the gold rush, including the many blacksmiths who supported the influx of travellers and prospectors. Her approach to research is driven by a strong sense of commitment and a desire to ensure local stories are recorded for future generations. “Once I’m committed to something, I just do it,” she said. “If I decide I’ve got something I want to write down, I just do it.” Beyond documenting the hotel’s past, Ms Jennison emphasised the importance of preserving historical records and ensuring that community knowledge is not lost. “We must realise the importance of the physical record,” she said, warning that people often underestimate the value of

4 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 4 November, 2026

documenting their own experiences and information. While digital documents and photographs captured on mobile phones have become commonplace, she said it was essential to record details such as dates to ensure the material remained useful to future researchers. “The importance is to get the date and record it,” she said. Ms Jennison also stressed the need for ongoing financial support and greater awareness of the administrative processes involved in preserving historical documents. “It always needs financial support,” she said. “We need to be conscious of the bureaucracy and the importance of keeping documents.” Her comments highlight the broader challenges faced by historical societies and community organisations working to protect local heritage, often relying on dedicated volunteers, funding and the careful preservation of records. Fred Ackerman, general member of the Keilor Historical Society, said the hotel remained an important part of the community’s identity and heritage. “As a Keilor community, we recognise and appreciate the Keilor Hotel for its

history and contribution to the community over hundreds of years,” he said. He pointed to other surviving heritage landmarks in the area, including Overnewton Castle, Christ Church and Arundel Estate Farm, which together help tell the story of Keilor’s development. Reflecting on Ray’s contribution, Mr Ackerman said he had a deep appreciation for the hotel’s history and took great pride in continuing its traditions. “Ray Dodd personally understood, appreciated, respected and carried that mantle forward in terms of the history that he so proudly nurtured around the hotel,” he said. For Mr Ackerman, the Keilor Hotel represents more than a historic building. It remains a vital gathering place and a symbol of the community’s enduring character. “Every community should have a hotel,” he said. “Keilor is so fortunate to have an iconic and wonderful hotel, standing today as an icon.” With its origins in the early days of colonial Victoria, its links to the gold rush and its longstanding association with the Dodd family, the Keilor Hotel continues to embody the history and identity of the community it has served for generations.

Fred Ackerman and Susan Jennison from Keilor Historical Society and Dhenai Veale manager Keilor Hotel. (Damjan Janevski) 584169 03

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A male driver died when his ute crashed into a tree on Heaths Road, Werribee, on Saturday night. Police are investigating how the driver, who is yet to publicly identified, lost control and crashed into a tree at about 7.50pm on 31 October. The accident happened outside the Italian Sports Club. Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

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Ram raid Ekram Hassan-Ali was the One Wyndham recipient for October. (Damjan Janevski). 584723 01

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Role model’s inspiring life Ekram Hassan-Ali, 21, from Tarneit, is Wyndham City Council’s One Wyndham recipient for October. Balancing a part-time job at Melbourne Airport, a business degree at RMIT majoring in human resources management, and extensive community involvement, she approaches life with a characteristic smile. Widely regarded as a positive role model, Ekram empowers young people to participate in community life, build confidence, and develop new skills. Wyndham Mayor Mia Shaw praised her ability to encourage civic participation and create spaces for young people to lead. Ekram’s community contributions are extensive. She’s involved with Wyndham City’s Youth Civic Participation Project, Jumpball (a multicultural basketball program), The Huddle Study Squad (after-school tutoring for multicultural students), and the East African Women’s Foundation supporting Somali-Australians.

She’s also participated in the Youth Services Cultural Festival fashion runway. Her passion for community connection, cultural inclusion, and fostering belonging stems from her family. Her mother, Kafia, was actively involved in community organising, while her older sister Amal runs youth programs. “Mum was always involved in the community, and I would tag along with her,” Ekram explained. “My sister started running youth programs. The whole family has always been involved with community events, and it makes me happy helping people feel connected and more confident.” The One Wyndham Project recognises residents aged 12-25 who positively contribute to the Wyndham community. Monthly recipients receive a $300 gift voucher and other prizes. For more information, visit www. wyndham.vic.gov.au/onewyndham

Investigations are underway into a ram raid that happened at a jewellery store in Tarneit. Unknown offenders attended a shopping centre on Wickford Road about 2.45am on 28 October. Police say a stolen Toyota Rav4 was driven through the entrance of the complex before ramming the doors of a jewellery store. No one was inside the store at the time of the incident. Investigators are working to determine exactly what was stolen. Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at www. crimestoppersvic.com.au.

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Regional migration reaches equal-record June quarter high as Northern Queensland emerges as a growth hotspot Regional migration reaches equalrecord June quarter high as Northern Queensland emerges as a growth hotspot. The latest Regional Movers Index reveals a northerly trend as Queensland’s Burdekin, Tablelands and Douglas regions attract some of nation’s strongest growth in net internal Migration. Australians are continuing to embrace regional living, with the latest Regional Movers Index (RMI) showing capital-to-regional migration reached its equal-highest June quarter on record, matching levels last seen in 2021. The RMI is a partnership between the Commonwealth Bank (CBA) and Regional Australia Institute (RAI), and tracks population movements between Australia’s capital cities to regions, and region-to-region migration. The latest results show capital city residents moving to regional. Australia continued to outnumber those moving in the opposite direction by 30%.

While established destinations continued to attract the largest share of movers, this quarter also points to a broader spread of migration into more regional communities as the benefits of regional living draw people further afield. Northern Queensland was particularly prominent, with the LGAs of Burdekin, Tablelands and Douglas among the nation’s fastest growing destinations. RAI CEO Liz Ritchie says movement typically eases during the June quarter as fewer Australians tend to relocate in the cooler months, which makes this result particularly noteworthy. “The Regional Movers Index recorded its equal highest June quarter on record, matching the height of migration reached during the pandemic in 2021. This tells us the appeal of country living remains incredibly strong all year round, even outside the traditional peak moving periods,” Ritchie said. CBA Regional and Agribusiness Banking Executive General Manager Kylie Allen says Northern

Queensland’s growth comes alongside broad industry investment helping generate diverse local economies. Burdekin is supported by agriculture, manufacturing and renewable energy, while the Tablelands is strong in both agribusiness and tourism benefiting from its proximity to Cairns. Douglas is backed by a vibrant tourism economy and continued investment in local Infrastructure. “Across Northern Queensland, local investment is helping regions capitalise on their distinct strengths and drive broader economic growth. When local businesses invest and expand, the benefits flow through the wider economy, creating jobs, attracting skilled workers and strengthening the services and supply chains that help regional communities thrive,” Allen said. Not to be outdone by the Sunshine State, Central Goldfields in Victoria took out the number one spot for the fastest growing destination in the country. “As more Australians embrace regional living, sustained migration is

strengthening local economies while underscoring the need for services and infrastructure that keeps pace with growing communities,” Allen said. Find out more at CommBank Newsroom 12909190-JO45-26

Wednesday, 4 November, 2026 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 5

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Shooting hoops, scoring futures As part of an ongoing series on the causes and solutions to crime in the west, Jack O’Shea-Ayres spoke with the team from Airtime, a youth development and high-performance basketball program in Cobblebank, about how it gives young people a positive place to connect, and has led to international success for its participants. Cobblebank’s Airtime Basketball Program supports young people through sport to develop life skills, build routines, and access opportunities in a bid to enhance their academic, vocational, and sporting outcomes. The program was created from a desire to support at-risk young people to access their potential both on and off the court, responding partly to the tragic death of 15-year-old Dau Akeung, after he was killed in an alleged group machete and knife attack in Cobblebank last year. Airtime’s coaching facilitator Manny Hendrix Jr, who knew Dau personally, said he wanted to see a positive change for youth in the west. “Dau and I had a close relationship going back many years, both through Airtime and previous programs I ran in the area of Yarra,” Mr Hendrix explained. “We knew at those programs that kids such as Dau were going to be positively engaged before and after school, fed and dropped back safely at their doorstep at night.” Airtime director Michael Houben said the program aims to create positive pathways for young people by engaging them in activities they are passionate about. “With Airtime, our goal is to provide consistent basketball engagement, teaching routine, discipline and other transferable life qualities through a sport so many young people are passionate about,” Mr Houben said. “We try to educate and inspire through sport, providing pathways through basketball as well as opportunities in education and jobs.” He said Airtime aimed to fill a gap in opportunities for young people living in the western suburbs. “When there’s a lack of structured opportunities for young people to engage in their interests outside of school hours, that’s when anti-social behaviour tends to appear,” he said. “Airtime offers structure, consistency and aims to break down barriers to access so that participants have a safe space to develop positive relationships with their peers

Athiei Magok, Aduto Chipuowuop, and Goch Ayiik have received full athletic scholarship opportunities to schools in the United States through the Airtime Program. (Supplied)

Poth Machar is currently undertaking his sports scholarship in Eastern Arizona. (Supplied)

and learn to dream big.” For participants, the results are already leading to worldwide success, with four of the program’s recent participants receiving full athletic scholarship opportunities with schools in the United States. Through Airtime’s coaching and guidance, Aduto Chipuowuop, Athiei Magok, Goch Ayiik, and Poth Machar, are receiving free tertiary education while furthering their dreams as basketball players in the US. Aduto, who was a close friend of Dau Akueng, said the Airtime program kept him focused and on the right track, leading to his success through a University of South Carolina (USC) Salkehatchie scholarship. “It’s a blessing,” Aduto said. “There were a lot of distractions along the way…I put my head down, I stayed on the right path.” Mr Houben said the program aimed to

equip young people with the discipline, accountability and sense of belonging needed to succeed both on and off the court. “We are all about inspiring the mind, whether that’s on the court or outside of it,” Mr Houben said. “When young people are exposed to opportunity, mentorship and a healthy group identity, you address anti-social behaviour at the root before it ever becomes a problem for an individual.” In September, the state government announced funding to support Airtime for its success as an early intervention program. The funding announcement was made in response to a rise in crime across the western suburbs, and in a bid to tackle the drivers of serious offending at a community level. Details: https://www.airtimebasketball. com/pages/about-us-new

Aduto Chipuowuop, close friend of late Dau Akueng, is currently undertaking his sports scholarship at the University of South Carolina (USC) Salkehatchie. (Supplied)

Sign up for cell study, get fitter and receive rewards Joining up to take part in a study may or may not pique your interest. But how about getting fitter, providing research results for the medical field and receiving rewards for taking part? Accredited exercise physiologist Zena Zaki and Sebastian Paul (Master’s degree in Sports Science) are PhD candidates from Professor David Bishop’s Exercise Prescription Lab at the Footscray Park campus of Victoria University, conducting a study on physical activity and ageing and how this influences the mitochondria in skeletal muscle. Mr Paul told Star Weekly that mitochondria are double-membrane-bound organelles involved in numerous cellular processes. Most notably, they use substrates from food and convert them into chemical energy to fuel bodily functions, which is why they are commonly referred to as the “pow-

Volunteer Victoria Haritos with PhD candidates Sebastian Paul and Zena Zaki. (Damjan Janevski). 585913 01

erhouse of the cell,“ he said. Mr Paul said previous research suggested a decline in mitochondria from around age 60. They hope to sign up 96 participants for their study to examine the contribution of physical activity and ageing to changes in a person’s mitochondria. “We’re looking to recruit four separate groups of people,” he explained. “We are seeking young men and women

6 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 4 November, 2026

aged between 18 and 28, and older men and women aged 65-plus, who will be tested and divided into physically active and physically inactive groups.” If you sign up for the study, you will attend the laboratories in Footscray Park for four visits over about three weeks. During some of the testing and training, Ms Zaki and Mr Paul will take blood samples and muscle biopsies to analyse various metabolic markers and mitochondrial characteristics. Following the testing, if a participant is assigned to an inactive group, they will complete eight weeks of supervised, high-intensity interval training at the Footscray Park campus before completing some of the baseline tests again. The researchers hope to be training the inactive group by the start of 2027, and all results and data summaries will be shared with each individual.

“In the past, research has shown changes in the mitochondria when people were consistently active,” Mr Paul said. There was also the negative side of being inactive, which could lead to mitochondrial disease, he added Mitochondrial disease is a group of chronic genetic disorders that occur when mitochondria fail to produce enough energy for normal cell and organ function. “This study is the groundwork for the future, for what hopefully will help give us more answers about mitochondria and being active,” Mr Paul said. Study participants will also be rewarded, apart from receiving valuable information regarding their cardiorespiratory fitness and health. Those completing all the baseline testing will receive a $100 e-gift card and another $100 for completing the post-training testing. Email Mitochondria.Study@gmail.com

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Ring road the ‘way forward’ By Ella Burns For many residents in Melbourne’s west, traffic congestion has become part of their daily life. The case for Victoria’s proposed Outer Metropolitan Ring Road (OMR) has been building for nearly two decades. First identified in the Victorian Transport Plan in 2008, the OMR would create a high-speed transport route linking key road, rail and freight networks across the state. The project includes a freeway with up to four lanes in each direction and rail infrastructure with up to four tracks for interstate freight and future high-speed passenger trains. A Way Forward for Wyndham discussion on 27 October highlighted the economic, freight and transport benefits of the project. The panel featured Wyndham council transport and sustainability manager Melissa Falkenberg, former roads and road safety and ports minister Luke Donnellan and Victorian Transport Association chief executive Peter Anderson. A video shown at the event asked residents about the biggest issues facing the community, with traffic and congestion identified as the most common concerns. Despite the OMR’s potential positive impacts, many residents said they had never heard of the project. About two-thirds of Wyndham residents travel outside the municipality each day for work, equating to about 81,000 commuters. Wyndham’s population is forecast to reach 500,000 within the next decade, adding further pressure to transport networks. Ms Falkenberg said the project would

Victorian Transport Association chief executive Peter Anderson speaking at A Way Forward For Wyndham. (Supplied).

provide another route to Melbourne’s freeway network and improve access to jobs in Melton and Melbourne’s north.

Werribee RSL unveils Vietnam memorial Werribee RSL has announced that its Vietnam memorial is now complete. Just in time for Remembrance Day, the announcement was made on the RSL’s Facebook page on 22 October. The memorial is located to the left of the building and is to honour those who served during the Vietnam War and recognise their courage, sacrifice and service for Australia. “We are incredibly proud to have this meaningful addition to our RSL, ensuring their service and legacy will never be forgotten,” the post read. Planning for this tribute has been in the works for over two years and the construction finally began four weeks ago. Werribee RSL vice president Daryl Ryan said the organisation is “quite proud” of how it turned out.

“On a bad day for the Western Ring Road and Princes Freeway, the OMR would save you hours,“ she said.

“It would be game-changing.“ The OMR would connect the Hume, Calder, Western and Princes freeways, creating a key link between Victoria’s road network and its growing outer suburbs. The project would also strengthen connections between Melbourne Airport, Avalon Airport and the Port of Geelong and improve access to major employment and logistics precincts.. When high-order transport routes are not available, Mr Donnellan said freight vehicles often move onto local arterial roads. “It [freight vehicles] will work its way through our arterial roads, and it will be in the mornings when we take our kids to school,“ he said. Mr Donnellan said major freight movements should be directed onto dedicated infrastructure such as the OMR instead of suburban roads. Mr Anderson said heavy vehicles are becoming larger and heavier, with some trucks reaching a gross mass of 100 tonnes. “Every truck accident is a big accident,“ Mr Anderson said. “[We] need the innovation, and more than anything we need the courage.“ “From a transport perspective, this is the future for us.“ Mr Donnellan said one of the most important factors in advancing the project is ensuring politicians understand the growing freight task facing Melbourne’s west. “Members of Parliament don’t understand the impacts freight has on our arterial networks,” he said. “The task is about educating politicians.“

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“It’s a big thing for the Vietnam veterans,” he said. The design is based on the Long Tan Cross which is located in the Long Tân rubber plantation, east of the former Núi Ðat Australian base in Vietnam. It is one of the only foreign military memorials permitted to stand in Vietnam. The cross is dedicated to the memory of the 18 Australian soldiers who lost their lives and the 24 who were injured, this cross honours the Delta (D) Company, 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR) during their battle against significantly larger forces from the North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong. The RSL invites members, guests and the community to visit the memorial and to put aside a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who served.

Werribee RSL vice president Daryl Ryan in front of the new Vietnam memorial. (Damjan Janevski) 585705 04 12908182-LD45-26

Wednesday, 4 November, 2026 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 7

NEWS

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FROM THE ARCHIVES Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors

40 years ago

30 years ago

20 years ago

10 years ago

5 November, 1986

6 November, 1996

1 November, 2006

2 November, 2016

A Laverton North property has undergone preliminary inspection to assess its suitability as a site for the Board of Works $34m toxic waste plant.

Werribee scientists were called in to investigate the potential risks caused by an arsenic leak from a CSR timber treatment plant in the western Victorian town of Dartmoor last Wednesday.

Police have called for calm as Wyndham schoolchildren are being abused, spat on and victimised while in uniform, in the wake of the DVD scandal.

Mayor Adele Hegedich has been ousted, two former mayors are likely to be re-elected and three other incumbents have been voted off Wyndham council in a surprising election result.

Pavement artist Ulla Taylor. (Damjan Janevski) 585157 05

Romsey/Lancefield Red Cross, fashion show organisers Debby Teskey, Leeanne Eames, Dianne Irvine and Karen Hermann. (Damjan Janevski) 584923 03

Faces of the west

Glenda Johns at Wyndham Community Garden swap. (Damjan Janevski) 584956 05

Father Michael Kalka has retired as parish priest at Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church in Altona. (Damjan Janevski) 584885 06

Each week, Star Weekly photographers are out and about capturing the people and events across Melbourne’s western and northern suburbs. Vince Byrne, Greg Petterson and Elwyn Randall at Anzac Park, Craigieburn, ahead of Remembrance Day. (Damjan Janevski) 585161 03

8 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 4 November, 2026

Werribee Craft Festival participants Penny Clausen, Anne Marshall and Carmen Littley. (Damjan Janevski) 585118 04

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Wednesday, 4 November, 2026 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 9

NEWS

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

End of era

Court launches new program

By Ella Burns

Our Lady of the Southern Cross Primary School retiring teacher Tina D’Monte. (Damjan Janevski). 586238 03

with a student the day after a dentist visit after having some issues. Her prep student, Celeste, asked Ms D’Monte what happened to her teeth and before she could respond, Celeste reassured her that the tooth fairy would give her another tooth and a surprise under her pillow. “Oh, the innocence of children,” she said. “I thanked Celeste, she was just a beautiful person and still is.” Teaching is the only job Ms D’Monte has known for over 40 years. She has

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It’s the end of an era for Our Lady of the Southern Cross teacher Tina D’Monte. Starting her gig at the Manor Lakes school when it opened in 2009, it quickly became her second home. Ms D’Monte got to see the school grow from just a paddock to the versatile learning facility it is today. Looking back at her first day, Ms D’Monte said she had to co-teach grades 5 and 6 with only seven students. It was Ms D’Monte’s first time teaching in an open plan school and she was proud to set herself the challenge coming from more traditional school settings. “They were taller than me, I felt a bit anxious but there was a very happy buzz,” she said. Ms D’Monte learnt a lot from the students in her 18 years spent teaching there. She learnt that it’s not always about learning and teaching but building positive relationships with her students to steer them in the right direction and assist with their education. “Being positive and open to various situations, having a sense of humour, encouraging them to believe in themselves,” is what Ms D’Monte said she did. Aside from learning came an abundance of lifelong memories. Ms D’Monte recalled one story about an interaction

10 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 4 November, 2026

been a mentor for many young teachers from the Australian Catholic University that she hopes she has inspired. Ms D’Monte said she will miss her routine, the staff and the students who keep her “young and on my toes”. “I believe I have fought the good fight in my teaching career and my race is done,” she said. Ms D’Monte isn’t sure where retirement will take her but she plans to embark on some travels next year.

Wyndham Law Courts has launched a new program to connect court users to vital community support. Community Connections or barring buluk which means “many footprints” in Boonwurrung language, was launched on 28 October. The program is as a referral and information point at Wyndham Law Courts that connects people to urgent support such as housing and family violence services, financial counselling, mental health support, youth and alcohol and other drug support. Local agencies including Salvation Army Doorways Wyndham, Anglicare, Uniting Vic.Tas, Djirra, and Gordon Skills and Jobs Centre now offer onsite, referral-based support for court users when they need it most. Court Network executive director Kate Cahill said that court is rarely just a legal problem and many face other tough situations, struggles and crises. “Community Connections means the moment someone needs help the most, that help is already in the building,” she said. The program was developed by Court Services Victoria, the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria, the Children’s Court of Victoria, VCAT and Court Network together with local community agencies across Wyndham.

PUZZLES ACROSS

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4 LETTERS CLAP DUBS DUCT ELSE EPIC POUT RITE SLED TRIP WETS 5 LETTERS ADULT AMBOS ANNUL APART ARENA ARISE AROMA AVAIL BENCH BESET

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7 LETTERS APPEARS ARRAIGN ERUPTED IDOLISE LANTERN TRUSTEE

10 LETTERS PREDICATES TRESPASSED

8 LETTERS INSERTED INSULTED LOLLIPOP OVERSTEP

6 LETTERS BODICE CURDLE PEBBLE PLAYER SHRINK STATUE

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1

The poem The Waste Land by T. S. Eliot was published in which decade?

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What is the length, in kilometres, of the Great Ocean Road?

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Who hosted the long-running Australian TV show Hey Hey It’s Saturday?

Karen Gillan (pictured) stars in the 2017 reboot of which 1995 film?

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Males and females of which domesticated animals are known as hobs and jills respectively?

NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

S P L A T A R O S E L O O K S O N S E T N E E D S

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alumni, cilia, cilium, claim, clip, cumin, iliac, laic, lain, limn, limp, lumina, lupin, mail, main, manic, mica, mini, MUNICIPAL, nail, pail, pain, panic, pica, pilau, plain, uncial, unclip

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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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Distress caused by being away from residence (8) Word division (8) Source of light (7) Cooperates (7) Coil (6) Cycle for two (6) Speed contest (4) Russian author, Leo – (7) Junior (7) At an angle (8) Annihilates (8) Straight (7) Instance (7) Stops temporarily (6) Spit (6) Coward (coll) (4)

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Jostle (6) Enclosed recess (6) Cantaloupe or honeydew, to name two (5) Worship (9) Brazen (9) Raised platform (5) Settlement (6) Runs (4) Condescending person (4) Very small and elegant (6) Over (5) Proprietor of a general store (9) Invertebrate (9) Soft, musically (5) Divided (6) Reveals, – up (coll) (6)

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No. 314

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What is the name of the van driven by the Scooby-Doo gang?

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According to the proverb, what is mightier than the sword?

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Which artist painted Woman Seated on a Sofa Reading?

10 Who was the first person to win the Nobel Prize twice? ANSWERS: 1. 1920s 2. South Carolina 3. Daryl Somers 4. The Mystery Machine 5. Pen 6. Mark Rothko 7. 243km 8. Jumanji 9. Ferrets 10. Marie Curie

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

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

No. 314

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

SUDOKU

Wednesday, 4 November, 2026 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 11

COMMUNITY

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication. First Nations Family Fun Day Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, their families and carers are invited to a free day of connection, culture and community with IPC Health and Wyndham Council. Enjoy a deadly feed, smoking ceremony, yidaki performance, face painting, photo booth, market stalls and family-friendly activities. The event will be held on Saturday 21 November, 10am2pm at Wyndham Youth Services Centre, 86 Derrimut Rd, Hoppers Crossing. 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 The Grange Community Centre The Grange Community Centre hosts weekly Bingo moves on Monday at 10am. Stay active and have fun with this unique combination of bingo and gentle exercises, tailored for all fitness levels and abilities. Chatty Cafe at The Grange Community Centre is a relaxed and welcoming social catch up where community members can drop in, enjoy a cuppa and a chat. Every Wednesday at 10am Seniors House of Fun at The Grange Community Centre is held every Friday at 11am. Connect with others while enjoying craft activities, a cuppa and plenty of conversation. ■Contact 9116 3705 for further information.

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Lindy O’Brien with her ‘House of Abandoned & Dismembered Dolls’ in West Footscray. (Damjan Janevski). 586623 01

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, lessons Jan wtownbridge@gmail.com or www.bridgewebs.com/williamstown Werribee Probus Club Werribee Probus Club provides retirees with the opportunity to connect socially, improve wellbeing and quality of life by making new friends and enjoying a range of social activities with fellow members. The club meets at 10 am on the third Monday of each month at the Werribee Bowling Club at Chirnside Park, 239 Watton Street, Werribee. Each meeting features an interesting guest speaker and prospective new mrmbers are welcome to attend ■ All inquiries to werribeeprobus@gmail. com or phone 0447 774 743 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

Werribee Bushwalking Club The Werribee Bushwalking Club offers a range of planned walks, car-pooling to and from each walk and experienced guides. Bushwalking is a wonderful way to explore Victoria, stay active and share an appreciation of the experience. Whether you’re new to walking or already experienced, you’ll find the club provides outings to suit different abilities. ■ For more information go to Werribeebushwalking.com.

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

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,

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

12 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 4 November, 2026

sessions are also available. ■ stadiumbookings@westernleisureservices.com Thee Coffee Table in Manor Lakes Thee 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 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 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 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 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 National seniors meeting On the first Wednesday of every month at 1.30pm, the metro west branch of national seniors meets at the Deer Park Club, with meals available to purchase. The group also holds lunches on different Fridays each month, as well as activities such as theatre visits, bus trips and more. ■ 0425 713 004, or lesley1.collins@outlook. com Lizzy Bizzy Food Swaps Come along to the Manor Lakes Community Centre to exchange excess homegrown food. From vegetables, fruits, eggs to seeds and oils, members of the community are encouraged to participate and help reduce food waste. Runs between 10am-noon last Saturday of every month. ■ Liz, 0448 781 111

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ENTERTAINMENT

Salon offers a poetic night Better Off Said, a spoken-word art salon from members of the team behind Women of Letters, is coming to Bacchus Marsh Town Hall for an evening celebrating words, stories, and the things we sometimes wish we’d said. Join Emilie Zoey Baker and Marieke Hardy from 7pm at the Bacchus Marsh Town Hall on Friday 20 November for an entertaining poetry salon featuring poetic duets, live music, and literary performances. Four writers - Thuy On, Gurmeet Kaur,

Clare Wright and Eloise Grills – will respond to the theme “The words I wish I’d said”, sharing thoughts, reflections and stories that might otherwise have remained unspoken. Cate Kennedy will deliver the evening’s Living Eulogy, celebrating someone or something still here to hear it. Hosted by Emilie Zoey Baker and curated by Marieke Hardy, the salon concludes with live music from The Darlings Family Trust, rounding out an evening of storytelling,

reflection and celebration. In this special event, presented as part of Moorabool council’s Hide + Seek Festival, live music and thoughtful reflections are presented by exceptional writers and storytellers, with the salon serving as a celebration to usher in renewal as the seasons change. Hide+Seek Presents is an all-ages series of high-quality music, literature and storytelling experiences presented across Bacchus Marsh, Ballan and Blackwood

throughout November. Featuring acclaimed touring artists alongside local creatives, the program encourages audiences of all ages to connect, participate and engage with the arts. Better Off Said kicks off at the Bacchus Marsh Town Hall from 7pm on Friday 20 November. Details: https://welcometomoorabool. c o m /e v e n t s -b a c c hu s m a r s h-b a l l a ngordon-black wood-g reenda le/ better-off-said.

Historical drama comes to the west

Salesian prepares to host Harvest Festival Salesian College Sunbury students are getting ready to celebrate the school’s Harvest Festival. The annual event brings together students, families, local businesses and community organisations, transforming the college grounds into a vibrant community atmosphere. Principal Mark Brockhus said everyone’s invited to come down and see what students have been working on. “Harvest Festival is a wonderful opportunity to bring the college and wider

Sunbury community together in a relaxed and welcoming environment,” he said. “It’s not just about entertainment, it’s about connection, and showcasing what makes our community so special. “From our agriculture program through to curriculum showcases, visitors can see firsthand the opportunities our students experience every day and it’s open to the whole local community, not just Salesian College students and families.” From 4.30pm to 7.30pm on Friday 6 November, expect to see a wide range

of attractions, including food vendors, market stalls, live music performances and interactive activities for all ages. The school said a key event will be the Agriculture Showcase, where visitors can view the award-winning Corriedale sheep and Hereford cattle, cared for by students as part of the school’s hands-on agricultural program. Produce made on site will also be available for purchase. Details: salesiansunbury.vic.edu.au/ hidden-pages/harvest-festival

Nothing to worry about during Substation show Sick of surprises? Craving a day, a week...a life where there is nothing to worry about, no problems, no dramas? Is this even possible? Is that what we want? No Dramas, a new stage work being performed at The Substation in Newport from 18-21, attempts to answer these and other existential questions about life. Starring Mish Grigor and Brigid Gallacher, No Dramas follows two women through a series of games, tasks and social encounters as they attempt to keep things aggressively chill. They smile with tears in their eyes and push their feelings down, down, down. Into the sock drawer. Never seen again.

No Dramas is on at The Substation in Newport from 18-21 November. (Lauren Dunn)

Along with starring in No Dramas, Melbourne based Grigor also wrote the play and will co-direct alongside Zoe Coombs-Marr. Grigor is no stranger to The Substation,

with her 2024 work Class Act premiering at the Newport venue, while her plays have also been presented at venues across Australia and overseas, including the Sydney Opera House, Malthouse Theatre, Adelaide Biennial,Hong Kong Rep Theatre, Battersea Arts Centre in the UK and La Mama in New York. While the opening night performance of No Dramas on Thursday 19 November is now sold out, tickets are still available for the preview performance on Wednesday 18 November, as well as shows on Friday 20 November and Saturday 21 Novemer. All shows are from 7.30-8.30pm. For more information and to book: https:// thesubstation.org.au/program/no-dramas

(Supplied: Ben Andrews)

Salesian College Sunbury students Maison (front), Alex, Declan, Grace and Oliver are gearing up for Rupertswood Harvest Festival. (Damjan Janevski) 540998_03

A gripping new Australian play exploring the human cost of war, love and betrayal will make its world premiere in Melbourne’s west this December. Fall, written by award-winning Australian-Hmong playwright Michele Lee and directed by acclaimed theatre-maker Beng Oh, will open at The Bowery Theatre in St Albans on 5 December before moving to Bluestone Church Arts Space in Footscray for a four-day season from 9-12 December. Set in Northern Laos in 1975, during the final days of the Secret War, the intimate three-hander follows Paul, an Australian teacher preparing to flee the country as the Communist takeover unfolds. His plans are disrupted by the arrival of Mai, a young Hmong woman and former student who is escaping persecution and determined to say goodbye. As the two confront their shared past over a single night, Fall examines the difficult choices, unspoken truths and uncertain futures shaped by conflict. The St Albans performance on Saturday 5 December begins at 7pm at The Bowery Theatre, 33 Princess Street, and includes an opening-night question and answer session and reception. The Footscray season features an opening-night question and answer session and drinks reception on 10 December, with shows running on 11 and 12 December. Presented by Wit Incorporated Theatre Company, Fall continues the company’s commitment to culturally diverse stories and theatre that connects with local audiences. Tickets and bookings are available at witinc.com.au/shows/fall The 75-minute production is recommended for audiences aged 15 and over.

Wednesday, 4 November, 2026 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 13

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13. How many different strokes are there in competitive swimming? 14. What does a yellow card mean in soccer?

6. Which horse did jockey William Pike ride to victory in the 2026 Cox Plate?

15. A pentathlon consists of how many sporting events?

7. US actor and comedian Mark Curry played an NBA player-turned high school teacher in which 1990s sitcom?

9. Brisbane Bullets basketballer Max Mackinnon is the son of which former NBL star player?

20. In the original Wii Sports game, how many sports were featured? 21. The final Australian MotoGP held at Phillip Island was cancelled due to what?

16. What is the highest score you can achieve in tenpin bowling?

8. The Black Knights and the Midshipmen compete in which annual US college football game?

Muhammad Ali

Jason Statham

17. In basketball, what is the rule violation where a player moves without dribbling the ball called? 18. To the nearest kilometre, how long is the Melbourne Cup race? 19. Which Australian featherweight defeated Russian mixed martial artist Movsar Evloev at UFC 333?

22. And in which city will the Australian MotoGP be held next year? 23. Novo is a mascot for which NRL team?

26. What event did actor Jason Statham compete in for England at the 1990 Commonwealth Games? 27. Which two AFL teams played each other in the 2002, 2003 and 2023 Grand Finals? 28. Which NBL team plays its home games at MyState Bank Arena? 29. Natalie Wood was recently sacked as head coach of which AFLW team?

24. How many Test cricket bowlers have taken over 700 Test wickets? 25. And how many Australian Test cricketers are in the top 10 for all-time Test wickets?

30. In 1922, the Converse brand created shoes specifically for basketball in partnership with which player?

0611

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Wednesday, 4 November, 2026 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 15

Quick, but you pay a price By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring It’s the IM5 and if you’re wondering who or what that is, so were we. IM stands for Intelligence in Motion and it is the upmarket division of MG (like Lexus is to Toyota), with vehicles that have been developed jointly with the likes of SAIC Motor and the Alibaba Group. In Australia, the brand is known officially as IM Presented by MG Motor. Most punters however refer to the car as the MG IM5. Good luck with that. The all-electric IM5 sedan/coupe appears to be targeted primarily at the Tesla Model 3. The IM6 SUV at the Tesla Model Y.

Styling There are three grades from which to choose: Premium, Platinum and Performance. Premium is priced from $60,990, Platinum from $69,990 and Performance from $80,990 – all plus on-roads. At a glance, the three appear to be almost identical. You need to dig a little deeper to work out the differences, most of which are confined to the drivetrain department – rather than the equipment list. Premium is powered by a single electric motor that delivers 217kW of power and 450Nm of torque to the rear wheels, with a 75kWh battery and range of 490km. Mid-range Platinum is also rear-wheel drive, but with a more powerful 300kW/500Nm electric motor, and a larger 100kWh battery and range of 655km. Range-topping Performance adds all-wheel drive to the equation, with two electric motors that offer 200kW/320Nm at front and 372kW/500Nm at the rear, with a 100kWh battery and range of 575km (it takes more effort to drive four wheels). Of note Premium is built on 400-watt architecture, while Platinum and Performance share the more advanced 800-watt format that in theory means faster charging, providing you can access a compatible charger. Those range figures by the way are under the newer, more realistic WLTP testing procedure. Our test vehicle was the Performance model, apparent from the 20-inch wheels and P-Zeros plus the fact it blazes out of the gates like a Space X rocket. Creature comforts include synthetic leather, two-zone climate air with rear vents, an air quality system, heated seats front and back, plus cooling for the front, heated steering wheel, heated/cooled console box, a full-length glass roof and power operated tailgate. There’s also air suspension, LED lights front and back, push-button hands-free parking. IM5 is covered by a seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty, plus eight years on the battery, with service due every 20,000km or 12 months.

Infotainment Infotainment comes in the form of dual 12.3-inch screens, with a third 10.5-inch screen that sits in the console. There’s Bluetooth, Hello IM voice control, satnav, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, CarPlay and Android Auto. Sound comes from a 20-speaker audio system that includes four small roof-mounted speakers. It’s described as a 7.4.1 setup based on the fact it has 7 x ear-level channels, 1 x subwoofer channel, and 4 x height/ overhead channels.

Iron out the niggles and MG could be on to a good thing. (Pictures: Supplied)

There’s also wireless phone charging, a card reader, three USB-C ports (2 x front and 1 x back) and a 12-volt outlet virtually hidden at the rear of the lower console.

Safety IM5 scores a full five stars for safety, with dual frontal, side chest-protecting and side head-protecting airbags standard. A centre airbag which provides added protection to front seat occupants in side impact crashes is also standard. Autonomous emergency braking (Car-to-Car, Vulnerable Road User, Junction & Crossing, Backover and Head-On) as well as a lane support system with lane keep assist (LKA), lane departure warning (LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK), and a speed sign recognition system, are standard equipment.

Engines/transmissions Performance model boasts two electric motors, with a total 572kW of power and 820Nm of torque on tap, with drive to all four wheels via a reduction-style single-speed transmission.

Driving The IM5 is quick, that’s for sure. But it’s not the most practical car we’ve ever driven. With pop-out door handles and a key fob with a complete lack of labels, the first task is to work out how to get in and out of the thing. Sitting low to the ground, with an equally low roofline, that can require some athleticism. Rather than stick your foot in first, it’s more a case of pivoting 90 degrees and planting your bum on the seat, then swivelling sideways and swinging your legs in – being careful to duck as you do. Once in, there’s no starter button, the system is live from get-go and so it is simply a matter of moving the column-mounted gear selector up or down to select drive or reverse.

16 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 4 November, 2026

And a word of caution here. Mistaking the gear selector for the indicator stalk can send the car shooting forward, scaring the pants off you – because this engages cruise control. This oversight is not confined to the MG or IM and is really something that needs to be addressed. IM5 is 4931mm in length, 1960mm wide and 1474mm high with a 2950mm wheelbase, and weighs in at 2300kg in top spec. There’s 457 litres of luggage space in the boot with another 18 litres under the front bonnet where you’ll find the tyre repair kit secreted. Rear storage expands to 1290 litres with the second-row seats folded. A 12V outlet for that fridge is provided in the back. Depending on what grade you go for dictates the drivetrain supplied. Premium sits on 400-watt architecture with a 75kWh battery, Platinum and Performance boasts an 800-watt figure, with a larger 100kWh battery to boot. Premium and Platinum are rear-wheel drive, Performance is all-wheel drive. The easiest way to tell them apart is by the wheels. Entry Premium sits on 19s, while Platinum and Performance score 20s (the latter fitted with expensive Pirelli rubber). IM5 is equipped with what the company describes as revolutionary bi-directional rear-wheel turning technology, offering up to 12 degrees of rear-wheel articulation. First off, it’s been around off and on for almost 40 years, since its introduction with the third-generation Honda Prelude 4WS in 1987. Mazda also offered it at one stage. An industry-leading feature, MG says this advanced system dramatically reduces the turning circle and transforms the driving experience, making it comparable to that of a compact hatchback. It helps, but let’s not get carried away – if the effect was that dramatic it would be standard on just about every car.

The 10.5-inch touchscreen in the centre console is better described as the control screen, because just about everything is operated from here. That wouldn’t be so bad if the controls and their locations were more intuitive. Two roller buttons are also provided on the steering wheel but are not labelled. We were unable to find a control for something as simple as resetting the trip computer which says a lot. Shaped like a car, the key fob has no attachment points, so can’t be added to a key ring and runs the risk of ending up in the wash. At times, it simply refused to work. Every time we got into the car, we were accosted by a privacy nag that required ticking a box and hitting another button before control screen access was granted. Then there’s the satnav. To get it working you have to pull over, put it in Park, tick another box, scan a QR code, then read and sign off on a privacy statement – we just couldn’t work out how. Most of the time we also had to manually reconnect our phone because the system simply ignored it. Talk about frustrating. Rear and over-the-shoulder vision is a challenge, particularly through the tiny rear window, which is better described as a porthole. Then there’s the incessant bings and bongs from the various driver warning systems. As a temporary fix, put a band aid over the camera that is mounted on the driver’s side roof pillar. Buy the car and we’d recommend surgery. The dash from 0-100km/h can be dispatched in a Ferrari-quick 3.2 seconds, with a top speed of 268km/h. Energy consumption is a claimed 19.7 kWh/100km (we were getting 20.5 kWh after more than 350km of mixed driving). While ride quality is impressive thanks to adaptive air suspension and continuous damping system fitted, the car feels more at home on the super smooth pavement offered by the motorway. This despite the staggered, ultra-low profile 245/40 and 275/35 series Pirelli P-Zeros. It’s also incredibly quiet in the cabin thanks in large part to noise cancelling technology. Like other high-performance EVs, the IM5 is almost unbeatable off the line, making short work of all comers. On the rise and fall of country roads, however, it feels disconnected and unpredictable at times, lacking the connection between car and driver. Cornering as such is not the problem, it’s setting up the car for the corners that is the challenge. Braking is a bit of a lottery, not so much in effect but more in application – sometimes they bite hard, sometimes they don’t. It’s problematic. Sure, the IM5 goes fast, not so much around corners but in a straight line – but at the end of the day is that enough?

Summing up The IM5 is a lot of cars, it’s just not the car for us. We’d also consider the Platinum variant, which is also pretty quick and has the advantage of greater range at 655km. Iron out the niggles, make the info system more intuitive, get rid of the constant driver warnings and MG could be on to a good thing. By the way, we’re still waiting to hear why the doors on the Cyberster won’t open when the car is parked on a slope.

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Lowther now a Tiger What’s better than one Dan Lowther? How about two. Werribee has announced that it has signed Daniel Lowther for next year’s Victorian Football League season. The key forward becomes the Tigers’ second new signing since the end of the 2026 season, following the return of premiership player Aidan Johnson. His arrival also creates an unusual pairing, with Lowther set to play under his namesake, coach Daniel Lowther, who enters his second season in charge. Lowther switches from Richmond to Werribee after making five appearances in his debut VFL campaign, showing promise before an ankle injury ended his season at state league level. Werribee football manager Kyle Hartigan said Lowther’s competitiveness and aerial ability would be welcome addi-

tions to Werribee’s attack. “We’re really pleased to welcome Dan to the footy club for 2027,” he said. “He’s a competitive tall forward who attacks the contest hard, and we were impressed by his aggression and strong hands at Richmond this season. “We think those qualities will complement our young forward group really well.” Lowther made an immediate impression on VFL debut kicking two goals and collecting 10 disposals, seven score involvements and four marks. Across his five appearances, all coming before round eight, he averaged 10.6 disposals, four marks, two contested marks and four score involvements, while kicking three goals. He also showcased his potential in Richmond’s exhibition match against the

AFL Academy’s under-18 side, booting a game-high three goals in a five-minute burst to open the final quarter. A Lara junior, Lowther played for the Geelong Falcons in the Coates Talent League across 2024 and 2025, kicking 28 goals in 22 games over the two seasons. After recovering from his ankle injury in 2026, Lowther returned to football with Newtown and Chilwell in the Geelong Football League finals. His comeback was cut short by concussion in the qualifying final against South Barwon, bringing an interrupted first season out of junior football to a close. Meanwhile, Xavier Ivisic has committed to a second season at Werribee. The wingman played 16 games in 2026, establishing himself in the side following his round four debut and producing some of his best football heading into finals.

Giants show improvement Werribee Giants produced their best performance of the Baseball Victoria summer league premier 1 first nine competition, but just fell short of victory. After suffering a 12-0 loss to Geelong in the midweek game, the Giants were in action against the Newport Rams on Saturday. The Rams scored three runs in the opening innings and still lead by three runs after two innings with both sides scoring in their second hits. The Giants reduced the margin to just one run after four innings. Neither side scored in the next two innings, before Giants scored twice in the seventh innings but with the Rams also scoring one run, the margin stayed at one. That would be the final margin with the Rams winning, 5-4. Cooper Bishop-Worn, Jimmy Bent, Michael Studdert and Parks Halasz were the run scorers for the Giants. Meanwhile, the Giants have announced the signing of American import Manny Jackson. “Joining us from Coral Gables, Florida, USA, Manny brings his left-handed bat and experience behind the plate to Werribee for the 2026-27 season,” the Giants said on social media. “A two-time HBCU Swingman Classic selection in 2023 and 2024, Manny also put together an impressive 2024 season

Borin Berisha. (Ties Urie) 587538 08

at Norfolk State University - batting .330 with 74 hits, 16 doubles and 30 RBIs, including an 18-game hitting streak! “We’re looking forward to seeing Man-

ny in Giants colours and making him feel at home here in Werribee.” The Giants now face Malvern in round seven this Saturday.

Lewis Stanton. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 478414_07

Stanton departs the Falcons The Western Football League division 2’s top goalkicker is departing the competition, heading off to play football in the country. Tooleybuc Manangatang announced on social media that Lewis Stanton would be joining it for next year’s season. Stanton has kicked 100 goals in each of the past two seasons for Wyndhamvale on the way to grand finals, while he shared the league best and fairest award in 2025. Before playing with Wyndhamvale, Stanton played with Yarraville Seddon. Tooleybuc Manangatang is coached by former Newport coach Ali Hamad, who has made the move to the club in the off-season. “Lewis arrives at the Saints with an outstanding football resume, having established himself as one of the most prolific goalkickers in the WFNL,” Tooleybuc Manangatang said on social media. “Coming off two incredible seasons, Lewis has booted a remarkable 226 goals across 2025 and 2026, including 125 goals in 2025 and another 101 in 2026. “A powerful key forward with a proven ability to dominate games and hit the scoreboard, Lewis brings a wealth of experience, a strong competitive edge and genuine match-winning ability to our forward line. “Having tasted premiership success throughout his career, Lewis brings a winning mentality and an understanding of what it takes to achieve team success. His experience, leadership and high standards will be invaluable as we continue building a strong and successful culture at the Saints.” Stanton is the second Western Football League player to join the Saints, with Darcy Cassar following Hamad from Newport.

Point Cook teenager named for Hurricanes missing ad: 12912896 Salliann Beams said the additions of Aery and Green would provide valuable depth as the club navigated a challenging buildup to its title defence. “It’s certainly not the preparation we would have hoped for on the injury front, but we’re fortunate to be able to bring in two quality players who offer different strengths to our squad,” Beams said. “Ira is an exciting young fast bowler who has achieved a lot in a relatively short period of time, and we’re delighted to welcome her into our WBBL squad. “We had the opportunity to work with her during the Spring Challenge, so she already has an understanding of our environment and what we’re trying to build here.” The Hurricanes launched their title defence against the Melbourne Stars at Junction Oval on Thursday night. Aery bowled two overs finishing 0-24.

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The whirlwind career of rising Point Cook cricketer Ira Aery continues, with the teenager named in the Hobart Hurricanes squad for their WBBL season opener. Aery, who played for the Hurricanes during the recent Spring Challenge, was named as an injury replacement for Callie Wilson. Aery has enjoyed a rapid rise through the cricketing ranks, making her senior state debut for Victoria last summer and representing Australia at under-19 level. It comes after she played her junior cricket with the Druids, Point Cook Centrals and Werribee. The 17-year-old is a right-arm fast-medium bowler and was rewarded with a full Victorian contract for the 2026-27 season. Aery was included in the squad along with New Zealand international Maddy Green, who is also an injury replacement. Hurricanes’ head of high performance

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Wednesday, 4 November, 2026 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 17

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Tigers’ development focus By Tara Murray Werribee is focused on continuing to develop in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association women’s senior division. The Tigers are one of six teams in the new senior division, having come across from the now-defunct Cricket Victoria Women’s Community Cricket Competition. All teams were part of the CVWCCC last season, but that competition has split across two grades in the VTCA. Speaking before the weekend’s match, coach Ruby Ruby said the group was really keen to see what they could do. “We’re looking forward to having a competition that is competitive,” she said. “We want to help develop our players, especially the junior players who want to develop their game for the next challenge before premier cricket.

“We’ve got lots of juniors at various stages and we’re building that confidence for them to play at a higher level and really shine.” Ruby said they had a good mix of batters and bowlers in their group, along with youth and experience. She said they wanted to cater for anyone who wants to play cricket. Ruby said winning was always good, but there were more important things they were focusing on, like having fun. “We want to work hard and improve our skills and be better than last year,” she said. “The confidence is high for them and it’s looking positive. “Regardless of the competition, it’s more about learning and developing. “As long as that is happening, that’s important.” Ruby said they had nearly 50 junior girls

playing cricket at the club and they wanted to see them keep developing. The Tigers started their season with a win against Craigieburn with Harkirat kaur Sarkaria scoring a century and captain Damandeep Kaur scoring 60. It was a bit tougher on Sunday against Monash Uni. The Tigers finished 8-71 off their 20 overs, with Raima Bajaj top scoring with 19. Monash Uni needed just 11 overs to get the job done, finishing 1-72. Ruby said the goal this season was to play finals as it always is, but they wanted to make sure they give the girls the best chance if they want to play at a higher level. “We don’t worry about the results,” she said. “Team sport is about being there for each player and the rest takes care of itself.” The Tigers face Greenvale Kangaroos in

round four. Meanwhile in division 1, Point Cook Centrals had a tough contest against Youlden Parkville. Youlden Parkville made 3-227 from their overs. Dviti Mallela took all three wickets for the Sharks. The Sharks never looked likely and finished 6-100 in reply. Captain Amelia Smith top scored with 21. In division 3, Point Cook got a big win against Maribyrnong Park St Marys. The Warriors made 4-192 from their 30 overs with Swara Bade top scoring with 77. The Lions finished 6-133 in reply. Sian Smith took two wickets, while the rest were shared around. The win was the Warriors first of the season.

WFL female comps grow

Darren Hooper. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 537374_20

Bees sneak home for win against Essendon By Tara Murray Werribee had to dig deep to hold off Essendon 3 in the Bowls Victoria weekend pennant division 2, section 2 on Saturday. Having split their opening two matches, the Bees were keen to get ahead of the ledger on Saturday. The match went down to the wire, with the Bees winning 78 (14)-75 (4). Bees director Gavin Joyce said it was a tough day. “Whilst we were in front most of the day, Essendon kept coming back and drew level with two ends to play, and threatened to take the match,” he said. “We were able to hold on.” Mick O’Neil’s rink won by seven shots, 24-17, while Joyce’s rink won 17-15. Ian Milledge’s rink lost by one shot, 2019, and Brendan Barker’s lost by five shots, 23-18.

Joyce said it was a handy win early in the season. The Bees currently sit in fourth spot. “It was an important win, leaving the Bees with two wins after losing the opening round of the season,” he said. “To be able to chalk wins up at this time of year is important to setting up the season, and ideally not chasing teams at the back end of the season to qualify for finals. “The club overall has enjoyed a solid start to the season, with most of our teams, both weekend pennant and midweek pennant, off the mark in winning matches to date, to ensure we are keeping ourselves in the hunt for finals.” The Bees are on the road in round four against Rosamond. Joyce said it was always a challenge playing there. “They always put out a very competitive team, so we need to continue to build

18 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 4 November, 2026

into the season if we are going to beat these teams.” Meanwhile in division 3, section 1, Point Cook was on the winners list while Hoppers and Werribee 2 both suffered losses. Playing at home, Point Cook had a convincing 87 (18)-60 (0) win. Brian Turner’s rink had a 22-20 win, Bruce Mummery’s rink won 17-14, Jim Rayner’s rink won 27-9, while Barry Watson’s rink won 21-17. The win was Point Cook’s first win of the season. Hoppers lost to Altona Sports, 86 (14)-76 (4). Andrew Doyle (24-21) and Glenn Maxwell (22-21) were the winning skips for Hoppers, while Jason Wright (21-13) and Albert Wu (23-17) both suffered losses. Hoppers also has a 1-2 record. Werribee 2 lost to Deer Park 3 82 (16)-77 (2).

The Western Football League is set to expand its female football programs, with under-19 and under-8 girls competitions to be launched for 2027. The league plans to field a standalone under-19 women’s competition, after struggling for teams in that age group the past two seasons. Western teams have played in the Essendon District Football League under-19 girls competition the last two years, with not enough sides to have a WFL competition. Caroline Springs and Point Cook have both won premiers in the EDFL the past two seasons. The WFL competition is intended to provide more playing opportunities for participants across the west and strengthen the pathway into senior football. In 2017, the league fielded a standalone under-18 girls competition for the first time, which grew to 10 teams in 2019 before it dropped two six or less teams in the seasons following Covid until 2024. Altona, Caroline Springs, Manor Lakes, Point Cook, Werribee Centrals and Yarraville Seddon are intending to field under-19 teams in 2027. The under-8 girls competition is designed as an entry-level pathway supporting girls transitioning from Auskick as well as girls brand new to the game. The competition will focus on delivering an enjoyable match-day experience, with smaller team sizes compared to under-10 girls footy, which will maximise involvement, along with no tackling to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for players of all abilities. Currently, Point Cook, St Bernard’s and Williamstown Juniors have expressed interest in having under-8 girls teams. “The Western Football Netball League is committed to continuing the growth and development of women’s and girls’ football across our region,” the league said. “The league has renewed its commitment to the women and girls community football charter and adopted the WFNL women and girls growth strategy, which aims to create more opportunities for women and girls to participate in football. “Being able to field these two age groups will complete the female football pathways from Auskick to senior women’s and reinforce the WFNL’s dedication to growing, supporting, and celebrating female participation across all levels of the league.”

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Werribee Centrals’ Luke Simpson. 587529 01

Dylan Brasher helps dry the pitch. 587518 12

Footscray’s Ben Roonsenboom. 587518 08

Footscray Angliss’ Hugo Wozniak. 587529 18

Avoiding the spring rain Wet weather again marred weekend sport, with several games not going ahead having disruptions. Star Weekly

photographer Ties Urie was able to find some of the action that went ahead on Saturday.

Seddon’s Adrian Neill. 587523 01

Sunshine Heights’ Chien Mayoum and Noah Ramsey. 587527 06

Williamstown Imperials’ Callum Herron. 587526 05

Gellibrand’s Will Espley. 587526 02

Sunshine Heights letting the clothes dry out following rain. 587527 05

Newport Rams’ Aaron Robson. 587538 04

Wednesday, 4 November, 2026 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 19

4, NOVEMBER, 2026

Stanton on the move

Giants improving

Bellbridge come off the field during a rain delay. (Ties Urie) 587527 01

Bears stand tall By Tara Murray Bellbridge is embracing the challenges in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Clark Shield this season. The Bears were always aware there would be some up-and-down moments this season, but under new coach Lou Raffale they are looking to the future. “We lost a few players, a few experienced players,” he said. “We’ve got a few new players which is always a challenge. We’re looking at development and restructuring and I get that. “The club gets that too.” Raffale said they had a lot of experienced players around the club and it was about getting the right mix with younger players coming through in each of their sides.

Youth and looking to the future are a big part of what they’re looking to do. “We’ve had three players making their first XI debut in five rounds,” he said. “It’s a good thing. “We had a 15-year-old Max Thomas and he has done pretty well. He didn’t get a chance on turf last year and he’s now getting his chance.” “We had another one in the first XI last week and another one this week. They are doing the right things.” On Saturday, Bellbridge found itself on top early before Sunshine Heights took control of day one of their clash. Despite wet weather, there was only about 30 to 40 minutes lost due to rain. Heights was in trouble at 2-4 and then 3-26. From there it was all Heights as they made 5-260 off 65 overs before declaring.

Raffale said the score could have been more than 300 had they continued to go on with it. “To their credit they put on a 207-run partnership for the fourth wicket,” he said. “We did let a few catches go down and we paid the price with that.” Andrew Wilks looked like he was going to have a big day, after taking both the early wickets. He had 2-1 off 2.5 overs when he went off with a hamstring injury, making the Bears’ task even harder. The Bears survived four overs at the end of the day and will resume at 0-9 this Saturday. Raffale said that the run total was really gettable on their ground but with their batters yet to fire this season it will be a challenge. For Raffale, it’s been a homecoming as he

returns to the Bears. “It’s where I started,” he said. “Yesterday [Saturday] I coached three kids whose dads I played with. “It’s a good thing and some of the older guys are still around as well. “It’s good to be back home and I’m enjoying it. “It’s a good club and good culture and some good young kids around.” In other matches, Werribee Centrals made 9-213 before having Footscray Angliss at 1-28 at stumps. In the Roy Picone Shield, Point Cook Centrals made 6-317 against Melton South Royals. Point Cook’s match with Moonee Valley is now a one-dayer after no action on day one, and the same with Wyndham Vale’s match with St Andrew’s Footscray in the Russell Pollock Shield.

Differing results for Cats, Tigers as rain plays havoc By Tara Murray Hoppers Crossing continued its momentum, while Werribee suffered its first loss of the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association north-west season on Saturday. It was another wet and wild day across the competition, with rain playing havoc across the competition. Not one match got through a regular day of play, with shortened matches across the board. For the Cats, their match with Preston became a 36 over affair. The Cats won the toss and sent in the Bullants as they tried to make the most of

any moisture in the wicket. The Bullants were able to put together a couple of early partnerships, before the wickets started to fall frequently. The Bullants were restricted to 9-167 with Sammika Perera top scoring with 71 at the top of the order. Gurtej Nahal took 4-44 for the Cats, while Saaransh Mahay chipped in with three wickets. After being in trouble at 2-7 and then 3-47, the Cats middle order settled and were able to get the job done. Despite losing two late wickets, the Cats finished 5-170 in the 32nd over to get the win. Lokeshwar Suresh top scored with 59

for the Cats, while Brett Smith continued his good form with 57, having made a 100 the previous round. The win moves the Cats to 2-1 to start the season. They are now equal with a number of other teams, including Werribee which fell short against Kew on Saturday. It was another game affected by rain. After being sent in, the Tigers made 5-154 from 26 overs before the innings was brought to a close early. Dean Russ top scored with 55 and Tim O’Brien scored 42. Kew was then set the total of 176 off 26 overs due to the rain and disruptions. At 2-120 it seemed that Kew would get

the runs with ease. Four quick wickets gave the Tigers a sniff, but Kew was able to get the winning runs with 10 balls remaining. It was all single wicket takers for the Tigers in the loss. Kew remains one of two teams undefeated after three rounds, with Spotswood having also gone three-from-three. Plenty Valley, Strathmore, Altona, Taylors Lakes and Ivanhoe were the other winners on Saturday. It’s another round of one-dayers this Saturday in round four, with Hoppers Crossing at home to Strathmore, while Werribee will host Plenty Valley.