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Dishing up cheer The Hoppers Club is bringing a smile to the faces of many doing it tough, providing free meals to people in need. The not-for-profit club has been encouraging residents who have had shifts cut, or who are short on cash, to attend the venue’s reception and order a family meal. Hoppers Club chief executive Mike Lewis said Facebook posts about the offer have reached more than 20,000 people. Mr Lewis said that club staff prepared up to 20 meals each night, along with the meals they provide to agencies such as Feeding Families for distribution among vulnerable locals. Hoppers Club employees have also been delivering meals to homes, sometimes dressed in costumes, to spread cheer. Mr Lewis said COVID “has had a huge impact on the club’s bottom line” causing it to lose “many hundreds of thousands of dollars” and put other community projects on hold. He said he was proud of the club staff for their efforts in the pandemic, particularly executive chef Sid Haldikar and operations manager Amy Crawshaw. AMY AND VICKIE OF THE HOPPERS CLUB

Alesha Capone

Victoria lifts lockdown Victoria’s fifth lockdown ended at 11.59pm last night but new settings will remain in place for at least two weeks. Victoria’s COVID-19 commander Jeroen Weimar said there were 10 new COVID-19 cases recorded on Tuesday, bringing the total number of active cases to 188. All 10 had been isolating. From today, the five reasons to leave home and five kilometre travel limit have ended. Students return to the classroom. Restaurants and cafes can reopen for seated

service. Retail, beauty and personal care services, entertainment venues and community facilities can also reopen. Premier Daniel Andrews said that people who can work from home should continue doing so, with offices restricted to a capacity of up to 25 per cent of the workforce or 10 people, whichever is greater. Public gatherings are allowed with up to 10 people, however, home visits are still prohibited. “We regard the home as what it is – it is in many respects, from a transmission of this virus point of view, the highest risk environment,” Mr Andrews said.

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The end of lockdown comes as authorities announced that COVID-19 fragments were detected in wastewater from Werribee, Tarneit and Truganina. The Department of Health said the wastewater detections might be from someone who previously had COVID-19 and is no longer infectious, but is continuing to shed the virus. But, the detection might also be due to an active, undiagnosed case, the department said. Anyone who lives in, works in or has visited Werribee, Tarneit and Truganina between July 21 and 23 has been urged to watch for the “slightest of COVID-19 symptoms” and get

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tested as soon as possible if symptoms develop. There were 10 active cases of coronavirus in the 3030 postcode, which covers Point Cook, Werribee and Werribee South, as of Monday, health department data reveals. There was one case in the 3029 postcode which includes Hoppers Crossing, Tarneit and Truganina. A Hoppers Crossing aged care and retirement home was placed on alert last Thursday after being made aware that a resident returning from hospital could possibly have COVID-19. The state’s COVID-19 commander Jeroen Weimar said the resident later tested negative to the virus.

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2 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 28 July, 2021

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Median rents slide in Wyndham By Alesha Capone Median weekly rents in Wyndham have dropped slightly across a 12-month period, according to property information and analytics provider CoreLogic. Data from CoreLogic shows that in the year to June 30, median rents paid by residential tenants in Williams Landing and Wyndham Vale fell 0.4 per cent – equating to a median rent of $419 and $372 per week respectively. In Tarneit, median rents dropped 0.3 per cent to $398.

The median weekly rent in Point Cook and Truganina decreased 0.2 per cent to $419 and $408 respectively. Median rents in Werribee remained steady at $361 per week. Across Melbourne, the median weekly rent fell by 1.4 per cent to $444. Everybody’s Home, a national housing and homelessness advocacy program supported by several not-for-profit organisations and service providers including the Salvation Army, Uniting, the Brotherhood of St Laurence, the St Vincent de Paul Society, Tenants Victoria and Melbourne City Mission, is campaigning to

increase social housing, raise rent assistance payments and end homelessness across Australia by 2030. Everybody’s Home spokesperson Kate Colvin said the main reason for rents staying “pretty much the same” in Wyndham is that fewer people have been looking for a rental property during the pandemic. “Because of COVID, there is less population movement, so less pressure on rents,” she said. “Some people who live in Wyndham may have moved to regional areas – all the way down the Surf Coast and regional Australia,

Fundraiser helps children like Jonah

rents have really increased.” Ms Colvin said that for some people on low incomes, it is positive that Wyndham’s median rents have not risen, as it means leasing a property remains affordable for them. However, she said many community members still faced “a lack of affordability” when it came to finding rental housing in the west, after job losses and the decrease in JobSeeker support payments since March. “There is a growing number of homeless people in Melbourne’s west, which has occurred across lockdowns,” she said.

Athletics site on the way

The family of four year-old Werribee boy Jonah says they are amazed and proud of his resilience. Jonah, a younger sibling to brothers Eli, 10, and Rehu, 19, is an ambassador for next month’s Jeans for Genes Day. Falling on August 6, the day raises funds for research into genetic diseases conducted by the Children’s Medical Research Institute. When he was just 30 hours old, Jonah stopped breathing. He was transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit at the Royal Woman’s Hospital, where he stayed for 11 days. Jonah’s mother Leigh Machler said that when he was 13 months old, Jonah was diagnosed with a genetic condition called Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome (CMS) after undergoing several medical tests. CMS, a rare illness, can be caused by 32 different gene defects. People with the condition experience muscle weakness that worsens with physical exertion, including breathing problems. Ms Machler said Jonah takes medication that controls his muscle weakness most of the time and help him get through each day. “We spent a lot of time in and out of the Royal Children’s Hospital’s ICU and neurology ward in the first two years of his life, and almost lost our boy a few times,” she said. “We all had to learn very quickly to work alongside what he needed and although it has been a very challenging and sometimes terrifying journey, his incredible joy for life has carried us all through. “Watching him learn and grow is an absolute blessing and pleasure every day.” Ms Machler said she has raised funds for Jeans for Genes Day for the past three years. She said that her family, friends and community at Saltwater P-9 College where she is a teacher, “have been amazing in helping us to raise much-needed funds”. Donate at https://bit.ly/3iNbEg7

Wyndham council is planning to build the municipality’s second major athletics facility at the Fortitude Drive Reserve in Truganina. The reserve is also being designed to accommodate the anticipated future growth of field hockey in Wyndham. Wyndham’s active city portfolio holder, Cr Peter Maynard, said the reserve would feature areas for activities such as barbecues and picnics, walking trails and a playground. “These facilities will be a great social hub for the community and furthermore a great active space that will help residents stay fit and healthy both physically and mentally,” he said. “We’re thrilled to be able to deliver on the demand that is increasing for field hockey and athletics and know that as our community grows, the uptake in athletics and hockey as a sport will grow too, particularly with the Tokyo Olympics just around the corner.” Over the next four months, the council’s sport and recreation team will engage and consult with the community on plans for the site. Cr Maynard said the council would like feedback from a wide range of community members on the proposed reserve development. “We know that not everyone wants to participate in organised sport, so that’s why we’re asking residents who prefer other ways of being active what they’d like to see included in this space, so this reserve can be attractive and inviting for everyone,” he said. Details: https://theloop.wyndham.vic. gov.au/fortitude-drive-reserve-masterplan

Alesha Capone Jonah Machler. (Supplied)

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3 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 28 July, 2021

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Committee members sought Wyndham council is searching for community members to join the Werribee South Green Wedge Steering Committee. Mayor Adele Hegedich said the committee would provide input into the review and implementation of the Werribee South Green Wedge Policy and Management Plan. Applications to join the committee will be open until 11.59pm on August 20. Details: https://theloop.wyndham.vic.gov.au/ wyndham-reconciliation-advisorycommittee.

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Dr Michael Yazbeck. (Supplied)

Teething problems Greencross Vets has partnered with Petbarn to raise awareness about the importance of dental hygiene in dogs and cats. The chain of veterinary hospitals – which has clinics in Werribee, Hoppers Crossing, Point Cook, Williamstown, Craigieburn, South Morang and Woodend – is urging pet owners to watch out for the seven signs of dental disease in their four-legged friends. According to the Australian and American Veterinary Dental Societies, more than 80 per cent of dogs and cats will develop dental disease by the age of three. Greencross Vets director, Dr Michael Yazbeck, said dental disease was a serious issue that was often overlooked by pet parents who did not realise their pet’s teeth needed daily bushing and a regular dental routine.

“Dental disease is painful for pets and can often progress to a severe stage before the pet is even taken to the vet. If you can’t remember the last time you brushed your pet’s teeth, there is a high likelihood they could be suffering from dental disease,” he said. Dental disease is inflammation of the gums and supporting tissues caused by a build-up of plaque and tartar, and can cause bad breath, oral pain and loss of teeth in pets. If left untreated, dental disease can contribute to heart, liver and kidney problems. The signs of dental disease to watch out for include discolouration or build-up of plaque and tartar on teeth, difficulty eating or loss of appetite, bleeding around mouth, swelling under the eye and pawing at the mouth. Details: https://www.petbarn.com.au/dental

A $1 million state government grants program, which aims to improve access and safety on the Victorian coast, is open for applications. The program offers grants of up to $150,000 to coastal Crown land managers including volunteer committees of management and councils. Applications will close at 4pm on August 5. Details: www. marineandcoasts.vic.gov.au/grants/ coastal-public-access-and-risk.

Building resilience Wyndham council has adopted a strategy, Resilient Wyndham 2021-2025, designed to ensure the municipality can better cope with future events such as climate change, extreme weather, natural disasters, pandemics and cyber-attacks. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Wyndham Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

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Wyndham’s war on waste By Alesha Capone Illegal rubbish dumping along Woods Road in Truganina is causing a headache for both residents and Wyndham council. A resident captured images of rubbish dumped along the road and last week sent them to Star Weekly. The resident said people living in the Ellarook estate have lodged “numerous complaints” about the illegal dumping with Wyndham council. “Dumping has continued during lockdown – this rubbish has been there for weeks,” the man said. Council director of city operations, Stephen Thorpe, said Wyndham city “takes a zero tolerance approach to rubbish dumping”. “Since January, council has received 17 requests to clean up dumped rubbish in the area around Woods Road, Truganina and all dumped rubbish was removed earlier this month,” Mr Thorpe said. “Unfortunately, due to the pandemic and restrictions, council’s litter crews have been unable to attend locations as often as we would like, and we are currently working our way through a backlog of requests.” Mr Thorpe said the council officers spent thousands of hours every year collecting rubbish that has been illegally dumped. “This is an unfair impost on all our residents, the majority of whom do the right thing,” he said. “Illegal litter dumping is a complex community problem across many municipalities in Victoria, and Wyndham has adopted a number of methods to try and reduce the amount of dumped litter. “We have dedicated waste education officers who aim to educate the community about their

Illegal rubbish dumping along Woods Road in Truganina. (Pictures: Supplied)

options for removing waste, and we offer three hard rubbish collections per household, per year.” Mr Thorpe said the council needed the community’s support to help keep Wyndham clean.

He encouraged residents to report illegal rubbish dumping on 1300 023 411 or via https:// digital.wyndham.vic.gov.au/reportissue/#/ To book a hard rubbish collection, visit: www. wyndham.vic.gov.au/services/waste-recycling/ book-hard-green-waste-collection

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Community grants on offer Wyndham council has launched a new program offering grants of up to $15,000 to community groups and not-for-profit organisations located within the municipality. The Medium Grant program aims to support initiatives that improve community connectedness, health, wellbeing, the environment and cultural activities. Mayor Adele Hegedich said applications would be assessed on their ability to align with the Wyndham 2040 Community Vision and strategies to support the area’s ongoing COVID-19 recovery. “We know how important it is for residents to see funding and investment go direct to the local groups and organisations that are making a difference in our community – and this is found within our community groups,” Cr Hegedich. “Our incredible community groups are always there to help our city, so we’re thrilled we can invest in them so they can continue their much-needed and appreciated work.” The council will also offer a Small Grants program on a monthly basis and a Large Grants program in September. Medium Grant applications will close Monday, August 16. Details: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/ communitygrantsprogram For assistance in completing an application, contact 1300 023 411 or email funding@wyndham.vic.gov.au

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5 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 28 July, 2021

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Tarneit post office call By Alesha Capone A Wyndham councillor is calling for a post office to be built in Tarneit’s west to cater for the area’s growing population. Chaffey ward councillor Josh Gilligan said he was planning to lodge a notice of motion about the issue at last night’s council meeting. Speaking before the meeting, Cr Gilligan said the notice of motion will ask the council to write to Australia Post’s managing director requesting an investigation into building a post office in Tarneit west. Cr Gilligan also wants council to write to Lalor MP Joanne Ryan, seeking her support. The motion states that Tarneit is expected to be home to 131,000 residents by 2041. The existing post office at Wyndham Village shopping centre is expected to serve Tarneit, Truganina and Hoppers Crossing. Cr Gilligan said he has spoken with residents from Tarneit’s west and Truganina who said they would like a local post office. “There has been strong community feedback from residents in The Grove, Habitat and Riverdale estates that they shouldn’t have to travel all the way to Wyndham Village to access a postal outlet,” he said. Cr Gilligan said that Australia Post has actually “failed to meet their own performance standards by not providing a post office within a 2.5 kilometre radius of tens of thousands of Tarneit residents”. According to Australia Post’s statement of corporate intent, 90 per cent of residences in metropolitan areas should be located within 2.5 kilometres of a retail postal outlet. The Riverdale and Habitat estates are both more than six kilometres from Wyndham Village shopping centre, while The Grove is about five kilometres away.

Cr Josh Gilligan is calling for a post office to be established in Tarneit’s west, in a location such as the Riverdale Village shopping centre. (Damjan Janevski). 244793_01

An Australia Post spokesperson said they are aware of Cr Gilligan’s comments but that any formal inquiry about setting up a new post office would “go through our usual processes”.

Ms Ryan said: “I would welcome council working with Australia Post to establish services in the areas of Wyndham where it is most needed”.

Reserve gets an upgrade Cambridge Reserve in Hoppers Crossing is undergoing a $500,000 upgrade including the addition of new play equipment and a sports court. Wyndham council is installing new swings, a seesaw, tower and a nature play area in the park, along with a half basketball-netball court, picnic facilities, barbecue, seating and pathways. Mayor Adele Hegedich said the upgrade formed part of the council’s strategy to address ageing infrastructure at several Wyndham reserves. “Cambridge Reserve is a much-loved open space among the wider Hoppers Crossing community,” Cr Hegedich said. “This significant upgrade will breathe new life into the reserve and make better use of the space, creating a more welcoming place to gather, new opportunities to exercise and a fun place for children to spend time outdoors.” Cr Hegedich said the works would transform Cambridge Reserve into a district-level park, meaning it would cater not only to Hoppers Crossing residents but also the wider community. “I’d like to thank those Wyndham residents who took the time to tell us what play elements they wanted to see included … your invaluable feedback has helped shape the future of this reserve,” Cr Hegedich said. Works at the park are expected to be complete by the end of the year. Details: https://theloop.wyndham.vic. gov.au/Cambridge-Reserve-PlayspaceUpgrade

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6 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 28 July, 2021

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Awards sustain morale By Alesha Capone A Laverton business that received a major prize in the Premier’s Sustainability Awards last year has urged companies, community groups and volunteers to enter the 2021 competition. The awards aim to recognise and celebrate Victorians who are leading the way to a sustainable future. Alex Fraser’s Sustainable Supply Hub (the hub) received a gong in the Large Business Award category of the 2020 awards. The hub recovers waste to recycle into high-quality end products needed for infrastructure development and supplies products to the construction industry. The hub managing director Peter Murphy said the sustainability awards helped to raise the profile of the industry and inform the public of the good and practical things happening in the sector. Mr Murphy said receiving the award was also “good recognition for our employees who do a great job”, especially as they worked through the lockdowns last year and adapted to COVID-19 pandemic requirements. The hub, which is based on a 34-hectare site, employs about 110 people. It is one of the world’s largest recycling facilities in terms of the volume of waste it processes. “We do about one million tonnes of construction and demolition materials every year, and about half a million tonnes of glass from kerbside collections, such as milk bottles, and asphalt, which has a highly recycled content in things such as roads,” Mr Murphy said. He said that in doing so, the hub eliminated the need for a lot of truck movements on local roads. “If we weren’t recycling this, it would be

Staff at Alex Fraser’s Sustainable Supply Hub in Laverton receiving the Premier’s Sustainability Award last year. (Supplied)

headed out of town to landfill and then have to be trucked back in to quarries,” he said. The hub’s annual environmental outcomes include 200,000 tonnes of glass waste recycled into sand, saving one million kilograms of carbon dioxide, and 390,000 tonnes of high recycled asphalt, saving 3.3 million kilograms of carbon dioxide. Mr Murphy said there was “huge demand”

for the hub’s recycled products in the west, including its aggregates, asphalt, road base and sand. “I’m not sure people realise the scale of it, it’s in everything from footpaths to roads,” he said. Applications for the Premier’s Sustainability Awards 2021 will close at 5pm on Friday, July 30. Details: https://www.sustainability.vic.gov. au/psa

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Diamonds in the rough Work is under way on a $5.6 million plan to create a new sports reserve in Point Cook which will include baseball and softball fields. Wyndham council has released the civil landscape construction tender for the new Brookdale Road Sports Reserve, which is being built on a parcel of land bordered by Brookdale Road, Saltwater Promenade and Carrick Street. Once complete, the site will include the baseball and softball fields, a practice batting cage and a multi-use sporting field with floodlighting that will be able to accommodate cricket and soccer. A pavilion, car park, circuit path with distance markers and an intergenerational play and fitness space will also be constructed. The Brookdale Road Reserve Master Plan was adopted by the council in December 2019, following a community consultation process. The master plan was developed in line with the recommendations of the Wyndham Sports Strategy 2045, which recommends the development of a facility suitable for hosting baseball. The strategy found there are presently four baseball diamonds at one Werribee sports facility, but that eight diamonds will be needed across two to three facilities by 2024 and 16 diamonds across four to six facilities by 2045, to meet anticipated demand. Details: https://theloop.wyndham.vic. gov.au/Brookdale-Reserve-Master-Plan

7 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 28 July, 2021

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Study results ‘distressing’ By Alesha Capone Hundreds of people committed suicide and were hospitalised for intentional self-harm in Wyndham over a four-year period. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) last week released information on ambulance attendances for suicide attempts and intentional self-injury across Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory. The data has been released as part of AIHW’s National Suicide and Self-harm Monitoring

System to support the national goal of working towards zero suicides. According to the study, in 2019, there were more than 3000 deaths by suicide in Australia. In Wyndham, 106 people died as a result of suicide between 2015 and 2019. The toll was 87 in the Melton-Bacchus Marsh region, 81 in Brimbank, 53 in Hobsons Bay and 38 people in Maribyrnong. Between 2018-19 in Wyndham, 55 people aged 24 and below were hospitalised for intentional self-harm. Fifty-two people aged between 25 and 44 years and 36 people aged 45

and over were hospitalised. Across the nation, rates of ambulance attendances for suicide attempts and intentional self-injuries were higher for females than males. The AIHW study did not include data per municipality for 2020, but did report a rise in the use of mental health services and an increase in “psychological distress” last year. It found there was no evidence to date that COVID-19 was associated with a rise in suspected deaths by suicide. National Mental Health Commission

Book in for donation enable us to reach these outcomes”. Book sales held in aid of the foundation’s work have raised more than $6000 for Werribee Mercy across the years. If you have books collecting dust and taking up space that you would like to donate for the sale, contact the foundation at hello@whf.org. au Details, visit, https://whf.org.au/, www. facebook.com/werribeehospitalfoundation/ or @werribee_hospital_foundation on Instagram.

Georgie McNaughton gets an early look at some of the books that will be on offer. (Joe Mastroianni) 244874_02

FSA/DET0016-09

The Werribee Hospital Foundation is calling for donations of high-quality, pre-loved books. The foundation will host a book sale next month to raise money to put towards the purchase of a new palliative bed for Werribee Mercy Hospital. Books on all topics and genres are welcome to be donated, including fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, cookbooks, DIY, self-help, memoirs and history. Foundation volunteers Cheryl and Kathleen are organising the book sale for August 28 and 29. The foundation’s chief executive Leanne Down said residents who purchased books from the sale would be helping to raise $12,000 for a new palliative bed at Werribee Mercy. “One hundred per cent of sales from this book stall will go towards this purchase,” Ms Down said. “We are so grateful to our volunteers that

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8 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 28 July, 2021

chief executive Christine Morgan said it was important to remember that behind the data, there were “real lives and situations of significant distress”. “For many, this data will be difficult to receive and we remind anyone needing support to please reach out to someone you trust, your GP or the support services available,” she said. For assistance contact Mental Health Foundation Australia helpline: 1300 643 287 or https://www.mhfa.org.au/, Lifeline: 13 11 14, www.lifeline.org.au or Headspace: 1800 650 890, www.headspace.org.au

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Banksia, 8, and Acacia, 10, reading to their dog Rocky. (Damjan Janevski) 244641_03

Reading a pet project Hoppers Crossing sisters Banksia and Acacia are keeping busy reading during lockdown – along with their pet dog Rocky. The siblings and their Jack Russell are among the many youngsters who have been hitting the books recently. Wyndham Libraries is hosting a competition encouraging local families to send in a photo of young people aged 12 and under reading to their pet. The Reading to Pets competition has been designed to help improve children’s literacy skills and self-confidence. Images submitted to the competition will be published on Libraries in Wyndham Facebook page. The family whose photo attracts the most likes and reactions between August 2 and 8 will receive a Zoos Victoria gift card valued at $114.

Another photo, to be picked by the Wyndham Librarians and council officers, will receive a $50 Robinson’s Bookshop gift voucher. The winner of the Librarian’s Choice prize will be chosen based on the quality of the photo and the interaction between the child and animal. If you wish to enter but are uncomfortable sharing your child’s face, photos which show the back of a child’s head are welcome. Photos must be submitted to Wyndham Libraries via Facebook Messenger at www. facebook.com/librariesinwyndham/ before 11.59pm on July 30. Include the entrant’s name and their age. Details: wyndham.vic.gov.au/services/libraries/ kids/reading-pets-facebook-competition

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As Mayor there is nothing I enjoy more than ŵĞĞƟŶŐ Ăůů ŽĨ ǇŽƵ ĂŶĚ ŚĞĂƌŝŶŐ ǇŽƵƌ ƉĞƌƐŽŶĂů ƐƚŽƌŝĞƐ͘ tŚĞƚŚĞƌ ŝƚ ďĞ Ăƚ Ă ĐŝƟǌĞŶƐŚŝƉ ĐĞƌĞŵŽŶǇ͕ Žƌ ũƵƐƚ ĚŽǁŶ ƚŚĞ ƐƚƌĞĞƚ͘ dŚĂƚ͛Ɛ ŽŶĞ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ƚŚŝŶŐƐ ƚŚĂƚ ŚĂƐ ŵĂĚĞ ƚŚŝƐ ůĂƐƚ ϭϴ ŵŽŶƚŚƐ ƐŽ ĚŝĸĐƵůƚ͘ EĞǀĞƌ ŚĂǀĞ ǁĞ ďĞĞŶ ƐŽ ĐŽŶŶĞĐƚĞĚ͕ ǇĞƚ ĨĞůƚ ƐŽ ĨĂƌ ĂƉĂƌƚ͘ ZĞĐĞŶƚůǇ / ůĂƵŶĐŚĞĚ DĂǇŽƌ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ DŽƌŶŝŶŐ͕ ĂŶ ĂǁĂƌĚ ƚŚĂƚ ƌĞĐŽŐŶŝƐĞƐ ǇŽƵŶŐ ƉĞŽƉůĞ ǁŚŽ ĂƌĞ ĚŽŝŶŐ ŐƌĞĂƚ ƚŚŝŶŐƐ ŝŶ ŽƵƌ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚǇ͘ dŚŝƐ ŚĂƐ ďĞĞŶ Ă ŐƌĞĂƚ ŽƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƚǇ ƚŽ ŚĞĂƌ ĚŝƌĞĐƚůǇ ĨƌŽŵ ŽƵƌ ǇŽƵƚŚ ĂŶĚ ƐŚĂƌĞ ƚŚĞŝƌ ŝŶƐƉŝƌĂƟŽŶĂů ƐƚŽƌŝĞƐ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ǁŝĚĞƌ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚǇ͘ ůƌĞĂĚǇ ǁĞ ŚĂǀĞ ƌĞĐŽŐŶŝƐĞĚ ^ĂŵĂƌǀĞĞƌ ^ĂŶĚŚƵ ĂŶĚ YƵŝŶŶ ^ĂƵŶĚĞƌƐ͕ ƚǁŽ ǇŽƵŶŐ ďŽǇƐ ǁŚŽ ĂƌĞ ĂĚǀŽĐĂƟŶŐ ĨŽƌ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚǇ ƐĂĨĞƚǇ ĂŶĚ ƉƌŽƚĞĐƟŶŐ ŽƵƌ ůŽĐĂů ĞŶǀŝƌŽŶŵĞŶƚ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůǇ͘ /Ĩ ǇŽƵ ŬŶŽǁ ƐŽŵĞŽŶĞ ǁŚŽ ǁŽƵůĚ ŵĂŬĞ Ă ŐŽŽĚ DĂǇŽƌ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ DŽƌŶŝŶŐ͕ ĞŵĂŝů ŵĞ Ăƚ ĂĚĞůĞ͘ŚĞŐĞĚŝĐŚΛǁǇŶĚŚĂŵ͘ǀŝĐ͘ŐŽǀ͘ĂƵ ZĞĐĞŶƚůǇ ǇŽƵ ŵĂǇ ŚĂǀĞ ƌĞĐĞŝǀĞĚ Ă ůĞƩĞƌ ĂďŽƵƚ ŽƵŶĐŝů͛Ɛ ŶĞǁ ŝŶŝƟĂƟǀĞ͕ ƚŚĞ WĞŽƉůĞ͛Ɛ ĚǀŝƐŽƌǇ WĂŶĞů͘ tĞ͛ǀĞ ŚĞĂƌĚ ĨƌŽŵ ŵĂŶǇ ŽĨ ǇŽƵ ǁŚŽ ǁĂŶƚ ƚŽ ďĞ ŵŽƌĞ ŝŶǀŽůǀĞĚ ŝŶ ƐŚĂƉŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ĨƵƚƵƌĞ ŽĨ tǇŶĚŚĂŵ͕ ĂŶĚ ƚŚŝƐ ŝƐ Ă ŐƌĞĂƚ ŽƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƚǇ ƚŽ ĚŽ ũƵƐƚ ƚŚĂƚ͘ Ǉ ďĞĐŽŵŝŶŐ Ă ŵĞŵďĞƌ ŽĨ ƚŚŝƐ WĂŶĞů ǇŽƵ ǁŝůů ŚĂǀĞ ƚŚĞ ŽƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƚǇ ƚŽ ŐŝǀĞ ƌĞŐƵůĂƌ ĂĚǀŝĐĞ ƚŽ ŽƵŶĐŝů ĂŶĚ ǁŽƌŬ ǁŝƚŚ ƵƐ ĂŶĚ ŽƚŚĞƌ ƌĞƐŝĚĞŶƚƐ ŽŶ ŐƵŝĚŝŶŐ ĨƵƚƵƌĞ ĚĞĐŝƐŝŽŶƐ͘ WĞƌƐŽŶĂůůǇ͕ / ďĞĐĂŵĞ Ă ŽƵŶĐŝůůŽƌ ƚŽ ŚĞůƉ ĨŽƐƚĞƌ ŐƌĞĂƚĞƌ ĐŽŶŶĞĐƟŽŶƐ ďĞƚǁĞĞŶ ŽƵŶĐŝů ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚǇ͕ ƐŽ / Ăŵ ǀĞƌǇ ĞǆĐŝƚĞĚ ƚŽ ǁŽƌŬ ǁŝƚŚ ŵŽƌĞ ƌĞƐŝĚĞŶƚƐ͕ ǀŽůƵŶƚĞĞƌƐ͕ ǁŽƌŬĞƌƐ͕ ĂŶĚ ƐƚƵĚĞŶƚƐ ĨƌŽŵ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚŽƵƚ tǇŶĚŚĂŵ͘ zŽƵ ĚŽŶ͛ƚ ŶĞĞĚ ĂŶǇ ƐƉĞĐŝĂů ŬŶŽǁůĞĚŐĞ ĂďŽƵƚ ŽƵŶĐŝů ƚŽ ũŽŝŶ ƚŚĞ WĂŶĞů͕ ũƵƐƚ ĂŶ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ ŝŶ ĐŽŶƚƌŝďƵƟŶŐ ƚŽ ǇŽƵƌ ůŽĐĂů ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚǇ͘ zŽƵ ĐĂŶ ĂƉƉůǇ ƚŽ ũŽŝŶ ďǇ ǀŝƐŝƟŶŐ ƚŚĞůŽŽƉ͘ǁǇŶĚŚĂŵ͘ǀŝĐ͘ŐŽǀ͘ĂƵ͕ ǁŝƚŚ ƌĞŐŝƐƚƌĂƟŽŶƐ ŽƉĞŶ ƵŶƟů ^ƵŶĚĂǇ ϭ ƵŐƵƐƚ͘ tĞ͛ǀĞ ĂůƌĞĂĚǇ ŚĂĚ ůŽƚƐ ŽĨ ƉĞŽƉůĞ ƐŝŐŶ ƵƉ͕ ĂŶĚ / ůŽŽŬ ĨŽƌǁĂƌĚ ƚŽ ĞǀĞŶ ŵŽƌĞ ũŽŝŶŝŶŐ ƵƐ ƚŽ ŚĞůƉ ŵĂŬĞ tǇŶĚŚĂŵ Ă ŵŽƌĞ ůŝǀĞĂďůĞ ĐŝƚǇ͘ ZĞŐĂƌĚƐ͕ ƌ ĚĞůĞ ,ĞŐĞĚŝĐŚ

Wyndham Civic Centre 45 Princes Highway Werribee (PO Box 197) Vic 3030 1300 023 411

www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/contactus www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/connectwithus mail@wyndham.vic.gov.au Translating & Interpreting Services 13 14 50

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9 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 28 July, 2021

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Gee returns to the stage By Alesha Capone Hoppers Crossing singer, musician and producer Steven Gee has survived life-threatening illnesses to return to the stage. Several years ago, Gee was diagnosed with the blood disease Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) – the same condition which claimed his late mother, whom he spent many years caring for. Gee’s illness mutated into haemolytic anaemia, a disorder in which red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be made. “I went to hell and back with that,” Gee said. “I was haemorrhaging blood like someone sliced the jugular vein in my throat.” Gee has now been in remission for about two years and has put together a show with wife Michele, in which she stars as Tina Turner and he as Elvis. It’s a welcome return to performing for Gee, who is a veteran of the stage. He was only nine years old when he won his first music competition, in which he performed an Elvis Presley song. In 1993, he appeared on New Faces with Bert Newton and was offered a recording contract. Gee said it was a “crazy” time in his life, when he sold 5000 cassettes at local shops and gigs. Gee was also invited to audition to appear alongside Marina Prior in West Side Story. Gee said he turned up for the audition where he met another “tall and lanky” singer trying out for the same part. “Me and the other man introduced ourselves. I said, ‘I’m Steve,’ and he said, ‘I’m Hugh Jackman’,” Gee said. Gee said he was cast ahead of Jackman, who was deemed too tall for the role. Gee said he was delighted but turned down the role when he realised joining the cast would

Steven Gee ready to perform, and right, with his mother. (Supplied)

involve interstate travel. At the time he was his mum’s carer. Gee said he chose to work as a singer in the evenings because it left him free to look after his mum during the day, while a carer visited her at night. His mum died about four years after being diagnosed with Immune thrombocytopenic

purpura. Gee was putting together a Blues Brothers Show when he too was diagnosed with the disorder. The Australian Tina Turner Show will be held at the Clayton RSL on August 7. Tickets: $45 to $60, see https://bit. ly/3iOHHwb to book.

It is with great pleasure we introduce Alysia West as our newest Partner to Collins & Co Managing Partner of Collins & Co, Paul Kelly said “Alysia exemplifies the level of service and commitment that many of our clients have become accustomed to with the necessary empathy and values that are upheld at Collins & Co. With the introduction of Alysia to the Partnership our leadership team continues to consolidate with a wealth of business knowledge and personal service. We congratulate Alysia in achieving this ultimate position in her career and in becoming the first female Partner in the history of Collins & Co. It is exciting and an honour for us to now have Alysia on board as a Business Partner” Alysia is an outstanding Business Advisor and Accountant who has played a pivotal role in building strong and solution focussed relationships with our clients. Alysia has approximately 20 years of experience working with business owners and entrepreneurs supporting them with specialised business advise and growth-based strategies.

127 Paisley Street Footscray | www.collinsco.com.au | 03 9680 1000 12504921-HC31-21

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Youth photos wow at awards By Alesha Capone

Teenager Georgia Whalan has been named the major winner of this year’s Way Out West (WOW) Youth Photography Competition. Whalan, 18, has received the grand prize in the WOW competition, which is held annually by Wyndham’s council’s Youth Services and Library Services. The competition is open to anyone aged between 12 and 25, who lives, works, studies or socialises in Wyndham. The winning image was of Whalan’s friend Paige at the Rippon Lea Estate in Elsternwick. Whalan said staff at Rippon Lea were “really helpful and so kind” to let them do a photo shoot at the heritage site. She said the photo of Paige was staged, not an impromptu picture. “I directed her to do a series of movements and she nailed the effortless look,” she said. Whalan said she was “stoked” to win the award. “I feel so honoured that my work was recognised as something worthy of winning and it has inspired me to work even harder at shooting beautiful photos.” Whalan, who is studying photography in her VCE Studio Arts class, said she has been “a super passionate photographer” for years. “I love being able to create this beautiful world that makes people feel inspired and make something look so different from how it looks in real life,” she said. Other winners of this year’s WOW awards include Elianah Bogoevska (the WOW Prize), Cameron Borg (best landscape), Lucy Formosa (best black and white image), Kenodh Gamanayake (best use of colour) and Keira Callaghan Hosemans (best portrait winner). Details: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/ wayoutwest

GEORGIA WHALAN

1/ Georgia Whalan’s grand prize-winning image. 2/ Kenodh Gamanayake won best use of colour. 3/ Lucy Formosa won best black and white image. 4/ Cameron Borg won the best landscape. 5/ Elianah Bogoevska won the WOW prize for this picture of grasslands in Wyndham. 6/ Keira Callaghan Hosemans won the best portrait. (Pictures: Supplied)

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Focus on female volunteers By Alesha Capone Academics from Victoria University and Federation University will explore how community sports clubs can better recruit, train and keep female volunteers. The study has been funded by the state government’s Office for Women in Sport and Recreation’s Change Our Game research grants program, which aims to identify barriers to women and girls engaging in sport and exercise. Led by professor Rochelle Eime, an expert in community sport participation, the researchers will interview key stakeholders from sports clubs such as presidents, team managers

Professor Rochelle Eime. (Supplied)

and co-ordinators, umpires and committee members. “We want to understand the volunteer landscape of both the capacity of clubs to have volunteers supporting women and girls, but also support for women and girls to be volunteers in sport,” professor Eime said. She said the study would build upon previous research and conversations with the sports industry. Professor Eime said that while participation for women and girls in sport was increasing, her academic team’s previous research has shown that they are much less likely to have many volunteer roles in sport. She said one reason for this was because of

COVID-19 constantly causing changes to rules and guidelines, leaving club administrators “over-burdened”. Professor Eime also said that sometimes boys and men received preferential treatment in traditionally male-dominated sports when it came to volunteer roles, such as coaching. Professor Eime – who also plays tennis and golf and volunteers at her twin sons’ football team and tennis club – said sport was beneficial for physical, mental and social health. “I look forward to working with the sports industry and developing strategies that the sector can take on board to improve the experience of playing and volunteering in sport for women and girls,” she said.

Spotlight on leadership The Committee for Wyndham (C4W) will host a series of free online sessions next month devoted to developing and enhancing participant’s leadership skills. The Reconnect & Recover Through Strong Leadership (R&R) program is aimed at local businesses, community and sporting clubs and not-for-profit organisations. C4W chief executive Barbara McLure said the five-part series has been developed from the successful Future Leaders of the West initiative, which the committee has run since 2012. Ms McLure said the R&R sessions have been funded through Wyndham council’s Reconnect & Recover Grant program. “We understand that Wyndham needs strong social infrastructure and with our networks and connections with business and

the community we can assist Wyndham to be a strong and better community for our residents,” Ms McLure said. Wyndham resident and 2019 Learning Professional of the Year, Martin Probst from PROfound Leadership, will facilitate the weekly R&R sessions, which will start 9am on Thursday, August 12. Mr Probst said the sessions would be flexible and discussion-based, and cover topics including personal effectiveness and time management, community collaboration and building a strong network. Mr Probst said 30 people have already registered for the first session. Registrations: https://bit.ly/3rrRImS

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Committee for Wyndham chief executive Barbara McLure and Martin Probst from PROfound Leadership. (Supplied)

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MY WYNDHAM What’s your connection to the city of Maribyrnong? I have lived in the city of Maribyrnong for over 20 years since moving from Brisbane, and have spent the last 15 years in West Footscray. I have served on the boards of West Footscray Neighbourhood House and Duke Street Community House and have worked on and off in the disability and drug and alcohol sectors.

program I was running at my own centre in Werribee in the Maribyrnong area. With my connections with community centres in the city of Maribyrnong I was able to get a core group together for what would become the Nourish program. This program is now funded by state government and has a project worker who oversees the distribution of cooked meals to community centres across Maribyrnong.

What do you like about West Footscray? I love our proximity to the city and that connection to the Bellarine Peninsula and further afield. West Footscray is a really friendly area and I know all of my neighbours and we support each other.

Can you tell me about your volunteering with United Sikhs? I first started working with the Sikhs in January last year in Bairnsdale during the fires. I saw their community spirit and how they are there for all of the community in times of need. When I returned from Bairnsdale, COVID hit and there was a clear opportunity for me to build a partnership with them to create a food program at the community centre that I manage in Werribee. … Whenever there’s a problem in the community I always use the catchcry #SeekaSikh.

What would you change or what could be improved? There needs to be a realisation from all levels of government and decision-makers that just because we’re in the western suburbs it doesn’t mean we will take second best. It frustrates me that the pollution that we are subjected to in the western suburbs would not be tolerated in more affluent suburbs. What’s your favourite local cafe/restaurant? My favourite cafe is Dodo Delights just near Tottenham station. The friendly owners, Lee and Rhonda, are always up for a chat and the coffee is fantastic. It’s my ‘go to’. You helped establish the Nourish program in Maribyrnong in response to COVID-19. Could you please tell me about that? Last year during COVID, I saw there was the opportunity for me to replicate the food

Can you tell me about your work with community centres? I have been working in the city of Wyndham for over six years managing community centres in Manor Lakes, Tarneit and, now, Wyndham Park Community Centre. I find that the sense of community is very strong and they are very supportive of each other. We run a very successful food program called Birdcage Community Store where we provide food to families in need through a ‘store’ model. I think once I retire I will continue to volunteer in the community centre sector as I love seeing people grow with the opportunities they are given.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Part-time Study 3 hours once a week

(Joe Mastroianni) 244425_01

West Footscray’s Greg Ferrington volunteers with the Sikh community, helped develop the Nourish food-security program and manages a community centre. He speaks with Goya Dmytryshchak.

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Beginner to intermediate level. Classes held on-site. 38 weeks in duration. 1 afternoon or evening per week for 3hours. $395* for eligible students, or $159* for eligible students with a valid concession. *Funds are available from the Victorian and Commonwealth Government subject to meeting Skills First funding criteria

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Being true to herself Author shares her story from being a ‘confused little boy’ to a confident woman, with Alesha Capone.

hauna Wilson was born in 1964 and named Sean by her parents. She says she was “always female” but it took her 45 years to accept the fact. The Wyndham resident, recently published You Say Different, I Say Individual, which is subtitled My journey in finding the woman within. The book details Wilson’s journey as a “confused young little boy” to her present life as a nurse, advocate and public speaker. It covers aspects of Wilson’s life including abuse at a Catholic school, bullying and bastardisation in the military system and the loss of her beloved 17-year-old sister to suicide. Wilson’s own struggles with mental health, her transition to become a “proud woman” in 2008 and the development of the relationship with her husband Robert also feature. A particularly fascinating part of the book details Wilson’s time working in the Coburg Prison Complex during the 1980s when she came face-to-face with some of Victoria’s most dangerous and notorious criminals. Wilson said that Melbourne’s first COVID-19 lockdown in March last year provided her with an opportunity to work on the book, outside of her working hours as a nurse.

Shauna Wilson. (Picture: Jude van Daalen from The Melbourne Portrait Studio) Inset: Shauna as a child, when she was still known as Sean. (Supplied)

“Friends have been telling me for years that I had a story worth telling,” she said. “I just wasn’t sure why would anyone be interested in mine.”

Wilson said she decided to write her autobiography for a number of reasons, including to learn more about who she really was and to promote the benefits of the wider

community accepting people’s differences. She said she wanted the book to be a resource for others and their families who travel a similar journey to her own.

Hoppers Crossing Pacific Werribee Shopping Centre 250 Heaths Road, Cnr Derrimut Road Hoppers Crossing Wyndham Library Level 1, MM11 Heaths Road, Cnr Derrimut Road (Pacific Werribee Shopping Centre) Hoppers Crossing Werribee Plaza Tavern Heaths Road, Cnr Derrimut Road (Pacific Werribee Shopping Centre) Hoppers Crossing Coles Supermarket 250 Heaths Road, Cnr Derrimut Road (Pacific Werribee Shopping Centre) Hoppers Crossing JK Real Estate 203 Heaths Road Hoppers Crossing APCO Service Station 178 Morris Road Hoppers Crossing Hoppers Crossing Shopping Centre 24-48 Old Geelong Road Hoppers Crossing Woodville Park Shopping Centre Shop 20/70 Warringa Drive Hoppers Crossing IGA Plus Liquor Shop 4, 2-6 Deloraine Drive Hoppers Crossing Aqua Pulse Café 82 Derrimut Road Hoppers Crossing Coles Express 260 Derrimut Road (Cnr Hogans Road) Hoppers Crossing Super Lotto Newsagency Shop 8/166 Hogans Road (Hogans Corner Shopping Centre) Hoppers Crossing Woolworths Supermarket ( Hogans Corner) Corner Hogans Road & Derrimut Road Hoppers Crossing Tigers Club House 70 Old Geelong Road Hoppers Crossing Costas Mitre 10 255-267 Old Geelong Road Hoppers Crossing Quick Lane Tyre & Auto 346 Old Geelong Road Manor Lakes Manor Lakes News & Lotto Shop 14, 455 Ballan Road (Manor Lakes Central Shopping Centre) Manor Lakes Manor Lakes Shopping Centre 455 Ballan Road (Manor Lakes Central Shopping Centre) Point Cook Feath erbrook Shopping Centre 238 Boardwalk Boulevard Point Cook MICM Property Shop 2, 238 Boardwalk Boulevard Point Cook Wyndham Library Service Unit 1-21 Cheetham Street Point Cook Point Cook Pharmacy Shop 1-11 Dunnings Road Point Cook Jamieson Way Community Centre 59 Jamieson Way Point Cook Direct Chemist Outlet Shop 13, 15 Kenswick Street Point Cook First National Real Estate Shop 427,8 Main Street Point Cook LJ Hooker Real Estate Shop 211, 4 Main Street Point Cook Stockland Point Cook Shopping Centre Murnong Street Point Cook Point Cook Retirement Village 320 Point Cook Road Point Cook The Brooks 215 Sneydes Road Point Cook YPA Real Estate Shop 10/46-56 Tom Roberts Parade Point Cook WynCity 36 Wallace Avenue Sanctuary Lakes Sanctuary Lakes Resort 72 Greg Norman Drive Sanctuary Lakes Waterstone Café 72 Greg Norman Drive Sanctuary Lakes Sanctuary Lakes Real Estate 300 Point Cook Road Sanctuary Lakes Sanctuary Lakes Shopping Centre 300 Point Cook Road Tarneit Club House (Lifestyle) 13 Sundial Boulevard Tarneit BP Service Station 410 Derrimut Road Tarneit Tarneit Central Shopping Centre 540 Derrimut Road Tarneit NewsXpress - Riverdale Village SC 200 Hummingbird Boulevard Tarneit Penrose Promenade Community Centre 83 Penrose Promenade Tarneit Brian Mark Real Estate Shop 18, 380 Sayers Road Tarneit Wyndham Village Shopping Centre 380 Sayers Road Tarneit Shell Service Station 380 Sayers Road (Wyndham Village Shopping Centre)

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“I also want to bring to the forefront of people’s minds the potential damage that is caused through ignorance, bullying, judgemental attitudes and rejection of those they see different,” Wilson said. Wilson said that by the age of four, she had an inkling she might be “different” but did not know why. She said she never “wanted” to be a woman but finally accepted who she was as an adult. “The only decision I found I had to make was to live or die,” she said. “By choosing to live, I accepted who I was and the potential repercussions of that decision on me, my family and my employment.

‘‘

social acceptance has changed over recent decades - Shauna Wilson

’’

“My birth and extended family have been accepting and amazing.” A touching photo in the book is from Wilson’s wedding. In the image, her mother Roma, a senior citizen, is walking down the aisle alongside her daughter. Wilson said there was “no way” she could have undergone gender transition in the 1960s, ’70s or ’80s. “There were still the traditional attitudes that everyone was brought up on by the older generation of the ’30s, ’40s and ’50s,” she said. Wilson said that fortunately, society was now more liberal. “Social acceptance has changed over recent decades that has allowed confidence in many to accept and be openly comfortable presenting who they really are,” she said. “The accessibility to information and education via online portals and social

Shauna Wilson, when she was still known as Sean, as an armoured corp trooper in 1984. Right: Shauna on her wedding day to husband Robert, with her mother Roma; with her eldest son Lewis; after graduating from her university studies to become a nurse. (Pictures: Supplied)

networks has given to a much safer tolerance.” In the book, Wilson recounts that many people held different views when she joined the army in 1982 as a reserve soldier. After an unknown colleague went through her wardrobe and found some women’s clothes, she experienced both verbal and physical abuse from others in the defence force.

Despite Wilson’s harsh treatment in the army as a young person, she returned to work in the defence force twice before re-enlisting in 2010 in the Australian Army Pay Corps. Of returning to the army, she writes: “I am sure there was mutterings about my gender in private, but at no point was I made to feel uncomfortable at all.”

BEHIND THE NEWS

Wilson went on to enjoy another eight years as a part-time soldier, which only ended after she was injured in a motor vehicle accident. Wilson eventually left the Department of Defence to study nursing. Nowadays, she also shares her life experience and expertise in the medical field by speaking at events, universities and TAFEs. Three years ago, Wilson was a keynote speaker at the Australian College of Nursing (ACN) National Nursing Forum. “I presented to over 500 of my peers on parts of my journey through life as a transgender woman to becoming a nurse in 2014,” she said. Wilson also helped to develop the ACN’s Nursing Leadership in Diversity and Inclusion Guiding Principles document and served as a member of the college’s Men in Nursing working party, which was formed to investigate barriers and stigmas that keep males from pursuing nursing as a career. As an advocate for diversity and inclusion, Wilson’s writes about being true to herself and refusing to become a victim. One of the most confronting parts of the book is a sexual assault that Wilson experienced. “To be abused by a teacher as a young child, beaten regularly by other kids as I grew up, and sexually assaulted as an adult, each had the potential to destroy me, I struggle with people labelling me brave. “By absorbing that pain both emotional and physical, that hatred towards my attackers, and living to tell the story has enabled me to come out the other side a much stronger woman,” she said. “This is what makes me a survivor.” Details: http://shaunawilson.com.au/ For assistance contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au or QLife on 1800 184 527 (3pm to midnight) or qlife.org.au.

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15 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 28 July, 2021

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

‘Priceless’ last gift stolen By Alesha Capone

Sending hugs to cancer patients Two charities have come together to bring comfort to people being treated for cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cure Cancer Australia and The Big Hug Box are hoping to deliver 500 Hug Boxes to cancer patients across nations, as lockdowns limit the number of visitors for people in hospital. Cure Cancer Australia funds young medical and science professionals working across all areas of cancer research, and has raised $75.7 million to support 534 research grants across more than five decades. The Big Hug Box, founded by cancer survivor Lisa Greissl, provides gift boxes to patients suffering the illness. All profits from sales of the boxes are donated to Cure Cancer. For the Give Australia a Hug initiative, supporters can choose to donate a Hug Box to a patient in their local area or let the charities decide where to allocate a box. “The Big Hug Box came about because I wanted to create something that loved ones could gift to someone going through treatment when there are simply no words,” Ms Greissl said. “By purchasing a Big Hug Box, you’ll not only be supporting a cancer patient, you’ll be contributing to the research that might one day put an end to this disease for good.” Details: curecancer.com.au/ giveaustraliaahug

(Supplied)

A Tarneit robbery has left a woman feeling “absolutely shattered” after the thief stole a pair of headphones which were a gift from her late mother. The woman, who asked to remain anonymous, said she was walking along Edmund Drive about 1.15pm on Saturday, July 17, wearing a pair of rose-gold Beats Solo3 headphones, which were the last present her mother – who had motor neurone disease – gave her before she died two years ago. The woman said as she walked, she noticed a silver Ford sedan with a group of youths inside it stop near her. She said a youth from the car snuck up on her and grabbed the headphones from behind, before running back to the car. The woman, who is aged in her fifties, said she now felt too frightened to walk around Tarneit, despite needing to do so for health reasons. “I’ve only lived in the area for about 12 months and now I’m too scared to go for a walk,” she said. The woman said she was hoping whoever stole the headphones would hand them into a police station. “I just want the headphones, for what they’re worth to somebody else – you might pay $150 to $200 for them – but they are priceless to me,” she said. “They were mum’s last gift and whoever has them, if they have the compassion to return them, I’m happy to think about it never again.” Police are investigating. The youth is perceived to be of African appearance and about 20 years old. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

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16 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 28 July, 2021

PUZZLES No. 039

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.

ACROSS

easy

2 9 1 4 5 9 6 7 4 9 5 3 4 8 7 5 3 5 7 8 5 1 7 3 8 9 9 5 4 3 6 2 medium

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

QUICK CROSSWORD

DOWN

Follow (7) Tiny fish (7) Social exclusion (9) Doesn’t pass (5) Gradually (6) Categorise (8) Put in (6) Devoted followers (4) Gem (4) Patch of water (6) Leaping (8) Self-absorption (6) Prohibited (5) Made clear (9) Ingredient (7) Ratify (7)

1 5 9 10 11 12 14 15 19 20 24 25 27 28 29 30

No. 039

Partner (6) Natural fibre used in clothing (6) Allowing (8) Platform (4) Likeness (10) Deny (6) Hostile (8) Author of short pieces (8) Defendant (10) Small warship (8) Worth a lot of money (8) Lazy person (8) Blow (6) Victor (6) Soil (6) Vaulted recess (4)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 13 16 17 18 21 22 23 26

DECODER

No. 039

2 3 9 5 8 4 1 6 8 3 1 7 2

1 5

hard

2 4 1 8 9

5 1 9

7 3

9 6

10 11 12 13

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

C D 18

3 1 6 4 7 9 5 2 8

3 5 8 7 2 4 9 1 6

4 9 7 6 1 8 3 2 5

2 6 1 3 9 5 7 4 8

5 1 4 9 6 2 8 7 3

16 words: Very good

7 LETTERS INANEST KNEECAP

MATINEE MISLAID OUTCOME RENEGED 8 LETTERS LOLLIPOP PENALISE PREMIERS STOCKADE 10 LETTERS CHANDELIER EMANCIPATE

30-07-21

No. 039 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

A R N S

QUICK QUIZ

What kind of animal is a Komodo dragon?

I Don’t Know How to Love Him is a song from which musical?

Umber, carob and russet are all shades of what colour?

Is ‘capitulate’ a word meaning crush, beg or yield?

Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities is about which two cities?

In what year was Justin Trudeau elected prime minister of Canada?

Which stadium hosted the 2020 AFL grand final?

R O O P

O E M S P R O N E R R A

6 LETTERS MANAGE RESIGN

P A T

9 2 3 5 7 6 1 8 4 9 1 8 6 5 7 2 4 3

5 LETTERS ABATE ABHOR ADAPT ADOBE ADORE ADULT ANKLE APART ASIAN AVAIL CAMPS CHALK COMBS DENSE EASES ETHOS

4 LETTERS CALM CAME GAZE HENS INNS LEST LOGO OILS ONCE OPEN RIDE ROOK SPAT STOP SWIG

SLEEP SNIPE SPASM STRAP SWAPS TYRES ZEBRA

GERMS GROVE HERON IMAGE KNEES LEDGE MANIA METER MIRED NOMAD PAPAL PATIO PEDAL PIANO RABBI RACER RARER ROMAN SHALL SHOVE SLATE

8 3 2 1 5 7 4 6 9

1 4 5 2 8 9 6 3 7

7 8 6 4 3 1 5 9 2

5 4 2 8 3 1 6 9 7

7 5 1 9 4 6 8 3 2

3 6 9 2 8 5 4 7 1

THAN TONE WISP

No. 039

elope, leer, leper, lope, lore, peel, peep, peer, people, pere, pole, pope, pore, prep, propel, PROPELLER, proper, reel, repel, role, roller, rope

6 7 9 8 4 3 2 5 1

6 7 3 4 2 9 1 8 5

S O

Today’s Aim: 11 words: Good

2 8 7 3 5 6 1 9 4

9 5 4 8 1 2 6 3 7

1 4 8 2 9 3 7 6 5

2 8 4 7 1 3 9 5 6

4 3 5 1 9 2 7 6 8

1 9 7 3 6 8 5 2 4

22 words: Excellent

6 3 2 7 8 5 4 1 9

5 7 9 1 6 4 2 8 3

8 2 1 9 4 7 3 5 6

4 9 5 6 3 1 8 7 2

7 6 3 5 2 8 9 4 1

8 2 6 5 7 4 3 1 9

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

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”.

3 LETTERS APE ARK ASH BET BRA CAT COG EBB EKE ERA EVE GEM HUE MOO NAG NEE NIL NUN ONE PIE SPA TEN THY WAG WEB WEE

medium

Y J NQ L OU P T I B AW

9-LETTER WORD

easy

hard

K F EMR X V H Z G S C D

4 9 4 3 5 3 7 2

5x5

2 9

5 7

WORDFIT

In what country was the frappé invented?

My armchair and Widewalls are two paintings by which Australian artist?

10 Paul Mescal and Daisy-Edgar Jones (pictured) starred in the TV adaptation of which popular novel? ANSWERS: 1. Lizard 2. Brown 3. Yield 4. 2015 5. Greece 6. Brett Whiteley 7. Jesus Christ Superstar 8. London and Paris 9. The Gabba 10. Normal People

SUDOKU

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Place Your Classified Ads Online Your advert will appear in print and online! 19 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 28 July, 2021

SPORTS QUIZ 1. Which much-loved former F1 broadcaster passed away earlier this year?

5. Approximately how many kilometres is the distance of a marathon?

2. Tennis champion Ash Barty hails from which city in Queensland?

6. Tobey Maguire portrayed which famous chess master in the 2014 movie Pawn Sacrifice?

3. Australian rider Ben O’Connor finished in what position overall in his debut Tour de France? 4. Which is the only team in world cricket to have won two T20 World Cup titles?

12. Australian basketballer Sara Blicavs will make her Olympic debut following the withdrawal of which player?

Giannis Antetokounmpo

13. Phil Gould was recently announced as General Manager of Football for which NRL team?

7. The 2021 Memsie Stakes horse race will take place at which racecourse?

14. Which Australian city has announced that it will host the 2032 Summer Olympics?

8. Which engine manufacturer supplies the Red Bull F1 team?

15. Which Australian tennis professional is out of the Tokyo Olympics after testing positive to COVID-19?

9. Who filled in as Australia's ODI captain for one match against the West Indies while Aaron Finch was injured?

16. The Daniher brothers Terry, Neale, Anthony and Chris eventually all played for which VFL/AFL team?

10. The 2021–22 UEFA Champions League soccer final will be played in which country?

17. Calgary Hitmen ice hockey player Luke Prokop is under contract with which Tennesee-based NHL team? 18. Mitchell and Shaun Marsh are the sons of which former Australian cricketer?

11. Which country did the Wallabies recently defeat 3330 despite playing most of the game with just 14 players?

19. Tevita Pangai Jr last played for which NRL team? 20. Equestrian rider Jamie Kermond was provisionally suspended on the eve of the Tokyo Olympics for returning a positive drug test to what?

21. What country does NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo come from?

26. What was the former city and nickname of the NBA team Oklahoma City Thunder?

22. Who will coach Hawthorn from the 2023 AFL season onwards?

27. What other language aside from English is an official language of the Olympic Games?

23. Which Formula 1 driver was involved in a lap one crash with Max Verstappen during the British Grand Prix?

28. In what year did the first season of the Super Netball competition take place? 29. What regional Queensland city hosted Rounds 6 and 7 of the 2021 Supercars Championship?

24. For which Australian Football League club did Alex Carey play before his cricket career?

30. The trophy known as the Auld Mug is awarded to the winner of which race event?

25. What Major League Baseball team has been based in Florida during the 2021 season due to travel restrictions?

Tobey Maguire 1. Murray Walker 2. Ipswich 3. Fouth 4. West Indies 5. 42km 6. Bobby Fischer 7. Caulfield 8. Honda 9. Alex Carey 10. Russia 11. France 12. Elizabeth Cambage 13. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 14. Brisbane 15. Alex de Minaur 16. Essendon Bombers 17. Nashville Predators 18. Geoff Marsh 19. Brisbane Broncos 20. Cocaine 21. Greece 22. Sam Mitchell 23. Lewis Hamilton 24. GWS Giants 25. Toronto Blue Jays 26. Seattle SuperSonics 27. French 28. 2017 29. Townsville 30. America's Cup

PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT ACT 1987 - Form 2 Planning and Environment Regulations 2015 The land affected by the Application is located:

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You may look at the application and any documentation that support the application either online or at office of the Responsible Authority:

DEAR Heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked for many favours. This time I ask you, this very special one (mention favour). Take it, the dear heart of Jesus, and place it with your own broken heart, where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes, it will become your favour, not mine. Amen. Say for three days, promise publication, and your favour will be granted.

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

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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.

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SPORT Garuccio signs with United Left-back Ben Garuccio has been announced as the second off-season signing for Western United. The 26-year-old joins Western United after playing 21 games for Melbourne City last season. Garuccio, who was born in Adelaide, said he was “really happy” to be joining Western United. “This is a great club with strong ambitions and I can’t wait to get started,” Garuccio said. “I’m looking forward to helping the club challenge for trophies and seeing where we can go. “The club has a really passionate fanbase that is continuing to grow, and I’m excited to play in front of them and help the growth of this club.” Western United’s newly appointed A-League head coach John Aloisi first signed Garuccio as

a 17-year-old, providing him the opportunity to make his A-League debut for Melbourne Heart (now Melbourne City) nine years ago. After his time at Melbourne Heart, Garuccio moved to Adelaide United and picked up three caps for Australia’s under-19’s side along the way. Between 2018 and 2020, Garuccio played 21 games in the Scottish Premier League across two seasons with Hearts. He scored his first goal for Hearts in a 5-0 win against Inverness Caledonian Thistle during July 2018, with a 25-yard free-kick. Garuccio also played twice for the Olyroos before returning to Melbourne City last season. Aloisi said he has known Garuccio since he was a teenager and that he was a player that he has always admired. “He still possesses a lot of the qualities that

I saw in him at that time – a well-rounded full-back with a good mix of defensive and attacking strengths,” Aloisi said. “To bring him in to the club was something I wanted to do very quickly and seeing his growth in the last few years makes me excited about the role he can play in our team.” Garuccio is Aloisi’s first signing as Western United boss, and he joins Dylan Wenzel-Halls as the second acquisition of the off-season ahead of the team’s return for pre-season training.

Ben Garuccio. (Supplied/GAZi Photography/Western United)

Findlay signs off at Point Cook Centrals

Mackenzie, 14, from the Newport Rams Baseball Club. (Supplied) 245130_03)

Swing by for a hit of baseball Teenager Mackenzie has been playing with the Newport Rams Baseball Club since attending a come and try day with her family seven years ago. Now 14, she played tee-ball for two years before starting baseball. Mackenzie’s younger brother Jack, 13, also plays with the Rams. “It’s a really family-oriented club and it’s really fun,” Mackenzie said. “All the players and coaches are very close, it’s awesome.” Next month, the club will host a series of free come and try days for girls and boys aged four to 17. “It’s basically a come and try day that is pretty relaxed, it’s a social gathering, you can come along and try baseball or tee-ball and make some friends,” Mackenzie said. Mackenzie said the latest baseball

season finished up before Melbourne’s fifth lockdown, but a woman’s winter academy she has been participating in was interrupted by the lockdown. She plays with the Rams’ division one women’s team, training once a week and competing at the weekend. The baseball club’s juniors manager, David Ninnis, said baseball and tee-ball were some of the most inclusive sports for children. “Ages start from four years old for tee-ball and kids are generally able to learn skills from running, throwing, hitting and being part of a team where one or more of those skills can help the team,” he said. “We’re really looking to ramp up participation this year and get kids back off the couch as COVID has been tough on them.”

Mr Ninnis said the Rams’ players came from across Hobsons Bay and Wyndham. He said the club started a women’s program last year to provide girls and women a local option to continue or join baseball. The summer women’s head coach Bronwyn Gell has represented Australia in the sport, and two other national players are involved in the program. The come and try tee-ball and baseball days will be held 9.30-11.30am on August 15 and 22 at the Newport Baseball Club, Park Crescent, Williamstown North. A free sausage sizzle and bottle of water will be included, with baseball gear supplied. Register at newportrams.com.au. Details: cometrydays@newportrams.com.au

Point Cook Centrals senior coach Darren Findlay is stepping down after five years in the role. Findlay said his decision to step down at the end of the season came about purely because he wanted to spend more time with his family. Findlay said although his son Tarkyn played juniors at the club, he only saw the senior team play one quarter before he first signed on as coach. “The thing that I have enjoyed the most has been watching the club grow on and off the ground,” he said. “We have been successful in many areas, this can be easily identified by our retention of players, but overall the people at the club is the thing I have enjoyed the most.” Findlay said leading the Sharks to their first senior premiership, when they won a division three flag in 2018, has been a highlight of his tenure at the club. He said another memorable game was the second semi-final against Tarneit at Braybrook that same year, in which the team was 20 points down in the third quarter but rallied to kick about eight goals in 10 minutes. “I am so proud of our club and what it has achieved, I am just happy I played a small part in it,” Findlay said. “Both our past and present committee have done an amazing job and I look forward to catching up with the boys on the hill next year for a few beers on a Saturday afternoon.” Findlay said he is proud to have helped “turn the club around into being more professional and building a strong club”. “I have always been big on developing kids and teaching them about the game developing good habits and having good values,” he said. Anyone interested in the Point Cook Centrals senior coach role can apply at manager@pointcookcentrals.com.au by 5pm, August 8. Alesha Capone

Alesha Capone 21 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 28 July, 2021

WERRIBEE FOOTBALL CLUB Y

Our Values... Community, driven, care

COVID-19 challenges Werribee By Tara Murray As Melburnians go through their fifth lockdown in the past 16 months, all the planning and best laid plans go out the window for the Werribee Football Club. Werribee coach Michael Barlow said that unfortunately, dealing with COVID-19 lockdowns and the restrictions that come with it has become the norm. “It’s a bit of a pain in the backside,” he said last week. “We’re quite used to lockdown now. There’s an element of normality to them.” This is the second lockdown Barlow and the team have endured this season. The last one resulted in them missing out on several games. They’ve already missed two games this lockdown but hope they can resume playing this weekend. For Barlow and the coaching group of Nick Daffy, Tom Perrett, James Canale and Matthew Lobee, lockdowns mean their ‘normal’ week no longer exists. The beginning of the week would revolve around a game review, allowing more skills and game plan work for when the players are at the club. “We’ve focused the week around the game and trying to maximise the performance on game day,” Barlow said. “By the time the game comes, you feel like the work is done. You have to prepare them for what happens on the field and scenarios that you might work through in the week, that you have to draw on.” Barlow admits the lockdowns and fixture have meant they haven’t been able to get consistency into the side. Since the first break this season due to lockdown, Werribee has played just four matches, several less games than many of the other sides in the competition. Barlow said the club had taken a different approach to this lockdown and was taking the pressure off the playing group. “We identified the opportunity to have a minimalist approach in allowing

It’s been an up and down time for Werribee. (Belinda Vitacca)

them a period where they can focus on relationships, uni and work,” he said. “For more seasoned players some weeks we’re asking for 25 to 30 hours of requirement. “This little period we’ve taken the pressure off them and allowed them to just exist. Around Victoria the latest lockdown has been really deflating. “We haven’t bombarded them and we hope to get them back next week. We’ve taken on a supportive role.

“Usually we’ve split into groups to do some activities separate to football, an activity of fun.” The playing group still has had to do some hard work behind the scenes, with every player having their own strength and skills program. Barlow said they were trying to reduce the possibility of a huge drop in ﬁtness and conditioning ahead of returning to the ﬁeld. “One of the things in lockdown, is the

fluid nature of things,” he said. “You can plan for the best, but you don’t know. “Hopefully we’ll be training Wednesday and Friday and then play on the weekend. “We’re not sure what it will look like. It could be training in groups in different zones. “The AFL and AFL Victoria have really good intentions to try and make sure that it gets up.”

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