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Anusha grows joy

(Damjan Janevski) 252180_01

A young Wyndham Vale resident is causing happiness to blossom in her community. Nine-year-old Anusha has established a nursery stall and fairy garden outside her family home in the Jubilee estate. Passersby are welcome to take a potted plant from the stall, and can leave money in an honesty box if they wish to. Anusha said she did not view her nursery as a business, but rather a way to encourage people to be sustainable and “to cheer everyone up”. “What I enjoy most is seeing people have a smile on their face,” Anusha said. Her father Taz said he posted about the nursery stall on the Jubilee Residents’ Facebook page, which has led to many people thanking his daughter for her efforts. One resident even surprised her with a signboard, stickers and personalised T-shirt for the nursery. “I would like to say thanks to everyone in the Jubilee community who helps and supports me, especially my family who is always there for me and inspires me and gives me ideas for the pots,” Anusha said.

‘Supercharged’ suburbs By Alesha Capone Point Cook and Altona have been named among the top 100 national “supercharged” areas for property sales in a new report. The Spring 2021 Price Predictor Index, issued by residential property researcher and writer Terry Ryder through his investment advice website Hotspotting.com, lists 100 Australian suburbs and towns as “supercharged” due to increasing sales of houses and units. They are the areas where future price growth is predicted due to strong sales growth patterns over consecutive quarters. According to the report, Point Cook recorded

425 house sales between June and August this year, compared to 336 sales in the same period last year. Point Cook’s median house price is $685,000. Altona – where the median house price is $965,000 – experienced 110 house sales across the three months, compared to 77 sales in the same period last year. Hoppers Crossing, with a median house value of $560,000, also experienced strong growth with 205 sales in the quarter (compared to 133 previously). The report said that Wyndham and Hobsons Bay were among the Victorian municipalities where all suburbs have experienced a rise

in house sales, along with Dandenong, Darebin, Glen Eira, Knox, Manningham and Stonnington. “Elsewhere in Australia, 100 per cent growth municipalities are rare,” the report said. The report said Hobsons Bay was “seven out of seven” with median house prices of $570,000 in Laverton, $670,000 in Seabrook, $660,000 in Altona Meadows, $855,000 in Altona North, $1.15 million in Newport and $1.48 million in Williamstown. In Wyndham, Wyndham Vale and Manor Lakes recorded a median house price of $505,000, Werribee $530,000, Tarneit $575,000, Truganina $590,000 and Williams

Landing $695,000. Mr Ryder said Wyndham offered “good amenities and infrastructure at affordable prices”. “Suburbs like Hoppers Crossing provide homes in the $500,000s in an area with good services and amenities, train links to central Melbourne and major local employment zones,” he said. “The trend of more people working remotely also helps to boost demand in these areas.” Mr Ryder said that while Wyndham was a good area for home buyers, the high vacancy rate in some new housing developments could “negatively impact the appeal of these locations for investors”.

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Eagle Stadium roof fix in sight By Alesha Capone Wyndham council has awarded a $2.9 million contract to fix the leaking roof at Eagle Stadium, which will involve a new roof being constructed over the existing one. The $47 million stadium in Werribee had been plagued by a leaking roof since it was built about five years ago, forcing the cancellation of sports games on days of heavy rainfall. Professional Plumbing Contractors Pty Ltd will begin working on the new roof in May, with construction expected to finish in April 2022, subject to COVID-19 restrictions.

Cr Marcel Mahfoud said that although it sounded “silly” to build a new roof over the stadium’s old one, “at least finally once and for all, when it rains now these courts won’t be flooded”. He said the leaking roof “has caused disruption to many games and some great angst in the sporting community who use the centre”. Cr Peter Maynard said the new roof should permanently fix the leaks at Eagle Stadium although “it should have been built correctly in the first place”. “This council has incurred costs to rectify something that shouldn’t have occurred in

the first place and will be doing its utmost to ensure that those costs are recouped by council on behalf of residents,” Cr Maynard said. A statement issued by the council said the construction works would not impact upon Eagle Stadium being used as a COVID vaccination hub. The statement also said the council would work with Western Leisure Services to minimise any impacts on stadium users. Wyndham’s director of city operations, Stephen Thorpe, said: “Once council is in a position to properly quantify and assess the extent of its costs and losses associated with

fixing the leaking roof and drainage issues, the appropriate formal legal recovery processes will be undertaken”. Mr Thorpe said the council would like to thank the community for their patience while the process to fix the stadium’s roof was worked through. “We know this has been a frustrating process for the community, and limiting further interruptions remains a key concern while our contractor works to repair the roof,” he said. Details: https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/ venues/eagle-stadium

COVID vaccine numbers soar

Cr Mia Shaw at the new street art mural near the shops in Quarbing Street, Werribee.

(Joe Mastroianni). 252474

Quarbing Street mural is the word A colourful mural that harks back to the 1950s and Grease era has been painted in Werribee’s Quarbing Street shopping strip. Wyndham councillor Mia Shaw said the council worked closely with the street’s traders over a number of months to develop a brief for the artwork. Artist Damien Arena spent a week painting the mural, which was inspired by the businesses in the area, including food, takeaway, hair salon and a family-owned car parts store. Cr Shaw said the idea for the mural was suggested to council by Manorvale Hair

Studio owner Mandy Skopelianos. “The feedback from the Quarbing Street, businesses, local residents and the public has been overwhelmingly positive,” Cr Shaw said. She said the council has improved the Quarbing Street shopping strip further by installing new planter boxes, bench seating, rubbish bins and bike racks. “As the future-focused economy portfolio holder, I am very passionate about revitalising our local strip shops across Wyndham,” Cr Shaw said. “A huge thank you to Mandy, who had the

idea of the mural, and all the business owners who have worked with council on this.” Cr Shaw said the mural was “a wonderful example of business working with council to achieve a positive outcome”. “Council has a role to play in the revitalisation of these important local strip shops and we have started that work,” she said. “We’ve taken an audit of all of the strip shops across Wyndham and will be looking to do similar upgrades this council term.”

More than 89 per cent of Wyndham residents aged 15 and above have had their first COVID-19 vaccination. A total of 48.5 per cent residents have had two vaccines, according to data from the federal government. Across the state, 82.3 per cent of Victorians aged 16 and over have now had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. There are more than 11,785 active COVID cases in Victoria, with more than 470 people in hospital. Figures from the Department of Health show that 447 residents of the 3029 postcode (Hoppers Crossing, Tarneit and Truganina) have COVID-19. Three hundred people living in the 3030 area (Werribee, Werribee South and Point Cook) also have the virus, along with 76 residents of the 3024 postcode (Manor Lakes, Wyndham Vale and Mount Cottrell) and 29 people from Williams Landing. Tarneit MP Sarah Connolly spoke in Parliament last week, saying that she would like to “acknowledge the fantastic efforts made by people in my community over the past weeks to get vaccinated”. “Let me say how proud I am to see so many young people, especially school students, who are leading the way in getting jabbed,” Ms Connolly said. “In Tarneit, we’ll soon receive a new school vaccination site at Tarneit Senior College to get school students aged 12 to 18 vaccinated in time for term four.” Alesha Capone

Alesha Capone

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Family violence still on the rise By Alesha Capone Family violence offences have reached a new high in Wyndham, according to latest crime statistics released last week. The state’s Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) released crime data for the year ending June 30, 2021. While overall crimes in Wyndham fell slightly, from 17,558 offences in 2019-20 to 17,428 in 2020-21, family violence-related offences continued to soar. The statistics show domestic violence increased 16.1 per cent in Wyndham, from 3423 incidents to 3975 incidents. This follows a 15.1 per cent rise in family

incidents recorded in the municipality in the 12 months to March 31. The latest data reveals that there were 1795 breaches of family violence orders committed in Wyndham, making it the highest type of crime committed in the municipality, followed by other thefts (1626 incidents) and stealing from a motor vehicle (1622 incidents). There was also 1074 family violence assaults in Wyndham, compared to 971 in the previous 12 months. Sexual offences rose from 464 incidents to 702 incidents. The data shows that in the year to June 30, 3083 females in Wyndham and 885 males were

affected by family violence. The most common age group to be affected by family violence was 25 to 34 year-olds (1140 people). CSA chief statistician Fiona Dowsley said that across Victoria, there has been increases in breaches of orders including family violence orders and chief health officer directions. Across the state, family violence incidents increased by 5.9 per cent, reaching 93,440 crimes in total. The state opposition spokesperson for police, community safety and victim support, Brad Battin, said that COVID-19 lockdowns “have driven family violence to record highs”.

Apart from family violence, other crimes to have risen in Wyndham include: • Public health offences rose from 210 incidents to 1193 incidents; • Homicides increased to eight murders, from three or less in the previous 12 months (the exact number of homicides from the 2019-20 financial year was not stated, due to privacy reasons); • Drug offences increased from 834 to 891; • Firearms offences grew from 100 crimes to 173 crimes; and • Motor vehicle thefts increased from 604 to 709. Crimes that decreased in Wyndham included aggravated robberies (from 180 to 133 offences) and residential burglaries (from 705 to 902).

An egg-cellent day to celebrate third-generation business has a passion for producing top-quality eggs in an ethical and sustainable farming system that employs industry best practices. Her family’s egg farm was established by Italian migrants Gregorio and Emanuela Casaccio and their three sons in 1966. The operation now uses environmentally friendly and automated hen houses, free-range systems and a state-of-the-art grading floor. Mrs Casaccio-Sfetcopoulos said that farm’s eggs are laid by the hens in the morning, graded on-site and sold at the farm gate – or delivered – the next day. “The Casaccio Family share a real desire to inspire good nutrition and a love for food, with a Casaccio Egg the key ingredient.” The farm is COVID-compliant and is encouraging the community to wear face

marks and to practice social distancing. Casaccio Egg Farm is located at 170-198 Bulban Road, Werribee. Details: www.casaccioeggfarms.com.au or join Casaccio Egg Farm’s Facebook group and Instagram page @casaccioeggfarms For 15 per cent off online orders until Friday, use the discount code: WORLDEGG15.

Jasmine Adamo, Emma Adamo, Alyssa Casaccio, Lina Casaccio-Sfetcopoulos and Nicole Casaccio at their family’s third-generation egg farm in Werribee. (Supplied/ Lucas Dawson) 12479979-HC41-21

Casaccio Egg Farm in Werribee will host a special celebration at the weekend. With World Egg Day falling on Friday, Casaccio’s Egg Farm will host an event from 9am-1pm on Saturday. Casaccio’s coffee van, the Little Eutopia Brew Bar, will be selling bacon and egg rolls, paninis, granola, grazing boxes cookies and cakes. A sausage sizzle and Little Dutch pancakes food stand will also feature. As well, Casaccio’s is offering 15 per cent off online egg orders until Friday. Customers will receive a free dozen of eggs when they spend $20, two free dozens when they spend $35 and three free dozen eggs when they spend $50 in the farm shop. Casaccio Egg Farm’s managing director, Lina Casaccio-Sfetcopoulos, said the

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Felix gets his big break

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Point Cook teenager Felix ‘Checko’ Pacheco has been named as a finalist in a national music competition for up-and-coming recording artists. Felix, 17, and four other performers have been selected as finalists by The Veronicas for the Samsung Electronics Australia UNDSCVRD competition. The TikTok docu-style reality series aimed to spotlight rising music talent in Australia. UNDSCVRD documents the journey of the finalists as they collaborate with The Veronicas and music producer James Angus, to produce their own original single and accompanying music video. A four-week video series will air on the @ UNDSCVRDartist TikTok channel, with the first episode scheduled for this month. Felix, who is in year 11, said he developed a love of music in year 7. He is mainly a hip-hop and rap artist, but said he is keen to move into other genres. Felix said being named a finalist in the UNDSCVRD competition “was like a dream come true”. In addition to rapping and composing, Felix said he is studying audio engineering at school and works as an audio engineer for other musicians. “For me, I love the way sounds go together, I can listen to a track and name all the sounds and instruments that go into it,” he said. Felix said that recording the videos and song for the competition was his first time in a recording studio. “Working with James Angus in the studio has been an amazing experience, I have recorded all my songs in my bedroom so it was an amazing opportunity,” he said. Felix said that he also wanted to produce other artist’s music in the future. Alesha Capone

A petition calling for a no standing zone to be implemented outside 60-68 William Angliss Drive, Laverton North has been submitted to Wyndham council. The petition, which has been signed by 35 people, said the roadway exit at the site “is easily blocked by any vehicle and in particular rigid, prime movers, semi-trailers and containers and the angle of exit is dangerous when vehicles are parked near roadway exit“. The council will prepare a report to respond to the petition at a meeting on October 26.

Water contract Wyndham council has awarded a $1.76 million contract for construction of a 22 megalitre stormwater harvesting and irrigation reuse system at Arndell Park, Truganina to G&S Fortunato Group Pty Ltd. Construction of the facility, which is the centrepiece of the Greening the Pipeline project, is expected to begin next month. Wyndham mayor Adele Hegedich said that once complete, the system would provide a sustainable source of irrigation for the redevelopment of parkland along the Federation Trail by using recycled stormwater to feed more than 6000 trees and 80,000 square metres of garden beds and lawn area.

Felix ‘Checko’ Pacheco. (Supplied)

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Councillor did not breach code By Alesha Capone An internal arbiter has found that a Wyndham councillor who allegedly swore at a community member did not breach standards of the Councillor Code of Conduct. Mayor Adele Hegedich initiated a Code of Conduct process against Cr Peter Maynard in May, alleging he had breached standards outlined in code. The matter progressed to an internal arbitration process in August, with the decision of the online hearing released at a council meeting last week. During the hearing, those in attendance

heard that Cr Maynard allegedly swore at the community member during a telephone conversation on May 6. The community member alleged, in a written statutory declaration provided to the hearing, that Cr Maynard told him to “f*ck off” during a discussion about the council purchasing a hotel. Cr Maynard allegedly swore at the community member after they questioned why the council had purchased the hotel, given the connection between alcohol consumption and family violence. However, Cr Maynard denied telling

the resident to “f*ck off”. The community member’s statutory declaration said that while talking about developments at the Alfred Road Reserve later during the conversation, Cr Maynard allegedly said: “You don’t know what you are f*cking talking about”. Cr Maynard provided a statement to the hearing, which said that he did not mean his remark to be derogatory but that “it was said in the context of a colloquialism, a comment that is part of the Australian language”. The statement said Cr Maynard would have immediately apologised if the community member had indicated they were offended,

while on the telephone. In a decision issued after the hearing, arbiter Jan Boynton wrote that she was satisfied Cr Maynard had not breached standards of the Councillor Code of Conduct. But the decision did state that Ms Boynton believed the language used by Cr Maynard “was colourful, inappropriate, and showed a lack of judgement by an elected representative”. Ms Boynton also wrote she had been “impressed with the genuine willingness” of Cr Maynard “to acknowledge his behaviour and to seek to remedy the impact by providing a written apology to the community member”.

RAAF base history to be uncovered in free event Cultural historian Dr Steve Campbell-Wright will provide Wyndham residents with a rare glimpse behind the Point Cook RAAF base’s gates during a virtual event to be held next week. The site became the first operational base of the Royal Australian Air Force, when it was founded in 1921. Wyndham council is hosting the free online presentation to celebrate the Point Cook base’s 100th anniversary. Dr Campbell-Wright, who has served in the air force for more than four decades, said his talk would include images showing different stages of the base’s history. He said the centenary of the air force was “an opportunity to mark the service and sacrifice of previous generations and show what the RAAF base is about”. “Significant things happened on the base and it is great to share its history with the

community,” Dr Campbell-Wright said. “Now there is restricted access (to the base), but I want share my knowledge – open the gates and let people hear about the past and what happens inside the base.” Dr Campbell-Wright said the Point Cook base underwent many changes, particularly during World War I and II. “In World War II, it was closed to the public entirely for four years,” he said. “It was like a mini-lockdown for four years as the base operated independently and was separated from the outside world.” Dr Campbell-Wright also described Point Cook as “the most haunted RAAF base in Australia”. His online presentation will be held 7-8pm on Wednesday, October 13. Bookings required via www.wyndham.vic. gov.au/whats-on/raaf-point-cook The event is free for Wyndham residents.

(Supplied)

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Residents’ planning ‘angst’ over By Alesha Capone A proposal for Wyndham council to acquire the front sections of 97 properties in Hoppers Crossing has been quashed after a decade of “angst” for residents. The council voted to “abandon” the planning scheme amendment, which attracted more than 100 objections, last week. If the amendment had been adopted, it would have resulted in the council acquiring the front 12 metres of the properties, along sections of Tarneit and Sayers roads under a public acquisition overlay (PAO). The intention of the amendment was

to reserve land for a future service road, amid concerns “about the number of planning permit applications for multi-unit developments in the area, resulting in ad-hoc and sub-optimal vehicle access arrangements”. A series of planning scheme amendments have been proposed to deal with the problem across the past 10 years, only to be discarded after significant objections from residents. A report, released at last week’s council meeting, said the estimated cost of acquiring land and building the service road was around $73.5 million. The report recommended the council not

pursue the project “in light of the current economic climate”. Following this, councillors voted against the acquisition of the land under a PAO for the purposes of a service road. Instead, an alternative report with advice on strategies for traffic, transport and land use along Tarneit and Sayers roads will be prepared for a future council meeting. Cr Heather Marcus the PAO has caused affected residents to experience mental health issues and “a great deal of angst” across 10 years. She said the council needed to undertake extensive community consultation on the

matter in the future. Cr Josh Gilligan said that the council’s latest stance signalled that the PAO process was finally over. “I think in no uncertain terms, this resolution will send a very clear and strong message that the service road is dead, buried, cremated,” he said. Other councillors thanked residents who had led a “sustained campaign” against the PAO. Several councillors, include Cr Susan McIntyre, apologised to residents for the pain that the PAO “has caused in the community and people’s lives”.

Village comes to the table with food donation Residents from a Werribee retirement home have donated a large amount of food to a charity that helps people doing it tough to put a meal on the table. Treasurer of the Federation Village’s social club, Lexie Smith, said residents donated 21 boxes of non-perishable food items plus 15 dozen eggs to FareShare last month. “We managed to fill many boxes with pasta, rice, flour and many other non-perishable food items which were then picked up by FareShare,” Ms Smith. She said the residents have collected donations for FareShare previously, but that their latest collection was by far the largest. “The residents of Federation Village have helped in the past and wanted to help again those that are vulnerable and struggling, the numbers of these have tragically increased due to the pandemic,” Ms Smith said. “We hoped that the food would give

vulnerable people dignity and hope that they realise that many people care about them. “It was wonderful watching the amount of food donated increasing daily, knowing it was to be used to cook the best meals possible for many individuals and families to receive. “It was also good for us to be thinking about others doing it tough and not ourselves, being isolated, lonely, missing family and friends.” Ms Smith said that FareShare’s chief executive Marcus Godinho, sent the village residents a “very nice thank you letter” for their efforts. “The residents of Federation Village Werribee would like to encourage others to donate to FareShare, it is an inexpensive, feel-good thing to do,” she said. Detaails: https://www.fareshare.net.au/ Alesha Capone

President of the Federation Village Social Club Marion Daye, secretary Roslyn Hoey and treasurer Lexie Smith with Tony from FareShare. (Supplied)

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Child protection staff making a difference

Emily Ellis.

(Joe Mastroianni). 251828_01

protection, as there are great opportunities for career progression, training and development. “Every day in this role you learn something new and I can say that after five years,” she said. The state government has launched a recruitment drive, calling on new graduates and people changing careers to join the ranks of Victoria’s child protection workforce. Child Protection Minister Luke Donnellan said the Go Where You’re Needed campaign aimed to recruit more than 280 child protection practitioners. Details: vic.gov.au/childprotectionjobs Alesha Capone

Increasing the amount of open space we have in Wyndham is one way we can help our community ƐƚĂǇ ĂĐƟǀĞ ĂŶĚ ŚĞĂůƚŚǇ͘ dŚĞ 'ƌĞĞŶŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ WŝƉĞůŝŶĞ ŝŶŝƟĂƟǀĞ ŝƐ ƚƌĂŶƐĨŽƌŵŝŶŐ Ϯϳ ŬŝůŽŵĞƚƌĞƐ ƚŚĞ ŚĞƌŝƚĂŐĞͲůŝƐƚĞĚ DĂŝŶ KƵƞĂůů ^ĞǁĞƌ ƉŝƉĞůŝŶĞ ŝŶƚŽ ƉĂƌŬůĂŶĚ ĂŶĚ ďŝŬĞ ƚƌĂĐŬƐ͘ dŚŝƐ ŵĂũŽƌ ƉƌŽũĞĐƚ ŝƐ ďĞŝŶŐ ĚĞůŝǀĞƌĞĚ ďǇ DĞůďŽƵƌŶĞ tĂƚĞƌ͕ tǇŶĚŚĂŵ ŝƚǇ ŽƵŶĐŝů͕ 'ƌĞĂƚĞƌ tĞƐƚĞƌŶ tĂƚĞƌ͕ ĞƉĂƌƚŵĞŶƚ ŽĨ dƌĂŶƐƉŽƌƚ ĂŶĚ ŝƐ ďĞŝŶŐ ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚĞĚ ďǇ 'ƌĞĞŶŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ tĞƐƚ͘ ^Ž ĨĂƌ͕ Ă ƉŝůŽƚ ƉĂƌŬ ŚĂƐ ĂůƌĞĂĚǇ ďĞĞŶ ĚĞůŝǀĞƌĞĚ ŝŶ tŝůůŝĂŵƐ >ĂŶĚŝŶŐ͕ ďĞƚǁĞĞŶ >ƵŬŝƐ ǀĞŶƵĞ ĂŶĚ DĐ>ĂĐŚůĂŶ ƌŝǀĞ͘ dŚĞ ϭϬϬ ŵĞƚƌĞ ƉĂƌŬ ŚĂƐ ƉƌŽǀĞŶ ƚŽ ďĞ ǀĞƌǇ ƉŽƉƵůĂƌ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ community and includes green open space with ŝŵƉƌŽǀĞĚ ĐŽŶŶĞĐƟǀŝƚǇ ĨŽƌ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƟĞƐ ŽŶ ĞŝƚŚĞƌ ƐŝĚĞ͕ ĞǆĞƌĐŝƐĞ ĞƋƵŝƉŵĞŶƚ͕ ƐĞĂƚƐ͕ ĚƌŝŶŬ ĨŽƵŶƚĂŝŶƐ͕ ďŝŬĞ ƐƚĂŶĚƐ͕ ůŝŐŚƟŶŐ͕ ĂŶĚ ƚƌĞĞƐ ĂĚĚĞĚ ĨŽƌ ŚĂďŝƚĂƚ ĐƌĞĂƟŽŶ ĂŶĚ ƐŚĂĚŝŶŐ͘ ŽŶĞ ĮǀĞ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ƉƌŽũĞĐƚ ŝƐ ŶŽǁ ƌĞĂĚǇ ƚŽ ŐŽ͕ ǁŝƚŚ ŽƵŶĐŝů ĂǁĂƌĚŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ƚĞŶĚĞƌ ĨŽƌ ĐŽŶƐƚƌƵĐƟŽŶ ŽĨ ƚŚŝƐ ĐƌƵĐŝĂů ƐƚĂŐĞ͘ ŽŶƐƚƌƵĐƟŽŶ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ƌŶĚĞůů WĂƌŬ ^ƚŽƌŵǁĂƚĞƌ ,ĂƌǀĞƐƟŶŐ ^ǇƐƚĞŵ ǁŝůů ďĞŐŝŶ ƚŚŝƐ ŵŽŶƚŚ͕ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ ŶĞǆƚ ƐƚĞƉ ǁŝůů ŝŶĐůƵĚĞ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉŝŶŐ ŶĞǁ ƉĂƌŬůĂŶĚ which will give our community new space to ĐŽŶŶĞĐƚ ĂŶĚ ƉůĂǇ͘ zŽƵƌ ĨĞĞĚďĂĐŬ ŝƐ ŝŵƉŽƌƚĂŶƚ ƚŽ ŚĞůƉ ŐƵŝĚĞ ƚŚĞ ĨƵƚƵƌĞ ŽĨ ƚŚŝƐ ĞǆĐŝƟŶŐ ƉƌŽũĞĐƚ͕ ƐŽ ƉůĞĂƐĞ ǀŝƐŝƚ ƚŚĞůŽŽƉ͘ǁǇŶĚŚĂŵ͘ǀŝĐ͘ŐŽǀ͘ĂƵ ƚŽ ŚĂǀĞ ǇŽƵƌ ƐĂǇ͘ ZĞŐĂƌĚƐ͕ Cr Adele Hegedich

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Emily Ellis says that making a difference in the lives of families is a major reason why she loves working in child protection. Miss Ellis is team manager of the child protection case management team based in Footscray, as part of the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing. Her team, of 10 staff members, covers an area including the Maribyrnong and Wyndham municipalities. She said that while completing her master’s degree in social work, she did a 14-week placement in child protection. “I instantly fell in love with it and knew that’s what I wanted to do,” Miss Ellis said. She has been in the field for five years and a team manager for two years. “It’s an absolute privilege to be able to work with families in the community,” Miss Ellis said. “I think to a degree it was what I expected, but I think I just underestimated how much of an impact I’d make on families and how invested I would be in that. “The memories are something you really cherish.” Miss Ellis said the daily tasks of child protection workers included visiting clients in the community, attending court hearings and meeting with community services employees. She said that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of these visits and hearings are being conducted online. Miss Ellis said that while seeing sad and unfortunate situations was part of the job, “the good balances out the bad”. “I work with an incredible group of people and I call them my work family,” she said. Miss Ellis said that she would encourage other people to consider working in child

Wyndham Civic Centre 45 Princes Highway Werribee (PO Box 197) Vic 3030 9742 023 1300 0777411

www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/contactus www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/connectwithus mail@wyndham.vic.gov.au Translating & Interpreting Services 13 14 50 Wednesday, 6 October, 2021 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 9

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Feedback sought on Sky Safari By Alesha Capone Zoos Victoria is seeking public feedback on The Sky Safari project planned for Werribee Open Range Zoo, as part of an $83 million expansion of the tourist attraction. Community consultation has opened on plans for The Sky Safari, a 1.6 kilometre tree-top gondola system of small group cabins that will elevate passengers 30 metres above the zoo. The Sky Safari will transport up to 1200 people per hour on a 40-minute round trip showcasing views of the zoo savannah, across

to the You Yangs, Melbourne and Port Philip Bay. Feedback received by Zoos Victoria during the community consultation period will be included in an application to be considered by the planning minister. Zoos Victoria’s webpage says that Werribee Open Range Zoo’s expansion will prioritise animal welfare. The zoo expansion is expected to create almost 350 jobs, including 90 direct jobs caring for animals and assisting visitors. Once complete, the expansion is expected

to increase the number of visitors at the zoo to more than 1 million every year. It has been estimated the project will contribute more than $17.8 million annually to the Victorian economy. The zoo’s expansion plans also include a 400-seat Water Hole Cafe with indoor and outdoor eating areas, providing diners with views of some animals. The cafe will serve as a prelude to an elephant sanctuary walking loop. Zoos Victoria’s herd of Asian Elephants will be relocated to Werribee, where they will live

in a 22-hectare open range, naturalistic setting. A new walking trail will guide visitors through an immersive landscape where the elephants roam. A new carpark with up to 1000 spaces may also be built at Werribee zoo. Feedback on The Sky Safari can be provided via a survey at: https://www.zoo.org.au/ werribee/have-your-say-sky-safari/ or by emailing WZExpansionConsultation@zoo. org.au if you cannot access the survey. The deadline for community feedback is Friday, October 15.

United’s business boost Western United is hoping to give back to the community and a local business that has really struggled throughout the pandemic. The club on Friday launched ‘The Top Corner’ initiative, which will see one local business get a $50,000 package, which includes sponsorship signage at United home games, access to digital branding and being able to take up hospitality opportunities at games. United’s general manager of commercial Chris Speldewinde said it had been a tough time for a lot of people and the club wanted to help out. “We want to support local businesses in the west who are doing it tough,” he said. “The smaller ones don’t have the capacity to spend a lot on marketing and that is one of the first things that gets cut. “We want to give something back to the community and to one of those businesses.” Businesses can enter via the United

website. Finalists will present a video to the club and the winner is picked from there. Speldewinde said winning something like this could help a business get back on track. He said United has spoken to local councils, who were very supportive of the idea. “It is certainly done from the heart,” he said. “We’ve got some really exciting stuff coming up and we want local businesses to be able to tap into that starting now.” Tara Murray

Western United has launched ‘The Top Corner’ initiative. (Supplied)

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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

By Alesha Capone 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

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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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COMMENT

Streamlining infant healthcare Adjunct Associate Professor Christopher Carter Ceo, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network As every parent knows, looking after an infant can be a fast route to frustration and fear. Very little kids can’t explain when they feel ill, or tell anyone where it hurts. And their carers often experience awful anxiety when their darlings suddenly go off food, don’t sleep well, start to lose weight or develop rashes. GPs and maternal child health nurses are the first ports of call for worried mums, dads and other carers. To help our doctors and nurses provide strong, compassionate and consistent care for little ones North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) has created a new suite of tools, called Infant Pathways. Available to all medical professionals, Infant Pathways are designed to streamline the management of health matters in the really young. As well supporting GPs and specialist nurses in their work, the system also reduces stress and anxiety for the tiny patients – and their parents. There are 10 Infant Pathways. Some concern common baby issues such as being unsettled (or ‘colicky’, as your grandmother probably called it), sleeping poorly or loss of appetite. Others concern less frequent conditions, such as prolonged jaundice or hip problems. Then there are others that focus on premature or low-weight infants, plus things such as birthmarks, rashes or skin lesions. All these together we call the Routine Infant Check. There have been similar pathways in place for older children for a while now, and these really help to fill the gap in information and planning for doctors and nurses, as well as parents and carers.

’Infant Pathways’ will help streamline care for the north-west’s youngest residents. (iStock)

For clinicians, each pathway contains detailed information on possible causes for infant distress, and includes treatment options, red flags and assessment tools. It’s a very efficient way to identify and deal with the common hurdles of infancy, but also opens up directed guidelines for a whole atlas of less common issues. These include plain language and easy processes for, if necessary, referrals to hospitals or specialists.

The Infant Pathways mean that everyone involved in a consultation – clinician, infant, and parent – is supported and well informed throughout the process. Care is maintained at the highest standard and – equally important – stress and anxiety are kept at a minimum. This approach ensures that every consultation is thorough, and that parents and carers are kept fully in the loop about

diagnostic decisions – whether these involve pharmacy medications, onward referrals, or the (always welcome) news that there is no need to worry and the matter will clear up all by itself. And that reassurance is important. Hopefully it will be an important first step in setting up enduring relationships with medical practitioners, based on a firm foundation of compassion and care.

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BEHIND THE NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

On a mission to spread kindness

Sophia Grewal, Edgar’s Mission community engagement manager with a rescued kid goat. (Damjan Janevski) 251260_06 Below: Manfred Zabinskas with rescued kangaroo Brad Pit. (Supplied)

In the Macedon Ranges, an animal sanctuary is reminding everyone to take a moment from their busy lives to spare a thought for animals. For the past 11 years, the first week of October has marked Be Kind to Animals Week, an initiative developed by Edgar’s Mission animal rescue as Oliver Lees reports.

tretched across 153 acres just outside of Lancefield, Edgar’s Mission has provided a sanctuary for farmed animals since 2003. Edgar’s Mission founder Pam Ahern said Be Kind to Animals Week was developed to start a conversation about how changes to our daily routine can make a positive impact in animals’ lives. “You can support your favourite animal welfare charity by volunteering or donating, organise a beach or park clean up, leave water out for local wildlife and so much more,” Ms Ahern said. As part of the week-long campaign, Edgar’s Mission encourages the community to make a kindness pledge. This pledge can take a variety of forms, such as committing to a random act of kindness, using products that don’t test on animals, or using plant-based products instead of meat. This year, the Be Kind to Animals campaign is aiming for more than 5000 pledges, with the site already notching up close to 4000. To help get them over the line, Edgar’s Mission has enlisted the help of human and animal ambassadors to spread the message. Among the furry helpers is kangaroo Brad Pit, who was rescued from an abandoned mineshaft by the Five Animals Rescue shelter based in Trentham. Brad Pit was saved from the seven-metre shaft by Five Animals Rescue founder Manfred Zabinskas. As reported by Star Weekly in June, 2020, Zabinskas led a rescue team which included Ms Ahern and five others. Brad Pit was saved, rehabilitated and released back into his native environment weeks later. As for two-legged advocates, DJ and wellness enthusiast Dara Hayes (also known as DJ 12 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 6 October, 2021

Tigerlily) has thrown her support behind the Be Kind To Animals Week ethos. “Research has proven that animals feel pain and emotions, share languages, family bonds, and rituals,” Ms Hayes said. “They are just as deserving of our kindness. Switching to a plant-based lifestyle was the best decision I have ever made. It is empowering to be a voice for the voiceless and to live a life that is causing no cruelty or harm to other beings. “It costs nothing to be kind.” Joining Ms Hayes is TV presenter Marieke Hardy, actor Martin Dingle Wall, plant based nutritionist Tammy Fry and others. While life has slowed down for many industries during the pandemic, Edgar’s Mission has remained busy. In the past 18 months, Edgar’s Mission has rescued 196 animals and cares for between 400 and 500 animals at any one time. Among them is Kiki Dee, whom Ms Ahern describes as one of the smallest lambs the sanctuary has ever received. “Kiki Dee’s eye had been pecked by a bird, but a kind heart brought her to the sanctuary,” she said. “Today, after lots of love and care, she is a happy and very affectionate sheep. It just goes to show the power of kindness, and it also speaks to the range of emotions all animals feel, no matter what they look like.” To celebrate Be Kind to Animals Week, Edgar’s Mission will be hosting a number of talks led by Ms Ahern. Edgar’s Mission is also offering the chance to win a hamper full of ethical goodies. For more information, visit: https://www. edgarsmission.org.au To make a pledge, visit: https:// bekindtoanimalsweek.org.au

Some of the animals that call Edgar’s Mission home, including one of the tiniest family members, Kikki Dee the lamb (centre right). (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 251260

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COMMUNITY

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

Goal setting for seniors EdConnect Australia, with support from Wyndham council, will run a free lunch and goal setting strategies workshop for seniors, which will cover using open-ended questions to elicit goals from young people or students and other topics, on Wednesday, October 20 from 10am-1.30pm at The Grange Community Centre, 260-280 Hogans Road, Hoppers Crossing. ■ https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/lunchand-learn-about-goal-setting-strategiestickets-164272773287

Volunteers needed The Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Community Visitors Scheme is seeking female Maltese and Italian-speaking volunteers to join its volunteer program within the Werribee and Point Cook areas to visit elderly residents in either an aged care facility or their own home. The scheme is also seeking a female volunteer with an understanding of MS to visit a mature lady in an aged care facility in Altona Meadows. ■ volunteer@ms.org.au or call Sue on 9845 2744

AL-ANON meets AL-ANON provides support for families and loved ones living with alcoholics and problem drinkers. The group meets Mondays at St Thomas Anglican Church foyer, 117 Synnot Street, Werribee, from 7.30pm, and on Tuesdays at the St Mary’s Tennis Club rooms, 204 Grimshaw Street, Greensborough.

Volunteer opportunity EdConnect Australia recruits, trains and places volunteers into schools to support vulnerable students. Join an online Zoom session on Thursday, October 7, 11am-noon to hear guest speaker Simon Garner, a teacher, journalist, educational writer and producer share his knowledge on topics such as the changing face of school-based education and the significance of role models, to be followed by information on volunteer opportunities at schools. ■ Register at: https://us06web.zoom.us/ meeting/register/tZYrfu6gpjIsHNJDz6m Vjm8ZwhYfnp7UsF4n or contact helen. anderson@edconnect.org.au

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Sophia Grewal from Edgar’s Mission Farm Sanctuary with a piglet.

morning and afternoon tea, a show-and-tell and local traders. Entry: $15. BYO hand stitching, mug and lunch. Pre-booking mandatory. ■ www.trybooking.com/BRGRN.

Dads’ playgroup Tarneit Community Learning Centre hosts a dads’ playgroup every week on Thursdays. The morning starts at 9.30am and promises to be a chance for male caregivers to connect with each other and form new friendships. ■ Shaun, 0455 521 154

Diabetes support group The Westgate diabetes support group meets on the first Tuesday of every month at the Altona Bowling Club at 10am. ■ Elaine, 0415 030 996

Heritage walks Expressions of interest to start a Fibromyalgia and CFS Support Group in Manor Lakes and surrounding areas. Connect with real people and share information, experiences, problems and solutions. ■ wyndham.fibrogroup@gmail.com

Enjoy a leisurely two-hour walk around historic Williamstown and nearby suburbs with guide John. Walks start at 9.20am each Tuesday outside the Visitor Information Centre in Nelson Place. Walks will resume when pandemic restrictions permit. ■ John, 0418 377 336

Love Our Street 3029

Players wanted

Come join the volunteer community litter clean-up crew in Hoppers Crossing, which meets on the third Sunday of the month, 10.30am-noon. ■ Karen, 3029@loveourstreet.com.au

Keilor Park Cricket Club is on the lookout for senior men and women’s players, along with junior players for the upcoming season. Interested players can contact the club via the club’s Facebook page.

Fibro/CFS Support

Laverton Community Choir

Deer Park probus

All welcome for a friendly singing get-together, suitable for all ages and abilities on Thursday nights from 7pm during school term at the Laverton P-12 College, 91 Bladin Street, Laverton. ■ Ada, 0419 116 013

The Deer Park Combined Probus Club meets on the second Wednesday of each month at The Deer Park Club, 780 Ballarat Road, from 10am. New members and visitors are welcome. ■ Don, 0409 191 580

Quilt In

Equiculture webinar

People of all ages and cultures are welcome to join the Wyndham Patchworkers Inc, which will host its 25th Anniversary Quilt In on November 6, 10am-3.30pm at St James the Apostle Catholic Church, 336 Derrimut Road, Hoppers Crossing. The event will feature a guest speaker, a raffle, door prizes,

Join along with Stuart Myers from Equiculture, for this online event run in part with the Macedon Ranges council to discuss some simple changes that could vastly improve your horses’ lifestyle. The event will be held online on Tuesday, October 12, 7.30-8.30pm. This is a free event.

■

jmcainch@mrsc.vic.gov.au

■

(Damjan Janevski) 251668_01

willin.wimmin@gmail.com

Additional needs support

Friendship Group

MyTime at Tweddle Newport is a peer support group for parents and carers of children with additional needs. The group meets each Friday at 10am during term three in the community room at Newport Gardens Early Years Centre, 51 Maddox Road, Newport. ■ kim.mace@tweddle.org.au

Altona Day View Club (Voice Interest Education of Women) meets at 11am on the third Wednesday of the month at Altona RSL. ■ Janet, 9394 6522 or 0412 010 176

Guided walk

The Westgate diabetes support group meets on the first Tuesday of every month at the Altona Bowling Club at 10am. ■ Elaine, 0415 030 996

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

Free computer workshops

Rotary club

Williamstown Community and Education Centre is running a free computer workshop on setting up a MyGov account on November 7. Workshops are at Joan Kirner House, 14 Thompson Street, Williamstown. ■ Renee, 9397 6168

Rotary Club of Point Gellibrand meets at Customs House Hotel, 161 Nelson Place, Williamstown, on the first and third Tuesday of the month from 6pm for a 6.30pm dinner meeting. Visitors welcome. ■ Pam, 0418 347 691or rotarypointgellibrand@gmail.com

Hobsons Bay band

Mouth organ band

Do you play trumpet, flute or lower brass instruments? The Hobsons Bay City Band is seeking musicians to join the community band. Rehearsals are held every Monday evening from 7.30pm at Newport Lakes Primary School, Elizabeth Street, Newport. ■ Roger Lewis, hbcityband@gmail.com

The Yarraville Mouth Organ Band meets Friday evenings at 203 Williamstown Road, Yarraville. Great music, friendly atmosphere. New members, players or beginners welcome. ■ Heather, 9399 2190

Diabetes support group

John Safran Altona North combined probus The Altona North combined probus club meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at Altona Sports Club. Includes a speaker, organised trips and outings, and a friendly atmosphere. ■ Lesley, 9369 1785

Join writer John Safran and host Tony Wilson for this special digital event where John and Tony will take a look into the tobacco and vaping industry. The event will be run online in partnership with the Wheeler Centre on Wednesday, October 13, 7.30-8.30pm. Tickets $10. ■ www.wheelercentre.com

Women’s Choir The Willin Wimmin choir meets every Wednesday in school terms from 7.30-9.30pm. During COVID restrictions, the choir meets via Zoom. When permitted, it will return to the Church of Christ hall in Douglas Parade, Williamstown. There are no auditions and no need to be able to read music. Sopranos especially welcome. Join for a free try out.

Compost research webinar Join Macedon Ranges council and Dr Jim Radford from La Trobe University for this talk on compost use in agricultural settings. Dr Radford will share his local research insights and promote farming practices that have positive outcomes for agriculture. The event will be held on Tuesday, November 9, 7.30-8.30pm. ■ 0455 210 436 Wednesday, 6 October, 2021 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 13

PUZZLES No. 049

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.

easy

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

4 medium

4 7 8 9

QUICK CROSSWORD Plant yielding oil (6) Band (8) Existence (5) Subdue (9) Additional (5) Assessed too highly (9) Fruit (plural) (8) Monty Python member, — Chapman (6) German capital (6) To weave strands through (8) Professors (9) Fossil resin (5) Brazen (9) Baghdad native (5) Developing (8) Frisk (6)

16 18 23 24 26 27 28 29

Nomad (7) Family members (6) Sovereign (7) Enchanted (9) Domain of an earl (7) Layer that absorbs most of the sun’s UV radiation (5) Citrus preserve (9) I don’t know (colloq) (5,2) Titanic sinker (7) Entertainers (5) Assay (7) Twirling religious fanatic (7) Cooing bird (6) British PM, 1997–2007 (5)

3 5 6 7 8 10

ACROSS 1 4 9 10 11 12 13 15

No. 049

14 16 17 19 20 21 22 25

DOWN Corrupt (7) Woman’s garment (5)

1 2

DECODER

No. 049

2 3

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

5 6 9 3 1 2 6 4 9

1 3 6 5 7

10 11 12 13

J N 19

Today’s Aim: 16 words: Good 24 words: Very good

6 1 9 8 4 3 2 5 7

2 4 3 5 7 1 8 6 9

4 5 1 2 3 6 9 7 8

No. 049 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

U E R S P E N S E V E L R A V E

3 2 4 7 9 5 6 8 1

1 7 8 3 6 2 4 9 5

8 3 2 5 6 4 7 1 9

9 5 4 7 1 2 6 3 8

4 8 6 2 3 5 9 7 1

5 7 9 4 8 1 2 6 3

3 2 1 9 7 6 8 4 5

2 4 3 8 5 7 1 9 6

6 9 8 1 4 3 5 2 7

7 1 5 6 2 9 3 8 4

6 4 9 7 1 5 3 8 2

2 6 1 9 3 7 4 5 8

3 9 4 5 6 8 2 1 7

8 5 7 1 4 2 9 3 6

5 7 6 2 9 3 8 4 1

9 1 8 6 7 4 5 2 3

4 3 2 8 5 1 7 6 9

14 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 6 October, 2021

5 LETTERS ACRES AGAIN AGILE ALLEY ALLOY ALONE AWARE BLOOM BOSOM EDGER ENDED ENDOW EPOCH FLOWS HAPPY HELLO

4 LETTERS BABE BEST DOER DOZE EELS FORE HOLE HYMN LABS MATT MESH ODES PREY ROAD ROTE

HERDS LAMBS LAUGH LEPER MAMAS MAMMA MISTY MOOSE NIECE NOISE OASIS OBESE OVERT PARSE PASTY SEIZE SEMEN SHEET SLOPS SLYER SPEED

STORE STRUM TONED TRIMS WAFTS WASPS YODEL 6 LETTERS ERRANT SYSTEM 7 LETTERS EMPEROR FORELEG

OPPOSED PERHAPS REPLACE SYSTEMS 8 LETTERS CHAPLAIN DREAMERS METEORIC SOFTENED 10 LETTERS HORSEPOWER TYPESETTER

08-10-21

D D E D

7 2 3 4 8 6 1 9 5

E E

O R C

9 6 5 1 8 4 7 3 2

8 3 2 9 5 7 1 4 6

TAXI TIED USED

No. 049

acne, acre, afire, cafe, cairn, cane, canine, cannier, care, crane, earn, erica, face, facer, fain, fair, fancier, farce, fare, fear, feria, fiance, finance, FINANCIER, franc, inane, infra, nacre, near, niacin, race, rain, rani

7 9 6 4 1 8 5 2 3

1 8 5 3 2 9 6 7 4

3 LETTERS ACE AGO APE APT BRA DIG DOE EVE FOX GAB GAP ICE IDS IMP LEE LET PER PEW RAT SEE TEE THE TOE TOP UGH WOO

QUICK QUIZ

What is the proper name of the mineral known as 'fool’s gold'?

Albert Einstein (pictured) held citizenship of which three countries?

What is the name of the chapel that features the famous Michelangelo painting of God and Adam?

Composer Philip Glass won a Golden Globe Award for the score of which 1999 film?

In what year did television broadcasting begin in Australia?

What two words contain all the vowels in order?

In what country was famed World War I spy Mata Hari born?

What is another name for vitamin C?

10 What was the real name of the musician known as Chubby Checker?

In which year did The Simpsons break The Flintstones’ record for longest-running prime time animated TV show?

1 6 7 3 9 8 4 5 2

5 8 7 6 2 9 3 1 4

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

33 words: Excellent

hard

medium

easy

C V G B Y T X F QA OM P

1 3

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

5x5

ZWS U I L H E K R D J N

6 7 4

4 3 2

WORDFIT

ANSWERS: 1. Pyrite, or iron pyrite 2. Germany, Switzerland and the US 3. Facetious, abstemious 4. The Netherlands 5. Ascorbic acid 6. 1997 7. The Sistine Chapel 8. The Truman Show 9. 1956 10. Ernest Evans

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The Kluger powers on for Toyota By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring Car companies continue the battle to save the planet by snuffing out polluting fossil fuel propulsion in favour of electricity. Toyota is powering on with its petrol / electric combination. Latest model to receive the hybrid treatment is the Kluger seven-seat sports utility vehicle. Toyota Australia Vice-President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley says the addition of hybrid to the fourth-generation Kluger further demonstrates Toyota’s commitment to delivering on electrified options in its line-up. Offering improved driving dynamics, a larger and more refined cabin, a stylish new look and the latest in safety technology, the all-new model is available in three trim levels - GX, GXL and Grande - in petrol two-wheel drive, or hybrid, or petrol all-wheel drive. Standard equipment includes smart entry and start, manual front and rear dual-zone air-conditioning, rain sensing wipers and automatic lights, and five USB ports. GXL models gain power heated front seats, tri-zone climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, power tailgate and satellite navigation. On test was the top-of-the-range Kluger Grande, which adds a panoramic moonroof, hands-free opening power tailgate, ventilated front seats, head-up display, a panoramic view monitor, leather-accented seats and premium 11-speaker JBL audio.

Styling There’s nothing out of the ordinary in the new Kluger’s looks. They are from the standard read traditional (old fashioned?) - SUV script. No sleek coupe crossover curves here. Toyota calls the shape ‘sculpted’. I call it ‘square’ in both its meanings.

The boot space is 50 mm longer and 13 mm wider, providing an increase of 46 litres of luggage space to a total of 241 litres.

Safety Chief among these is the autonomous emergency braking pre-collision safety system that is able to detect pedestrians day and night, cyclists during the day, oncoming vehicles and pedestrians at intersections when making turns, and assist you to take evasive action if there is potential for a collision. The system provides varying levels of assistance from visual and audible warnings, braking assistance, steering assistance, and full emergency braking if the driver fails to respond.

Driving

The Toyota Kluger has tapped into hybrid power with its latest update. (Supplied)

The MY21 Kluger is 76 mm longer (4966 mm) and, at 1755 mm, 25 mm higher than the previous model. While overall width has increased by a mere 5 mm to 1930 mm, 20 mm wider flared wheel arches give the car a robust appearance. As befitting a seven-seat SUV, the bold character is reinforced by large upper and lower trapezoidal grilles split by the front bumper. Slimline LED light clusters with integrated daytime running lights are situated above deep recessed LED fog lamps integrated into the flared front end. On the plus side, an extended and flatter underbody and spats in front of the wheels contribute to improved aerodynamics. The Grande rolls on 20-inch wheels with a polished

chrome appearance.

Interior The broad dash, in smart soft-touch materials, houses the instrument cluster, a central 8-inch touchscreen display and air-conditioning controls and vents. A lower centre console is separated by a panel that stretches the width of the car. The lower centre console incorporates the transmission lever, drive and AWD mode select switchgear, electronic park brake and two large cupholders. Other storage includes a 15-litre lidded centre console box, overhead glasses holder, front door bins with 700 ml bottle holders, rear door bins with two 700 ml bottle holders and eight cupholders.

The hybrid system delivers a combined maximum power of 184 kW through a smooth electric continuously variable transmission (e-CVT) that offers driver selectable Normal, Eco and Sport modes. Hybrid AWD models are also fitted with a Trail mode switch for more demanding off-road performance that is able to adjust throttle control, shift schedule, drive force distribution and brake control to deliver optimal traction for the conditions. For enhanced off-road performance in varied conditions, the AWD Kluger also features a multi-terrain select system with Mud and Sand and Rock and Dirt modes that in the Grande can also be disconnected to improve fuel economy.

Summary Off to a slow start with sales when the Kluger came out in 2003 as a mid-size SUV, years later the Kluger is a large SUV with a big following. That is about to become bigger with the addition of hybrid power.

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We use and recommend Valvoline Motor Oils & Ryco Filters

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29 St Albans Rd 9364 3244

All pictures are for illustration purposes only. All prices are recommended sale prices. Excludes fleet, government and wholesale accounts. Offers valid until date is 31/10/21.

12515161-AV41-21

Wednesday, 6 October, 2021 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 17

SPORT STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Hume’s Dockerty Cup win in 2019. (Mark Avellino/Football Victoria)

Weier makes it to the big time By Tara Murray When Michael Weier arrived at Hume City from Brisbane as a 19-year-old, his soccer career was just starting to take off. Five years later, he leaves the club as one of the best goalkeepers in the country and with an A-League contract. Weier now calls the Newcastle Jets home after signing with the side for the upcoming A-League season. Weier said he had no idea that he was on the Jets’ radar until he got a phone call from the club. “It is good, it is something I’ve worked towards for five years or so,” he said. “It’s good when all the hard work pays off. It’s now about taking that opportunity. “The boss gave us a call and I guess that was my clue. In terms of preparations, we hadn’t played for four weeks. “I was sitting there doing nothing for four weeks, it wasn’t the best of preparation. The Jets boss let me ease into things.” Weier didn’t have long to let the news settle in that he had signed a contract, moving to Newcastle in the following days. Like Melbourne, Newcastle is in lockdown. Weier is the first to admit he struggled when he first took to the training track. “I’ve got some mates who have played for the Jets over the years and they speak highly of the place,” he said. “Speaking to them and getting their feedback, it was exciting knowing I was coming here. “I haven’t seen much of Newcastle yet, from what I’ve seen the beaches are great, weather seems to be nice every day, I can’t complain. “Obviously the preparation wasn’t the greatest. Trying to back up the next day after a big session it was tough and the body wasn’t handling it too well. “I had to get in a lot of ice baths and do all the little things to ensure that I was training every day. Once I got through that two week period, my body has handled it now and I’m able to keep backing up.” Weier is no stranger to expectation, following in the footsteps of goalkeeper Chris Oldfield at Hume City. Oldfield won NPL goalkeeper of the year the year prior to Weier joining the club. Weier would win that title in 2017 and 2019, with Oldfield winning it at Avondale in between. Weier’s heroics in the FFA Cup also made headlines nationally. Weier was quick to praise the impact of Hume City on his life. “Going down to Hume, the club treated me like family from day one,” he said. “That helped me really settle in there. Trusting a young keeper, I knew I had to repay 18 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 6 October, 2021

Michael Weier.

them one way or another. It’s been a good five years at Hume and I’m grateful for them, it was a great time.” Weier’s time at Hume has coincided with the most successful period in the club’s history, including winning the club’s first piece of silverware; the Dockerty Cup in 2019. The club has made the final of this year’s competition, which has been postponed due to the pandemic. It made the final 32 of the FFA Cup. “The football was fun,” Weier said. “Playing

with the characters that I did, through the ups and downs it was always good to stIck around the club. “Bringing the Dockerty Cup to Hume for the first time … It was a special time, we were looking forward to doing it again over 2020 and 2021, but COVID didn’t allow us to do so. “I know the club is at a strong point and they will keep on and win more championships and I have full confidence in them.” Weier thinks there will be more titles in the coming years.

(Pictures: Shawn Smits) 204646

“The club grew me personally on the field and off the field,” he said. “I didn’t think anything of it when I went down, I thought I would give it my best shot. With the facilities the club has, the personnel in the boardroom, it allows you to grow on and off the field. “I owe a lot to that club and I’m grateful for my time there.” Weier now is looking forward to getting onto the pitch once restrictions end in Newcastle. “We’ve had a lot of intra club games,” he said. “As soon as anything is opening up we’ll be trying to get on the pitch. “You can do as much as you like in training, but at the end of the day it’s what you put on the pitch that matters. “I love to play game day, it’s what you work for.” Jets manager Arthur Papas, who coached against Weier in the NPL, said the club was very happy to have secured Weier for the upcoming season. “Michael has been the outstanding NPL goalkeeper for some time now where he also captained his side Hume City,” Papas said. “Since training with us Michael has impressed everybody with his character and his qualities, and the goalkeeper position is the same as any other position where we need to have players competing daily.”

Young rubgy talent is a rebel with a cause By Peter Howe Antonio Sipa Masina is one of the lucky ones with his post-year 12 career already mapped out. The year 12 student at Werribee’s Grange P-12 College is about to embark on every young person’s dream, a professional sporting career having signed a three year contract with Super Rugby side Melbourne Rebels. Having progressed through the junior ranks, Masina has his eyes on the big time. He has followed his dream for as long he can remember. “I played volleyball alongside my father, but my real passion is rugby union,” he said. “I eat, sleep and breathe it.” Sport runs in the family for Masina with the family supportive of all members’ different sporting achievements. Masina played rugby league, rugby union and volleyball at junior state level. “My father, Venu, was an international volleyball player for Samoa and New Zealand,” he said. “My older sister played rugby in the Super

W League with the Melbourne Rebels and my three younger siblings are all into their sports. “My mother, Malia, is the backbone of our family.” Masina really started to focus on rugby union in 2017 when he was hand-picked to join the Rebels Academy for 2018. It would be a big year in the sport for Masina as he toured Europe as part of the Victorian state schools team. “It was an amazing experience. We travelled and played England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland and Belgium in the month we were away,” he said. “I learned so much about being in a travelling team and playing some great teams.” After the highs of 2018, it was a much tougher 2019 when Masina suffered a significant setback to his sporting dream when he broke his ankle playing for the Brimbank Rugby Club in a game. An operation to reconstruct his ankle and a two-year battle to return to playing certainly made Masina more resilient. “I have always had to work hard to improve my skills, after this injury I had to work four

times harder,” he said. “Recovery was critical and I spent many hours in recovery mode. I was never sure I was going to be able to play at the level again.“ With last season shut down due to COVID-19, Masina had more time to get himself right and returned to the field earlier this year for the Rebels Academy under-18 team. Masina, who plays as the number seven or open side flanker, had been attending the Rebels Academy training three times a week. Masina, who is also a senior house captain at this school, was chosen in July to become part of the Rebels’ elite player program. “I am looking forward to 2022 as I embark on my professional sporting journey,” he said. “I will spend my first year playing in first or second grade with a Victorian Rugby Union team overseen by the Rebels. “My immediate aim is to press for an under-20 Australian selection next year. “From there, to become a Melbourne Rebels core player in their senior squad. My ultimate aim is to represent Australia.“ Masina is the Sunshine Western Region Sports Club September Don Deeble Sports

Antonio Sipa Masina.

Picture Rugby Victoria

Star Award winner. His award is sponsored by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club, Strathmore Community Bank and the Deer Park Club. If you would like to nominate a monthly winner email: swrsportsclub@gmail.com or sms 0408 556 631.

Women’s baseball opportunity

Wyndham Suns club president Graeme Clark, netball head coach for next year Jordan Sulman and re-appointed 2022 senior coach Dean Cachia. (Supplied/Wyndham Suns). 252837

Suns net a new team The Wyndham Suns will launch an inaugural senior netball side in the WRFL next year. Jordan Sulman, who previously coached the Manor Lakes netball side in division two, has been appointed as the Suns’ head coach. “When I got the call to come have an interview with Wyndham Suns I was excited for the prospect, they don’t have a senior team which means it would be up to me to build something along with the dedicated committee behind me,” she said. “Netball is more than a sport for me, it’s a passion.” Sulman said she developed her love of netball at a young age, thanks to her mother. “She’s my biggest inspiration when it comes to netball she’s mentored me my whole life, when she wasn’t my netball coach she still coached me from the sideline, she’s driven for hours to take me to games competitions, never missed any of it, was always supporting me off and on the court pumping me up before every game and supporting me after a win or a loss, taking me to state trials and rep squad trials year after year,” Sulman said. “My mum is a star herself, playing rep squad netball while pregnant with me in Townsville at the age of 15.” When it comes to her new role at the Wyndham Suns, Sulman said the club’s mindset was “quality over quantity”. “Playing at Wyndham Suns isn’t just about

netball,” she said. “It’s about wanting to win, week in and week out. “The willingness to learn and grow as a netball player, being an all-round club person to support our football boys at home games and club functions.” Sulman said the club would advertise trials for its netball teams in the middle of the month, with trials to be held in December. “Come along to trials, we are expecting to fill a large number of sides in season 2022,” she said. “Our preseason will commence mid-January and training will be at Tarneit Rise Primary School netball courts every Thursday.” The Suns’ committee also announced last month that Dean Cachia has been reappointed as senior football coach ahead of the 2022 season. The Werribee resident, who will remain a playing coach, has been with the Wyndham Suns since the club’s first season playing senior football, which was about six years ago. Cachia, whose son Jack also played for the club’s under-10s side this year, said that his own passion for football began in his younger days. “I have had an interest in football since I can remember,” Cachia said. “I remember watching Carlton win the grand final in 1995 as a five-year-old.”

Cachia said that after almost 18 months of COVID-19 restrictions, the Suns “are keen to get back into work, for what feels like a 30 month preseason, with 10 or so matches in-between”. “We will work very hard over the off-season in readiness for a big 2022,” he said. “We aim to play finals and continue where we ended in 2021, which saw us lose only one game.” Cachia said as a coach, he enjoyed the challenge of trying to bring out the best in others, both on and off the field. “I also like the ability to have a positive influence on many people throughout the club as a whole - the ability to lead a group towards a common goal, which gives me great motivation, and at times satisfaction,” he said. Cachia said the Suns were excited to see netball become a part of the club in 2022, as well as growth in the club’s junior participants across all age groups including Auskick. “If you check out our Facebook page you will see we have had a very high number of players recommit to the club, including a number of key recruits,” he said. Details: https://www.facebook. com/wyndhamsuns or http://www. wyndhamsunsfc.com.au/

The Werribee Giants Baseball Club women’s team is looking to field a side in Victorian Summer League Competition for the 2021-22 summer season. Club secretary Jessica Curnow said that players of 13 and above, of all skill levels, were welcome to join the team. “As soon as current restrictions ease and we have approval from the council we will start training,” she said. “We have always been an inclusive club and have been keen to maintain a women’s program. “Now that we have a few of our junior players getting to an age where they are eligible it gives them more opportunity to develop as well. “There has also been a noticeable increase in women’s participation in sports across the country recently so we want to give women the chance to participate in a unique team sport.” Ms Curnow said that games would be played on Saturdays, against teams from across the west. The Giants’ women’s coach, Jacob Sigismondi, said multiple women have expressed interest in joining the team. “We had several successful teams in the past and in more recent years we have had a joint team with Footscray in the third division in the 2019-2020 season that made it all the way to the finals,” he said. “Our short-term goal is to have enough for at least a team but we want to encourage as many women as we can to join us so that we can offer multiple teams for different skill levels.” Team training will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6pm. Details: https://bit.ly/3zWEDEC Alesha Capone

Alesha Capone Wednesday, 6 October, 2021 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 19

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