Truganina and Mount Atkinson residents are calling for the duplication of Hopkins Road between Dohertys and Sheahan roads,labellingita‘”dangerousbottleneck” thatisnotfitforpurpose.
Girish Khara said the road is making commuting between the two areas difficult.
“Theroadisnolongerservingitspurpose as a connector; it is a bottleneck that is strangling the growth of two of Australia’s fastest-growing council areas of Melton andWyndham,”MrKharasaid.
“It is simply not fit for purpose. With only one lane in each direction, we see car-behind-car traffic stretching for the entiretyofits10kilometreslength.
“This creates a volatile environment where impatient drivers are tempted into riskyovertakes.”
He said increases in traffic in recent years have resulted in Hopkins Road being shuttotrafficwithasingleaccident.
“In the last decade, traffic volume has tripled, leaving the road crawling at peak hours,”MrKharasaid.
“But the worst aspect is the lack of concrete upgrades: one single breakdown brings the entire road corridor to a standstill.
“With no local detour options, commuters are routinely adding at least 20 minutes to their travel time. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a disaster for workingfamilies.”
Mr Khara said the single carriageway is thetipoftheiceberg.
“Itlacksessentialinfrastructure:thereis no street lighting, no adequate easements andinadequatesafetysignage,”hesaid.
“We have witnessed accidents directly linked to poor visibility, the lack of safe space for vehicles to pull over or even confusionaboutspeedlimit.
“Weurgentlyneedrobuststreetlighting, clear signage enforcing speed limits, and designated breakdown zones to break the cycleofnear-misses.”
Fellow resident Santosh Mohan said he feels “unsafe, and frankly, frustrated” aboutthesituation.
“For my family, this is the only route to localschoolsandshops–weareeffectively trapped,”hesaid.
“Wethinktwicebeforetravellingtomeet extended family or even to our cultural centres.
“Add in the exponential rise in heavy vehicles servicing the many industrial parks mushrooming around this corridor and the road has become a congestion hub.
“I have personally witnessed vehicles traveling at 80km/h in a 60km/h zone, performing reckless overtakes that result inconstantnear-misses.
“It is harrowing to experience this while drivingwithyourfamily.
“Often, oncoming motorists are forced totakesudden,evasiveaction–sometimes
swerving off the road entirely – just to avoidacollision.
“Imagine when one of the many school buses which ply on this road have to make suchanevasiveaction.
“The current single-lane configuration doesn’t just frustrate drivers; it actively penalisessaferoad-usersbytrappingthem in a dangerous environment created by others’impatience.”
ADepartmentofTransportandPlanning spokesperson said the department will monitorHopkinsRoad.
“We’ll continue to monitor Hopkins
Road between Dohertys Road and SheahanRoad,andconsideranynecessary upgrades as part of future planning for Victoria’sroadnetwork.”
The spokesperson said works are underway to remove the level crossing at Hopkins Road, and preconstruction activities are continuing for the upgrade of the Derrimut, Hopkins and Boundary roads intersection in Tarneit and Truganina.
StarWeekly understands removing the HopkinsRoadlevelcrossingwilleasedaily vehiclecongestionbymorethan25,000.
Road duplications, train station upgrades, pool funding and the restoration of a key fund are top of Wyndham council’s 2026-27 state budget wishlist.
Council wants the state government to commit to building the proposed Truganina station, revitalising Werribee station and funding more parking for the new West Tarneit station.
In the Werribee electorate, $50-100 million to duplicate Ballan Road between Bolton and Armstrong roads is top of the agenda.
Matching the federal government’s $85 million commitment to building the Wyndham Ring Road between Wyndham Vale and Tarneit is another request.
Duplicating sections of Sayers Road as well as $2 million for upgrades to Duncans and Aviation roads in Werribee South and Point Cook are flagged as priorities.
The council also wants $5 million for the business case around proposed works on the intersection of Hogans and Derrimut roads.
More than $1.2 million in various upgrades to intersections, traffic signals and pedestrian crossings spread across the mu-
nicipality were included.
Wyndham also is requesting that the state return the previously axed Growing Suburbs Fund to a tune of $50 million delivered in two rounds ($25 million per round).
On the recreational infrastructure front, council is looking for a $40 million contribution towards designing and constructing the Riverdale Aquatic Centre– a $128.8 million project already in the works.
Council also wants $18 million to help build a community centre and library in Wyndham Vale’s Black Forest Road North precinct, a project council estimates will eventually cater to 50,000 residents.
Lauren to fly the flag for mental health
Mount Atkinson woman Lauren Jordan is getting ready to fly the flag for mental health in the west when she flies to Texas for the Regency International Pageant.
The Regency International Pageant was launched in 2015 and attempts to allow contestants advance themselves personally, professionally and represent their communities.
Ms Jordan said her experiences with schizoaffective disorder and being on the autism spectrum are what drives her to represent others. “I’ve sure had my fair share of life struggles but it brings me so much joy to be someone people can look up to who also struggle with similar things,” she said.
She said her main goal in Texas is to make new friends and enjoy the experi-
Point Cook, Seabrook, Altona Meadows and Laverton residents are being called to provide feedback on altering two major bus routes.
Point Cook MP Mathew Hilakari has launched a survey asking residents to back his proposed changes to the 496 and 498. Mr Hilakari wants to change the direction of both routes to go directly over the Point Cook Road freeway bridge towards Aircraft Station.
Currently, both routes turn right at the
intersection of Point Cook Road and Central Avenue, before driving to Laverton Station via Merton Street and Railway Avenue.
“This will shorten every trip to the train station by around 10 minutes,” Mr Hilakari said.
“It will encourage more people to use these bus services, leave the car at home, and free up train station car parking.
“It is a practical way to save time on our commutes.
“I encourage you to share this with your
ence. “It’s something I have been aiming to do for awhile and I’m just excited to not just represent my country on the international stage but also plus sized and disabled women.”
Advocating for mental health awareness is also part of her motivation.
“It’s incredibly important because unfortunately mental health is still something that is so misunderstood.”
A $500,000 pool of funding to be put towards bus shelters on key bus routes in Point Cook has been requested.
Council is also asking for several million dollars in funding to assist local sporting organisations.
The biggest ask in that department is $5 million for a new pavilion at Chirnside Park in Werribee, followed by $3 million to install a second hockey pitch at nearby Presidents Park.
A $250,000-300,000 injection to upgrade Clearwood Drive Reserve to benefit the Truganina Rabbitohs rugby club is also on the wishlist.
No confidence vote scheduled against mayor Preet Singh
Wyndham councillors Peter Maynard, Susan McIntyre and Robert Szatkowski have called an unscheduled council meeting to consider a motion of no confidence against embattled mayor Preet Singh.
The meeting is scheduled for 6pm on Monday 27 April.
“It is extremely disappointing that it has come to this but the mayor has left us little choice,” Cr Maynard said in a social media post.
“While a successful motion of no confidence cannot compel the mayor to stand down, it will reinforce council’s position on the formal public record of Wyndham City Council.”
Controversy has raged since 30 March when it was revealed Cr Singh wrote a character reference for a paedophile in 2024, before he was elected to council.
On 2 April, Cr Singh went on a leave of absence and handed over his formal duties to deputy mayor Jasmine Hill.
Cr Singh provided the character reference for Kashyap Patel, who faced the County Court in August 2024 on child sex offence charges.
friends and neighbours so we can demonstrate our strong community support for this important change.”
The 496 runs from Sanctuary Lakes via Sanctuary Lakes to Laverton, while the 498 runs from Hoppers Crossing Station via Point Cook Town Centre.
The state government recently announced it would extend free public transport until 31 May and halve full fares from $11.40 to $5.70 until the end of the year.
Details: https://tinyurl.com/bejn95nj
Patel pleaded guilty to grooming a child under 16 years of age, transmitting indecent communication to a person under 16 years of age and sexual assault of a child under 16 years of age. In September 2024 he was sentenced to nine months’ jail and a two-year community corrections order.
In the aftermath of the scandal, the 10 remaining councillors publicly demanded Cr Singh step down and the Local Government Minister announced the appointment of a municipal monitor to Wyndham.
Cr Singh was contacted for comment.
Lauren Jordan. (Supplied)
Wyndham mayor Preet Singh. (Supplied)
Hopper wins High Court case
By Jaidyn Kennedy
West Party founder and Wyndham businessman Paul Hopper has won his High Court battle against the Victorian government’s election donation laws.
The case was brought by Mr Hopper and 2022 independent candidate for Hawthorn Melissa Lowe on the grounds that the current laws favour the major parties by capping donations to minor parties and independents.
On Wednesday 15 April, The High Court determined that Victoria’s 2018 election campaign donation laws were unconstitutional because the approximate $5000 cap did not apply to the La-
bor, Liberal and National parties.
The High Court ruled that Victoria’s funding laws were unfair because they created a loophole that let the major parties bypass the donation limits.
This was found to interfere with the implied freedom of communication about government or political matters in the Australian constitution.
Mr Hopper said he was pleased with the outcome.
“We are just relieved and grateful to The High Court for correcting what was poorly drafted and unfair legislation,” he said.
He said the case was not about boosting minor parties and independents, but
Exhibition explores inner power
Hayley Millar Baker– Selected Works is on display at the Wyndham Art Gallery in Werribee until Sunday 14 June, and all are encouraged to stop by.
The exhibition features six series of work made over the past decade by the Hoppers Crossing local and includes photographs, video and film projects.
Attendees will be able to witness the interconnection of the Indigenous body, spirit and land expressed in different art mediums.
Selected Works honours the strength of Indigenous women and speaks to the power women hold in connection to themselves, their communities, and
the spiritual world; a power sustained through multi-generational resilience.
Methods such as collage, film, video, poetry, and a monochrome colour palette are tools used to help deepen viewers understanding of memory, storytelling and time
The exhibition also debuts a commissioned series by Wyndham Art Gallery titled She was like the lizard that fell into the water and became a crocodile.
MillarBakerisacontemporaryAboriginal artist of Gunditjmara, Djabwurrung and Anglo-Indian descent.
Werribe marks Bengali new year in style
Werribee came alive on Saturday 18 April to celebrate the Bengali new year.
Boishakhi Mela 2026 was held at Werribee Indoor Sports Centre and included cultural performances, Bengali-style New Year celebrations and community activities.
The culinary side of the equation was not neglected at all, with more than 25 food stalls giving revellers tastes of all descriptions.
Painting and drawing competitions, Bengali folk music, as well as a trivia session were among the activities that rounded the day out.
Bongosathi founder Dr Rabindra Nath Shaw said he was amazed by the turnout and wanted everyone to know they played a part in the event’s success.
“It was wonderful to see so many people enjoying the celebration, the
correcting an unfair advantage.
“These principles are now entrenched– now there should never be any more attempts from major parties to rig the system in their favour,” he said.
“Which makes me enormously proud to achieve this as a little guy from the western suburbs.”
Hours following the ruling, Premier Jacinta Allan’s office released a statement:
“The High Court’s decision to strike down Victoria’s long-standing electoral integrity laws leaves our state exposed to dark money in politics,” the statement said.
“Right now, money could be flowing from foreign billionaires into political
party bank accounts – with no limits, no disclosure, and no oversight.
“The government will immediately move to restore Victoria’s electoral integrity regime within the limits of the High Court’s ruling.
“We can’t allow anyone to exploit this current period to solicit huge donations and move money around secretly.
“Our legislation will make sure that every party and every candidate will be accountable for every dollar they receive from this day onwards.”
Mr Hopper said that the West Party supports transparency and is strongly opposed to donations from overseas sources.
Have your say Point Cook Road Upgrade
Planning is underway for a future upgrade of Point Cook Road, between Jamieson Way and Dunnings Road in Point Cook, to improve safety, and increase road capacity to cater for population growth. We want to hear from you. We want to know what improvements you think we should consider in our planning for the upgrade. You can have your say in person or online.
In Person
beautiful Bengali music, the vibrant atmosphere, and all the shopping and fun throughout the event.
“Smiling faces, cultural pride, and community togetherness made these moments unforgettable.
“These memories belong to all of us. Thank you for being part of this journey and for making the event such a joyful success.”
Bongosathi is a non-for-profit organisation committed to building harmony and multicultural connection through cultural and community-based events
Saturday 2 May, 10am to 3pm
Sanctuary Lakes Shopping Centre food court, 300 Point Cook Road, Point Cook
Online
By Sunday 10 May, 2026
Scan the QR code or visit engage.vic.gov.au/pcru
The upgrade is currently in the planning phase, and our work will be used to inform government decisions on future funding. We expect our initial planning work will be complete in early 2027.
For languages other than English please call 9209 0147
Trina Bose, Satabdee Ray, Dr. Rabindra Nath Shaw and Ananya Dasgupta. (Supplied)
Local artist Hayley Millar Baker is displaying her Selected Works. (Damjan Janevski) 547621_05
Library budget debate
By Jaidyn Kennedy
Library funding has been the subject of heated debate ahead of Wyndham council’s draft budget on 28 April.
On 14 April, councillor Josh Gilligan publicly said he would prioritise a 24-hour access trial for the Tarneit’s Julia Gillard Library.
Cr Gilligan claimed the initiative would support students and shift workers, while improving services for Tarneit and Truganina.
“Council has shelved the delivery of two major libraries for Tarneit by 2028 due to state funding cuts, leaving Truganina and
Tarneit without access to key library services they deserve despite representing the bulk of the surge in demand in Wyndham,” Cr Gilligan said.
Resident Veronica Row petitioned for the Manor Lakes Library to gain Sunday hours last year, and said it should be a higher priority in the draft budget.
“Opening our library to service on a Sunday, would greatly benefit the community, considering there isn’t currently access west of the Werribee River,” Ms Row said.
“Manor Lakes Library doesn’t just service Manor Lakes. It services Wyndham Vale, part of Werribee and Mambourin,
which are all growing with development.
“On a Sunday, the closest library that is open is the Hoppers Crossing Library, which is hard to access due to built up traffic on Ballan and Heaths roads.”
Currently, Julia Gillard Library is open 1.30–5pm on Sundays
Cr Gilligan said a council report in November 2025 “was pretty clear why ratepayers shouldn’t foot the bill for Sunday opening hours at Manor Lakes”
“Tarneit and Truganina are home to nearly 120,000 residents - notably nearly double that of Point Cook at 68,500 residents. Manor Lakes, by contrast, has 16,000 residents.”
Riverkeeper ready to care for Werribee River
The Werribee River Association (WRA) recently announced David Tsardakis as the new Werribee Riverkeeper.
Mr Tsardakis has a background in conservational management and has been a Landcare facilitator locally and on the Surf Coast.
“I am honoured and humbled to receive the position, it is a lot of responsibility but I am really honoured to take on the role,” Mr Tsardakis said.
As riverkeeper, he will lead community engagement and serve as a voice for the river, which includes advocating to government bodies on policies that
would affect the river.
Hehasthreemajorgoalsforhistenure: boosting community awareness about the river, making it swimmable again and having it recognised as a living being.
“I grew up swimming in the river as a kid and I’d love it to be swimmable and, recognise it as a living entity as well.”
He was asked to share some of his favourite spots along the Werribee.
“I love it between Bungies Hole and the freeway bypass– that section along the river is beautiful.
“The Werribee River Park behind the mansion is another place I like to go, and
Werribee Gorge– it is just mesmerising down there.”
He said there are numerous things can do to keep the Werribee healthy.
“If people spot stuff in the river they can report it to WRA and we can act upon that and call upon the powers that be to act,” he said
“If they see rubbish and are capable of picking it, then pick it up.
“Also, wash your care on nature strips and grass areas instead of letting the run off go down the drains.”
PSOs expand daytime patrols at Tarneit, Werribee train stations
Train stations across Melbourne’s northwestincludingBroadmeadows,Footscray, St Albans, Sunshine, Watergardens, Sunbury, Tarneit and Werribee are among 32 metropolitan stations receiving a boost in protective services officer (PSO) presence from 9am until the last service.
Thechanges,whichcameintoeffecton Sunday 19 April, are part of Victoria Police’s efforts to increase presence, based on police intelligence, aimed at detecting and preventing crime in high-risk areas.
Assistant Commissioner Mick Hermans said the changes are about deploy-
ing PSOs where and when they’re needed most.
“It makes no sense to have PSOs stuck at smaller, less busy stations when they could have more impact aboard the train at these locations,” Assistant Commissioner Mick Hermans said.
“This approach also frees PSOs to conduct more intelligence-led patrols across the network where and when we know crime is occurring.That includes during the day when we see spikes in crime in the mid-morning and afternoon, including after school.”
StarWeekly reported in December that several councillors criticised the survey on the basis that it offered a binary choice of Saturday or Sunday opening hours.
A state government spokesperson said the state has provided more than $524 million over the past 10 years to support libraries across Victoria.
StarWeeklyunderstands Wyndham has received a total of $12,315,949 to support its library services since 2019.
A Wyndham City spokesperson said council will consider placing the draft budget on public exhibition on 28 April, giving the community the opportunity to provide their feedback.
Briefs
Convention death charge
A Werribee man has been charged in relation to an incident at the Melbourne Showgrounds in Ascot Vale that involved the death of a pedestrian on Saturday 18 April.
A 20-year-old Keysborough man died at the scene and another 20-year-old man was hospitalised with significant lower body injuries. The alleged driver, a 33-year-old man, has been charged with dangerous driving causing death and culpable driving. Any witnesses who are yet to speak to police are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or anonymously at www. crimestoppersvic.com.au
Footscray fire arrest
Police have arrested a man in relation to a unit fire in Footscray on Wednesday 15 April. Emergency services were called to the Eldridge Street scene about 7.45pm after reports a unit had been set alight. Fire crews arrived to find a fire in a unit on the top floor of the building and ordered the evacuation of all 20 residents. No one was injured and the blaze was brought under control at about 8.20pm. The fire was deemed suspicious, and the scene was then handed over to police to begin their investigation. A 32-year-old man was later arrested nearby and will be interviewed in relation to the fire, which police believe may have started following a dispute.
Ram raid
Police are investigating a ram-raid and fire at a shop in Altona early on Thursday 16 April. It’s understood a white Toyota Hilux rammed a convenience store at the intersection of Somers Parade and Maidstone Street about 3.25am. Police have been told the offenders set fire to the business and the vehicle, before fleeing the scene. No one was inside the store at the time of the incident and there were no injuries.
Fatal collison
A child has died following a collision in Melton South on the afternoon of Saturday 18 April. It is understood a car collided with the boy on Cardigan Close about 5.15pm. The driver stopped at the scene and is currently assisting police with their enquiries. The circumstances surrounding the collision are yet to be established and the investigation remains ongoing.
Police said the train stations were prioritised based on patronage, crime rates, police callouts and proximity to shopping or licensed venues.
Police Minister Anthony Carbines said no station is losing PSOs.
“What’s changing is how they work, with constant mobile patrols to cover more places, more often,” Mr Carbines said.
He also announced an additional 50 extra PSOs to boost resources.
The full rollout is expected to take six months.
FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au
Wyndham Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
David Tsardakis is the new Werribee Riverkeeper. (Damjan Janevski) 545706_01
The secret life of a creek
Woodend Landcare members know plenty about the natural flora surrounding Five Mile Creek, but a new study will help them understand what else resides down by the creek. Georgia Tacey caught up with Woodend Landcare president Nicole Middleton to hear about the group’s big undertaking for 2026: a Fauna Discovery Survey of Five Mile Creek.
Hidden beneath the shrubs and trees surrounding Woodend’s Five Mile Creek remains a world yet to be discovered.
For over two decades, Woodend Landcare volunteers have spent countless hours planting and revegetating the bushland around the creek, seedlings are now maturing and most are fully grown.
The landcarers know everything about what grows there: from the native grasses up to the tallest trees and the endangered black gums that call Woodend home.
It’s what they’ve spent decades studying.
But now, the group is set to undertake its biggest discovery project yet to find out what animals live in and visit the Five Mile Creek riparian corridor, a vital buffer between aquatic and terrestrial environments, in an effort to guide future work and provide official records for the community.
Woodend Landcare president Nicole Middleton said while the group knows everything about the flora surrounding the creek, there were little to no official records of the fauna.
“There’s a threatened gum tree [Black Gum] that lives along our creek, and the only place in Victoria that it lives is within four kilometers of Woodend,” she said.
It’s not only going to show us what’s here, good and bad, but it’s also going to show us what’s missing
“Because our revegetation work has all been focused on saving the Black Gums, and because a lot of the plants that have been put in here, we planted them, so we know what plants live here.
“We don’t have any clue what animals livehere,sowe’rediscoveringwhat’shere.”
The group received funding for the project from the North Central Catchment Management Authority and Landcare Victoria.
The money has funded a fauna ecologist, who will survey the area over the year to discover and identify animals.
“Over the last few years, we’ve noticed a lot more animals,” Ms Middleton said.
“Somepeoplehaveseenplatypus–we’ve had three sightings now—and rakali, which are the native water rats, they’ve been seen along the creek as well.
“Since all the bush is back, we’ve also had wallabies, but we don’t really know what other animals live here. We don’t have any official sightings or anything of these animals that we’ve mentioned.”
Fauna ecologist John Harris will undertake the study using spotlighting, harp traps, nest box checking, eBird and environmental DNA (eDNA).
“Part of the project is he is going to be undertaking some bird surveys and he’s going to set up a couple of e-bird sites, which other people who are bird experts can come to,” Ms Middleton said.
“In the actual creek itself, we’re looking at doing some eDNA work.
“All the animals that live near there— everyone sheds skin, sheds fur—and the DNA in those fragments that come off those animals gets washed down into the creek and you might have a tiny bit of it in the water.”
Ms Middleton said samples of the creek water will be collected and sent for testing,
which will produce a list of the DNA found in the water sample.
“They then compare that to the DNA of known species and then they can match it up and see what species we’ve actually got,” she said.
“Through this eDNA work of the water, we’ll get a pretty good idea of what animals live in the water, but also along the water.”
Thegroupthinksthiswillprovidedetails of vertebrates and invertebrates, including frogs, reptiles, possums, fish, yabbies and more.
Ms Middleton hopes it will inspire local animal lovers to join the group.
“Wedon’tactuallyhaveanyfaunapeople in our group because our focus has always been on plants,” Ms Middleton said.
“We’re hoping that through this project
we’ll be able to tap into a new cohort of members.”
Ms Middleton said the discovery study will run throughout 2026, covering all seasons. The findings will be presented to Woodend Landcare at its annual general meeting in November.
The information collected in the survey will also be logged on the Victorian Biodiversity Atlas and will be used to guide future work for the Woodend Landcare group, as well as become a guide for planning in the area.
Whether good or bad, the results will revealifthegroup’shardworkrevegetating the creek and turning it into a thriving and lush area has paid off
“This data that we collect, it’s not only going to show us what’s here, good and
bad, but it’s also going to show us what’s missing, what could potentially be here,” Ms Middleton said.
“We can assume that these fauna would be here, but they’re actually not. And maybe that’s because we do need more nesting hollows, more old trees, then we can get some nesting boxes made.”
She said the Woodend Mens Shed and the Woodend Lions Club have volunteered to help build nesting boxes if needed. You can stay up to date with how the survey is tracking, as well as a number of events Woodend Landcare will host in conjunction with the survey on its website. The group is also seeking community donations to help fund the eDNA portion of the study. Details: woodendlandcare. org
- Nicole Middleton
Main: Woodend Landcare president Nicole Middleton and vice president Peter Yates are ready to find out something new about Five Mile Creek. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 534352_01 Left: Nicole Middleton and Peter Yates overlooking Five Mile Creek. 534352_03 Right: Australian Wood Ducks spotted at Five Mile Creek. (Nicole Middleton)
Police mark pulse milestone
By Cade Lucas
Police patrolling some of Melbourne’s biggest shopping centres have made more than 1000 arrests since an operation aimed at reducing crime in retail settings began late last year.
Operation Pulse commenced in December 2025 with police and Protective Service Officers (PSOs) conducting regular patrols at eight shopping centres across the city, including Highpoint, Pacific Werribee and Watergardens.
According to police, more than 1000 arrests have been made in the operation’s first
four months, resulting in more than 2000 charges, with retail theft accounting for almost half.
More than 350 drug and weapons seizures have also been made, while police claim that the increased presence of uniformed officers and PSOs has resulted in a reduction in violent crime, with offences such as assault and affray accounting for just three per cent of all charges laid.
“As a result, retailers and shoppers are approaching us regularly to say they feel safer since the operation commenced,” Superintendent Matt Baynes said of the operation’s success.
Among the most noteworthy arrests made by Operation Pulse members include a 41-year-old man found with a loaded firearm down in his pants at Highpoint late last month and a 19-year old male who was wanted for a carjacking at Laverton Railway Station and subsequent high-speed collision in Seabrook on 3 March where the stolen car was found split in half with no driver present.
Originally set to conclude in June, Operation Pulse has already been extended through until December this year, and Superintendent Baynes said it could yet involve other shopping centres too.
Stallholders wanted for Firefly Night Market
One of Wyndham’s premier events is right around the corner and locals of all talents are being asked to get involved.
Firefly Night Market returns on Saturday 27 June from 4pm to 9pm in Tarneit and is promising to be a winter spectacle. It will be a night of food, culture and community spirit, with attendees getting the chance to browse local markers and catch the main stage action.
Every continent will be represented by more than 70 market stalls from which locals will be offering gifts, jewellery, art, clothing and locally made sweets.
The market stalls are one of the event’s
cornerstones, and the council is taking applications for stallholders.
Local makers, artisans, food vendors, designers, growers or entrepreneurs are encouraged to set up their stalls and show what they bring to the community.
The market is described as being family-friendly, which means council will prioritise artisan and ethically sourced products.
Applicants must live, work, study or otherwise have a connection to Wyndham.
Preference will be given to those who can demonstrate connection to Wyndham.
Community groups and collectives are
especially encouraged to apply for an engagement or activity stall
If multiple stalls offer the same products, preference will be given according to strength of application, local connections and demonstrated product presentation, and level of thorough information provided.
The event is free.
Parking is available but patrons are encouraged to catch public transport via the 167 bus, or walk.
To complete a stallholder application and to find out more information visit: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/firefly
“We’ll continue to strategically move our resources based on the latest crime data, calls for assistance and intelligence – ensuring our members are where they need to be to prevent crime,” he said.
According to Luke Sikora from the Shopping Centre Council of Australia, Operation Pulse members would be welcome at any shopping centre.
“The feedback we receive from our retailers, the feedback we receive from our customers is overwhelmingly positive,” Mr Sikora said.
“Ninety four per cent of our retailers want to see Operation Pulse continue.”
Lifeline for The Grange centre
The Grange Community Centre in Hoppers Crossing has been given a temporary lifeline after it shut down most services last month.
On 25 March, The Grange Community Centre Inc –which has run the centre through a licensing agreement with council for more than 20 years– announced that it would no longer continue operating. As part of that arrangement, the council provided funding support for the neighbourhood house component of the centre to help deliver programs and services for the local community.”
Council continued to deliver the kindergarten and maternal and child health (MCH) services at the centre in the interim period.
On 10 April, council announced that services would resume sometime in the coming weeks, after striking a temporary arrangement with another community group.
Quantin Binnah, who already runs the community centre of the same name in Werribee, has agreed to help fill some of the service gaps.
The group specialises in delivering community support programs, out of hours school care (OHSC) and occasional care.
Further information about service commencement dates will be shared with the community as arrangements are finalised over the coming weeks.
The Firefly Night Market is a standout on the Wyndham events calendar. (Wyndham City Council)
MY PLACE
Deepthy Nirmala recently made the move from Hillside to Truganina. She spoke with Jack O’Shea-Ayres about her new home, and how her experience in the aged care sector shaped her latest short film, A Long Goodbye,which follows the story of a couple exploring the effects of dementia.
What’s your connection to Hillside and Truganina?
I’ve been part of the Hillside community for the past 11 years - it’s truly home for me. Recently, I moved to Truganina as a temporary step while we prepare to build our new home, but Hillside continues to holdaveryspecialplaceinmyheart.
What do you like about Hillside?
What I love most about Hillside is the strong sense of community - it’s peaceful, welcoming, and has been a wonderful place to raise my family over the years. There’s a real feeling of belonging there thatIdeeplyvalue.
WhatencouragedthemovetoTruganina?
Our move to Truganina is more of a practical, interim decision as we plan to build our new home. It offers us the space and opportunity to start that next chapter, while still keeping us connected to the westernsuburbsweknowandlove.
What, if anything, would you change about where you live/have lived?
If I could change anything, it would be around day-to-day convenience. In Hillside, traffic can sometimes be a challenge, especially during peak hours. In Truganina, where I currently live, I’d love to see better access to amenities like shops, services, and community facilities as the area continues to grow. That said, both places have been wonderful to live in, andthesearejustsmallimprovementsthat wouldmakethemevenbetter.
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
Myfavouritelocalplacetospendtimeisthe
Tell us about your journey from an aged care worker to filmmaker?
My journey from aged care to filmmaking hasbeendeeplypersonalandshapedbythe
Caroline Springs Library. I love the quiet, peaceful atmosphere; it’s where I often go towritemyscreenplays.Beingsurrounded by books adds to the experience, there’s something incredibly inspiring about it thatreallyfuelsmycreativityandfocus.
FROM THE ARCHIVES
40 years ago 23 April, 1986
If the Werribee Hospital gets the green light all the way it could have major works worth $2.5 million completed by mid-1989.
communityI’vebeenpartof.Asresidential manager at Arcare Hillside and later general manager at Bupa Sunshine, I had the privilege of serving local families and residents and witnessing many powerful, real-life experiences. Those years gave me countless stories - moments of love, loss, resilience, and human connection - that stayed with me long after my workday ended. Being part of the western suburbs community, especially Hillside and Sunshine, made those experiences even more meaningful. These local stories inspired my transition into filmmaking, and my film Dementia: A Long Goodbye reflectsthoselivedmoments.
Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors
30 years ago 24 April, 1996
An American company will design a huge children’s adventure playground in Wyndham. The playground, estimated to cost $200,000, will be the largestinthewesternsuburbs.
20 years ago 19 April, 2006
Little River Primary School has no permanentclassroomsortoiletsandits art room is a shed funded by the school community.
10 years ago 20 April, 2016
Wyndham council is calling for a 24/7 build on the proposed Western Distributoranditssecondrivercrossing inabidtocutcommuterpain.
Deepthy Nirmala. (Damjan Janevski) 546391_05
Young sibilings are helping drive Seabrook dawn service
By Jaidyn Kennedy
Young faces will be at the front of one of the western suburbs fastest-growing Anzac Day events.
Ten-year-old Blake, his seven-year-old brother Liam and eight-year-old Ben of the Williams Scout Group will be helping bring the Seabrook dawn service to life.
Blake is volunteering to read a poem called Our Comrades of the Field and Sky to honour service animals.
He said he is excited to be reading the poem and enjoys taking part in the annual service.
“I’m really into the army and I also wake up early a lot,” he said.
Liam and Ben will be eagerly handing out rosemary sprigs for people to pin to their shirts or jackets, an ode to the plant that grows wild on the shores of Gallipoli.
“It reminds us of the soldiers that fought for our country,” Ben said.
The boy’s families have been part of a loyal group of Seabrook locals who have been remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice since the Covid days.
“During Covid our local community came together to commemorate Anzac Day with families standing in our driveways using a playlist of music to follow the last post and Reveille with the minute silence,” mum Mother Bridget Kirsch said.
“After lockdowns our community gathering has grown momentum with a growing number coming together at Homestead Run park with a more formalised service.”
The service has grown in leaps and bounds since then, with more than 70 locals getting up early and showing up in 2025.
Ms Kirsch and Seabrook community ad-
vocate Nas Khan are helping orchestrate this year’s proceedings.
“This year expressions of interest were put out for volunteers by Nas and I shared that my local scout group would be joining in uniform.
“We offered to help hand out sprigs of rosemary to the public.”
Ms Kirsch said she was proud of her boys
honouring their family legacy and that of all service men and women.
“We particularly recognise our own families– my grandfathers who had active roles in World War II.
“My father’s dad was part of the Dutch resistance and mother’s dad was part of the Australian Army transporting horses across Bass Strait from Tasmania.”
Ms Khan said the event is truly about the next generation and newcomers.
“The aim of the event is to educate our children and members of our migrant community about what Anzac Day represents and it is important,” Ms Khan said.
“It is also about keeping the legacy alive–getting children involved is an investment in that future.”
Ben, 8, Blake,10, Liam, 7, and Bridget Kirsch. (Jaidyn Kennedy)
Madison’s compassion shines
Madison has been named Wyndham’s Young Person of the month in April for her compassion to others and dedication to inclusivity.
Currently in year 12, she is both her school’s captain and leader of its media team, overseeing planning, filming and editingoffortnightlyprograms.
Bysettingastrongexampleandfostering creativity, compassion and collaboration, she empowers young people to build connections, grow personally, and create lastingpositiveimpacts.
Madison also volunteers in a range of community-focused initiatives, including theIntoLovingHomesFoundation.
In this role, she is responsible for writing weekly newsletters and blogs, managing social media, designing promotional graphics, and importantly
buildingdonationpagestosupportanimal rehoming.
The Children’s Cancer Institute is anothergroupshevolunteershertimeto.
As a committed member of Rotary’s Interact Club, Madison organises and assists with projects that support those in needacrossthecommunity.
DeputymayorJasmineHillcalledheran “inspiring young woman that volunteers hertimetohelpothers.”
“Wyndham City thanks Madison for her contributiontotheWyndhamcommunity.”
One Wyndham recipients are residents aged between 12 to 25 who positively contribute to the Wyndham community andarerolemodelstootheryoungpeople.
On 20 April, members from RAAF Point Cook celebrated 90 years of members of the base making life-saving blood and plasma donations at Lifeblood’s Werribee donor centre. Every week, Lifeblood needs 33,000 donations to help patients across the country who are undergoing cancer treatment, mothers giving birth, and those who have been involved in trauma.
Walk in Her Shoes
Walk in Her Shoes is a community awareness initiative led by Council to Homeless Persons delivered in partnership with multiple local councils across Victoria. The project highlights the experiences of women facing homelessness and family violence, aiming to build understanding, empathy, and informed responses within the community and across local government. The exhibition presents personal stories and lived experiences, encouraging viewers to reflect on the structural and social issues contributing to homelessness among women. It will bring together sector leaders, policymakers, and community members to discuss the intersection of homelessness, housing stress, and family violence. The exhibition is at Manor Lakes Community and Learning Centre, 9am-5pm, from 27 April to 7 May.
FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Wyndham Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
Madison is the April Young Person of the Month. (Supplied)
Faces of the west
Each week Star Weekly photographers are out and about capturing events and people across the western suburbs.
St. Peeters’ Italian record
Breaking world records isn’t new for Hillside local John Lo Piccolo, or as he’s betterknown,JohnSt.Peeters.Thecreative director and multi-instrumentalist entertainer was recognised in 2022 for producing the largest Elvis Presley show globally.
Last month he added another achievement to the Australian Book of Records after staging the largest Italian show in the world with 117 performers and singers. The concert, Un Cuore Italiano, heldatAlbertParkon29March,celebrated Italy’smusicalhistory.
Aftertheperformance,whenannouncing whether Lo Piccolo had broken the record, the compere stated that there were not 115 performers onstage as Lo Piccolo had intended.
“That freaked me out and the whole
crowdkindofmurmured,”LoPiccolosaid.
“Then I put my head down and he said ‘youhave117,whichisaworldrecord’.”
The show was extra personal for Lo Piccolo, who dedicated it to his late father, Pasqualino Lo Piccolo, as well as to the Italian community for its continued support. “It was a thank you to dad for giving me the most incredible life in showbiz,”hesaid.
For Lo Piccolo, the concert was a labour of love with preparations beginning four yearsago.
“It’s sleepless nights and a lot of work behindthescenes,”hesaid.
Lo Piccolo appointed maestro Robert Severinitoconductthemegaensemble.“It wasalotmoreemotionalformebeingdad’s showandIjustcouldn’tdoit.[Severini]did afabulousjob.”
The property comprises a partially constructed dwelling with an existing concrete slab, foundation and structural framework in place. Set on a 512m² (approx.) allotment, external works. Further construction is required to complete the dwelling, with any proposed works subject to council approval (STCA). The dwelling has a north-facing orientation. The property is situated within a residential area in proximity to parks, reserves, schools, shopping centres and public transport services, and easy access to arterial roads.
Zyron at a school holiday basketabll session at Cobblebank Indoor Stadium. (Damjan Janevski) 545020_07
Jazz legend Bob Sedergreen and jazz singer Sarah Maclaine ahead of the Newport Jazz Festival. (Damjan Janevski) 542443_09
Richard Popczyk outside the former Sunshine Picture Theatre. (Damjan Janevski) 544198_05
Moorabool mayor Steve Venditti-Taylor at Federation Park ahead of a community planting day. (Damjan Janevski) 545014_06
Evie, 8, takes part in a crafternoon activity at Brimbank Libraries. (Damjan Janevski) 544795_02
Charlotte, 12, and Emma ,12, enjoy a bedazzled afternoon at Melton Library. (Damjan Janevski) 545698_05
Hillside local John St. Peeters recently set a new world record for staging the world’s largest Italian musical production. (Damjan Janevski). 546643_03
An election to remember
Williamstown amateur historian Barb McNeill is Star Weekly’s history columnist. This week she tells the tale of a tense tussle over the seat of Melbourne Ports at the 1931 state election.
In 1931, politicians were making life miserable for everyone, what with diminished exports, government cutbacks, and Premier Lang’s reluctance to cough up the cash required to pay interest to Britain. The Great Depression was gnawing away at Australia, and Williamstown felt its bites keenly. However, when the legendary Phar Lap romped home to win the Underwood StakesatWilliamstown, everyonecheered up, though some gloomy souls predicted that this would be the last excitement for the year.
Their predictions were proved true and life resumed its dreary course. And then - William Howey came marching in from Port Melbourne, bursting with confidence that his credentials would ensure him glory in the forthcoming election. He was a returned soldier and a member of the recently formed United Australia Party. TheseatofMelbournePortshadbeenheld by Labor since 1906, but Mr Howey was 100 per cent certain that the electorate wouldgivethemthebootatbothstateand federal levels, and joyfully install him in the former.
WilliamstownTownHallwaspackedfor a meeting on 8 December. Amongst the usual hecklers was an intoxicated Martin Moore, loudly interjecting, much to the annoyance of Mr Howey, other speakers and the audience. Told by Constable Browne to behave himself, he stacked on such a turn that he had to be dragged outside kicking and biting. He was handcuffed to the Town Hall steps, where he sat swearing at Constable Morgan. He was duly hauled off to the police station, where he immediately attacked the watchhouse keeper, Constable Jones.
At the Williamstown Court on 15 December, with just four days left until the voting stampedes began, Mr Moore had three charges to answer to: insulting words, obscene language and assaulting Constable Browne.
The defendant told a different story. He was the victim of police brutality having been punched and batoned by three burly policemen for no reason at all, and beaten to jelly by Constable Browne who had never heard of freedom of speech.
It did him no good whatsoever. He was fined two pounds for insulting words, five pounds for obscene language and three pounds for assaulting police. Failure to pay would net him 21 weeks in the clink.
One the eve of the election, Mr Howey andhissupporters,decidingthatthe open air was better suited to spruiking than the TownHall, bellowedtheircampaignfrom a truck parked in Ferguson Street. One of thesesupporters,ThomasBriggsofLenore Crescent, walked into Ferguson Street to cheer for the UAP candidate.
This produced a very strange effect on Ernest Roberts of Rennie Street, who had just enjoyed wrecking an Electra Street political meeting with much jeering and howling down of various speakers. He spotted Mr Briggs standing near the lorry and stopped. Ernest Roberts harboured an intense dislike for Thomas Briggs and,
followed by hundreds of men, headed straight towards him. Raising his voice above the racket made by the UAP, he screamed “Have you got Brother Briggs there? The Christian brother with the Christian spirit?”
Briggsfacedhim.Robertsthengotdown to business by accusing Briggs of bringing sectarianism into Williamstown by virtue of having attended no fewer than seven different churches. “You’re a mongrel! A sectarian mongrel!” This he repeated several times loudly, albeit inaccurately, apparently confusing sectarianism with ecumenism.
Noting the army of heavies behind Mr Roberts, Briggs wisely said nothing. He may have been a Christian, but he was not willing to forgive and forget rude Mr Roberts of Rennie Street. He took him to court charged with insulting words.
Awitness,RobertFaulknerfromHannan
Street who had been standing behind Briggsonthenight,hadseenRobertsnear the truck and heard his accusations of bringing sectarianism to Williamstown. Briggs had merely replied, “Don’t be silly.” Then anther witness, Robert Johnston of OsborneStreet,statedthathehadbeenon the lorry, and had seen Roberts confront Briggswiththebackingofseveralhundred men behind him. Yes, Roberts accused Briggs of sectarianism, and mentioned several churches, but he hadn’t heard the word “mongrel”. In fact, the racket made by the spruikers and audience was such that it was a miracle that anyone could hear anything. Other witnesses agreed that the hellish hubbub made by Mr Howey, the shouts of his supporters, the clanging of bells and the jeering of political foes made it wildly improbable that Briggs could have heard a thing.
Mr Jackson, Justice of the Peace, had the wisdom of experience and allowed for tempers heating up at political meetings. He believed that the words had been used, but dismissed the case as a trifling matter, with each party to pay their own costs.
Disappointed by the anti-climax, the crowd filed out, but then Sergeant Ellis, keeping the peace at the court door, heard Robertssuddenly kickingupafearfulfuss about something. He rushed to report this to the Bench, and Roberts was recalled. “What’s this all about?” demanded a very fed-up Mr Jackson.
Mr Roberts was incandescent with rage. As he had left the court, Robert Johnston hadhissedintohisear,“Whydon’tyougive Briggs a nice kiss and become friends?”
Mr Jackson understood why this constituted an intolerable provocation and again demonstrated his wisdom by declaring the incident closed.
Mr William Howey, having learned what Williamstown could be like in the grip of political passions, was deeply demoralised. Rather than hankering for UAP gentlemen to usher in a new era of peace and prosperity, the locals seems to prefer to kick policemen, scream drunken threats , wreck meetings, and haul one another into courts and police stations.
Mr Howey had done his utmost and nobody could blame him for all that had transpired. After all his heroic efforts, it would be pleasant to report a landslide win, but alas. The damage was done. So, who won the seat of Melbourne Ports? Jack Holloway, for the ALP and Mr Howey abandoned Williamstown to its fate.
Barb McNeill.
To
Sudoku
ACROSS
1 Indian state (3)
3 Child who has reached 24 months (3-4-3)
10 Lunacy (7)
11 Offence (7)
12 Painful (9)
13 Iridescent, multicoloured gem (4)
15 Expert in religious theory (10)
17 Labyrinth (4)
19 Condensed carbon rock (4)
20 Whitegoods (10)
23 Highlander (4)
25 Evening entertainment (9)
27 Witticism (7)
28 Touching (7)
29 Fabric embellishment (10)
30 Sailor (coll) (3)
1 Olympic sporting category (10)
2 Closest galaxy (9)
4 Doing the dishes (7,2)
5 Offspring (5)
6 Archaic name for Britain (6)
7 Japanese seaport (5)
8 Horned ruminant (4)
9 Antenna (6)
14 Informal bulletin (10)
16 Dangerous aquatic reptile (9)
18 Designer (9)
21 Temporary (6)
22 Sound system (6)
24 Ascend (5)
25 Wanderer (5)
26 Gala (4)
3
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”.
Today’s Aim:
17 words: Good 25 words: Very good 33 words: Excellent
I
U A I B L E N D
nailed
In which century did the Sagrada Família church commence construction?
2 A kitchen tool used for crushing and grinding spices is a mortar and what?
3 The national headquarters for the Australian Federal Police is in which city?
4 Which of Africa's mainland countries has the longest coastline?
5 Regensburg, Germany is home to a museum honouring which breed of dog?
6 Who is the protagonist of Lee Child’s books?
7 Larry Bird was drafted by which team in the 1978 NBA draft?
8 'You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll hurl' is the tagline of which iconic 1990s comedy film?
9 In Friends, which two actresses play the sisters of Jennifer Aniston's (pictured) Rachel?
10 Beginning with A, what cognitive phenomenon is characterised by the inability to create mental images?
No.
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
One on One IT help
Free IT help sessions run Each Tuesday 10-11.30am at the Manor Lakes Library, covering everything from using email, creating accounts and accessing the online library. People can get help with their Macs, PCs and phones.
8734 8930
Rotary Bingo
Werribee Rotary hosts its weekly community bingo event on Monday evenings at the Italian Sports Club of Werribee. There are cash prizes and proceeds go to worthy causes that Rotary supports. 6.30pm arrival time. secretary@werribeerotary.org.au
Community connectors
Wyndham council has launched a community connections and care service to support residents who may need help navigating life’s challenges. Whether you’re looking for mental health support, food relief, or guidance accessing government services, this free and confidential service is here to help. Meets 8am-noon on Wednesdays at The Element’s Activity Park and Cafe.
Crafties at Iramoo
The Crafties meet at Iramoo Community Centre every Wednesday between noon-2pm and put their knitting and crocheting skills to use. The crew make items for themselves and participate in charitable causes.
8742 3688
Community Kitchen
Wyndham-based not for profit group Pulse with Purpose sells delicious meals each Tuesday 10am-5pm at the Dianella Community Centre in Tarneit. Each purchase helps provide free meals to families in need. Meals are by pre-order, the menu is typically updated every Sunday. bpulsewithpurpose@gmail.com
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
Victoria State Rose Garden
The Victoria State and Rose Garden
Supporters group are always welcoming new members to help keep Werribee Park beautiful. The volunteers work 7am-noon on Wednesdays and 7-11am on Saturdays. If you enjoy gardening, roses or just enjoy the company of like-minded people, visit: www.victoriastaterosegarden.com.au
Soulful Spreads Community Cafe
Soulful Spreads is a purpose-driven social enterprise based in Tarneit that looks to create meaningful work and training opportunities for women and young people with disabilities. Come meet for a meal and support inclusion, empowerment and connection. Meets 8.30am-noon every Monday and Thursday at the Tarneit Community Learning Centre. info@soulfulspreads.com
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
This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Ania Reynolds, a composer and multi-instrumentalist who regularly performs across the west. (Damjan Janevski) 546453_01
Altona VIEW Club
Altona VIEW is a not-for-profit club that welcomes ladies from the Wyndham, Hobsons Bay and other areas to join in for lunch the third Wednesday of each month, at 11am at the Altona RSL. Come along and enjoy the speakers each month. Other outings are arranged and it is a great opportunity to make new friends. Contact altonaview@gmail.com or Julie, 0421 315 846
Resume Help
Wyndham council is providing resume workshops for young people aged 15-25. Book into a one-on-one session, online or in person, with an education and youth services librarian to get some help crafting your resume and answering interview questions. Sessions run at 9am, several times a week. resumehelp@wyndham.vic.gov.au
Practise English with Let’s Talk
A weekly meet to help members of the community improve their practical English conversation skills to help with daily tasks such as shopping and booking appointments. Meets 10am each Saturday at Werribee Church of Christ, 200 Tarneit Road, Werribee Bronwyn, 9741 6051
Bingo for all
The Werribee RSL hosts Bingo every Monday between 12.30-2.30pm. 9741 5525
Wyndham Probus Club
A social club for retired or semi-retired people. There is a broad range of social activities to suit all interests such as lunches and brunches each month, day trips, theatre outings and longer trips away. Hear interesting speakers and
make new friendships. The group meets on the second Tuesday of each month at Iramoo Community Centre, Honour Avenue, Wyndham Vale. Meetings commence at 1pm.
Kaye Angel, 0407 551 694 or wcpc1306@gmail.com
Point Cook Combined Probus Club Retired or semi-retired people are invited to join this active social group. Enjoy an impressive and interesting monthly guest speaker. Interesting monthly outings, and fortnightly lunches where the development of friendships are encouraged. The Point Cook Combined Probus Club meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 10am at The Brook Point Cook, 215 Sneydes Road, Point Cook.
John Sloan, 0436 480 728 or sloanrisk@gmail.com
Lions Club
The Lions Club of Point Cook meets at the Featherbrook Community Centre on the third Monday of the month at 7.30pm. The club is seeking to grow the Lions free vision screening in schools team. Volunteers needed to work with the region’s schools in combating undiagnosed children’s vision issues. You do not have to be a Lions member but must obtain a working with children check.
Robert Eyton, 0417 549 684 or robeyton@bigpond.com
Adult community garden group
The group meets on the first Wednesday of the month, 10-11am, at Iramoo Community Centre, 84 Honour Avenue, Wyndham Vale. Head down and join them as they maintain their rejuvenated community garden. Planting and harvesting produce that they grow.
8742 3688
Wyndham Ladies Probus
Retired or semi-retired ladies are invited to join this very active social group. Enjoy impressive monthly guest speakers, interesting monthly outings and many lunches where the development of friendships is encouraged. The Ladies Probus Club of Wyndham meets on the first Wednesday of each month at Hotel 520, Sayers Road, Tarneit, at 10am. Pat, 0411 316 795
With One Voice Wyndham Choir
With One Voice Wyndham Choir is a community choir open to all. The community choir welcomes all ages, abilities, faiths, cultures and genders and is directed by a very experienced and friendly professional conductor. Fun weekly rehearsals and amazing performance opportunities are provided. They sing for an hour and then have a cuppa. The first two visits are free; and then payment is by tax-deductible donation. Tuesday evenings, 7-8.30pm, at Wayaperri House, 106 Duncans Road, Werribee. wyndham@withonevoice.org.au
Beekeeping group
Werribeeks is a group for beekeepers in and around Werribee and surrounding suburbs that meet every third Monday of the month at the Wyndham Park Community Centre to share information, tips and ideas on beekeeping.. https://www.facebook.com/ WerriBeeksClub
Werribee River Association
New volunteers to support Landcare work along the Werribee River. A great way to give back, get outdoors and work at your own pace.
admin@werribeeriver.org.au or www.werribeeriver.org.au
Killer cars cruise into Mernda for a full-throttle Anzac Day
Start your engines, the Killer Cars Show and Shine event is coming to Mernda on Anzac Day, Saturday 25 April.
A full-throttle line up of cars from around the world will be on show from vintage and classics to hot rods and supercars. Attendees will enjoy checking out car club displays, drag car start-ups as well as the unveiling of exclusive new builds.
There will be giveaways, raffle prizes and family entertainment with market stalls, trade vendors and food and coffee options. You can even take a pit stop at the club bar, with space to sit, relax and watch the footy.
‘RATPACK’ will also be playing live music all afternoon from 12pm with
trophy presentations and formalities to follow around 2.30pm.
KillerCarsisraisingmoneyfortheCamp
Quality charity which helps Australian children with cancer aged 0-15. You can add a $20 donation to your online ticket booking.
Tickets are available from $10 each and specialearlyandexpressentryoptionsare on offer. The event will kick off from 10am at the Waterview Recreation Reserve on Waterview Drive, Mernda.
Brimbank will play host to a cultural community event celebrating National Sovereignty and Children’s Day (Ulusal Egemenlik ve Çocuk Bayrami), a major holiday celebrated in Turkey and North Cyprus.
The family-friendly celebrations, hosted by North Cyprus Turkish Community of Victoria (NCTCV), will feature free physical and culturally-informed activities for children, including arts and crafts.
Attendees can also enjoy delicious Turkish food available for purchase, along with a free lokma giveaway.
NCTCV president Dr Lutfiye Ali said
National Sovereignty Day commemorates 23 Nisan (23 April) in 1920, the day the Grand National Assembly of Turkey was established in Ankara during the Turkish War of Independence.
“Mustafa Kemal Atatürk dedicated this day to children around the world, recognising them as the keepers and creators of the future,” Ali said.
She said the event provides an opportunity to reconnect with cultural roots, rekindle a shared sense of identity, and strengthen community bonds.
“It is a meaningful opportunity for community organisations (including Albion Rovers Soccer Club, Sunshine
Mosque and Minik Hearts Playgroup) to come together, working side by side to createawarmandinclusiveenvironment,” Ali said.
Ali said the holiday is also a joyful occasion where attendees can reconnect with old friends, while children socialise, play, and celebrate their culture in a fun and engaging way.
As part of the event, children will also be invited to share their ideas about what they would like to see more of at NCTCV.
TheNationalSovereigntyandChildren’s Day event will run from 11.30am-4pm on Saturday 25 April at 547 Ballarat Road, Albion.
Free Eid festival offers a colourful day out in Melton
Melton is set to come alive with colour, cultureandcommunityspiritasthevibrant Eid festival comes to town, promising a packed calendar of family-friendly fun.
Taking over Melton Police Paddock on Saturday 2 May and Sunday 3 May, the free festival will transform the heart of the city into a buzzing hub of food, entertainment and family fun from 11am-8pm each day. Expecttheirresistiblearomaofasizzling barbecue, sweet treats, and global flavours drifting through the air as food stalls dish up crowd favourites.
Forthelittleones,andtheyoungatheart,
there’ll be jumping castles, carnival rides, and an animal farm, with everything from pony rides to the unforgettable chance to hop on a camel.
The festival also brings a strong cultural flair, with live performances, fashion, henna art and jewellery stalls adding colour and creativity throughout the weekend.
This year’s Eid festival brings the perfect chance to experience the richness of multicultural traditions in one lively, welcoming space.
As the sun sets, all eyes turn skyward
for one of the festival’s biggest highlights in the spectacular fireworks display, set to dazzle crowds and cap off the celebrations in style.
Best of all, entry is completely free, making it an easy outing for families, friends and anyone keen to soak up the festive atmosphere.
So mark the calendar and gather your crew for Melton’s Eid Festival 2026, which is shaping up to be bigger, brighter and more vibrant than ever.
If you ever find yourself bored and without anything to do, head down toWerribeeParkforanightyouwon’t forget.
On Saturday 25 April, Friday 1 May and Saturday 2 May, What Was That! will be showing at Werribee Park Mansion.
The show, which has been run by Essence Theatre Productions since 2003, tells the tale of the Chirnside family.
The fictional characters Maggie the maidandDuncanthebutlerwilltake audiences on an enlightening tour of the building.
Chairperson Alaine Beek– or shall wesay,Maggie–explainedtheshow’s charm.
“You follow the actors through the house and the story unfolds as you move from room to room– you find out about the Chirnside through us,” Ms Beek said.
“Thecommonresponseisitismore than what people expected. It is not just a night tour, it is a scripted play.”
The comedic edge is also another thing that helps keep people buying tickets.
But what would a great story be without its backdrop?
“It [Werribee Park Mansion] is one of the most beautifully preserved historic houses in Victoria and that is an attraction in itself.
“I think it is just the quality of the show itself that keeps people coming back.”
If you aren’t already sold, then maybe the complimentary glass of sparkling wine or soft drink will seal the deal.
ToseeEssenceTheatreProductions full fixture for the next six weeks and for tickets, go to: https://www. essencetheatre.productions/
Ross Daniels will play Mr Duncan. (Supplied)
The North Cyprus Turkish Community of Victoria president Dr Lutfiye Ali, Hatice Sorac and her son Aydin, 11, Gulzade Ziya, Yeliz Cambaz, Sema Sarac, Erman Sever and Numan Turan. (Damjan Janevski) 546577_03
Michael Garzia will feature his 1973 Holden Torana GTR-XU1 at the event. (Damjan Janevski) 546689_01
15.10.1938 – 09.04.2024
Beloved wife of Firmino (Dec). Loving mother of Silvana (Dec) and Johnnie.
Adored Nonna of Melissa, Anthony and Natalie.
Cherished Bis Nonna of Zara.
Passed away peacefully now at rest in God’s care.
Reunited with her loved ones.
Forever loved and remembered. Call Tobin Brothers Funerals for funeral information 03 9373 7000
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Star Weekly is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future.
The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business.
Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance.
The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme.
Send your application letter and resume to: Advertising Sales Manager, Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au www.starnewsgroup.com.au
Cute, compact, capable
By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring
As the name suggests, the Toyota Yaris Cross is a crossover version of the popular Yaris small hatchback bulked up to provide accesstotheboomingcompactSUVmarket segment.
Launched here in late-2020 Yaris Cross is available in four grades: GX, GXL, Urban and GR Sport.
Thefirstthreemodelseachcomewiththe choiceoftwo-orfour-wheeldrive.GRSport is 2WD only.
Originally available with the choice of petrolorhybridpowertrains,effectivefrom the 2024 upgrade, all Yaris Cross variants are now exclusively hybrid.
Prices range from $31,790 for the 2WD GX through to $39,920 for our test car, the Urban AWD.
Hybrid competitors include the MG ZS, KiaKona,HondaHR-V,Tiggo4andthenew SuzukiFronxStandardintheGXare16-inch alloy wheels and 8-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It does come with halogen headlights GXL adds LED headlights, blind-spot monitor and a panoramic view monitor.
The top-spec Urban comes with 18-inch alloys, head-up display, heated front seats and a powered tailgate.
ThetrendyGRSportgetsaunique18-inch wheel design as well as sports suspension and GR-branded interior. The Sport tag is a bitmisleadingbecausethere’snodifference in performance from the other models.
Styling
Yaris Cross shares similar styling as the Yaris hatch. While they have the same 2560 wheelbase the Cross is around 20mm longer, 70mm wider and 95mm taller. than the hatchback. It also has 35mm greater ground clearance.
The face of the Yaris Cross features a split grille with a lower diffuser, flanked by deep-set LED daytime running lights and slimline headlight clusters.
The rear has a squared-off design with broad horizontal lines connecting integrated taillights.
Yaris Cross comes with the choice of seven single colours including Frosted White, Stunning Silver, Ink, Atomic Rush, Latte, Mineral Blue and Massive Grey 7.
The top-spec Urban models also get the option of four two-tones that combine Frosted White, Atomic Rush, Latte or Massive Grey with a black roof.
Interior
WhiletheplatformoftheYarisCrossisonly slightly longer and wider than that of the Yaris hatch, it features a longer, wider and taller body to increase interior space.
Although larger than the Yaris hatch it’s still a small vehicle. Front space is fine but the three rear seats are quite cramped and certainly not recommended for three adult passengers.
The air-conditioning controls sit below the screen and make it quite difficult to adjust the outlet directions.
The Urban and GR Sport variants come with nanoe X air ionisation technology which helps to inhibit unwanted pollutants and viruses from the cabin.
The large gear selector in the centre console leaves little space for storage and pushes the two drink holders backwards and makes them awkward to reach.
The centre arm rest effectively replaces a storage tub.
Boot space in the 2WD Yaris Cross is 390 litres but drops to 314 litres in the AWD due to the addition of the rear electric motor.
Powertrain
The hybrid system for front-wheel drive versions of the Yaris Cross Sport combines a 67 kW/120 Nm, 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and two motor generators on the front axle putting out a combined 85 kW.
The AWD models versions add a third electric motor to drive the rear wheels and provide extra traction.
All variants get a continuously variable transmission with a mechanical first gear for strong take-off. A 10-speed sequential shift function that can be operated by the shiftlever,orpaddleshiftersonthesteering wheel.
Safety
All Yaris Cross models come with the latest version of Toyota Safety Sense technology that includes a pre-collision safety system with day/ night pedestrian and day cyclist detection, emergency steering assist, lane trace assist and lane departure alert with steering assist, intersection turn assist, automatic high beam, road sign recognition and adaptive cruise control.
Standard equipment also includes eight airbags including two between the front seat, reversing camera, parking sensors, seatbelt warning and Isofix child seat anchors.
RATINGS
Looks: 8/10
Performance: 7/10
Safety: 8/10
Thirst : 9/10
Practicality: 7/10
Comfort: 7/10
Tech: 7/10
Value: 8/10
Urban also gets a blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert.
Infotainment
The 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen is pretty basic and so uses a number of physical buttons and knobs on the edges to access the most used functions.
That will be a positive for many potential buyers.
There’s a neat Multi Information Display in front of the driver with two raised round displays on the sides of the 8.0-inch screen.
The system has AM/FM/DAB+ radio, full Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with enhanced voice activation.
Audioisthroughaprettybasicsixspeaker system. There’s a single USB-A in the centre console of the GX and GXL with a USB-C added in the Urban and GR Sport models.
Satellite navigation with the SUNA traffic channel is standard on variants above GX.
Driving
Although its under 4.2 metres in length, clever packaging makes it feel like a larger vehicle. While Yaris Cross is relatively easy to access for front occupants, small rear doors will challenge adult passengers.
It’s an ideal city car that’s easy to drive, manoeuvrable and easy to park.
When stretched the three-cylinder
engine gives out an annoying harsh tone Urban is the only variant to get a head-up display.
There have been adjustments to the tuning of the suspension which provide extra firmness that was quite noticeable when we encountered bumps during the rural component of our drive route.
Claimedfuelconsumptionfromthe2WD Yaris Cross Hybrid is listed at 3.8 litres per 100km. We averaged a still impressive 4.6 L/100km during our week in the Urban AWD.
Summing up
Toyota Yaris and predecessors such as the Starlet and Echo have long been popular choices for first-time buyers – and their parents looking for an affordable and safe car.Althoughitismoreexpensive,theYaris Cross meets the same criteria while adding the SUV styling that’s so much in vogue. It’s neat, compact and attractive with excellent safety features and seven variants from which to choose. The standard hybrid powertrain provides outstanding fuel economy.
Standard warranty is five years with unlimited distance with the powertrain increased to seven years if it is serviced on time. Service intervals are 12 months or 15,000km.
The Yaris Cross is neat, compact and attractive with excellent safety features and seven variants from which to choose. (Pictures: Supplied)
Kicking plenty of goals
The early stages of the winter sports are continuing to impress with plenty of good wins and shock results. Star Weekly
photographer Ljubica Vrankovic was out shooting some of the action on Saturday.
West Footscray’s Layla Dawkins lays a tackle. 547345_01
Williamstown’s Kallan Dawson. 546142_01
Williamstown’s Tom Fullarton. 546142_23
Caroline Springs listen in to the huddle. 546141_02
Caroline Springs’ Nyomi Stowers lead in the race for the ball. 546141_09
Sunshine’s Huntar Little. 546145_08
Spotswood’s James Cleaver. 546143_11
Hoppers Crossing’s Ahmed Houli. 546145_06
Caroline Springs’ Thomas Christou. 546143_18 Laverton’s Darcie Whitehead. 547345_10
Falcons keep season alive
By Tara Murray
The City West Falcons came away with the points in a must win match in the Victorian Netball League on Wednesday.
Back on court after a week off, the FalconswerehomeattheAltonaSportsCentre for the first time this season against the Casey Demons.
In front of a big Falcons crowd, the Falcons were able to come away with a 69-61 win.
Falcons coach Marg Lind said they needed to start winning with their season on the line after a slow start.
“It was always going to be high scoring with Emma Ryde and Jane Cook,” she said.
“It was going to be whichever defence
turneditoverandweareimprovingthere.
“If we had lost last night it could have been season over.
“We’re looking that far ahead and think we need to win nine games to sneak into finals.”
Cook won the battle of the two goal shooters as well, shooting 53 goals to Ryde’s 52.
The Falcons received a massive boost with captain Maggie Lind playing her first game of the season.
Lind played three and a bit quarters in the win before they were cautious and rested her for the rest of the match. It had been more than they expected, by she had pulled up OK after a half in local netball on Saturday.
“She brings that leadership and drive,”
Marg Lind said of her daughter. “She brings that drive and the group a bit more confidence and voice.”
Olivia Cameron was again in action for the Falcons with Lani Fauonuku missing, having been part of the under-19 national championships.
Lind said Fauonuku had a really solid at the championships.
The other player promoted into the Falcons line up this season, Achel Yout had a strong game against the Demons after coming on in the first quarter.
Lind said they hoped they could build on the performance going forward.
“It was a good win, an important win,” she said.
“We need to get as many games as possible together. We are still new in the
Warriors pleased with strong start to season
By Tara Murray
Hoppers Crossing is viewing wins early in the Western Football League division 1 season as a bonus.
The Warriors have won their opening two matches despite being nowhere near full strength, which is a good sign going forward.
Coach Jared Polec said they had been happy with the season so far.
“We had three under-18s play on the weekend,” he said. “There’s some really good youngsters at the club.
“We’ll get some more experienced players coming back in the next couple of weeks and we’ll be closer to being full strength.
“Any win for us early in the season is a bonus until we are settled and we can get that continually in the side.
“We will be better in the back half of the season, that is for sure.”
On Saturday, the Warriors headed to Kindersmith Reserve to face Sunshine, which also had a win in round one.
It was a real tussle for the first three
quarters, with the Kangaroos leading by three points at three quarter time.
The Warriors were able to kick five final quarter goals to get the 11.10 (76)7.13 (55).
Polec said it was a really tight contest.
“They always match up well against us,” he said.
“It was really tough and a constant struggle all game. Our more experienced players stepped up and got it done.
“They knew the task at hand and push come to shove, they stepped up.”
Riley Kitchen kicked three goals for the Warriors, while three other players kicked two goals.
Riley Fisher, Polec and Liam McMahon were named the Warriors best.
It was game two back on the playing field for Polec.
“It’s definitely different,” the 2024 premiership coach said.
“I’m feeling it after four years out of the game but it has been playing.”
The Warriors win was marred by a couple of injuries.
Star recruit Tarryn Thomas suffered a
defensive end and they are incrementally improving.
“We’ve now got a few more options in the mid court as well.”
In another boost for the Falcons, Soli Ropati is back training with the group.
Lind said they would be cautious with the midcourter, who is returning from an ACL injury.
The Falcons’ 23 and under side also got the win against the Demons, 53-51.
The Falcons had been trailing in the dying minutes.
Both sides were missing players due to the recently completed under-17 and under-19 national championships.
The Falcons will face the Wilson Storage Southern Saints this Wednesday in round six.
Western FL
Wyndhamvale’s match with Albanvale was called off due to a medical incident in the Western Football League division 2 competition on Saturday. The Falcons were leading 19-13 when an Albanvale player was concussed and needed medical treatment. With an ambulance taking 40 minutes to arrive the match was called off and the match declared a draw as it occurred in the first half. In other matches, the Suns beat the Western Rams and Tarneit lost to North Footscray.
VAFA
It was a solid start to life in the Victorian Amatuer Football Association women’s premier division for Westbourne Grammarians. Play in the top flight after a late promotion, the Grammarians started their season against West Brunswick on Saturday. Both sides struggled to make the most of their opportunities in front of goal with West Brunswick winning, 2.5 (17)-1.5 (11).
VPL
Werribee City got a much needed win on Saturday in the Victorian Premier League 2 competition. With just one win from their first eight matches, the Bees need to start to put some results together. On Saturday against Moreland City, the Bees scored twice in seven minutes in the first half to lead 2-0 after 25 minutes. Moreland City got one goal back before half time. The Bees were able to seal the win the 50th minute when they got their third and went on to win, 3-1. The Bees now sit ninth on the table on nine points.
compound fracture in his finger and has had surgery.
Polec said that he would likely miss three to four weeks and it would give him a good chance to get resettled in Victoria.
Klyde Milroy suffered a concussion and will miss a couple of weeks.
The Warriors challenges don’t get any easier as they now face reigning premiers Werribee Districts on Anzac Day.
“They are the premiership team and they’ve been the team to beat the least couple of years,” Polec said.
“They’ve been a rival the last few years and we’ve been on the wrong end the last couple of years.
“Hopefully we can get one to go our way this week.”
The Tigers enter the match with two wins as well after beating Point Cook Centrals’ 20.15 (135)-5.7 (37).
Daniel Nielson kicked five goals for the Tigers, while Jack Fletcher and Rani Pavlidis kicked four goals each.
Charlie Coughlin was the Sharks best.
Elsewhere Point Cook lost to Yarraville Seddon, 13.26 (104)-6.6 (42).
FV
Hoppers Crossing put out a strong performance to come away with the three points on Saturday in the FV state league 3 northwest competition. The Reds were at home to Bundoora United and were able to hit the scoreboard in the 11th minute. Two more goals before half time had the Reds on top and they were able to add another in the 70th minute to but the game beyond doubt. Bundoora was able to get one back late, it wasn’t enough as the Reds won, 4-0. After four round, the Reds sit in fifth spot with two wins.
Jared Polec is tackled. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 546145_09
Sport shorts
Suns are ready to build
By Tara Murray
The Suns are looking to build as the season progresses in the Western Football League division 2 competition.
With an influx of players having joined the club in the off season, the Suns know that it will take some time to come together.
They started the season with the toughest task in facing reigning premiers Wyndhamvale.
There was improvement on Saturday as they got their first win for the season as they accounted for the Western Rams, 13.9 (87)-7.7 (49).
Suns’ coach Roger Hand said the week-
end was a bit better than what they put out in round one.
He said the Rams had improved on last season and had plenty of run and carry.
“It was good to get off the mark,” he said.
“I think we are still trying to gel as a group with 20 new players in the club and it will take time to get used to each other.
“We made a bit better decisions and were a bit cleaner with the ball on Saturday.
“We played better team football and controlled the game for a longer time and that was what we wanted.”
Nicholas Gregson, one of the big off season signings, kicked five goals for the Suns.
Cassius White, Rohan Matthews and Daniel O’Leary were named the Suns best. Hand, who is in his second season as coach, said they had identified a lack of depth as one area they had to address in the off season.
“We realised last year we were off the pace and beat no one above us,” he said.
“Fourth, fifth, that was about where we were with our depth. We had injuries throughout the year and depth wasn’t where it needed to be.
“We were challenged by injuries and the aim was to increase our overall depth and make our reserves more competitive.
“We want eight to 10 players pushing for senior selection each week.”
Sharks young stars are raring to go in WFL
By Tara Murray
Point Cook Centrals is hoping another pre-season together will help it take the next step in the Western Football League women’s competition.
The Sharks fielded a women’s side last season as they looked to give their junior players a pathway.
Coach Wayne Davis said they were looking forward to seeing what the side could do this year.
“Last year we had an under-19 team and a senior women’s team, this year we will only have a senior women’s side,” he said.
“We have young girls coming through and we have a good number of players and will hopefully not be taking to the field with 14 or 15 players, which is good.”
Davis said they knew last year it would be tough fielding the two sides, but wanted to ensure everyone got an opportunity.
With players going up into seniors and not having an influx of players coming up from under-16s, they only had six or seven under-19 players and decided to not have a team.
Davis said they were excited by the group that they have put together.
“There are some talented girls there,” he said. “We still last that middle age group which has had that four to five years of senior football
“It can be daunting for the young girls.”
Davis said he felt with another year under their belts, the girls would only get better and better.
He said they had shown good signs last season and were only going to build on it.
“When we had a full squad last season we pressured some of the top teams but we couldn’tsustainitforthelongterm,”hesaid.
“Hopefully we’ll push a few teams this season.”
Davis said they were hoping to at least make the bottom lot of finals, if not push for the top four.
The Sharks started their season with a loss to West Footscray.
Davis said they let the Roosters get a jump on them and they couldn’t peg it back as they struggled to score.
The Sharks faced North Footscray this Saturday.
“They are a new side coming in,” Davis said before. “They are my old club and I played juniors and seniors there, it will be different.”
The Sharks were able to put out a strong performance as they came away with a 19.27 (141)-0.0 (0) win.
Karla Davis and Zoe Hurring kicked three goals each.
Hayley Fletcher and Chloe Elkington were named the Sharks best.
Hawthorn defender Laura Elliott is again helping Davis with the coaching and will take on more responsibility with Davis also
part of the Western Jets girls coaching panel. In other results on the weekend, the Suns and Werribee Centrals both came away with wins. The Suns snuck home against Yarraville
Among those in the reserves is former playing coach Dean Cachia, who is returning after an injury interrupted 2025. Hand said they were taking their time with him to build into the season.
The focus for the Suns is on the short term and getting better each week, rather than the bigger picture at this stage.
The Suns face Braybrook in round three on Anzac Day.
Hand said it would be a good challenge for them.
“It’ll be an interesting game,” he said.
“They’ve done well with their performance so far and have been competitive in games.
“We’re looking forward to it.”
Centurions sneak home in thriller
Werribee Centrals made it two from two in the Geelong and District Football League as it won a thriller against Bannockburn on Saturday.
The two sides traded goals throughout the match and there wasn’t much between them at each of the breaks and the game came down to the final minutes.
Bannockburn led by three points at quarter time before the Centurions led by four points at the main break. A four goal to two third quarter gave the Tigers a five point lead heading into the final quarter.
Bradley Carlton gave the Centurions back the lead in the first seven seconds of the final quarter before the Tigers hit back with two of their own.
Three goals, including two to Aaron Stone, again gave the Centurions the lead in the 14th minute.
Bannockburn hit back in the 18th minute with another goal to trail by one point heading into the dying minutes. The two sides then traded behinds the and Centurions were able to do enough to sneak home, 10.15 (75)-11.7 (73).
The Centurions are one of five undefeated teams after two rounds.
In the A-grade netball, Werribee Centrals suffered a 46-26 loss to Bannockburn.
Taylah Gates shot 13 goals for the Centurions after spending the first quarter on the bench.
The Centurions are without a win after the first two rounds.
The Centurions will face Bell Post Hill in round three on Anzac Day. In the senior football, both teams are undefeated, while Bell Post Hill is also undefeated in the A-grade netball.
Elsewhere,
14.17 (101)-1.4 (10).
Seddon, winning 4.5 (29)-3.9 (27).
Werribee Centrals had no troubles against Caroline Springs, winning 19.21 (135)-0.1 (1).
Wyndhamvale lost to Parkside Spurs,
Patricia Doyle. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 485447_06
Michael Culliver. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 475479_01
Tigers secure second win
By Tara Murray
A dominant first half set up Werribee’s second win of the Victorian Football League season on Saturday.
After a week off with the state game, Werribee was back at home for round four of the season against Frankston.
Scores were level at quarter time before the Tigers kicked seven goals to two in the second quarter to lead by 30 points at half time.
The Dolphins were able to reduce the lead slightly heading into the final quarter to give themselves some hope.
But an even final quarter ensured the Tigers would get their second win for the season, winning 15.12 (102)-11.14 (80).
Tigers’ coach Dan Lowther said it was nice to get a full four quarter performance from the group.
“It’s the first time since round one,” he said. “We were happy with that.
“The first quarter was tight and we got a good second quarter to set us up after we got a bit of centre bounce ascendency.
“AJ [Kuol Mun] contested really well and we had the ball in our front half a bit more and were able to score.”
Frankston changed some things after halftimeandtriedtogoabitmoreattacking to put the pressure back on the Tigers.
While the margin got back to 15 points, the Tigers were able to steady in a pleasing sign for Lowther.
“We responded well,” he said.
“Against Sandringham and Geelong we went through patches where we couldn’t get the ball moving consistently.
“We were able to do that on Saturday. It was a step forward for the team.”
Lowther said they always knew it would take some time with a new coach and playing group.
He said now it’s about doing what they did at the weekend more consistently.
Noah Tullio kicked four goals for the Tigers, while Harry Maguire kicked three goals in his return to the side.
It was a career best for Tullio, who kicked three goals in the first half, to help set up the win.
Maguire came into the side and provided another key target up forward.
“We needed to give Will Elliott some sort of help,” he said. “Brady Wright had a good game but didn’t take his marks which would have meant more shots on goals.
“Noah had the role on Jackson Voss and kicked four himself. Lachie Charleson played a role too.”
Jake Smith had 36 disposals while Louis Pinnuck was busy in defence with 30 disposals.
Smith racked up 24 disposals in the first half, before finishing with a career high in disposals.
Lowther said Smith had been pretty consistent and he was one to watch the next month.
In the ruck, Kuol delivered his most
dominant performance in the black and gold, finishing with 29 hitouts, well clear of the next best on 17, to go with eight clearances and 13 disposals.
Ryan Eyers, Pinnuck and Jack Riding all had strong performances down back as well, while Dom Brew was good in the middle of the ground.
Xavier Ivisic became the latest debutant for the Tigers in the win.
Lowther said he added a good inside presence and has a big future.
The Tigers are back in action on Saturday night in a big Anzac Day clash with Williamstown.
The annual match between the two sides will be played under lights at DSV Stadium in Williamstown.
The two sides have split the series the past two years.
Werribee enters the clash sitting just one spot outside the wildcard positions in 11th after round four, while the Seagulls are undefeated from their three matches.
Lowthersaidhehadheardalotaboutthe rivalry between the two teams.
“It’s a big day and a big weekend across the country,” he said. “Hopefully we can galvanise some more
and have that consistency going forward.
“I’m looking forward to it and it will be a good challenge.”
