The victim of a home invasion is calling for more active police personnel to be deployed in the Wyndham area.
AvanishGuptasaidhisTarneithomewas broken into by four people on the morning of Thursday 16 October while his wife and toddler were asleep with him.
Police believe the property was broken into at about 4.25am, the kitchen was searched and the alleged offenders located car keys and stole a Subaru Forester that belonged to Mr Gupta.
While no one was injured and the car was recovered shortly after in Williams Landing, the matter is still under investigation.
Mr Gupta said he and his family were shocked when they looked at the security cameras when they woke up.
“We were all still asleep, so I didn’t realise it was happening and they were super quiet,” he said.
“It was horrifying because you know I have heard in Tarneit there are cars being stolen in front of houses, so I started keeping mine in the garage.”
He said he was amazed at how brazen the intruders appeared to be.
“They spent about 45 minutes in the house,soIamwonderinghowtheyhaveso much confidence and aren’t even scared?
“Because they know even though they get caught, maybe in the next few hours they will be free again to do the same thing again.”
Mr Gupta said even before the incident, crime dominates the conversations he has with other community members and that policeshouldbegivenmorepowertocrack down on violent crime.
“Everyone talks about crime. When I livedinSydney,peopleweremostlytalking about things in terms of resources and infrastructure.
“That doesn’t speak to a developed country, that is more like a developing country– we shouldn’t be talking about safety, that should be assumed.”
Wyndham council was asked about the status of its six-month security patrol trial it committed $372,000 to as part of this year’s budget.
A spokesperson said the trial has not begun and contractors will not carry weapons.
“Council is finalising procurement of a licenced provider,” the spokesperson said.
“Guards will not carry firearms.
“Decisions by other private security firms to hold firearms are matters for those organisations and Victoria Police.”
StarWeeklyasked Victoria Police if there was a shortage of police in the Wyndham area.
A Victoria Police spokesperson said the organisation was “working extremely hard to fill vacancies across the state”.
“Whileyoumaynotalwaysseeus,please be assured there are police working 24-7 to keep the Wyndham community safe,” the spokesperson said.
“Wyndham police remain available at
any hour, seven days a week, to respond to urgent incidents and ensure safety.
“On top of this, we have Alliance Taskforce officers out every day targeting youth gangs, local detectives investigating serious crime, highway patrol officers ensuring road safety and specialist family violence detectives holding perpetrators to account.”
The spokesperson also said police regularly conduct a range of proactive operations to target safety from all angles, including Operations Shows where local police team up with the Air Wing and Dog Squad to target crime at night.
A spokesperson said the state government’s “record investment in Victoria Police has delivered 144 new police officers for the west” and built the Wyndham 24-hour Police Complex to sort crime.
They also said stronger bail laws, a machete ban and increased stop and search powers for Victoria Police is part of a plan to mitigate crime in Wyndham.
“The Chief Commissioner has also announced his plan to deliver a safer Victoria and a new-look Victoria Police getting more officers out from behind the desk and on the streets deterring crime.”
Venkat ram Upparlapalle and Avinash Gupta. (Damjan Janevski) 511997_04
Website a ‘disappointment’
By Jaidyn Kennedy
A local historian has expressed dissatisfaction with Wyndham council’s new digital history website, claiming key sources have been ignored.
Lance Pritchard of the Werribee District Historical Society (WDHS) said he attended the site’s launch in Hoppers Crossing on Tuesday 14 October.
“TosaythatIwasmassivelydisappointed would be an understatement,” Mr Pritchard said.
“Local history is part of the curriculum for primary and secondary students, and
this site appears to provide no information prior to 1900.”
Mr Pritchard said no space was given to European explorers and pioneer efforts such as the Chaffey irrigation colonies, the geodetic survey of Victoria, and the development of the Werribee township among many others.
“The more you know about the history of your community, the more connected you feel, not only with the community but especially a feeling of place,“ he said.
“With everything that has occurred in the past in Wyndham, we have much to be proud of and it should be celebrated and
recognised.“
He said the history of the Royal Australia Air Force (RAAF) base should have been in the launch and that the WDHS were underutilised in the process.
“The consultant obviously has not read books produced by the Werribee District Historical Society, nor consulted with council’s heritage team,“ Mr Pritchard said.
“Fortunately, the Werribee District Historical Society has a new history book at the printer which should be available before Christmas. – ‘Wyndham: Iramoo Plains to Thriving City’.“
A Wyndham spokesperson said the web-
Charity needs mattresses for bubs
Folks from the western and northern suburbs are being asked to dig deep and donate vital funds to Big Group Hug to provide safe, quality bedding to vulnerable babies.
The charity recently received more than 500 cots and now need mattresses.
With each mattress costing the charity $70, members of the community are encouraged to donate the amount in cash.
Big Group Hug fundraising manager Maria Quigley said good sleeping conditions for infants is more vital than many
may realise.
“The rate of SIDS in lower socioeconomic areas is three times higher, so having an appropriate sleeping surface makes a difference,” she said.
“We have this incredible opportunity to receive 500 cots which would be almost a full year supply free of charge, but we need the mattresses to go with them.”
Ms Quigley also said anyone in the community can fall on hard times, so it is a collective duty to look out for those in need.
“The cots and mattresses will go to families experiencing financial hardship, including mums and bubs who have fled family violence, people who have lost their homes in house fires and people struggling to make ends meet in the current economy. Anyone in the community can find themselves suddenly in hardship, it can take one moment that can tip you over the edge from being able to find everything your family needs to survive.”
To donate: https://mattress.biggrouphug.org/
Wyndham chief executive apologises for Palestine comment
Wyndham chief executive Stephen Wall has apologised publicly for a “clumsy” comment he made about Palestine to his staff last week.
On Monday 27 October, Mr Wall took to LinkedIn addressing the comment.
“Recently, I made an offhand remark during an all-staff meeting that, in hindsight, missed the mark,” Mr Wall said.
“It was intended as humour, but it landed poorly. It sparked conversations – and some introspection – about how leaders communicate, especially on sensitive issues.”
This masthead contacted Wyndham council for further comment about the matter.
Speaking on behalf of Mr Wall, a Wyndham City spokesperson said he had internally rectified the issue.
“FollowingthemeetinglastweekMrWall apologised to individual staff who raised the matter with him,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson revealed an email Mr Wall sent to his staff on Monday 27 October:
“Thank you to those who have made me aware that I used inappropriate references
site was a work in progress and it will gradually expand.
“Wyndham Libraries Digital Local History Collection is an online collection of digital artefacts and resources,” the spokesperson said.
“This digital resource is an ongoing piece of work that is evolving and will capture more information and histories as time goes on.
“The Wyndham community is welcome to visit the website and contact Wyndham libraries with their feedback.”
To provide feedback: https://history. wyndham.vic.gov.au
Call for rapid buses across the west
Three new, rapid bus routes could transform commuting in the west, according to a community advocate.
Tarneit local Aijaz Moinuddin said that buses running every five minutes fromPointCooktoWatergardens,Tarneit to Maribyrnong, and Melton to Broadmeadows are needed to address public transport black spots.
“The west is expanding faster than any other part of the city, yet its public transport network has not kept pace,” he said.
“Rapid buses running every five minutes would give residents a real alternative to driving — cutting travel times, reducing pressure on overcrowded roads, and improving access to education, employment, and essential services.
“A fast, frequent bus network would ease congestion on major arterial roads such as Ballarat Road, Derrimut Road, and the Western Freeway.
“With more people choosing to travel by bus, fewer cars would be on the road — reducing bottlenecks, travel delays, and carbon emissions.
“Over time, this would also improve road safety and free up space for freight and essential travel.“
He said the three routes, which were listed in Infrastructure Victoria’s 20252055 30-year infrastructure strategy earlier in the year, would connect some of Melbourne’s fast growing suburbs.
“At present, Tarneit and Melton are two of the fastest-growing suburbs in Victoria but are poorly connected,“ he said.
“There is no direct public transport link between them, leaving residents reliant on cars for even short cross-suburban trips.
“A direct connection from Tarneit to Maribyrnong would open up easy access to key destinations like Highpoint Shopping Centre, Victoria University, and surrounding employment areas.“
He said the routes would also connect residents of Wyndham and Melton more directly to Melbourne’s inner west without having to travel through the city.
“This link would be especially valuable for workers, students, and families — providing shorter, more predictable journeys and supporting economic activity across the western suburbs.”
at last week’s staff meeting.
“It’s tricky sometimes to think and talk in real time to several hundred of you, but that’snoexcuse.Ireallydoregrettheclumsy use of references to Gaza and recognise that this has caused distress to a number of staff.
“I hope you will accept my apology. I feel dreadful about this and certainly commit to doing better in future.”
The spokesperson all said Mr Wall took recreational leave over September and Octoberandithadnothingtodowiththecomment.
A Department of Transport and Planning spokesperson said the state government is focused on reforming the bus network across the state in years to come.
“We have supported this recommendation from Infrastructure Victoria on the metropolitan bus network, which is consistent with the work already underway to implement Victoria’s Bus Plan,” the spokespersons said.
Maria Quigley and Fernando Guedelha with one of the donated cots. (Damjan Janevski) 507387_03
People back pop up park
By Jaidyn Kennedy
People want the Point Cook Pop Up Park to stick around, according a recent Wyndham council survey.
As reported by Star Weekly, in August the manager of Point Cook Town Centre expressed their desire to close the park on Murnong Street to reopen the road to traffic.
Wyndham council, which owns the road, put the idea out for public consultation and more than 91 per cent of respondents said they wanted the park to remain open.
CoLocal founder and one of the vision-
aries behind the space, Sara Mitchell, said the results speak for themselves.
“Residents describe the park as ‘the heart of Point Cook’ and a hub that brings people together,” she said.
“It fosters social inclusion, multicultural events, and shared celebrations, strengthening local identity and community pride.
“Parents value it as a safe place where children can play while adults relax or shop nearby– the closure to traffic improves pedestrian safety and makes the town centre more welcoming.”
A Wyndham spokesperson said council has taken the results on board and is in talks with centre owner Stockland about
Birds are very grounded
If you happen to stumble across captivating depictions of Wyndham’s native birds while out and about, don’t chalk it up to luck.
Chalk it up to the mind and pastels of artist Ulla Taylor.
Ms Taylor’s Welcome to Wings of the West – a colourful trail of bird art– has been popping up in shopping spots and activity centres across the municipality.
The wedge-tailed eagle, the sulphur-crested cockatoo, and of course, the bold, beautiful and elegant black swan, are just some of the feathered friends you might see on the ground or in the sky.
A form of art with no physical or intellectual barriers, the wellbeing of Wyndham’s ecosystem is the true message of the works.
“For me the most important thing is that firstly it is raising awareness about the animals– it is inspiring people to take note,” Ms Taylor said.
“Particularly touching the children and the next generation just to have an awareness of wildlife– especially when we’re going into places that may have habitat loss or endangered species like the swift parrot.
“Because it is on the ground, it is very low status and it is very democratic and it is open for everyone.”
Ulla Taylor with her 3D swan. (Damjan Janevski) 509582_04
the space’s future.
“Wyndham City is thrilled more than 2400 community members and local traders took part and shared their thoughts on the future of the Point Cook Pop Up Park,” the spokesperson said.
“The community feedback highlighted the park’s value as a vibrant, family-friendly gathering space that brings people together for events, music, culture and outdoor dining and how much this space means to the local community.
“Council is now reviewing the results and exploring next steps for how the space will continue to support community connection and local business activity.
“Council will continue to work closely with Stockland and our community partners to secure the Point Cook Pop Up Park space as a shared community hub.”
A Stockland spokesperson said the group will take the feedback on board.
“We acknowledge the strong support from the community, businesses and local traders for the Pop Up Park,” the spokesperson said.
“We thank Wyndham City Council for leading this engagement process and those who took the time to provide feedback.
“We look forward to meeting with council to discuss the future of the space.”
WEST GATE TUNNEL DISCOVERY
DAY 16 NOV 8km run 2.5km walk
Free family fun at Yarraville Gardens with entertainment, food and info stalls.
Explore the West Gate Tunnel before it opens!
We’re getting ready to open the West Gate Tunnel. You can walk or run through parts of the tunnel, or come along to enjoy the free family friendly festivities at Yarraville Gardens. Register for the once-in-a-generation opportunity to explore the new road before it opens. Scan to register now
Group lists west priorities
The West of Melbourne Economic Development Alliance (WoMEDA) has outlined its vision for Wyndham within its most recent report.
WoMEDA is an independent, not-forprofit organisation that advocates for the economic advancement of Melbourne’s western suburbs and consists of a collaboration of local institutions, councils and other stakeholders.
In tandem with its West of Melbourne Summit that took place across 22-23 October– the second day in Werribee– the group is urging the state government to focus on several major infrastructure projects.
PrioritisingthedevelopmentoftheEast
Werribee employment precinct was listed as one of the top priorities for producing local jobs in Wyndham.
It formed part of the report’s expressed desire to have Werribee elevated into a ‘highly functional satellite city’ of Melbourne by 2050.
WoMEDA proposes that future city planning of Werribee should include an agreed set of principles and criteria about how to make it a functional employment precinctfromallthreetiersofgovernment.
Electrification and duplication of the WyndhamValelinewasidentifiedasamajor public transport necessity, along with a future rail connection between Werribee and Wyndham Vale stations on the Metro service.
The report stated that electrifying the line and incorporating it with the Werribee line would be a way to ease congestion, but that the fact there is no timeline for the either project is a concern.
Advancing the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) West phase, which would connect Werribee Station with Sunshine Station–and the state government’s ‘Superhub’ that will connect to Melbourne Airport, was listed as a priority.
Currently, SRL West is scheduled to be the last phase of the project’s development and no date has been set for its estimated completion.
The expansion and expediting of the
Men’s Shed drills down on new funding
The Wyndham Park Community Shed has received a funding boost to continue its various programs.
It will be funded through the combination of a $49,720 grant from the state government’s Men Shed Funding Program – as well as $12,430 in organisational cash and community support.
One of the major upgrades revealed on Friday 24 October is the installation of a SawStop Professional Table Saw and modern extraction systems will significantly reduce injury and respiratory health risks for members.
Ventilation will be improved with a new 12-branch woodwork dust extraction, metal fume extraction system, and soldering station ventilation to ensure cleaner, safer working conditions.
The upgrades are expected to make the shed– which is used by more than 200 members of the community– operational for at least the next decade.
Werribee MP John Lister attended the reveal and said it would be a game-changer for those who use it and make it more inviting to those considering getting involved.
“The Wyndham Park Community Shed is a much-loved part of our local community – a place where people come together to share skills, make connections and support one another,” Mr Lister said. This funding will mean safer, more modern facilities for members, and ensure the shed continues to be a welcoming space for everyone in Werribee.”
Mr Lister also said the improved infrastructure will allow for more users and higher-quality workshops that can operate across six days a week.
Everyone welcomed to try playing basketball at Eagle Stadium
Wyndham Basketball is encouraging locals to come along and experience the fun of shooting hoops.
The programs are facilitated Monday throughSaturdayatEagleStadium,thelargest indoor facility in Melbourne’s west, as well as at a number of other key locations across Wyndham.
Programs are led by experienced and certified coaches dedicated to helping players reach their full potential.
The organisation also offers a range of school holiday camps that provide children
the opportunity to keep busy and socialise when out of the classroom.
GeneralmanagerJasonKellysaidbasketball is a sport for all, and no one cares about your background when stepping out on to the court.
“At Wyndham Basketball you can join a community where individuals of all backgrounds come together to share a passion for the game and build lasting friendships,”
Mr Kelly said.
“If you’re a basketball enthusiast aged five to 10 with limited basketball experi-
Western Rail Plan, which would include the building of two new stations at Sayers Road in Tarneit and Black Forest Road in Wyndham Vale, was listed as a long term goal.
A major, west-wide overhaul to the bus network rounded out the public transport wishes.
The ‘clean-slate’ bus network would involve introducing 25 new routes that run more frequently than current timetables, as well as predominantly on east-west and north-southroutesthatintersectwitheach other in a grid.
The Department of Transport and Planning was contacted but did not repond by deadline.
Contracts awarded for road upgrades
The state government has announced it has awarded contracts to carry out upgrades on major roads and intersections that Wyndham motorists frequent.
BMD Constructions has been awarded the contract to deliver the upgrade of the Point Cook Road and Central Avenue intersection.
The upgrade will include replacing the existing roundabout with traffic lights, building a new freeway off-ramp, and installing improved pedestrian crossings. A site compound has been set up on Central Avenue to serve as the base for construction activities.
Preliminary works are underway, with major construction to begin in January 2026 and completion expected in 2027.
In Wyndham Vale, construction company Symal has been given the job of delivering the Ballan Road intersection upgrade.
As part of the upgrade, the current roundabout will be replaced with traffic lights at the intersection of Ballan, Greens and McGrath roads.
About 800 metres of new walking and cycling paths will be built around the intersection, offering safer travel options for the community.
Crews will begin utility relocations and site establishment works this month, paving the way for major construction to begin in early 2026.
Costing a total of $83.5 million, the project is a jointly funded venture between the federal and state governments.
Once complete in 2027, the state government said the upgrades will reduce congestion, cut travel times and make it easier and safer for the 58,000 motorists who use these intersections each day.
It was also announced that major works will begin on connecting the recently finished Ison Road overpass to the upgraded intersection of Geelong and Wests roads in late November.
Transport Infrastructure Minister Gabrielle Williams said the government is trying to shorten commute times in the outer west.
ence, then the Aussie Hoops program at Wyndham Basketball is for you.
“Programs are designed carefully and focus on skills development, ensuring that players not only have fun on the court but also enhance their abilities in dribbling, shooting, passing and teamwork.”
For those who want to take their basketball a little more seriously, the Domestic Development Academy provides an extra development opportunity for keen domestic juniors who want to play at the representative level.
“We’re getting on with delivering this massive upgrade to roads in Melbourne’s west – building safer roads, easing congestion and helping people spend less time in traffic and more time at home.”
Details: bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/ roads
Wyndham Park Community Shed. (Supplied)
Support for new mums
By Jaidyn Kennedy
A new support service for those experiencing perinatal depression and anxiety (PNDA) has opened in Point Cook.
On 22 October, Gidget House was opened at the Point Cook Town Centre and will offer free GP-referred, specialist counselling to expectant, new and potential parents during their journeys.
Run by the Gidget Foundation Australia, the Point Cook location is one of four new centres in Australia, which now total at 39 across the country.
The organisation has supported more than 1500 patients with more than 8500 appointments.
This service will provide a blend of bulk billed face-to-face and telehealth sessions.
Gidget Foundation Australia chief executive Arabella Gibson says the official opening marks a step to addressing a misunderstood issue in one of Australia’s fastest growing regions.
“Gidget Foundation Australia is seeing a continuing and growing demand for our services, with a 40 per cent increase in appointments delivered per annum and 34 per cent increase in clients supported,” she said.
MsGibsonsaidtherewereapproximately 100,000 parents experiencing PNDA annually in Australia and barriers to people accessing help need to be reduced.
“As part of our commitment to supporting the mental health of expectant, new and potential parents across the country, the opening of Gidget House Point Cook breaks down barriers to access services, ensuring parents feel connected and understood.”
Gidget House Point Cook is one of nine locations across Australia that has been in partnership with Stockland, the group that runs the Point Cook Town Centre.
Stockland investment manager Bao Letran said the collaboration between Gidget Foundation Australia and Stockland will
provide valuable support to young families in the Wyndham area.
“The opening of Gidget House will increase the community’s access to services and raise awareness of the support available to parents struggling with perinatal depression and anxiety.”
EPA undertakes snap inspections
A snap inspection program in Melbourne’s west by the Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has found gaps in the way warehouses and logistic facilities handle their environmental obligations.
Carried out on Wednesday 22 October in the Altona, Derrimut, Tottenham and Laverton areas, the EPA visited 15 sites.
High on the inspection agenda was determining not just how they managed storage of dangerous goods, but their preparedness in case there was a spill or a fire.
EPA west metropolitan regional manager Julia Gaitan said the Environment Protection Act exists in Victoria to make all businesses take reasonable steps to ensure they don’t cause environmental harm.
“This includes how businesses managing flammable and reactive dangerous goods plan to prevent fire wash-waters from entering the surrounding environment should a fire occur,” she said.
“It’s important that businesses think about the impact they could have beyond their own boundaries and controls they can put in place to prevent harm from occurring.
“We were looking at things like bunding, material separation processes, fire prevention controls, fire suppression systems, and drain protection measures.”
Perinatal mental health advocate Gidget Angel Keshia, Gidget Foundation board member Brigid Glanville, federal assistant minister for mental health and suicide prevention Emma McBride and Gidget Foundation chief executive Arabella Gibson. (Supplied)
Norm’s fight begins again
By Jaidyn Kennedy
A saying once went, “It’s strange to go to the Lawler’s for a cup of tea – you could be sitting with the prime minister, the governor or the premier.”
SuchwasNormLawler’sdomainoverthe Point Cook Homestead that he hosted the likes of Sir Henry Bolte, world renowned hunters and British peers – teaching them all a thing or two about shooting.
Now97,themanwhoearnedthemoniker ’The Little White Hunter’, is not shooting many quail – or stirring up nobility and having his name endearingly mentioned to Queen Elizabeth II– but he is going guns blazing to save his former abode … again.
For the last 15 years, the homestead has been vacant, vandalised and arguably in one of the worst conditions it has been in sinceitwasbuiltbytheChirnsidefamilyin 1857.
The man whose sheer willpower saved the place in the 1970s and guarded it until 1995 has one simple message:
“After 30 years, the fight begins again.”
To understand the essence of the homestead, you have to understand Norm. BeforehewasTheLittleWhiteHunter,he was just a lad from Footscray growing up through The Great Depression and World War II who discovered shooting.
“In 1942, during the war, I started an apprenticeship when I was 14 years old at Hansen the builders,” Norm said.
“There was another fellow who worked there and on his bike he used to have this canvas bag tied on the handlebars.
“So I asked him one time, ‘what is in that bag?’”
The teenager laid his eyes upon a gun.
“I said,“ What do you do with it? “ and he said when I knock off work, I ride out along the road there and shoot a rabbit or two.
“I got interested and he said ‘would you like to come with me.?’”
During the austerity of the war, it was common for people to jump the train and head to towns to hunt rabbits in spots like Werribee and Geelong for supper or a few sixpence.
The “Rabbiters Express “ would leave every Sunday morning at 6.30am for Geelong.
“OnthewaythroughYarraville,Newport and all those places, blokes would be getting on the train with boxes of ferrets, nets and guns, and they were going out to get a feed for their families,” Norm said.
“That is where shooting started with me.
“Gradually I started to get known as a guide for shooters and then a doctor rang up one time and said ‘would you be able to take me out shooting?
“Shooting was a way of life, most houses had a rifle because rabbits were all you could get.”
In 1944-1945, the latter years of the war–unbeknownst to those living through it – drives in Werribee would net up to 4000 rabbits which locals donated to the army and hospitals.
Despite trying to enlist a few times while underage, Norm was knocked back.
In 1946, the 18-year-old marksman had no idea he was about to stumble upon the site of his life’s battle.
“One day the Altona boys said to me “come down and shoot some rabbits at Point Cook,” Norm said.
“I had never been to Point Cook and I am now 18 years of age, so we went to Altona to pick them up and they were waiting there in a boat.
“I said, “I thought we were going to shoot rabbits, and they said ‘Yeah, we are.’
“So we got in this bloody boat and we went around to where the Skeleton Creek reaches the sea.”
“The Aboriginals used to refer to the Werribee Plains as the treeless plains, but right down the end I could see this belt of
trees and it intrigued me – there must be something.
“I said I won’t bother shooting because I was drawn towards the trees.
“I gradually walked down, and it’s a long walk, and I was amazed at the rabbits, quails and ducks there, it was a wonderland.
“Eventually I burst through these old boxthorns, and there was a site that I have never been able to get out of my mind.
“First thing I saw was the old stables, then there was the old house and the other buildings. There was no one there and it was very neglected.
“I looked and everything I loved in life was there.”
Fromthatpointon,hewouldneverbefar away from the place he would describe as 10 miles from the city but 100 miles from everywhere.
As Norm’s farm and shooting business in Tarneitkepthimbusy,hemovedhisfamily into a house on the corner of Homestead Road and Aviation Road in 1965.
In 1973 the homestead’s caretaker told him it had been purchased by a company.
“The place was then vacant for three years and that is when the damage started to get bad, the vandals and stuff started to get in there,“ he said.
“I even found out who West Point Holdings were in Sydney, so I rang them.”
One day Norm’s phone rang at 8am followingyearsofpesteringandpetitioning the powers that be.
It was the Melbourne Board of Works.
“They said, “we want you to meet us at Point Cook at 10am, and I said, “what the helldoBoardofWorkswantmefor?“Norm recalled.
The Little White Hunter was informed thatthestategovernmenthadacquiredthe homestead.
“That was the first shock,” Norm said.
“Then the next thing they said was we have to have someone here 24-seven to protect it and we want someone to look after it until we make up our minds about what is going to happen with the place.
“They said I want you to take the job.
“I said how much time have I got to let
you know and they said you’ve got until 3pm.
“So I contacted my wife and she knew I loved the place, so she said the decision is yours.
“They said you’d be a hypocrite if you didn’t take the job, it’s through you the government has been forced to do something.”
By nightfall, there was a caravan, a portaloo and a man on a mission to clean the place up.
“I was there until six months later when they decided they were going to make it into a park.
“Theyadvertisedforarangerbutsaidthe job is yours if you want it.
“I took the job and then from 1978 to 1995 we lived in part of the house and we gradually bought it back.”
Letters of thank you flooded in, while families, friends and functions characterisedthatpocketofPortPhillipfor a generation.
Until the rules of the public service caught up with the public servant.
“Isavedtheplaceandthenwegotmoreor less kicked out because it was compulsory retirement at 65 years of age,“ Norm said.
From 1995-2010, the glory days turned into a slow decline.
“Then they leased it out – there were four
leases over 15 years, everyone went broke and the last one had a liquidation sale,“ he said,
“It’s deserted, empty and it is an insult to all the people who call Point Cook home.”
When Norm first trudged up the shallow banks of Skeleton Creek, Point Cook had a RAAF base, a few farms and was more a geographical point than a locality.
Today, it is Australia’s largest suburb by population with more than 70,000 residents, by some estimates its most multi-ethnic, and home to Lawler Street behind the town centre.
What hasn’t changed is Norm’s dedication to that bluestone house.
Parks Victoria district manager Craig Bray said damage caused by recent vandalism last Christmas have been fixed.
“In the interim, Parks Victoria has temporarily boarded the homestead, and installed a CCTV and monitored alarm system to mitigate the risk of further damage,” Mr Bray said.
Parks Victoria welcomes the views of community members on how to reactivate the site and we’ll continue to work with Wyndham City Council and local groups on a solution.”
No commitments to a long term restoration plan have been made, but the fight is well and truly back on.
Norm Lawler. (Damjan Janevski). 497375_02
Councillor Susan McIntyre, Mark Connell, Les Day, Norm Lawler and Sian Day. (Damjan Janevski) 495965_01
New use for bamboo at zoo
Werribee Open Range Zoo is making do with bamboo in some ways that are pretty new.
Using bamboo donated from Geelong Botanic Gardens, keepers have been putting their DIY skills to the test and crafting everything from wind chimes to treat-dispensing totem poles.
Savannah Keeper Laura Harbridge said the team had a blast inventing new enrichment devices for giraffes, camels, nyala and tammar wallabies using the two tonnes of bamboo.
“We take inspiration from other zoos around the world, and our keepers and volunteers come up with ideas like, ‘how funwoulditbetomakeameerkat-apult?,’”
Ms Harbridge said.
“For the giraffe, we built a feeder that
encouraged them to use their dexterous tongues to work the food out, it’s all about getting them to think, stretch and behave as they would in the wild.”
Geelong Botanic Gardens coordinator Keelee Reissinger said the donation was a perfect way to be sustainable.
“We donated bamboo to Zoos Victoria to protect our heritage trees at the Geelong Botanic Gardens from being impacted by its growth,” Ms Reissinger said.
“If it wasn’t reused, the bamboo would have gone to landfill and taken up to eight years to break down.”
Visitors can also join in the fun through the Giraffe Behind-the-Scenes Experience, where they can help create their own bamboo feeding devices.
Briefs
Vale Phil Golotta
Australian music legend Phil Golotta has died at the age of 86. The Truganina resident had been in the music business for more than seven decades as a singer, songwriter and entertainment manager. Best known for his time as the frontman for The Blue Echoes, Mr Golotta was a proud Essendon supporter and actively involved with the Hoppers Crossing Football Club for many years. He is survived by his wife Pauline and seven children Dallas, Dion, Janine, Sharon, Dean, Phillip and Alex. Tributes have been flowing on social media since the news broke of Mr Golotta’s death.
Avalon expansion
On Monday 27 October, Avalon Airport officially opened its new freight facility. The new facility will assist the airport in its efforts to increase capacity to move cargo in and out of Victoria. The event was attended by Lara MP Ella George, Geelong MP Christine Couzens, Greater Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj and Colac Otway mayor Jason Schram. Colin Brooks, who is the state minister for advanced manufacturing, also attended and said the development would be a game changer for Victoria.
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Two giraffes enjoying their DIY bamboo feeders. (Zoos Victoria)
‘‘
The inhuman beast, impervious to her cries, had held her under the water until she drowned ’’
- Barb O’Neill
A Footscray farce one February
Williamstown amateur historian Barb McNeill is Star Weekly’s history columnist. This week she tells the tale of marital antics on the Maribyrnong River that could have caused an innocent man to hang.
On Friday, 24 February 1893, Mr and Mrs Horner of Yarraville decided that a moonlit summer night called for a gentle boat trip. They hired a craft fitted with oars, and, for some unfathomable reason, chose the malodorous Saltwater River (now called the Maribyrnong) for the evening’s romanticvoyage.
As Mr Horner rowed through the detritus of the boiling down works, they noticed a fire on Coode Island sending a sinister red gleam onto the murky waters of the Saltwater. His attention thus diverted, he ran the boat into a sandbank, and his wife screamed in mock terror, “Jack! Are you tryingtokillme?”
An equally impish soul, Mr Horner shouted at her, “If you don’t mind your mouth,I’llthrowyouintotheriver!”
Getting well and truly into her stride, his wife screamed even louder, at which her husband lost his balance and toppled towards her, sending both into the hellish waters. Mrs Horner, thoroughly enjoying this impromptu acting performance, spat the mud from her teeth and, unaware that they had an audience, screeched, “Don’t, Jack!Don’tkillme!Please,don’tdoit!”
On the opposite bank, under the railway bridge and in the shadows of the abattoir, JohnRalstonandhismateTommySheehan, aged 13 and 11 respectively, were angling. The only adult nearby was an elderly fisherman, who being completely deaf and intentlyfocusedoncatchingeels,hadheard
and seen nothing. The lads decided that it was their job to inform the authorities and rushed off to find a policeman. They found Senior Constable McGrath walking his beat in Hopkins Street and gasped out their dreadfulstory.
They were taken to Footscray Police Station where Sergeant Routledge spoke to them separately. Vividly they described the murderer’sbrutalthreatsandthedesperate screamsformercyfromtheterrifiedwoman as she begged for her life. The inhuman beast, impervious to her cries, had held her underthewateruntilshedrowned.
Police raced to the spot and spent the entire weekend dragging the waters with grappling irons. Crowds gathered to gawk andamongsttheghoulswasAndrewYoung a 28-year-old groom who worked for Kirk’s Bazaar, horse sellers. Shortly before the excitement in Footscray, he had had his fingers badly bitten by a horse and, ever an opportunist, charged into the Apollo Hotel, waving his injured digits and claiming to have fought with the killer. In florid terms, he informed his audience how he had tried but failed to affect a citizen’s arrest and save the victim. The saga of his desperate struggle went on and on as he chugged down glass after glass, regaling the boozers with his amazing bravery. Nobody noticed thathewasn’twet.
Police, meanwhile, visited the Ralston andSheehanhomesforfurtherquestioning of the only eyewitnesses. John Ralston, overwhelmed by the whole business, said it was all made up, and he didn’t know why they had done it. Sheehan was contemptuous of his sissy older mate and stuck to his story. Nothing would shake his testimony.
Then word reached police that a brave fellow was in the Apollo, and had not only witnessed the murder, but had actually
fought with the killer. In the muck and stench of the river, attempting to affect a citizen’s arrest, he had sustained badly bittenfingers.
The Apollo Hotel, formerly on the corner ofDynonandKensingtonroads,hadearned itself a fearsome reputation over the years for cock-fighting, landlords who bashed payment-evading patrons, Sunday trading andotherheinouscrimes.
There in the notorious bar, the police found Andrew Young, regaling his pop-eyed audience with tales of his heroic fight with the murderer. Every time he paused for breath, his glass was refilled, and his story promptly expanded with fresh exaggerations. The licensee, Bridget Murphy, shrewdly thought that he was laying it on a bit thick, describing the vile oaths of the ruffian, and the last, pitiful shrieks for mercy from the dying victim. He continued, relating how he and the killer had engaged in desperate combat, until the cowardly crook plunged his fangs into Andrew’s fingers, thereby escaping the hero’s grasp. Mrs Kelly said nothing, however. As long as money changed hands, she wasn’t voicing any doubts about his yarn.
AndrewYoungwasluggedofftoFootscray Police Station and subjected to a frightful grilling. His description of the murderer wasvague,hecouldn’tdescribethewoman, he had no idea where he had gone after watching the dragging of the river, where he’d been drinking or how he’d got home to South Yarra. Maybe by train, maybe by cab, or perhaps by walking. He really didn’t know.
Accustomed to interrogating dodgy characters, the police knew a guilty person when they had him in their clutches .This they happily demonstrated by charging him with wilful murder of an unknown
woman.AndrewYoungnearlyhadafit.
“Arrest those two boys,” he screamed at thedetectives.
“You’ve got the wrong man. They’re the oneswhodidit!”
The detectives laughed rudely in his face and informed him that he’d soon be swinging on the gallows. In vain did Andrew Young protest that he had been bitten by a horse, not a murderer, but the police just repeated their remarks about capital crimes and what happened to those whocommittedthem.
Meanwhile, Mr and Mrs Horner, dry and comfortable in their Yarraville home, read aboutthemurderinthepapers.
“How strange, “said Mrs Horner to her toast-munchingspouse.
“This happened when we were there. At thesametime,too.Howdreadful!”.
Then they stared at each other in consternation, realising that the boys on the opposite bank had witnessed their tomfoolery. Greatly embarrassed, they popped into Footscray police station to explainthattheirmaritalanticshadcaused all the drama, and they didn’t want an innocentmantohang.
Their statements were taken, signed and witnessed, and Sergeant Routledge squasheddownhislaughteruntiltheywere wellontheirwayhome.
He then summoned the detectives and went to the cells. Andrew Young’s fingers were again examined; his injuries were found to be consistent with the choppers of a nag’s bite and the murder charge was quietlydropped.
Vowing never again to tell lies, Andrew Youngskippedoff,afreeman.
Knowing that the Apollo’s tough patrons who had shouted him dozens of beers would soon be on the warpath for a refund, heavoidedthatpubfortherestofhislife.
Barb McNeill. (Damjan Janevski) 432421_03
Furlong 2025 gets underway over Melbourne Cup carnival
A statewide road policing activity called Operation Furlong 2025 will be conducted overtheMelbourneCuplongweekendfrom Friday 31 October to Tuesday 4 November. This has been identified as a period of potentially high risk in terms of exposure to road trauma to the Victorian community.
Focus on Road Safety
Operation Furlong 2025 aims to increase driverawarenessandencourageresponsible driving to reduce the exposure to road trauma on road users during this time of increasing road use. Police will target high risk driving that has been identified as the maincausesofliveslostandseriousinjuries in crashes, including:
• Speeding
• Distracted driving, especially involving mobile phones
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (impaired driving)
“We’ll be out in force to educate drivers and enforce the rules, with a view to preventing lives lost and serious injuries” says road policing advisor Senior Sergeant Fletcher Pearson. “Our goal is to prevent tragedies and keep everyone safe.“
Senior Sergeant Pearson, from Westgate Highway Patrol, said the operation will be conducted throughout all operational police regions and police service areas during the five days. Police will be out in force both to educate drivers and to enforce road rules, with a view to preventing lives lost and serious injuries.
The extra-long weekend provides an opportunity for families to free themselves from their usual commitments and it is
anticipated that large numbers of people will use Victorian roads, often driving long distances in unfamiliar driving conditions.
The times of highest risk are when people are leaving for holiday destinations and returning home
We’re watching your speed. Are you?
Motorists are requested to stay within the speed limit, don’t drink alcohol or take drugs and drive, leave your mobile phone out of reach, wear your seatbelt and make sure you are well rested.
Fatigue is one of the biggest killers and is a major cause of the loss of life on Victorian roads. Drivers are requested to plan their trip, be patient and ensure that you take at least a 15-minute break at least every two hours and don’t drive if you are tired.
Drivers planning to travel during this period can expect to see an increase in vehicles travelling on our major freeways and highways throughout the state.
Road trauma isn’t just about the lives that are lost – it’s about the enormous impact on the community, from the family members, to the emergency services workers who have to deal with these tragedies on a daily basis, to the police who have to deliver the devastating news to loved ones.
Community Effort
RoadSafe Westgate Community Road
Safety Council chairman Jim Giddings said it has been demonstrated that speed is a contributing factor in most road crashes. Therefore stay within the speed limit and drive to suit the conditions.
Speeding affects both the risk of a crash happening and the severity of injuries sustained when a crash does happen.
Mr Giddings said to make sure you’re not putting yourself or others at risk on the roads, put your phone away where you can’t betemptedtouseit,forexampleintheglove box or in the boot to avoid being distracted.
He said the work of his group along with initiativesliketheOperationFurlongduring the Melbourne Cup long weekend would hopefully reduce the number of serious road crashes on our roads. He asked the community to report speeding drivers to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Plan Your Trip, Stay Safe
Here are some key tips for a safe long weekend:
• Plan your trip: Check traffic conditions and plan rest stops to avoid fatigue
• Stick to the speed limit: Every km/h over the limit increases your crash risk
• Don’t drink and drive: If you plan to drink, arrange alternative transport
• Put down your phone: Distracted driving is dangerous
• Wear your seatbelt: It’s the law and could save your life
• Get enough sleep: Fatigue impairs your driving ability
• Check your vehicle: Ensure tyres, brakes, lights, and windscreen washers are in good condition
Holiday driving has its challenges and drivers should drive in the hours they are normally awake, take regular breaks to reduce fatigue and allow extra space between vehicles.
Ifyouplantohaveadrinkthenplannotto drive,takingabigrisklikedrinkanddriving is just not worth endangering your live or the lives of other road users.
Before embarking on any driving trips driversshouldchecktheirtyres,windscreen washers, brakes and lights.
Remember, travel so that you arrive at your destination safely and enjoy your Melbourne Cup Holiday weekend.
A police blitz targeting recidivist family violence perpetrators in the north-west resulted in 230 arrests.
The offenders were tracked down and apprehended by police across multiple days throughout September and October in Victoria Police’s north-west metro region.
Detectives from the Westgate Family Violence Investigation Unit and Broadmeadows Family Violence Investigation Unit teamed up to lead the blitz, with the Family Violence Command Taskforce and the Public Order Response Team.
Those arrested have allegedly committed multiple violent crimes against current and former partners and their children, police said.
The blitz focussed on repeat family vio-
lence perpetrators who are known to offend on multiple occasions across a 12-month period and specialist support services were also engaged, helping to disrupt patterns of violence.
Those arrested included a 42-year-old man who was wanted by police after failing to appear in court for serious family violence offending; a 35-year-old man who allegedly committed a family violence-related aggravated burglary; a 42-year-old woman who allegedly assaulted another woman at a shopping centre.; an 18-yearold man who allegedly committed multiple counts of deception and damaged his parents property; and a 37-year-old man who allegedly persistently contravened a family violence intervention order.
Policealsoserved187familyviolenceintervention orders and executed more than 120 outstanding warrants throughout the blitz.
Westgate Family Violence Investigation Unit Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Fiona Waters said police were serious about ensuring recidivist family violence perpetrators are held responsible for their actions.
“Family violence is completely unacceptable – which is why we will continue to work tirelessly to target and apprehend offenders and keep victims safe,” she said,
Broadmeadows Family Violence Investigation Unit Detective Sergeant Chris Couacaud said, “Whether it’s committing violent assaults against their loved ones, breaching
Werewolf cats come out for Halloween
With Halloween right around the corner, there is one cat breed in Wyndham doing scarily well.
Known by some as ‘Werewolf cats,’ Lykois have been bred in Werribee by Dan and Shelly Currie for the last couple of years.
Despite having reservations about looking after the breed, Alfie, the first cat the pair adopted, won over his current humans almost immediately.
Charming and puzzling onlookers in equal measure with their patchy fur and webbed feet, the pair’s cats have been receiving international praise.
Alfie did pretty well at the Cat Lovers Show in Melbourne earlier in June.
“Out of 110 cats, Alfie was named the best cat,” Ms Currie said.
“For us to win that in our home town was amazing, he beat the Persians and all the best breeds to win.
“That was the big highlight of the year.”
A successful trip to Sydney for the Cat Lovers Festival ended with three Lykois being named in the top 10 best shown cats.
“We went up there for a very special show,hadaspecialtyringthere,thejudge was from South Africa and the Lykois went up against breeds like the Sphinx.
“Over in South Africa the Sphinx and the Lykoi compete because they are considered naked breeds.”
The crew’s next big fixture is the Melbourne Cat Lovers Festival on the weekend of 25-26 October.
Despite not requiring a great deal of grooming, getting show-ready is still a process in and of itself that involves a bath– a task not for the faint of heart.
a family violence intervention order or usingtechnologytostalkorharass–thosethat choose to engage in this behaviour should think again. They will be tracked down by police and held to account”.
If you are concerned about your own or someone else’s behaviour support services are available.
No to Violence runs a Men’s Referral Service which helps men who use violence to change their behaviour and can be contacted on 1300 766 491.
Support is available 24 hours a day through Safe Steps by calling 1800 015 188 or emailing safesteps@safesteps.org.au
In an emergency call triple-0. If you can’t get to a phone, ask someone else to do it for you.
Tornado damage
Wyndham was hit with a patch of wild weather on Sunday 26 October, including what the Bureau of Meteorology has described as a tornado.
Between midnight on Sunday 26 October and 9am on Monday 27 October, VICSES volunteers were called to 570 requests for assistance across the state.
The Wyndham Unit received 184 requests – making it the busiest in the state– while the Wyndham West unit received 40 calls.
Power lines across Wyndham, such as some on Heaths Road in Hoppers Crossing, were brought down by the conditions.
The majority of calls the SES received related to property damage, fallen trees and flooding.
Werribee in particular was hit hard by the storms, with footage from across social media showing lightning strikes, as well as items circling in a pocket of wind that the BOM has described as a small tornado. While the clean up is expected to take at least several days, VICSES are encouraging residents to keep several things in mind.
Community members are encouraged to exercise caution in the coming days as trees may have been weakened by strong winds over the last seven days. Always remain aware of your surroundings and if driving, safely pull over away from trees and drains if conditions are dangerous.
Shelly Currie with Alfie. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 504923_01
1ST PRIZE
Switching to the front line
After working in business for more than 10 years, 33-year-old Eric Karanikolau made the switch to working as a paramedic. The new recruit is one of 59 graduates who started their career with Ambulance Victoria in July. He spoke with Georgia Tacey about his new role.
There’s a new paramedic in town, and he’s ready to keep Gisborne residents safe.
Eric Karanikolau is Gisborne’s newest recruit with Ambulance Victoria, and already he is settling into his new role.
FromEssendon,MrKaranikolaurecently decided to make the big switch from his morethan10-yearcareerinbusinessintoa life on the frontline, and is already reaping the rewards of this fast-passed career.
“It’salotthefirstmonth,butIfeellikeI’m really settling in,” he said.
“Especially after the third week, a lot of that administrative stuff you get under your belt, and you focus on just treating patients and giving the best care you can.”
Mr Karanikolau is one of 59 graduate ambulance paramedics who started their careers in July, ready to meet the winter demand, and one of three stationed in the Macedon Ranges.
Mr Karanikolau said he always knew he wanted to answer the call.
“There’ve been a couple of situations where something happened to someone andIwasnearbyandintrinsically,Iwanted to help but I didn’t know,” he said.
It sort of sparked that fire to want to know more and learn more ... I wanted to help people in a more holistic way - Eric Karanikolau
“It sort of sparked that fire to want to know more and learn more, and be able to help and it led me down this path.”
This journey has been seven years in the making, studying and training, and so far, he’slovinggettingintothecommunityand helping others.
“I wanted to help people in a more holistic way and I was looking for a new challenge as well,” Mr Karanikolau said.
“I think the ever-changing environment of paramedicine and the ambiguity of not knowing what you’re going to get from a day-to-day,there’ssomeexcitementinthat and you’re always kept on your toes.
“Ilovethrivinginthatsortofenvironment where there’s a bit of pressure.”
The constant learning as well keeps him motivated, with no two days the same.
“You never know who you’re going to meet,” Mr Karanikolau said.
“Likeyougetapatient,andyouchatwith theminthebackoftheambulanceandyou learn a lot about their life and they sort of feel comfortable enough to share things about their life with you.
“I really enjoy engaging with the community and I enjoy engaging with the patients.”
Outside of the job, the 33-year-old spends his free time getting out and about, fishing, hunting and training dogs, all while preparing to welcome a baby with his wife soon.
He recently finished his studies at VictoriaUniversity,andwasthrilledtojoin his friends among the new recruits.
Graduates like Mr Karanikolau have been deployed to ambulance branches across Victoria to begin their 12-month placement, with three quarters of these taking up positions in regional Victoria, including Macedon Ranges towns like Gisborne, Woodend and Romsey.
“These new graduates will make a real difference – we’re proud to back them with
the resources and training they need to succeed and deliver care to Victorians,”
Macedon Mp Mary-Anne Thomas said.
“We’re backing our paramedics with more recruits and better training so they can do what they do best – save lives.”
During there 12-month placements, the new paramedics will work under the supervision of clinical instructors and alongside paramedics responding to real emergencies and developing their clinical skills.
The new recruits were welcomed by AmbulanceVictoriachiefexecutiveJordan Emery.
“Working as a paramedic is an extraordinarily unique experience. Very few jobs will have such a profound and deep impact on peoples’ lives,” Mr Emery said.
“Our paramedics, first responders, volunteers and support staff are our greatest strength. It is through them that we lead the way in patient care, including the nation’s best cardiac arrest survival rates.
“We now have more than 5500 on-road
paramedics delivering the very best life-saving care, everywhere, and it’s great to see more joining our ranks.”
After completing their university degrees, the recruits start at Ambulance Victoria with a four-week induction and training program before they hit the road alongside experienced paramedics.
Duringthisinduction,recruitslearnvital skills such as safely moving and loading patients to prevent injuries, aggression and assault prevention, and safely driving ambulance vehicles.
Mr Emery said the best and brightest were selected for the job.
“Ambulance Victoria has some of the mosthighlytrainedandskilledparamedics in the world,” he said.
“These graduates will continue training and development throughout their entire careers to ensure patients receive the very best,andmostup-to-datelife-savingcare–and stay safe while they are doing so.
“Itrulywishthemallthebestforlongand rewarding careers at Ambulance Victoria.”
Mr Karanikolau said he loves working within the Gisborne community.
“The branch has been great and we have areallygreatteaminGisborne,theyhavea high calibre of knowledge and expertise in the emergency setting,” he said.
“The highlight for me has been speaking to everybody and gaining the insights and the detailed knowledge of the area and picking their brains from a clinical point of view because they have years and years cumulatively worth of experience.”
For anyone looking to go into paramedicine and become a paramedic, Mr Karanikolau stressed consistency is key.
“Itcanbealongjourneyandeverybody’s different, but have the right reason why and have that goal in your mind and strive towards it,” he said.
“Yes, there will be roadblocks and hiccups along the way, but ultimately persistence beats resistance … It’s a great job.
“Everyone’sinitfortherightreasonsand there’s a lot of really good mentors in the rolethatemergetohelpyouonthejourney.
“And as far as career progression-wise, it’s never too late to try anything.”
Main: New Ambulance Victoria recruit Eric Karanikolau. Left: Regional and clinical operations director Matt McCrohan and Eric Karanikolau. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 495582 Right: The new Ambulance Victoria recruits. (Supplied: Ambulance Victoria)
Outback Music Festivals return
The Australian Outback will sing again in 2026 with the return of two iconic camping-based music festivals, The Big Red Bash which is renowned as the world’s most remote music event, and Australia’s Biggest Outback Music Festival the Mundi Mundi Bash.
Each features three days of music and unique outback entertainment - from worldrecordattemptsandcharityfunruns to camel rides, comedy and outdoor film nights. The Birdsville Big Red Bash will return to the Simpson Desert across July 7-9 next year, while the Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash will return to the Mundi Mundi Plains across August 20-22 with both blockbuster Outback music events putting tickets on-sale this week.
The 2026 festival line-ups are a roll call of Australian music royalty with Missy Higgins (Big Red Bash only), The Teskey Brothers, Hoodoo Gurus (Big Red Bash only), Jon Stevens (Mundi Mundi Bash only), John Butler (Mundi Mundi Bash only), The Living End (Big Red Bash only), Birds of Tokyo (Big Red Bash only), Jessica Mauboy and other legendary acts set to hit two of the most extraordinary stages on earth.
The full event line-ups include:
Birdsville Big Red Bash: Missy Higgins, Hoodoo Gurus, The Teskey Brothers, The LivingEnd,BirdsofTokyo,JessicaMauboy, Shannon Noll, Kate Ceberano, The Whitlams, Tim Finn, Troy Cassar-Daley, Chocolate Starfish, Ross Wilson, Furnace and the Fundamentals, ‘50 Years of Fleetwood Mac’, Shane Howard, Wes Carr, Jem Cassar-Daley, Tom Busby and Gypsy Lee.
The2026eventwillseeGypsyLeejoinher mother and Bash regular Kate Ceberano for the first time in Birdsville, while Jem Cassar-Daley will also join her father Troy at the event for another familial moment on the edge of the Simpson Desert.
Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash: The Teskey Brothers, Jon Stevens, John Butler, Boy & Bear, Baby Animals, Jessica Mauboy, TheWhitlams,LeoSayer,TimFinn,Richard Clapton, Troy Cassar-Daley, Chocolate Starfish, Furnace and the Fundamentals, Wendy Matthews, The Radiators, Shane Howard, Fanny Lumsden, ‘50 Years of Fleetwood Mac’, Hot Potato Band, Tom Busby and Wes Carr.
Greg Donovan, Bash event founder/ owner and Managing Director of the Outback Music Festival Group who stage both events said 2026 marks a joyful return to form.
“We’re stoked to be bringing back the full Birdsville Big Red Bash after taking a breather this year,” he said.
“Our team are recharged and ready to give festival-goers an unforgettable outback adventure. Tickets are already sellingfast,we’resogratefulfortheongoing support of our festival goers.
“After the first hour of on sale tickets are already 40 per cent sold for the Big Red Bash and we’re hoping for an equally great response when the Mundi Mundi Bash tickets go on-sale.”
ForDonovan,theBashfestivalsareabout more than music - they’re about moments.
“Watching families dance in the shadow of the 40-metre-high Big Red sand dune as the sun sets behind it, or seeing thousands on the Mundi Mundi Plains under that endlessskywiththeBarrierRangesbehind them is pure magic,” he said.
Missy Higgins is looking forward to headlining the Big Red Bash’s return.
“My band and I absolutely love playing in the desert for The Big Red Bash,” she
said.
“Surrounded by giant sand dunes and people having travelled miles in their dusty caravans to get there… it’s so unique and so Australian. There is an incredible line-up set for 2026 and we’re all thrilled to be invited back to play again.”
Meanwhile, The Teskey Brothers are eager to make their Bash debut.
“We’ve heard a lot about these desert shows from our friends and we can’t wait togetoutthereinthereddustandseewhat it’s all about,” Josh Teskey added.
“Very excited for these shows.”
The 2026 edition of the Big Red Bash will also mark the return of crowd favourites Hoodoo Gurus.
“We’re psyched to be making a return visit to The Big Red Bash next year,”
frontman Dave Faulkner said.
“Our first-and only-time there in 2023 was one of the most memorable gigs of our lives. What an insane idea: gather a motley crew of merry misfits and savvy self-starters and headout to the
back-of-beyond to enjoy a few days of music, mirth and merriment?! Whoever thought of that is a genius because it was amazing and I can’t wait to experience it again.” Event organisers are working on a new activity to replace the world-record breaking Nutbush dance-offs at both Bash events with further announcements to come.
Both events are all-ages, dog-friendly and BYO and offer a rare kind of freedom where thousands of campers share songs, stories and sunrise views that stretch on forever. Heavily reduced ticket prices for kids under 18-years-old are available.
ThefestivalsofferupuniquelyAustralian destination adventures for families, grey nomads, camping and caravanning enthusiasts and intrepid travelers alike with around 10,000 expected to converge on Big Red outside of Birdsville and close to 15,000 on the Mundi Mundi Plains.
More information head to: www. bigredbash.com.au and www. mundimundibash.com.au.
The Hoodoo Gurus on stage at Mundi Mundi.
The Nutbush World record from the air. Preparing for the festival.
Enjoying the outback serenity.
Kicking up some fun and dust at Mundi Mundi.
7 Nights
Apr 2026 - Mar 2027
Full-Board River Cruise
3 night Murray River cruise on board PS Murray Princess with all meals and sightseeing
Tour of Murray River Bridge and historic Roundhouse
Guided nature walk of Salt Bush Flat
Taste Riverland food and wine
Dragon-Fly flat-bottomed boat wildlife tour
Hotel Stays
3 nights five-star hotel stay in Adelaide with breakfast
1 night four-star hotel stay in Kangaroo Island with breakfast, lunch and dinner
Fully Escorted
Barossa Valley Tours
Full day Barossa Valley tour with lunch and wine tastings including:
Saltram wine estate, lunch and wine tasting at Lambert Estate, visit to Barossa Valley Chocolate Company, photo stop at Menglers Hill Lookout, vineyard tour & wine tasting at Jacob’s Creek visitor centre, stop at Beerenberg Farm, and free time in Hahndorf to explore the historic German settlement
Fully Escorted Kangaroo Island Tours
2 day Kangaroo Island tour including: Emu Ridge Eucalyptus
Distillery, Clifford’s Honey Farm, In-Flight Birds of Prey Display at Raptor Domain, Seal Bay Conservation Park guided beach walk, lunch at Emu Bay Lavender Farm, Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, and Flinders Chase National Park
All Flights, Taxes & Transfers
Lisbon to Istanbul or vice versa
36 DAYS | 10 COUNTRIES
29 GUIDED TOURS
SET SAIL: MAR, APR, SEP 2027; MAR, AUG 2028
From $33,195pp in Veranda Stateroom
From $40,695pp in Penthouse Veranda MEDITERRANEAN
Lisbon to Athens or vice versa
29 DAYS | 9 COUNTRIES
23 GUIDED TOURS
SET SAIL: FEB-JUN, AUG, SEP 2027; FEB, MAR, MAY, JUN, AUG 2028
From $24,095pp in Veranda Stateroom
From $28,695pp in Penthouse Veranda
SPAIN & PORTUGAL DISCOVERY
Lisbon to Barcelona or vice versa
8 DAYS | 3 COUNTRIES
6 GUIDED TOURS
SET SAIL: OCT, NOV 2026; FEB, APR-JUN, SEP-DEC 2027; JAN-JUNE, SEP 2028
From $4,995pp in Veranda Stateroom
From $6,195pp in Penthouse Veranda
Emergency funding boost
The state government has announced it will commit an additional $6 million to western suburbs emergency departments to hire more staff, open more treatment spaces and improve patient flow.
Western Health will receive over $4.5 million of the funding to hire more doctors, nurses and allied health workers at Sunshine Hospital which the state government said will increase emergency department capacity, and improve ambulance offload times.
Premier Jacinta Allan announced the new funding in Sunshine on 23 October.
“Our paramedics, nurses and doctors
have never been busier. This investment means more support for them, faster care for Victorians – and ambulances back on the road sooner,” Ms Allan said.
“Families are flocking to Melbourne’s west and whether it’s opening Urgent Care Clinics, building new hospitals or hiring more doctors and nurses – we’re making sure they can get the care they need.”
As part of the funding, Western Health will recruit two discharge coordinators as well as additional nursing and support staff to help patients transition from hospitaltohomeandfreeupbeds,thestate government said.
Western Health will also use the funding to expand their ‘fast-track’ model of care.
‘Fast-track’ cubicles allow for quicker assessment and discharge of patients with less serious injuries and illnesses.
The model helps to reduce wait times and improve patient flow for those arriving to hospitals via ambulances, the state government said.
As part of the model, additional clinical staff will be recruited to open the six overnight cubicles at Sunshine hospital.
According to the state government, paramedics and emergency departments arefacingrecorddemandwithparamedics responding to more than 98,000 code one callouts, and emergency departments having more than 513,200 presentations last quarter.
HealthMinisterMary-AnneThomassaid the investment will help improve response times and emergency care for locals.
Spooky Halloween craft
Each month, Stephanie Martinez will share an exciting craft project designed to inspire and spark creativity.
Stephanie starred in the first season of Making It on Network 10, where she discovered and ignited her passion for crafting.
Join Stephanie as she explores the endless possibilities of crafting and turn everyday materials into something extraordinary.
This month, Stephanie is creating a spooky ghost tassel.
Mercy Health will also receive over $1.5 million to establish the ‘fast-track’ model of care.
Black EVA foam
“This is just another way that we are investing in emergency care to make sure all Victorians get the care they need, because in an emergency, every second counts,” Ms Thomas said.
10cm piece of cardboard Wrap yarn around cardboard about 100 times.
Tie the top with a
Step 3: Cut the loops at the bottom and slide off the cardboard.
Step 4: Put a straw in the middle and fold the yarn over it.
Step 5: Tie a ribbon around the neck of the ghost.
Spooky ghost tassel
Stephanie Martinez.
Scan the QR code and follow the links for more creative ideas.
MY PLACE
Shannon Jade is an author and environmental scientist. She shares her connection to Point Cook with Jaidyn Kennedy.
Tell us a little about yourself and what you do?
I’m an author and environmental scientist, working to create stories that celebrate the natural world and promote positive, empowering climate action. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in creative writing and publishing, alongside a master’s in environmental science, where my thesis focused on the power of plants to address pollution issues. As an author, I love connecting with readers and facilitating hopeful climate communication. When I’mnotwritingorresearching,Ispendalot of time making music and exploring new places with family and friends.
What is your connection to Point Cook?
I grew up in Perth, Western Australia, but I now call Point Cook home. The local community is wonderful, and the area has somuchtooffer,forthosewhohavealways lived here and for newcomers too.
Where do you like to spend your time in Point Cook?
One of my favourite places in the area has to be the Point Cook Coastal Park. The bay offers a sweeping view of Melbourne’s city skyline, and it’s a great spot to soak up the sunshine and spot some local wildlife. Beautiful!
Which local landmarks or natural features inspire your work most?
As an environmental writer, I’m inspired bythenaturalbeautyoftheareawelivein. I love exploring all the local wetlands and discovering new botanicals. Wyndham is rich in biodiversity, with multiple distinct
plant communities, from the wildflowers of our local grasslands to the floodplain shrubs and grasses. That’s inspiring to me.
How do you blend fiction and science? I believe art and science are much more closely linked than people often think. Both fields require innovation, experimentation, and the ability to tell a compelling story. For me, writing science-based environmental fiction is about finding the emotional core of climate issues and crafting stories that encouragereaderstocareabouttheplanet and take action towards protecting it. The naturalworldisfullofstories.It’smyjobto put those on paper.
What is something people might be surprised to know about you?
I’ve always wanted an author and a scientist! I wrote my first (very, very poor) book when I was five years old and convinced I would grow up to be an astronaut.Mycareerhastakensometurns sincethen,butifyoubelieveinfate,Ithink science-driven storytelling was always supposed to be my path.
Is there anything you would change or fix about Point Cook?
IlovePointCook!IfIcouldchangeanything at all about the area, I think it would be to introduce more local opportunities for sustainability. I’d love to see more edible and native landscaping in public areas, along with green architecture that could help to mitigate climate risks, improving energy efficiency and air quality and reducing our suburb’s carbon footprint.
1. Held by the Victorian Turf Club, the first Melbourne Cup was run in which year?
2. The highest Melbourne Cup Day attendance of
3. And which horse won in that year?
4. This year the annual Melbourne Cup Trophy Tour commenced with a visit to which city?
The winning strapper is presented with what trophy?
What is the type and colour of the traditional buttonhole flower worn on Cup Day?
Bart Cummings holds the record for winning the Melbourne Cup how many times?
The silk colours of which famous Cupwinner featured the stars of the Southern Cross?
Sheila Laxon, joint trainer of 2024 winner Knight’s Choice also prepared which other Melbourne Cup winner?
10. Which owner was represented by six runners in the 2013 Cup?
11. Which Melbourne Cupwinning horse originally raced in New Zealand under the name Flash Guy?
12. The 2024 Cup winner Knight’s Choice was bred near which NSW country town?
13. In 1965 famous British supermodel Jean Shrimpton sparked controversy by wearing what at Flemington?
14. Which Melbourne Cup winner was trained in Germany?
15. Which famous Cup winner carried 66kg to victory?
16. Runners in the 2025 Melbourne Cup will compete for how much prize money?
17. What percentage of the prize money does the winning jockey receive?
18. A popular cocktail served at Flemington on Cup day is called what?
19. Which country did 2006 Cup winner Delta Blues represent?
20. Which champion Australian jockey of the modern era fell off at his first ride in the Melbourne Cup?
21. How many female jockeys have ridden in the Cup?
22. What has been the most successful barrier in Melbourne Cup history?
23. And who is the only horse to have won the Melbourne Cup from barrier 18?
24. Who was the last grey horse to win the Melbourne Cup?
25. The race is now run on the first Tuesday in November, but originally it was run on which day of the week?
26. Which horse was the first and only to win the ‘Spring Grand Slam’, winning the Caufield Cup, Cox Plate, and Melbourne Cup in the same year?
27. And which country did that horse come from?
28. Queen Elizabeth II’s only attempt at capturing Australia’s crown for stayers was with which horse?
29. Who was the last favourite to win the Cup?
30. Winning connections of the first Melbourne Cup received what?
Shannon Jade. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 510424_01
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
Beginners’ Code Club
Code Club is for 8-14 year-olds and will cover the very basics of coding. Attendees can book into the whole term’s sessions. Each lesson builds on previously learnt skills and is designed to support beginner coding learners. Runs on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month from 3.30- 4.30pm.
CodeClub@wyndham.vic.gov.au or 8734 8999
Altona VIEW Club
Altona VIEW is a not-for-profit club that welcomes ladies from the Wyndham, Hobsons Bay and other areas to join in for lunch the third Wednesday of each month, at 11am at the Altona RSL. Come along and enjoy the speakers each month. Other outings are arranged and it is a great opportunity to make new friends. Contact
altonaview@gmail.com or Julie, 0421 315 846
The Creative Corner
A program to create an inclusive environment for young people from different schools to come together and learn new skills and ways to be creative. The program will aim to teach a variety of different skills and allow young people to create projects with different mediums each week.
Meets every Monday from 3.30-5.30pm at the Youth Services Centre, 1 Everton Road, Truganina.
The Bump Baby and Beyond program is a free service, excluding small fees for some excursions, that is offered to pregnant and or mothering young women up to age of 25 years who live, work or study in Wyndham. The group meets every Wednesday between 11.00am - 1.00pm at the Youth Services Centre, 86 Derrimut Road, Hoppers Crossing.
Wyndham Youth Services team, 8734 1355
Soulful Spreads Community Cafe
Soulful Spreads is a purpose-driven social enterprise based in Tarneit that looks to create meaningful work and training opportunities for women and young people with disabilities. Come meet for a meal and support inclusion, empowerment and connection. Meets 8.30am-12pm every Monday and Thursday at the Tarneit Community Learning Centre.
info@soulfulspreads.com
Wyndham
National seniors meeting
On the first Wednesday of every month at 1.30pm, the metro west branch of national seniors meets at the Deer Park Club, with meals available to purchase. The group also holds lunches on different Fridays each month, as well as activities such as theatre visits, bus trips and more.
0425 713 004, or lesley1.collins@ outlook.com
Lizzy Bizzy Food Swaps
Come along to the Manor Lakes Community Centre to exchange excess homegrown food. From vegetables, fruits, eggs to seeds and oils, members of the community are encouraged to participate and help reduce food waste. Runs between 10am-12pm last Saturday of every month.
Liz, 0448 781 111
Resume Help
Wyndham council is providing resume workshops for young people aged 15-25. Book into a one-on-one session, online or in person, with an education and youth
services librarian to get some help crafting your resume and answering interview questions. Sessions run at 9am, several times a week.
resumehelp@wyndham.vic.gov.au
Walking 4 Health Victoria
Walking Football 4 Health Victoria runs at Eagle Stadium every Friday morning between 10-11am. Walking Football is a low-impact, modified version of football where players are required to walk instead of run. Ideal for individuals over 50, those recovering from injuries, or anyone looking for a gentle yet engaging way to stay active.
Mick, mick_trim1@hotnail.com
Practise English with Let’s Talk
A weekly meet to help members of the community improve their practical English conversation skills to help with daily tasks such as shopping and booking appointments. Meets 10am each Saturday at Werribee Church of Christ, 200 Tarneit Road, Werribee
Bronwyn, 9741 6051
Point Cook Combined Probus Club
Retired or semi-retired people are invited to join this active social group. Enjoy an impressive and interesting monthly guest speaker. Interesting monthly outings, and fortnightly lunches where the development of friendships are encouraged. The Point Cook Combined Probus Club meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 10 am at The Brook Point Cook, 215 Sneydes Road, Point Cook.
John Sloan, 0436 480 728 or sloanrisk@ gmail.com
Wyndham Ladies Probus Retired or semi-retired ladies are invited
to join this very active social group. Enjoy impressive monthly guest speakers, interesting monthly outings and many lunches where the development of friendships is encouraged. The Ladies Probus Club of Wyndham meets on the first Wednesday of each month at Hotel 520, Sayers Road, Tarneit, at 10am.
Pat 0411 316 795
With One Voice Wyndham Choir
With One Voice Wyndham Choir is a community choir open to all. The community choir welcomes all ages, abilities, faiths, cultures and genders and is directed by a very experienced and friendly professional conductor. Fun weekly rehearsals and amazing performance opportunities are provided. They sing for an hour and then have a cuppa. The first two visits are free; and then payment is by tax-deductible donation. Tuesday evenings, 7-8.30pm, at Wayaperri House, 106 Duncans Road, Werribee.
wyndham@withonevoice.org.au
Adult community garden group
The group meets on the first Wednesday of the month, 10-11am, at Iramoo Community Centre, 84 Honour Avenue, Wyndham Vale. Head down and join them as they maintain their rejuvenated community garden. Planting and harvesting produce that they grow.
8742 3688
Seniors House of Fun
The Grange Community Centre invites seniors of Wyndham to its weekly Seniors House of Fun. This is a free program running every Friday, 11am-12.30pm, at The Grange Community Centre, 260-280 Hogans Road, Hoppers Crossing.
Vanessa, 8742 8000, or enquires@ grangecommunity.org.au
Seniors club
The Werribee Senior Citizens Club meets at 80 Lonsdale Circuit, Hoppers Crossing. The group is open to all people 55-plus and it runs on Wednesdays, 10am-noon. Entry: $2, includes morning tea.
0403 041 499
Hoppers Crossing Ladies Probus
The friendly and vibrant group meet at Hotel 520 on the second Wednesday of each month from 10am. They have a guest speaker each month as well as social lunches, outings and theatre trips.
Yvette, 0411 952 706
Bingo for all
The Werribee RSL hosts Bingo every Monday between 12.30-2.30pm.
9741 5525
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
Wyndham Park Community Shed
A place to connect, share skills, get hands on, and have fun. New members and volunteers are welcome. Men’s shed open Tuesdays and Thursdays, women’s shed open Monday and shed for all abilities open Sunday. The tool library is open on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. 0437270791 shed@wyndhamparkcc. com.au
This week’s photographer’s choice photo is of Brookfield resident Jacqueline Licitra’s elaborate Halloween decorations in her front yard. Pictured is Jacqueline with her grandsons Maddix, 3, and Zanon, 1. (Damjan Janevski) 511243_01
Ribbons weave memories
Artist Yoonjung Kim records emotions and sensations through painting, drawn from personal memories and experiences, in a new exhibition opening in Brimbank this month.
‘Interwoven’ is Kim’s first solo exhibition since relocating from Seoul to Melbourne in 2020.
“Theworksexplorememoryandemotion through painterly gestures, inspired by decorative objects, plants, and animals discovered across Melbourne’s western suburbs,” Kim said.
A ribbon motif also features throughout works, which Kim said she uses to unfold
her inner narratives.
“The ribbon is a really familiar object to me. It seems to bring out all sorts of emotions. I wanted to use them as a structure to hold or wrap my emotions or memories,” Kim said.
For Kim the ribbon also evokes joy and celebration, love and friendship, while carrying the weight of social expectations and tension.
Kim said other objects in the paintings act as symbols for her emotions.
“Sometimes it’s nostalgia, very warm feelings in my childhood, and sometimes anxiety too,” she said.
Kim said she hopes audiences reflect on their own lives through her works.
“I want them to find their own memories through my paintings because my work is a bit symbolic, people can feel all different feelings and memories,” she said.
‘Interwoven’, supported by Brimbank council, is open from 24 October until 10 January at the Bowery Gallery, 33 Princess Street, St Albans.
The exhibition is free of charge and is available to view Monday to Friday from 9am-5pm and on Saturdays from 9am-12.30pm.
Details: creativebrimbank.com.au
Join Lucy Durack for a festive performance
Who said it was too early to start getting into the festive spirit and spread Christmas cheer?
Actress,singerandtelevisionpersonality
Lucy Durack will be bringing her voice and swagger to the Encore Events Centre in Hoppers Crossing on Tuesday 9 December.
Running from 2.30-4pm, the joy of the festive season will be on full display with a show of much-loved Christmas classics for the whole family to sing along to.
A music theatre and carols sensation, Durack will ring in the holiday season with all-time favourites like ‘Silent Night’, ‘All I
Want for Christmas’, and ‘O Holy Night.’?
If Durack’s name is unfamiliar you are bound to have seen– or heard– her sometime in the last two decades.
Some of her most notable roles have been playing Glinda in the Australian production of Wicked, and Elle Woods in the Australian production of Legally Blonde.
MorningMelodiesisafeel-goodmorning music series held on the second Tuesday of each month.
It’s a chance for friends to come together and experience great music, sing and
dance along to many iconic hits from an Aussie icon.
Whileitisapopularstapleamongretired members of the Wyndham community and from elsewhere in the west, everyone is invited to come and bring those closest to them.
It may only be October, but it is never too early to start making preparations for the silly season.
Tickets are $14 and include a morning tea. Details: https://www.wyndham.vic. gov.au/whats-on/morning-melodies-lucydurack-christmas-show-0
DJ series set to bring summer vibes to Yarraville
It’s going to be all pink flamingos, postcard-perfect palm trees and tropical cocktails at Kindred Bandroom in Yarraville as it hosts a new summer DJ series, Del Boca Vista.
Set to become a new Sunday ritual in the inner west, Del Boca Vista will offer music, community, nostalgia, and that laid-back banana lounge energy where everyone’s welcome to catch a groove, sip something cold, and keep the weekend going.
Each week, a rotating line-up of the city’s best selectors will get you moving and grooving, spinning funky selections from the arvo to golden hour as part of this free series that is family and dog friendly.
It begins on Sunday 26 October with cosmic-dancegroupMildlifeDJsalongside 6-piece groove unit Steppers (live) and DJ Colette.
From then on, weekly line-ups will be posted on Kindred Bandroom’s Instagram page, but regardless of who’s on the decks,
Halloween creeps into Moorabool
Jack-o’-lanterns will light up Moorabool this week as residents prepare to celebrate Halloween –with several events held across the municipality marking the spooky occasion.
Younger residents aged 11–17 are invited to the council’s ‘Youth Spookaball’ event at the Darley Civic Hub Pavilion on Thursday 30 October for an evening packed with games, activities, music, and dancing. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in their best Halloween costumes for the chance to win a prize.
The event will run from 6–8pm and registration is essential, with details available on Moorabool’s website.
Another opportunity to dress up in your scariest attire is the Halloween Fun Fest, which will be hosted at Rotary Park in Bacchus Marsh from 4–10pm on 31 October.
Itwillincludeananimalfarm,large format games, market stalls, food trucks,dancingfun,andcompetitions with prizes.
There will also be a screening of the 2019 animated supernatural comedy ‘The Addams Family,’ following the quirkyandmuch-lovedfamilycreated by cartoonist Charles Addams. Entry is $5 at the gate, and the event is hosted by MooraFun.
MooraFun event coordinator Dotty Hazel said this will be the third year of running the event, with previous festivals attracting positive feedback. She said that attendees could leave the event to do some trick-or-treating andthenreturn,aswristbandswillbe supplied upon entry.
Pets are welcome if kept on a short leash.
Further details and contact information for this event can also be found on the Moorabool website.
funky groovers, vintage-themed cocktails and an unreasonable amount of flamingo content is guaranteed.
So grab your cabana wear, come and chill by the alligator infested shell pool, let your hair down, and get down to Del Boca Vista where it’s always Sunday.
The unadulterated good times are at Kindred Bandroom, 3 Harris Street, Yarraville, every Sunday afternoon from 2pm.
Details: https://kindredstudios.com.au/
DJ Colette is playing at Del Boca Vista, a new Sunday DJ series at Kindred Bandroom. (Supplied)
Lucy Durack. (Supplied)
Artist Yoonjung Kim. (Supplied)
SPORTS QUIZ
1. NBL star Bryce Cotton is currently playing his first season with which NBL club?
2. The total prize money for this year’s Melbourne Cup has risen to what exact figure?
3. The Stonehaven Cup is awarded to the winner of which competition?
4. And who is the current cup holder?
5. When dribbling in basketball, your hand cannot be where in relation to the ball?
6. NRL star Jonah Pezet has negotiated contract deals to play for which three separate clubs in as many seasons?
Which country did Australia beat to advance to the semifinals of the ICC Women’s World Cup?
And which cricketer achieved back-to-back centuries following the victory?
With a population of just over half a million, which island nation recently made history by qualifying for their first FIFA World Cup?
Which country is set to host the 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cup?
11. How many clubs are competing in this season’s A-League Men following the removal of Western United by Football Australia for financial reasons?
12. Which swimmer, following a series of world-class performances for Australia, recently set a short course 200m world record?
13. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is being held in the US, Canada and which other country?
14. Which 48-year-old racing driver won the Bathurst 1000 for the sixth time this year?
15. What is the name of the netball Test series played between Australia and New Zealand?
16. In golf, an albatross is the rare achievement where a player completes a hole in how many strokes under par?
17. In the MLB, for which team did Shohei Ohtani become the first player to hit three home runs and throw 10 strikeouts in a game?
18. Which AFL club did forward Charlie Curnow join during the competition’s trade period?
19. In which year did Dylan Alcott last win a Paralympic gold medal in wheelchair tennis?
20. Jamie Melham became the first female jockey to win which major horse race?
21. How many total medals has Australia won at the Winter Olympic Games?
22. Which famous Irish playwright played two first-class cricket matches in the 1920s?
23. Saya Sakakibara won a gold medal for Australia at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games in what event?
24. How many home and away rounds is the AFL Women’s season currently?
25. Who captained Australia’s one day cricket team in the recent series against India?
26. How many Grand Prix races are scheduled in total for the 2025 Formula One season?
27. And up until the recent US Grand Prix, how many races has Oscar Piastri won this season?
28. In NFL, what section of the field must you reach to score a touchdown?
29. Mason Cox was recently delisted after playing 11 seasons with which AFL club?
30. Which country won the first women’s soccer World Cup?
YOUR NEW CAREER
starts here
Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic Full or Part time Sales Executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms.
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
PUZZLES
261
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
1. Linen is made from the cellulose fibres of which plant?
2 How many points is the letter Y worth in a game of scrabble?
3 A common dessert component, frangipane is made primarily from what ingredient?
4 CanneryRow is a 1945 novel by which American author?
5 The nicknames ‘Satchmo’, ‘Satch’ and ‘Pops’ belonged to which influential Jazz singer and trumpeter?
6 Morel, lion’s mane, oyster and enoki are all types of what?
7 What spirit is used to make Irish coffee?
8 On February 3, 1959, which three American musicians were killed in a plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa?
9 In what year did Ireland join the European Union?
10 What was Amy Winehouse's (pictured) last studio recording before her death in 2011?
Rear view in Forester focus
By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring
ThenewForester:Ah,thattakesmeback.
While Subaru’s most popular model has taken up with the hybrid age, changes are mostly cosmetic, including cabin layouts that have not changed much over the past four years, no impediment to the many Foresterfans,ofwhichtherearemany.
Needless to say, there is an impressive list of standard equipment in the Forester, right down to the bargain basement. Things such as Subaru Intelligent Drive (IntelligentandSportmodes),X-Modewith hill descent, front cornering lamps and steering responsive headlights, dual zone air-con, six-speaker audio and EyeSight DriverAssistareonhanddependingonthe model.
Prices start at $43,490 for the entry-level Forester and includes seven variants, four petrol only and three hybrids, featuring Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive sendingconstanttractiontoallfourwheels.
ATouringvariant,thetestvehicle,comes in at $50,990, while the range is topped off by the Forester Hybrid Touring at $55,990. Additions include gloss black radiator grille, leather and suede upholstery and 10-speakersoundsystem.
Making a debut in the new Forester is Subaru’s next generation Hybrid e-Boxer system mating a 2.5-litre horizontally opposed ICE with 90kW electric motor and 1.1kWhbattery,givingthevehicleaclaimed rangeofmorethan1000kmonafulltank.
Forester petrol and hybrid models are covered by Subaru’s five-year unlimited kilometre warranty and 12 months roadsideassist.
Styling
Subaru says the new SUV shows off a ‘bold evolution’ in Forester design that’s wider, more athletic and purpose-built for Australian conditions, with C-shaped LED headlamps, incorporating LED daytime running lights and cornering lamps for bettervisibilityatintersections.
While aerodynamics was a major consideration in shaping the vehicle –sleeker door mirrors mounted lower, for example – there’s still more than a nod to theoriginalruggedSUVshape.
All models have 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels, depending on the grade. The Touring rolls on the latter and is singled out for gloss black front grille, front and rearbumperaccents,plussidemirrorsand low-profileroofrails.
Every Forester sports an aluminium bonnet – reducing weight but adding strength with a view to enhancing pedestrian protection – while maintaining asolidSUVidentity.
Interior
Seatinghascomeinforparticularattention, with Subaru engineers working with anatomy experts to develop better support for the lower back and hips, helping keep the spine aligned and reduce tiredness on longjourneys.
Seat rails are mounted directly on to the chassis to minimise sway and absorb vibration giving a smoother ride, while safety is enhanced by a new side bolster design that helps reduce whiplash in a collision.
The Touring takes up leather and suede upholstery in black or brown with brown interiorstitchingandheatedandventilated frontseats.
Infotainment
Inside, the Forester has been revamped to lift comfort, connectivity and cabin
refinement. At the centre of the dash is an 11.6-inch full-HD infotainment touchscreen, designed for ease of use for wireless Apple CarPlay and wired and wirelessAndroidAuto.
An on-screen digital multi-function display and a second information screen arepositionedtoreducedriverdistraction. Belowisawirelessphonechargepad.
Front and rear USB ports include high-output USB-A and USB-C connectionsforfastercharging.Frontports offer convenient access for both device connectivity and power delivery, with rear ports enabling passenger charging, keeping tablets and smartphones powered upandreadythroughoutlongerjourneys.
The 10-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system with subwoofer supplies audio of a standard far beyond that expected in a mid-rangemarketvehicle.
Engines/transmissions
Petrol-only Foresters are powered by Subaru’s tried-and-true 2.5-litre Boxer engine developed for improved reliability andresponsewithlessnoise,vibrationand harshness.
Petrol-powered models feature Subaru’s latest-generation Lineartronic CVT, re-tuned for sharper performance and improved efficiency. A broader gear ratio range (now 8.1, up from 7.0) allows for stronger take-off acceleration and more relaxed highway cruising. Lower first and reverse gears aid hill climbing – even in reverse – while a new eight-speed manual modeenhancesdriverengagement.
ThisCVTispairedwithSubaru’supdated Active Torque Split AWD system, which
dynamically adjusts torque distribution –optimised to the vehicle’s weight balance – to deliver better steering response and more confident handling across varying surfaces.
Safety
One thing that has changed dramatically over the years since the first Forester made landfall Down Under is protection of passengers and pedestrians. For a start, new-generation vehicles, across the board, are fitted with nine airbags, including far-sideandfrontpassengercushion.
Featured are a new wide-angle monocularcameradisplayingawiderfield of view, and the new emergency driving stop system, Subaru vision assist, and drivermonitoring.
Active systems include adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking (front and rear), active torque vectoring, autonomousemergencysteeringandblind spotmonitoring.
The above is backed by emergency lane-keep assist, front side radar, lane centring,lanechangeandlane-keepassist.
Slow manoeuvres, including parking, is helped by rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, while traffic sign recognition and tyre pressure monitoring playtheirpartinsafedriving.
Driving
The2.5-litrepetrolengineproduces136kW of power at 5800rpm and 247Nm of torque at 3700rpm, its broad, flat torque curve ensuring smooth acceleration and strong
performanceacrossawiderangeofdriving conditions, particularly when overtaking orcarryingafullload.
A broader gear ratio range (now 8.1, up from 7.0) allows for stronger take-off acceleration and more relaxed highway cruising. Lower first and reverse gears aid hillclimbing–eveninreverse–whileanew eight-speedmanualmodeenhancesdriver engagement.
ThisCVTispairedwithSubaru’supdated Active Torque Split AWD system, which dynamically adjusts torque distribution –optimised to the vehicle’s weight balance – to deliver better steering response and more confident handling across varying surfaces.
Subaru rates Forester Touring fuel consumption at 7.9 litres per 100km on the combined urban/highway cycle with 180g/km carbon dioxide emissions. The test Touring recorded a tad over 10 litres per 100km around city and suburbs and less than six litres per 100 kilometres at motorwayspeeds.
Enhancedcabininsulationandvibration dampinghavereducedinteriornoise,while 360-degree Surround View Monitor has increased visibility and hence a pleasing on-andoff-roaddrivingexperience.
And with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, enhanced Australiansuspensiontuning,plus220mm ground clearance, the Forester Touring is purpose built for local on- and off-road conditions.
Summary
No worries, the New Age Subaru Forester stillhasitsSUVchops.
Forester Touring is purpose built for local on- and off-road conditions. (Pictures: Supplied)
It took until week four of the summer season for the rain to impact matches across Melbourne’s north-west. However,
StarWeeklyphotographer Ljubica Vrankovic still managed to capture some of the action among the wet on Saturday.
Heavens open up on play
Taylors Lakes’ Arjun Upadhyay. 512547_10
Altona Roosters’ Thanuj Thisakuttige and Aiden Elkington. 512549_05
Melton’s Joel Mitchener. 512547_03
Sunshine United. 512549_01
One let slip for Bacchus Marsh. 512545_07
Shanin Silva bowls for Bacchus Marsh. 512545_25
Some of the crowd at the first turf game at Bacchus Marsh Racecourse. 512545_15
Some of the crowd at the first turf game at Bacchus Marsh Racecourse. 512545_17
Some of the crowd at the first turf game at Bacchus Marsh Racecourse. 512545_20
Taylors Lakes batters. 512547_07
Giants close in on success
By Tara Murray
Werribee Giants have shown signs of improvement in the Baseball Victoria summer league premier 1 first nine competition,butthenextstepisgettingthe wins on the board.
The Giants sit 1-3 after the first four rounds but have been competitive in every game so far.
On Saturday, the Giants lost to Melbourne, 5-4.
Melbourne scored three runs in the last two innings to get the job done.
Giants coach Cameron Brown said while there were a lot of positives out of the match, it was disappointing not to get the win.
“It was disappointing,” he said. “Credit to the team, they looked like they were winning for a long way in the game.
“We’redefinitelycompetitiveingames.It
takes not much more to finish off games.”
Brown said they played in a number of close games last season without getting the results as well, but have been more consistent early in this season.
He said the group was starting to put
together some good form.
“We have developed from last year and throughthisseasonwehavecomeonleaps and bounds,” he said.
“There’smassiveimprovementandwe’ve seen some new guys and young guys get a chance.
“We’re working hard at training, but also having fun at training.
“We’ve just got to get that last little bit and get some wins on the board.”
Brownsaiditwasexcitingseeingsomany young players get their opportunities.
Cooper Bishop-Worn and Parks Halasz are only 15 or 16, while Addison Bishop-Worn and Levi Packer, who have a bit more experience, are still teenagers as well.
Both Bishop-Worns’ and Packer scored runs against Melbourne, along with Elias Nordsell.
With the midweek games soon to ramp
Chan is a young volleyballer on the rise
By Peter Howe
Friendship ties at primary school helped forge a budding volleyball career that has already seen this month’s Don Deeble Sports Star play for Australia.
Denise Chan only started her volleyball career in 2021 because her school friends enjoyed playing.
“I tried many different sports including gymnastics, dancing, swimming, soccer and table tennis because my dad played it. Only one took my passion,” she said.
Chan started playing competition in 2022 with Western Region Volleyball on a Friday night in a social competition, gaining immediate recognition.
She quickly made her first state team.
“I played for the Victorian state team in 2022 and 2023, in the under-14 and under-15 White team,“ she said.
“In 2022, I trialled late as an emergency due to a few players being unable to play and luckily made the team and ended up as the team most valuable player.
“In 2023 I was the captain and awarded MVP of the white team again.”
It was while playing in that team Chan was exposed to better players and began her journey on the elite pathway in Australian Volleyball.
In 2024, she had a breakout year.
She trialled for the School Sport Victoria volleyball team and made the squad.
Following that national tournament she was selected in the All Schools Australian team.
She was selected in the Volleyball Victoria under-16 blue team and was made vice-captain.
Chan was awarded MVP in her side’s gold medal winning performance.
While success came quickly, Chan kept thingssimpleandisverygratefulforallthe opportunities that come her way.
After competing in the 2023 Australian Youth Volleyball Championships as the team captain and MVP, she attended an Australian volleyball camp in late 2023 for young aspiring volleyball players.
“The next thing I know I getting an email saying I’d made the under-16 Australian team to play in Thailand. I didn’t even know they were scouting for that team,“ she said.
“While I knew most of the girls from playing against them at the under-16 Australian Championships we had never played together in a tournament until we arrived in Thailand. “We all quickly gave ourselves to the team, I had to learn a new role when one of our players took ill.
“While we didn’t reach the ultimate success in that competition it taught us all
so much about the game and what it takes to be the best.”
Chan returned from Thailand with a sore back but then continued to play back-to-back tournaments.
Sadly, that took its toll and she had to withdrawfromplayingin2025tobeableto rehabilitate her injury.
Chan has thrown herself into her rehab.
“One saving grace is that I attend Maribyrnong Sports Academy which allows me to rehab at school with strength and conditioning staff.”
She undertakes five sessions a week which all involve strengthening her back and whole-body movement.
Chan said her strengths are her composure and ability to play any role required
“Also my leadership skills which I
up in the competition, Brown knows getting some wins on the board the next few weeks will be important.
Werribee’s next match is on Saturday against Williamstown Wolves, who are sitting 2-2.
“It’s pleasing to see how this group is developing,’ he said. “It’s really important to stack as many wins as we can right now.
“We take it week to week, but every game is important. We’re showing improvement, hopefully we get some reward for what we are showing.”
In the women’s state competition, the Giants had a 17-3 win against Waverley. The Giants led throughout, including hitting seven runs in the second innings to take control of the game.
After four rounds, the Giants sit third on the ladder with a 3-1 record.
This week the Giants face Blackburn on Saturday.
Sports shorts
Western FL
Star Hoppers Crossing midfielder Jed Anderson is on the move next year. After two seasons with the Warriors, including winning best on ground in the 2024 division 1 grand final, Anderson has signed with Essendon District Football League premier division side, Pascoe Vale. Anderson played 12 games for the Warriors this season, after 16 the season before when he was named in the best 15 times.
Western FL
One of the Western Football League women’s young stars is on the move. Point Cook Centrals’ Charli Sette has signed with Essendon District Football League division 1 premiers Strathmore for next season. Sette has played with the Western Jets and won a youth girls WFL best and fairest. She made her Victorian Football League women’s debut this year for Williamstown.
WSCCCA
Truganing Strikers got a huge win against Altona Sports in the Western Suburbs Churches and Community Cricket Association A.E Lowe Shield on Saturday. Having made 7-310 on day one of the match, the Strikers bowled Altona Sports out for 223. Gurpreet singh Maan and Manjoban Singh took four wickets each for the Strikers. Manor Lakes and West Point Titans were the other winners on Saturday.
Western FL
suppose is helped by my composure,” she said.
When asked about her sporting heroes, Chan went quiet, before saying, “my dad, Ivan just ran his first marathon last weekend in Melbourne, he is my hero!”
WhatdoesthefuturelooklikeforChan?”
“My dream is to represent Australia at the Olympics in volleyball,” she said.
“I would like to pursue my career by getting into college in America playing sports and pursuing my academic goals.”
The Don Deeble Sports Star Award is sponsored by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club, Strathmore Community Bank, the Deer Park Club, Ascot Vale Sports and Trophies and StarWeekly
If you would like to nominate a monthly winner or attend a dinner, contact swrsportsclub@gmail.comor0408556631.
Point Cook Centrals pair Daniel Strnak and Mitch Palma are both departing the Western Football League division 1 club. Deer Park has announced the signing of the experienced pair for next year’s Essendon District Football League premier division season. Strnak, who was in the club’s leadership group, played 18 games for the Sharks this season kicking 21 goals and named in the best nine times. Palma played 15 games this year and kicked 20 goals and was named in their best. Both also represented the Western Football League in representative matches.
Denise Chan. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 412070_06
Addison Bishop-Worn is one of the Giants’ rising stars. (Ljubica Vrankovic)
Bees start with a win
By Tara Murray
Werribee got some small revenge on Keilor in the opening round of the Bowls Victoria weekend pennant, division 2, section 1 competition.
The Bees and Bulls have been in the top four the past couple of seasons, with the Bulls getting a win over the Bees last season in the preliminary final to end the Bees premiership hopes.
Despite some changes in the off season, including some big outs, the Bees were able to kick off the season with a win on Saturday at Chirnside Park.
The sides split the rinks, with Werribee winning overall, 80 (14)-67 (4).
Gavin Joyce’s rink won 14-10 while
Robert Panton’s rink was the big winner, winning 32-18. Robert Smith’s rink lost 19-16, while Ian Milledge’s rink lost 2018.
Speaking before the opening round, Joyce, who is a director, said the side was still looking strong despite the changes.
Mick O’Neill and Brendan Barker are two key outs, heading to Altona to try and play in premier division.
“There are a few personnel changes at the club this season with the departure of some senior bowlers,” he said.
“However, despite this, the club is confident of remaining very competitive in all competitions, with the goal for all teams to win promotion at the end of the season from their respective divisions,
and collect some premierships along the way.
“The continued progression and development of our newer, less experienced bowlers at the club, mixed with the talent and commitment of our established bowlers are an important part of this plan for success for all our sides at the Bees for 2025-26 season.”
Joyce said they were fielding five teams in Saturday pennant, along with five midweek sides this season.
He said they were still looking for more bowlers whether it was playing in the pennant competitions or just socially.
Meanwhile, in division 3, section 1, Hoppers made a winning return to that division.
Brew back again for a tenth season
Werribee’s champion midfielder Dom Brew will enter rare territory in 2026, re-signing to play his 10th season at the Victorian Football League club.
Brew is one of three key players that the club announced last week had re-signed.
One of the Tigers greatest ever players, Brew recently won a third consecutive Bruce Montgomery Trophy as Werribee’s best and fairest at the conclusion of the 2025 season.
Brew further etched his name into club history, becoming just the third player to win the award three years running, joining Travis Robertson and close friend Matt Hanson.
After a dominant 2024 campaign in which he swept nearly every individual honour available, Brew somehow found another gear in 2025.
Brew spent the pre-season with the Western Bulldogs trying to earn an AFL contract. He returned to Werribee after that didn’t happen.
The inside bull averaged career highs of 28.9 disposals and 10.1 clearances per game, leading the VFL in clearances while also ranking number one for contested possessions and tackles.
At the VFL’s end-of-season awards night, Brew was named in the team of the year for the third straight season, while finishing third in the J.J Liston count after polling in 11 of his 18 games.
This year’s 18 appearances lifted him into eighth place on the club’s all-time games list with 129.
Should he play at least eight more in 2026, he will climb to second all-time, behind only hall of famer Robbie Castello.
Speaking on The Big W Podcast, Brew reflected on the year:
“Individually, it was a good year for me, but it’s a team sport and this year was quite frustrating,” he said.
“It’s definitely not a wasted year. We got games into a few boys that are gonna be a lot better for it. We got to expose a few boys to the level and they know what’s expected, and you can look at it as glass half full, which I do, as a necessary year.”
Mace Cousins will return to the Tigers for a second straight season.
In his first year at the club, Cousins quickly became one of Werribee’s most consistent performers down back. He was named among the best players in the final five games of the 2025 season, cementing his spot in the side with a string of standout defensive displays.
His strong finish to the year was recognised at the Bruce Montgomery Trophy night, where he claimed Werribee’s best defensive player award.
Another defender in Jaelen Pavlidis has also re-signed.
Pavlidis’ numbers rose across the board in 2025. He averaged career highs
Dom Brew. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 432956_37
of 15 disposals, 12.1 kicks, and 6.6 marks per game, and recorded the third-highest disposal efficiency in the side as he continued to set up play from defence.
“I was super keen to lock in signing at
The Hawks were promoted this season after winning a division 4 premiership last season. They kicked off their season on Saturday against Bacchus Marsh 2.
The Hawks won all four rinks on the way to an 88 (18)-63 (0) win.
Albert Wu’s rink had a big 27-13 win to be the big winner on the day.
In division 4, section 1, Point Cook started the season with an 81 (16)-67 (2) win against Williamstown 2. Brian Turner’s rink won 26-10 to lead the way for Point Cook.
Anyone interested in playing at Werribee can contact, 9741 3229 or werribeebowlsclub.com with the club offering free coaching and equipment available.
Cats, Tigers face tough opponents
Hoppers Crossing’s run chase fell just short, while Werribee wasn’t able to stop Altona getting the runs in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association east-west on Saturday.
The Cats were keen to make it two in a row as they faced Spotswood in a big early round clash.
The Woodsmen made 279 on day one of the match, which coach Simon Lambert said at the time was a chasable target.
He was right with the Cats pushing the match deep into the contest.
Brett Smith was the man for the Cats as he scored 103 not out off 133 balls to give his side some hope.
Smith ran out of partners with the Cats bowled out for 258 in the 78th over.
Meanwhile, Werribee is without a win after the first two rounds after falling short against Altona.
The Tigers had made 153 on day one of the match, with the total never looking like it would be enough.
It was the perfect start for the Tigers as they claimed the wicket of Ben Risk early.
They soon had a second before the A’s settled.
The A’s took their time but kept wickets in hand as they hit the winning runs in the 80th over.
Altona finished 4-155.
Matthew Watt took two wickets for the Tigers.
the club again for 2026,“ he said. “To be honest, it was a no-brainer as I’m fully invested in helping Werribee get back to the pointy end of the ladder where we belong.”
This week Hoppers Crossing is on the road as its faces Endeavour Hills in a one-dayer, while Werribee is at home to Donvale.
Brett Smith had a strong game. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 510981_05
Warriors lock in new coach
By Tara Murray
After a first year that exceeded expectations, Hoppers Crossing has locked in a coach with international experience for next year’s Western Netball League season.
Ephraim Ormsby joins the Warriors as coach bringing a wealth of experience with him.
He has represented New Zealand in many capacities from under-23s to open mixed.
Ormsby holds New Zealand national titles for Waikato Tainui in A and B-grade and was a part of the first ever Mystics men’s team as well as the NZ development team.
As for his coaching, he has eight years experience coaching all ages from high school level to division 1 and representative.
Ormsby said he was excited to be on board with the Warriors for next year.
“I am a dynamic and passionate netball coach with a strong commitment to athlete development,” he said on the club’s social media.
“I come from a background in both grassroots coaching and elite level playing.
“My coaching philosophy centres on discipline, hard work, adaptability, and fostering a positive team culture.”
Warriors netball coordinator Karina Campbell said it was a massive get for the club. Ormsby reached out to the club when it was advertising coaching roles and it went from there with the club thrilled someone of his experience wanted to be involved.
“We’ve very excited,” she said. “It’s great fortheclubtohavesomeonewithEphraim’s
experience come on board for 2026.
“Myself and [president] John [Semertzidis] met with him and with his credentials it was a nice fit for the club.”
The Warriors had two sides in their first season in the competition.
Their division 6 side made the preliminary final, only just missing out on making the grand final. The club’s other side played in division 4.
“It was a great accomplishment for them in their first season,” Campbell said.
“It did exceed all expectations and a lot of the girls have shown interest in returning for next year.”
Campbell said they were looking to have four or five sides next season and there had been a lot of interest since they put out their expression of interest on the weekend.
Sharks show determination, get job done
By Tara Murray
Point Cook Centrals got an important early win in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Roy Picone Shield on Saturday.
After an opening round win, the Sharks faced Moonee Valley, which played off in last season’s grand final.
Despite rain falling, the two teams played the match out with the Sharks getting the wickets to get the job done.
Sharks’ Brett Talbot said they were pretty happy with the start to the season.
“We had Greenvale first up and they have come down so you never know what to expect,” he said. “It was a solid win.
“Then it was a tough game against Moonee Valley. They beat us in the semi final last year, so there was a little bit of a point to prove.
“They are a class side and to win against them was great.“
The Sharks batted on day one of the game, making 227 as they were bowled out in the 64th over.
Moonee Valley finished the day at 3-30.
Moonee Valley started day two strongly and pushed the score towards 100 before it lost another wicket.
It was game on at 6-149.
The rain then started to fall.
“The seventh, eighth and ninth wickets, it really started to fall and the umpires convened to see whether we would come off and stick it out there, “ Talbot said.
“We were that close to an outcome we decided we wanted to get an outcome. A win versus draw later in the season could decide if you play finals or not.”
Moonee Valley was bowled out for 209 in the 72nd over.
Wade Kirkwood and Navi Deol took two wickets each.
The Sharks shared the bowling around with nine players getting a bowl.
Talbot said it was hard work for the bowlers and it was three run outs that really got them going.
With some off season recruiting, Talbot said they feel like they have all bases covered now.
“We’ve got a couple of bowlers coming
She said if they had the player interest along with the support of enough volunteers they would be open to having a men’s side in the inaugural competition.
Campbell said it had been really good for the club to have some female teams back involved.
“We’ve seen phenomenal growth,” she said. “The 2023 presentation night we only had close to 90 people attend.
“We outgrew the venue this year with the thirds football and two netball teams.
“There’s been the growth around the club and there’s more women’s and girls around the club also, which is great for the club.”
The club is after new players, coaches and volunteers for next season.
Details: secretary@hcfooty.com.au
Tarneit remains unbeaten after win
Tarneit Central managed to sneak home in the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association George Luscombe Shield on Saturday.
Aiming to keep its unbeaten start to the season alive, Tarneit faced the Darebin Chargers over the past two Saturdays.
The Chargers batted on day one and made 255 before being bowled out in the 75th over.
Anil Bhatia was the pick of the bowlers for Tarneit with four wickets.
After a solid start, Tarneit found itself in control at 2-148 before losing its third wicket.
The match was still in its control at 3-171 before the wickets started to fall.
Tarneit lost two quick wickets before then losing a three in quick succession to slip to 8-211.
Tarneit’s tail wagged but when it lost its ninth wicket to fall to 9-233 it was game on.
Simranjeet Singh Cheema, who made 37 off 108 balls, and Kuldeep Singh, who finished none not out off nine balls, got Tarneit home.
Tarneit finished 9-259 in the 79th over.
Gurpreet Singh top scored with 65, while Anil Bhatia scored 57.
Skipper Jagmeet Brar took three wickets for the Chargers to be the pick of their bowlers.
back from injury and trying to get some overs into them,” he said.
“We have depth and options and we look at what is plan B, C and D. We have good depth in the second XI as well.
“We had a guy in the second XI hit 100.”
The Sharks will now face Point Cook this Saturday in a one-dayer in the local derby.
Talbot said one-day games were always 50-50.
The Warriors sit 1-1 after the first two matches.
Rain ended the Warriors game against Keilor Park on Saturday.
The Warriors had already conceded first innings points on day one of the match.
The Devils were bowled out for 170 with a lead of 53. Shafraz Mohamed took five wickets for Point Cook.
The Warriors were 7-70 in their second innings when the match ended.
In the Evans-Clark Shield, Bellbridge beat Werribee Centrals, while in the Russell Pollock Shield, Wyndham Vale lost to St Andrew’s Footscray.
Tarneit and Merrifield Panthers are the two undefeated teams after the first three rounds, with the Panthers beating the Aintree Stallions outright on Saturday.
Gladstone Park and the Chargers were the other winners on Saturday.
Tarneit is on the road to the Chargers this Saturday in a one day.
Tarneit’s second side also remains undefeated in the Keith Stringer Shield.
The NWMCA women’s competitions were washed out on Sunday after heavy rain on Saturday and Sunday.
Point Cook Centrals were set to face Yarraville Club in the Geoff Law Shield, while Hoppers Crossing was set to face Gellibrand (2) and Bellbridge face Williamstown Imperials in the women’s social competition.
