Issuu

OCTOBER 7, 2020 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Pampering session

(Pictures: Zoos Victoria)

The hippos and rhinos at Werribee Open Range Zoo are looking fresh and fabulous after enjoying pampering routines last week. Zookeepers gave six southern white rhinoceros and five hippopotamuses hydrating skincare treatments, as the state prepares for a warm and windy spring. The rhinos underwent full body mud-masks, while the hippos were misted with bath oil and treated with manuka honey ointment to prevent dry, chapped skin. Werribee Open Range Zoo savannah keeper Laura Harbridge, said both the rhinos and hippos – who are native to subtropical Africa where summer seasons are typically wet and humid – required skincare treatment. “Hippos produce an oily secretion that absorbs some UV light, acting a little like sunscreen, and helps them split their time in water and on land,” Ms Harbridge said. “We give this natural process a helping hand with the oil spray and ointment to keep their skin healthy and hydrated. “The oil we use is perfume and preservative free, so it’s healthy for the hippos’ skin and the organisms that live in their three bathing pools.”

Killer’s sentence reduced By Alesha Capone A mother who deliberately drove into a Wyndham Vale lake, killing three of her children, has had her original sentence reduced for a second time. Akon Guode drove into the lake on Manor Lakes Boulevard, on April 8, 2015, killing her four-year-old twins Hangar and Madit and 16-month-old son Bol. Guode’s five-year-old daughter survived. Bol was rescue from the car but was later pronounced dead at hospital.

In 2017, the Supreme Court sentenced Guode to 26.5 years’ jail with a non-parole period of 20 years, after she pleaded guilty to one charge of infanticide, two charges of murder and one charge of attempted murder. The court heard that Guode, a refugee, had suffered severe psychological trauma and symptoms of depression after experiencing the civil war in South Sudan, including watching the murder of her husband and being raped until she fell unconscious. In 2018, the Court of Appeal re-sentenced Guode to 18 years’ jail with a non-parole

period of 14 years. The state’s Director of Public Prosecutions appealed the decision and the case was heard at the High Court in March this year. The High Court ordered Guode to return to the Court of Appeal. The Court of Appeal re-heard the matter on September 25, and issued its decision last Wednesday, September 30. The same three Court of Appeal judges, who presided over the 2018 case, again re-sentenced Guode to 18 years in prison with a non-parole period of 14 years. In reaching the decision, Chief Justice Anne

Ferguson, and Justices David Beach and Phillip Priest, said that – in giving “adequate weight” to Guode’s mental condition and other factors – the case “required significantly more lenient sentences” than those which the judge applied in the 2017 case. They also said the 2017 sentence imposed upon Guode “did not contain any element of mercy”. The judges said that in all likelihood, Guode would be deported from Australia following her release from prison, which “amounts to a significant additional punishment”. Lifeline: 13 11 14.

SUBSCRIBE to our DIGITAL EDITION - It's FREE NEW AWARD WINNING COFFEE BEANS! Fresh smoothies, milkshakes, toasties, muffins and more! 428 Old Geelong Road, Hoppers Crossing 12464496-JW41-20

12458306-JW34-20

2 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 7 October, 2020

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS

COVID rapid testing teams deployed As some of Melbourne’s lockdown restrictions ease, a consortium of community health organisations led by IPC Health have started deploying COVID-19 Rapid Response Testing (RRT) teams across the metropolitan area in an effort to prevent further virus outbreaks. Community health organisations involved in the project include DPV Health, EACH, Star Health and cohealth. The RRT teams will operate seven days a week at testing sites of varying sizes,

in locations such as residential services, corrections facilities, meat processing organisations, schools and various essential service workplaces. Each RRT will include a nurse; an on-site or supporting GP; two testing support staff; a wellbeing co-ordinator to assist vulnerable people who test positive for the virus; and cultural specialists including those from multicultural communities, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and the

‘‘

easing the burden on hospitals and emergency departments - Jayne Nelson

’’

deaf community. IPC Health chief executive Jayne Nelson said that community health and local responders were “very much at the front line of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic”.

“Community health intervention is a far gentler way to give people what they need, without further trauma and lockdowns,” Ms Nelson said. “Rapid Response Testing teams are delivering urgent testing, medical care and education to the community at large, easing the burden on hospitals and emergency departments.” Alesha Capone

Top online shopping suburbs

High risk sites identified By Alesha Capone Five sites in Wyndham have been named as “high risk” locations for exposure to coronavirus, as new figures reveal 97 residents of local aged care facilities have died from the illness. The locations are: the Werribee train line, between Footscray and Werribee stations, on September 22 from 4-6pm; Shearwater Village Park, at Tundra Esplanade in Werribee on September 20 between 4.30-5.30pm; Coles Tarneit West on September 20 from noon-1pm;

Support Local Doing things differently during covid-19? Need to let your customers know?

Woolworths Hoppers Crossing on September 19; and Pacific Werribee shopping centre on September 19, from 10am-noon. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) advises anyone who visited the sites within the listed timeframes, and has since displayed potential virus symptoms, to get tested immediately. Locations are not classified as risky outside of the dates and times included on the DHHS website. The DHHS also released data relating to virus cases at aged care homes across the state,

revealing that 97 residents of four Wyndham aged care homes have died from coronavirus since March. This includes 30 residents of Baptcare Wyndham Lodge Community in Werribee, 19 residents of Mecwacare John Atchison Centre in Hoppers Crossing, 17 residents of the Glendale Aged Care Facility in Werribee and one resident from Mercy Place Wyndham Aged Care Facility in Werribee. A total of 260 cases have been linked to the Baptcare facility since March, while 108 cases have been linked to Glendale, 96 to the Mecwacare facility and eight to Mercy Place.

YOUR LOCAL FAMILY BUSINESS CAll oR VISIt uS todAy, wE ARE opEN ANd hERE foR you

loCAlS SuppoRtING loCAlS

• CAR SERVICING • NEw ANd uSEd tyRES • BAttERIES • whEEl BAlANCING Unit 14, 33-39 Railway Avenue Werribee

Contact retail@starweekly.com.au to see how Star Weekly can help. #InThisTogether 12449133-LB20-20

www.a1tyres.net.au

A1 TYRES Ph: 9741 0087 202004167211_1-AM17-20

Alesha Capone

FAMILY LAW & CONVEYANCING ...seek sound advice from Werribee’s longest established legal practice...

Purcell & Purcell Barristers & Solicitors Providing Quality Advice in: • Family Law • Contested Wills • Wills & Probate • Conveyancing • Commercial & Retail Leases • Sale & Purchase of Business • Subdivisions

12431219-LB47-19

Wyndham council has marked out social distancing ‘bubbles’ at Wyndham Park. (Damjan Janevski) 215432_06)

Two Wyndham suburbs have been named among the nation’s top three online shopping locations, for six months of this year. Australia Post last week released the top 10 national online shopping locations, by parcel volume, for March to August. Point Cook placed first on the list, with Cranbourne second and Hoppers Crossing third. Australia Post said that online shopping growth in Victoria has risen 170 per cent year-on-year, compared to a growth rate of 85 per cent across the country. Australia Post community and consumer executive general manager, Nicole Sheffield, described Victoria as “Australia’s online shopping capital”. “Point Cook in Melbourne’s west holds the number one spot, but suburbs like Craigieburn and Doreen in the outer north made the top five list for the first time last month,” said Ms Sheffield. “What’s even more interesting is in 2019, just four Victorian postcodes made it into Australia’s top 10 online shopping locations; Victorian postcodes now hold six of those spots for the six months from March-August this year. “In July and August more than a third of all Australian online purchases were made in Victoria, which speaks to the impact stage four restrictions have had on the local retail landscape.” Ms Sheffield said that between March and August this year, more than 8.1 million Australian households shopped online. In August, the popular items among online shoppers included food and liquor, along with health, beauty, home and garden products.

Telephone: 9741 3777 3 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 7 October, 2020

WYNDHAM ANY SYMPTOMS GET TESTED It’s important to get tested for coronavirus at the first sign of any symptom and stay home until you get your result.

•

4Cyte Pathology - Hoppers Crossing

4Cyte Pathology - Truganina

Please call 0435 594 443 upon

Please call 0435 649 114 upon

arrival and remain in your vehicle

GP referral required

Weekdays: 8.00am - 5.00pm

Weekends: 10.00am - 5.00pm

Weekends: 11.00am - 2.00pm •

ACL - Werribee

IPC Health - Wyndham Vale

234 Hoppers Lane Opposite

drive-through testing site

Gate 3 Victoria University

Appointments are preferred

By appointment only please call

Book an appointment online

9748 9490

www.ipchealth.com.au/covid-19-coronavirus

GP referral required

or by calling 9216 7758

Weekdays: 8.00am - 5.00pm

Weekdays: 9.00am - 4.30pm

IPC Health - Tarneit Skate Park

•

Pacific Werribee Shopping Centre -

drive-through testing site

Hoppers Crossing

Weekdays: 12.00pm - 7.00pm

Weekdays: 9.00am - 5.00pm

Weekends: 10.00am - 4.00pm •

•

Co Health - Laverton Respiratory Clinic

IPC Health - Wootten Road

By appointment only

Reserve Tarneit

please call 9448 5547

Weekdays: 10.00am - 6.00pm

Weekdays: 9.35am - 4.30pm

Weekends: 10.00am - 4.00pm Bookings are required at some testing locations. Opening hours subject to change. Getting tested means you keep yourself, your friends, family, workplace and your community safe. It’s not over yet.

For more details visit vic.gov.au/CORONAVIRUS Authorised and published by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

12464384-NG41-20

4 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 7 October, 2020

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

By Alesha Capone An online fundraising campaign has raised more than $6500 for Wyndham Vale’s Michael Martin, who had to give up his job as a train driver after being diagnosed with epilepsy. Mr Martin said he had worked as a train driver with Metro for 13 years until August this year. “I thoroughly enjoyed the job,” he said. “For my part, although you could say you were out on your own for a lot of the work, you were part of a much larger team of people. “For the most part, I just loved being there.” Mr Martin was diagnosed with epilepsy earlier this year after having a benign tumour removed in February. Under federal legislation, being diagnosed with epilepsy means he is not allowed to hold a driver’s licence, even for a forklift. He may be able to regain his licence in the future, if medication can keep his epilepsy seizures under control. Mr Martin said although he is looking for work at present – possibly in an office, as he worked in IT for nine years before becoming a train driver – a number of fields are closed to him, at least for now, due to his epilepsy. Last month he started the GoFundMe campaign to help with living and medical expenses, including the purchase of a fall detection device, which has been recommended by an epilepsy support group. Mr Martin said the device, which is similar to a watch, will let emergency services know if he has a fall and remains unresponsive for a certain amount of time. So far, 49 donors have contributed $6501 to help Mr Martin, who has also made a YouTube video about his diagnosis. Mr Martin said he would like to thank

Michael Martin was diagnosed with epilespy earlier this year. (Supplied)

everyone who had donated. “I genuinely do appreciate it, I really do,” he said. “I understand that I am in the same

situation as so many other people right now – unfortunately, life’s costs don’t just stop.” Details: www.gofundme.com/f/ permanently-unfit-for-duty.

Call to flick the switch faster Wyndham council says the state’s electricity distributors should be required to deliver connections to projects, such as traffic lights, faster. The council has lodged a submission to the Essential Services Commission, which regulates electricity providers and other essential services, regarding problems with new electricity connections in Wyndham. Councillor Josh Gilligan said that in the past, the municipality had experienced “significant delays” to power connections being activated, including at traffic and pedestrian lights, because electricity distributors were not required to meet specific timeframes. “A well-known example is on Tarneit Road where traffic lights remained unconnected to a power source for months, leaving ratepayers with a bill for temporary traffic lights to ensure lives were not put at risk,” Cr Gilligan said. “We’re aware of incidents involving vehicle collisions at intersections that were waiting for traffic light activation … electricity distributors should be held to account.” Cr Gilligan said the council wanted public safety to be a “top priority” in electricity distributor’s decision making, and for a clear and responsive complaints process with strict timeframes. Council is also calling for better education, training, supervision and/ or a review of the accreditation system for contractors, after it experienced “sub-standard service”.

12461420-JW39-20

Career-ending diagnosis

NEWS

5 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 7 October, 2020

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Briefs

Sienna Katelyn with her father Mario Desmier.

Shopping centre works A new mural and bollards will be installed at Tarneit Gardens Shopping Centre as part of a Building Works Stimulus Package delivered by the state government. Wyndham council has contributed $15,000 to the project and the state government $35,000.

(Supplied)

LOCATION \ Suite 1/75 Watton Street, Werribee DISTRIBUTION \ 1300 656 678 distribution@fermax.com.au

ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR \ BEN SUTTON ben.sutton@starweekly.com.au

Trio arrested Three men have been arrested after they allegedly used a gel blaster to fire pellets at several people while driving around Werribee on September 24 between 9.30-11pm. Police intercepted a car on Cherry Street about 11.05pm, in which they allegedly found pellets and a loaded gel blaster. Two Werribee men aged 22 and 23, and a 26-year-old Darley man were arrested and bailed to face court on April 22.

GENERAL SALES INQUIRIES westads@starweekly.com.au CLASSIFIEDS \ 1300 666 808 FAX \ 5945 0667 EMAIL \ sales@networkclassifieds.com.au REAL ESTATE SALES DIRECTOR \ JACK GILLESPIE jack.gillespie@starweekly.com.au SENIOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER \ JONATHAN BAKER jonathan.baker@starweekly.com.au Mobile \ 0421 841 321 Office \ 03 8318 5763

EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF \ LISA KORYCKI lisa.korycki@starweekly.com.au

Search for excavator

Song a family affair

GENERAL EDITORIAL INQUIRIES westeditorial@starweekly.com.au COMMUNITY CALENDAR ENTRIES communitycalendar@starweekly.com.au

Published by MMP Star Pty Ltd ACN 168 220 399 Head Office Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042 Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas All material is copyright to MMP Star Pty Ltd. Responsibility for election comment is accepted by Paul Thomas. All significant errors will be corrected as quickly as possible. Distribution numbers, areas and coverage are estimates only. For our terms and conditions please visit starweekly.com.au

Young Tarneit singer and musician Sienna Katelyn is making her mark on the world of music. Her first original song, CRY, has been viewed more than 11,000 times since it was posted on Facebook on September 15. Sienna Katelyn said she started writing the song last year. Her father, musician Mario Desmier, helped with the lyrics. Mario also stars in the CRY video clip, along with Sienna Katelyn’s younger sister, seven-year-old Zoe. Sienna Katelyn’s uncle, Bobby Baskaran, assisted in the song’s production, and he asked mastering engineer Reuben Cohen – who is known for winning a Latin Grammy and working on songs by Pharrell Williams and Bruno Mars – to master the tune.

Sienna Katelyn said her friends at Bethany Catholic Primary School in Werribee and from the David Jaanz School of Singing, where is she is a student, have been “very supportive” of CRY. She said the song’s lyrics reflect that bullying is not acceptable “I just wanted to send out the message to all the people who are being controlled, to stand up for themselves,” she said. “I really love to sing and perform. It makes me really happy and calm. I want to perform with Ariana Grande, she is my biggest idol.” CRY is available on Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal and Google Play. Details: www.facebook. com/SiennaKD/

Police are appealing for help finding an excavator valued at $200,000 which was stolen from a construction site in Leakes Road, Laverton North on August 19. The excavator, which has a yellow cabin, was last seen on the back of a truck which was travelling northbound on Fitzgerald Road. Anyone with dashcam footage of Fitzgerald Road between 6.30-7am on the day of the theft is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Wyndham Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Alesha Capone

ADVERTISMENT

12463443-SN40-20

FOR YEAR 7 2022

Reception Open Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm

NO GAP flouride, with any private health insurance *Terms And Conditions Apply

12464296-JW41-20

ONS OSITI P 1 2 7, 20 LL YEAR E NOW FU AR

Check up, clean, x rays and

WWW.THOMASCARR.VIC.EDU.AU 6 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 7 October, 2020

$99

Check up clean without private Health insurance

Dr Sarojani Maskey BDSc Dr Pehal Ranjan BDSc Dr. Amreen Hussain BDSc

worth of dental treatment

Languages spoken: English, Nepali, Hindi & Gujarati

Ask us for more information.

BULK BILLED Emergency dental treatments are available

03 8763 2885 Your Family Dentist

599 Sayers Road Hoppers Crossing 3029 Corner of Sayers Road and Derrimut Road reception@dentalathoppers.com.au

12454572-SN29-20

APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE FR RAY ADMINISTRATION CENTRE OR BY EMAIL: REGISTRAR@THOMASCARR.VIC.EDU.AU PHONE: (03) 8734 2444

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS

Work starts on youth refuge By Alesha Capone Construction has started on a refuge which will provide accommodation and services for young homeless people in Werribee. The West Refuge, located in Wyndham Street, will be run by Melbourne City Mission (MCM). The state government has contributed $3.35 million to the project, which is also supported by the Property Industry Foundation and more than $460,000 in pro-bono services. The West Refuge will provide emergency and

crisis accommodation, with 24-hour staffing and support, for up to 10 young people aged 15 to 25 years old. The site will include two family units to assist young parents and their children; a children’s play area; and offer education and independent living skill programs on site. MCM homelessness, justice and family services general manager Wayne Merritt said the West Refuge would respond to the needs of young people in the west who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. “Construction of the West Refuge comes as a concerning number of young people are

experiencing homelessness in the City of Wyndham, which increased by 76 per cent in the last five years,” he said. “On census night in 2016, 730 people identified as homeless. Of those, 384 – over half – were aged between 12-24 years old. “The West Refuge will give more young people in Melbourne’s western suburbs an opportunity to remain connected with their community while at the same time access our programs.” Construction is due to be completed by the end of the year.

Work has started on the West Refuge. (Supplied)

Upgrade plan for cliffs

Lesley Musial. (Damjan Janevski) 216783_01

Free transport during COVID crisis

12462592-DL41-20

Throughout the COVID-19 crisis in Victoria, St John Ambulance has been providing free transport for the more vulnerable. Lesley Musial, 75, is one of the beneficiaries of the service. She has been driven by volunteers to be tested for the coronavirus three times. If she hadn’t been transported by a St John community transport vehicle, she said she would have taken the bus. Ms Musial said she had been tested due to being in touch with a close contact, by a doctor’s referral after losing her sense of smell and after experiencing a sore throat. “I rang up the Altona North Medical Group to make an appointment and they said, ‘How

@ocyc2020

will you get here?’ “I said, ‘Hmm, bus’. “They said, ‘We’ll send a St John’s car,’ which was lovely. The first lass was called Sari and the second was a chap called Craig and they were very chatty and friendly. “Craig even opened the door for me – very polite. It was just lovely as an older person. “I’m quite capable of going on buses and things but if you think you might be a bit infectious, you don’t take buses.” Nearly 1500 people have been transported by St John to be tested, which equates to more than 20,000 kilometres travelled. Each patient is taken by a trained volunteer wearing personal protective equipment. All vehicles have a Defibrillator in case of an

emergency. St John event health services general manager Nadine Hutchins said it was a reliable and safe option for people without anyone to drive them to get tested. “COVID-19 testing transport is just one way we have utilised St John volunteers’ skills and training throughout the pandemic,” she said. “On each trip, our volunteers display their usual care and compassion towards every customer, ensuring they feel safe and comfortable. We’re proud to offer this valuable service to the vulnerable in our community to make their life just that little bit easier.”

A new boardwalk and viewing platforms overlooking the Werribee River are part of plans to upgrade the K Road Cliffs in Werribee South. Wyndham council has awarded a design contract for the K Road Cliffs masterplan – a $2.4 million project which aims to reduce erosion and protect the environment, while boosting tourism and visits to the site – to Urban Initiatives. Highlights of the project include drainage works to manage the significant erosion at the cliffs; a new cliff-top walking path; a staircase with terraces for seating and nature photography; new car parking; seating; and signage. Wyndham council is contributing $900,000 to the project, while the state government has provided $1.5 million from its Growing Suburbs Fund. Wyndham’s environment and sustainability portfolio holder, Cr Heather Marcus, said the council was also finalising options for riverbank access at the cliffs. “The K Road Cliffs are one of Wyndham’s best-kept secrets, and once these works are complete, we’re confident that the area will attract both locals and tourists alike,” Cr Marcus said. “This project will include drainage works to redirect stormwater run-off away from the fragile cliff edge to protect these cliffs and make the area safer for visitors. “This project is a key feature of the Wyndham Coastal and Marine Management Plan, a five-year plan designed to enhance the unique qualities of the Wyndham coastline for greater access and enjoyment and to facilitate appropriate coastal development and tourism.”

Goya Dmytryshchak

ADVERTISMENT

Authorised by Helen McKenzie-Fairlie 0439 976 129 ocyc2020@gmail.com 7 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 7 October, 2020

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Foster carers in short supply By Alesha Capone There is a “critical need” for more foster carers across the western suburbs, according to Uniting Vic.Tas. The organisation, which operates Uniting Wyndham in Werribee, is calling for people and families from all walks of life to consider becoming foster carers. Uniting Vic.Tas chief executive Bronwyn Pike said there were many children and young people “who are in desperate need of short and long term care”.

Uniting western metropolitan region children, youth and families services co-ordinator Sharon Tyrell said that at any one time, there could be up to 11,000 children and young people in need of foster care. “Wyndham, Brimbank and Melton have some of the highest rates of child protection involvement with children and young people,” she said. “We could get up to 10 references a day to place a child or young person.” Ms Tyrell said there was a need for more short-term, long-term, emergency and respite carers. Emergency carers usually care for a

youngster overnight, or for a few nights, until a more permanent carer can be found. “We’re really in great need of emergency carers – these are people who can take a call at 2am so children aren’t sitting at a police station for hours on end,” Ms Tyrell said. She said that not all children needing foster care have experienced trauma and related issues, but might – for example – have a single parent who is suddenly hospitalised, leaving their youngsters in need of care. Uniting Vic.Tas provides training, ongoing support and upskilling for foster carers.

Ms Tyrell said foster carers could be single, in a relationship, working, studying or retired. “We welcome carers of any culture, religion and sexual orientation,” she said. Ms Tyrell said that fostering was “very, very rewarding”. “Often when kids come into care, they are not smiling and happy,” she said. “To see a few weeks or months later that they are smiling, fit into a household and can’t wait to tell you about their day, that’s hard to put into words.” For more details: visit www.unitingvictas. org.au/foster-care or call 5144 7777.

Cuppa of hope A pair of young entrepreneurs who have opened a drive-thru coffee shop in Hoppers Crossing, say they want to bring hope to the community. Joshua Spiteri, 25, and his fiancé Ebony Di Mauro, 25, celebrated the grand opening of Little Latte Drive Thru last week. Mr Spiteri said he had always dreamed of running his own business and he was determined to go ahead with opening the coffee shop despite pandemic restrictions and roadworks on Old Geelong Road, where they are based. “We wanted to give people some hope. At the moment, all you hear about is businesses shutting down – I haven’t heard anything about businesses opening up,” Mr Spiteri said. The couple, who have two children aged under two, have also employed four people at Little Latte. “We were both born and raised in Hoppers

Crossing,” Mr Spiteri said. “We’re interested in giving back to the area and get satisfaction out of providing great-quality food and coffee.” Little Latte’s menu includes an award-winning coffee bean, milkshakes, smoothies, hot food, muffins and doughnuts. Mr Spiteri and Ms Di Mauro said they have been “overwhelmed” by how much support the community has shown Little Latte since its opening. “I’ve enjoyed so much already seeing so many people come through,” Ms Di Mauro said. Next up, they are planning to organise some outdoor seating for the coffee shop, and to hope to launch more stores and a mobile van in the future. Details: Little Latte, 428 Old Geelong Road, Hoppers Crossing, www. facebook.com/littlelattedrivethru/, Instagram: @littlelattedrivethru. Alesha Capone

Joshua Spiteri and Ebony Di Mauro. (Damjan Janevski) 216620_03

Get more out of life

after lockdown

Life in lockdown has had us all thinking about what’s important to us and how we make the most of life when restrictions are lifted. If you’ve been thinking about making the move to a community of friendship, fun and safety, now’s the time for you to explore over 50s resort-style living at Lifestyle Seasons. Our Lifestyle Consultants are now available for oneon-one personal appointments so you can really get a taste of luxury living – at an affordable price.

Call us today on 1300 50 55 60 to book your appointment.

13 Sundial Boulevard, Tarneit | lifestyleseasons.com.au 124538140-SN41-20

8 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 7 October, 2020

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS

Countdown to outdoor pool reopening

. . . from the CEO /͛Ě ůŝŬĞ ƚŽ ďĞŐŝŶ ďǇ ĐŽŶŐƌĂƚƵůĂƟŶŐ ŽƵƌ ĞŶƟƌĞ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚǇ ŽŶ ǇŽƵƌ brilliant work in driving down ƚŚĞ Ks/ Ͳϭϵ ŶƵŵďĞƌƐ ŚĞƌĞ ŝŶ tǇŶĚŚĂŵ͘

The Werribee Outdoor Pool is set to reopen on Monday, October 19. WynActive will open the outdoor pool two weeks ahead of its usual summer opening date of November 1. Residents who want to swim at the pool will be required to book online before attending and pay in advance, this includes lap lane swimming, as there will be limited places for each activity. People who have booked in will not be able to bring anyone with them. Those needing to being a carer will have to let WynActive know in advance. The showers and changerooms at the pool will be closed, but the toilets will be open. A statement on the WynActive website said the safety of patrons remained its “highest priority”. “This means we have taken strict actions to ensure a high standard of environmental cleaning and providing adequate quantities of hand sanitiser and handwashing facilities in prominent places,” the statement said. “Many other safety precautions have been made to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our members and staff. “With each step of the [coronavirus] roadmap to recovery, it is more important than ever to be safe and sensible. “We’re ensuring that you will be safe in our facility by following guidelines issued by the government and industry bodies.” The pool’s opening hours are yet to be announced. Attendees must bring their own towel, filled water bottles and yoga mats to the pool. Swimming lessons and aqua aerobics are not

ƚ ƚŚĞ ƟŵĞ ŽĨ ǁƌŝƟŶŐ ƚŚŝƐ ŵĞƐƐĂŐĞ ŽŶ dƵĞƐĚĂǇ͕ ǁĞ ŚĂǀĞ ũƵƐƚ ϯϮ ĂĐƟǀĞ ĐĂƐĞƐ ŝŶ tǇŶĚŚĂŵ͘ KŶ ƚŚŝƐ ĚĂǇ ƚǁŽ ŵŽŶƚŚƐ ĂŐŽ ǁĞ ŚĂĚ ϵϬϲ͘ / ŬŶŽǁ ŝƚ ŚĂƐŶ͛ƚ ďĞĞŶ ĞĂƐǇ͕ ďƵƚ ƚŚŝƐ ŝƐ ĂŶ ĞǆĐĞƉƟŽŶĂů ŽƵƚĐŽŵĞ͘ dŚĂŶŬ ǇŽƵ͘ Ƶƚ ǁĞ͛ƌĞ ŶŽƚ ƋƵŝƚĞ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ ĞŶĚ ŽĨ ƚŚŝƐ ũƵƐƚ ǇĞƚ ʹ ƐŽ ƉůĞĂƐĞ͕ ĐŽŶƟŶƵĞ ƚŽ ƐƚĂǇ ŚŽŵĞ ƵŶůĞƐƐ ůĞĂǀŝŶŐ ĨŽƌ ŽŶĞ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ƉĞƌŵŝƩĞĚ ƌĞĂƐŽŶƐ͕ ĂŶĚ ŝĨ ǇŽƵ͛ƌĞ ĞǆƉĞƌŝĞŶĐŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ŵŝůĚĞƐƚ ŽĨ ƐǇŵƉƚŽŵƐ͕ ŐĞƚ ƚĞƐƚĞĚ͘

Werribee Outdoor Pool. (Supplied/Donna Nugent, Indie Lane Photography/Wyndham council)

set to resume at the outdoor pool at this stage. AquaPulse and Eagle Stadium will remain closed for the foreseeable future. Contact WynActive on 8734 5678 or info@ westernleisureservices.com.au between 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday for more information, or visit https://wynactive.com.au/wynactivate2-0/ step-two-of-restriction-easing/

'ŽŽĚ ŶĞǁƐ ĨŽƌ ƚŚŽƐĞ ǁŚŽ ŚĂǀĞ ďĞĞŶ ŵŝƐƐŝŶŐ ƚŚĞŝƌ ůŽĐĂů ůŝďƌĂƌǇ ʹ ƚŚĞ ŚŽŵĞ ĚĞůŝǀĞƌǇ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞ ŝƐ ďĂĐŬ͘ tĞ͛ƌĞ ĂůƐŽ ůĂƵŶĐŚŝŶŐ Ă ĐůŝĐŬ ĂŶĚ ĐŽůůĞĐƚ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞ͘ dŚŝƐ ŵĞĂŶƐ ǇŽƵ ĐĂŶ ŶŽǁ ĂĐĐĞƐƐ ǇŽƵƌ ĨĂǀŽƵƌŝƚĞ ƟƚůĞƐ͕ ĚĞůŝǀĞƌĞĚ ƐƚƌĂŝŐŚƚ ƚŽ ǇŽƵƌ ĚŽŽƌƐƚĞƉ Žƌ ƉŝĐŬ ƚŚĞŵ ƵƉ ĨƌŽŵ ǇŽƵƌ ůŽĐĂů ůŝďƌĂƌǇ͘ DŽƌĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ ŽŶ ƚŚŝƐ ŝƐ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ Ăƚ ŚƩƉƐ͗ͬͬĐĂƚĂůŽŐƵĞ͘ǁǇŶĚŚĂŵ͘ǀŝĐ͘ŐŽǀ͘ĂƵ <ŝŶĚĞƌŐĂƌƚĞŶ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ ĂƌĞ ŽĸĐŝĂůůǇ ďĂĐŬ ŽŶƐŝƚĞ ĨƌŽŵ ƚŽĚĂǇ͘ tĞ ĂƌĞ ƚŚƌŝůůĞĚ ƚŽ ƐĞĞ ƐŽ ŵĂŶǇ ůŝƩůĞ ĨĂĐĞƐ ďĂĐŬ Ăƚ ŽƵƌ ůŽĐĂů ŬŝŶĚĞƌƐ͕ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ ŬŝĚƐ ĂƌĞ ũƵƐƚ ĂƐ ĞǆĐŝƚĞĚ͘ KƵƌ ƚĞĂŵ ĂƌĞ ǁĞůĐŽŵŝŶŐ ƚŚĞŵ ďĂĐŬ ŝŶ Ă Ks/ ͲƐĂĨĞ ǁĂǇ͕ ǁŝƚŚ ƉůĞŶƚǇ ŽĨ ĨƵŶ ʹ ƉŝĐŬŝŶŐ ďĂĐŬ ƵƉ ƌŝŐŚƚ ǁŚĞƌĞ ǁĞ ůĞŌ Žī͘ dŚĞ ƚĞĂŵ Ăƚ tĞƐƚĞƌŶ >ĞŝƐƵƌĞ ^ĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ ĂƌĞ ĂůƐŽ ƉƌĞƉĂƌŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ tĞƌƌŝďĞĞ KƵƚĚŽŽƌ WŽŽů ƚŽ ƌĞŽƉĞŶ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ƉƵďůŝĐ ĨƌŽŵ DŽŶĚĂǇ͕ ϭϵ KĐƚŽďĞƌ͘ dŚŝƐ ŝƐ ĂŶŽƚŚĞƌ ƉŽƐŝƟǀĞ ƐƚĞƉ ĨŽƌǁĂƌĚ ďƵƚ ďĞ ŵŝŶĚĨƵů ƚŚĂƚ ƚŚĞƌĞ ǁŝůů ďĞ ůŝŵŝƚƐ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ŶƵŵďĞƌ ŽĨ ƉĂƚƌŽŶƐ͘ ŶĞǁ ŽŶůŝŶĞ ďŽŽŬŝŶŐ ƐǇƐƚĞŵ ǁŝůů ďĞ ƵƐĞĚ ƚŽ ŵĂŶĂŐĞ ƚŚĞ ŶƵŵďĞƌƐ ĞŶƚĞƌŝŶŐ͘ sŝƐŝƚ ǁǁǁ͘ǁǇŶĂĐƟǀĞ͘ĐŽŵ͘ĂƵ ĨŽƌ ŵŽƌĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ͘

Subscribe to the

Wyndham Star Weekly

Digital Edition

>ĂƐƚ ǁĞĞŬ ǁĞ ĐŽŵŵĞŶĐĞĚ Ă ŶĞǁ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚǇ ĞŶŐĂŐĞŵĞŶƚ ƉƌŽĐĞƐƐ ƚŽ ďĞŐŝŶ ƉůĂŶŶŝŶŐ ĨŽƌ ƌĞĐŽǀĞƌǇ ŚĞƌĞ ŝŶ tǇŶĚŚĂŵ͘ KǀĞƌ ƚŚĞ ĐŽŵŝŶŐ ǁĞĞŬƐ / ǁŝůů ďĞ ũŽŝŶĞĚ ďǇ tǇŶĚŚĂŵ ŝƚǇ ƐƚĂī ŝŶ Ă ƐĞƌŝĞƐ ŽĨ ǁŽƌŬƐŚŽƉƐ ǁŝƚŚ ŽƵƌ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚǇ ƚŽ ƉůĂŶ ŚŽǁ ǁĞ ǁŝůů ĞŵĞƌŐĞ ĨƌŽŵ ƚŚŝƐ ƉĂŶĚĞŵŝĐ͘ /͛ůů ďĞ ŵĞĞƟŶŐ ǁŝƚŚ ĐƵůƚƵƌĂů ĂŶĚ ĨĂŝƚŚ ůĞĂĚĞƌƐ͕ ƐƉŽƌƟŶŐ ŐƌŽƵƉƐ͕ ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐĞƐ͕ ƚŚĞ ƚŽƵƌŝƐŵ ŝŶĚƵƐƚƌǇ͕ ƌĞƐŝĚĞŶƚƐ ŐƌŽƵƉƐ ĂŶĚ ŵŽƌĞ ƚŽ ĞŶƐƵƌĞ ƚŚĂƚ tǇŶĚŚĂŵ ŝƐ ďĞƐƚ ƉůĂĐĞĚ ĂƐ ǁĞ ĞŶƚĞƌ ƚŚĞ ƌĞĐŽǀĞƌǇ ƉŚĂƐĞ͘

FREE APRIL 15, 2020 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

APRIL 15, 2020 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

ZĞŐĂƌĚƐ͕ <ĞůůǇ 'ƌŝŐƐďǇ Something to sing about

Something to sing about Point Cook girl Devy, who captured hearts across the nation after singing at the Eurovision – Australia Decides concert earlier this year, has written a song reminding us all to stay safe and healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic. The nine year-old performed alongside singer Kate Miller-Heidke during the Eurovision event on the Gold Coast, which was broadcast on SBS, in February. Devy said that she penned Stay Home – Coronavirus song on the second day of a 21-day songwriting challenge which she has set for herself, during the pandemic lockdown. “I do a lot of singing in my day because music is what makes me happy,” Devy said. “I write songs often because it comes naturally to me and it’s my favourite activity to do.” Devy said her dream was to become a popular pop/rap singer-songwriter. “I hope a lot of people will know me because I could bring a smile to their faces and make their day with my music,” she said. Details: https://www.facebook.com/ Devy.Iyer

(Supplied)

Point Cook girl Devy, who captured hearts across the nation after singing at the Eurovision – Australia Decides concert earlier this year, has written a song reminding us all to stay safe and healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic. The nine year-old performed alongside singer Kate Miller-Heidke during the Eurovision event on the Gold Coast, which was broadcast on SBS, in February. Devy said that she penned Stay Home – Coronavirus song on the second day of a 21-day songwriting challenge which she has set for herself, during the pandemic lockdown. “I do a lot of singing in my day By Alesha Capone A move by a Wyndham councillor to adopt a 10 per rate cut during the COVID-19 pandemic because music is what makes me has been described as “irresponsible” and “a vote-grab”. happy,” Devy said. At a meeting last week, Cr Intaj Khan raised

Alesha Capone

a notice of motion urging the council to adopt the fee waiver for each property across the city. He described the council’s existing plan to defer rates for some businesses for six months because of the pandemic as “not good enough” and said Wyndham was home to many

migrants and young families who had already lost jobs or businesses in the current crisis. Several Wyndham councillors criticised the move, one comparing the idea to a Monty Python skit. Cr Henry Barlow, who was first elected to the council in 1997, said: “This would have to be the worst notice of motion I’ve ever heard in my life”. “It looks as if it comes out of a Monty Python sketch.” Cr Barlow said that cutting rates by 10 per cent would give the majority of residents an

extra $2.80 to $4 per week. He said he sent Cr Khan an email on March 31, urging Cr Khan to be transparent about where the cuts would be “otherwise this just looks like blatant electioneering with a council election coming up”. Cr Kim McAliney said Cr Khan had not provided any financial modelling to support a 10 per cent rate reduction, which would result in “severe cuts” to the council’s capital programs and staff. Cr Peter Maynard said a 10 per cent cut in rates would result in the loss of about $21

million from the council’s annual budget. “This is an ill-conceived and unwarranted notice of motion, that has no sustainability for this council whatsoever,” he said. “I think it’s nothing but a vote-grab.” Cr Tony Hooper described the notice of motion as “grandstanding at best and outright manipulation at worst”. Cr John Gibbons said: “It’s a crazy motion and I oppose it”. Cr Khan was the only councillor to vote in favour of the motion, although Cr Walter Villagonzalo abstained from the final vote.

SUBSCRIBE to our DIGITAL EDITION - It's FREE Emergency appointments available

we can help you

Get Out Of Pain

44 Hampstead Rd Maidstone 3012

Next to Chemist Warehouse

Call 9317 3144

VISIT

wyndham.starweekly.com.au/subscribe Emergency appointments available

we can help you

Get Out Of Pain

44 Hampstead Rd Maidstone 3012

Next to Chemist Warehouse

Call 9317 3144 Book online

SmartChoiceDental.com.au

Book online

SmartChoiceDental.com.au

12447118-NG17-20

Rate cut move blasted

Wyndham Civic Centre 45 Princes Highway Werribee (PO Box 197) Vic 3030 9742 0777

www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/contactus www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/connectwithus mail@wyndham.vic.gov.au Translating & Interpreting Services 13 14 50 9 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 7 October, 2020

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Father, son election tilt By Alesha Capone A father and son from the west are contesting this month’s council elections in two different municipalities. Graham McGuire, who served as a councillor and mayor of Williamstown in the 1980-90s, is standing in the Wetlands ward of Hobsons Bay. His son, Shannon McGuire, is a nominee in Wyndham’s Chaffey ward. Both men are running as independent candidates. Graham, a semi-retired lawyer who lives in Seabrook, said he believed Hobsons Bay council should allocate more funding to the Wetlands ward. “The amount of money being spent here, compared to what’s being spent elsewhere, is chicken poo,” he said. “I’m a person who does believe in the 3R’s – roads, rates and rubbish.” Graham said that when he was on Williamstown council previously, he made his home address and phone number available to members of the public, and he was prepared to do so again if he was re-elected. Shannon said he remembered helping his father mail out how-to-vote cards in the ’80s. A former president of the Tarneit North Resident’s Association, Shannon said they were contesting the elections out of a desire “to contribute to the community”. “You have to vote for what the community wants, which might not necessarily be what you want,” Shannon said. “I don’t believe in party politics across the board or on council.” He said Wyndham’s growth, encouraging multicultural groups to work together, roads, public transport advocacy and domestic violence were all important issues facing the area. He said he didn’t to make any pre-election promises he would not be able to keep. “If elected, I will be part of a team of 11 … we all have to agree,” he said.

DR FIRAS HASAN

Postal delays won’t hinder elections The government agency responsible for this month’s local government elections has moved to reassure voters that delays in the delivery of postal votes won’t impact the election process. The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) was last week granted the authority to extend the postal voting timeline for the current Victorian local council elections if needed, to ensure any possible delivery delays by Australia Post won’t negatively impact voter participation and election results. Electoral commissioner Warwick Gately said the changes provide an appropriate contingency option in light of community concerns about extended mail delivery timelines arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. “The VEC … will be using the priority paid mail service for all postal ballots mailed and returned, but I accept there may be some delays.” Mr Gately said the strict timelines for the mailing and receipt of ballot packs is prescribed in law. “The authority provided to me by the regulatory amendments allows me … to mitigate the impact that any possible delays could have on the integrity of the elections.” Mr Gately noted the changes won’t necessarily mean the timelines will change, but do provide flexibility if there is any evidence of delays in the postal network. Benjamin Millar

Clockwise from top: Shannon as a child, with his dad, Graham McGuire, a former mayor of Williamstown; Shannon McGuire; Graham McGuire. (Pictures: Supplied)

TULLY SMITH

PREET SINGH

SAHANA RAMESH

Council candidates make their pitch A candidate standing in the Wyndham council election says he hopes to help make the municipality the healthiest in the state, or even the nation. One of the 86 candidates standing in Wyndham, Dr Firas Hasan – a chiropractor of 11 years – has nominated in the Chaffey ward. Dr Hasan said that despite Medicare, a lot of health services remain out of reach for many residents. He said that if elected, his plan was to set up a council website to connect residents with health professionals, and connect patients with an affordable lending source, to help them pay for treatments. Dr Hasan said that he would also invest funds in outdoor exercise equipment, additional walking tracks and exercise spaces. 10 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 7 October, 2020

Another Chaffey ward candidate, Preet Singh, has announced he will not be providing preferences to other candidates in the election race. Although Mr Singh is a Liberal Party member, he said he wanted voters “to choose the other candidates they feel will best serve our community.” “I actually find it distasteful the way in which some candidates are ‘horse trading’ mythical blocks of votes they claim to have control over,” Mr Singh said. “To be honest it’s rank to think some of the candidates view sections of our community as just being a pathway to becoming a councillor.” Harrison ward candidate Tully Smith said he has launched a campaign to “save” the

Elements estate school site in Truganina, after the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal gave the developer permission to build 227 residences there. “If elected, I will work with the state government and the developers to save this site,” Mr Smith said. Mr Smith said his other plans included calling for a Point Cook aquatic centre on vacant land opposite Phoenix Hotel and to advocate for full funding for the Truganina Community Centre. Sahana Ramesh, who is also standing in Harrison ward, is running on a platform of improved local transportation; better options for outdoor activities; more support for local businesses; and carbon neutral and green spaces.

Ms Ramesh said she was paying for her election campaign out of her own pocket, and was not accepting any donations, to keep her political position “transparent, clean and simple”. “With October being Mental Health Awareness Month, an issue that is important to me, I have decided to use my donation rights (as a candidate) to raise money for the Werribee Hospital instead,” she said. Ms Ramesh has encouraged supporters to make a donation to the Werribee Hospital Foundation via: www.mycause.com.au/ page/237272/werribee-hospital-foundation. Voters will receive a ballot pack from the Victorian Electoral Commission early this month, with voting to close on October 23.

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS

Pantries help bridge the gap

Thanks to the incredible efforts of Victorians, including residents here in Wyndham, we are on our way on the roadmap to reopening and so close to finding a COVID Normal. As we continue to drive down the number of coronavirus cases across the state, it’s critically important that people continue to get tested if they have symptoms – however mild – and stay home until they have their result.

By Alesha Capone Pantries, shelves and tables loaded with food are popping up at residential properties across Wyndham to help vulnerable people. The “community pantries” are being set up as part of the grassroots Pataka Movement Melbourne. The pantries are usually set up in front of houses, garages or community centres, with people welcome to donate food and take goods if they need to. Wyndham residents Gayle Crawford and Hollie Smith, who are both originally from Aotearoa (New Zealand), said the Pataka Movement began in their home country to help community members, including those who fell through the gaps in the welfare system. Ms Smith said one day she was cleaning out her fridge and pantry, and posted on social media pages to ask if anyone needed food. “That day I received over 200 messages asking for what I had, and that’s when I knew that this (the Pataka Movement) needs to be here too,” she said. The women said they feel there is a “massive need” for the community pantries, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ms Smith and Ms Crawford said about 50 Pakata (pantries) have been set up across Melbourne and Geelong, and as far away of Warrnambool and Darley. They are hoping to organise a total of 100 community pantries across the state, and have set up a Facebook group for those who are interested in helping out. Ms Smith and Ms Crawford said there was “no judgement” of people who took food from the pantries.

BUSINESS AND MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

For up to date coronavirus information, please visit dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus. We know these restrictions have been tough on businesses, so that’s why we’re providing unprecedented support to ensure they make it through to the other side of this crisis. The Andrews Government has recently announced a massive new support package that will see $3 billion go to helping businesses impacted the pandemic – taking our total support to businesses and the community to nearly $13 billion.

Community pantries. (Pictures: Supplied)

“This is by the people for the people,” Ms Crawford said. “We don’t want anyone to ever be shy to come by and pick up some Kai (food) for them and their family, or reach out to us, we want to feed Victorians because we believe that no one should ever have to go hungry.” Eliza Radovanovich, who has set up a community pantry in Manor Lakes, said it was “heartwarming” to see families come with their children to put food in the pantry. “Unlike other food services, there are no forms to fill out, no judgement and you can take what you need as opposed to being given a box of food that is unable to be used for many reasons, e.g dietary restrictions, allergies, religious purposes,” she said. Details: https://bit.ly/2GlSKgX

This is the largest package of business support in Victoria’s history. It will see cash grants, tax relief and cashflow support delivered to Victorian businesses as we work together to drive down coronavirus cases down and progress along our roadmap to COVID Normal. It includes $822 million for a third round of the Business Support Fund, which will help around 75,000 small and medium sized businesses that remain closed or operate under restrictions in line with the Victorian Government’s roadmap to reopening. Eligible businesses will receive grants of either $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000 depending on their size. We’ve also set up a $100 million Sole Trader Support Fund, which will provide grants of $3,000 to eligible sole traders that continue to be affected by restrictions. Our Business Resilience Package also includes grants for Business Chambers and Trader Groups to help members transition into COVID normal, and the Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund. For more information, visit business.vic.gov.au/support-for-yourbusiness/grants-and-assistance/business-resilience-package. We’re supporting Victorian businesses that are doing it tough through various wellbeing initiatives and support programs – to help in dealing with the stress and emotional impacts of the global coronavirus pandemic. Looking after our mental health is particularly important during this time, which is why the Government has invested $135 million in mental health support during this pandemic. This includes: $59.7 million to strengthen the surge capacity of clinical and community mental health services across Victoria to cope with additional presentations and reduce pressure on hospital emergency departments. $59.4 million to help meet demand as more Victorians reach out for help. $26 million to address the mental health needs of sole traders and small and medium business owners and their workers. Visit business.vic.gov.au/disputes-disasters-and-succession-planning/ mental-health-in-business for information and resources. I know it’s also been a challenging year for our school communities. To every Victorian student and their families, every teacher, all support staff – I thank you for all your efforts in supporting remote learning, reducing movement in our community and helping drive down coronavirus cases. As we take steps for a gradual return to on-site learning, it’s important to ensure that our students have access to the best possible mental health services to support them through this difficult year.

Truganina’s Catherine Aguilar reads Panda Mick with her sons Leo and Manuel. (Supplied)

Pandemic tale gives back Truganina’s Catherine Aguilar has written a children’s book about a panda navigating through a pandemic. Ms Aguilar’s sister-in-law, Caroline Russo, illustrated the book, which is titled Panda Mick. Ms Aguilar said she began writing the story in August. “As a mother of two young children, I read to my kids most nights before bed,” she said. “I had the idea and decided to write my first book for children with poetic charm that kids can fall in love with. The story was created with a soft and somewhat relatable character to convey the messages of healthy hygiene and social distancing.” Putting the book together was a family project – Ms Aguilar’s husband Mario helped to build the book’s website, while their youngest son, Leo, 4, suggested Panda Mick’s mask be blue. Ms Aguilar said that Leo and his

brother, eight-year-old Manuel, have shared the story of Panda Mick with their friends and schoolmates, via Zoom and online classes. “I really love that we have created this as a family,” she said. “Each and every one of us has shifted our energy into creating a positive message that gives back to people struggling during these trying times.” Ms Aguilar said her family decided to donate some profits from sales of the book to Foodbank Australia, to help people who have lost their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Every paperback copy sold will allow Foodbank to provide three meals and every hardcover sold will allow Foodbank to provide four meals to people in need,” Ms Aguilar said. Details: www.pandamick.com.au or www. facebook.com/pandamickau/

In recognition of this important issue, the roll-out of the $51.2 million Mental Health Practitioners in secondary schools initiative has been brought forward to be completed by the end of 2021. It will see qualified mental health professionals in every government secondary school campus — including right here in Wyndham — across the state, hiring more psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists and mental health nurses. For more information, visit education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/health/ mentalhealth/Pages/mental-health-practitioners-secondary.aspx. I again thank everyone in Wyndham for their efforts in driving down coronavirus case numbers in Victoria. Please remember to look after yourself and each other – because together, we’ll get through this.

Tim Pallas MP State Member for Werribee District 2/56-58 Watton Street, Werribee tel 9741 1133 email tim.pallas@parliament.vic.gov.au web timpallas.com.au facebook.com/timpallasmp @timpallasmp

Alesha Capone 11 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 7 October, 2020

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Champions of women’s sport honoured Forty-eight individuals and clubs who have made a difference to girls’ and women’s sport have been recognised by a Wyndham council program. The sportspeople will have their stories shared on council’s website as part of its inaugural Wyndham Champions of Girls’ and Women’s Sport initiative. The 48 “champions” were announced last month, at an online event which included presentations from the head of football operations at North Melbourne Football Club, Laura Kane, and players Emma Kearney and Ben Brown. Wyndham Basketball Association

development officer Emilee Harmon was among those recognised by the program. Ms Harmon had a successful college basketball career in the US before coming to Australia, where she played in the South East Australian Basketball League and NBL1. Also recognised was Nathan Smithwick, who worked with both Manor Lakes Football Club and the Western Region Football League to establish a women’s competition. Nardine Bainbridge from Western Athletics, who has represented Victoria at the Australian Marathon Championships twice, was also named as a “champion” of women’s and girls’

sport. Werribee Juniors Cricket Club and Wyndham Basketball Association were among the other successful nominees. Wyndham’s sports development portfolio holder, Cr Peter Maynard, said it was important to celebrate the inspirational athletes, coaches, umpires and club members within Wyndham who have done great things for girls’ and women’s sport. “I’d like to personally congratulate these individuals and clubs who have done their bit to encourage girls and women to give sport a go,” Cr Maynard said. “There is no single solution to increasing

women’s and girls’ participation in sport, but by addressing the imbalance of opportunity, representation and access to sport and physical activity for women and girls we can create positive change. “Council is proud of the work it has done through the Gender Equality in Wyndham Sport project, and we thank all of the Wyndham sporting clubs and individuals that are working to create a level playing field for all genders.” For the full list of successful nominees go to www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/services/sportsparks-recreation/women-sports.

Three-year-old kinder funding boost

Zoos Victoria vets treat koalas in RSPCA Victoria’s Mobile Animal Care Unit during the 2020 bushfire season. (Zoos Victoria)

Koala hospital for zoo A $1.84 million hospital will be built at Werribee Open Range Zoo to help care for sick and injured koalas and other native wildlife. Zoos Victoria and RSPCA Victoria announced the project, which has been dubbed “the koala hospital”, last week. The hospital will be funded through $1.3 million in donations made to RSPCA Victoria following last summer’s bushfires, while the remaining costs will be funded by Zoos Victoria. Construction of the hospital is due to commence early next year. A large eucalypt plantation has already been installed at the zoo, to provide food for koalas and wildlife while they are in care. The koala hospital will be constructed to allow zoo visitors to see staff undertaking their

work. The hospital will treat wildlife from the western regions of the state, and complement the existing wildlife hospitals at Healesville Sanctuary and Melbourne Zoo. It will also equip Zoos Victoria’s team of wildlife experts with greater resources to respond during bushfires. During last summer’s bushfires, Zoos Victoria’s veterinary teams treated and rehabilitated bushfire-affected wildlife, and RSPCA Victoria deployed its Mobile Animal Care Unit and support staff to triage locations. Zoos Victoria chief executive, Dr Jenny Gray, said she was excited to join forces with RSPCA for the koala hospital project. “We’re thankful for RSPCA Victoria’s

generous support,” Dr Gray said. “This alignment will allow us to provide expert, compassionate care to more sick, injured and bushfire-affected wildlife in a region where we are seeing this need grow year on year.” RSPCA Victoria chief executive, Dr Liz Walker, thanked everyone who donated to the organisation during the bushfires. “We’re very excited to be partnering with Zoos Victoria to build a new, state of the art koala hospital for Victoria – made possible by the generous donors who supported our bushfire appeal last summer,” she said. Werribee zoo is temporarily closed to visitors, but animal lovers can stay connected with its animals through Zoos Victoria’s live stream cameras at www.zoo.org.au/animals-at-home.

Wyndham council is preparing to deliver five hours of free kindergarten per week, for three-year-old children from 2022. The council’s director of city life, Allison Kenwood, said new funding from the state government would allow Wyndham to introduce the initiative. “This is great news for Wyndham families who currently need to pay full fees for three-year-old kindergarten,” Ms Kenwood said. “While three-year-old kindergarten programs are not currently funded by the state government, there has been a commitment to investing almost $5 billion over 10 years, to give children two years of funded kindergarten programs. “This will allow Wyndham families access to five hours of funded three-year-old kindergarten programs in either a sessional kindergarten or a daycare setting.” Ms Kenwood said the council would work closely with the state government to ensure that Wyndham families received “maximum benefit” when the new funding is rolled out in 2022. Wyndham councillor Josh Gilligan posted on Facebook last month that the first stages of the kindergarten program would assist families in Tarneit, Hoppers Crossing and Werribee. The state government also last month announced that it would provide $1.1 million in technology grants to more than 780 kindergartens across Victoria. Werribee MP Tim Pallas said that 15 kindergartens and early childhood centres in his electorate would receive funding to purchase IT equipment to support and improve their learning environment. Altona MP Jill Hennessy said that 14 kindergartens across her electorate would also receive IT funding. Alesha Capone

Documentary a powerful insight into one man’s resolve Filmmaker Pongky Nataatmaja says that cutting two days’ worth of footage down to the “most powerful five minutes” is a creative challenge. Mr Nataatmaja, who works in the media department of Al-Tawqa College in Truganina, has entered a short documentary in the annual Focus on Ability Short Film Festival. The doco, titled Hamimi’s Resolve, focuses on Abdulah Hamimi, 31, who became wheelchair-bound after a car accident. Mr Hamimi, who came to Australia as a child with his parents to escape war-torn Afghanistan, does a lot of volunteer and community work. 12 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 7 October, 2020

Mr Nataatmaja said that after he started filming the documentary, pandemic lockdown restrictions were introduced, meaning he could not travel to Melbourne’s south-east – where Mr Hamimi lives – to shoot scenes. “That was a huge challenge for me and I even questioned whether I should continue with the project or not because it wouldn’t have all the scenes that I had planned,” Mr Nataatmaja said. However, he persevered, using stock video and photos Mr Hamimi had on an “old, malfunctioning laptop” to fill in the gaps. Mr Nataatmaja said he had two goals in making the short film, including “to inspire

the viewers that no matter what hardships they have, whether it be a physical disability or otherwise, that they have the power to overcome it and even thrive despite it.” “It shouldn’t stop you from achieving what you want out of life,” he said. “The second goal was to raise awareness about people with disability in general – that they are still normal people that should be viewed and treated as such, just like you and me.” Hamimi’s Resolve has been viewed more than 9000 times online. Details: www. focusonability.com.au/FOA/films/2159.html Alesha Capone

A still from the documentary, showing Abdulah Hamimi. (Supplied)

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

SECTION

Future proof your career As the world changes, so will our careers. Get qualiďŹ ed and job-ready for the new normal.

Enquire now!

Real skills. Real experience. Real outcomes. thegordon.edu.au | 8373 9186 TAFE 3044

13 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 7 October, 2020

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Above: Yvonne Rolley teaching the learn to swim program, an annual community event by WSLSC volunteers for children in the community. Children would build sandcastles in the sand, lie on them and learn to kick their legs. Then they would learn arm actions and practice them standing up. Then off they would go into the water to practice. Left: 1953: Bobby McKinda, Max Horn, John Peckham and Harrow Morgan. Top right: 1960s: Marilyn Jansen, Christine Martin, Nola Speakman (nee Wilson), Rosa Walton, Brenda Martin, Erica Plowright (nee Bird). Right: March past champions. (Pictures: Supplied)

100 years of saving lives By Goya Dmytryshchak Williamstown Swimming and Life Saving Club started soon after the Spanish flu and will celebrate its centenary in the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic. A book detailing the club’s history from 1920-2020, by Jacqui Hewitt and Kaye Tomkins, will be showcased as part of this month’s Hobsons Bay Seniors Festival. The book tells of the dangers of swimming at Williamstown in 1900, including the possibility of being shot from a nearby army rifle range. “Keen bathers who did not wish to competitively swim were more concerned with the dangers of swimming such as shark infestation, rocks, denuded sand, thistles, sewerage, cleanliness, immodesty, and possibly being shot from the close proximity of the Rifle Range,” the book states. President Paul Sullivan said the club started around the time of the Spanish flu and now had to celebrate its centenary online. “Whilst much has changed in 100 years, the Williamstown Swimming and Life Saving Club’s core role, providing a safe beach environment for the community, remains the same,” he said. “What also endures is that our club continues to be a place of community connection, a local treasured landmark and a place where members share their love and respect for the water. “It’s remarkable to think that our club was established in Melbourne as the world emerged 14 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 7 October, 2020

from the grip of the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, which was estimated to have infected 500 million people worldwide. “Today, as the world grinds to a halt in response to the current COVID-19 pandemic, we have had to close our club temporarily to members for the first time in 100 years. “This has been a sad but necessary decision for the health of our members and the wider community.

‘‘

club continutes to be … a local treasured landmark - Paul Sullivan

’’

“Reading this history of our club it is a great reminder of the incredible resilience and strength the club and its members have.” Co-author Jacqui Hewitt, who was the club’s first and only female president to date, said recounting the club’s history had been a wonderful experience. “Some members have done some amazing rescues, some have competed at high levels, and all have contributed to the club at some level,“ she said. “Williamstown Swimming and Life Saving Club has been a real contribution to the swimming public at Williamstown beach.” The presentation is on Tuesday, October 20, at 6.30pm. Bookings essential. Register via email at library@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au.

The new floating pool. (Supplied)

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS

Silver linings in a pandemic Adjunct Associate Professor Chris Carter, CEO North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network From the bushfire smoke staining our skies in January, to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that has restricted all our lives, there hasn’t been a time in recent memory that has done more to challenge the mental health of our community than 2020. Particularly in Melbourne, where we are hopefully just beginning to come out of our second wave of the virus, it would be hard to find someone who hasn’t felt a greater level of anxiety, fear, frustration and loss. The massive changes we have all had to make to our lives have left many people struggling, whether they’ve lost their job, become socially isolated, or are having to juggle home-schooling and work. What is also unprecedented is the huge amount of support now coming through from the community, governments and health organisations to help us all get through this pandemic. One of the newest services now available in the north, west and central Melbourne is HeadtoHelp, which provides mental health support for anyone who needs it. You can access the service by calling 1800 595 212. A trained mental health professional will help you find the best service or support for you, either co-ordinating with existing services or at one of the new HeadtoHelp hubs, in Broadmeadows and Wyndham Vale, in our region. Visit: headtohelp.org.au HeadtoHelp is an example of how all parts of the system are pulling together to make things better. Funded by the Australian government, organised and established by North Western

Melbourne Primary Health Network, and operated by a group of community health organisations with strong ties to their local community. All of this up and running within less than a month of being announced, which would have been called impossible before this pandemic began. But if there is a silver lining to COVID-19, it is the way it has made us question what is possible and what isn’t. Telehealth has meant we can now access medical help or mental health support as easily as picking up our phones. The great working from home experiment has shown that maybe shuttling hundreds of thousands of people in and out of our city centres every day isn’t the only option. As much as our lives can feel shut down now, possibilities for the future are opening up. It’s up to us to carry the good things forward. Check in on your friends, your families and your colleagues. And keep doing that next year, and the year after that. Keep talking about mental health, until it’s as normal as chatting about the weather. And let’s keep the community spirit alive, the spoonvilles and rainbow trails andrandom acts of kindness that have kept us all going. If we can do that, then we all have a healthier, happier and more connected future to look forward to. And if 2020 has taught us anything, it is that just about anything is possible.

Adjunct Associate Professor Chris Carter. (Supplied)

Working out at home • Exhale as you push the tins up. Biceps Curl

• This is a ‘pull’ movement. • Exhale as you lift the tins up. Bent Over Row

• This is a ‘hinge’ and a ‘pull’ movement all in one. • Exhale as you pull the tins up and out.

The bath towel Lunge and Twist

SIT DOWN STAND UP

SHOULDER PRESS

Use a sturdy dining chair on a steady surface (even push it up against a solid wall for extra stability) for these exercises:

LUNGE AND TWIST

Overhead Squat Walk

ELEVATED PUSH UPS

BENT OVER ROW

Sit Down Stand Up

• This is a ‘squat’ pattern. • Aim to sit down and stand up without using your hands. • Exhale as you stand up. Elevated Push Ups

The dining chair

• This is a ‘lunge’, a ‘pull’ and a ‘rotation’ movement all in one. • Pull the towel taut in front of you at chest level. • Take this one slowly – exhale on the twist and as you stand back up from the lunge.

(Pictures: Supplied)

With gyms not set to open until the end of October in the current roadmap to easing coronavirus restrictions, many Melbournians are turning to ‘at home’ workouts. While there is a myriad of resources out there for you to follow, working out at home doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. And you have all the equipment that you need in your pantry and around your house. A basic workout includes a warm up (to slowly raise your heart rate and to prepare your joints for movement), the main part of the workout (where your heart rate will be raised and your muscles will be working) and the cool down/stretch (where your heart rate will come back down and we move oxygenated blood back to the muscles). An overall workout will also include the seven basic human movement patterns – squat, the lunge, a push movement, a pull movement, a hip hinge, a torso rotation and locomotion. And that is what these exercises aim to do – all from the comfort of your home. Of course, please do modify these exercises in consideration of any injuries or concerns that you may have. Take breaks throughout your workout as needed and consult your GP or Allied Health Professional before starting a new exercise program.

• This is a ‘push’ movement. • Exhale as you push your chest away from the chair seat. Elevated Mountain Climbers

OVERHEAD SQUAT WALK

• This is a ‘rotation’ movement. • Exhale as you bring one knee in towards the opposing elbow.

The soup cans Tins of food are generally 400-500g and these offer a great way to add resistance to your exercises: Shoulder Press

• This is a ‘push’ movement.

• This is a ‘squat’, a ‘pull’ and a ‘locomotion’ movement all in one. • Pull the towel taut with your arms extended overhead, slightly in front of your face. • Work along the length of a hallway or a room. • Exhale each time you stand up out of the squat. To turn this into an easy, at home workout, aim to do 90 seconds to 2 minutes of each exercise, resting 30 seconds to 1 minute between each. For a basic warm up, complete three sets of the dining chair exercises at 30 seconds each. To cool down, spend 30 seconds stretching each of the major body parts – front and back of legs, front and back of your torso and front and back of your arms. Any movement that can be incorporated into your day is a positive undertaking. A 30 minute workout, such as this one, is always a great idea, but so is short increments of incidental activity. * https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/main/ publishing.nsf/Content/health-pubhlth-strategphys-act-guidelines#npa1864 15 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 7 October, 2020

The future will bring new challenges. So we’re prepared. We’re building a modern fire and rescue service, with firefighters working together for all Victorians. Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) leads fire and rescue in Melbourne and major regional centres. We are also strengthening and supporting the CFA with new equipment, upgraded stations and better facilities – ensuring our volunteers continue to serve and protect their communities. With world-class technology and highly trained firefighters, we’re ready to meet the challenges we face today, and into the future. For more information about Fire Rescue Victoria visit frv.vic.gov.au

Fire Rescue Victoria. We’re prepared. Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne 12462394-DL41-20

16 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 7 October, 2020

FIRE RESCUE VICTORIA

‘‘

dedication to serving our community remains unchanged

’’

- David Bruce

FRV is a modern fire and rescue service here to serve and protect Victorians. (Pictures: Supplied/Fire Rescue Victoria)

New look, same dedication An important part of Victoria’s Fire Services Reforms, the newly formed Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) organisation stands to serve as a modern fire and rescue service ready to meet the needs of our ever-changing communities. Established on July 1 this year, FRV will be based at fire and rescue stations, offices and facilities across the state, some of which will be co-located with Country Fire Authority (CFA)

volunteer brigades. FRV will work alongside the CFA to deliver a strong and agile fire and rescue service, drawing on decades of knowledge and expertise to continue to serve and protect with an ongoing commitment to keep Victorians safe. There are 41 fire stations within FRV’s North and West Operations region. FRV Deputy Commissioner North and West

GRASSFIRES

Operations, David Bruce said: “FRV firefighters will deploy to incidents within FRV’s boundaries from fire stations that are staffed by firefighters 24 hours a day, seven days a week. FRV crews also deploy into CFA areas to support volunteer crews, who will continue to play a vital role. “While a new logo will be displayed on all FRV fire stations, appliances and uniforms,

FRV’s operational response, along with our commitment and dedication to serving our community remains unchanged. “The community can remain confident that highly-trained and experienced local firefighters from FRV and CFA will be there when they need them most. “Victorians and visitors to our state will continue to receive an exemplary fire and rescue service.” Residents of Wyndham and Point Cook are covered by FRV’s Western 1 District, with eight fire stations located in the suburbs of Laverton, Newport, Spotswood, Altona, Footscray, North Laverton, Tarneit and Point Cook. More information on FRV can be found at www.frv.vic.gov.au

DON’T GET CAUGHT OUT Grassfires start anywhere Grassfires cancan start anywhere and spread quickly. and spread quickly. On thethe urban fringe... On urban fringe... If If you live you livenext nexttotograssland grasslandand and aa grassfire streets grassfirestarts, starts,walk walkat at least least two two streets back from the fire. back from the fire. If If you live you livetwo twoorormore morestreet street away away from grassland and a grassfire starts, from grassland and a grassfire starts, stay where you are - grassfires are stay where you are - grassfires are unlikely to spread into built up areas. unlikely to spread into built up areas. Never drive if you can see smoke or fire. Never drive if you can see smoke or fire. Thick smoke will make it hard to see Thick smoke will make it hard to see and traffic jams and accidents are likely. and traffic jams and accidents are likely. Keep the roads clear for emergency Keep the roads clear for the emergency services.

VicEmergency Hotline VicEmergency 1800 226 226 Hotline

1800 226 226

services.

cfa.vic.gov.au

17 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 7 October, 2020

FEATURING ... HEALTH & WELLBEING

Real-time training, online

The HIIT Factory Werribee owner Renee Lee. (Supplied)

Training that HIITs the spot The HIIT Factory is a fast, fat-burning fitness establishment that offers group training sessions catering for all levels and ages. A variety of session formats are offered including HIIT Step, Insanity, FBX, P90X, Core De Force, Yoga, Pilates and some exclusive formats to the HIIT Factory, including Tabata21, Raise the Bar, The Ladder, HIIT Skip, Booty Burn, HIIT Strength, AbLab and KettleHIIT. The HIIT Factory Werribee, one of nine franchises and the fourth to open, is more than just a gym. Owner Renee Lee says the recent creation of HIIT #LIVEinyourloungeroom has been a huge success, delivering live sessions to clients to keep them motivated, healthy and connected during the pandemic. “You don’t need a lot of space or a lot of equipment [if any] to be able to get a session done,” Renee says. “Thirty minutes is all we need for any of our sessions and the great part is, your children, husband, wife and family

members in your home can join in as well. “Whether someone trains five times per week or only manages to get one session in amongst their everyday lives, each person forms part of something more than just a gym, more than just a group of fitness people – we are a community, we are a family. “I absolutely love what I do. Not only being able to deliver these sessions, but to see the transformation in people from the first time they enter the factory and their ongoing journey through their love of HIIT.” If you’re keen to get your body moving and to get results, Renee has a great deal up for grabs right now that’s suitable for all levels. “And it’s not one to be missed!” she says. “There is something for everyone here at The HIIT Factory. The HIIT Factory Werribee, 3 Loop Road, Werribee. Inquiries: 0424 415 069, email renee@thehiitfactory.com.au or visit www.thehiitfactory.com.au/werribee

While visits to the gym are off the agenda right now, In 2 Life Fitness in Point Cook has adapted to coronavirus restrictions by offering virtual training sessions, conducted in real time. In 2 Life Fitness owner, Carolyn McMillan, says the virtual training on offer is unique. “We’re not doing the ‘trainer on the screen’ and you just follow along,” she explains. “We’re running real-time training, with qualified personal trainers watching each participant on screen, guiding each person on techniques. “Our trainers motivate and push each participant based on their fitness, with modifications made for anyone with an injury or specific need.” Virtual training is undertaken for 1:1 Personal Training sessions, Small Group Personal Training (maximum of 4 people), Group Fitness classes and Mums & Bubs postnatal classes. With Covid restrictions starting to ease, In 2 Life is now able to offer outdoor personal training (max 2 people) in Point Cook, until the studio is able to reopen. Carolyn says that her ‘fitness family’ has thrived in the past six months. “We continue to see improvements in our clients’ health and fitness and they’re able to continue working towards their summer goals. “Our Mums & Bubs sessions enable new mums to work on their postnatal health while meeting other new mums. We encourage all mums to stay online after the workout to have a mothers’ group chat, sharing stories and experiences and just hanging out with others in the same boat.” Mental health during COVID is another focus of In 2 Life Fitness, with activities provided to focus on positivity. These

Carolyn McMillan from In 2 Life Fitness offers unique virtual personal training. (Supplied)

include regular trivia nights, monthly fitness challenges and weekly quizzes via the private Facebook group, as well as fun-filled themed workout sessions. Carolyn invites people to check out their Facebook page to see what they’re doing to help the community stay sane during lockdown. In 2 Life Fitness, 51/22-30 Wallace Avenue, Point Cook. Inquiries: 0425 722 310, Facebook www.facebook.com/In2LifeFitness

WE CATER FOR ALL Age Groups, Genders and Fitness Levels

Looking for the perfect way to kick start your Spring Fitness? The Ultimate 4 Week Online Transformation Challenge 5 x fun, fast workouts each week Easy to follow, delicious meal plans Awesome trainers & group to train with Unlimited on demand sessions Don’t just feel the change, see the change! You WILL look and feel fabulous after 4 weeks! Spots Are Limited, Get In Touch Today! 0424 415 069 renee@thehiitfactory.com.au https://thehiitfactory.com.au/werribee https://www.facebook.com/thehiitfactorywerribee

12464200-JW41-20

ATTENTION Ladies of Werribee

If your goal is to lose weight, tone up, get fitter, feel stronger, feel more confident or just to love the way you look and feel, then In 2 Life Fitness can help you.

OUR SPECIAL OFFERS

12 SESSIONS FOR THE PRICE OF 9

• Mums & Bubs • 1:1 Personal Training • Semi Private Personal Training • Group Fitness • Boxing

(that’s 3 sessions for FREE)

1 WEEK FREE TRIAL of our group fitness sessions during October.

Contact Carolyn on 0425 722 310 or Check out our Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/In2LifeFitness to see what we are doing to help the community stay sane during lockdown. 12464285-DL41-20

18 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 7 October, 2020

FEATURING ... HEALTH & WELLBEING

Taking fitness out of the box

The 12RND fitness crew Nate, Bianca and Matt.

that incorporated all the types of training I enjoy, along with a love for boxing – and then to top it off with the no set class times – it was a match made in heaven! We’ve never looked back.” Bianca and Matt consider themselves very lucky to have Nate Keti as part of the team.

“Nate is well known in the area and brings years of strength and conditioning experience, and combines that with a passion to help improve other lives – not only physically and mentally but spiritually as well,” Matt says. “Nate’s relaxed nature, plus an eye for detail in the use of correct technique and form, has made

him the perfect fit for the club and a popular member of the 12RND team.” 12RND Fitness, Unit 2/55-63 Graham Court, Hoppers Crossing. Inquiries: 0438 802 724 or www.12rnd.com.au 12452688-CLG41-20

How does a fitness centre with no set class times, no bookings and no waiting lists sound? This clever approach, adopted by 12RND Fitness Hoppers Crossing, has proven a big hit with clients during its first year of operation. Husband and wife owners, Bianca and Matt McAuliffe, say their unique format offers a new round of boxing, strength and conditioning every three minutes. Along with this, 12RND provides a new workout every day, allowing members to get a full body workout each and every time they train. “This allows participants to get some great training at a time that suits them,” Matt says. “We recently turned one during lockdown 2.0 and we’re looking forward to celebrating our first birthday when we reopen.” Despite facing lockdown restrictions for half of 2020, Bianca says 12Rnd Hoppers Crossing has thrived. She attributes this partly to the pair’s focus on delivering a fun-filled and relaxed environment. “Since opening last July, we’ve consistently grown and now have an amazing fit-fam community,” Matt says. “Our members are amazing and make coming into the gym an absolute pleasure – and our online reviews reflect that. We’re incredibly lucky to have them as part of our family.” Matt says that Bianca is the backbone of the operation, keeping things in order with her accounting and business management skills, and has already been given the title of Queen B by the members. “The members love her and she loves them.” Matt was the one looking for a change of career after being a carpenter for most of his working life. “When my mate Terry made me aware of the 12Rnd concept, I was sold on the idea,” Matt explains. “After years of trying to find a gym

STARTER

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KICKSTART YOUR 12RND TRAINING INCLUDES: + Myzone MZ-1 Heart Rate Belt (valued at $149) + 10oz Boxing Gloves (valued at $59) + 12RND Boxing Hand Wraps (valued at $10)

FREE WHEN YOU SIGN UP! - SAVE OVER $200 /12RNDHOPPERSCROSSING

LIMITED PACKS AVAILABLE GET IN TOUCH TODAY! 12RND FITNESS HOPPERS CROSSING

0438 802 724 hopperscrossing@12round.com 2/55 Graham Court, Hoppers Crossing

@12RNDHOPPERSCROSSING

TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY

WWW.12RND.COM.AU 19 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 7 October, 2020

FEATURING ... HEALTH & WELLBEING

Make healthy eating Part&Parcel of your day Melbourne couple Daniel Kagan and Lia Gery recently launched Part&Parcel, their online business that’s truly revolutionary … and frankly life-changing to boot. Anyone interested in effortlessly accessing affordable organic pantry staples – underscored with sustainability and ethical practices – is invited to “sit up and listen”, as they say, because Part&Parcel offers something very special. Firstly, Dan and Lia ask you to imagine: Virtually shopping from shelves brimming with only the good stuff, curated by someone you trust, like a friend. Farming, sustainability and ethical practices for every product have all been researched. Local products are prioritised – but so are brands that are doing good in the world. And these premium, organic products are actually affordable – about 40 per cent lower than regular retail prices. The pièce de résistance? No more trolley pushing and boot loading, because these heavy goods are conveniently delivered to your doorstep … in plastic-free recycled packaging, and in quantities large and small. And delivery fees are tiny. Part&Parcel operates with a membership model, meaning that it is memberships and not product profit margins that maintain the business. For $60 a year, members can ‘shop’ for the highest quality, extensively researched, provenance-proven, organic pantry staples – all curated by Dan and Lia to effectively eliminate the ‘tyranny of choice’. As Dan puts it, going to a store and having to read numerous labels to identify what you need is challenge enough, let alone feeling confident about a purchase. “I realised how confusing food labelling was, especially when you’re shopping at a ‘health food store’,” says Dan. “My favourite

Daniel and Lia with their sons, Tai (2) and Eli (5). (Supplied)

‘healthy vegan chocolate’ has more sugar than a Cadbury chocolate bar. “Here I was, a seemingly well-educated person when it comes to ‘healthy eating’, and I was confused re labelling and ‘health claims’. I also found the choice overwhelming – how can any busy person have the time to discern from one brand of muesli to the next, and to also have the time to shop around town finding these products?”

Following more than three years’ product research, and speaking to farmers, suppliers and manufacturers, Dan had the answers – and Part&Parcel was born … just as the pandemic hit town. But that hasn’t dampened Dan and Lia’s enthusiasm for making healthy eating more accessible to everyday Aussies. “I simply don’t want geography, price and knowledge to deter people from eating/

shopping this way. We’ve done all the hard work so our members don’t have to.” With its different business model, the couple know people will have questions. Lia has created a brilliant website, with every question answered, and painstakingly curated shelves to virtually browse. Dan and Lia are offering $15 off your first order, so visit www.partandparcel.com.au to start shopping or for more details.

12463090-RC41-20

20 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 7 October, 2020

FEATURING ... HEALTH & WELLBEING

Looking for just a little help - or more Healthy ageing means continually reinventing yourself. It means learning to adapt to change, finding new things to enjoy, staying physically active, taking care of yourself and your home, and staying connected to your community and loved ones. Paul Ostrowski, chief executive of Care Connect, believes that few people find it easy to make lifestyle changes. “Change can be especially difficult for people who may need a little help as they pass through landmark ages such as 60, 70, 80 and beyond,” he says. “This is not only because a lifetime’s worth of routines have set in, but also because they may feel that asking for help could be a first step towards losing their independence.” And that’s where Care Connect steps in – an organisation with more than 25 years’ experience providing in-home care to more than 40,000 Australians. “If you, or your loved one, need support while engaging in physical activity, staying connected with the community, or managing daily tasks, Care Connect can provide trusted advice, care and support to enable you to remain as independent as possible while you keep on top of your health and wellness goals.” Mr Ostrowski says that maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for anyone, especially now with COVID affecting our degree of social interaction, wellbeing and exercise. “The health and wellness of all Australians is our priority. Our carefully selected, expert team is passionate about providing people with the care they deserve and understand the barriers that individuals and their families meet while applying for, and receiving, care.” In Victoria, Care Connect’s services can range from Home Care Package and Commonwealth Home Support Program

Care tailored to your needs. (iStock)

management, caring for those under 65 through the Linkages program, to bringing together older householders and younger home-sharers who are prepared to lend a hand in return for affordable accommodation, through its ‘Homeshare’ program. “Whether just a little help – or more – is

needed, we build close relationships with clients and the families who choose us to manage their care. We work alongside them to provide person-centred care, support and encouragement to empower them to remain independent and achieve their individual health and wellness goals.”

Mr Ostrowski offers encouragement: “Stay positive, stay well, and stay connected, and enjoy the tomorrows you’ve waited for!” Get in touch today and start your wellness journey by calling 1800 692 464, email info@ careconnect.org.au or visit www.careconnect. org.au (Please quote ‘Star Weekly’.)

A little help goes a long way Staying healthy and feeling your best is important at any age.

You don’t have to be an internet expert to ﬁnd the support you deserve. Our advisers are real people who take the time to get to know you and your loved ones, building genuine partnerships. We provide trusted advice, care and support to enable you to remain living independently in your own home, while you keep on top of your health and wellness goals. From shopping and help around the house, to staying connected with your community – make Care Connect your ﬁrst choice.

Connect with our expert care team today for independent advice that you can trust.

1800 692 464 info@careconnect.org.au careconnect.org.au 12462734-DL41-20

21 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 7 October, 2020

PUZZLES STARWEEKLY.COM.AU Sudoku

Quick crossword 1

Fill the grid so every column, every row and 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.

WordFit

Each number represents a different letter of the alphabet. Write the given letters into all squares with matching numbers. Now work out which letters are represented by the other numbers. As you get the letters, write them into the main grid and the reference grid. Decoder uses all 26 letters of the alphabet.

Fit the words into the grid to create a finished crossword

24 10

22 1

23 23

2 1

24 7

5 16

9 20

23 1

3 LETTERS ANY ASK ASS BOY CAB CAT EAT EEL ERA EWE FEE FEY HIT KEN NOR OPT PEG PUS RAW ROE SAD SOD SON TAD YES ZIT

16 10

1 7

1 15

22 16

2 13

ABCDE FGHIJKL MNOPQRSTUV WXYZ

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 E G 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 L

Quick crossword solution

SOLUTION TO DECODER 17:

WordBuilder WordBuilder

R P D E O How many words of three or more letters, including plurals, can you make from the five letters, using each letter only once? No foreign words or words beginning with a capital are allowed. There’s at least one five-letter word. Good 11 Very Good 14 Excellent 21

4 LETTERS ACHE ALOE AMMO ANTS BEAT BELT BIAS BROW CLOG CRAM DEAN DINE DRAM EASE FAUN FROM HERO

B E L T

LAIR LENT LESS LIMA LOOM LYRE MOSS MYNA MYTH OAFS OMEN OUST PACT PALE RASH REAP RISE ROAR SHED

SIGH SLIT SLOT SWAT TAPE TREE VAMP VAST 5 LETTERS AGAPE ALOHA AREAS ASKER AWARE DENTS DROSS EARTH EASED

ZAIRE ZILCH

EGRET ERASE HAWKS IDLES LORES MODEM ORATE RAINY REARM RESET SLOSH STALL STRAY TESTS TONIC TUNIC WILCO WRITS YEARN

6 LETTERS ESTEEM STYLES UPHELD ZEPHYR 7 LETTERS DEFAULT PEEPING PHANTOM THEOREM

Sudoku solutions

Decoder V

14 1

15 2

16 3

17 4

18 5

19 6

20 7

21 8

22 9

Across: 1. Nominal, 5. Vibrate, 9. Solid, 10. Rigmarole, 11. Endurance, 12. Sidle, 13. Gloom, 15. Top-secret, 18. So to speak, 19. Kudos, 21. Breve, 23. Circulate, 25. Enchilada, 26. Depot, 27. Tannery, 28. Erratic. Down: 1. Nest egg, 2. Maladroit, 3. Nadir, 4. Lorgnette, 5. Vague, 6. Brass neck, 7. Aloud, 8. Element, 14. Mesmerise, 16. Poker face, 17. Red carpet, 18. Subvert, 20. Sceptic, 22. Ex-con, 23. Chary, 24. Under. A W A R E

E A R T H

D R O S S

M O D E M

A L O H A

V A S T

W R I T S

A G A P E

H E R O

K S E T N Y L T E A S P E B O R M O E W N F T E A Y D

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

S L I T B E L T P E E P I N G

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

S W A T A I R E D L E S C A T M O S S Y N T S A U L T N O R R I S E A C H E S H Y R E E L R A S E O R E S E N T S

WordBuilder

Down 1. Money put aside as a reserve (4,3) 2. Clumsy, graceless (9) 3. Lowest point (5) 4. Glasses held to the eye by a long handle (9) 5. Imprecise (5) 6. Effrontery (5,4) 7. Audibly (5) 8. Component (7) 14. Transfix (9) 16. Showing no emotion (colloq) (5,4) 17. Walkway for VIPs (3,6) 18. Undermine (7) 20. Doubter (7) 22. Former prisoner (2-3) 23. Cautious (5) 24. Beneath (5)

Decoder

WordFit

Across 1. Token (7) 5. Quiver (7) 9. Dependable, sensible (5) 10. Lengthy, complicated procedure (9) 11. Stamina (9) 12. Move furtively (5) 13. Despondency (5) 15. Classified (3-6) 18. As it were (2,2,5) 19. Praise (5) 21. Musical note (5) 23. Spread around, make known (9) 25. Filled Mexican corn tortilla (9) 26. Bus or train station (5) DECODER 27. Place where animal hides DECODER are treated (7) 28. Unpredictable (7)

MEDIUM

EASY

HARD

doe, doer, dop, dope, doper, dorp, drop, ode, ore, per, pod, pore, pored, pro, prod, red, redo, rep, rod, rode, roe, roed, rope, roped

SOLUTION TO DECODER 18:

R R

E T

M E

Insert the missing letters to make ten words — five reading across the grid and five reading down. Note: more than one solution may be possible.

1. Mount Meharry is the highest in which state? 2. Episodes of which classic 1960s TV series began “Five, four, three, two, one...”? 3. The Rabbittes, said to be the first happy family to appear in Irish writing since 1766, appear in novels by which Dublin-born writer? 4. Which artist painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Rome? 5. What animal’s name means “river horse”? 6. In a nursery rhyme, where would you go to see a fine lady with bells on her toes? 7. Which river flows through the Grand Canyon in the United States? 8. Is Opuntia a character in a play by Shakespeare, a river-crossing vessel in South Africa or a type of cactus? 9. Which song by an Australian performer has had the longest run at No.1? 10. Barack Obama was a congressman for which US state?

H Y M N S

C R I E S

5x5 solution N E R V E

Quiz

E M B E R

5x5

B E A S T

Quiz solution

All puzzles © The Puzzle Company

1. Western Australia, 2. Thunderbirds, 3. Roddy Doyle, 4. Michelangelo, 5. Hippopotamus, 6. Banbury Cross, 7. Colorado River, 8. Type of cactus, 9. Dance Monkey, by Tones and I, 10. Illinois.

Do you have a car sitting around that is in the way? Why not sell it for recycling? 20 years experience buying cars from the public & trade all over Melbourne

“We embrace responsible recycling”

LMCT 9534

Call or email now for a quote on 0413 904 368 • aloahmtrs@outlook.com 12455405-CLG32-20

22 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 7 October, 2020

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

SECTION

networkclassifieds.com.au Trades & Services

Place your ad in print and online www.networkclassifieds.com.au V Trades Business Profile

V Concrete Products & Services House slabs

M & D MICALLEF

Placing your classified advert is so easy...

CONCRETING

Online: networkclassiﬁeds.com.au (24/7) Phone: 1300 666 808 (Open 8.30-5pm Mon-Fri) Email: sales@networkclassiﬁeds.com.au

Martin 0418 171 280 or 9748 3196

Grow your business with

12335742-HM02-17

V Deadline

Aggregate Stencil Slate Coloured concrete Plain concrete Wash/seal old

drive ways Bobcat and dingo hire

(include your name, address and phone number)

TRADES & SERVICES From plumbers to pest control, carpet cleaning to building services, dry cleaning to computer repairs, lawn mowing and more, Network Classifieds has been connecting local businesses with the local community with our Trades and Services each week. Speak to our classified team and find out how easy it is to advertise. Start building your brand today and be seen every week in Network Classifieds Trades and Services.

froggys.com.au

V Air Conditioning

Wyndham Air Conditioning

SERVICING WYNDHAM AREA FOR OVER TEN YEARS

9998 3725

We NEVER

www.Ser viceToday.com.au

Lic No. AU 51273

฀ ฀

Free quote, Fair & reasonable rates

Call 1300 850 696 or 0433 874 699 www.surefreeze.com.au L065074

฀

AK BRICKLAYING All Types of Bricklaying Restoration Work ฀Brick Fences ฀Repair Work

BM. Bathroom & Kitchen Renovations • Granite Stone Benchtops Brian Registered with Master Builders Lic No: 35546

Factory 2, 207 Derrimut Dve, Derrimut Mob: 0425 797 864 Ph: 9394 1785 brian.m@bigpond.net.au 12420493-CG25-19

Andrew 0425 852 621 12412038-FA09-10

CUSTOM DECKS & PERGOLAS • General Carpentry • Decking • Carports • Pergolas • Re-rooﬁng, Home Renovations and Alterations (Local Tradies)

Free Quotes Kitchens & Bathroom Renovations

KITCHEN REVIVAL

Showroom by appointment only Free Quotes & Mobile Ensuite Hire. terms & conditions apply Please note that we specialise in renovations - we do not do repairs or maintenance

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

8348 5441

www.topedgekitchens.com.au

Steel Fences Made to Measure Steel Fences Double/Single Gates Pools Gardens Auto/Manual Sliding Gates Picket & Slat Fencing Aluminium Security Doors & Windows Fly screens Window Roller Shutters Accessories Sale Now - Free Quote – Cheapest prices!

Ph: (03) 8360 9997 Ray 0422 118 920

9748 2982

www.rmfencing.com.au

get better results

All types of Fencing, Gates and Decking Free quotes Pensioner discounts G6657959

Lou’s Colorbond Fencing

V Concrete Products & Services

P & A GATT P/L EXPERT CONCRETE WORK � Exposed aggregate, slate, stencil, colour & plain concrete � Exposed aggregate pressure washing, concrete cutting & re-sealing

Philip - 9741 5708 or 0412 543 709 Stewart - 0413 277 588

"We do all the small jobs that the bigger companies don't have time for" Up to 60 square metres Shed floors, paths, driveways etc. Coloured, plain, slate and stencil. FREE MEASURE & QUOTE Workmanship guaranteed, with over 30 years experience 1152992-LB36-14

Phone Tony 0404 775 573

Gates & Pergolas ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ Lou 0412 339 445 Tony 0431 339 739 ฀

V Garden Services

LAWN MOWING SERVICES

SMALL SMALL CONCRETING CONCRETING JOBS JOBS

V Cabinet Makers

Call Chris 9399 8104 or 0419 329 550

Yates and Son Fencing and Decking Call Phil 0433 880 368

Doug 0410 227 974 or Brent 0416 913712

· Plumbing · Tiling · Electrical · Carpentry · Plastering · One stop shop - Kitchen, bathroom, laundries & renovation needs. · Complete service from start to finish, including kitchen 3D design. · Appliance packages available. · Bathroom tapware, accessories & tiles on display in our showroom.

฀ ฀ ฀

R & M Fencing (Vic)

CALL 1300 666 808

Very diverse in all aspects of specialised property services ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀

V Fencing & Gates

ADVERTISE with us and

froggys.com.au

฀

฀฀ ฀฀ ฀฀ ฀฀ ฀฀

Rec 25789

Contact Adam 0422 250 675 V Builders & Building Services

V Bathroom & Kitchens

G6609196AA-dc4Feb

12412038-FA09-10

12350886-PB18-17

฀ ฀ ฀

Lic No. REC 30504

฀฀ 5 OAKDENE GROVE LAVERTON ฀฀ ฀฀ VIC 3028 ฀฀฀฀

G6053960AA-dc29May

฀ ฀

We NEVER

THE ELECTRICAL COMPANY

V Cabinet Makers

12418345-SN21-19

฀ ฀

12396477-DJ34-18

฀ ฀ ฀

9999-8193 w w w . S e r v i c e To d a y. c o m . a u

Ph: 9360 0466 * DOMESTIC * INDUSTRIAL * COMMERCIAL

V Bricklayers

AIR CONDITIONING COOLING & HEATING

yes we can

12441118-CG07-20

Lighting Power Points Phone & Data Hot Water And more...

SERVICING WYNDHAM AREA FOR OVER TEN YEARS

Call 1300 666 808

yes we can

฀ ฀

621 Andrew 0425 852

G6084690AA-dc12Jun

g All Pricin t Up-Fron

Service Sales All Brands Finance Available Senior Discounts

“I’m very happy, advertising works, it has been great for building my business in the building services and handyman areas.” - Andrew

Altona, Laverton, Hoppers Crossing, Werribee. ฀

฀

฀ ฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀ ฀

PENSIONER RATES 12416265-CG17-19

FAST, FRIENDLY SERVICE!

12461668-JW41-20

Call Us Today... For our

services s of specialised property Very diverse in all aspect ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

Call Us Today For our FAST FRIENDLY SERVICE!

g All Pricin t Up-Fron 12450681-RC23-20

12435710-CG03-20

Ask about our discounted ongoing advertising rates and how choosing more newspapers gives your advertising more impact and saves you money...

Deadline for all classifications is 1:00pm Tuesday.

Wyndham Electricians

12458369-DV34-20

(1.5% credit card processing fee applies. Cheques and money orders can be posted in or hand delivered to our local ofﬁce)

V Electricians

12427253-FA39-19

VISA/MASTERCARD/EFTPOS

12402755-RA44-18

We accept payment by:

GEORGE FOX 0431 277 046

12422553-FA29-19

General Classifieds section of Network Classifieds.

Place Your Classified Ads Online Your advert will appear in print and online! 23 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 7 October, 2020

Trades & Services

General Notices

V Garden Services

V Public Notices and Event

V Plumbing

MOWTOWN GARDENS

Wyndham Plumbers Call Us Today...

g All Pricinnt Up-Fro

For our FAST FRIENDLY SERVICE!

0413 333 549

yes we can

Prompt Reliable Service

AMAZING GARDEN SERVICES

9998-2905

฀

฀ ฀ ฀

฀ ฀

฀

฀ ฀

฀

12450404-AM23-20

Phone 0401 407 282

฀

12360798-DJ33-17

A1 Garden Maintenance & Rubbish Removals ฀ ฀

฀ ฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀

฀ ฀

฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀ ฀ ฀

฀

WYP12271/20

The Applicant for the permit is:

Human Habitats

Planning Ofﬁcer Details:

Contact: Benny Singh Telephone: 9742 0843

The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before:

EXTREME

REBLOCKING

The best Reblocking & Underpinning

V Kitchens

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ Call Sam for a Free Quote 9324 8575 or 0409 237 487

12367852-ACM41-17

& AIR CONDITIONING - DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL

฀

฀ ฀

฀

OZTEC WINDOW SHUTTERS • 100% Australian Made & Owned • 10 years replacement warranty • Electric, manual or combination • Single and group remote controlled • Connected to smoke alarm (auto-lift)

฀

FOR FREE MEASURE & QUOTE PH: 9336 0005 JORDAN: 0413 708 238

฀

For A Free Quote Call MARK: 0425

772 304

฀

AAAA

฀ ฀

Skip Bins Various Sizes

฀ ฀ ฀

฀ ฀

WESTERN SUBURBS BIN HIRE

2 Cubic Metres to 10 Cubic Metres

฀

Walk In Bins Fit Most Driveways

For Prompt Service Call 0414 930 586

seaview

V Television/Video/Audio

Painting Services ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀ ฀ ฀

AAA AERIAL

V Plumbing

฀

฀ ฀

฀

SERVICE ฀

฀

24 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 7 October, 2020

V Tree Lopping/Surgery 12411669-SN09-19

24/7

฀ ฀ ฀

12458330-RC35-20

EMERGENCY

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

CALL OUT FEE $0

30% OFF THIS WEEK 0409 888 228

THE PLUMBING COMPANY

Ph: 9360 0466

ANTENNAS

DIGITAL ANTENNAS POINTS & BOOSTERS INSTALLED TODAY

0439 858 298

ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identiﬁcation number. It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identiﬁcation number is included in the advertisement or notice. For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au

PLACE YOUR

9398 5283 0418 319 252

12416368-CG17-19

V Pets & Services

MSZ TREELOPPING ▲ Treelopping and felling ▲ Stump removal ▲ Pruning ▲ On site mulching ▲ Mulch for sale ▲ Full insurance cover

MICK 9747 1322 - 0418 994 320

section of Network Classifieds.

V Positions Vacant

Forklift Driver

TRUCK DRIVER MC/HC Based in Laverton. Full time position. Melbourne to Adelaide. Melbourne to Albury. Wages per agreement.

Laverton Area Afternoon Shift Truck licence and experience in general freight would be an advantage Phone 0412 155 613

Phone 0412 155 613

NEED NEW STAFF?

V Garage Sales

Call Luke

V Painters/Decorators

Trades & Services

Employment

12400498-CG38-18

฀ ฀

section of Network Classifieds. 12328393-HM43-16

฀

General

V Rubbish Removal

Tarneit Locksmiths ฀

Find it in the

Showroom @ 18 Quinn Drive, Keilor PArk, 3042

V Locksmiths

฀

ADVERTISERS, in this section are qualified practitioners and offer non-sexual services.

Get 10% Discount Use code: EMPDISC

Fill your position online ZZZ QHWZRUNFODVVL´HGV FRP DX

C1033285-KK23-12

฀

V Massage Therapists

V Roller Shutters

KITCHEN FACELIFTS ฀ ฀

General Classifieds

฀

C915642-JM14-11

12362716-ACM35-17

STONE BENCHTOPS

฀ ฀

฀ L011010 ฀ ฀

9366 7831 - 0417 556 963

Overlay Over Your Existing Benchtops With Stone. Change The Look Of Your Kitchen In A Day! Call for a free quote 0425 825 504 www.dsstonebenchtops.com.au

฀ ฀

3. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2018 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Planning Consultant on behalf of Telstra, via email to planning.vic@servicestream.com.au, via post to Planning Consultant, Servicestream, PO Box 14570, Melbourne, VIC 8001 by 5pm 22nd October 2020.

MEL-ASH REFRIGERATION ฀

Find it in the

2. Telstra regards the proposed installation as Permit Exempt under A Code of Practice For Telecommunications Facilities in Victoria 2004 based on the description above.

V Refrigeration

FREE DESIGN-CHEAPEST PRICE

AGM 2020 Laverton Community Integrated Services Inc. Will be held on Wednesday 28th October 2020 at 6.00pm via Zoom. Please email francism@lcis.org.au for the meeting link.

1. The proposed facility comprises removal of six (6) redundant panel antennas to be replaced with three (3) new 4G panel antennas on an existing mount at CL 14.8m and three (3) new 5G panel antennas on a new mount to be attached to the sign post at CL 15.65m; ancillary equipment to be upgraded including remote radio units, cabling and feeders; and internal works within the equipment cabinets to improve Telstra’s mobile phone network including 5G.

12380413-RC10-18

CALL 1300 666 808

฀

V Public Notices and Event

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE A TELSTRA MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT HOGANS CORNER SHOPPING CENTRE, CORNER HOGANS RD AND DERRIMUT RD, HOPPERS CROSSING 3029 WWW.RFNSA.COM.AU/3029009 V Reblocking/Underpinning

฀

21 October 2020

V Public Notices and Event

Lic No. 116785

For free quote call Mob: 0423 595 388 Email: sales@lnkitchens.com.au Showroom: 24 Berkshire Rd, North Sunshine

The Council Meeting agenda will be available on Council’s website after 5pm on the Friday prior to the meeting. For further information please contact Governance on 9742 0777.

Council must make a copy of every objection available at its office for any person to inspect during office hours free of charge until the end of the period during which an application may be made for review of a decision on the application. The objection will also be available for viewing through Council’s Online “Applications on Advertising” Register.

ADVERTISE with us and get better results

Specialise in: - Kitchens, vanities, laundries, wardrobes, storages Glass: Splashback, shower screen, mirrors, glass.

In line with Sections 395(1)(a) of the COVID-19 Omnibus (Emergency Measures) Act 2020, the Council Meeting will be held virtually and live streamed via the Wyndham City Living Facebook page on Council’s website (www.wyndham.vic.gov.au)

You may look at the application and any documents that support the application at; - The Council website https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/advertising - By Contacting the Assessing Ofﬁcer on the contact number above Any person who may be affected by the granting of the permit may object or make other submissions to the Responsible Authority by post or in person or; - Online: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/planningobjection - Email: mail@wyndham.vic.gov.au An objection must be made to the Responsible Authority in writing, include the reasons for the objection and state how the objector would be affected. If you object, the Responsible Authority will tell you of its decision.

0450 820 170 - 7 days

Call Sam

Removal of covenant H400860

The Application Reference Number is:

12464016-SG41-20

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

The Application is for a permit to:

Notice is given that Wyndham City Council will be holding a Council Meeting on Tuesday 20 October 2020 at 7.00pm. At this meeting Council will consider the Annual Report, including the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2020. The Annual Report will be available for inspection on Council’s website at www.wyndham.vic.gov.au

12423634-SN31-19

฀

฀ ฀ ฀

฀

12370916-RC45-17

฀

STEVE’S GARDENING ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

Lic No. 116785

MIRMICLicPLUMBING 35031

Call Joe 0498 375 094 - 7 days

฀ ฀

www.ServiceToday.com.au

Specialist in • Lawn mowing • Edging Pruning / Hedge Trimming • Regular Maintenance • Rubbish Removals • Tree Lopping • Gutter Cleaning

฀ ฀

We NEVER

65 Kenning Road TARNEIT VIC 3029

12464261-LB41-20

Call for a Free Quote: 0437 869 945

SERVICING WYNDHAM AREA FOR OVER TEN YEARS

The land affected by the Application is located at:

12400545-LB38-19

1246295-SG41-20

ALL WEST GARDENING AND MOWING Providing all your Gardening needs • Garden Maintenance • Mowing • Edging • Weeding • Pressure Washing

PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT ACT 1987 FORM 2 PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT REGULATIONS 2015

12450689-NG23-20

Emergency Plumbing Hot Water Blocked Drains Taps and Toilets Water Leaks And more...

GREG

WYNDHAM CITY MEETING OF COUNCIL 20 OCTOBER 2020

PUBLIC NOTICE

12464107-DL41-20

12430935-NG45-19

฀ ฀ ฀ Jobs AllSmall Types of - Mowing Small & Large Lots Our Specialty Bobcat Work - All Aspects of Gardening,Tree & Rubbish Removal - Pressure Spraying, Dirty Driveways, etc ฀ - Establishing Gardens - Instant & Artificial Grass - Sprinkler Systems CONTACT ฀ ฀ - Bucket Work, Hole Drilling & Trenching - 3.5T Tip Truck

V Public Notices and Event

ZZZ QHWZRUNFODVVL´HGV FRP DX

Real Estate V To Let ST ALBANS CENTRAL 4BR, heat /air, gas appliances, OSP, no garage, no pets, references $285 per week. 0417 100 099

Find it in the

Real Estate

section of Network Classifieds.

Employment

DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful for an advertiser to show any intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception under the Act. As Network Classifieds could be legally liable if an unlawful advertisement is printed, Network Classifieds will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. For more information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

USED CAR CHECKOUT

Lexus CT200h 2011 - 2019 By Ewan Kennedy, Marque Motoring Smoothness and quietness are major features in all Lexus models. Though the CT200h isn’t quite in the same class as its bigger brothers it is still very pleasant to travel in. Interestingly, the Lexus CT200 was the first model to be sold in Australia only as a hybrid, there was no pure-petrol option. Again in the Lexus manner the CT200h’s interior is finished to a high quality both in materials and fit and finish. Interior space is good in the front seat but the back is tight for legroom. The typical mum, dad and two kids family will find it fine. Check the boot, though, as it’s relatively shallow and may not suit full-on family needs. This smallish Lexus is a five-door hatchback with styling that takes its own direction. A facelift in April 2014 added the Lexus ‘spindle grille’ shape at the front. Inside there were changes to the trim designs. Another facelift in October 2017 again saw styling changes, including a fashionable honeycomb grille. The tailgate was renewed to use a similar design to the ‘L’ shaped lights used in larger model Lexuses. The infotainment screen was increased from 7 inches to 10.3 inches. Safety was further improved by a pre-collision warning system and autonomous emergency braking and lane departure warning. Lexus CT200h is still on the new-car market after close to seven years. While far from being a hot hatch the CT200h has a touch of sporting flair thanks to the sharp throttle responses that are a feature of all electric, or part-electric vehicles. Lexus CT200h has a 1.8-litre petrol engine assisted by an electric motor and drives the front wheels through a CVT automatic. There

The 2011 Lexus CT200H, 2014 Lexus CT200H and 2017 Lexus CT200H. (Pictures: Supplied)

are four driving modes. EV (electric-only), Eco, Normal and Sport. It can operate on electric power only at speeds up to 45 km/h. But it doesn’t stay in EV only for any real distance.. Reversing is done using the electric power only. Surprisingly there were no changes to the drive system as part of the 2014 or 2017 makeovers. Official fuel consumption numbers on hybrids are often much less realistic than in other powertrain. Lexus quotes 4.1 L/100km for the combined cycle, but in real life most use 25 to 50 per cent more. Lexus CT200h is getting old and the feeling is that it may not last on the new car market much longer. It was pulled of the American market in 2017 due to poor sales. Lexus are generally in the major metro areas quite a few country cities are also covered. Some topline Toyota technicians have been trained to work on Lexus models in case you have troubles. Amateur mechanics should stick strictly to

very basic work on these cars. Spare parts and servicing cost and availably are about average for a car in the upmarket class. Insurance companies charge pretty reasonable premiums.

Lexus models and hard use, or mistreatment by children may have caused excessive wear. Other than that, make the usual walk around of the little Lexus for signs of crash repairs, uneven tyre wear and body scratches.

What to look for

How much?

We suggest you don’t even consider a car like this unless the service books are up to date. Rough roads can knock the CT200h about as it’s really a city car. If one has been bashed over bad roads there may be squeaks from the body and trim. So it makes sense to find some bumpy stuff during your test drive. As the Lexus is relatively low slung for aerodynamic reasons it can suffer scrapes under the front bumper. If these are out of sight and only minor you may care to ignore them. On the earliest models some build quality problems were reported on overseas cars, these appear to have been sorted by the time the CT200h arrived in Australia. Look over the trim as the CT200h is built down to a price compared with the topline

Budget on spending from $8000 to $13,000 for a 2011 Lexus CT200h Luxury; $11,000 to $17,000 for a 2012 Sports Luxury; $14,000 to $21,000 for a 2014 Sports Luxury; $16,000 to $23,000 for a 2015 F Sport; $22,000 to $30,000 for 2016 F Sport; $25,000 to $34,000 for a 2016 Sports Luxury; $28,000 to $36,000 for a 2018 Sports Luxury; and $34,000 to $46,000 for a 2019 Sport Luxury.

Get the 4th tyre FREE*

• BRIDGESTONE

Unbeatable offers across the range!

• FIRESTONE • SUPERCAT • DAYTON

Available on selected car and SUV tyres.

• POTENZA

when you buy 3 Bridgestone Potenza RE003 or Firestone F01 Fuel Fighter car tyres.

Up to $80 cash back* when you buy 4 Supercat car or SUV tyres. 4 x 17" & above $80 cash back 4 x 16" & below $40 cash back

• TURANZA • ECOPIA

Going the distance with you. Going the distance with you.

• DUELER

At At Bridgestone, we’rewith with you life of tyres. your From tyres.our From our Bridgestone, we’re you for for the the life of your manufacturer’s toexclusive exclusive benefits, canconfident be confident manufacturer’swarranty warranty to benefits, you you can be your tyres are performing at theiratbest and you’re on the road. your tyres are performing their best andsafe you’re safe on the road.

COMPLETE TYRE PACKAGE DEALS

Dayton DT30 Manufactured by

Bridgestone

MONTHS INTEREST

FREE

No Deposit No Interest No repayments for 6 months

175/65R14 $359 205/55R16 $455 195/60R15 $415 215/55R17 $499 195/65R15 $415 235/45R17 $495 205/65R15 $399 225/45R18 $599 205/60R16 $479 245/45R18 $639 215/60R16 $455 245/35R19 $659 PACKAGES INCLUDE: 4 tyres, 4 tubeless valves, fitting, balancing, front & rear wheel alignment if applicable.

NO MORE TO PAY - ALL INCLUSIVE NOTE : The Above Prices include a discounted cost of $59.00 which covers front and rear wheel alignment

HOPPERS CROSSING 3/308–322 Old Geelong Rd 9369 0500

Eftpos

Car buying tip Ownership costs of upmarket vehicles can be a fair bit higher than for everyday cars.

Recalls To browse recalls go to the ACCC at: www. productsafety.gov.au/products/transport/cars/

RWC LICENSED VEHICLE TESTER LICENSE NO: EX 6187

DEALERSHIP HANDBOOK SERVICE FROM

RWC INSPECTIONS: PASSENGER CARS 4WD & SUV VEHICLES LIGHT COMMERCIAL INCLUDING GAS CONVERTED VEHICLES APPOINTMENT REQUIRED

139

• Replace engine oil and filter • Inspect and top up fluid levels • Remove wheels and inspect brake and clutch • Check drive belts and cooling system, hoses, etc • Stamp warranty booklet

PROFESSIONAL VEHICLE SERVICING & REPAIRS, WITH HONESTY & INTEGRITY • Fixed Price Servicing • Mechanical Repairs • Brakes • Clutch Repairs • Fleet Maintenance • Automatic Transmission

• Batteries • Wheel Balancing • Wheel Alignments • Licensed Vehicle Tester • RWC • Child Restraint Fitting

We use and recommend Valvoline Motor Oils & Ryco Filters

ST ALBANS Cards Welcome

29 St Albans Rd 9364 3244

All pictures are for illustration purposes only. All prices are recommended sale prices. Excludes fleet, government and wholesale accounts. Offers valid 31/10/2020

12436305-NG41-20

25 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 7 October, 2020

SPORT State bid for Hatzoglou

Sikora new Roos coach

By Tara Murray Max Hatzoglou is hoping some strong performances in Adelaide will put him in the perfect place for a spot in the Victorian under-19 team. Hatzoglou, who previously represented Victoria as an under-17, has been named in the Cricket Victoria’s under-19 male emerging performance squad. He said the prospect of representing his state again was exciting. Hatzoglou started his career at Sunshine Heights before moving to Premier club Melbourne University. “That was awesome to get announced in that and that’s really important,” he said. “If I can get involved at state level and perform really well at that level, it can really propel me and take me somewhere with my cricket. “It’s always been a goal of mine to continue to play at state level and hopefully as I get older that continues and I can have a career in cricket. “If I can continue to train and have a good year who knows where it will take me, hopefully I’ll keep doing well and the rewards come down the track.” Max and his older brother Peter Hatzoglou have headed to Adelaide to get their cricket seasons underway, with cricket still more than a month away in metro Melbourne. The two spent two weeks in quarantine in Darwin before arriving in Adelaide last week. Peter was earlier this year named in the Cricket Victoria 2020 Emerging Performance Winter Squad. “A player agent rang up and spoke to my brother and I and he suggested it might be a good opportunity to play district cricket there and also potentially get involved with the state stuff,” Max said. “My older brother Peter has come with me and is doing some cricket with South Australia and the SACA [South Australian Cricket Association] and he’ll be training with them and potentially playing a few games. “We’re playing together at Prospect Cricket Club which will be exciting and we’re really looking forward to it.” Hatzoglou said at this stage they would play the season by ear before deciding whether to head back to Melbourne later in the season. With both brothers performing well, it wouldn’t come a surprise to many that they come from a cricketing family. Hatzoglou said there were plenty of good

Max Hatzoglou. (Supplied)

games of cricket in the backyard growing up. “Me and my three brothers and my dad all played for Sunshine Heights and mum has always helped out there. “As we’ve gotten older we’ve moved to district level but we’re still involved at Sunshine Heights coaching and dad is still the president and still playing.” Hatzoglou’s love of the sport in general has

led him to pursue a career in sports journalism. “I’m a real sports lover and I’ve been writing articles and I’ve been running a sports radio show, it’s been keeping me busy which has been good fun. “I love sport and to be able to write and talk about sport as a job, that’s definitely something I would like to do, hopefully after a cricket career.”

New Sunbury Kangaroos coach Ron Sikora is hoping to build on the promise the side has shown in the Essendon District Football League in recent years. The Kangaroos have finished third in both seasons they’ve played in the EDFL, but are yet to have an impact in finals. Sikora had a first-hand view of the Kangaroos, having coached against them in 2019 when he took Keilor to the premier division grand final. Sikora was the Blues coach for the 2020 season that didn’t go ahead. He said his departure from the Blues was a little bit unexpected, which saw him seek out other coaching opportunities. It was the Kangaroos that stood out. “One of the things I said to [president] Al [Walters] was in the game [against Keilor] in the finals, the side showed some great promise. “There was something missing and you don’t know what it is until you’re there.” Sikora, who has experience in the VFL system, has previously coached some of the playing squad in juniors at the Sunbury Lions. While there are still a lot of unknowns, Sikora is already starting to get things under way in preparation for pre-seseason. Sikora said he was also keen to get the club’s under-18s girls program back up and running. They tried to have a team in 2020, but didn’t have the numbers. “It goes hand in hand,” he said. “If you have success with the 18s, it’s only a matter of time before you’re successful in the women’s program and helps with longevity.” The Kangaroos role isn’t the only coaching job Sikora has for next season. He’s been named coach of an Australian women’s team which will face a world team in an exhibition match at the World Nations Cup. Sikora said it would be a six week process from the first training session to the match, which will be played on the same day as the men’s grand final. Tara Murray

Watts brothers unite for Sunbury Kangaroos The five Watts brothers have all signed up with the Sunbury Kangaroos in next year’s Essendon District Football League division 1. All five brothers, Luke, Brandon, Jye, Koby and Tyrell, have played football at the club over the years, but have never been in the senior program together, let alone all play in the same game. Luke, who was part of the club’s division 2 reserves premiership in 2019, said it had always been a dream to play with his four brothers. He was the only one of the brothers involved in the Kangaroos senior program in recent years. “We were just talking a lot about it with each other and we thought it was a good idea and the right time,” he said. “We all love our footy and we want to play together. I’ve always wanted to play with them and it means heaps.” Luke, who has played separately with Brandon and Jye, thought due to the age difference he would never get to play with younger twins, Koby and Tyrell. 26 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 7 October, 2020

Luke, Brandon, Jye, Koby and Tyrell Watts. (Emma Burnett)

But with the two stepping up into senior football and Brandon and Jye returning to the sport after a couple of years off, everything fell into place for the family. Brandon and Jye have also played together, while the twins have played most of their football together. Between the five of them, they bring a wealth of experience which includes league

and club best and fairests, and being part of premierships. Luke said the family was pretty excited by the prospect of them all playing together. “They are all excited … they can’t wait to come down and watch us.” Luke said while all of them play similar roles, they could play a number of different positions which would allow them to play together.

Luke said they all want to try and push into the senior team, which will play in division 1 for the first time. “I think it will be a little bit harder,” he said of division 1. “I like the competition and it makes you a better player playing against better opposition.” The brothers have spent plenty of lockdown time with each other, and have started to prepare for the upcoming season. “We’ve gone for some kicks and a few runs, plus we’ve got a home gym.” The Watts brothers join a number of re-signings at the Kangaroos under new coach Leigh Sporle. Skipper Daniel Gregory, Mitch Streiff, Matthew and Anthony Leonard, John Corso, Jacob Opie, Lachy Kaye, Brenton Sutherland, Dwayne Tate, Chris Redli, Blake Lawson, James Oconnor, Dylan Cunningham, Mitch Kook, Tom Borg, Josh Kanellos, Zach McCasker and William Healy have all signed on for next year. Tara Murray

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

SPORT

Jones keen to create new culture at Melton

New Melton coach Brad Jones. (Damjan Janevski) 200651_05

New Melton coach Brad Jones said the time was right to create a new culture at the club ahead of the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association north-west season. Jones has been captain the past couple of seasons and was part of the coaching panel last season. A premiership player with the club, Jones said he wanted to use his experiences to build something successful. “It’s a great chance to create a new culture at the club,” he said. “The club is heading in the right direction with the new facilities being built and we want to create a new culture on the field as well. “Ever since we won those grand finals a few years ago, a lot of senior players have left. “I wanted to stand up and show a winning and positive culture.” For the Lions, the past few years have been mixed. Last season the Lions missed finals by three points after a final round loss. Jones admits that they lost a lot of games

they should have won and a lot of close games as well. “It’s been about getting experience into the guys and they will be a lot better with that experience. “They’re local first XI players and it’s good to get the younger local players into the team.” Jones said most of the group this year would be from the Melton region. They have lost three key players from last season. Sri Lankan all rounder Dilshan Kanchana is not returning, while David Dickinson is going to play with his brother. The biggest loss is that of Ben MacRae, last season’s leading run-scorer, who is having a year off cricket. Jones said the loss of MacRae is a massive one. “He’s a really quiet person, but has great leadership skills and sets the tone when we bat at the top of the order. The younger blokes need to step up and take the next step.” In a positive for the Lions, Jake Thornton-Gielen is returning to the club after

a season off. Jones pinpointed a number of youngsters he believed could take that next step this season. “Jason Hibbert played a couple of first XI game last season and will hopefully bat around the top of the order and bat some time. “Adrian Monitto has been in the first XI for a couple of years and Dylan Jobson is progressing well. “Joel Mitchener has been playing twos the last couple of years and we’re looking forward to him playing a few first XI games this season.” The VSDCA season will be structured differently this year due to COVID-19, with all matches to be played as one-dayers. The Lions are scheduled to kick off their season on November 21 against Hoppers Crossing. Jones said they still want to play finals despite having a younger side. He said they had been a better two-day side the last couple of years so they would need to make some adjustments this season. Tara Murray

Coach search for North Footscray

Amy Smith. (Jamie Morey Photography)

Like father, like daughter By Tara Murray Had you told Amy Smith she would be on an AFLW list two years ago, she wouldn’t have believed you. A basketball player with the Keilor Thunder in the Big V, Smith looked on track to be hitting three-pointers not kicking goals. She made the decision to take up football with Aberfeldie in the Essendon District Football League for the 2019 season and hasn’t looked back. Last week she was selected by the North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos AFLW team as their first father-daughter pick. Smith’s father Shaun Smith played 47 games for North Melbourne and another 67 for Melbourne, meaning she was eligible under the father-daughter rule for both clubs. Her brother Joel Smith, who also made a late transition from basketball to football, plays for Melbourne. Smith said it was still sinking in that she was an AFLW player. “It’s amazing and it’s still sinking in,” she said. “Two years ago had you asked me if I would have been in this situation I would have said no. “It’s a bit surreal, but I wouldn’t change a

thing and I’m so grateful I made the decision to change from basketball to football.” Smith, who lives in Hillside, said she had seen other girls make the transition from basketball to football which made her want to give it a go after playing basketball for 12 years. She knew a few people already at Aberfeldie and decided to join them and played a key part in their premiership in 2019. Smith said she had to do a bit of work on her skills to get them up to scratch. “When I first started, kicking wasn’t great,” she said. “I put in a lot of work to develop those skills and I’m surprised how quickly they have developed.” If Smith was surprised about taking to the footy field, she said her dad was even more so. He has been one of her biggest supporters in making the switch, getting involved with the Abefeldie women’s program. “If you asked him two years ago whether I would be playing AFLW, he would have said it was a definite no. “He always loves to help. When I said I wanted to play football, he said we have to work on my skills.” Having had a successful first season, Smith looked to make the transition into the VFLW. She spoke to a few clubs, with Williamstown

the standout and she joined them for the 2020 season. “I went down for one training session and it went from there,” she said. “I loved it as soon as I got down. I went down there and it felt like I had been there for years, they were very welcoming and everyone is so nice.” Williamstown VFLW football manager Claudia Davey said they had been impressed with Smith’s work rate in the short time she had been at the club. “Although it has been a difficult year for all, Amy has continued to work hard outside the club and we look forward to seeing her follow in her father’s footsteps at North Melbourne.” While the season didn’t go ahead, Smith tried to keep her skills up as much as possible. Both North Melbourne and Melbourne spoke to her about joining their clubs, with North Melbourne offering her a spot on their list. North has said they will look to play the 21-year-old in the back half of the ground and the midfield. Smith is now just keen to start pre-season training. “I haven’t met anyone in person yet, it’s all been over Zoom,” she said. “I just want to get down there and get started.”

North Footscray believes it’s an unique time to open up its senior coaching role for next year’s Western Region Football League division 2 season. The club had appointed Damien Zanic for the 2020 season, which ultimately didn’t go ahead due to COVID-19, but has decided to look around for a new coach next year. President Jason McCluskey said they thought they needed to advertise the role with all the uncertainty surrounding football as a whole. “We had a bit of a review with where we are at and it sort of dawned on myself and the footy operations manager there is so much coaching movement going on at the moment at higher levels. “People are falling out of systems and people have had a year off, given COVID, that might … be looking at aspects of coaching. “We thought given the unusual circumstances and that we’ve got a list that has been developed by our own operations manager and we don’t have an affiliation with a coach, that we would sort of be negligent not to test the market. “It might sound like a bold move, but it’s different times.” McCluskey said they thought the role was an attractive one with the playing group having no real affiliation with an incumbent coach. “We are quite excited by the prospect of getting out there and taking up the opportunity, we feel it’s a good one.” McCluskey said that Zanic was naturally disappointed with the club’s decision. He said Zanic had indicated that he would have a strong think about reapplying for the role. McCluskey said work was going on to sign the existing playing group and add some new recruits for next season. “It’s been really positive,” he said. “There’s re-signings as we speak and new recruits being signed. “There’s six or seven new faces that signed this year, who are yet to show their wares for any coach at the club. “We just signed another player who is brand new to the club and has a few mates who are coming to the club as well. Anyone interested in coaching can send applications to nffncadm@gmail. com. Applications close October 8. Tara Murray 27 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 7 October, 2020