Making music for 40 years
The Werribee Concert Band (WCB) is celebrating its 40th anniversary in style and wants the local community to know it is just as focused on the future as its history.
The group will now step into the orchestra pit under the baton of musical director Harrison Merrifield, current assistant head of music at Wesley College and committee member of ABODA Victoria.
Merrifield’s journey with WCB began in 2011, and he now leads the symphonic wind ensemble with a focus on the highest standards of performance.
The WCB provides a rare opportunity for musicians in the west to perform sophisticated, challenging repertoire beyond the scope of traditional school ensembles.
WCB has also announced it will be collaborating with PerformX Productions to deliver the beloved musical ANNIE in January 2027.
The five renditions will be held at the Wyndham Cultural Centre in Werribee. The sessions are 7pm on Thursday 21 January, 7.30pm on Friday 22 January, 2pm and 7.30pm on Saturday 23 January, as well as 2pm on Sunday 24 January.
Join the ticket pre-sale list at: www. performxacademy.com
Barrera walks out
By Jaidyn Kennedy
JennieBarrerahasresignedasaWyndham councillor, while the state government has announced two monitors will begin work at council next week.
OnFriday1May,DrBarrerarevealedshe had written to Wyndham chief executive Stephen Wall to declare her immediate resignation from council.
She said the “unprecedented” situation involving Cr Preet Singh’s refusal to resign as mayor, despite his 10 councillor colleagues passing a vote of no confidence against him days earlier, has made it “impossible” for her to remain.
“The current situation at Wyndham City makes it untenable to continue in my role as councillor,” Dr Barrera said.
“The current environment makes it impossible to effectively represent the community’s interests and therefore prevents me fulfilling my role effectively.
“The current mayor has refused to step down. I have asked him many times to do so.Allcouncillorshavepassedamotionof no confidence.
“I cannot standby and support the message that refusing to step down sends to young girls across our community. I thanktheorganisationforitssupportover last term and this term.”
As reported by StarWeekly , pressure has been mounting on Cr Singh since 30 March when it was revealed he wrote a character reference for a paedophile. The reference was written in 2024 before Cr Singh was elected to council.
Cr Singh provided the character reference for Kashyap Patel, who faced the County Court in August 2024 on child sex offence charges. Patel pleaded guilty to multiple offences and was sentenced to nine months’ jail September 2024.
Over the past five weeks, the city’s 10 other councillors have called for Cr Singh to resign as mayor on multiple occasions and wrote to the local government
minister to express their concerns about Cr Singh remaining in the role.
Residents have staged three rallies calling for Cr Singh’s resignation.
On 1 April, former local government minister Nick Staikos announced a monitor would be appointed to oversee council.OnFriday,newLocalGovernment Minister Paul Hamer appointed Jim Gifford and Jo-Anne Mazzeo as the city’s monitors from 11 May, 2026 to 21 January, 2027.
“Victorians expect councils to maintain high standards and these monitors will worktorestoretheWyndhamcommunity’s confidence in their councillors,” he said.
Mat Taylor, Daniel Skeels, Kian Miguel and Holly Senogles of the Werribee Concert Band. (Damjan Janevski) 550061_08
Station parking struggles
By Jaidyn Kennedy
Wyndham council has decided to explore ways to improve the parking situation at Wyndham Vale station.
On Tuesday 28 April, councillor Peter Maynard raised a motion calling for his colleagues to note the parking shortages in residential streets surrounding the station due to lack of commuter parking close to the station.
Council will explore opportunities to implement a residential parking permit system, including options for parking
permit costs, for residents in the surrounding streets and produce a report in the second half of the year.
“This city is growing at a rate of knots and infrastructure to alleviate congestion needstobeprovidedinatimelymanner,”
Cr Maynard said.
“Parking in suburban streets around railway stations is at a premium and has detrimental effects on householders with multiple cars and who are also shift workers due to the current time limits required around the station and in suburban streets to ensure residents safety and
amenity.”
Councillors also agreed to write to the state and local MPs, requesting a shuttle bus be provided between the Hobbs Road car park and the station during morning and afternoon peaks.
Part of the request also includes installing regular patrols to protect both commuters and cars.
Cr Maynard said he had been dealing with the issue since prior to the Regional Rail Link – the V/Line corridor on which the station sits – being built.
“The original car parking, and it re-
Bryce
and Susan
the
team want as many people to access local art as possible. (Damjan Janevski) 549939_01
Tours help improve access to art exhibition
An exciting exhibition at the Wyndham Cultural Centre is being made more accessible.
Hayley Millar Baker’s Selected Works will have a dedicated Auslan exhibition tour on Saturday 9 May from 10-11am. Selected Works offers a reflection on relationality and continuity and invites viewers to witness the profound interconnection of Indigenous body, spirit, and land.
Designed for deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences, this tour provides an accessible interpretation of the display, offer-
ing insight into the works and exhibition themes in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Tour guide Luke D King will lead the way, with his experience as a deaf visual artist, Auslan user, and access consultant.
His practice spans visual art, performance, and language, with a strong focus on deaf culture, access, and inclusive engagement.
King regularly facilitates Auslan-led gallery tours, workshops, and artist talks acrosstheartssector,workingcloselywith institutionssuchastheNationalGalleryof
Victoria and Art Gallery of NSW.
Followingrightafter,localwriter,editor and an arts programmer Jasmeet Sahi will lead a Hindi language tour from 11amnoon.
Millar Baker is a contemporary Aboriginal artist of Gunditjmara, Djabwurrung and Anglo- Indian descent.
For local audiences, the exhibition is anopportunitytoconnectdeeplywiththe workofanartistwhosepracticecontinues to grow alongside the community.
Selected Works is on display until Sunday 14 June.
Freeways to be cleaned up in state government road blitz
Rubbish and graffiti will be removed from freeways across Melbourne’s western and northern suburbs as part of a state government road maintenance blitz.
Accordingtothegovernment,the202627 state budget, which will be handed down on 5 May, will include $36.9 million toclean-upthestate’s10busiestfreeways.
Among the freeways to be targeted in the blitz are the Western Freeway, West Gate Freeway, Hume Freeway, Calder Freeway, Western Ring Road and Tullamarine Freeway.
The blitz will include rubbish and graffiti removal, mowing and more, the state government said.
The government said the clean-up would be part of a $1.04 billion investment to rebuild, repair and resurface roads across Victoria.
Seventy per cent of the funding will go to regional Victoria, according to the government.
The money will be used to rebuild, repair and resurface arterial roads, maintain bridges and traffic lights, deliver
flects what happened at Tarneit, at Wyndham Vale station was 400, and I thought that was a little bit light given the initial provisions were for 1000 spaces.
Cr Maria King said the motion was important.
“I hear the murmurs of the impact of this from my own residents who are not that far away [in Iramoo ward],” she said.
“We are trying to encourage people to take transport and we need to support them to do that, so I am really looking forward to the report.”
Have say on arts and culture strategy
Locals have the chance to have their say on Wyndham council’s proposed arts and culture funding strategy for the next four years.
The draft Creative Wyndham Strategy 2026-2030, which sets out the direction council will take with its arts programs, was backed by councillors to go out for feedback on Tuesday 28 April.
The strategy acknowledges that Wyndham is one of Australia’s fastest growing and most diverse cities, which is reflected in the growth of the city’s arts and culture scene.
Additionally, the strategy recognises the influence the arts, culture and creativity have on improved wellbeing and community connection.
The Creative Wyndham Strategy 2026–2030 provides a clear framework to support the creative industry, increase community participation, and embed creativity into Wyndham’s places, identity and growth.
Key elements of the strategy include support for improved access to creative infrastructure and spaces, as well as stronger pathways for creative practice and careers.
Increasing participation in arts and cultural activity, making art more visible to the community and strengthening the local identity of Wyndham through creativity are also on the agenda.
Councillor Jennie Barrera –speaking before her resignation from council on Friday 1 May– said it is a strategy that recognises that arts, culture and creativity are not just peripheral activities to the city, but essential drivers ofliveability,wellbeing,identityandeconomic development.
“As Wyndham develops, it also ensures the whole of our municipality embeds creativity into everyday life where people can see themselves reflected in the city that they call home,” she said.
Cr Maria King said she was impressed by aspects of the report.
“What stood out to me is the strong focus on connection and how creativity brings people together, supports wellbeing and helps people feel a sense of belonging in our community,” Cr King said.
emergency roadworks, mow, slash and spray grass and weeds along roadsides and repair or replace signs.
Premier Jacinta Allan said the budget cash would fund the “biggest roads blitz in the state’s history”
Road and Road Safety Minister Ros Spence said the government would rebuild and repair the roads motorists depend on daily.
“Victorians are already seeing the results with 187,000 potholes removed this year–nowwe’redoublingdown,”shesaid.
“Through the engagement it is clear our community values this space and have asked for more accessible opportunities and places for participants.”
For more information and to provide feedback by 27 May, visit: https://theloop.wyndham.vic.gov.au/ creative-wyndham
Brad Johnstone,
Vailmuthu
Palmer of
Wyndham Cultural Centre
Cr votes against budget
By Jaidyn Kennedy
Wyndham council is proposing to pump $178.5 million into capital works and increase rates by the maximum 2.75 per cent allowed by the state next financial year.
Nine out of the 10 present councillors backed the 2026-27 draft budget to go out for community consultation during the Tuesday 28 April meeting, which was held online.
Councillor Josh Gilligan attempted to amend the budget to include $5 million to advance the removal of the Hogans and Derrimut roads roundabout.
Following 10 minutes of procedural con-
fusion about which order the amendment and original item should be dealt with, the amendment was rejected five votes to four.
The draft does however include $15 million towards duplicating Leakes Road between Tarneit and Derrimut roads.
Council is also proposing to spend more than $9 million on intersection upgrades along Tarneit Road, while $5 million has been set aside for the Ison Road extension.
The proposed budget also includes $.24 million for duplicating Dohertys Road between Tarneit Road and Sapling Boulevard and a further $1.3 million was allocated to reconstructing K Road in Werribee South.
A further $13.1 million is proposed to
Learn more local lore
Letters from Laverton is promising Hobsons Bay and Wyndham locals an immersive look at local history.
The community project uses oral histories, images and artefacts to trace the history of Laverton and surrounds and is being developed by two western suburbs residents Bronwen Gray and Alan Young.
From filming sites of Australian cult classic Max Max, to lore from the Tarmac pub – now Westside Hotel – in Laverton North, there will be plenty to uncover and rediscover.
Mr Young said there are “so many stories to tell”.
“The Tarmac was renowned for hosting virtually every significant Australian
and international act in the 70’s and 80’s and was one of the biggest beer barns in the western suburbs,” he said.
Ms Grey said, “I suppose the thing that I have found most enjoyable about working on this project has been getting to know the people who have called Laverton home – their warmth, vitality and absolute willingness to get in there and make things happen is what stands out for me”.
The exhibit is free and will be open to the public at 44 Woods Street, Laverton, noon-3pm on Saturday 9 May, Thursday 14 May, Saturday 16 May and Thursday 21 May.
Magical, mystical vibe to Watson’s new album
Point Cook singer-songwriter Ashleigh Watson released her debut album, Huntress, on Friday 1 May.
The album follows three single releases, Charlie Brown, Is He Looking At Me and Take Me To The Water.
More than a decade in the making, Watson described the record as being retro soul with “a bit of a magical, mystical vibe.”
“It feels like such an accomplishment to finally have the finished product after many years of hard work,” Watson said.
“Having an album out realises a lifelong dream of mine, and I am excited for listeners to hear my unique sound.”
From first performing in her school years and joining the renowned girl band Sweethearts’ at 14, she developed a passion for Motown and Soul.
Internationally award-winning produc-
be spent on road reconstruction across the municipality.
The Soldier’s Reserve pavilion upgrade in Werribee ($5.5 million) and the Fortitude Drive Reserve master plan implementation ($4.9 million) were winners on the recreational facility front.
The draft budget also proposes to increase the cost of kerbside waste services by $25.20 per year.
Cr Gilligan was the only councillor to oppose passing the draft budget because it didn’t include more capital works funding for projects such as the proposed $128.8 million Riverdale aquatic centre in Tarneit.
“We have walked away from ambition,”
Cr Gilligan said.
“For a community that deserves better, that should get more, but requires leadership from council to accept that norms are not appropriate in the context of the pressure and growth we have.”
Cr Larry Zhao was absent from the meeting, having decided to boycott the meeting due to mayor Preet Singh continuing to chair the meeting after the previous day’s unanimous vote of no confidence against him.
The draft budget will go out for community consultation shortly, with the final budget to be voted on at the 23 June council meeting.
Have your say Point Cook Road Upgrade
Planning is underway for a future upgrade of Point Cook Road, between Jamieson Way and Dunnings Road in Point Cook, to improve safety, and increase road capacity to cater for population growth.
We want to hear from you. We want to know what improvements you think we should consider in our planning for the upgrade. You can have your say in person or online.
In Person
er Michael Cristiano has been right by her side during the whole process, helping her sound come alive.
All three of her lead releases have surpassed 100,000 streams on Spotify, another highlight in the leadup to the album release. Watson has performed at top international festivals such as Porretta Soul Festival in Italy, and Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland.
She has also performed and collaborated with acts like All Star, Bamboozle, and The New Originals.
To add to the list, she was a session vocalist on The Voice Australia and X-Factor, and her single ‘Little Love’ featured in ABC TV’s Harrow
‘Huntress’ is available across all streaming platforms, while vinyl and CD copies of ‘Huntress’ are also available via elasticStage.
Saturday 2 May, 10am to 3pm
Sanctuary Lakes Shopping Centre food court, 300 Point Cook Road, Point Cook
Online
By Sunday 10 May, 2026
Scan the QR code or visit engage.vic.gov.au/pcru
The upgrade is currently in the planning phase, and our work will be used to inform government decisions on future funding. We expect our initial planning work will be complete in early 2027.
bigbuild.vic.gov.au/roads 1800 105 105 (call anytime)
For languages other than English please call 9209
Alan Young and Bronwen Gray are doing an exhibition of local history. (Damjan Janevski) 549168_01
Ashleigh Watson has released her debut album Huntress. (Damjan Janevski) 550060_02
Cash for schools, health
By Jaidyn Kennedy
Wyndham will receive a significant funding for a hospital boost and new schools in the 2026-27statebudget.
On Tuesday 5 May, Treasurer Jacyln Symes handed down the budget, which includes $95 million to open Werribee Mercy Hospital’s upgraded emergency department.
Set to open later this year, the expansion involves doubling the current department’s capacity and the creation of dedicated mental health, substance use treatment, paediatric and short-stay care spaces.
A new high school in Wyndham
Vale, known in the interim as Wollahra Secondary College and scheduled to open in 2028, will share in $761.8 million allocated for new and growing schools.
The budget also included $104 million for acquiring land for future schools in growth areas including Wyndham.
Additional stages to Homestead Senior Secondary College in Point Cook are expected to be delivered through this budget.
The government has also allocated $25.4 million for targeted works at government schools, including Cambridge Primary School in Hoppers Crossing and Manor Lakes P-12 College.
The Wyndham Law Courts will re-
ceive $7 million to fund more police prosecutions to speed up case hearings.
On the rail front, $14.8 million will be used to boost capacity on the Wyndham Vale rail line, adding longer nine-car trains during peak times.
Thesenine-cartrainswillhaveupto50 per cent more capacity than the current six-car trains.
Someofthe25newX’Trapolis2.0trains the government is rolling out will help increase services on the Werribee line.
Little River Station will be among several stations to share in $2 million for installing CCTV cameras.
Notably, no additional funds have been committed to electrifying the Wyn-
Two decades of service to Little Aths lauded
Steve Ryan has received the 2026 Little AthleticsOfficialoftheYearAward.
Mr Ryan began his service at Werribee Little Athletics and has now more than twodecadesofserviceattheregion,state and national level.
Mr Ryan is known for stepping into roles at short notice, regularly mentoring new officials, building their confidenceandunderstandingofrulesand procedures.
In the 2024–25 season, he officiated at Region Cross Country, State Cross Country, State Combined Events, Region Relays, State Relays, Region Track &
Field, State Track & Field and ALAC.
He said he was “extremely proud” to be recognised, but the award was bigger than himself.
“The award speaks more about the people who have encouraged and supported me throughout the years,” he said.
“While it is great to recognise contributions, what really keeps me going is the officials we work with and the community we build as a team.
He asked whether or not he had a mentoring philosophy, to which he responded it was important keep re-
sources flowing in order to allow people thechancetotakeonnewrolesandgrow.
“Taking on any role can be daunting but with the right level of mentoring the fear of learning something new or different can be eliminated.
“Mentoring is extremely important anddemonstratesthatsupportisthereto encourageanddevelopanyonewillingto have a go.”
True to form, Mr Ryan emphasised it wasnotjustabouthimselfbutthegreater project.
“It’s a win for the individual and a bigger win for the organisation.”
dham Vale line and several of Wyndham council’s advocacy focuses have not been met. Nonewfundinghasbeenpledgedto upgrade Werribee station or put towards advancing planning on the proposed Truganina station.
The state has not committed any new money towards duplicating Ballan Road between Bolton and Armstrong roads, duplicating sections of Sayers Road or towards the Wyndham Ring Road.
Ontherecreationalinfrastructurefront, no contribution will be made towards designingandconstructingthe$128.8million Riverdale Aquatic Centre in Tarneit.
The Growing Suburbs Fund also will not be revived in this budget.
Point Cook’s much-used Bayview Park has received an upgrade, breathing new life into one of Wyndham’s most recognisableplaygrounds.
The park, known colloquially as Pirate Ship Park, has been enhanced with refreshed lower play equipment, new swings, a climbing rope, and a sandpit.
Families can also enjoy new park furniture and a drinking fountain, while new fitness equipment helps parents and carers stay active while keeping an eye on their children.
The $401,000 upgrade has been delivered as part of Wyndham City’s annual Park Asset Renewals Program, which has invested $4.4 million over 2025-26 to rejuvenate a series of outdoor spaces across the municipality, council said.
Deputy mayor Jasmine Hill said the improvements ensure Bayview Park continues to be a destination for the community.
“With its signature pirate ship playground, Bayview Park has long been a favourite for local families, and these upgrades make it even more inviting, accessible and fun,” Cr Hill said.
“This treasure chest of upgrades ensures there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.”
Cr Susan McIntyre said these improvements not only support healthy, active lifestyles but also create places where people can come together, connect and enjoy the outdoors.
“We have great spaces in Wyndham for socialising and recreation, and council is working hard to ensure we maintain safe and accessible parks,” Cr McIntyre said.
2026 Little Athletics Official of the Year Steve Ryan. (Supplied)
Developer funds request
By Jaidyn Kennedy
Wyndham council has voted in favour of trying to use developer contributions to help fund the proposed Tarneit Indoor Recreation Facility.
The motion, raised by councillor Josh Gilligan at the 28 April meeting, suggested council adjust its advocacy platform by asking the state to release $50 million in unspent developer contributions.
The money would be taken from the Tarneit North Developer Contributions Plan.
Proposed to be built on Derrimut Road near the Tarneit Major Town Centre, the
facility is expected to include four indoor multi-use sport courts, four community program rooms, a cafe, office areas and associated amenities, including parking.
Cr Gilligan said it is projected to cost $60 million and developer contributions could cover most of the expenses.
“These negotiations were underway whilst I was in the mayoral office, however, a change in role has now meant I need an authorising environment to continue this important intergenerational work,” he said.
Cr Maria King said she thought it was a great opportunity.
“I think it is a great opportunity, I like
Keep your cat safe indoors
Wyndham’s libraries are running the Safe Cat, Safe Wildlife campaign throughout May, in partnership with Public Libraries Victoria, Zoos Victoria and the RSPCA.
The campaign focuses on education and supporting cat owners to keep their pets indoors in order to keep them safe and protect local birdlife and wildlife.
Point Cook and Manor Lakes Libraries have a life size cat enclosure on display in May which shows how cats can keep active and have fun and be safe in an enclosed space. There will also be a range of catthemed children’s activities across all Wyndham libraries to encourage responsible cat ownership.
Free-roaming pet cats can be at significant risk of harm, including wandering onto
roads, traffic accidents, injury, and eating substances that can cause disease. According to Wyndham council, approximately 46 per cent of Australian endangered animal species are found in cities and towns.
The exhibition follows a policy change made by Wyndham council late last year to extend the cat curfew from 10pm-6am to a full 24-hour containment. The 24-hour containment policy came into effect on 1 January and will include an education period, to help owners learn about how to keep their cats happy and safe at home.
Full enforcement of the new hours is not commencing until after this learning period in December. Enforcement of the current evening 10pm to 6pm curfew will remain in place during this time.
it, and I think that we really need it– our community is constantly screaming out for a facility like this,” she said.
“We see it all the time when we seek any community feedback, community consultations or surveys.
Cr Peter Maynard spoke against the idea, claiming the council won’t know how much developer contributions are left over until 2035, per officer’s advice.
Cr Mia Shaw said she would also support the plan.
“I think it doesn’t hurt to advocate for a really important project in our municipality– it is not a Wyndham City Council decision– we would be writing to ask the
minister to have a look at that.
“I think it is important to advocate for our projects.”
Cr Gilligan said it was legally viable and in the community’s best interest to request the minister repurpose existing developer contributions to deliver the facility.
“What this really is about is actually finding an opportunity to jointly work with the state in a very positive way and ultimately deliver international infrastructure through an existing amount of funds.”
The chief executive and mayor will write to the planning minister and local MPs to work towards achieving the request.
Isla, 3, takes part in the Safe Cat, Safe Wildlife campaign. (Damjan Janevski) 550492_02
Adrian Van Der Mey is a community volunteer. He discussed his connection to Wyndham with Jaidyn Kennedy.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?
I was born in western Sydney to parents who were immigrants, I was one of eight children and was the typical middle child. WelivedandgrewupnearIngleburnArmy Camp, attending school in the area. We lived in the area between 1967 to 1980. I finished high school and went into the family business of growing and selling flowers,wealsomanagedastandatSydney Flower Market. On my father’s retirement I purchased the business. I married and raised five children of my own. I moved to Melbourne in 2008 to have a lifestyle change. I married again and I worked for a privatefirmfor10yearsasasecurityofficer, I volunteered with St Johns Ambulance Service, also I volunteer as a Justice of the Peace and at Point Cook Lions Club.
What is your connection to Wyndham? I enjoy living and working in Wyndham because of the community involvement, I find the area to be pleasing and calming for me. I travel short distances to attend to my volunteer work and enjoy it. I live in the local area on a quiet street.
What is your favourite thing about the community?
The diversity of the area, with the mix of culture and food. The people are friendly and welcoming. I enjoy the outdoor spaces and short trips for outings within the area.
Where are your favourite places to spend time locally?
Weenjoyeatingoutatthelocalcommunity club and visiting the zoo, rose gardens and parks, spending time fishing in the area, also. I
with the Lions Club of Point Cook and growing my roses in my home garden to give to my friends I have in the area.
Tell us a bit about the volunteer work you do?
My volunteer work is mainly in two areas, first at the Justice of Peace at Werribee
document signing centre. I attend approximately three days a week assisting with document sighting and signing. I also assist with the Point Cook Lions Club to raise funds to assist the community, these funds are used for many and varied community projects.
Is there anything you would change about Wyndham?
I would like to see more community projects for our youth. I feel that we can assist with projects like Landcare, sport and community groups for our elderly to be more involved in day-to-day activities. We need to run more community events to raise awareness of groups that are already established in our community.
Grinningly good award
Gumboots Early Learning Werribee received its first Smiles 4 Miles award recently.
Smiles 4 Miles is an initiative of Oral Health Victoria (OHV) and is implemented locallybyIPCHealth.
The aim of the program is to improve the oral health of children and families in high-riskcommunitiesacrossVictoria.
In Wyndham, 34.6 per cent of children in the age group 3– 5 years and 55.8 per cent of 6-year- olds have at least one decayed, missing or filled tooth, according to IPC Health.
This is Gumboots Early Learning Werribee’s first time achieving the award since joining the program in 2025 with IPC Health’ssupport.
IPCHealthgeneralmanagerofoperations andclinicalcareJasonHodgecongratulated everyoneinvolvedwiththeaward.
“By embedding this approach, Gumboots
Early Learning Werribee is equipping children and families with the knowledge and habits needed for lifelong oral health andoverallwellbeing.”
“This partnership demonstrates how prioritising education, preventative practices and early intervention in oral health can lay the foundation for positive health outcomes, giving children the best possiblestartinlife.”
Gumboots Early Learning Werribee welcomedtheaward.
“We believe the Smiles 4 Miles Program is a valuable initiative that highlights our service’s strong commitment to children’s healthandwellbeing.
“Theprogramalsoempowersourteaching team to model and deliver important key messagestochildrenandfamilies.
“IPC Health has provided tremendous supportinhelpingusachievethissignificant milestone.”
enjoy spending time
Adrian Van Der Mey from Point Cook Lions Club. (Damjan Janevski) 549034_01
Jason Hodge, Emma Lamendola, Naima Gueverra, Jax, Sofija and Edie. (Supplied)
Eid al-Adha festival returns
An Eid al-Adha festival and multicultural ChandRaatmarketisreturningtoTarneit.
Chand Raat events happen across India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and other countries where Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, is celebrated. This year the four-day Eid al-Adha will be celebrated fromTuesday26MaytoSaturday30May.
Event spokesperson Hian Sultan explaineditssignificance.
“Chand Raat is one night prior to the Eid festival and we do the shopping, we celebrate with each other, we go to each other’s home and we share our food and sweets,“MrsSultansaid.
“We always celebrate this night one weekend prior to the actual Eid day and it has been a great successful event happeninginthepast.
“PeoplearemoreexcitedtowardsChand
Raatbecausealotoftheladiesandfamilies want a one-stop shop kind of market or bazaar.”
Growing on the success of the Tarneit fixture, the market will be expanding to Broadmeadowsforthefirsttimethisyear.
Ms Sultan said more than 1000 people attended the last festival in Tarneit, and sheexpectsasimilarnumberwillenjoythe festivitiesinBroadmeadows.
“Thesefestivalsareactuallyveryexciting for families because there is something for everyone.”
An open-air bazaar and festival is also being held in Tarneit at Penrose Place, 42 Wickford Road from 3pm to 9pm on Saturday 23 May with carnival rides, an animalfarmandfreeballoontwisting.
Entrytobotheventsisfreeandeveryone iswelcometoattend.
Vale Helen McGregor
The Hoppers Crossing CFA has announced the passing of long-time and beloved member Helen McGregor. On Sunday 3 May, the brigade posted to its social media pages that Ms McGregor, who had been a member of the Hoppers Crossing outfit for 25 years, died that morning. “Helen was a highly respected member of Hoppers Crossing Fire Brigade, loving wife of Malcolm and mother to Sean and David. We express our heartfelt condolences and support to her family,” the statement read.
Community Table Tennis
Free table tennis sessions are on offer to the Truganina community. Each Tuesday between 9-11am, friendly games and hit arounds will take place at the Truganina Community Centre at 1 Everton Road. All Ages and abilities are welcome to come along and no registration required. Details: 8742 8420.
FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT
Web: starweekly.com.au
Wyndham Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
Event organisers Azmat Ali and Hina Sultan. (Damjan Janevski) 546746_03
The CFA’s ‘quiet achievers’
While firefighters brave disasters, hazardous conditions and life or death call outs, there is an often unrecognised team of volunteers working behind the scenes to keep the show running.
The Werribee Fire Brigade’s non-operational team handles an array of tasks away from the frontline that keep the branch funded and functioning.
Fire equipment maintenance officer John Aidone is one of those crucial players. Inhisvolunteercapacity,MrAidonetakes care of administrative tasks and ensures thecrewcanrespondtoemergenciesatthe drop of a hat.
He said one of the most time-consuming aspects of his role is managing relationships with local businesses that have arrangements with the CFA.
“I am with what is called the Wednesday crew and we have about 100 businesses registered with us,” Mr Aidone said.
“When they register with us they provide us access details such as fobs, passwords and phone numbers.
“If there is an incident there, the firies willcomehere,pickupthekeys,lookatthe iPad so they know exactly where they are going and how to access the building.”
MrAidonehasto callandvisitbusinesses according to a set schedule.
“Once every six months, we have to go around and make sure the passwords and so forth are up-to-date,” he said.
“All businesses in Victoria must have fire equipment, there has to be fire extinguishers, fire blankets and hose reels. They have to be serviced every six months by law.
“We have about 300-400 customers on our books, so obviously we don’t do them all every six months, we split it across six months.
The brigade itself does not perform the servicing of equipment, but ensures the jobs are directed to the appropriate contractors.
“Every month, I will get a list of about 50 or 60 customers that have to be serviced that month, or within six months.
“I have a look at them and send them off to our contractors, now my role is to make sure that gets done in an orderly fashion and make sure they do get done.”
Mr Aidone also takes care of submitting records to the CFA head office and procuringequipmentfromotherbranches.
“All the admin stuff and the records are maintained at our head office, which is in Bendigo. It is a lot of paper work.”
As CFA members are volunteers, managing the financial side of things is crucial to keep the brigade equipped and operational.
Managing relationships with local businesses who choose to service their fire safety equipment through the CFA is one of the ways the brigade keeps that money flowing in.
“What my role is to do is try and keep existing customers on board,” Mr Aidone said.
“We need to provide equipment for our station and we will purchase things like our vehicles out there, which costs us a fair bit.
“We also do other stuff like barbecues to fundraise.
“The CFA has to compete with other contractors, but the income we make from you means that you contribute to the community – that bus out there, your income helped fund it.”
Non-operational members also help keep important spaces within the station running, such as the communications room.
In addition to his current role, Mr Aidone has been involved with other key non-operational duties.
“I used to scrub the fire hoses with other people, hang them up on the tower and when they dry take them down.”
The technical details are important, but sometimes getting a sense of the direct
Most of the firies have full-time jobs, part-time jobs or they are students and retirees– they can’t be doing everything ... they’re drained - John Aidone
impact someone’s assistance has on other people’s lives best paints the picture.
“Most of the firies have full-time jobs, part-time jobs or they are students and retirees– they can’t be doing everything,” Mr Aidone said.
“They come here at 1am, 2am ... trying to extract people from cars, burning buildings– they just haven’t got the time, and they’re drained.
“There is no way fully operational firefighterscoulddonon-operationalwork, so that is where we take that pressure off.”
Mr Aidone exemplifies that non-operational CFA volunteers come from all walks of life and bring skillsets of all descriptions to the table.
“A CFA member lives next to me and about six years ago, he asked if I would like to come to the station and help out,” Mr Aidone said.
“Icameoutofbankingfor48years–Iam 71 now, right, there is no way I am going to be a firefighter.
“But I think a lot of people don’t realise that you can be a CFA member and don’t have to be a firefighter.
“There are a lot of good people out there whodon’trealiseyoucancomehereandbe a member and do an admin role.”
When asked what he enjoys the work he does, community and camaraderie where the first things to spring to mind.
“I have come from working for major banks, and that is okay, you have a job to do. Over here, no one gets paid, but I feel like I have that sense that I am helping the community,” he said.
“If I wasn’t here, I probably wouldn’t meet anyone.”
Brigade captain Michael Wells said the firies are more than grateful to have non-operational members on their side.
“Werribee has one of the highest workloads of any branch in the state, so thoseadministrativetaskswearenotdoing when we are out need to be addressed,” Mr Wells said.
“We always see the fire trucks on the news, but [non-operational volunteers] are the ones making sure our training is being organised and that we are not wanting for anything.
“There they are the quiet achievers.
“We are doing on average three or four calls a day– which is busy.”
Mr Aidone’s message for anyone who wants to help out but doesn’t know how it is pretty simple.
“Come and see us, you don’t have to be trained as a firefighter.”
There is more to fighting fires than meets the eye, as Jaidyn Kennedy discovered when he caught a glimpse of the Werribee Fire Brigade’s non-operational side.
John Aidone helps look after the administrative tasks that keep Werribee CFA running (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 548929_06
In search of a better life
Star News reporter Nick Sinis delves into his family history of Greek migration during the 1960s and how the Greeks have vastly shaped the identity and culture of Melbourne. e.
Villagers with little hope of providing a real future for their children ... this was the stark reality that my dad’s parentsfaced.
Like many Greeks during the post-World WarTwoperiod,theyfacedseverehardships forcingmanytoseekanewlifeabroad.
With four young children living in rural Nafpaktos, my pappoús Vasilios and yiayiá MariaSinismadethelife-changingdecision totakethatgiantleapinthehopesoffinding abetterlife.
But let’s take a quick look at 20th-century Greece and some of the events that shaped it to give some context on just how hard life wasformuchofitspopulation.
My dad’s parents were born during the 1920s and experienced both the Second World War, in which Italy and Germany would invade and occupy Greece, as well as a civil war before WWII had barely concluded.
Greece was already a struggling country with limited industry or infrastructure compared to its European neighbours. The Germans wiped out what industry they had and committed many atrocities against the population.
After speaking with my dad and relatives, thedecisiontocometoAustraliawasoneof absolutenecessity.
Like many Greeks who came to Australia duringthatperiod,myfamilyfirstsettledin Richmond with my grandparents quickly taking up any job opportunities at the time, especially in manufacturing which was still amajorindustrybackthen.
While they initially faced racism and discrimination from the ‘Aussies’, much of Greekculturehasbecomedeeplyembedded inMelbourne’sidentity.
Theyworkedhard,didthejobsnooneelse wantedtodoanddeeplyvaluededucation.
The words that stick with me are that education was key to escape poverty for my grandfather, something that many of us nowtakeforgranted.
But not only did he want his children to haveabetterlife,hewasdirectlyresponsible for sponsoring more than a dozen of his relativesandextendedfamilyaswell.
I’ve been told that in their tiny house off
Wellington Street in Richmond, there were at times almost 10 to 15 people staying with them,afamilyofsixalready.
And what makes it even more admirable, my grandfather specifically sponsored women from his village and surrounds in Famila; women who would have had almost no chance of any sort of education, job opportunities or even marriage, as the dowry system was still common in Greece atthattime.
Many of them quickly married after arriving, had their own children and lived good lives, some of whom we’ve fortunately reconnectedwithinrecentyears.
Therippleeffectalsomeanttheserelatives were able to sponsor more Greeks to come. Who knows how many families and their descendants could trace their migration journeythankstomygrandfather.
With the influx of Greeks over those decades, Melbourne’s Greek community has been considered to be the largest outsideofGreece.
Theirinfluenceismarkedacrossthestate, from Orthodox churches, souvlaki bars and taverns, festivals, sport, our amazing cuisineandproductswithmanyGreeksalso becoming prominent figures in Australian society.
Unfortunately, I never got to meet my dad’s parents. They passed away before I hadthechance.
My grandfather always dreamed of returning to Greece, to the land that they stillownedwherehewasgraduallybuilding histypicalwogconcretemansion.Butsadly, henevergottoliveoutthosedays.
The lives of many Greeks from that generation were marred by extreme hardships, poverty and overwhelming circumstances. But they persevered, refused to be victims and most importantly gave their children and offspring a life they nevercouldhavedreamedof.
In one generation, my family went from villagers with no formal education (couple of years in primary school at best), to highly educated and exceedingly successful individuals, which is nothing short of remarkable and a testament to the opportunitiesthatAustraliaoffered.
The property comprises a partially constructed dwelling with an existing concrete slab, foundation and structural framework in place. Set on a 512m² (approx.) allotment, external works. Further construction is required to complete the dwelling, with any proposed works subject to council approval (STCA). The dwelling has a north-facing orientation. The property is situated within a residential area in proximity to parks, reserves, schools, shopping centres and public transport services, and easy access to arterial roads.
Left: Vasilios and Maria likely taken sometime during the 1970s. Top right: My grandmother loved making her own sausages. Right: The house my grandparents were building in Greece in the hopes of returning to it. Inset: Vasilios during WWII during which he served as a police officer.
From feel-good to boring
Movie buff Evan Turok is Star Weekly’s film reviewer. This month he is critiquing a movie for film lovers by film lovers and a 1984 film that left him questioning his decisions.
Project Hail Mary (M)
When the sun begins to cool off, you send Ryan Gosling into space; when the cinemascenebeginstocooloff,yousend for directing duo Chris Miller and Chris Lord.
Project Hail Mary has everything a film needs and takes it all to new intergalactic heights.
When mysterious cells are found to be eating away at the sun, the world’s governments are forced to unite their best scientists and astronauts in a race against time; their goal: to stop the sun fromcoolingbeyondthepointnecessary for human survival.
Against the odds, school teacher and former scientist Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) wakes up alone aboard the spaceship named the ‘Hail Mary’ and, with the help of a charming alien friend, must find a way to save the world and return home safely.
No matter if you are a casual fan or a movie fanatic, it’s impossible to watch this movie and not have a good time. Breath-taking visuals were abundant
in this film, from distant planets to the endless void of stars; there is no doubt this was created for film lovers by film lovers.
The mix of dramatic symphonies and uplifting comfort songs created a balance of comedic fun and devastating stakesthatfeelfeasibleinsteadofforced. There is something for everyone to enjoy in Project Hail Mary.
I had reservations about the alien at first. I wasn’t sure I would be able to find myself caring about something so inhuman, but as the faceless rock alien wasgivenmoretimetosettlein,themore I felt myself, and the people around me, treating this creature as if he was one of us. All the credit for this feat goes to the incredible acting of Gosling himself.
Gotoyourlocalcinema,sitclosetothe screen, and let the music vibrate your chair; let the comedy take the edge off; lettheheartfillyouwithemotion;andlet thebeautyofthevisualsremindyouwhy a good film is sometimes all you need.
Project Hail Mary receives 4/5 stars.
Paris, Texas (M)
Wim Wenders’ Paris, Texas is one of the highest-rated films of all time, and for the life of me I can’t work out why.
Made with a modest budget of $1.7 million, the 1984 independent film follows Travis Henderson (Harry Dean Stanton), who is found stumbling around in the Texas desert unable to speak.
The film quickly takes a jarring left turn, becoming the story of a shy, but completely capable, Travis reuniting his estranged son with the boy’s long-lost mother.
With such high praise thrown at this film, I expected to be invested; you’d have more of a chance of making a pyramid out of marbles than getting the average viewer engaged in all two and a half methodical hours. It’s never a good sign when you know exactly what part of a long film you would leave on the cutting room floor had you been in charge.
Paris, Texas started off strong and brought me back at the very end, but
don’t be fooled by the bittersweet ending; the hour and a half of plateaued plot isn’t worth the reward.
At its very core, film is meant to be entertainment; Paris, Texas committed the ultimate sin: it. was. boring. I can look past bad acting in other films, and I can excuse shaky writing, but at the end of the day, what was the point of watching a movie if all you want by the endofitisahaircutandwhatfeltlikethe last three months of your life back?
I’ll be the first to tell you this is a pretty-looking film; the neon lights, complemented with the beauty of the Texas landscape, are given a spotlight, especially since the film is so thin with dialogue. Unfortunately, my neck is still sore from the whiplash of such an aggressive change of pace, and the slow, contemplative shot wears thin very quickly.
There is no doubt there was a vision here; it’s just not a vision I can get behind.
I give Paris, Texas 2/5.
Evan Turok. (Damjan Janevski) 545799_04
CDS VIC ‘million cents’ competition returns for 2026
Here’s another chance for Victorians to turn their recycling into real cash, with Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic)WinAMillionCentscompetitionback for a second year.
Running from 4 May to 14 June, 2026, the competition offers five chances to win $10,000cash-or‘onemillioncents’-simply by returning eligible drink containers through the scheme.
Like last year, one of the five lucky winners will score a bonus $10,000 to donate to a registered CDS Vic charity, school, or community group of their choice.
ThecompetitionrewardsVictorianswith one entry for every 50 eligible containers they return in a single transaction, whether they keep the refund or donate it to a CDS Vic charity partner.
Last year’s winners returned containers in Geelong, Gippsland, Wodonga and Melbourne suburbs of Bayswater and Macleod, with the donation prize awarded toOurHavenWildlifeShelterinGippsland.
When Our Haven’s Theresa Matthews received a phone call letting her know she had won $10,000, she was moved to tears.
“It really meant the world to us because there’s lots of animals out there that need help, and it’s not always easy,”she said.
“We have 25 joeys on bottles – it’s like having 25 babies!”
Matt Davis, CEO of scheme coordinator VicReturn, said the Win A Million Cents competition rewards Victorians for recycling while helping ease cost-of-living pressures.
“Victorians are embracing CDS Vic not only to build a more sustainable future, but because it puts money back in their pockets.Those10-centrefundscanquickly add up,” Mr Davis said.
“At a time when households are looking for ways to stretch their budgets, the Win A Million Cents competition is a great incentive for even more people to get involved in CDS Vic.
“This competition takes that a step further, with five chances to take home $10,000. With cost-of-living pressures at
front of mind for a lot of Victorians, the prizemoney could make a real difference.
“Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme is transforming the way we recycle, keeping billions of containers out of landfill while supporting families with everyday expenses like groceries and bills.”
To date, more than 3 billion containers have been returned through CDS Vic,
putting over $300 million back into pockets of Victorians.
The competition is open to Victorian residents only. Entry details, terms and conditions, and the entry form are available at winamillioncents.com.au.
Find your nearest CDS Vic refund point at: cdsvic.org.au
Main: Our Haven Wildlife Shelter’s Theresa Matthews feeds a joey. Inset: 2025 Win A Million Cents charity winners, Tony and Theresa Matthews, of Our Haven Wildlife Shelter. (Pictures: Supplied)
FROM THE ARCHIVES
Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors
40 years ago
7 May, 1986
Werribee’s public meeting on toxic waste was a vote of no confidence in the Board of Works and the State Government.
30 years ago
8 May, 1996
A fire at a medical waste incinerator plant in Laverton North has revealed major safety defects, a Metropolitan FireBrigadecrewmemberclaims.
20 years ago
3 May, 2006
Acontroversialresidentialdevelopment maygoaheadonformerRAAFLaverton after a decision at night’s meeting of WyndhamCouncil.
10 years ago
4 May, 2016
Roads, parks and sporting reserves will get the lion’s share of Wyndham council’s $103.2 million capital works spending in 2016-17, draft budget papersreveal.
Faces of the west
Each week Star Weekly photographers are out and about capturing events and people across the western suburbs.
FEATURING ... SENIORS
Assumptions that annoy seniors
National Seniors Australia (NSA) has released research into the annoying and contradictory assumptions made about olderpeople.
More than 2000 people aged 50 plus shared their views on assumptions that annoy them about older people’s bodies, brains,values,lifestyles,andmore.
Some people objected to the stereotypes of older people as frail and incapable, bad with technology, resentful of change, or unabletocontributetosociety.
Such assumptions were countered with commentsaboutolderpeople’s“enormous unpaid contribution to society and economy”, the fact they “still want to be a punk rocker”, or their “lifelong history of protest”.
Other people objected to the counter-stereotypes that older people are all fit, technology savvy, and excited about change.
NSA head of research Dr Diane Hosking said the research reinforces older people are extremely diverse and while some are sharperandfitterthanever,othersdoneed supportandconsideration.
“The research shows how ridiculous it is to make assumptions about people based onage,”DrHoskingsaid.
Objections to assumptions about Baby Boomers were common as well. Such assumptions include the contradictory ideas that Baby Boomers hoard wealth or are conversely a “drain on the public purse”.
Myly Nguyen. (Damjan Janevski) 548538_05
Michelle and Felix Tripodi. (Damjan Janevski) 547190_06
Friends of Braybrook Park’s Shohre Mansouri, Jo Schloss, Janet McAlister and Lucy Cuzzupe. (Damjan Janevski) 548127_04
Wyndham Central College students Tyler, Elma and Tahlia (above), Madison, Miyah, Tereza and Willow (above left), and Julien, Sheiler and Julia (left). (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 548679_02 / 548679_03 / 548679_04
Lifestyle Communities are more than just a place to live
Whenpeoplethinkaboutmoving,theyoften focusonthehomeitself–howbigitis,what it looks like, and where it’s located. But for manypeopleover50,there’ssomethingelse thatmattersjustasmuch:thepeoplearound you.
Life naturally changes over time. Children grow up and move out, work becomes less central, and long time neighbours may no longer live close by.
What many people begin to notice isn’t a lack of space, but a quiet absence of connection in their day to day lives.
That’s where the idea of community begins to play a bigger role.
At Lifestyle Communities, this shift has been front of mind, recognising that for many over 50s, where you live isn’t just about the home you return to each day, but the sense of belonging that comes with it.
Community living isn’t about full calendars or organised activities.
More often, it’s the simple, everyday moments that make the difference:recognisingfamiliarfacesona morningwalk,stoppingforafriendlychat over coffee, or knowing there are people nearby who are at a similar stage of life.
These small interactions can quietly build into something meaningful over time.
They create a sense of comfort, ease and reassurance, not because support is scheduled, but because it’s naturally there.
This way of living reflects a broader change in how people think about home after 50.
It’s less about having more, and more about living well. Less about space for its own sake, and more about feeling
connected, supported and at ease in everyday life.
Lifestyle Communities is built around this idea, with communities thoughtfully designed to encourage genuine connection – where privacy is respected, but community is always close by.
Because at the end of the day, a home is more than four walls and a roof. It’s the feeling of belonging that comes with it, and the people who help make it feel like home.
For those curious to see what community living looks like locally, Lifestyle Communities operates over 50s communities across Victoria, including Lifestyle Communities Seasons, located at 13 Sundial Boulevard,Tarneit.
Make genuine connections at Lifestyle Communities. (Pictures: Supplied)
The extraordinary contributions of older Victorians will be celebrated at the 2026 VictorianSenioroftheYearAwards.
Nominations for the 2026 awards are now open, with Victorians encouraged to nominate seniors who are making a real differenceintheircommunities.
For more than 30 years, these awards haverecognisedthelastingimpactofolder Victorians, from mentoring young people and supporting Victorians experiencing disadvantage, to promoting social connection.
Last year’s Victorian Senior of the Year, Patrick Templeton, was honoured for his work supporting disadvantaged young people through community outreach programs.
Other recipients were recognised for backing road safety programs, strengthening social cohesion and spreading awareness about reconciliation andsustainability.
Across the west, three locals were recognisedaspartofthe2025awards.
Point Cook’s Pradeep Kanthan received Council on the Ageing Award for his volunteer and advocacy work, while Sunbury’s Lesley McCarthy received the Council on the Ageing Award for her passionforvolunteering.
Broadmeadows’ Aunty Jo Russell was awarded the Emerging Impact Award for her work inspiring her community to learnaboutCountrywithcompassionand generosity.
There are six categories of awards in 2026, including the Premier’s Award for Victorian Senior of the Year , the Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria Senior Achiever Award and awards for positive ageing, emerging impact, promotion
of multiculturalism and service to the veterancommunity.
“Older Victorians play a vital role in keepingourcommunitiesstrong,safeand inclusive – these awards recognise the difference they make every day,” Minister
forAgeingIngridStittsaid. “IfyouknowaseniorVictorianwhogoes above and beyond for their community, now is the time to nominate them so we cancelebratetheircontributions.”
Nominations close on 19 May and the
winners will be announced in October as part of the annual Victorian Seniors Festival.
To find out more and make a nomination, go to: seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/awards.
Left: Point Cook’s Pradeep Kanthan was recognised at the 2025 awards. (Damjan Janevski) 513768_04 Right: Aunty Jo Russell receiving her award in 2025 (top), and fellow award recipient Lesley McCarthy. (Pictures: Supplied)
Discarded on the dump
In December 1949, 12-year-old Ivan Lawson, scrounging in the Footscray rubbish tip for bike parts, got the shock of his life when he found a woman’s body 200 yards behind the Hume Steel Works. In tears, the boy raced home to tell his father, who immediately notified the police.Thiswasthepenultimatedayofthe yearandthefourthmurderofthatweekin Melbourne.
The badly battered deceased was Maisie Marsh, nee Oakley, of no fixed place of abode, 26 years old but looking twice her age. Her jacket, dress and underwear had been ripped, and nearby lay a length of bloodstained timber.
The back of Maisie’s head had been crushed, and her throat slashed several times.Therewasafiveinchgashacrossher throat and a broken razor was embedded in the wound. Newspapers had been wrapped around her neck to prevent the blood from leaking, presumably over the killer and/or his car.
Detectives had no doubt that Maisie’s last journey had been in a car, and initiallyitwastheorisedthatshehadbeen murdered inside a motor vehicle before being discarded in Footscray. A car could havebeendrivenonthetrackfromDynon Road or from the New Footscray Road end of the dump. Because the body was found wherethepilesofrefusewerelargest,thus affording some privacy, they believed that she had met her death at the Dynon Road end.
Police found the cabby who’d picked up Maisie, accompanied by a foreign gentleman, outside the Menzies Hotel that morning, He had driven them to New Footscray Road, where they had alighted near the docks. Maisie had suggested to her companion that they enjoy a stroll in the unsavoury Dudley Flats, near which were piles of garbage from the Dynon Road factories. The couple walked off in the direction of the tip. If the cabby had been at all curious about this unusual pair,- the man was Jamaican – he made no indication of it. He had collected his cash and driven off in search of other fares in the busy pre-new year period.
Apart from their differences in age and colour, the couple’s relationship was somewhat unusual. Oscar Skyers, a crew member on the interstate freighter, SS Amicus, had first met Maisie five months previously in Little Bourke Street. Since
then, they had met up at various ports, with Skyers smuggling his girlfriend on board to enjoy several free trips. She had always displayed an enthusiastic interest in him, not, as he would have preferred, for his dashing good looks, but for the plump wallet he carried in his pocket. Somewhere along one of their clandestine voyages, he had paid her generously for services rendered, only to discover that shehadalsopickedhispocketofthethirty pounds which he’d saved for his brother’s widow.
Sadly, Oscar had no immediate opportunity to tackle Maisie with her
treachery. Someone, resentful of his shipmate’s onboard capers, had informed the captain that an unauthorised passenger was plying her trade on the Amicus. Maisie was unceremoniously shown the gangway and left to make her ownwaybacktoMelbourneonterrafirma.
But now, reunited with his beloved, in the unromantic environs of Dudley Flats, Skyers challenged Maisie with the theft of his hard earned money during their last timetogether.Sheadmittedit,addingthat she had handed it all to “her man”. Given the nature of the transaction, the fact that she was separated from her husband
and that she spent a lot of time around the Melbourne docks, it would appear that she referred to a pimp, if one existed. Skyers called her a cheat and a thief. Taking exception to his manner, Maisie wrenched off a shoe and gave Skyers a good whacking for his insolence whilst taunting him for his naivety.
Skyers lost control, seized the length of wood and wielded it savagely. Then, horrified by what he had done, he hurried away and caught a train to New South Wales.
Maisie was identified by fingerprints. Twenty five detectives searched the docks and questioned people in the vicinity, whilst the Special Branch guarded the docks on the lookout for a coloured seaman.
At dawn on New Year’s Eve, police from Footscray and homicide did a sweep from Williamstown to Spencer Street bridge, accompanied by photographers and fingerprint experts.
The post mortem was performed by Assistant Government Pathologist, Dr Flemming, who found that Maisie had diedofmultipleblowstotheheadandthat her throat had been cut after death.
Skyers was arrested in Newcastle and taken to Sydney. Unlike most homicide suspects, he was so well behaved that he didn’t need handcuffs for his extradition.
On 4 January, 1950, Oscar Skyers, aged 51,married,Jamaican-bornbutresidentof Cardiff, Wales, was remanded at the City Court until 10 January after being refused bail.
Spectators in court included Maisie’s estranged husband, Leo March, of Forbes, New South Wales. The court learned that the couple had two children, aged six and four years, who lived with their father. MaisiewasoftenseenneartheMelbourne docks, presumably touting for business, and had reverted to her maiden name, Oakley, for some years. What had led to their separation, whether drug or alcohol addiction, infidelity, mental illness or domestic violence, is not known.
Skyersresolutelydeniedusingtherazor, admitting only to hitting Maisie with a length of timber.
Why?
“She insulted me. She thought because I’m black, I’m a fool and that’s why she took my money.” Then he wept, “I loved her. I lost my temper.”
Evidence was given that the accused was illiterate and that he suffered mild brain damage from a World War I injury that impaired his judgment.
On 22 February, 1950, Skyers was acquitted of murder and found guilty of manslaughter. After serving his sentence of eight years’ jail, he was deported.
PUZZLES
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
1 Egyptian solar deity (5)
4 Learning; erudition (9) 9 Slavic language (7)
10 African nation bordering the Mediterranean (7)
11 Dutch city (9) 12 Japanese dish (5) 13 Biological blueprint (1,1,1) 14 Excessive grief (11)
16 Question (11)
19 Minor falsehood (3)
21 File (5)
23 Sandwich meat (9)
25 Scholarly (7) 26 Breach of law (7)
27 Therapy (9) 28 Clip (5)
1 Top US university (7) 2 Impervious (9) 3 Seasoning (5) 4 Realm (7) 5 Former Turkish empire (7) 6 Visible features of an area (9)
CDs (5) 8 Avoidance (7)
Thief (9)
Pull (9) 16 Investigation into an unexplained death (7) 17 Indecent (7)
18 Plane hub (7)
20 Cause of annoyance (7)
22 Dodge (5)
24 Puts through a sieve (5)
3 LETTERS
5 LETTERS ABETS AIDES ALIEN
Today’s Aim:
19 words: Good 29 words: Very good 39 words: Excellent
Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”. S R D U E Y L S A
uses, yule
Who is often referred to as the Queen of Soul? 2 Does the Greek alphabet have more or less letters than the English alphabet?
3 The majority of the world's vanilla is produced in which Indian Ocean island country?
4 Alexander Skarsgård (pictured) plays the titular character in which sci-fi TV series based on books by Martha Wells?
5 ‘Business in the front, party in the back’ is a colloquial description of which haircut?
6 What is the only stadium in the world to have hosted the Olympic games more than once?
7 The Gulf of St. Lawrence is located in which country?
8 The sport borden ball is also known as what?
9 What colour is the roughlytextured rind of a lychee fruit?
10 Wagashi is a traditional confection of which country?
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
Community Breakfast Program
Life Community Kitchen and Dianella Community Centre are coming to together provide breakfast on Wednesdays and Fridays. The program is free and runs 89.30am.
dianellacc@wyndham.vic.gov.au
Rotary Bingo
Werribee Rotary hosts its weekly community bingo event on Monday evenings at the Italian Sports Club of Werribee. There are cash prizes and proceeds go to worthy causes that Rotary supports. 6.30pm arrival time. secretary@werribeerotary.org.au
Crafties at Iramoo
The Crafties meet at Iramoo Community Centre every Wednesday between 12-2pm and put their knitting and crocheting skills to use. The crew make items for themselves and participate in charitable causes.
8742 3688
Community Kitchen
Wyndham-based not for profit group Pulse with Purpose sells delicious meals each Tuesday 10am-5pm at the Dianella Community Centre in Tarneit. Each purchase helps provide free meals to families in need. Meals are by pre-order, the menu is typically updated every Sunday. bpulsewithpurpose@gmail.com
Wyndham Turkish Coffee Club
A place for older Turkish and Cypriot Turkish migrant women in Wyndham to gather, connect, learn and advocate for one another over coffee. Anyone is welcome to join the group at the Wyndham Park Community Centre from 1-2pm on the first Tuesday of each month.
Lutfiye, 0474 533 923
Wyndham Makers and Farmers Market
This market serves as a hub for talented artisans and small businesses to display their unique creations, connect with fellow entrepreneurs, and take their ventures to new heights. Food trucks, live music and children’s activities are regular staples. Runs on the third Sunday of every month at Werribee Racecourse. Gold coin entry.
Beginners’ Code Club
Code Club is for 8-14 year-olds and will cover the very basics of coding. Attendees can book into the whole term’s sessions. Each lesson builds on previously learnt skills and is designed to support beginner coding learners. Runs on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month from 3.30- 4.30pm. CodeClub@wyndham.vic.gov.au or 8734 8999
Altona VIEW Club
Altona VIEW is a not-for-profit club that welcomes ladies from the Wyndham, Hobsons Bay and other areas to join in for lunch the third Wednesday of each month, at 11am at the Altona RSL. Come along and enjoy the speakers each month. Other outings are arranged and it is a great opportunity to make new friends. Contact altonaview@gmail.com or Julie, 0421 315 846
The Creative Corner
A program to create an inclusive environment for young people from different schools to come together and learn new skills and ways to be creative. The program will aim to teach a variety of different skills and allow young people to create projects with different mediums each week.
Meets every Monday from 3.30-5.30pm at the Youth Services Centre, 1 Everton Road, Truganina.
Jordyn Griffiths, YouthInWyndham@ wyndham.vic.gov.au
Soulful Spreads Community Cafe
Soulful Spreads is a purpose-driven social enterprise based in Tarneit that looks to create meaningful work and training opportunities for women and young people with disabilities. Come meet for a meal and support inclusion, empowerment and connection. Meets 8.30am-12pm every Monday and Thursday at the Tarneit Community Learning Centre. info@soulfulspreads.com
National seniors meeting
On the first Wednesday of every month at 1.30pm, the metro west branch of national seniors meets at the Deer Park Club, with meals available to purchase. The group also holds lunches on different Fridays each month, as well as activities such as theatre visits, bus trips and more. 0425 713 004, or lesley1.collins@ outlook.com
Lizzy Bizzy Food Swaps
Come along to the Manor Lakes Community Centre to exchange excess homegrown food. From vegetables, fruits, eggs to seeds and oils, members of the community are encouraged to participate and help reduce food waste. Runs between 10am-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
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
Wyndham Probus Club
A social club for retired or semi-retired people. There is a broad range of social activities to suit all interests such as lunches and brunches each month, day trips, theatre outings and longer trips away. Hear interesting speakers and make new friendships. The group meets on the second Tuesday of each month at Iramoo Community Centre, Honour Ave, Wyndham Vale. Meetings commence at 1pm. Kaye Angel, 0407 551 694, or wcpc1306@gmail.com
Point Cook Combined Probus Club Retired or semi-retired people are invited to join this active social group. Enjoy an impressive and interesting monthly guest speaker. Interesting monthly outings, and fortnightly lunches where the development of friendships are encouraged. The Point Cook Combined Probus Club meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 10 am at The Brook Point Cook, 215 Sneydes
Road, Point Cook. John Sloan, 0436 480 728 or sloanrisk@ gmail.com
Lions Club
The Lions Club of Point Cook meets at the Featherbrook Community Centre on the third Monday of the month at 7.30 pm. The club is seeking to grow the Lions free vision screening in schools team. Volunteers needed to work with the region’s schools in combating undiagnosed children’s vision issues. You do not have to be a Lions member but must obtain a working with children check.
Robert Eyton, 0417 549 684, or robeyton@bigpond.com
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
Bingo for all
The Werribee RSL hosts Bingo every Monday between 12.30-2.30pm. 9741 5525
Werribee River Association
New volunteers to support Landcare work along the Werribee River. A great way to give back, get outdoors and work at your own pace.
admin@werribeeriver.org.au, or www. werribeeriver.org.au
This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of St Albans Tin Shed manager Tamara Carr. The organisation is calling for sleeping bag and winter apparel donations. (Damjan Janevski) 549182_01
Africa’s Got Talent returns
Get ready for a night of rhyme, rhythm and raw talent as Africa’s Got Talent returns to Brimbank for its seventh year.
The talent show, hosted by Africa Day Australia (ADA), will showcase the creativity and skill of young performers aged between 13 to 25 within the African Australian community.
ADA president Qiniso Dube said the show provides a great opportunity for exposure.
“It gives them hope and keeps them interested,” he said.
Performers range from singers and
dancers to musicians and poets.
“We are always open to anyone within the creative space,” Mr Dube said.
On the night, judges will adjudicate the performances and award the top three spots of the competition.
“We try as much as we can when it comes to judges to have someone in the industry. That way they can pass on that knowledge,” Mr Dube said.
The talent show’s 2024 winner, Wanwue Tarpeh, made it into the top 10 of the most recent Australian Idol season.
Mr Dube said the ADA team is proud
to have been part of her journey.
“Those kinds of success stories for me mean a lot,” he said.
Head to the Mount this May for a dramedy
The Mount Player’s second show of the year is about to debut.
Mr Bailey’s Minder, a dramatic comedy by Debra Oswald, is set to open on 8 May.
Leo Bailey, an abusive, cantankerous and boozed burnout, is said to be one of Australia’s national treasures. A gifted painter and chronic alcoholic, he can no longer take care of himself.
His resentful daughter Margo has been through a succession of minders, until Therese comes along, fresh out of jail and
Where
Africa’s Got Talent, supported by Brimbank council, will run from 6-9pm on Saturday 16 May at Bowery Theatre, 33 Princess Street, St Albans.
Parental guidance is recommended for attendees under 16.
“This is real talent that we have,” Mr Dube said.
“We encourage young people to connect afterwards. Who knows what collaborations will come out of there.”
Details: creativebrimbank.com.au
Enjoy an evening with Steve Kilbey in Yarraville
Better known as the bass playing front man for Australian music luminaries, The Church, Steve Kilbey will be replacing four strings with 12 when he plays a solo show at Kindred Bandroom on Tuesday 14 May.
The show is part of a run of Victorian dates that Kilbey will play early next month, offering the rare chance to see one of the country’s most revered songwriters in an intimate setting armed with nothing more than a guitar, his signature voice and catalogue of songs drawn from 26 albums with The Church and 14 solo records.
determined to make a go of her limited options.
Mr Bailey’s Minder is a tough, funny but big-hearted play. It’s about shame and judgement, about who deserves to be loved and forgiven. It looks at how people exploit each other and where they find the beauty; and the qualities of transcendence, letting go and forgiveness.
Mr Bailey’s Minder is showing at the Mountview Theatre in Macedon for a limited run from Friday 8 May until Sunday
24 May.
Shows will be held across Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, with matinee and evening performances held on the weekend.
Ticketcostsare$30-$35,whichincludes a complimentary sherry on arrival, as well as a tea or coffee during interval. The bar will be open to purchase drinks before and after the show, and during interval.
Details and tickets: themountplayers. com
is that Green Sheep? Find out at Wyndham Cultural Centre
A beloved children’s book is set to come to life in Werribee this month.
Where is the Green Sheep? is an immersive visual theatre experience based on the book by Mem Fox and Judy Horacek and will be performed at the Wyndham Cultural Centre on Tuesday 19 May.
Blending puppetry and animation, this beautiful production invites young audiences to join our three farmers on their quest to find the elusive green sheep.
You will meet Blue Sheep who loves blue flowers and Red Sheep who loves to cart-
wheel in the fields, Bath Sheep who loves bubblesandBedSheepwholovestobounce ... but where will you see that Green Sheep?
Co-created with students from Bankstown West Public School, this production integrates their voices as narrators, ensuring the work resonates deeply with young audiences.
The production will be delivered by the Monkey Baa Theatre Company whose mission is to ensure that more young people have access to inspirational Australian stories, helping them navigate and shape their
own worlds.
This production contains the use of a mini smoke fog machine that is used twice in the performance creating a small amount of smoke.
The show will run 10.30-11.15am, can be viewed by anyone who wants to unravel the mystery, but is best suited to audiences aged between one and six years and their families.
All tickets cost $15.
Details: https://www.wyndham.vic.gov. au/whats-on/where-green-sheep
Among the 1500 odd songs included in these and other Kilbey recordings are classics like Under the Milky Way, The Unguarded Moment and Almost With You, tracks which will undoubtedly get an airing at the Yarraville show.
Speaking in a video posted to his social media, Kilbey said there’ll be plenty more besides tracks which are still a staple of radio stations across Australia and abroad.
“I will be doing the hits the misses, the covers, the deep cuts, the shallow cuts, tall tales and true from my legendary past, me and my 12 string guitar can’t wait to see all of you, any of you,” Kilbey said, adding that after nearly half a century on stage, he’s confident of putting on a good show.
“I think it’s gonna be a good night. I think I’m getting better at this.”
Details: https://kindredstudios. com.au/
Performer Ongegu Ndubi from Africa’s Got Talent in 2025. (Samuel Muzinda)
Cast of Mr Bailey’s Minder. Pictured is Robert Wallace, Ruben Cameron, Melissa Forge and Tania Knight (Karlana Santamaria).
Steve Kilbey. (supplied)
SPORTS QUIZ
1. The 1996-1998 Chicago Bulls ‘Big Three’ consisted of Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and who?
2. McDonald Jones Stadium is the home ground of which NRL team?
3. Name either of the two AFL players who have received the most Brownlow medal votes, yet missed out due to an in-season suspension.
4. Which Premier League club recently fired their coach after only 106 days
10. Which 90s NBA star was nicknamed The Admiral?
11. Which Collingwood player had 43 disposals and scored two goals in the Anzac Day clash against Essendon?
12. And, currently the oldest active AFL player, how old is he?
What is the fourth-highest amount of points you can score with a single dart in
13. Cricket star Ellyse Perry has played what other sport for Australia?
Who is the most recent Australian to win a grand
7. Who is the most recent player to represent Australia internationally in both rugby union and rugby
Who was the first person to run a sub-two-hour marathon in a non-official
And who was the first person to run a subtwo-hour marathon in an official event?
14. Australian surfer George Pittar claimed a maiden World Surf League title with victory at what event?
15. The Black Ferns scored how many tries in their comprehensive 40-5 win over the Wallaroos on Anzac Day?
16. Which five-event competition was an early precursor to the Olympics?
17. Which F1 team won eight consecutive Constructors’ Championships from 2014 to 2021?
18. The Liège–Bastogne–Liègeis an annual one-day cycling road race that takes place in which country?
19. What is a perfect score in ten-pin bowling?
20. Australian tennis player Daria Kasatkina, whose ranking has reached as high as No.8 in the world, was born in which country?
21. Who has won more Anzac Day AFL matches –Collingwood or Essendon?
22. Iva Jovic plays tennis for which country?
23. The world record time for a marathon was recently broken during a race in which city?
24. Which NRL team did Craig Bellamy briefly coach for two games in 2002?
25. In feet and inches, how tall is NBA star Victor Wembanyama?
26. In what year will the Papua New Guinea Chiefs join the NRL competition?
27. The ARC is a review system used by which sporting league?
28. How many rounds are there in the annual NFL draft?
29. Which nation will visit Australia to play four cricket Tests in December and January?
30. And who will Australia play in two cricket Tests in Darwin and Mackay in August?
New Palisade got sexier
By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring
Releasedherein2020,Palisadeisthelargest of Hyundai’s SUVs – not counting the electricIoniq9.
Palisade is targeted at buyers of large SUVs who want a more car-like driving experience than that offered by traditional 4WDs.
It’s available in seven and eight-seat configuration, with two standalone ‘captain’s chairs’ occupying the second row intheseven-seatversion.
That leaves three people to squeeze into the split-fold third row of seats, making it more of a six-seater but six-seaters have neverdonewellinAustralia.
The Kia equivalent of Palisade is the Telluride, but unfortunately that is not available here, which is not to detract from thePalisade.
There’s not much to dislike, apart from the price. The more interesting question is whether to get one of these or the excellent Kia Carnival people mover which in top gradeisalsosumptuouslyequipped.
Styling Hyundai has just added a more budget friendlyElitegradetotherangepricedfrom $76,500.
The Calligraphy eight-seat is $89,900, while the top of the range seven-seater is $90,900 and the subject of our review – all pricesbeforeon-roadcosts.
It’s been five years since our last drove this car and Palisade has become a whole lotsexierandmorerefinedinthattime,with animpressivefaceandAmerican-styleroad presence.
Clearly, the message from Hyundai is why fork out a lot more for a Euro when you can drive home one of these babies that is optionedtothehiltandbuyasecondfamily carwiththechange.
The V6 has been replaced by a more frugal hybrid with drive on demand to all four wheels and a six-speed automatic transmissionacrosstheboard.
Launched in 2024, the current second-generation Palisade boasts a bolder look,sleekerprofileandcleanersheetmetal tocreateastrongyetluxuriousflagshipSUV.
Revised proportions include a shorter front overhang, more upright windscreen, an extended wheelbase and a lengthened rearoverhang.
An elevated bonnet flanked by vertical DRLs creates a confronting impression, with silver-coated hidden headlights featuring a grille-style graphic seamlessly tying into silver mouldings, rear lights, and roofrails–foraunifiedlook.
Standard kit includes just about anything you can think of as standard, right down to fingerprintrecognitiontostartthething.
Other goodies include a digital mirror, smart phone lock/unlocking, traffic sign recognition, auto high beam, hands-free parking, side, front and rear parking sensors, two sunroofs, electric tailgate, Nappa leather trim, heated and cooled seats, power-adjust and heated steering wheel, power-fold second and third row seats,andthree-zoneclimatecontrolair.
In fact, packed to the gills and heading down the coast for a week away with the kids, we finally found a use for the loathsome digital mirror which showed what was behind, despite the fact the rear windowwascompletelyblockedbyluggage. But it’s only good for a glance – anything more is liable to make your car sick as your eyesstruggletoadjust.
Palisade is covered by a seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty, provided you service the car with them – otherwise
it’sfiveyears.
The hybrid battery is covered for eight years/160,000km – most people do more than20,000kmayear.
Infotainment
Infotainment extends to navigation-based connected car services and incorporates advanced technologies such as biometric andvoicerecognition,allpresentedthrough anew,intuitiveuserinterface.
There’s satnav, voice control, Bluetooth which can accommodate multiple phones, AM-FM/DAB+ digital radio, plus wireless CarPlay and Android Auto and wireless phonecharging.
Bose premium audio delivers a rich, true-to-life audio experience through an externalamplifierand14speakers.
There are three USB ports in the front (1 x data, 2 x charge), two more for the second row (2 x charge) and another two for the thirdrow(2xcharge),butbearinmindthey are all USB-C, which rules out most flash drives.
There’s also 12-volt outlets in the front and rear as well as a 240-volt socket in the luggagearea.
Safety
With a five-star ANCAP safety rating, Palisade features a suite of eight airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag and a front centresideairbag.
A comprehensive suite of safety features, includes navigation-based smart cruise control, lane following assist 2, highway driving assist 2, and driver monitoring that we’re told improves ADAS accuracy and reliability.
Navigation-based cruise automatically slows the vehicle in anticipation when approachingbends.
Autonomous emergency braking (Car-to-Car,VulnerableRoadUser,Junction & Crossing, Backover and Head-On) as well as a lane support system with lane keep assist(LKA),lanedeparturewarning(LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK), and an advancedspeedassistancesystem(SAS)are standard.
The third row caters for small children with ISOFix and top-tether anchor points provided, but a supervision mirror would notgoastray.
Engines/transmissions
The 2.5-litre turbocharged hybrid powertrain is paired with a six-speed automatic and delivers 245kW of power and 460Nmoftorque.
Driving It looks big because it is big. At 5065mm it’s 70mm longer than the previous model, and at2970mmhasa70mmlongerwheelbase.
The bigger, blunter facade features an activeairflapthatcloseswhencoolingisnot
needed, reducing wind drag by up to eight percent.
The latest self-charging hybrid setup improves on the traditional transmissionmounted electric drive system with its innovativedual-motordesign.
Greater efficiency is achieved by dedicating one motor to the regeneration of energy and the other to driving the wheels, rather than using a single motor for both functions.
Enhanced regenerative braking combined with an efficient petrol engine extendsall-electricrangeandenhancedfuel efficiency, in a refined and environmentally sustainablepowertrainpackage.
And here’s one just for the parents out there. Stay Mode lets occupants remain comfortable and connected even when parked, say at the weekend sport, drawing onthehigh-capacitybatterytosafelypower the infotainment system, climate control and other features – all with the engine switchedoff
Meanwhile, you can place personal items such as your phone, wallet and keys in the centre console box, push a button and they willbesterilisedusingultravioletlight.
Wealsolikethesensorthatkeepstherear cameraclear,sprayingitwithfluidwhenthe rearwiperisoperative.
The 2.5-litre turbocharged hybrid powertrain, paired with a six-speed automatic, delivers more power and torque than either the previous 3.8-litre petrol engineorthe2.2-litreturbo-diesel.
It delivers 245kW of power and 460Nm of torque,butwithlowerfuelconsumptionata claimed6.8L/100kmonthecombinedcycle. Outstanding.
Ride and handling benefit from local tuning, with evaluation of different suspension components, including springs and anti-roll bars. This led to Aussie passive damper and steering tunes, which have beenadoptedaroundtheworld.
Multi-link rear suspension features passive self-levelling dampers to maintain reartravelwhenheavilyladen.
Noise-reduction measures include acoustic foam-lined 21-inch tyres, layered soundproofing and new, 70 percent larger acoustic cabin floor insulation, plus a new rearquarterpanelacousticpad.
A curved panoramic display incorporates two 12.3-inch digital screens, one for the infotainment display and the other for the instrumentcluster.
In addition, 12-inch head-up display projects key driving, navigation and safety information onto the lower area of the windscreen.However,tothisday,itremains almost invisible if you wear polarised sunglasses.
Moving the gear selector to the steering columnfreesupspaceinthecentreconsole that houses two cupholders, wireless
charging pad, three USB ports, fingerprint sensorandtheUVsterilisationbutton. Mountedontheright,youtwisttheendto changefromdrivetoreverseandvice-versa, which prevents accidentally selecting the wrong gear – but it can be confusing at times.
All-new Palisade features relaxation comfort seats for the first and second row, with third-row powered seats with fold and dive,slide,andreclinefunctions.Seven-seat variantsalsofeatureawalk-intiltfunction.
The driver’s seat uses air pockets for optimal fit while dynamically adjusting lateralsupportbasedondrivingconditions. While remote smart parking assist literally lets users complete perpendicular, parallel, and diagonal parking manoeuvres fromoutsidethecarusingthesmartkey.
AlthoughPalisadeisanSUVandall-wheel drive, the focus is on comfort rather than off-roadability.
Thisisavehiclethatwillhappilynegotiate rough and even muddy dirt roads and tracks,butwewouldn’tbetacklinganything morechallengingbecausethatisnotwhatit isdesignedfor.
Itdoeshowevercomewithafull-sizealloy spare, unlike the majority of hybrids which giveoverthisspacetothebatterypack.
There are three drive modes from which to choose: Custom, Eco, and Sport, but we found the latter a little sharp and happily left it in the default Eco mode which was plentyresponsive.
It’s a quiet cabin with very little engine noise unless pushed hard, but at around 2.3 tonnes it feels heavy and at times cumbersome, and the steering could do withsomeadjustmentoptions.
Itssizecanalsomakeitdifficulttopark. As well as buttons on the seats, there’s a control panel located on the left inside the back which takes some time to learn how to useproperly.
Both second and third rows slide and luggage space is abundant with the third row folded, and a cavernous 2081 litres with bothrowsstowed.
Moving the rear seats backwards and forwards for third row access is slow and theopeningcreatedisnothuge,sothethird rowisbettersuitedtochildren–twonimble adultsatbest.
The second-row passenger side seat sometimes failed to move at all and that’s the seat that needs to do all the work, becauseit’ssafertoenterfromthecurbside.
With a 72-litre tank it takes regular unleaded and has a range of more than 1000km.
After 1120km we were averaging 7.3L/100km, sometimes even lower than thisfigure.
It’sself-chargingandthe1.65kWhbattery seemstohoveraroundthe60percentmark.
Norangeanxietytobefoundhere. Oh, and Palisade has a braked towing capacity of only 2000kg, way down on the benchmark3500kg.
Summing up
If you need to put bums on seats, the Kia Carnival is a no brainer. But if you want an SUV with the option of seating seven or eight (and can afford the ticket), then the Palisadecouldfitthebill.
However, the regular doors and slow-moving power-operated rear seats make entry to the third row tedious for adults, while the Carnival with its sliding reardoorsmakesshortworkoftheprocess.
One other point to keep in mind. If you needtoseatthreeinthebacktheeight-seater is a better option as a third passenger in the six-seat version alienates valuable luggage space.
If you want an SUV with the option of seating seven or eight, then the Palisade could fit the bill. (Supplied)
Last of the warm weather
There was plenty of sporting action on the field on Saturday as Melbourne’s north-west enjoyed the last of the warm weather.
StarWeeklyphotographer Ljubica Vrankovic was out shooting the action.
Parkside Spurs’ Jessica Byrnes. 550526_02
West Footscray’s Kaila Ducret. 550526_23
Spotswood’s Charlie Barnes spoils Yarraville Seddon’s Riley Anderson. 549690_04
Balmoral’s Nelson Salvatore. 550297_10
Spotswood’s Lincoln Sieben. 549690_19
Point Cook’s Jalen Jaimangal. 549687_09
Hoppers Crossing’s Lee Allen. 550297_01
Wyndhamvale’s Tyler Tessari in game 400. 549686_17
Jordan Lynch and Brodie Meadows go up in the ruck. 549686_34
Werribee Districts’ Jack Winship. 49687_23
Search for a win continues
By Tara Murray
An understrength Wyndham proved no match for the Hume City Broncos in the Big V men’s championship division on Saturday night.
Still searching for its first win of the season, Wyndham faced a red hot Broncos side. looking to make it seven wins in a row.
The Broncos jumped out to a 34-12 lead at quarter time and continued to build throughout on the way to a 116-60 win.
Wyndham assistant coach Peter Muscat said it was a tough night as they were unable to take control of the game and execute what they wanted to do.
“We had our backs up against the wall from the start,” he said. “We were missing players, that left us short handed.
“The first quarter we were rattled and let Hume get away with a quick start.
“The second second was much better as we started to follow our defensive plan.
“The second half we lost our way and could not get back into the game.”
Te OmekaSua was Wyndham’s best with 10 points and four rebounds.
Malik Miller top scored with 16 points while also having eight rebounds.
Wyndham remains bottom of the table.
It was also a tough night for Wyndham’s division 1 women’s side on Saturday night, losing to the Whittlesea Pacers, 74-48.
The Pacers started strongly with a 24-10 first quarter.
Wyndham showed some fight in the middle two quarters as the Pacers increased the lead slightly to 19 points heading into the final quarter.
The Pacers then finished it off in the final quarter to seal the win.
Captain Georgia Denehey top scored
with 15 points, while Haruna Inamura had 14 points.
Coach Matt Stephens said the score line didn’t truly reflect the game.
“It was a solid, hard-fought contest, but unfortunately we couldn’t find enough scoring,”he said.
“We also allowed too many three-pointers, which ultimately hurt us, and we didn’t
Zirafi has a fourth national title in his sights
By Peter Howe
At just 16, April Don Deeble nominee Orlando Zirafi is a three-time national boxing champion.
He’s passionate and dedicated to his sport, as well as humble and disciplined.
“I don’t like getting punched in the head and that’s why I work hard to get better every time I fight,” he said.
“I played footy when I was younger, but I had to be kept busy.
“My dad suggested I try boxing. From the moment I walked into the gym I fell in love with it.
“I loved the vibe, the people and the discipline required to get very fit.”
Zirafi started boxing with his brother and some friends and was in classes with adults.
He didn’t mind as he just wanted to get better.
Zirafi started at Moreland City Boxing Gym where he had his first eight fights before moving to Lionsden Boxing Academy. His first fight was in 2022.
“It wasn’t good, I lost,” he said. “I was nervous but it taught me what training and effort was required to win, I wanted to win, to get that victory.
“I watched that fight back many times to improve.”
Zirafi has since won three national times
in three different weight divisions.
Now in the 55 kilograms division, he’s going for his fourth title and has a fighting record of 17 wins and 7 losses.
“Boxing is very tactical,” he said. “Remaining calm and preserving energy to maintain control is vital.
“You do get nervous, but you must use those nerves as fuel when you fight.”
Last year was a big year for Zirafi.
He fought in the Tri-Nations Tournament and won both fights in the first round in his first international experience.
Zirafi then backed that up later in the year.
“In September I fought in Darwin as a 15-year-old in the under-19 nationals, that’s where I went on to win my third Australian title by stopping both opponents in the first round.”
So committed to boxing, Zirafi and his family visited Floyd Mayweather’s gym on a trip to America.
While Mayweather was not there Zirafi and his brother were permitted to use the gym and were coached by former Olympian Fareed Samad.
“I wanted to see the gym of one of my boxing heroes,” he said.
“I want to learn about different boxing styles and how different countries train their boxers. It was an amazing experience.”
match them in that area.”
Wyndham sits second bottom with one win for the season.
The highlight for the weekend for Wyndham was its youth league women’s 2 side which beat the Wallan Panthers, 68-41.
Coach Renee Dayao said the side showed some real composure and grit.
“Super happy with the way they backed each other through adversity and played as a team,” she said.
“Good to be back on the winner’s list.”
Alana Poulton had 15 points, nine rebounds and seven steals for Wyndham.
The youth league 1 men’s side had a 7759 loss to the Ballarat Miners.
Coach Brian Rolph said they showed some fight.
“The team was disappointed, but was thin coming into this contest with injuries and illnesses.”
Gourley departs North Melbourne
will depart the Kangaroos after accepting an opportunity at another club.
Gourley, a two-time premiership coach, informed the playing group of his decision this week.
Since taking the reins ahead of the 2024 season, he has presided over the mostsuccessfulperiodintheclub’sVFLW history, securing back-to-back flags.
Gourley expressed his gratitude to the club for the environment created at Arden Street.
“I’m incredibly thankful for North Melbourne’s unwavering commitment to women’s football and its focus on developing good people, not just good players,” he said.
“I’ve made lifelong memories here and while I’m looking forward to the new opportunity ahead, I’ll always value my time with this group.”
North Melbourne women’s football general manager Erin Lorenzini said Gourleyhadagreatimpactontheplaying group and women’s program.
Zirafi said Australian Jason Mallia is another hero of his.
Zirafi lists his strengths as his mental approach, his boxing knowledge and ability to adapt in a fight to what his opponent is doing.
Two hours a night, five days a week you will find Zirafi in the Lionsden Boxing Academy involved in running and resistance drills, boxing technique and sparring sessions.
There’s also strength and conditioning sessions.
As a member of the Victorian Junior Futures program Zirafi attends Sunday camps with about 30 other athletes to learn and hone his craft.
While school is a priority for the year 10 student, he has big goals.
“I am focussed on representing Australia in the Olympics and then turning professional.
“I’d love to be good enough to fight for a world title one day.”
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 Star Weekly.
If you would like to nominate a monthly winner, contact: swrsportsclub@gmail. com or 0408 556 631.
“We continue to focus on developing our people, and Brett is a great example of that,” Lorenzini said.
“Brett has made a significant contribution to the success of our women’s program, particularly over the last two seasons, but also during his time as an assistant coach in our AFLW program.
“We thank him for everything he’s done for the club, he’s a terrific person and we wish him well in his next role.”
The club will immediately begin the search for a new VFLW senior coach to lead the program into the 2026 campaign.
AFLW star Emma Kearney will be the interim coach of the side.
Kearney is no stranger to the coaching ranks, having balanced development coaching duties within the Kangaroos’ AFL men’s program for three seasons while concurrently captaining the AFLW side. She stepped away from the AFL program at the conclusion of last season to prioritise her playing commitments.
“I’m thrilled to be able to coach this terrific bunch of players for a short period,” Kearney said.
“They’ve built a really strong foundation and have shown a lot of character on the track lately.”
The Kangaroos are scheduled to kick off their season against Port Melbourne on Saturday, 16 May.
Te OmekaSua. (tjphotos)
Orlando Zirafi. (Archive Photography)
North Melbourne Werribee Victorian Football League women’s coach Brett Gourley
Reds are finding form
By Tara Murray
Hoppers Crossing is hoping to build more continuity in the FV state league 3 northwest season.
The Reds have started to put together some solid results, with four wins in their first six games.
They faced one of their biggest tests of the season so far on Saturday, facing Balmoral and passed with flying colours.
Speaking before the game, coach Reardo Luka said it nice to finally start to see some rewards on the pitch.
“The group was pretty unified throughout the whole pre-season,” he said.
“We’ve finally been able to get a bit more continuity.
“The last two to three weeks with players available.
“The squad has been on the same page
since the start, unified. I can’t fault them at all.”
Luka said despite winning a couple of games in a row they didn’t think that they had found momentum just year.
He said with a close competition, every match was vital..
“We had a couple of back to back wins which was important big game on the weekend,” he said.
“Add another win and you go on a bit of a roll. It’s not momentum yet, we had two losses before that.
“It’s a long season and we know that if you get three or four wins in a row, it shoots up the confidence.
“Three or four losses in a row, it’s survival mode and everything changes quickly.”
Luka said that continuity, consistency and focus are the three important aspects of their game at the moment.
He said ahead of the game against Balmoral that they wanted to keep their defensive pressure up.
Balmoral entered the game without a loss.
In the previous two games they had only conceded one goal, which was an unlucky one at that.
The Reds defence was again strong as they defeated Balmoral, 2-0.
Special day for Wyndhamvale’s Tessari
By Tara Murray
Wyndhamvale’s Tyler Tessari joined rare company on Saturday, as he became just the third Falcon to play 400 games for the club.
Tessari played game 399 in the Western Football League division 2 premiership last season.
Always planning to play on, he pencilled the round four clash with Laverton as game 400.
“It should be good,” he said before the match.
“It’s exciting. I missed a couple of games last year and could have actually played game 400 in the grand final.
“That probably would have been a bit much.”
Tessari said he had spoken with coach Daniel Smith about when he would play his 400th game and they had decided it would be on Saturday.
The match saw him join Jayden Wood and James Pomella in having played 400 games for the club.
Tessari is the only player to play in both the club’s senior premierships, 10
years apart.
He is also one of only two Falcons players to win three senior club best and fairest awards.
Tessari said the flags were probably the highlights of his career.
“I won last year with both my brothers which was good,” he said.
“Seeing the club up in division 1 was good. Having a crack and having been through that was a good experience.
“I’ve played with a lot of good blokes and made some nice long friends.”
Tessari said it was pretty special to play in a premiership with his brothers, Jack and James Tessari.
Jack was named best on ground in the grand final.
“I couldn’t have asked for it to be much better,” Tyler said.
“We basically played in three different lines. We didn’t get too much to do with each other.
“Me and my younger brother did shank some kicks in the forward line.”
Having been through the glory and the rebuild, Tessari is keen to see the side get
Ivan Silic scored with the first half, before Adam Rizki scored the sealed in the 85th minute.
The Reds are now up to second on the ladder.
Luka said the group continued to focus on one week at a time.
He said they had set their own internal targets as a whole playing group and individuals.
“We’re not aiming for goal where we would be by a specific date, it’s more so around what we want to achieve, concentrate on wins and how we respond when we lose and how we bounce back.
“It’s about what we want to achieve as playing group and aiming for promotion and how we go about it.”
In FV state league 4 north-west, Point Cook beat Barnstoneworth United, 3-2 on Friday night.
Tigers, Cats too good
Werribee Districts continued its winning start to the Western Football League division 1 season, as Hoppers Crossing bounced backed.
The Tigers were in action against Point Cook on Saturday, and it was the Bulldogs that got the better of the starts,
The Bulldogs led by 15 points at quarter time, before the Tigers kicked four goals in the second quarter to lead by six points at half time.
After the main break, it was the Tigers that took control of the game.
The Tigers kicked 13 goals to six after half time as they won, 19.17 (131)-11.10 (76).
Daniel Nielson kicked eight goals for the Tigers in a best on ground performance for the Tigers. Harrison White and Jack Winship were other standouts.
Archer Crockford kicked three goals for the Bulldogs and was named their best alongside Max Downing and Billy Kolyniuk.
The Tigers remain a game clear at the top of the table, while Point Cook sits in ninth.
Meanwhile, Hoppers Crossing had to fight hard for the points against Newport.
The Warriors jumped out of the blocks and led by 29 points at quarter time.
back up into division 1.
He said Smith had brought in a level of professionalism as they tried to build something.
Tessari said he would continue to play on for as long as he could.
He said with a young family that it’s become a bit more of a juggle and not as easy to train two nights and play like it used to be.
“I don’t want to give it up,” he said. “I’ll keep playing until I can’t play anymore.”
Two of Tessari’s children are doing Auskick now, with him saying his son is obsessed and wants to follow in his footsteps and play for the Falcons.
Tessari said he wasn’t sure what the club had planned for him on the day.
The man of the moment stood up like he had on many occasions before.
Tessari kicked four goals and was named best on ground as the Falcons beat Laverton, 29.20 (194)-3.3 (21).
Lewis Stanton kicked eight goals for the Falcons, while Isaac Fulton-Grover also kicked four goals.
The Panthers worked to try and reduce the lead through the rest of the game, the Warriors were able to maintain about a three goal buffer. Hoppers Crossing did enough to win, 13.11 (89)-10.10 (70).
The Warriors remain third on the ladder.
Elsewhere, Point Cook Centrals lost to Albion.
After an even first quarter, the Cats were able to build a 50 point lead in the middle two quarters. It was one goal apiece in the final quarter, with the Cats winning, 18.11 (119)-10.3 (63),
The score was the Sharks highest of the season by a significant margin. Joshua Grech, Luke Henderson and Cooper Langan kicked two goals each for the Sharks.
Grech was named in the best along with Thomas Rowland and Jayden Carabott.
The Sharks are one of two teams without a win after four rounds.
Chukwuemeka Ekwo. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 550297_08
Tyler Tessari runs out for game 400. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 549686_03
Third quarter costs Tigers
By Tara Murray
A poor third quarter proved costly for Werribee in the Victorian Football League on Sunday afternoon.
Aiming for a third win on the trot, the Tigers were in action on Sunday against Port Melbourne.
After a slow start, the Tigers leveled the scores at 36-apiece heading into half time Port Melbourne blew the margin back outto28pointsatthelastbreakaftertaking control with a dominant quarter.
The Tigers fought the game out in the final quarter with two goals apiece, but Port Melbourne did enough to win, 13.12 (90)-9.10 (64).
Tigers’ coach Dan Lowther said that the third quarter was pretty costly in the end.
“We gave up five or six goals in the third quarter which was disappointing,” he said.
“We had a good second quarter to get the game back on our terms in the way that we played.
“It was a dour contest. High intensity and congested and it was hard to score all day.”
Lowther said they had some chances to put scoreboard pressure on across the game but didn’t get the connection between the midfield and forwards right.
It’s something that they have been working hard on but know that it won’t happen overnight with a number of new players in their forward line.
He said for the most part their defence had been strong and their midfield was finding the ball.
“We didn’t help ourselves,” he said.
“We had opportunities and led the inside 50 count but we didn’t get bang for our back with decisions going forward.
“Our entry, decisions and connections were off as we went shallow inside of going deep, and they did the opposite.
“There was also good pressure that didn’t allow us time and space to make good decisions.
“When we do that, we connect well.”
Lowther said the other area that they really struggled with was getting the ball out of their back half to set up attack.
He said Port Melbourne locked them in and put them under pressure.
The Tigers showed some fight in the last quarter but it was too little, too late.
“In the last quarter it was a bit more free flowing and our backs took extra risks, which we were forced into.”
Brady Wright kicked three goals for the Tigers, who was the only Tigers player to kick multiple goals.
Lowther said Wright lit the game up in the second quarter and continues to show positive signs.
Charlie Lazzaro had 23 disposals, while Sam Donegan and Dom Brew both had 21 disposals each.
LowthersaidruckAJKuolMuncontinues to get his hand on the ball.
Lazzaro and Brew both had consistent games in the middle of the ground, while
Xavier Ivisic played his best game for the side.
Lowther said they had other contributors but they were the most consistent across the game.
The Tigers have a 3-3 record and sit 11th on the ladder..
Werribee will host Tasmania on Saturday at Avalon Airport Oval. at 1.05pm.
The Devils sit third on the ladder with just one loss for the season.
“We played them in a practice match in February,” Lowther said.”They are majorly different and have a lot of AFL experience.
“It’s a big game for both club It will be good for us to see where we’re at.
“It’s a third of the way through the season now and we’re looking at our next block of four weeks, with Tassie the first.”
Mace Cousins. (Werribee FC)
Dom Brew in the thick of it. (Werribee FC)
