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Photos tell your stories Wyndham residents are being invited to enter an amateur photo competition which aims to showcase how locals came together during the COVID-19 pandemic. Non-profit group, Bridge Builders for Australasia (BBFA), is running the Wyndham 2020 & Beyond, You, Me, Stronger Together competition, supported by Manor Lakes Community Fund, an initiative of the Dennis Family Corporation. BBFA president Melba Waugh said the group organised the photo contest to document how Wyndham stood strong as a community during the pandemic. The competition, for Wyndham residents aged 18 and older, is open to images which tell a visual story of hope, courage, innovation, resilience or patience and must have been taken between January 2020 and March 2021. No digital photo editing is allowed. Cash prizes are on offer. Entries close on March 31. Details: https://bbfaustralasia. wixsite.com/mysite, Bridge Builders for Australasia on Facebook or email bbfa. wyndham@gmail.com

This photo of Marbie, taken in a Hoppers Crossing backyard, has been submitted to the competition. (Supplied)

Council ‘soap opera’ By Alesha Capone Some Wyndham councillors have come under fire for their behaviour during a heated debate at a public meeting last Tuesday. Councillors have been described as behaving like children and being a “petulant child” by viewers watching the meeting as it was broadcast live on Facebook. At one point mayor Adele Hegedich was forced to interject. The debate deteriorated into bickering over the pronunciation of a councillor’s name, and an accusation of abusive language being used. “I’m appalled by behaviour, tone and comments made by some people tonight”, one viewer stated. “Community are interested in adults behaving like adults” wrote another, and that one councillor

“is behaving like a petulant child”. Others likened the meeting to their favourite show. “Someone pass the popcorn”. The debate erupted when Cr Robert Szatkowski attempted to split a notice of motion, put forward by Cr Josh Gilligan, into five separate motions for councillors to vote on. The motion concerned land at 203 Woods Road, which was earmarked for construction of a future non-government school under the Truganina Precinct Structure Plan. As reported by Star Weekly in September, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal has given the developer permission to divide the site into 227 residential lots, after the Catholic Education Office pulled out of an agreement to build a school there. Cr Gilligan’s motion called for Tarneit MP Sarah Connolly to be asked to publicly support

the acquisition of the site for a future state government school; and for council to write to Education Minister James Merlino. It also stated that council should reiterate its support for the site to remain a site for a school; that council should remain “concerned about the over reliance of the private sector to acquire land and deliver schools in Wyndham”; and to consider how this may relate to any future stages of the Schools4Wyndham advocacy. The motion also called for the council to undertake a strategic planning review to look at how it could put in place stronger planning controls around sites designated for non-government schools and community infrastructure. Cr Gilligan described the changes to his original notice of motion as “ridiculous”. He questioned Cr Szatkowski’s motives for

splitting the motion and raised concerns that Cr Szatkowski has “received thousands of dollars of donations from the state member of Tarneit linked to this motion”. Cr Szatkowski stated the donations are a matter of public record. He then asked Cr Gilligan to “pronounce my surname correctly”. After trying to say Cr Szatkowski’s surname twice, Cr Gilligan instead addressed him by his first name. As the debate continued, Cr Sahana Ramesh raised a point of order accusing Cr Gilligan of “using abusive language in the council chamber”. The mayor said she did not hear exactly what was said, “but if there was any language, can you please refrain from using it again”. Councillors voted on Cr Szatkowski’s five separate motions. All were passed.

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Casual workers hit hard by COVID By Alesha Capone and Tara Murray A new report has found that transmission of COVID-19 during Victoria’s second pandemic wave mostly occurred in disadvantaged areas of Melbourne, which have a high rate of casual workers. A public accounts and estimates committee inquiry into the state government’s handling of the pandemic, which was tabled in state Parliament last week, said that the five municipalities which had the most active COVID-19 cases as of December 1 –

Wyndham, Brimbank, Hume, Whittlesea and Melton – were among the 10 most disadvantaged councils in Victoria. “These five council areas also had a higher percentage of insecure work than most other parts of Victoria,” the report stated. The inquiry found that the pandemic highlighted the issues faced by casual and insecure workers who are not entitled to formal leave arrangements. The report stated that to help address this, the 2020-21 state budget contained $5 million for the development and consultation required

to finalise the design of a transition to secure work scheme to provide sick and carers leave at the national minimum wage for casual or insecure workers in priority industries. The inquiry also found that as of November 30, there had been 88 outbreaks of COVID-19 in Victorian school settings, which were linked to 977 cases of the virus. “The Al-Taqwa College outbreak in Truganina is one of the largest COVID-19 clusters Victoria has experienced, with 210 cases confirmed as at 18 August 2020,” the report stated.

The report listed all the outbreaks of COVID-19 reported in Wyndham last year. On June 24, 34 cases of the virus were linked to a food distribution business. Across the next two weeks, several more cases were linked to locations in Wyndham, including 109 at an aged care facility on July 5. On July 16, 260 cases were linked to another Wyndham aged care facility. Forty-four cases were linked to a Wyndham hospital and another 96 to an aged care facility on July 28. On August 17, 20 cases were connected to an additional needs school in Wyndham.

Seniors suspicious of council survey

Hassle-free dinner time

(Supplied)

Young Torah enjoyed a delicious meal at the Pacific Werribee shopping centre last week. The centre is holding a “kids eat free” dinner campaign for three evenings per week, until February 24. Customers can get a free dinner for their children, aged 12 and below, if they spend $15 or more on an adult main meal at any participating retailer including Grill’d, La Porchetta, Nando’s, Mama Mee, San Churro, Schnitz, The Pancake Parlour or The Sporting Globe. Pacific Werribee centre manager, Patricia Gardiner, said that she was excited to welcome families to the centre during the promotion. “This is a great chance for local families to head down to Pacific Werribee and receive a free meal for their kids at one of their favourite food retailers, or even to try somewhere new,” Ms Gardiner said. The Kids Eat Free campaign is available to dine-in patrons only, from 5pm to 9pm between Monday and Wednesday during the promotional period. Ms Gardiner also encouraged the community to support the retailers at Pacific Werribee, many of whom were impacted by COVID-19 last year. “2020 was an unprecedented and difficult year for businesses around the country, including many of our retailers here at Pacific Werribee,” she said. “As we begin the new year, we look forward to welcoming more customers back to Pacific Werribee.” To find out more, head to the Pacific Werribee website, https://pacificwerribee.com.au/

Some senior citizens have mistaken workers conducting door-to-door surveys for Wyndham council last year as scammers. Cr Heather Marcus raised the concerns at a meeting last Tuesday during discussions about council’s plan to adopt a community engagement policy. “I had five residents ring me, older people, saying: ‘Heather, is this for real, do you really have this, do you really have this survey going ahead?’” Cr Marcus said. “They said the people that were doing the survey didn’t introduce themselves and of course, being older, they thought, ‘Another scam, we’re not answering’.” Cr Marcus said that 171 face-to-face interviews were conducted during the public consultation process for the draft community engagement policy, in July and August last year. The draft policy was placed on public exhibition between December 10, 2020 and January 10, 2021 and about 1200 people participated in online consultation. However, Cr Marcus said she would have liked more residents to provide feedback on the plan, especially youth. She said those residents who had responded cited parks, open space, arts and culture as important to them, in addition to having an accessible, equitable and transparent council. The Local Government Act 2020 requires all Victorian councils to adopt a community engagement policy by March 1 this year. Alesha Capone

Werribee Football Club Wednesday 24th February 2021 6.30pm at Werribee Football Club AGENDA 1. Confirmation of 2019 AGM minutes

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Council expenses Wyndham’s nine councillors claimed more than $2564 in expenses between July and September last year. The councillors, including some who lost their seats in November’s municipal election or who did not stand for re-election, claimed a total of $1814.58 in information and communications technology expenses. Former councillor John Gibbons claimed $750 in car mileage expenses.

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Truganina Pony Club held an event at the weekend. (Supplied)

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Truganina Pony Club is searching for a new home ground. Club membership officer Erin Playford said the Woods Road site used by the club has been sold. “It will be very sad to lose the pony club, there is a lot of history here, it’s been a big part of my life, my mum was a member, then I was and now my daughter is,” Ms Playford said. “The kids all love coming to pony club, they get to see their friends and ride all day.” Ms Playford said the club, which celebrates its 65th anniversary this year, was initially known as Braybrook Pony Club. After a Truganina farming family – the Evans – donated the Woods Road site, the club

moved there and became Truganina Braybrook Pony Club. The “Braybrook” part was dropped a couple of years ago. Ms Playford said the Truganina Pony Club runs an annual show, an adult social riders group and a riders without horses program for youngsters who are interested in horses but don’t own one. “It is such a great program, the kids get to make friends with other horse-mad kids and they get to learn about horses,” Ms Playford said. The club will hold a reunion for past members later this year. Details: www.truganinaponyclub.com.au/

Low income households are being encouraged to apply for the state government’s new Power Saving Bonus to receive a one-off $250 payment to help with their energy bills. The bonus is available to any households with a Victorian electricity account who holds a pensioner concession card or receives JobSeeker, Austudy, Abstudy or Youth Allowance. To apply, visit compare. energy.vic.gov.au or call 1800 000 832.

Search for sponsors The Werribee River Association is seeking sponsors for this year’s Clean Up Australia Day event between Thursday, February 25 and Sunday, March 7 and for other clean-ups throughout the year. Contact Lisa Field on 0433 559 530 or email lisa.field@ werribeeriver.org.au FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Wyndham Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

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NEW COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS ARE IN PLACE To continue to keep our state safe, new restrictions are in place.

Fitted face masks must be worn indoors and on public transport.

Visitor numbers to your home are reduced to 15*.

And please practise COVIDSafe behaviours to keep us safe this summer. •

Keep 1.5 metres apart from those you don’t live with.

•

Stay home if you feel unwell, and get tested.

•

Keep your hands and surfaces clean.

•

Check listed exposure sites and follow the health advice provided.

Stay up to date on exposure sites and restrictions by visiting CORONAVIRUS.vic.gov.au *Babies under the age of 12 months are not included in this daily limit number. Authorised by the Victorian Government, Melbourne

4 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 10 February, 2021

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Animal hospital job cut fears By Alesha Capone

Book helps young diabetics Wyndham Vale author Tabitha Page has penned a children’s book about a young girl who is diagnosed with Type 1 (Juvenile) diabetes. Page wrote I’m a Type One Kid based on her experiences as a carer to her younger brother who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes while at primary school. The book, which has been illustrated by Anna Kulieshova, chronicles the journey of young Tina and her family as they adapt to daily life with diabetes and its medical requirements. Tina learns how to look after herself and stay healthy, in a story suitable for children aged four and over. “I want newly-diagnosed children, their siblings, their friends and classmates, to be able to read this book and understand what is happening and what is going to happen next,” Page said. “I also wanted to tell children and families dealing with Type 1 that their feelings are normal and that they are OK and that even though this condition is hard, they can take part; they can do awesome things and they can have fun.” I’m a Type One Kid is Page’s fifth book and the first in her I’m a super kid series. I’m a Type One Kid will be released to the public on March 13, via a free online book launch. Details: www.tabithajeanpage.com

(Joe Mastroianni) 227022_01

The National Tertiary Education Union fears there will be job cuts at the University of Melbourne U-Vet Werribee Animal Hospital. In a statement last week, the NTEU said it understands that the University of Melbourne is preparing to cut $10 million from its faculty of veterinary and agricultural sciences, which is home to U-Vet. NTEU University of Melbourne acting branch vice president, Annette Herrera said the university’s management was prioritising “new buildings and capital works projects instead of holding onto the staff that keep places like U-Vet serving the community”. A staff member at U-Vet, who asked to remain anonymous, said the animals under their care remained the top priority. “We want the public to know that the level of care hasn’t dropped even though we are overworked [and] understaffed,” the staff member said. A community-run Change.org petition opposing job cuts at U-Vet has garnered more than 4000 signatures. A University of Melbourne spokesperson said that “a change plan” would be implemented to manage the financial impact of COVID-19 on the tertiary institution, which is expecting to lose $900 million in revenue by the end of 2022. “Phase one of this plan involves an examination of service delivery and organisational structure at U-Vet Werribee Animal Hospital, not only to address cost-saving measures, but to increase efficiency and service quality,” the spokesperson said. “Just like many other universities and businesses, it is inevitable that there will be job losses … as a result of the financial impact of COVID-19”.

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Australia Day to be recognised By Alesha Capone Wyndham council will host an annual Australia Day events program, including a breakfast or major civic event, in future years. A majority of councillors supported the idea, put forward by Cr Josh Gilligan at last week’s council meeting. Cr Gilligan hopes the program will include Australia Day awards, recognising the Wyndham Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year. In previous years, the council has announced

its citizen awards in August. In a written submission to the council, Cr Gilligan said that “holding no significant Australia Day program sends the wrong message in a community that speaks so loudly and proudly of migration and multiculturalism and what it means to live in this country”. At the meeting last Tuesday, he said councils have a responsibility to create unity and pride in their municipalities. “Other western suburbs councils have breakfasts and major civic events [on Australia Day], I think we need to do so too,” he said.

Cr Mia Shaw said she supported Cr Gilligan’s idea, but that it was important to note the council was not debating the matter of whether to change the date of Australia Day from January 26 or not. Cr Marcel Mahfoud also gave Cr Gilligan’s motion a thumbs-up. He said that the council might need to conduct community consultation on what future local Australia Day celebrations could include. However, Cr Jennie Barrera said she could not support the motion as Wyndham was home to a large Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Islander community. “January 26 means different things to different people and it often provokes strong opinions,” she said. “For some in our community, it’s a very painful day.” Cr Barrera said that the council’s Reconciliation Action Plan was due to be updated later this year, and that she would like to see the conversation around Australia Day evolve alongside the plan. She said she believed it would be “premature” to commit to Cr Gilligan’s motion before the Reconciliation Action Plan was reviewed.

New pupils welcomed The first pupils to attend the new Riverbend Primary School in Wyndham Vale experienced their first day in the classroom on Friday. Werribee MP Tim Pallas visited the school to welcome the pupils last week. Riverbend Primary School has more than 110 pupils starting this year, including 44 prep pupils. The school, which will eventually cater for 575 pupils, includes three learning neighbourhoods, outdoor play courts, a performing arts and physical education building and a sports field. The Wunggurrwil Dhurrung Centre, which opened at the beginning of last year, is located next to Riverbend Primary School and has space for 99 four-year-old kindergarten pupils. More than one million students, including 84,000 preps, returned to classrooms across the state last week. Fourteen new schools have opened in

Victoria this year, including Garrang Wilam Primary School in Truganina, Eynesbury Primary School, Footscray High School’s Pilgrim campus and Oberon High School in Armstrong Creek. “We’re building more new schools than any other state, anywhere else in the country – that’s good for children in Werribee and their education, and it’s good for jobs,” Mr Pallas said. Education Minister James Merlino said: “The first day of school is a big day every year – but particularly after the year we had last year. I thank every teacher, student and parent for their efforts last year and wish them well for the year ahead”.

Werribee MP Tim Pallas with prep pupils at Riverbend Primary School. (Supplied)

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Freeway interchange opens The long-awaited Duncans Road interchange upgrade in Werribee was officially opened last week. Werribee MP Tim Pallas opened the new Princes Freeway entry ramp for Geelong-bound traffic, which was built as part of the state government’s $1.8 billion Western Roads Upgrade, on Friday. The opening follows the completion of a new Melbourne-bound freeway exit ramp, which opened to traffic in November. A new four-lane bridge over the Princes Freeway has also been built, replacing the

former two-lane bridge. The Duncans Road interchange upgrade features more than 650 metres of new walking and cycling paths. Landscaping and other minor works will continue over the coming months. “The opening of this new Princes Freeway entry ramp is going to make those trips to Geelong and the Surf Coast much quicker and safer for drivers in Werribee,” Mr Pallas said. “These upgrades will improve connections between Werribee’s town centre and the fast-growing communities of Wyndham Harbour.”

The final Western Roads Upgrade project, Palmers Road between the Princes Freeway and the Western Freeway, is due to be completed within months. Two extra lanes will be added in each direction between Princes Freeway and Sayers Road, one extra lane will be added in each direction between Sayers Road and Boundary Road and two extra lanes in each direction between Boundary Road and Western Freeway. New walking and cycling paths and a new overpass for the Federation Trail will also be constructed.

The Duncans Road interchange upgrade was opened last week. (Supplied)

One man’s cause Phillip McDonald is on a mission to help as many people as he can. The Wyndham resident is the founder of non-profit organisation Feeding Families, which purchased food, clothes, furniture and toys for residents doing it tough during the COVID-19 pandemic last year. He also helped to fund funerals for people who lost loved ones to coronavirus. Every month Mr McDonald hosts a barbecue at the Werribee South beach for anyone who would like to enjoy time with friends or family. And Feeding Families has established community cupboards, which supply donated food and other goods to people in need, in Diggers Road, Werribee South; Saltwater Avenue, Point Cook; Lahy Street, St Albans and at 17 Railway Crescent, Broadmeadows. “You contact the cupboard holder for St Albans, Broadmeadows and Toowoomba by appointment,” Mr McDonald said.

“The other ones you just come help yourself to whatever you need.” Mr McDonald said he organised most of the Feeding Families activities, but some volunteers help out when they can. While some donations assist with items, Mr McDonald usually uses his own money to fund his charitable deeds. “What I personally enjoy is knowing that as many people and families are able to eat and get the help they need without any questions or forms to fill out,” he said. Mr McDonald is seeking sponsors who could support Feeding Families with financial donations, and donations of food, clothes and other goods. Details: phillipm74@gmail.com or on 0411 792 568, or see https://www.facebook.com/ groups/feeding.families.australia Alesha Capone

Phillip McDonald, founder of Feeding Families. (Joe Mastroianni) 227304_02

7 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 10 February, 2021

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Wine bar plan lodged

Debra Bennett, her granddaughter Aria and son Braden. (Alesha Capone) 227697_01

School’s family ties By Alesha Capone Three generations of the one family share a strong link with Derrimut Heath Primary School in Hoppers Crossing. Debra Bennett has been a teacher at the school, part of Baden Powell College, since it was established in 1992. Her two children, Braden and Kate – who are now aged in their 30s – were both pupils at Derrimut Heath. Last Thursday, Braden’s daughter, five-year-old Aria, started her first day of prep at the school. Along with Braden, Aria’s mother Ellie Harvey and six-week-old sister Noah accompanied her on the way to her first day of

school. Braden said he could remember playing sport, including football and basketball, during his time at Derrimut Heath. He also recalled spending a lot of time after school in the visual art room, while his mother attended staff meetings. Braden said that when he was younger, if someone had told him that his daughter would one day attend the school, he “probably would have laughed”. Mrs Bennett, who is teaching grade 2 this year, said that education has changed since she first started in the field, with new curriculums, technology and learning strategies for pupils. Baden Powell’s second campus, in Tarneit,

opened in 2008. Mrs Bennett said the second campus has brought a different dynamic, combining two campuses into the one school. She said she enjoyed working at the school because it provided a supportive environment. “It feels like family, everybody looks after each other and everyone knows each other.” Mrs Bennett welcomed Aria with a cuddle before she went into her classroom last week. Aria said that on her first day at school, she enjoyed playing with the Beanie Kids toys in her classroom. “I did drawing, also cutting and broke up pieces of my name and put them on puzzle pieces,” she said.

A proposal to open a new wine bar and a pizza restaurant capable of hosting up to 400 people in Werribee has been submitted to Wyndham council. The application is seeking to open both licensed premises at shopfronts located on the ground floor of a larger commercial and residential site at 116 Watton Street, and to use some adjoining open space. The planning documents state that the “small wine bar with packaged liquor sales” will be named Corked Wine Bar, and be capable of hosting a maximum of 135 patrons at once. The wine bar will not have a kitchen but food could be provided for patrons on “an informal basis”. The sale and consumption of liquor will occur 1pm-11pm from Monday to Friday and 11am -11pm on weekends. At the restaurant, to be known as Teddy Picker, the sale and consumption of liquor will occur from 11am-11pm from Monday to Friday and 10am-11pm from Saturday to Sunday. There will be a minimum of one staff member in each licensed premises when liquor is served. The documents state that the proposal will introduce two new licensed premises into the area “but it will be only an increase in what will be good types of licensed premises … from a public amenity perspective”. Alesha Capone

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8 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 10 February, 2021

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. . . from the Mayor

The social media campaign will encourage girls and women to join a sports club or team. (Supplied/Indie Lane/Wyndham City)

Levelling the playing field A social media campaign encouraging girls and women to participate in sport has been kick-started by Wyndham council. Featuring members and officials from 13 Wyndham sporting clubs, the campaign urges women and girls to sign up as a player, coach or in another supporting role. It also highlights the role that clubs play in improving gender equality. Wyndham mayor Adele Hegedich said that in the coming weeks, the community could expect to see images of females involved in a range of sports on the council’s social media pages. The campaign will feature two short videos as well. “The videos have two distinct themes: The first celebrates the motivations and achievements of our athletes and the second

focuses on the Wyndham clubs, coaches and officials – both male and female – working to create a level playing field,” Cr Hegedich said. Wyndham’s active city portfolio holder, Cr Peter Maynard, said the social media campaign was part of Wyndham City’s Gender Equality in Wyndham Sport project. “Sport is for everyone, regardless of ability or skill level, and this campaign encourages Wyndham girls, women and clubs to be the change they want to see in sport,” 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 … we can create positive change.” Details: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/ women-sports

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being forced to use services at public hospitals outside the area. “The demand exists for Werribee Mercy Hospital to deliver more babies locally but this cannot occur without expanded facilities,” Mr Payne said. “It would be preferable that local families had access to more of the best high quality and safe public birthing services at Werribee Mercy Hospital, so they don’t have to travel.” Mr Payne said planning was under way to boost the capacity of the birthing suites. “A third stage of Werribee Mercy Hospital, which is currently in the final stages of planning, will involve the creation of more

birthing suites, additional post-natal beds, and other ante and post-natal facilities, accompanied by additional midwifery and nursing staff. “Based on demand for existing maternity services, it is projected that Werribee Mercy Hospital would be well placed to meet an anticipated increase in demand of up to 30 per cent more babies in the western metro area.” Mr Payne said Mercy Health has been working with the Victorian Health and Human Services Building Authority and the Department of Health and Human Services since 2016 to prepare for the future needs of Werribee Mercy.

In November’s state budget, $4.8 million was allocated to finalise planning for the third stage of the hospital’s development. “We have acknowledged publicly the funding was a clear sign the voices of the people of the west of Melbourne are being heard and government is committed to meeting a major upgrade,” Mr Payne said. Mercy Health Group chief executive, Adjunct Professor Stephen Cornelissen, said the next stage of Werribee Mercy Hospital’s construction required $300 million in funding “to ensure the people of Wyndham receive the level and quality of health services they deserve and need”.

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Full house at Mercy By Alesha Capone

KǀĞƌ ƚŚĞ ǁĞĞŬĞŶĚ / ĂůƐŽ ũŽŝŶĞĚ ƚǁŽ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚǇ ĐŽŶƐƵůƚĂƟŽŶ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶƐ ƚŚĂƚ ŽƵŶĐŝů ŝƐ ƌƵŶŶŝŶŐ͕ ĂƐ ƉĂƌƚ ŽĨ ŽƵƌ ǁŽƌŬ ƚŽ ƌĞĨƌĞƐŚ ŽƵƌ tǇŶĚŚĂŵ ϮϬϰϬ ŽŵŵƵŶŝƚǇ sŝƐŝŽŶ͘ dŚĞ ĮƌƐƚ ƚǁŽ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶƐ ǁĞƌĞ ŚĞůĚ ŝŶ ,ŽƉƉĞƌƐ ƌŽƐƐŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ WŽŝŶƚ ŽŽŬ͕ ĂŶĚ ĨƵƌƚŚĞƌ ŵĞĞƟŶŐƐ ǁŝůů ďĞ ŚĞůĚ ĞĂĐŚ ǁĞĞŬĞŶĚ ŝŶ &ĞďƌƵĂƌǇ͘ /ƚ͛Ɛ ƐŽ ŝŵƉŽƌƚĂŶƚ ƚŚĂƚ ŽƵŶĐŝů ŝƐ ĞŶŐĂŐŝŶŐ ĞīĞĐƟǀĞůǇ ǁŝƚŚ ŽƵƌ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚǇ ƐŽ ǁĞ ĐĂŶ ďĞƩĞƌ ƵŶĚĞƌƐƚĂŶĚ ĂŶĚ ƉůĂŶ ƚŽ ŵĞĞƚ ƚŚĞŝƌ ŶĞĞĚƐ͘ hŶĚĞƌ ƚŚĞ ŶĞǁ >ŽĐĂů 'ŽǀĞƌŶŵĞŶƚ Đƚ ϮϬϮϬ͕ ŽƵƌ ŽŵŵƵŶŝƚǇ sŝƐŝŽŶ ŵƵƐƚ ďĞ ƌĞǀŝĞǁĞĚ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ ŽƵŶĐŝů WůĂŶ ŵƵƐƚ ďĞ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉĞĚ ĂŶĚ ĂĚŽƉƚĞĚ ďǇ ϯϭ KĐƚŽďĞƌ ƚŚŝƐ ǇĞĂƌ͘ dŚŝƐ ŵĞĂŶƐ ǁĞ ǁŝůů ďĞ ǁŽƌŬŝŶŐ ĂĐƟǀĞůǇ ǁŝƚŚ ŽƵƌ ŽƌŐĂŶŝƐĂƟŽŶ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚǇ ƚŽ ŵĂŬĞ ƐƵƌĞ ƚŚĞŝƌ ǀŽŝĐĞƐ ĂƌĞ ƌĞƉƌĞƐĞŶƚĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƌĞŶĞǁĞĚ ŽŵŵƵŶŝƚǇ sŝƐŝŽŶ͕ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ ŶĞǁ ŽƵŶĐŝů WůĂŶ͘ / ůŽŽŬ ĨŽƌǁĂƌĚ ƚŽ ŚĞĂƌŝŶŐ ĂďŽƵƚ Ăůů ƚŚĞ ŝĚĞĂƐ ǇŽƵ ŚĂǀĞ ƚŽ ŝŵƉƌŽǀĞ ŽƵƌ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚǇ͘ &Žƌ ŵŽƌĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ ǀŝƐŝƚ ǁǁǁ͘ǁǇŶĚŚĂŵ͘ǀŝĐ͘ŐŽǀ͘ĂƵ

Belinda with new-born son Oliver, and two year-old Arlo. Both boys were born outside of Wyndham, but spent time as patients in Werribee Mercy Hospital’s Special Care Nursery. (Joe Mastroianni) 226335_01

Demand for birthing suites at Werribee Mercy Hospital has reached capacity. The hospital welcomed 3833 babies in 2020, slightly lower than the 3888 babies delivered there in 2019. Health services chief executive Jason Payne said Werribee Mercy Hospital’s birthing numbers had remained steady over the past two years because the birthing suites were unable to accommodate any more expectant mums. He said some pregnant women within the Werribee Mercy Hospital catchment are

>ĂƐƚ ǁĞĞŬ / ŚĞůĚ ŵǇ ĮƌƐƚ ŵĞĞƟŶŐ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ŶĞǁ >ŽĐĂů 'ŽǀĞƌŶŵĞŶƚ DŝŶŝƐƚĞƌ͕ ƚŚĞ ,ŽŶ͘ ^ŚĂƵŶ >ĞĂŶĞ͘ / ǁĂƐ ĂůƐŽ ũŽŝŶĞĚ ďǇ DĞŵďĞƌ ĨŽƌ ůƚŽŶĂ͕ :ŝůů ,ĞŶŶĞƐƐǇ͕ DĞŵďĞƌ ĨŽƌ dĂƌŶĞŝƚ͕ ^ĂƌĂŚ ŽŶŶŽůůǇ͕ ĂŶĚ Ă ƌĞƉƌĞƐĞŶƚĂƟǀĞ ĨƌŽŵ DĞŵďĞƌ ĨŽƌ tĞƌƌŝďĞĞ͕ dŝŵ WĂůůĂƐ͛ ŽĸĐĞ͘ dŚĞ DŝŶŝƐƚĞƌ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞĚ ŵĞ ǁŝƚŚ ĂŶ ƵƉĚĂƚĞ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ 'ƌŽǁŝŶŐ ^ƵďƵƌďƐ &ƵŶĚ͕ ǁŚŝĐŚ ŚĞůƉƐ ƚŽ ĚĞůŝǀĞƌ ǀŝƚĂů ŝŶĨƌĂƐƚƌƵĐƚƵƌĞ ĨŽƌ ŐƌŽǁƚŚ ŽƵŶĐŝůƐ ůŝŬĞ tǇŶĚŚĂŵ͘ / ĂůƐŽ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞĚ Śŝŵ ǁŝƚŚ Ă ďƌŝĞĮŶŐ ŽŶ ŚŽǁ ŽƵŶĐŝů ŚĂƐ ƌĞƐƉŽŶĚĞĚ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ĐŚĂůůĞŶŐĞƐ ŽĨ Ks/ Ͳϭϵ ĂŶĚ ŚŽǁ ǁĞ ŚĂĚ ƉƌŽŐƌĞƐƐĞĚ ƚŽǁĂƌĚƐ Ă ͞ Ks/ ŶŽƌŵĂů͟ ƐŝƚƵĂƟŽŶ͘ /ƚ ǁĂƐ ŐƌĞĂƚ ƚŽ ďĞ ĂďůĞ ƚŽ ĐŽůůĂďŽƌĂƚĞ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ DŝŶŝƐƚĞƌ ĂŶĚ / ůŽŽŬ ĨŽƌǁĂƌĚ ƚŽ ĐŽŶƟŶƵŝŶŐ ƚŚĞƐĞ ĐŽŶƐƚƌƵĐƟǀĞ ĐŽŶǀĞƌƐĂƟŽŶƐ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĨƵƚƵƌĞ͘

ZĞŐĂƌĚƐ͕ ƌ ĚĞůĞ ,ĞŐĞĚŝĐŚ͘

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, 10 February, 2021

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Cliff walk collapse fears

Assault plea Police are seeking to identify a man after an assault and robbery in Turva Avenue, Tarneit, about midnight on December 13 last year. A 36-year-old man was approached by a group of six unknown males, who hit him with glass bottles, kicked him and punched him, before stealing his mobile phone, bank cards and Nike shoes, and fleeing the scene. Police last week released a computer-generated image of a man who is described as African in appearance, aged 20-30 years and about 180cm tall, whom they believe could assist with inquiries. Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.

By Alesha Capone Werribee District Historical Society secretary Lance Pritchard is concerned about Wyndham council’s plans for the K Road Cliffs in Werribee South. New cliff-top walking paths and a boardwalk could be installed at the cliffs, under a council master plan for the site. However Mr Pritchard said he did a presentation in 2016 showing the council a “weak seam” located about 10 metres from the top of the cliff and cavities in the natural formation. While visiting the bottom of the cliffs last month, Mr Pritchard said he noticed a wet seam in the cliff, surrounded by dry soil. “The cavities have caused subsidence at the cliffs and at K Road itself and at the entrance of the nearby golf course,” he said. “Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do to stop the cliffs collapsing, I want to make that clear.” Mr Pritchard also questioned whether building the new paths at the cliffs was wise, given the subsidence issues. He said that putting more dirt on top of a cliff with cavities, did not seem like a good idea. “As part of the master plan, they will build walkways along the cliffs and will dump several hundred tonnes of soil on top of the cliffs,” Mr Pritchard said. Wyndham council’s manager of climate futures, Peter McKinnon, said the K Road master plan aimed to reduce further erosion at the site. “This $2.4 million project was developed following extensive consultation with the Wyndham community and included a thorough investigation into concerns raised by the Werribee Historical Society regarding the

Crime briefs

Teens charged

A photo, taken in January, shows a cavity at the K Road Cliffs. (Supplied/Lance Pritchard)

drain and subsidence concerns,” he said. He said that a study using LiDAR data in late 2019 indicated no evidence of significant soil subsidence in the area surrounding the K Road Cliffs, during the previous five years. “Photos recently provided by the Werribee Historical Society indicating dampness in

the cliff face have been referred to our design team for further consideration and review,” Mr McKinnon said. “Meanwhile, the boardwalks are being designed with full consideration of the fragile cliff face and will be set back from the cliff edge, which will significantly improve the safety and amenity at the site.

Five teenagers have been arrested in relation to an alleged affray at an oval near Civic Parade, Altona on December 14 last year, which left a 15-year-old with serious injuries. A Newport boy and a Hoppers Crossing boy, both 15, were charged with recklessly causing serious injury in circumstances of gross violence and other assault-related charges last week. A Deer Park boy, 17, and two Point Cook boys aged 15 and 16 were released pending further inquiries.

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EVERY TEST HELPS US KEEP CATCHING UP WITH MATES Every test keeps us on top of this virus. And keeps us doing the things we love. So even if your symptoms are mild, or you’ve been tested before, every test helps.

For testing locations visit CORONAVIRUS.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

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Illegal dumpers on notice By Alesha Capone Wyndham council has expressed frustration at the amount of illegal rubbish being dumped on vacant land in Tarneit. Butterfly Boulevard has become a hotspot for unlawful waste disposal in recent years. Wyndham council’s city operations director Stephen Thorpe, said that following a spate of illegal dumping issues in Butterfly Boulevard last year, the council implemented an action plan. He said council officers increased patrols in the area and requested that owners of vacant land erect fencing to deter dumpers.

‘‘

Council investigates all complaints

’’

- Stephen Thorpe

“This has been effective in significantly reducing the amount of rubbish illegally dumped in this area,” he said. “[But] we are disappointed to see this most recent incident of illegal dumping on vacant land, especially when council offers every Wyndham household three hard waste collections per year.” Mr Thorpe said that since December, the council has received two complaints from residents in relation to dumped rubbish in Butterfly Boulevard. “Council investigates all complaints relating to dumped rubbish and, where possible, takes appropriate enforcement action,” he said. “Council will issue an infringement for dumped rubbish if it is able to collect sufficient evidence to prove the identity of the offender. “If you observe rubbish being dumped, we encourage residents to safely collect as much

Rubbish dumped on a vacant block at the corner of Larrisa Street and Butterfly Boulevard. (Supplied/ David Manitta)

information as possible (for example, a car registration number), which can assist council in taking enforcement action.” Wyndham residents can report dumped litter by contacting the Environment Protection

Authority Litter Hotline on 1300 372 842 or Wyndham council on 9742 0777. Residents can also book a green and hard waste collection by calling 9742 0777 or at www.wyndhamvic.gov.au.

NEWS

Bin collection delays Wyndham council has apologised to residents who have experienced problems with their weekly bin collection since last month. The council swapped to a new kerbside waste collection services contractor, Cleanaway Pty Ltd, on December 5. The seven-year contract is valued at $182.87 million, subject to compliance with the general conditions of the contract. Since Cleanaway took over Wyndham’s service, several residents have taken to social media to report problems with their bin collection. This has included bins being missed, bins being emptied days later than the expected collection date and rubbish being left behind on nature strips. Wyndham council city operations director, Stephen Thorpe, said “everything possible is being done” to ensure collections are back on track. “We apologise to residents for the inconvenience and thank them for their patience as we work through these teething problems,” he said. “Over 99 per cent of bins are being collected on time and we are working hard to get that as close to 100 per cent as possible. “It takes several collection cycles for a new service provider to train their staff and refine their routes to collect all bins on time.” Cleanaway was contacted for comment. Alesha Capone

11 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 10 February, 2021

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Back to school help for families By Tara Murray Children across the west will be starting the school year with new stationery and backpacks following a donation to West Welcome Wagon. Stationery retailer Smiggle recently donated school packs to West Welcome Wagon to distribute to families doing it tough across Melbourne’s west, as part of a back to school appeal by national online charity GIVIT. West Welcome Wagon chairman Chris Scerri said the children would love the packs.

“It’s really good as we’re trying to help out as many kids as we can with stationery, backpacks and lunchboxes,” he said. “They’ve given us wonderful backpacks and lunch boxes and other bits and pieces and kinder-sized packs. “There’s about 15 boxes of stuff, so that will get us through the first half of the year.” Mr Scerri said West Welcome Wagon had 815 families on its database, with about 500 of them having school children. He said the organisation usually helped

200 to 300 children each school year, but had already reached out to 450 children this year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We’ve given them backpacks, stationery and reached out and offered to help with one piece of uniform,” he said. Mr Scerri said it had been a busy 12 months for West Welcome Wagon, with the organisation experiencing increased demand for its food deliveries. He said 35 tonnes of food was delivered last year.

GIVIT chief executive Sarah Tennant said the back to school appeal helped children and teenagers to return to classrooms with the tools to learn and enjoy school. “Poverty affects every aspect of a child’s life, particularly their education,” she said. A Smiggle spokesperson said after such a difficult year for so many families it was nice to be able to give back. In another bonus for West Welcome Wagon, the organisation recently received a $67,000 grant to help buy a delivery van.

Supporting local farmers Melbourne’s newest Slow Food Melbourne Farmers’ Market has been dubbed the SloFo WeFo Farmers’ Market, to connect to the West Footscray community on its doorstep. Recently opened at Happy Receptions at 199 Sunshine Road, the market is only the second in the western suburbs linked to the slow food movement. Slow Food was started by Carlo Petrini and a group of activists in the 1980s, who protested against a McDonald’s restaurant opening in the heart of Rome. Slow Food Melbourne president Alison Peake said the movement’s slogan was, “good, clean and fair”. “Food should be the best quality, grown well and grown locally,” she said. “No chemical additives, no GMO modification – just crops that are grown with traditional methods and, fair, so that’s there’s a fair return for everybody in the food chain.” After Melbourne’s COVID-19 restrictions eased, the SloFo WeFo Farmers’ Market slowed

down a bit too much. “When we first opened, which was after lockdown, we were really busy,” Ms Peake said. “But as soon as lockdown was over and people were allowed to get out of Melbourne, everybody went down the coast or wherever and the last three markets we’ve had have been really quiet.” Ms Peake said the market was a way to support regional communities and farmers. “To support our farmers and producers and keep them in business and keep them coming to markets, they need people to come and support them at markets,” she said. “We also have a philosophy of supporting small local businesses … We also support and as much as possible get our farmers from as close to the west of Melbourne as possible.” SloFo WeFo operates on the second Saturday of the month from 8am-1pm. Goya Dmytryshchak

Slow Food Melbourne president Alison Peake. (Damjan Janevski) 207947_05

COMMUNITY LIAISON GROUPS

SEEKING COMMUNITY MEMBERS Are you passionate about seeing positive outcomes in your local community? Get involved in the West Gate Tunnel Project’s Community Liaison Groups. Community Liaison Groups provide a way for community members to share local information and tell us how the project is tracking in the eyes of the community, while also hearing ﬁrst-hand from our construction team about what’s happening and what’s coming up during construction. Expressions of interest are now welcome from individuals keen to represent their local communities.

We’re looking for people who: • Are interested in the development and construction of one of the largest road projects underway in Melbourne • Are proactive and collaborative in their participation • Have strong and diverse links to the community • Live in Melbourne’s inner west • Can commit to attending regular meetings

To ﬁnd out more, including the Terms of Reference and to express your interest: westgatetunnelproject.vic.gov.au/clg

clg@wgta.vic.gov.au 1800 105 105 westgatetunnelproject.vic.gov.au

Translation service – For languages other than English, please call 13 14 50.

Expressions of interest close on

21 FEB Please contact us if you would like this information in an accessible format.

Authorised and Authorised published byby thethe Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Place, Melbourne Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Melbourne 12481188-DL07-21

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Book a family project By Alesha Capone A Point Cook mother and daughter have collaborated on a children’s book which aims to help children develop a love of reading. Anisha Dobson is the author of Ooky Ooky the Bookworm, which was illustrated by her 19-year-old daughter Ahimsa. Ms Dobson, a teacher at Seabrook Primary School and a reading recovery teacher and literacy coach, wrote the book during COVID-19 lockdown last year. “One of my favourite things to do with students is read them picture books,” she said. “My students were my inspiration behind the book and I think it’s important to get them reading instead of being on electronic gadgets all the time.” Ms Dobson said the book’s main character was very much like her six year-old daughter Sahara. Her 14-year-old son, Avatar helped Ahimsa scan her images into Photoshop to be used in the book, while her husband, Ernest also contributed ideas to the book’s development. “So I guess it really was a family affair, we worked on it as a family project during lockdown,” Ms Dobson said. She said her favourite part of writing the book, the first in a series, was the opportunity to spend time with Ahimsa. Ahimsa said she drew between 30 to 35 images for the book. “What I enjoyed most was coming up with ideas, with my mum,” Ahimsa said. “I usually don’t like showing my work to people, but when mum suggested it I was all in because I know how passionate my mum is about writing.” Ooky Ooky the Bookworm is available for purchase through Amazon. Details: https:// amzn.to/2MUmGDZ

NEWS

Green space plan wins big City West Water has taken out top honours at the Premier’s Sustainability Awards, for working with the community to develop stormwater harvesting initiatives to increase green spaces across the west. City West Water’s Stormwater Harvesting Partnering Fund initiative took out the government category award. The fund allows City West Water to work with a range of stakeholders to co-invest in developing sustainable stormwater harvesting projects to irrigate public open spaces. Since launching the fund in 2018, City West Water has partnered with Melbourne Water, councils, sporting organisations and the Greening the West program on six projects: Melbourne and Olympic Park Precinct, Melbourne Ballpark in Altona, Woodlands Park in Essendon, Balmoral Park in Derrimut, Edinburgh Gardens in Fitzroy and Arndell Park in Truganina. City West Water’s managing director, Maree Lang said collaborating with like-minded organisations on these initiatives helped to provide thriving open spaces. “We are very proud to be the recipient of this award,” she said. “This win would not be possible without the incredible partners who allow these projects to come to life. It’s not only a win for us but also these great partnerships. Ms Lang said the stormwater projects supplied more than 100 million litres of stormwater per year to irrigate public parks, gardens and sporting reserves.

Ahimsa and Anisha. (Supplied)

PLAN YOUR RETIREMENT INFORMATION SESSION You are invited to join us for lunch with My Pension Manager to learn more about planning for your retirement. WEDNESDAY 3 MARCH 2021 1:00PM START WERRIBEE BOWLS CLUB 239 WATTON STREET, WERRIBEE 3030

1300 50 55 60 www.lifestyleseasons.com.au

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication.

Orienteering series The Macedon Ranges Summer Orienteering Street Series is back for 2021. The next events are on Wednesday, February 10 at the information centre, High Street, Woodend, and Wednesday, February 17 at Lions Park, Aitken Street, Gisborne. Both events start at 7am. Cost: $5 per adult and $2 per child.

head to the Melton South Community Centre. A new course starting on Thursday, February 18 will provide assistance with career planning, resume writing, interview skills, and will help you to identify your existing skills and develop new ones. $50 or $30 concession (six sessions). Bookings required. ■ 9747 8576

Registration day

Coffee time

Taylors Lakes Junior Football Club’s registration and mouthguard fitting day is on Wednesday, February 10, 3.30-6.30pm at Lionheart Reserve. New players welcome for under-8, under-10, under-12, under-14 and under-16 boys and girls teams. Under-18.5 males and females also welcome.

Wanting to learn how to make coffee? Ready Set Work Barista is running a course at the Brimbank Bicycle Education Centre, Keilor Downs on February 23 (online) and 24 (face-to-face work). During the course, you will learn about the origins of coffee, how to operate commercial espresso machines and how to make a range of coffees. ■ Jesuit Community College, 9415 8700

Tennis challenge The Let’s Challenge tennis tournament will be played at four venues across Whittlesea between Friday, February 12 and Sunday, February 21, 4-7pm. Bookings required. ■ https://bit.ly/2Y7Exd4

Sketch and walk Join local artist Lena Sheridan and learn the fundamentals of shading, proportion and perspective during an observational stroll on Saturday, February 13, 10am-noon. Meet on the grass in the park at Station Place, Werribee. All materials provided, comfortable walking shoes and sun protection recommended. ■ www.lenasheridan.net

Beach patrol Join Beach Patrol 3030 as it cleans up along the K Road Cliffs in Werribee South on Sunday, February 14, 11.30am-12.30pm. Bring your own rubbish bags, pick up sticks, gloves and drink bottle. Coffee and snack at Wyndham Harbour to follow.

Your pictures

Through the lens

Heritage walks

This picture was taken at Newport’s lakes recently on a very bright and sunny day. Star Weekly photographer Joe Mastroianni said the white-faced heron and water looked so saturated and golden from the sun that the scene reminded him of an Impressionists painting. He exaggerated the colours even more during the editing process to arrive at the finished image.

Enjoy a 90 minute leisurely heritage walk with guide John, starting at the Williamstown Visitor Information Centre in Nelson Place, each Tuesday at 9.20am. Each week covers a different route. ■ John, 0418 377 336

Beauty industry pathway ■ 3030@beachpatrol.com.au

Compost like a pro Hume residents can tune in to a free online workshop presented by Compost Community to learn how to use food scraps and other organics waste around the home. On Tuesday, February 16 at 12.30pm, you can learn the basics of recyclable organics, different systems, and how to harvest and use compost to grow your own food. Bookings required. ■ https://www.eventbrite.com.au/o/humecity-council-16445167964

Connecting community Williamstown Community and Education Centre is hosting a ‘Neighbourhood Connect’ initiative to build community connectedness. Free workshops and mentoring provided. Attend the first workshops on Wednesday, February 17 at 6.30pm or Friday, February 19, at 12.30pm, at Joan Kirner House, 14 Thompson Street, Williamstown. ■ Irene, 0413 706 233

Wonder Women Program If you’re wanting to return to the workforce,

Learn how to give head massages, manicures and pedicures, plus apply make up, lash lifts and more at the Melton South Community Centre’s introduction to beauty course. It starts Saturday, February 20. Cost: $140 or $100 concession. Bookings required. ■ 9747 8576

Farmers market Browse the stalls at the Malmsbury Village Farmers Market on Sunday, February 21, 9am-1pm at the Malmsbury Village Green, Mollison Street. ■ Megs, 0407 860 320

Star Weekly readers share some of their favourite moments with family and friends.

Zara Pereira was born 7.18am on January 26 at Werribee Mercy Hospital. Zara weighed 3205 grams. She is the daughter of Lawrence Pereira and Josephine Fernando, from Tarneit, and a younger sister for Zoe.

Sisters Maddison and Indiana were excited to see the welcome bunting at St Peter Apostle Primary, Hoppers Crossing on their first day back at school for the year. Emily, 5, starting prep at Manorvale Primary School. 14 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 10 February, 2021

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FEATURE

Sunset Safari shines bright Werribee’s Open Range Zoo is committed to fighting wildlife extinction. One of its latest experiences gives visitors an exclusive glimpse into the lives of the animals it strives to protect .... As the sun sets over Werribee Open Range Zoo’s 45-hectare savannah, the many African animals that call the zoo home are at their most active. It’s a magical few hours, dipped in an orange glow, that’s not usually seen by visitors but relished by keepers. Starting this month, the zoo’s immersive wildlife experience, Sunset Safari, gives visitors the chance to experience the after-hours wonder for themselves, and will run for six weeks until March 13. Visitors can see the zoo in an entirely new light as safari guides drive small-group buses through the open range habitat, which is home to some of the world’s most iconic animals, including rhinoceros, giraffe, zebra and ostrich. The mesmerising experience also includes performances of African drumming, dance and song. Werribee Open Range Zoo director Glen Holland said Sunset Safari is an exclusive glimpse into the lives of the precious animals that call the zoo home. “This is the closest you can get to an authentic African Safari and there’s no plane ticket required,” Mr Holland said. “Through the stories your guide shares, you will learn about the plight of species in the wild - such as Southern white rhino – and how you can join us on our journey to secure a future rich in wildlife.” Proceeds from Sunset Safari help Zoos Victoria support international conservation partner, Rhino Fund Uganda, in their efforts to save the Southern white rhino from extinction. Rhinos are under serious threat from illegal poaching due to an escalating demand for

(Pictures: Supplied)

rhino horn. It’s estimated that three African rhinos are killed every day, and less than 20,000 Southern white rhinos remain in the wild. Rhino Fund Uganda aims to recover the country’s population of rhinos following their

extinction in the region in the 1980s. Sunset Safari is held from 5.30pm to 9pm every Saturday, to March 13, as well as Valentine’s Day. Entry to the special after-hours event costs $79 for adults and $49 for children.

Food and drink packages are sold separately and can be pre-booked or purchased on the night. To book or for more information visit www.zoo.org.au/sunsetsafari

MY WYNDHAM Zach Thornton is the match day and memberships co-ordinator at Werribee Football Club. He chats with Alesha Capone.

How long have you worked at Werribee FC? This is my fourth year of working at the club; entering my third year as a full-timer. I started out in a casual capacity, managing match days before being offered a full-time role in late 2018… Like most roles within sporting clubs, the job covers a myriad of different areas – in one day I can be doing anything ranging from managing a function to putting the covers on the centre wicket. Typically, though I’m interacting with our members, liaising with club sponsors, organising membership promo and supporting the club CEO Mark Penaluna administratively. Mainly, I love interacting with the people that make Werribee FC what it is, whether it is a volunteer, player, staff, member or supporter, there are a lot of great people with interesting stories. The community connection the club has with Werribee also makes the job worthwhile. We’ve been firmly ingrained in the identity of the area for over 50 years, and through our efforts in the community and ongoing relationships with local businesses, I have no doubt we’ve had

an impact on thousands upon thousands of people. The beauty of VFL football too is that it’s near-AFL quality footy with the feel of a local football game. One second you could be watching the game with a burger and a drink five metres away from the action, the next you could be on the ground at the break to hear the coaches speak – you don’t get that at the MCG. Outside of work, what are your hobbies? I absolutely love listening to music and going to live gigs. Whether it’s a local newcomer at a small bar in the city or one of the biggest stars in the world at an arena, I adore the live music experience. COVID obviously put a hold to that in recent times, however I was able to (somewhat) fill the void with my new favourite hobby – running. My biggest passion though would be the Tarneit Football Club – where I both play and serve on the committee. It’s like Werribee FC in a lot of ways, in that the people there are outstanding and contribute to a diverse, welcoming culture. Would you like to add anything else? It’s rare to hear these days, but I genuinely love Werribee and all its surrounds. Growing up I’d only ever hear self-deprecation from the people around me about living in Werribee. I think many have internalised the negative perceptions that exist outside the area when we have so much to be proud of. We have elite sporting facilities in basketball, football and racing, wonderful attractions like the zoo, the mansion and rose garden and a flourishing town with an increasing number of great businesses, restaurants and activities – all on our front doorstep! Let’s give ourselves a try and be proud of what Werribee has to offer.

(Supplied)

Could you tell me a bit about yourself? I’m 25 years old and was born and raised in Wyndham. I went to Cambridge primary and Hoppers secondary schools growing up and worked and lived in Werribee, Tarneit and Hoppers Crossing, at places like Eagle Stadium, the Reject Shop, and now, the Werribee Football Club. I recently moved into Williams Landing with my lovely girlfriend, and it is such a nice, friendly area with great access to amenities. Within five minutes I can get to a train station, a shopping centre, a football oval or my local favourites WynCity or Okami. If only I could be closer to Sprinkles though.

15 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 10 February, 2021

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Prescription a chemist can’t fill So, how’s that New Year’s resolution going? Was it to ‘lose weight’? ‘Get fit’? ‘Drink less’? Yes, it’s February already, and reality is starting to bite. Lifestyle changes are easier said than done. But they’re also vital to managing a range of health conditions, from diabetes to depression. Eat better. Exercise more. It’s as simple and as complicated as that. Staying connected, with family, friends and your community, is another one that doctors now know helps your mental and physical health. The big problem for GPs is: How do you support patients to connect? How do you ‘treat’ loneliness? (A condition researchers say could be as damaging to our overall health as smoking and obesity.) How do you make sure a woman who cares full-time for her disabled husband makes time to leave the house to get some exercise or just a break? How do you make sure an elderly man with diabetes takes basic medication he can’t afford? These are real problems GPs in Melbourne’s west and north have tackled using a new approach that could dramatically improve our health care. It works like this. A patient sees their GP as normal (diagnosis, testing and monitoring by a doctor remain vital). Then, as well as any other treatment, the GP can also refer the patient to a ‘social prescribing’ program, funded by North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network and run by IPC Health, a large community health organisation in Melbourne’s west. The social prescribing program funds a ‘wellbeing co-ordinator’ who spends time with

(iStock)

Christopher Carter CEO, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network

the patient to understand in greater detail their situation — including any financial, social or language factors that can so often get in the way of good health. The co-ordinator then works with the patient to find solutions. They can even be there beside the patient when they take their ‘first steps’ – for example, into the church hall where the local Italian knitting group is meeting. In the case of the diabetic man who couldn’t afford his medication, the wellbeing

co-ordinator ultimately contacted the man’s local MP, who helped process his application for the Disability Support Pension. Now able to afford his medication, the man’s blood-sugar levels are better managed, and he is visibly happier. Life has also improved for the woman who cared for her husband full-time. The program connected her husband with a supported community group, allowing his wife a ‘day off’, which meant she was able to

reconnect with her swimming group. Doctors and other health professionals have long known that what ails their patient might not be something that a drug or procedure can fix alone. Social prescribing is a practical way that GPs can support their patients keep their new year resolutions. Even if you don’t get or need a formal social prescription, good social or community connections improve everyone’s lives – and health.

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

40 years ago

30 years ago

20 years ago

10 years ago

February 11, 1981

February 13, 1991

February 7, 2001

February 9, 2011

The problem of providing an adequate and reliable insurance cover is looming up as one of the major problems of 1981 for Werribee Shire Council. The failure, of two years ago, of an insurance company employed by council and involving three claims against council, plus the collapse of a broker recently leaving the council uninsured, has thrown the subject into a state of confusion and uncertainty.

Werribee is a dumping ground for stolen cars, torched and abandoned in isolated areas, according to Det Sen Sgt Greg Moore of Werribee CIB. Since November 1 last year, Werribee CIB has had 21 reports of stolen cars gutted by fire in the municipality.

Wyndham council will launch an internal investigation of its management following the poisoning of more than 90 peppercorn trees along the Werribee River in December. Council chief executive officer Mr Ian Robins denied rumours the poisonings were the result of a council blunder.

Curtain raisers: amateur theatrics alive and well.

16 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 10 February, 2021

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

BEHIND THE NEWS

Frecheville enters the canon By Duncan Evans

and then Boris Johnson put the lockdown issue out, so we’re now sort of up here for series two of lockdown, because we were up here most of last year as well.” When not in lockdown, Frecheville lives in London, having moved there from Los Angeles for a change in scene. “I spent a lot of time in Los Angeles and ultimately wanted to try out a different setting. I didn’t really want to spend all of my twenties there. And Europe’s great and I’ve got a lot of friends in London. And I have a very soft spot for Ireland.” Asked whether he thinks the deep friendships that anchor The Dry are still possible in the age of Zoom, Frecheville replies: “I think it’s too early to say. I think sustaining deep friendships is easy. In a way, not much has changed for the way that I sustain my friendships, because I’ve got friends in all these different places.” “But I’m just optimistic that things will get better. I can’t really see us holding into a sort of new lockdown paradigm for the next 10 years. And thinking that a whole new generation of kids never go to school. I’m more optimistic than that. But maybe not, maybe this virus just keeps mutating forever and ever.”

Every actor dreams of appearing in a major film or theatre production. With it comes the possibility of fame and a pathway to secure employment. But more than that, to appear in a great film, one that takes a hold of the public’s imagination and enters the cinematic canon to be watched and re-watched for decades to come, is surely the mountain-top for any creative artist dedicated to the craft of film. James Frecheville, a 29-year-old actor from Melbourne, can claim to have struck magic twice already in his short career with his small but crucial performance in this year’s remarkable Eric Bana-headlined film The Dry, which comes some 10 years after his breakout performance in the now-canonical Australian crime film Animal Kingdom. Duncan Evans spoke at length with Frecheville in a wide-ranging conversation about his latest role in The Dry, why the film has been so well received by the public and critics alike and how he successfully navigates the tough and precarious world of acting.

The Dry The Dry is based on the debut novel by Jane Harper and Frecheville credits the popularity of the book, in part, for the film’s astonishing success. “I think it’s a combination of the success of Jane’s book, and it having a sort of pre-established place in people’s heads. But also, last year was pretty terrible, on many fronts. And I think people just are eternally optimistic. I think people are really excited to get out of the house and do something that they were nostalgic about. Which sounds insane, to say that you’re nostalgic about going to the cinema, but nobody had any of it, for such a long time,” he said. With critical acclaim and domestic box office receipts breaching $10 million, The Dry was the hit film for the month of January and suggests that there remains in people an entrenched desire to retain the full cinema experience, even in an age characterised by isolated online streaming. “It’s all about a shared, disruption-free experience,” Frecheville said. “Being a part of a community, whether you know anybody or not, just in that kind of setting, it’s pretty important.” Locked in a darkened space before a massive screen, cinema-goers are treated to an entrancing mystery film that unfurls carefully around two shocking events separated by decades. The film has about it the smack of greatness. Though ostensibly a police procedural, it builds to become a haunting meditation on the power of memory and the majesty of friendship, precisely acted, written and photographed across the desolate beauty of regional Victoria. “It looks great and the film’s great, and it’s as simple as that,” Frecheville says. Frecheville plays the role of Jamie Sullivan, a gruff young farmer struggling to keep his farm afloat while also looking after his grandmother. Like the film itself, there is a degree of manipulation involved in how the audience perceives Sullivan, a product of Frecheville’s acting abilities and the careful planning of director Robert Connolly. Sullivan appears to us in a certain light at the beginning of the film, and then our perception of him shifts and changes as the film progresses. “The trick wasn’t really up to me,” Frecheville said. “That’s in the coverage, that’s in the editing and the sound, and most of that falls on to Rob. What I tried to focus on was taking as much from the script and from the book as I could to find something to anchor the idea of Jamie Sullivan around. There was a part in the book where it said that he had his fists stuffed under his armpits. And I kind of thought that was interesting, just because, like many people within the film, they’ve all got secrets. “He just had a pretty high guard. It’s not really a nice place to live. But, you know, he’s not one to complain.”

A Natural Optimist

James Frecheville in The Dry, Black 47 and Animal Kingdom. (Pictures: Daniel Archer and supplied)

Initially, Frecheville auditioned for the role of Sergeant Greg Raco, played by Keir O’Donnell. “I wasn’t right for that part, but my name got thrown into the hat for Jamie Sullivan, and that was it.” Asked whether he can sense a film’s potential for greatness from the script alone, he responds by saying that while a script may be redolent of something, it is always difficult to know how a film will turn out given the medium’s tendency to morph and shift across the multiple stages of the creative process. “You do get a sense. A good script should convey imagery and thought. And then, you’re on set, and things change constantly. It’s just blueprints layered on blueprints until the edit, at which it could even change quite violently again. Sometimes I’ve seen that with films that I’ve done where the tone of what you thought you were being involved in just becomes completely different.”

Breakout Ten years before he would take on the role of Jamie Sullivan, Frecheville auditioned as a high schooler for the seminal role of Joshua Cody in David Michod’s operatic Animal Kingdom. Listed by Quentin Tarantino as one of his favourite films of the decade, it has since become the source material for a popular television show set in Southern California and is regularly listed by critics as one of Australia’s greatest films. Frecheville’s stunning performance as an impressionable young man thrown suddenly into a dangerous world and then trying, in his limited way, to extricate himself from an escalating hurricane of violence anchors the film and imbues it with a complex moral code. The film isn’t nihilistic, but it’s brutally jaundiced about human nature and the reach of justice in this world. The Dry, by contrast, offers a somewhat more hopeful view about the possibility of securing

justice, despite the shocking acts of violence that open and close the film and the shadow of abuse that permeates the story. A degree of clarity, at least, is granted to the audience by the end of the film, whereas Animal Kingdom leaves us in a more troubled state. We are as unsure of Frecheville’s Cody at the end of the film as we are at the beginning. His method of closing out the story is as much a recognition of terrible failure as it is an act of brute righteousness.

Australian Cinema Frecheville lists Wake in Fright, Bad Boy Bubby, Chopper, Two Hands, Babe, Happy Feet and Mad Max as some of his favourite Australian films. “Australia makes great films. I just hope that the frequency of telling Australian stories can kind of speed up the more the borders open up.” He is optimistic about the future of the Australian film industry. “People need stories. I’m interested with what sort of emerging technologies can start making different sorts of stories possible. It seems to me that the Australian industry is just absolutely booming. In the sense that a lot of international productions are coming there because they know that people work well and that it’s suitable to make big movies on a sort of world-class level.” What’s more, alongside Australia’s world-class human capital and technological sophistication, our relative success in containing the virus also makes us an increasingly attractive destination for film production. This year will see a number of major Hollywood productions shoot in Australia, including the Liam Neeson-helmed action blockbuster Blacklight.

From LA to the UK

Though The Dry and Animal Kingdom are perhaps his most widely-known contributions, Frecheville has appeared in an impressive roster of well-received films in a career that now spans more than 10 years. In 2018, he took on the lead role of Feeney in Black 47, an historical drama set in a famine-ravaged 19th century Ireland and in 2015, he appeared alongside Billy Crudup in the critically acclaimed Stanford Prison Experiment. In regards to his own creative future, he hopes at some point to pursue writing and directing in addition to acting. “But when I was writing when I was younger, it wasn’t ready or suitable enough to sort of get it to a point where it was fleshed out and out there,” he said. “And tonally it’s quite different from my acting work. I’m kind of into a bit surreal, mad-cap comedy, sort of insane stuff. But yeah I’d totally want to explore that. But it’s just slowly slowly catchy monkey, is my idea the older I get, because I’m still learning. I’m still learning a lot. “I came into it having done youth theatre. Animal Kingdom was a baptism by fire. And ever since then I’ve just sort of been a journeyman. I haven’t gone to a school. I didn’t go to university. I’ve sort of gone all in on this trade, and I’m just learning as much as I can. Seems to be working, somewhat.” The acting trade has a well-established patina of glamour, full of red carpets and flashing cameras. For many though, it’s a tough and precarious way to make a living, and Frecheville knows both sides of the coin; the struggle involved in simply making one’s way in the trade, and also its possibility for grandeur and genuine achievement. “I’ve been living by the skin of my teeth for years, it feels like. There’s nothing stable about it, but there’s also much victory and revelries as well,” he said. For other young Australians who love cinema and hope one day to be involved in something permanent, Frecheville has some advice. “Be bold. Find like-minded people. Team up and make things. No one is going to sort of hand it to you. It’s always a great tip to be active. If you want to be an actor, start finding some friends that want to be actors and write silly movies and make them. And keep it fun, I’d say, because you don’t want a learning experience to be too serious or hard-core. I think consume as much media as you can. If you want to learn how to do things technically, you could watch a film and then watch it right back immediately after you’ve finished watching it the first time and pick it apart. Just be bold and be active, that’s what I’d say.”

Frecheville spoke from Wales via Zoom, ‘trapped’ in Britain’s extended lockdown The Dry is playing now in cinemas and restrictions. Animal Kingdom is streaming on Stan. “My partner and I came up here for Christmas 17 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 10 February, 2021

We build the home. You build the memories. Start building your memories at porterdavis.com.au

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18 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 10 February, 2021

A home that will win admirers The latest display house in Altona from Porter Davis, the Waldorf Grange 49, is a beautiful double-storey home in the elegant and sought-after Hamptons style, inspired by white-sand beaches and turquoise waters of a summer holiday, writes Carole Levy. From the moment of entry through double doors, the sense of light and space is profound, with the eyes drawn instantly to the magnificent double-height living area at the back and the alfresco area beyond acres of glass. The open-plan study and lounge room to the right of entry are equally eye-catching, with the lounge room’s focal point a gorgeous stone-clad fireplace, around which it’s easy to imagine gathering with family or guests to watch a movie on a chilly winter evening, a glass of red in hand. Head past a stylish carpeted staircase, with powder room and walk-in storage

tucked behind, to arrive at the superb kitchen, dining zone and aforementioned soaring sitting area. Throughout the ground floor, the crisp-white palette, anchored by sandy-toned matte floor planks, capture the breezy Hampton’s feel, while blingy lightfittings dazzle with class. The expansive kitchen sings from the Hampton’s song sheet, with refined cabinetry adorned with gold fittings matching the tapware – the perfect marriage with the marble on benches and island counter. The large walk-in galley pantry connects with a smart laundry.

Tucked off the family domain, a guest bedroom has a walk-through robe and a chic en suite. At the head of the stairs, a carpeted rumpus room and gallery landing underscore the wonderful openness of the floorplan, and access to a large terrace reinforces the relaxed holiday vibe, as do ceiling fans and white shutters. The three carpeted secondary bedrooms up here each have a walk-through robe and sleek en suite, while the superb main bedroom is a true oasis of sumptuous grace. As well as a charming window seat, the

vast room is paired with an uber-smart twin fitted dressing room leading to the luxe en suite. A freestanding tub beneath a large window, a marble dual-basin vanity, gold fittings, roomy shower, and an enclosed toilet signal blissful indulgence. Everything about the Waldorf Grange exudes a grandeur that never dominates its essential relaxed beachy vibe, a terrific turn from Porter Davis that will win admirers aplenty. Display home: 356-358 Blackshaws Road, Altona North. Inquiries: 1800 767 837

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19 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 10 February, 2021

Valentine’s Challenge CROSSWORD

4x4 attitude (4-5)

ACROSS 1 6 10 11 12 13, 15 17 18 20 24 27 29 30 31 32

Worship (9) Personal identity (4) Enjoyable (3) Massage — (3) Where one might go to ride a horse (5) 1-down Sender of anonymous love letters (6) In moments of excitement, the heart — (5) Protected (4) Romantic flower (4) Emit (5) Cosmetics (4-2) Fertile spot in a desert (5) Cuddle (3) Skill (3) What you watch on a date to the movies (4) Relaxed in manner and

DOWN 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 14 16 18 19 21 22 23 25 26 28

See 13-across (7) A thin sheer fabric (7) Inebriating spirit (7) To inspire with unreasoning love (9) Dressed to the — (5) To produce feelings (5) — in love (4) Social events (6) Fancy date attire (3) Lovers who are meant to be (9) Cane spirit (3) Happenings (6) Expressing feelings (7) Raw fish (7) Snogging (7) Spiritual messenger (5) Holiday transport (5) Dinner preparer (4)

ACROSS 1 5 6 7

Affection for another person Teen– Evil Bond character (2,2) — the table for a romantic dinner date

DOWN 1

Colloquial: dashing young troublemakers 2 Even this hideous giant can find love 3 Air one’s frustrations 4 Greek god of love

EDGEWORD

WORDFILL 3 LETTERS AIL CIA IFS ILL IOU LAD LEE NAG NEE ODE RIP SEE SIR SOS SPA SUE TAP TEA TIE TOE

5 LETTERS APRIL CIVIL DRONE HOOTS PETER SPEND TULIP VEERS

4 LETTERS AGES AIRS DAUB GODS GORE ICES IOTA MIEN MITE NEON OAKS SLED STIR SUCK TILT TREE VINE

Place each of the tiles of letters into the blank jigsaw below to create four six-letter words going across and down.

7 LETTERS COURIER RECALLS 8 LETTERS HOLINESS PLATEAUS 9 LETTERS BOTANISTS

6 LETTERS FORTES PLASMA RETYPE ROOSTS

13 LETTERS TRANSMISSIONS

15 LETTERS ST VALENTINE’S DAY

There may be more than one combination.

CROSSWORD

10. What song, which became the anthem for the counterculture of the ‘60s, did The Beatles release on July 7, 1967?

20 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 10 February, 2021

O E

T G

There may be more than one possible word step answer.

E N G E

7. What year was the movie Valentine’s Day, featuring Julia Roberts and Anne Hathaway (pictured) released?

E A R T G L O O R O U T

3. And what year did that occur?

H I G

9. Name the spacecraft that entered orbit around 433 Eros on February 14, 2000?

ANSWERS: 1. Richard Cadbury 2. Daniel Chase 3. 1866 4. Cupid 5. His skull 6. Pope Gelasius 7. 2010 8. Joan Lindsay 9. NEAR Shoemaker 10. All You Need Is Love

6. Who officially declared February 14 as Valentine’s Day, at the end of the fifth century?

E E D

2. Who came up with the idea to print messages on heartshaped lollies?

WORDFILL

LOVERBIRDS SUDOKU

8. Who wrote the popular Australian novel Picnic at Hanging Rock?

B S L R E I O V D

5. The Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, Rome, displays what related to St Valentine?

Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down.

PUZZWORDS I E V D O L B R S

5x5

1. Who started the tradition of giving a box of chocolates on Valentine’s Day?

4. Who is the Roman god of desire and affection?

O D R V S B L E I

QUIZ

L B S I V R D O E

D I O S L E V B R

V R E B D O I S L

N 20 words: Good 30 words: Very good 40 words: Excellent

R V B E I D S L O

S O D L R V E I B

4X4

E L I O B S R D V

L O

ALL PUZZLES ©PAGEMASTERS PTY LTD THE PUZZLES MASTERS

9-LETTER WORD

D E S R E L D O E B S S L I V E R B I R D D I L R V O I

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included, and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.

ANSWERS: LOVELY LYRICS ETHICS LOCKET

SOLUTIONS

ACROSS: 1. Love, 5. Ager, 6. Dr No, 7. Sets. DOWN: 1. Lads, 2. Ogre, 3. Vent, 4. Eros.

To solve the Valentine’s Day Sudoku puzzle, every letter from the word LOVEBIRDS must appear in each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no letter can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

9-LETTER WORD

alit, anent, ante, anti, eaten, elate, elite, entail, entia, event, inlet, innate, intel, invent, late, lateen, leant, leet, lenient, lent, lentil, levant, linnet, lint, lite, native, neat, neaten, tail, tale, teal, teen, tile, tine, VALENTINE, valet, vent, vita, vitae, vital

LOVEBIRDS SUDOKU

KIDS’ PUZZLES CORNER KIDS’ QUIZ 1.

Who was Valentine’s Day named after?

What date is Valentine’s Day held on?

What is the most popular gift given on Valentine’s Day?

Junior crossword Solve all the clues and an eight-letter phrase will be spelled out.

4. Who is the Greek goddess of love? 5.

What colour represents Valentine’s Day?

6. What does Cupid use to make people fall in love? 7.

Who declared Valentine’s Day an official holiday in 1537?

8. Who released the album Changes on Valentine’s Day in 2020?

10. What are the most popular flowers given on Valentine’s Day?

WHEEL OF LOVE Can you work out what the missing letter is that spells an eightletter word? It could read either clockwise or anti-clockwise.

ANSWERS: 1. St Valentine 2. February 14 3. Chocolate 4. Aphrodite 5. Red 6. Arrows 7. King Henry VII 8. Justin Bieber 9. William Shakespeare 10. Red roses

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

N A

I 2.

C O

Sometimes given with Valentine’s card and chocolates

Regard with love

Another word for faithful

Love letters are written on this

Juliet’s secret love

Roman goddess of love

Come together

Watched on a date

ANSWERS: 1. Teddy 2. Paper 3. Unify 4. Adore 5. Loyal 6. Romeo. 7. Venus 8. Movie (Hidden phrase: True love)

9. The 2011 film Gnomeo and Juliet (pictured) is based on a play by which famous English playwright?

ANSWER: Missing letter – T. Eight-letter word – ROMANTIC.

CHOCOLATE BOX Find all the chocolates hidden in the box. The leftover letters will spell out a secret Valentine’s message.

OND ALM EL AM CAR UT N O COC FEE F O C ME CRE K A D R UT ELN HAZ AMIA AD MAC ARBLE M N ZIPA MAR ANGE OR INT M PER P PE STACHIO I IN P RAIS M RU SALT E T WHI

ANSWERS: 1. Cat’s tail 2. Boy’s sleeve 3. Ribbon 4. Flowers 5. Bushes

joke CORNER Q. What did one bee say to the other? A. I love bee-ing with you, honey.

_ _ _ _

Q. What do you say to an octopus on Valentine’s Day? A. I wanna hold your hand, hand, hand, hand, hand, hand, hand, hand. Graphic ©Tigatelu Dreamstime.com

_ _ _ _

PARTY

Complete the list by changing one letter at a time to create a new word at each step. There may be more than one possible word step answer.

ANSWERS: ROSES, POSES, POSTS, PASTS, PASTY, PARTY

WORDSTEP ROSES

ALL PUZZLES ©PAGEMASTERS PTY LTD | PAGEMASTERS.COM 21 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 10 February, 2021

PUZZLES No. 015

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

3 7 4 8 6 1

4 9 2 2 8 2 4

3 7 4 8 7 5 3 6 9 1 9 1 3 3 6 7 medium

1 9 4 2 8 4

6 1 4 5 9 8 6 1 4 1 2 5 9 6 3 5 2 4 3 5 6

Keyboard key (9) Tells tales (7) Makes certain (7) Soft creamy candy (5) Baghdad citizen (5) Cleans (9) Building designer (9) Treadmill user, e.g. (9) Succeeders (9) Hair soap (7) Fizzy candy (7) Eighth letter of the Greek alphabet (5) 22 Coarse files (5) 24 Meat cake (5)

Lawless crowd (3) Large winged insects (11) Shortens (9) Empty; use up (5) Heavenly bodies (5) Thief (9) Creatures (7) Playground items (7) Gnawers (7) Boils (7) Display (9) Inexpensive (5) Makes level (5) At puberty (9) Carrier (11) Dairy alternative (3)

1 3 9 10 11 12 13 14 17 19 20 23 25 26 27 28

No. 015

3 4 5 6 7 8 13 15 16 18 19 21

ACROSS

easy

QUICK CROSSWORD

DOWN Gloves (5) Commit severe violence (9)

1 2

DECODER

No. 015

7 9 hard

Today’s Aim: 13 words: Good 19 words: Very good

4 2 6 5 9 8 3 7 1

8 5 7 9 6 3 4 1 2

5 LETTERS ABUSE ADORE ALTAR AORTA AREAS CIRCA EASEL EDGES EMAIL ESSAY EVADE EVICT EXPEL FLAME HEEDS LEDGE

4 LETTERS ADDS DATA HORN ISLE MESH MISS MUSS OBOE ONYA ROBE RORT SAGE SALT SHIN SIZE

MOTOR MULTI OCTAL ODDER OZONE PIERS RADII RAZOR RESET ROSES SANDS SEIZE SELLS SHONE SIXTH START STEEL TACOS TANGO TEACH TESTS

TONES TREAT TWEET UNFIT WASNT WRAPS WRONG 6 LETTERS ALERTS SIESTA 7 LETTERS CASCADE FRONTAL

GREATER REDHEAD STATUTE TALLEST 8 LETTERS NAMELESS NEATNESS SOFTENED SOMETIME 10 LETTERS ORIENTATES STAIRCASES

12-02-21

No. 015 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down. NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

2 1 4 5 7 6 9 8 3

E D S

D G E D

A N A L B U S E O D K A

C A V

2 1 3 7 4 5 8 9 6

6 7 2 3 8 9 1 5 4

1 9 8 4 5 7 2 6 3

3 4 5 1 2 6 7 8 9

7 2 8 1 3 5 4 6 9

5 1 6 9 7 4 8 2 3

2 7 1 3 6 8 5 9 4

8 5 3 4 1 9 2 7 6

6 4 9 2 5 7 3 1 8

3 9 5 8 2 1 6 4 7

1 6 7 5 4 3 9 8 2

4 8 2 7 9 6 1 3 5

6 5 8 9 3 2 7 4 1

7 9 3 4 8 1 2 6 5

8 6 7 2 4 3 1 5 9

5 3 2 1 9 8 4 7 6

9 4 1 7 6 5 8 3 2

4 7 5 6 2 9 3 1 8

3 2 6 8 1 7 5 9 4

1 8 9 3 5 4 6 2 7

22 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 10 February, 2021

TASK TEAK WAFT

No. 015

dine, eleven, endive, enliven, ENLIVENED, envied, even, evened, lend, levin, lien, linden, line, lined, linen, liven, livened, need, needle, nine, vein, veined, vend, vendee, vine

9 6 4 8 1 2 5 3 7

7 8 9 2 3 1 6 4 5

3 LETTERS ACT ADO ADS ALL ATE AVO BRA CAR CHI CIA FIG GEE HES ILL MES MOO NOR ODD ONE OVA OWE PIN RIG SAC TAG UTE

QUICK QUIZ

Which Irish singer-songwriter released the 2011 album 100 Acres of Sycamore?

Who played Jack Lemmon's (pictured) neighbour in the 1993 film Grumpy Old Men?

The scientific name for bats is Chiroptera, meaning what?

True or false: lima beans contain cyanide?

Who appears on the other side of the $100 note from General Sir John Monash?

The dessert that contains ice cream wrapped in a thin layer of sponge cake is commonly known as what?

Who spent the greatest number of weeks at No.1 in the ARIA music charts in 2010?

10 Mocha Island is located in which country?

9 3 4 6 8 2 7 5 1

5 3 1 6 7 4 9 2 8

L S

N B

5x5

10 11 12 13

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

9-LETTER WORD

25 words: Excellent

hard

medium

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

easy

5 9

1 9 7 8 3 6 3 2 8

6 4

T Z I R V L H F OQY B U

6 3 7 9 4 3

1 4

9 4

K P E DMG J WX S C AN

WORDFIT

How old is Queen Elizabeth II?

Who wrote the 1961 children's adventure novel The Phantom Tollbooth?

ANSWERS: 1. Fionn Regan 2. 'Hand wing' 3. True 4. Arctic roll 5. 94 years old 6. Norton Juster 7. Walter Matthau 8. Dame Nellie Melba 9. Rihanna 10. Chile

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SMALL SMALL CONCRETING CONCRETING JOBS JOBS 12416265-CG17-19

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Place Your Classified Ads Online Your advert will appear in print and online! 23 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 10 February, 2021

Trades & Services

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HOPPERS CROSSING LANDSCAPING

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12402755-RA44-18

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1235523-DJ29-16

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PAINTER & DECORATOR

Will blow the others away

Domestic/Commercial New Homes/Renovation Interior/Exterior minor plaster repairs

David Sheridon 0412 311 148

WE USE TOP QUALITY PAINT

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Gardening jobs, rubbish removal, gutter cleaning. General handyman jobs and lots more. FREE QUOTES.

• Fridges • Freezers L011010 / AU-05387 • Air Conditioners • Car Re-gassing

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Showroom @ 18 Quinn Drive, Keilor PArk, 3042

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12450404-AM23-20

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PENSIONER RATES

GEORGE FOX 0431 277 046 ฀ ฀

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Call Sam

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UÊÓ]Î]{]È]n ÎÊ ÃÊ>Û> >L i UÊ ÃÊÃÌ>ÀÌ }ÊvÀ Êf£ää

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PENSIONER DISCOUNT

0450 820 170 - 7 days

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1232632-ACM26-16

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G6254323AA-dc28Aug

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772 304

24 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 10 February, 2021

12436763-JV03-20

Lic No. 116785

WASHING MACHINE REPAIR Call out $40

Mob: 0414 484 932

12449339-NG21-20

12367852-ACM41-17

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Lic. No. 45207

WYP12533/20

The applicant for the permit is:

Goodison & Associates

Planning Ofﬁcer Details:

Contact: Caitlin Spratling Telephone: 9742 0415

11th March, 2021

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION WITH 5G AT: VICTORIA UNIVERSITY 235 HOPPERS LANE, WERRIBEE VIC 3030 The proposal consists of the removal of (3) existing panel antennas and the installation of new 5G and 4G panel antennas on a replacement headframe on the monopole facility: (3) OPTUS Panel antennas 590mm long (3) OPTUS Panel antennas 810mm long (3) Vodafone Panel Antennas 2690mm long (3) Vodafone Panel antennas 750mm long Ancillary works include the installation and /or replacement of (33) Remote Radio Units, (2) GPS antenna, cabling, and the reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within the equipment shelter Optus regards the proposed as a Low-impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”) based on the description above In accordance with Section 7 of C564: 2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Emily Wardlaw, 0422 685 472, consultation@acquirecomm.com.au by Thursday 25 February 2021. Further information can also be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/3030038

WE REGRET to advise patients of Point Cook Superclinic that the practice is closing on Sunday 28 February 2021. Dr Manjur Morshed and Dr Irram Basharat are relocating to Wyndham Village Medical Centre located at 380 Sayers Road, Tarneit, VIC 3029 on Monday 1st March 2021, phone 03 8742 7100. For more information on our closure including the transfer of medical records please call the centre on 03 9395 8077 or visit www.poin tcook.ipn.com.au. We will continue to offer high levels of care until our closure. Thank you to our loyal patients for your support over the years.

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

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0409 888 228

12362716-ACM35-17

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SERVICING WYNDHAM AREA FOR OVER TEN YEARS

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STONE BENCHTOPS

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The Application is for a permit to:

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.

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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

SHUTTERS OZTEC WINDOW • 100% Australian Made & Owned ADVERTISE • 10 years replacement warranty with us and

Home and Gardening Services

The land affected by the Application is located at:

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

Lic No. 38755 ABN No. 58054025352

0439 858 298

฀ ฀

฀

& AIR CONDITIONING - DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL

Call Joe 0498 375 094 - 7 days

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Lito’s

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For all your plumbing needs

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MILFORD ARCH P/L CALL 0412 210 593

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GARAGE DOOR SERVICING & REPAIRS

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12363174-PB35-17

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

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Lic. No. 28635

Phone ROBIN 8754 1144 Mob 0402 048 372 All work guaranteed

G6657959

Lou’s Colorbond Fencing

NOTICE OF AN APPLICATION FOR A PLANNING PERMIT

SERVICE

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12481992-JW07-21

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12482318-DL07-21

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SPORTS QUIZ 1. What American golfer was embroiled in a cheating scandal during the recent Farmers Insurance Open?

10. What racetrack will host the opening round of the 2021 Supercars Championship?

2. In which country was NBA star Kyrie Irving born in?

11. What is the colour of the middle ring on the Olympics logo?

3. In what year was the 50th NFL Super Bowl held?

14. Who was the last driver to win a title for Ferrari? 15. Which team finished last in the BBL for the past two seasons? 16. Which Australian hurdling champion competed in the twowoman bobsleigh at the 2014 Winter Olympics?

12. Who is the CEO of the AFL Women’s competition?

4. How many players are there in a game of beach volleyball?

13. Which team has NFL quarterback Tom Brady played for since 2020?

5. What were the first Olympics to feature softball as an event?

Lauren Jackson

17. How many times has surfer Mick Fanning been the ASP World Tour champion?

6. How many periods are there in an NHL ice hockey game?

18. Who holds the record for the most goals in A-League history?

7. How many frames are played in a standard game of ten pin bowling?

19. Which legendary actor finished second at the 1979 Le Mans 24 Hour race?

28. With competing teams including the Perth Suns, Tweed Heads Ospreys and Murray Steamers, BPL is the acronym for which made-for-television sports league?

23. Which Australian Baseball League team is based in Queensland? 24. The ACT/NSW Country Comets compete play which sport? 25. Australia’s national orienteering team is known by what nickname?

20. Who is the only player to score more than 1000 career runs for the Australian women’s Test team?

8. In what year did the Brisbane Bears join the VFL?

21. As well as playing professional rugby league and rugby union, Israel Folau also played Australian rules football for which AFL team?

9. On what continent was the Dakar Rally held in from 2009–19?

22. What year did Adelaide last host the Australian Formula One Grand Prix?

26. Marrara Oval and Traeger Park have played host to AFL games in which Australian state or territory?

29. Which Adelaide-born Australian tennis professional had a career-high singles ranking of world No.8 in February 2005? 30. The NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs are based in which US state?

27. Australian basketball great Lauren Jackson won WNBA Championships in 2004 and 2010 playing for which team?

Mick Fanning 1. Patrick Reed 2. Australia 3. 2016 4. Four 5. Atlanta, 1996 6. Three 7. 10 8. 1987 9. South America 10. Mount Panorama, Bathurst 11. Black 12. Nicole Livingstone 13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 14. Kimi Räikkönen 15. Melbourne Renegades 16. Jana Pittman 17. Three 18. Besart Berisha 19. Paul Newman 20. Karen Rolton 21. Greater Western Sydney Giants. 22. 1995. 23. Brisbane Bandits. 24. Cricket. 25. Boomerangs. 26. Northern Territory. 27. Seattle Storm. 28. Bowls Premiers League. 29. Alicia Molik. 30. Missouri. V

Garage Sales

FOR SALE Washing MOVING HOUSE Machine $100, Double SALE Bed $100, Fridge and Freezer $100, Jarrah Out- Point Cook, 15 Whitlam door Setting $500. Ph: Green. Sat 13th Feb, 9am–3pm. No early birds 0406 651 126 please. Tools, motorbike gear, furniture, kitchenware, books, clothing, bric-a-brac and more.

FREE CLASSIFIEDS

• Available in the For Sale or Wanted Classiﬁcations only. • 4 lines of copy • Ad will run for 2 weeks • 1 item per advertisement • Item must be priced under $100 • Private party only – household and personal items • No animals, automotive or plants • Ads must be submitted via email to sales@networkclassiﬁeds.com.au 12477681-CG03-21

Wanted

WANTED TO BUY... Estates, Household Goods, China, Collectables, Garden Ornaments, Antiques, Outdoor Furniture, Shed Contents. Deb 0428913381

Clearing Sales

WERRIBEE 2 Caper Court. Saturday 13th February. 8am-3pm. Camping gear, garden tools, kids items, TVs and lots lots more.

Pets & Services

Health And Fitness

NATURAL PLUS 7 days, 9.30am - 9.30pm. 5 City Place, Sunshine. Phone 9311 0198. V

Massage Therapists

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

PANEL BEATER/ASSEMBLER We seek an automotive Panel Beater/Assembler for our accident repair centre. Uniforms supplied. Immediate start - West Footscray.

ADVERTISERS, in this section are qualified practitioners and offer nonsexual services.

Garage Sales

Professional Services section of Network Classifieds.

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PLACE YOUR

Excavator Operator & Loader Experienced face loader & Excavator operator required. Duties include greasing, maintenance and adhoc. Contact Norm: 0428 568 004

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section of Network Classifieds.

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HOLDEN 2014 Vf3L Evoke, 220000km, black, good condition, 10 months registration, rwc, 1cy8yj. $12000 PH: 0409 809 002.

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Real Estate

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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.

Positions Vacant

ROOF TILER/ RESTORER Needed for long established company. Experience preferred with roof tiles, high pressure cleaning, bedding, pointing and spraying. Own tools and equipment preferred. To work mainly in the Western & Northern Suburbs

Wrecking

FREE CAR REMOVAL Pay up to $500 for most cars Dead or Alive LMCT 10268W

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A GRADE TUTORING Maths & English, all levels up to VCE. Zoom Sessions. Phone: 0432 514 326.

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FORD AU 2000, Utility, one owner, 12 mth reg and new RWC with 4 new tyres. $4,200 ONO. Ph: 0402 097 365

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Driver Required For Mobile canteen in Altona area. Must have manual license. Ph: 0418 922 293

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V VANOSHY PRE LOVED GOODS We buy and sell household items, if you are having clean out we pay cash for unwanted items in good quality condition. Ph: 9360 4190 or 0466 907 714

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Motoring

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7PC DRUMKIT exc cond $350 ono & 15w guitar amp good cond. $60 ono. PH: 0431 002 859

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4-BERTH CARAVAN with full annex, new rims and tyres, good condition throughout, $6,800. Ph: 0411 960 207.

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Employment section of Network Classiﬁeds.

General Notices section of Network Classifieds. 25 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 10 February, 2021

USED CAR CHECKOUT STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Nissan Murano 2005 - 2015 By Ewan Kennedy,Marque Motoring Nissan Murano SUV was ahead of its time in styling and didn’t sell as well as it deserved in this country. But times have changed and these days many SUVs and crossovers have smoother lines that look quite swish. Murano has stretch-out room for four adults. Three grown-ups in the back works fine if they aren’t overly broad in the beam. Four have stretch out space. As a real bonus the flat floor at the rear seats makes life easy for the person seated in the centre. Too often they have to sit with their legs splayed around a central tunnel, but not in the big Nissan. The first Muranos arrived Down Under in September 2005. They gained strong acceptance by experts and some potential buyers because they were powered by a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine based on that in many upmarket Nissans. This gave plenty of performance and made Murano quicker, smoother and more refined than most others in this class with fourcylinder power. The second-generation Murano, introduced here in January 2009, carried the same overall theme as the original shape. However, it sat on a new platform that gave it added rigidity and a quieter ride. Seating was even more spacious and the boot had significantly more volume. The 3.5 V6 was reworked to give it more power and torque. Its excellent smoothness continued to impress. The second generation has an emphasis on a luxury look and feel, making it a complete move away from the sort-of sporty appearance of the first-generation. Nissan was one of the pioneers in modern day CVT automatics. In the gen-two it has pre-

The 2005 Nissan Murano, 2009 Nissan Murano and 2014 Nissan Murano.

selected ratios to give the driver a fair degree of manual control when they don’t agree with the computer’s decisions on the best ratios. The European-based suspension system provides handling characteristics that are pleasant enough, but the Murano is certainly no sports wagon and may disappoint drivers who anticipate more from its sleek appearance. Nissan has been in Australia since way back in the Datsun days of the 1960s so there are many well established dealers throughout the country. As is common, these are mainly in metro areas, but the strong Nissan commercial vehicle range means there are quite a few in the bush and country towns. Murano is a complex car and we feel that anything other than simple service items are best left to professional mechanics. Servicing and maintenance that have been carried out according to the book can be a strong selling point. Insurance premiums are usually in the same range as other standard SUVs, so charges are

(Pictures: Supplied)

pretty reasonable. There isn’t a huge variation from company to company. While we say it pays to shop around, make sure you compare like for like. It’s also wise to have a long history with one insurer as this may stand you in good stead if there’s a marginal claim. What to look for Make sure the engine starts easily and idles almost imperceptibly from the moment it’s running. Ideally this should be done after the engine is completely cold, overnight is best. During your test drive check that the continuously variable transmission seems to be in the right ratio for the situation. There were some reliability problems in early CVTs. See if this is recorded in the service records. Look for oil leaks from engine, CVT and transfer-case joints. Check the complete interior for signs of damage caused by bored kids. Also look at the luggage area in case things

have been sliding about causing damage. Nissan sets different recommendations for standard and heavy-duty work. If you think a Murano has been used in very hot areas, or used for towing make sure it has been given the heavy-duty service program. How much? Expect to pay from $2000 to $5000 for a 2005 to 2009 Nissan Murano; $4000 to $7000 for a 2011 ST; $7000 to $11,000 for a 2013 ST; $9000 to $13,000 for a 2013 Ti; $10,000 to $15,000 for a 2014 ST; $12,000 to $18,000 for a 2014 Ti; and $16,000 to $23,000 for a 2016 Ti. Car buying tip If you’re serious about buying a vehicle tell the seller you would like to take it for a good long test drive. If they insist on coming that’s understandable, but try to avoid them ‘selling’ the car to you.

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All pictures are for illustration purposes only. All prices are recommended sale prices. Excludes fleet, government and wholesale accounts. Offers valid 28/02/2021 26 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 10 February, 2021

• RWC LVT License no: EX 6187 • Wheel Balancing • Wheel Alignments • Licensed Vehicle Tester • Batteries • Child Restraint Fitting

12481168-JW07-21

SPORT Lions look for momentum Bacchus Marsh Lions are hoping to hit their straps in the back end of the Country Basketball League men’s north-west season. After losing their first three matches, the Lions opened their account last weekend against the Kyneton Tigers. Lions coach Grant McMillian said the win was just what they needed in a shortened season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “We only play seven games and we may have already played the top three teams in the first three weeks,” he said. “We thought we had a chance of getting the win against Kyneton and shot really well and finished things off. “It was also a lot better defensive effort.” McMillan, who has stepped up from being assistant coach the past two seasons, said the first few games they were hurt by poor execution. He said the last quarter against Echuca,

when they went two from 16 from the field, was a clear example of that. “We’re playing well in the system and getting shots, but we’re not being rewarded with the execution.” As well as adjusting to a new coach, there has been a number of changes to the playing squad. Star guard Billy Feben and young star Max Beaumont have left. The loss of Sam Byron, Patrick Craig and Jake Rayner also hurts the Lions in the height department. McMillian said despite the departures he is happy with how the squad has shaped up. “Not having Billy means that 25 to 30 points a night we have to find,” McMillian said. “So we’ve had to come up with other scoring avenues. We’ve recruited a few guys. And with [Jordan Kirk] Kirky, Jason Christian and Daniel Jackson back, we’ve got some experience. “It’s a good mix of youth and experience.” McMillian said Cooper McIntosh and Justin

Runge were among the youngsters who are getting more opportunity this season. They’ve also got two players from their under-21 side as development players. “My assistant coach is the under-21 coach, so it’s good to get some uniformity,“ he said. “The guys are learning and there is good information being exchanged.” The Lions faced Mildura Heat on Sunday after Star Weekly went to press. “Hopefully we can get a bit of momentum going,” McMillian said last week. “If we win the last four games, anything can happen and we might even make finals.” The fifth-placed Kyneton side, which won two of its first five matches, faced the Bendigo Braves on Saturday night, as did the Tigers women’s side which sits second on ladder. The women’s side was 3-1 after four rounds. Jordan Kirk is back for the Kyneton Tigers.

Tara Murray

(Shawn Smits)

Cannons raring to go By Tara Murray After 11 months off the football field, the Calder Cannons were back in action on Saturday in the NAB League girls’ competition. The side played just three games last year before the season was cancelled due to COVID-19, so there are plenty of players eager to get back out on the field. Speaking before the game, coach Ross Smith said everyone was excited to play again. “I’m sure it’s exciting for the whole competition,” he said. “Everyone had gone through a whole lot. We had the jumper presentation and got their families down, which was pretty special.” For Smith, who has coached the club’s boys’ side since 2018, coaching the girls’ side is a new challenge. Under changes to the NAB League system, there is one senior coach across both programs. “It’s my first time coaching girls,” Smith said. “I’m enjoying it immensely … they’re just a great bunch of girls. They’re very grateful and it’s a lot different to the boys in many ways. “It’s a very exciting group, especially the 18-year-old group.” Smith said when the boys started training in the next couple of weeks, the coaching panel would be quite busy. He said the girls team was a young squad, with the competition age expanded to under-19s. There’s three top age players in the squad, with a core group of 18-year-olds and several bottom-age players. He said there were eight bottom-age players set to play in the opening round. Newly-appointed captain Georgie Prespakis will be one player who to get plenty of attention. The younger sister of Carlton star Maddy Prespakis, Georgie won the NAB League’s best and fairest award in 2019 as a 16-year-old. She is eligible to be drafted to the AFLW later this year. “She has been training really well,” Smith said. “There’s a little bit of expectation on her. She’s a different player from Maddy and she’ll have her own career going forward. “The players voted her in as captain.” Smith said they were excited about the rest of the group of 18-year-olds. Peppa Poultney will play in the ruck and Tahlia Gillard, who is in the AFL academy with Prespakis and is another tall, are both players to watch. Olivia Manfre, state cricketer Neve Crowley, exciting midfielder-forward Emeila Yassir, Mali McLeod and Kasey Lennox are others in that age group. Smith said the focus of the group remained

Werribee and Williamstown are part of the new competition. (Luke Hemer) 227546_01

VFL season start decided

Georgie Prespakis has been named the Cannons captain. (Shawn Smits) 204987_30

development. He said many of the older girls would get an opportunity to play at VFLW level with Essendon during the year. “The focus is always development,” he said. “We’ve got a reasonably good 18-year-old group and the expectations are reasonably strong.”

The Cannons’ first match against Sandringham Dragons was after Star Weekly went to press. The Northern Knights and Western Jets also kicked off their seasons at the weekend against Oakleigh Chargers and Eastern Ranges respectively.

The new second-tier eastern seaboard state league football competition will have a familiar name. With 17 of the 22 clubs in the competition from Victoria, it will be known as the Victorian Football League [VFL]. The competition will be the largest second tier competition in Australia and will consist of stand-alone VFL clubs, stand-alone AFL clubs and aligned clubs. It will be the first time VFL matches will be played in Queensland and New South Wales. The inaugural season will involve teams playing 16 games across 19 rounds, and will get under way on April 17. A fixture is set to be released later this month. Each club will have three byes to allow for flexibility when needed. It will be a top eight finals structure, which will begin on August 28. The grand final is to be held on the weekend of September 18. The VFL competition, the 2021 NAB League Boys and 2021 Toyota AFL premiership seasons will all run concurrently. Williamstown and Werribee are among the stand-alone VFL clubs, while the Western Bulldogs will also field a stand-alone side, Footscray. Both Williamstown and Werribee have returned to training under new coaches, Justin Plapp and Michael Barlow respectively. The involvement of AFL-listed players from 14 AFL clubs is central to the VFL competition’s season fixture. Tara Murray 27 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 10 February, 2021

CARPET

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E C N A R A E L C K C STO

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HOPPERS CROSSING CARPET COURT 192 Old Geelong Rd, Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029 P 9749 3811

*Savings off recommended retail prices at Hoppers Crossing Carpet Court, while stocks last. Pricing reflects product only, does not include installation, accessories, packing and freight charges. Sale ends Sunday 28th February, 2021. ^You must be a Qantas Frequent Flyer member to earn Qantas Points. Members will earn 1 Qantas Point per $1 spent on retail flooring products (excluding tiles and window furnishings) purchased from Hoppers Crossing Carpet Court or online. Full terms and conditions available at www.carpetcourt.com.au/qantas-frequent-flyer