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100 years of hits If you’ve ever wanted to hear your favourite songs from the last century played live by a wind band, Wyndham Cultural Centre is the place to be on Saturday, July 16. The Werribee Concert Band, with its new musical director Harrison Merrifield, will perform a varied medley of songs ranging from classical music to radio hits. Mr Merrifield said the performance will include “something for everybody”. “We’ll be doing some stuff from popular pop and rock, we’ll be covering things from musicals, and we’ll be covering things that represent some of the largest events throughout that time period as well,” he said. “We’re playing a medley from ABBA, When You Wish Upon A Star from Disney, and I might leave it there, you’ll have to come and see it.” Mr Merrifield said he is “very excited” to present the talent of the group to the community. “I think there is heaps of talent out here in the west … I don’t think we really get a lot of representation,” he said. Werribee Concert Band’s Mathew Taylor, Cathrine Reader and Andrew Valentine.

(Damjan Janevski) 287828_02

Fatima Halloum

Wyndham’s growth spurt By Fatima Halloum Wyndham became home to almost 75,000 extra people between 2016 and 2021, new Census data reveals. The 2021 Census data, released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics last week, reveals Wyndham’s population was 292,011 people in 2021, up 34 per cent from the 2016 Census. The data also revealed that the average Wyndham residents is a 32-year-old male, who is married with one child. He was born in Australia but has Indian ancestry, and both of his parents were born

overseas. He lives in a home with three others, has a median weekly household income of $2023 and median monthly mortgage repayment of $1930. According to the Census data, 23 per cent of Wyndham residents have no religious affiliation, ahead of 18 per cent who identify as Catholic and 14.5 per cent who practise Hinduism. The top language other than English spoken at home is Punjabi, with 20,853 people or 7.1 people speaking Punjabi. The most common long-term health conditions experienced by Wyndham

residents are asthma (6.5 per cent), mental health issues (5.7 per cent) and arthritis (4.6 per cent). Mayor Peter Maynard said rapid population growth meant outer suburbs such as Wyndham were struggling to keep up with the required infrastructure. Cr Maynard said the increase means existing infrastructure and services can “barely keep up with increasing demands and needs of our residents”. “This situation needs to be addressed as population in the outer suburbs is growing at twice the national average,” he said. “In our budget adopted this week, we’ve

committed to spending $167.2 million on our capital works program. We’re also delivering millions of dollars in health and community services such as kindergartens, libraries and community centres. “We are doing our part and are totally committed to doing our best, but with rate-capping and limited resources, we cannot resolve the infrastructure funding shortfall. With more people moving to metropolitan growth corridors – we are barely keeping up. “But we can’t do it alone. We need more funding assistance from the state and federal governments.”

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Tourism ‘disrupted’ in the west Tourism in Melbourne’s west was hit harder by COVID-19 disruptions than many other areas, a new report has revealed. The western suburbs lost a cumulative 5.1 million visitors and $2.7 billion in spending after tourism shrunk by two thirds during 2020 and 2021. Conducted by Victoria University, Victoria Tourism Industry Council and Western Melbourne Tourism, the study found the municipalities of Wyndham, Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton and Moonee Valley would have to tackle unique

challenges to recover. These obstacles include an “image problem” where the west is perceived as having low aesthetic value compared to other areas of the state, a reliance on overseas visitors whose numbers remain constrained and relatively poor regional infrastructure in accommodation and public transport due to years of underinvestment. VU’s School for the Visitor Economy director Dr Joanne Pyke said the pandemic was a wake-up call to take a new look at the issues that have slowed the potential of the

area, and to identify new ways to build a stronger, sustainable tourism sector for the region. “This study highlights the need for government at all levels, businesses, and industry to work together to make Melbourne’s West more resilient in the interests of jobs growth, economic recovery and community wellbeing,” she said. “It would be a wasted opportunity to return to a business-as-usual approach once the sector recovers from the aftershocks of the crisis.”

The study also suggest the western suburbs has any new opportunities to strengthen the tourism sector, including significant infrastructure megaprojects planned for the region, including Melbourne Airport rail link, Sunshine precinct project and the new Footscray Hospital. It also lists the population growth of young adults, families and diverse communities and the potential to boost cultural tourism in the area due to vibrant multiculturalism present in the west.

Learning festival returns

Equip Church International chief executive Malcolm Macleod with the volunteers in the kitchen.

(Damjan Janevski) 287827_01

Not so typical soup kitchen satisfies The team at the Equip Soup Kitchen prides itself on not serving watery and flavourless broth for Wyndham residents wanting a free hot meal. Instead, locals can expect creamy pumpkin soup, warm butter chicken and flavoursome meat curries. Equip Church International chief executive Malcolm Macleod the service wouldn’t be a typical grab and go situation. “When they come, we’re not just going to be giving them some soup in the back of the car park, we’re going to spoil them,” Mr Macleod said. “They’re going to be in a beautiful cafe, and

there’ll be tea and coffees, we’ve got a proper barista and everything. “There will definitely be relationship, there won’t just be leaving people in the corner somewhere.” The soup kitchen will run monthly and people can also use the chance to socialise with others and connect with members of the community. “We’re pretty excited about it because there are real stories, there’s real people and we’re just loving on people and helping them get a hand up,” Mr Macleod said. Mr Macleod said the soup kitchen initiative wasn’t just about a “one-off handout” because

the issues people experienced were deeper rooted. “Whether it has to do with sociological issues, situations where maybe the marriage broke up, abuse, all these things just break your heart,” he said. The Equip Church also runs a food bank that gives residents access to food parcels. “It’s just a thrill to help someone who is struggling … it’s one of those things that we’re going to continue to do right into the future,” Mr Macleod said.

The Wyndham Learning Festival is back for 2022 and will run from September 1-7 with a number of curated programs for members of the community. The festival is run by Wyndham council and the Wyndham Community Education Centre. Wyndham deputy mayor Jasmine Hill the aim of the festival is to “bring people together through learning, motivate the community to try something new and to promote lifelong learning for all age groups”. “With the theme this year of ‘Building a Resilient, Sustainable Wyndham’, the festival encompasses a huge array of events and activities for you to try something new and learn,” Cr Hill said. Council said the festival will be a celebration for the community on getting through a challenging time, re-emerging brighter and better, and building on their resilience into the future. A ‘WynTalk’ event will take place on Saturday, September 3 from 2-5pm at the Encore Events Centre. ABC presenter Jon Faine will interview a panel of four local residents who will share their experiences in relation to adversity, resilience and sustainability. A mini sustainable expo will showcase local organisations as part of the signature WynTalk event. There are still spots available for events, programs and activities. Registration to run an event is open until Saturday, July 9. Details: Wynlearnfestival.org.au. Fatima Halloum

Fatima Halloum

Care report paints full picture of regional health needs Wyndham had the highest number of patients with mental health care plans during the 2020-21 financial year at 21,304, according to a new North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) report. The 2022-2025 Health Needs Assessment [HNA] report highlighted the health needs of the more than 1.9 million residents across Melbourne’s western and northern suburbs. NWMPHN Insight Performance and Digital Services executive director Emma McKeown said they adapted their approach for this report to consider the social determinants of health.

She said the sources of evidence-based data included population health data, targeted surveys and focus groups, as well as engagement with healthcare providers and Victorian Agency for Health Information (VAHI) data. “That helps us to understand where there are health gaps within our services,” she said. “I think it’s quite a robust method.” Ms McKeown said due to the report only being a snapshot of a point in time, further data would continue to shape the NWMPHN’s approaches moving forward. “It’s a living thing,” she said.

“We are also consulting with local councils about some of the findings...to address the identified needs.” Other findings of the report included: ■ The proportion of daily smokers across the NWMPHN was 14.7 per cent for men and 10.9 per cent for women, which was higher than the state average across the catchment area across both men and women; ■ Only three per cent of adults within the primary healthcare network met the recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables, which was below the state-wide average of 3.6 per cent;

■ Moorabool represented the highest proportion of adults who were obese at 30.7 per cent, while the state-wide figure was 19.3 per cent; ■ About 28 per cent of adults within the NWMPHN have been diagnosed with anxiety or depression; and ■ Maribyrnong had the highest avoidable mortality rate at 128.2 deaths per 100,000, while Melton’s rate was 117.6 per 100,000 and Brimbank was 116.6 per 100,000.

Matthew Sims Wednesday, 6 July, 2022 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 3

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Cost of living pain hitting hard By Fatima Halloum Lisa Smith* is so meticulous about her spending that she can’t even indulge in a $4 coffee. Like a growing number of Wyndham residents, the 20-year-old is experiencing rental stress – defined as spending more than 30 per cent of a household’s gross earnings on rent. Lisa forks out more than 60 per cent of her income to keep a roof over her head. “I am currently getting about $1100 a

fortnight from Centrelink, $700 of that goes to rent,” she said. Data from the 2021 Census shows the number of Wyndham residents suffering from rental stress has almost tripled since the 2016 Census. Just 9.1 per cent of respondents in 2016 said their rent payments were greater than or equal to 30 per cent of their household’s income, in 2021, the figure increased to 27.9 per cent. Lisa moved to Melbourne from Mildura a few years ago as a homeless teenager and was only able to secure housing for her and her

young daughter in a share home with another occupant. “Without that, I would be on the streets, no one wanted to give me a go, so I had no choice but to go into a share house as a first-time renter,” she said. “I survive with food banks, because my daughter is on an extremely expensive specialised formula. It currently cost $72 a tin. I’m also on medication, it doesn’t seem like much but it’s $35 for three different medications. “It’s definitely gotten harder, the price of her

formula went up from $50 to $72, the power’s rates have gone up, the gas rates have gone up.” Lisa encourages others experiencing rental stress to reach out to community services for help. “People going through this, reach out to churches to Salvation Army to community groups, you’d be amazed how much people want to help,” she said. *Name has been changed to protect her identity

Joan dances to 100 When Phillip’s brother Neville called him a few years ago to tell him their mother was in hospital and didn’t have long to go, the siblings didn’t anticipate their mum would live and this year celebrate a century of life. Born on June 30, 1922, Joan Pascoe survived two world wars, the Great Depression, mass natural disasters and, more recently, a pandemic. “She’s always been a fighter, you’d have to say she was a strong woman,” Neville said. “Not long ago she fell out of her chair and got stitches in her head [and] a couple of years back before COVID, she got a bug, a viral bug and then two days later, she was back here and you would never know there was anything wrong with her.” Phillip believes his mother’s “one great love“ was ballet, and in her prime years, when Joan was a ballerina, she danced for the Queen during a royal visit to Australia. “She never drank, she never smoked, she

never swore. I didn’t inherit that one,” he said. Phillip, who flew down from Townsville to celebrate his mum at the Glendale Aged Care in Werribee where she lives, said Joan instilled in him the importance of hard work, and love. “You’d do everything for your kids … family is important,” he said. The family gifted Joan warm cardigans, a sponge cake, and a birthday letter from the Queen. Fatima Halloum

Neville, his daughter Lindsay, Joan and Phillip celebrating 100 years of life.

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Eyes on long-term mental health Mental health is among the top long-term health conditions for residents in Wyndham, according to latest Census data. More than 16,000, or 5.7 per cent, of surveyees listed mental health, including depression or anxiety as the type of long-term health condition they reported to have. The 2021 survey was the first time the census collected information relating to long-term health conditions, and Headspace’s national clinical advisor Simon Dodd said the data showed mental ill health continues to be

a challenge for people in the community. “Over the past two years, headspace has seen a significant increase in the number of young people reaching out for mental health support, and more young people than ever before are presenting to headspace with complex mental health challenges,” he said. Mr Dodd said the impacts of COVID-19 and subsequent efforts to contain the virus have “disproportionately impacted young people”, who were separated from support

networks in “an important time in their development”. “Many young Australians have also experienced natural disasters, including floods and bushfire, over this time,” he said. Despite a “greater awareness and acceptance” of mental ill-health in the community, Mr Dodd said reducing stigma continues to be an important step in getting young people the support they need to “avoid poorer health outcomes”. “Young people, their families and their

friends are encouraged to reach out for support in tough times,” he said. “Reaching out for help takes courage. But young people are strong and resilient, and with the right support they can and do go on to live happy, healthy lives.” The top listed long term health condition was asthma, with 19,105 or 6.5 per cent selections. Arthritis, 13,314, diabetes, 12,826 and heart disease, 6271, were also listed by residents in Wyndham.

Folk talents to delight Newport will host a range of folk and fiddle musical talent as part of the ‘An Evening of Love, Sorrow and Magic’ event. Delivered by the Newport Folk Festival in lieu of a weekend festival, the concert will include 18 musicians from Newport Strings who will hit the stage at The Substation, as well as a personal performance from singer-songwriter Maddie Jackway on Saturday, July 9 from 7.30pm. Newport Folk Festival director Michael Stewart said the program will mark the return for live performances following the COVID-19 pandemic. “This program is a gem and will provide you with the joy and delights we have missed since the group’s last major performance,” he said. Newport Strings emerged in Newport in 2006 when a group of four members of the Newport Fiddle and Folk Club realised that they had a shared love of classical string music.

The group began as a quartet and then expanded with the help of friends to form a larger orchestra. Local violinist Michaela Mee will lead the Newport Strings orchestra, while Maddie Jackway will perform her unique blend of songs inspired by pop, rock, folk, soul, blues, gospel, R’n’B and country. Mr Stewart said Jackway will finally grace a Newport stage after initially being slated to play at the cancelled 2021 Newport Folk Festival. “Maddie Jackway, from Warrnambool, caught the attention of Newport Folk Festival back in 2020 when she sang as part of an online Arts and Industry Event,” he said. “We are pleased to welcome Maddie to The Substation. “Her big soulful vocals will capture your hearts as she explores the life she, and we, love, in all its forms.” Details: nffc.org.au Matthew Sims

Violinist and leader of Newport Strings Michaela Mee is looking forward to the An Evening of Love, Sorrow and Magic event. (Damjan Janevski) 287660_01

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House fire investigated Fire Rescue Victoria responded to reports of smoke issuing from a house on Boundary Road, Tarneit on Saturday, July 2. Crews arrived on scene at 9.39pm to find the fire had already spread throughout the home and caused a partial collapse of the roof of the single storey brick house. The fire was declared under control at 10.32pm. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus were unable to confirm if the home was occupied at the time due to areas affected by structural collapse. The cause of the fire is being investigated.

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Police seeking witnesses Werribee Rotary Club’s Graham Roper and Ian Hovey presenting a beanie to a new mum at Werribee Mercy Hospital.

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Head warming beanies

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It’s hard to imagine that the 600 handmade beanies donated to the Werribee Mercy paediatrics ward, on Thursday, June 30, were all knitted by the same person. Helen Shaw began making the bright and dainty babies hats on behalf of the Werribee Rotary Club about seven years ago, when she was introduced to knitting by a friend. “That’s how it started and I can’t stop … some days I knit one, some days I knit two or three,” Ms Shaw said “It’s meant for as soon as the babies are born, they just give them a quick wipe and they put the beanie on their head to keep them warm because they lose a lot of heat that way. “I just liked knitting the colourful ones because a lot of the babies now are from different backgrounds, the mums of these

babies love them because they’re so colourful.” Ms Shaw said it was lovely to see her beanies finally at the hospital, but is adamant her hobby is just as beneficial for her as it is for others. “It’s good for the knitter as well as the babies, because it keeps them doing something active when they get older,” she said. Ms Shaw moved to the Sunshine Coast a few years into her project, and mailed down the remainder of the beanies, but hopes there are residents in Wyndham who would keep the initiative going. “The pattern is so easy, if they can knit and curl, that’s all they need really,”she said. “The more people you have knitting, the more you get for the babies.” Fatima Halloum

Police are looking for witnesses to an alleged firearms incident in Hoppers Crossing on the evening of Friday, July 1. Officers were called to a shopping complex on Warringa Crescent about 6.15pm after reports a man was seen with a firearm and acting erratically. Police found a man in the car park, he was taken into custody and officers located a gel blaster handgun nearby. A 32-year-old man is assisting police with their inquires. Information to Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

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Print and Online Sales Executive Star Weekly Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic sales executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms. Star Weekly is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future.

WFC invites you to our

The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business. Sales skills/experience: • Ability to maintain existing professional relationships and to create new ones • Ability to meet defined sales and activity targets • Excellent listening skills • Accuracy and attention to detail • Effective time management to meet deadlines • Ability to operate in a team • Demonstrates initiative and flexibility • Effective oral and written communication

Ladies Day High Tea 11.30am Saturday 9 July 2022 at Chirnsides by the River $60 per person Gather your besties and bring on some fun at our annual high tea experience with a race day twist! Great prizes to be won and with your help, our silent auction will raise some much-needed funds for the Werribee FC female academy. Stay on and support Werribee as they take on Coburg from 2.05pm.

Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance. The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme. Send your application letter and resume to: Mandy Clark Group Advertising Sales Manager mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au

Patrina Jones from Gold FM Christian O’Connell as MC Bookings now available Visit shop.werribeefc.com.au/upcoming-events Ticket enquiries contact Michelle 0402 211 943

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Builder announced for hospital A builder has been appointed for the construction of a new community hospital in Point Cook. Lendlease Building Contractors will begin works this year, the state government announced on Wednesday, June 29. Community hospitals are small public hospitals that offer health services tailored to local community needs, including urgent care for minor injuries and illnesses, day hospital services including dialysis, paediatric services, allied health and community mental health services. The Point Cook hospital is one of 10 community hospitals promised by Labor

in the lead up to the 2018 state election. The hospitals will all be built in major growth areas. Point Cook Action Group president Bob Fairclough said the new centre would “greatly assist” local people with medical conditions. “It’s been on the list for some time, several years, we’re happy that it has finally come to fruition,” he said. “I think there’s some really good features of the new clinic and one of them is to get to people with non-threatening injuries treated quicker.” The state government hopes the community hospital will take pressure off nearby major

hospitals and allow them to focus on critical care, complex health issues and surgeries, emergencies and trauma. Mr Fairclough also anticipates the centre will reduce the load on nearby doctors clinics, but hopes potential challenges are eliminated before the facility is built. “We would prefer an early start, and to speed up the process as soon as possible and start construction in order to cater for the increase in population,” he said. “It would be worthwhile though if it would have extended hours, ultimately 24 hours.” Once complete, the hospital will have the capacity to treat at least 114,000 more urgent care patients, provide 55,000 dialysis

treatments and enable more than 100,000 more allied health sessions each year, the government said. Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said the community hospital would help people access everyday health services when they need it, no matter where they live. “Families seeking urgent care for minor illnesses, including bumps and bruises, will be able to go their local community hospital for treatment – a huge benefit for locals that will also allow our major hospitals to focus on critical and complex health issues,” she said. Construction is expected to be completed by 2024.

Sports club gives back Werribee Centrals Football and Netball Club has raised $2500 to support the Blue Ribbon Foundation, honouring officers who lost their lives in the line of service. The club presented a cheque to Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Michael Grainger on Thursday, June 30, with funds raised through a sportsman lunch, raffle and auction in May. Club spokesperson Alan Stewart said the Werribee Centrals philosophy has “always been about helping other groups”. “Because we’re one of the oldest clubs in Werribee, we’ve probably had a luxury of being able to do that and raise money that other clubs don’t have ability to … because they’re still growing,” he said. “When we started the annual Sportsman day we said, ‘what can we do to give back?’ and Blue Ribbon came up because of Tim,

and Richard and family, and we’ve had a lot of police play here over the years.” Tim, the son of Werribee Centrals vice chairman Richard Lewczuk, was a police officer who was killed in the line of duty. Assistant Commissioner Grainger said he was “really, really pleased” with the money raised and “very keen” to get members of the community involved in more fundraising efforts to honour officers. “With that cheque we’ll put that towards supporting local hospital in some way, shape, or form, to develop a living memorial to police who’ve died in the line of duty,” he said. “We are very excited to be the beneficiary of the great work Werribee Centrals has done in terms of fundraising and ongoing support for the Blue Ribbon Foundation.” Fatima Halloum

Werribee Centrals’ Richard Lewczuk, Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Michael Grainger, Werribee Centrals’ Chris Kopelke and Constable Steph Kearney. (Fatima Halloum)

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Disability pensioner David Cail feels trapped by his funeral insurance. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 281908

Trapped paying ‘junk’ insurance By Elsie Lange When David Cail’s younger sister Leanne heard he was still paying $43 a fortnight from his pension for a funeral insurance plan he signed up for 20 years ago, she couldn’t believe it. “It comes out of his food budget – there’s been times where he’s been living off a loaf of bread,” she said. Her brother is a 63-year-old disability pensioner from Melbourne’s north-west, and after recovering from two debilitating bouts of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma since 2014, was this month diagnosed with terminal cancer in his brain. In the early 2000s, David saw an ad for funeral insurance on television. As a single man with no kids or partner he thought signing up for a $15,000 plan would take the burden off his family. Since Star Weekly raised the issue with TAL, the company has reached out to David to renegotiate his plan – the pensioner said he’d taken up the offer and will be reimbursed about $3800, with his premiums reduced. Until last week, he still paid premiums to TAL Insurance company, years after he had paid $15,000. To keep his access to the $15,000 plan, David had to pay premiums until he turned 90, or died. “You kind of think, hopefully I’ll die soon, that way they’re not going to get any more money and they’ll have to pay it out,” he said. He said even though it might have been in the fine print, he didn’t realise what would be 8 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 6 July, 2022

required of him for decades. The disability pensioner said he contacted the company a couple of years ago to see where he was at with his payments. As a former actor who now sometimes relied on food banks to survive because of his cancer, he asked to be given back the money he’d paid, so he could put it aside himself and accrue interest. Later, David said he took out a $4000 plan for his elderly mother, in addition to his $15,000 plan. Documents seen by Star Weekly show David has paid more than $20,500 in premiums for the two plans. He no longer pays his mum’s premium as she is over 90 years old. When he asked if he could transfer his $15,000 into a better plan, he said they told him no – he would have to start from scratch. “Every fortnight, on my pension week, they take it out – $43.68.” A TAL spokesperson said the company takes “very seriously” the importance of ensuring customers understand the products they purchase and the difference between insurance products and savings products. “Insurance works to cover the financial impacts of a specific event through a collective risk pool which covers the cost of all customer claims,” the spokesperson said. However, according to Financial Rights Legal Centre, many people who sign up for funeral insurance end up paying more in premiums than the benefit paid upon their death. The issue of funeral insurance has been

thrust into the public spotlight recently after the collapse of Youpla, formerly the Aboriginal Community Benefit Fund. The Consumer Action Law Centre (CALC), which provides free legal advice and pursues litigation on behalf of vulnerable consumers across the state, describes funeral insurance as a “problematic product”. CALC assistant director Cat Newton said, “funeral insurance is junk”. “For every $1 people pay in premiums, a paltry 29 cents is paid back to customers in claims across the industry,” Ms Newton said. “Anyone misled or concerned about their funeral insurance should seek legal advice, and can make a free complaint to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority.” If David lived until he was 90 but continued on his previous plan, he would have paid $43.68 a fortnight for 27 years. Calculating the number of fortnights in those approximately 1400 weeks, he would have paid more than $30,000 to TAL. The TAL spokesperson said the company “takes great care” to identify where customers may be vulnerable. “We have a range of support options available for customers whose circumstances have changed. We encourage our customers to reach out and discuss those options with us,” the spokesperson said. David said he hopes his story leads to better regulation of the industry, and shows others in a similar situation they are not alone. “It’s $44 dollars I could have for more medication, when I need it. Or $44 to buy groceries that I really need,” he said.

‘

You kind of think, hopefully I’ll die soon, that way they’re not going to get any more money

’

- David Cail

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Above: Lilith, 6, decided to dress as a winter princess for the festival. Left: Esta, 11, Bianca, 12 and Purva, 13, playing in the snow. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 287751

A winter wonderland festival A month-long winter wonderland festival is currently running in Eynesbury, for the local community to revel some school holiday winter fun. The Eynesbury Winter Festival will warm the west from until July 24, with a celebration for all ages. The free-entry festival includes an ice-skating rink, food trucks, magic shows,

family-friendly movies, Disney character parties and trivia nights. There are daily events for the duration of the school holidays and each Friday, Saturday and Sunday once classes return. Attendees can warm up at the Winter Village Square fire pits, take a spin on the ice-skating rink while a DJ plays groovy tunes, enjoy Micky Magic’s tricks or test their

trivia knowledge at Ms Peacock’s Restaurant and Bar. The festival will also include a special solstice celebration on July 16, which will feature a bonfire, African drummers, fire performers and a fireworks display. The festival is hosted by Resimax Property Group, who manage the housing estate in Eynesbury. Details: eynesbury.com.au

Dragan Vranjes and his kids Layla, 2, and Leo, 4, rugged up in their winter woollies. (Damjan Janevski) 287751_05

Above: Charlie, 4, Henry, 6, Oliver, 5, Pearl, 10, Maddison, 6, and Indie, 5, enjoying the festival. (Pictures: Supplied)

Left: Maggie, 9, and Talisha, 7, keeping warm in the igloo. Right: Scarlet, 7, and Madeline, 12, enjoying ice skating together. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 287751 Wednesday, 6 July, 2022 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 9

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Safety with new bridges names Two bridges in Wyndham will be named after community members to give them independent identifiers to make it easier for emergency services to locate them. The Ballan Road bridge will now be named after George Scolaro, the founding member of the Italian Social Club of Werribee and a concreter who built many landmarks in the area including council offices, schools, industrial sites and Werribee Police Station. The bridge at Derrimut Road will be named in honour of Nino Arrigo, an active member

of the Werribee Rotary club for more than 40 years. Mr Arrigo also rode a bicycle from Perth to Melbourne and raised $160,000 for cancer research. “George Scolaro and Nino Arrigo’s contributions to the community will now be remembered for decades to come,” Tarneit MP Sarah Connolly said. “There is still a chance for people to put forward names for three more bridges, so other local figures can be commemorated well into the future.”

The bridges names were chosen through VicTrack’s Bridge Naming Competition, which enabled locals to nominate names for the bridges that commemorate a community member or event. As well as the bridges at Derrimut Road and Ballan Road, the latest round of the Bridge Naming Competition asked residents to name bridges at Doherty’s Road, Davis Road and Leakes Road. All five bridges were built as part of the Regional Rail Link Project and look very similar, which could make it hard to tell them

apart in an emergency. Werribee MP Tim Pallas said he encourages people to continue to nominate names to give the bridges a unique identity. “It’s great to see these bridges have been named after local people who gave so much to the Werribee community,” he said. VicTrack is seeking any further nominations for the bridges at Davis Road, Dohertys Road and Leakes Road. Details: victrack.com.au/bridge.

Milestone for SES When the Wyndham SES was established 40 years ago, the service didn’t have a building, any equipment, trucks or money. Laurie Russell and Gerry Greenwood are the only two founding members remaining who were present when the service was formed in 1982. “We started the unit with a donation of $20 … all our training was done in the car park underneath the old civic centre,” Mr Russell said. “[As a] means of transport, Gerry Greenwood, he used to use his own vehicle, which was a Valiant Charger, and we used to tow a trailer behind it, that’s how we used to help people. “Our first vehicle we ever bought … that was an old biscuit van, we had that for a number of years and then we graduated from one vehicle to another to the present fleet we’ve got today.” Mr Greenwood said the SES unit did not

receive a government vehicle for 11 years. “We had to rely on donations, raffle tickets and selling chocolates in order to purchase our first vehicle, which was a 1967 Bedford van,” he said. Mr Russell said there was “a lot changing” for the SES in Wyndham, to keep up with changing times and population climbs. “Up until the last two or three years, we looked after the whole city of Wyndham, so 554sqm that we had responsibility for,” he said. “Then the Wyndham West unit was established, and currently plans are being finalised for the new unit down at Point Cook.” Fatima Halloum

Wyndham SES founding members Gerry Greenwood and Laurie Russell.

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Platypus numbers are ‘positive’ Riverkeeper John Forrester said the evidence of a moderate population of breeding platypus in the Werribee River is “very positive”. In collaboration with Greater Western Water and the Australian Platypus Conservancy, a live trapping survey was conducted at the Werribee River in February, and the findings were released on Tuesday, June 28. “We use fyke nets, they’re rather like a long stocking with hoops inside it … they’re quite safe, there’s a little bit of water at the bottom of the net and there’s quite a lot of fresh air,” Mr Forrester said. “They stay in the net until they’re released at

the end of each hour, the scientist comes back and checks the net.” The aim of the research is to gain an indication of how healthy the animals are. Three platypus were found in the Werribee River just below the Princes Freeway bridge. “We found an adult male, and then we found a young female, so that’s good news because there are the both sexes there,” Mr Forrester said. “Then we found a young baby male, so there’s young ones being born so really, that’s a great highlight. “Particularly since their total numbers have

declined in the last 25 years, and recently they were classified just last year as vulnerable in Victoria.” Mr Forrester said Wyndham residents are often surprised to learn the municipality is home to the native mammal. “No one sees them because they’re a wild animal, so they’re not obviously going to sit up on a rock and look pretty for you or I to take photos of them,” he said. “Because they’re also very aware that we might hurt them, so they do stay away and their active times are at night, so you don’t really see them.”

To help protect the platypus population, Love Our Street 3030 clean up group co-ordinator Lisa Field said it’s important to be mindful of littering. “Anyone can pick up some of the rubbish they’re seeing, and particularly looped rubbish you know hair ties, plastic bands or the rings,” Ms Field said. “You see one of them close to the river and then you get a bit of rain and it rushes in. When I pick up one close to the river, I think ‘well, I think i’ve saved a platypus today’, because they are a real threat.”

Sweet free for Dry July Mr Rahman believes the toll cancer can have on the financial and mental health of sufferers and family members requires more support, and he knows this first hand. “My dad was a great man just like all dads out there. He was diagnosed with an advanced stage of esophagus cancer where no surgical treatment could save him,” he said. “He went through a few chemotherapy before leaving us for eternity within six months of the findings.” Dry July began in 2008, when three friends decided to abstain from alcohol and asked friends and family to sponsor them in the hopes of raising $3000 to buy a TV for their local hospital’s waiting room. Fatima Halloum Shaikh Rahman will participate in the Dry July movement. (Joe Mastroianni) 288170_02

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While the Dry July movement encourages participants to go alcohol free for a month to raise money for cancer, Tarneit resident Shaikh Rahman is instead choosing to abstain from something else. Mr Rahman was raised as a Muslim and drinking alcohol is imperssible according to Islamic beliefs. “Alcohol is not an everyday reality like some of my close friends, acquaintances and community members,” he said. Instead, Mr Rahman will cut out sugar and sweets to show that anyone can get involved in the initiative. “Cancer has touched our lives in one-way or the other, we all know someone who was affected by this life-ending disease,” he said. “So far, 20,639 people are going dry and $2,075,200 have been raised to help people affected by cancer. I feel happy to be a dot in that picture.”

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Standing up for NAIDOC Week National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week is a time to recognise and celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Australia. Olivia Condous spoke to Indigenous people who work and live in the western suburbs about what the week means to them and their hopes for the future.

very year Australians celebrate Indigenous culture during national NAIDOC Week, held on the week of the first Sunday in

Lucy Webster, deputy chair of Kirrip Aboriginal Corporation, with her father Peter Webster who is the chief executive of Kirrip Aboriginal Corporation.

July. The theme for this year is ‘Get up! Stand up! Show up!’, designed to commemorate Indigenous peoples long history of continuing to fight for change. NAIDOC Week aims to unite the country in celebrating Aboriginal culture and advocating for better recognition and understanding. There are many Indigenous figures across the western suburbs who are strong advocates and who work hard to support their community and culture. Melton’s Lucy Webster is a Kamilaroi woman who is the deputy chairperson of Kirrip Aboriginal Corporation and a well-known local artist. To her, celebrating NAIDOC Week was all about Indigenous cultures receiving the recognition they deserve. “It’s all about recognising our culture and how it is still alive today, and it is the oldest living culture in the world,” Ms Webster said.

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It’s all about looking for that change, spreading that awareness and taking action - Lucy Webster

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“The fact that Melton and a lot of councils are now actually recognising that and seeing the significance of NAIDOC Week is just fantastic. “It’s helping us to share our culture further and get the acknowledgement and recognition that is well overdue.” Ms Webster’s Indigenous art exhibition Winanga Burruguu is currently displayed at the Melton Library, exploring traditional Aboriginal art styles and is designed to bring further awareness of Aboriginal culture among the wider community. Ms Webster said she hoped to see more significant acknowledgment and understanding of Aboriginal culture in the future. “It’s only in recent years that it’s really started being taught more accurately in schools and things, so I would love to see a much more in depth understanding taught within our school system.” She said education was integral to eradicating racism towards Indigneous people in Australia. “A lot of people don’t even actually notice that’s still happening.” Ms Webster said the hopes she held for the future aligned with this year’s NAIDOC Week theme. “It’s all about looking for that change, spreading that awareness and taking action.” Scott Krakouer is a Minang Noongar man who works for Youth Support and Advocacy Service (YSAS), based in the west. He said NAIDOC Week was a great opportunity to celebrate and share Aboriginal culture with all Australians. “It’s not just about Aboriginal people getting involved in NAIDOC events or cultural activities, it’s about the whole community embracing the First People of this country and embracing the culture of Aboriginal people,” Mr Krakouer said. “It’s for Aboriginal people to proudly share that with everyone.“ Echoing Ms Webster’s sentiments, he said the main improvement he wanted to see within the wider community was more education about Aboriginal people and culture. “It’s getting a lot better in my lifetime, but I think we still have a long way to go in terms of just how well educated the general public is about Aboriginal issues and the reasons behind

Left: Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung elder Aunty Julianne Axford with Melton MP Steve McGhie, Kirrip Aboriginal Corporation chair Skye Gooch and Melton councillor Ashleigh Vandenberg. Centre: The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags. (Pictures: Supplied) Right: Scott Krakouer works in the western suburbs in youth support work. (Damjan Janevski) 285967_06

those issues, which stemmed from history.” Mr Krakouer said the narrative the harm inflicted on Aboriginal communities happened a “really long time ago” and that Australia should move on was not accurate. “A lot of this stuff kind of happened in my parents’ generation, so it really wasn’t that long ago. “Aboriginal communities are still feeling the effects of some of the policies and the stuff that happened throughout history.” Part of Mr Krakouer’s work is finding cultural mentors for Indigenous youth to help them better connect to their culture and identity. “A big piece of the work is trying to link them with community and culture to help them kind of go on their cultural journey.” Working in youth support services in the west, Mr Krakouer said more Indigenous people had moved to the area in recent years but services and facilities needed to catch up. He commended Wyndham council on the recently opened Wunggurrwil Dhurrung Community Centre. “The new centre in Wyndham Vale is a good start, but having more public spaces in the west where Community can gather and connect with each other [is needed].” Skye Gooch is the chairperson of the Kirrip

Aboriginal Corporation and has lived in Melton for the last 15 years. She said while she felt proud of her Aboriginal culture every day, she felt “super proud” during NAIDOC Week. “It’s this whole celebration of culture, but it’s also for me a reminder of the struggles that our old people have gone through and the struggles that continue to face Mob.” While Ms Gooch said she enjoys celebrating NAIDOC Week, she felt as though the conversations each year weren’t really making progress. “We’re still talking about the same things that have been happening since the beginning of NAIDOC,” she said. “While I see that there are struggles still ahead, I’m really hopeful, especially with all the Treaty talk and the Uluru Statement from the Heart. I’m really hopeful that maybe we’ll see a lot more progress in the next couple of years.” Speaking of the future, Ms Gooch said she hoped that the Australian community, particularly governments, would engage with more truth-telling in Indigenous affairs. “We can’t move forward unless truth-telling is engaged with and acknowledged, the true history of Australia is acknowledged and then healing can begin.”

Ms Gooch said she believed governments used the phrase “self-determination” as a “buzzword”, but did not actually facilitate the true meaning of the word. “I just hope that in the future that the government commits to self-determination and listens to the voices because we have the solutions, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have the solutions. “It’s just that it’s really hard for governments to listen to us and to let us be the ones leading the way.” As chairperson of Kirrip Aboriginal Corporation, Ms Gooch said she felt privileged to be able to run events for the celebration and talk to the wider community on behalf of the Indigenous community. She encouraged residents of the western suburbs to visit Kirrip House in Melton and get involved this NAIDOC Week. “I’m really proud really of all the work that Kirrip does out here in the west and just encourage everyone in Community, even non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, to come down to Kirrip, have some yarns and just get involved this week.” For a guide on local NAIDOC Week events, visit your local council website or https://www. naidoc.org.au/local-events/local-naidoc-weekevents. Wednesday, 6 July, 2022 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 13

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Atkinson family’s fight for life Bree Atkinson was woken at 5am on May 23 by her husband Adam’s alarm, a standard wake up in the Atkinson household in Manor Lakes. What would transpire over the next few hours, however, would be nothing like a typical morning. “[I heard him] sort of groaning and stuff, so I thought ’that’s a bit unusual’,” she said. “I turned the light on and noticed that when he was talking his face was drooping and it was very visible that he had had a stroke.” Mr Atkinson was taken to Royal Melbourne Hospital where doctors worked to prevent further damage. “It was a bit touch and go for the first bit of it because he had substantial swelling of the brain … he’s got substantial damage to the left side of his body,” Mrs Atkinson said. “Basically from the waist to the shoulder is still quite gone, like he can’t move it or anything like that. “We don’t really know how good he’s going to be or how much recovery he’s going to make or anything.” Still trying to come to terms with her husband’s health issues, Mrs Atkinson was home from the hospital a few weeks ago watching her kids when her son, Flynn, 5, began experiencing a coughing fit. “I got him on the nebulizer and giving him Ventolin and stuff thinking it was asthma, and he just didn’t respond to it,” she said. While waiting for an ambulance, Mrs Atkinson said her son “went downhill quite dramatically”. “His body started going stiff, he started losing body fluids, I knew things were getting dangerous,” she said. “My neighbour next door, she came just as he started to go into cardiac arrest, she resuscitated him, she managed to get him

back, his heart was pumping again and he was breathing it was very shallow, quick breaths. “She had to work on him for 20 minutes before the ambulance arrived and she sort of kept him alive.” The doctors later told Mrs Atkinson that they believed her son had an anaphylactic attack, but weren’t sure what exactly it had caused it. “My whole family will be doing first aid CPR. What I went through, anyone can go through, and it’s just not something I want to ever go through again and be helpless and not be able to save my children,” she said. “I never imagined in my life we’d be where we are today. I am a very lucky person that both my little boy and my husband are still here. “But in the process, all my kids have also seen everything, they’ve seen dad the morning when the ambulance arrived, they’ve seen their little brother potentially flatline on the floor … we’ve all been through quite a lot.” Prior to having a stroke, Mr Atkinson often worked six days a week to support his family as Mrs Atkinson copes with an undiagnosed autoimmune illness. To ease the financial pressure on the family, Mrs Atkinson’s sister Teagan started a GoFundMe page. “We’ve never been the ones to reach out for help ever, but I sort of have to look at the broader picture, and my kids they don’t deserve to suffer,” she said. “And to take a bit of pressure off of Adam while he’s in hospital, because I know he’ll be worried financially, we’ve decided to go along with the GoFundMe.” Ethan, 15, Zackary, 12, Zaidyn, 13, with dad Adam. (Supplied)

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MY PLACE Not everybody gets to work at a place as picturesque as the Werribee Park, but horticulture ranger Adam Xerri does. He chats to Fatima Halloum about being able to work in the community he comes from. What’s your connection to Wyndham? I have grown up in Wyndham and I am proud to call Wyndham home. What do you like about where you live? Wyndham is a place that holds significant value not just in my life but many others, it is where I went to school, got my first job and the area I represented in sporting events. What if anything would you change about where you live? The number one thing I would change in Wyndham is investing heavily in youth programs. These programs provide a welcoming and safe environment for the youth of our community to learn and develop, giving them every chance we can to launch them into a bright future. Where is your favourite local place to spend time? Hands down my favourite local place to spend time is at Werribee Park. Whether it is the array of significant trees within the park, the sprawling lawns, vibrant roses to meticulously kept plant displays, there is always something new to discover at Werribee Park. Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you... I was very hesitant to go back to school as being academic was never one of my strong points, but I bit the bullet and successfully completed my trade certificate in horticulture. Further education has not stopped there as I have completed countless training courses, machinery licenses and extensive career development within the Parks Victoria organisation. What do you enjoy the most about working in Wyndham for Parks Victoria? Working within my local community gives

me a sense of deep satisfaction. Being able to create and maintain beautiful landscapes where people can relax, enjoy and create lifelong memories is something I strive to achieve on a daily basis. There has always been a negative stigma attached to the west, and in particular Wyndham, when in

conversations with others who are from the other side of town. They unfortunately see Wyndham as the ‘treatment plant’ or a blue collar neighbourhood. I see Werribee Park as the gem in the west. There are not too many places where you can feel like you’re in another world, away from the hustle

and bustle of everyday life, turning off and connecting to nature. I truly feel blessed to be able to work in an environment where I am able to connect with our visitors, opening their eyes to the limitless beauty of nature by reconnecting them to the land.

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 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 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 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) Tarneit Barry Plant Real Estate Shop 9, 380 Sayers Road (Wyndham Village Shopping Centre) Tarneit Community Centre 150 Sunset Views Boulevard Tarneit Serranos Cafe 747 Tarneit Road ( Tarneit Gardens SC ) Tarneit Tarneit Skies Retirement Village 250 Thames Boulevard

Truganina Palm Lakes Resort 7 Taronga Road Truganina Arndell Park Community Centre 29-49 Federation Boulevard Werribee Eagles Stadium Café 35 Ballan Road Werribee Hodges Real Estate 1/1 Watton Street Werribee Ison Village 150-160 Ballan Road Werribee Casaccio Egg Farm 170-198 Bulban Road Werribee IGA Supermarket 92-94 Cottrell Street Werribee Italian Sports Club 601 Heaths Road Werribee The Womans Hub - GP Clinic & Women Services 236 Hoppers Lane Werribee St Vincent’s Private Hospital 240 Hoppers Lane Werribee Wyndham City Council 45 Princes Highway Werribee Werribee Mercy Hospital Coffee Shop 300 Princes Highway Werribee Federation Residential Village 2A Railway Avenue Werribee SIMS IGA Werribee Village Cnr Shaws & Tarneit Rd Werribee Tatts Lotto 16 Station Place Werribee Westwoods First National 1 Synnot Street Werribee Werribee RSL 2A Synnot Street (Kelly Park) Werribee Werribee Fersh Market Feb-57 Synnot Street Werribee Baptcare Wyndham Lodge Community 120 Synnot Street Werribee Cellarbrations 52-54 Vincent Crescent Werribee Professionals Triwest 6a Watton Street Werribee Bendigo Bank 42 Watton Street Werribee P. Di Natale Real Estate 44 Watton Street Werribee Coles 143 Watton Street Werribee Wyndham Cultural Centre 177 Watton Street Werribee Barry Plant Real Estate 21 Watton Street Werribee YPA Real Estate 1 Werribee Street Werribee Glendale Hostel 2 Glendale Court Werribee Wyndham Private Medical Centre 242 Hoppers Lane Werribee South Werribee South General Store 785 Duncans Road Werribee South Wyndham Cache (LT’s Egg Farm) w1 K Ave Werribee South Anglers Anchorage Take Away 67 O’Connors Road Williams Landing Williams Landing News, Lotto & Tobacco Shop T10, 100 Overton Road (Williams Landing Shopping Centre) Williams Landing Woolworths 100 Overton Road (Williams Landing Shopping Centre) Wyndham Vale BP Service Station 210 Ballan Road Wyndham Vale Woolworths 205 Greens Road (Wyndham Vale Square Shopping Centre) Wyndham Vale IGA Wyndham Vale 50 Honour Avenue Wyndham Vale Iramoo Community Centre 84 Honour Avenue Wyndham Vale Manor Lakes Community Learning Centre 86 Manor Lakes Boulevard Wyndham Vale 7 Eleven Wyndham Vale Corner McGrath Road & Ballan Road

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Fitness fun worth leaving home Finding the motivation to leave the warm comfort of home for a fitness class can be difficult for some. The Iramoo Community Centre runs Fitness Fun classes on Mondays from 1–1.45pm. Sessions are suited for all levels of fitness and entry is $5.

Lynn Harsley.

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Trainer Angelika Hinz.

Jan Murphy.

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Atifa Arif.

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Chris Cohen.

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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

book sale on the first Tuesday, Friday and Saturday of each month at the rear of Altona Library 123 Queen Street Altona, access via Coles carpark, 10am-1pm. ■ https://libraries.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/ community/friends-of-the-libraries

New walking group Generations in Gaia is a monthly walk for young to old, exploring Wyndham’s open spaces and nature trails. Visiting a new site each month, the walks are especially tailored to little legs, delicate bodies and curious minds. The next walk will be at 9.30am at Werribee Park Farm on Tuesday, July 12. ■ Jess, 0450 348 969.

Tishya Del Rosario is a Top Model Contestant.

Women’s Choir Willin Wimmin choir welcomes new members. It meetd every Wednesday in term time from 7.30-9.30 pm at Church of Christ Hall in Douglas Parade, Williamstown. There are no auditions and members don’t need to be able to read music. ■ willin.wimmin@gmail.com

(Damjan Janevski) 287161

Morning Melodies Join Morning Melodies on the second Tuesday of each month from 10.30am-noon for the feel good music series held at Encore Events Centre in Hoppers Crossing. Tickets are $12 per head and include morning tea. Shows feature tributes to some of music’s greatest artists. ■ 1300 156 557

Walking Group

binGO MOVE is an active and social game of bingo. A number is called but triggers a standing or seated exercise, song or movement. Monday or Thursday at IPC Health Hoppers Crossing, 117 Warringa Crescent. ■ 8734 1400

Altona Meadows and Newport residents are invited to take part in a Heart Foundation walking group that meets on Wednesdays and Fridays. The group walks for 60 minutes, and is a great way to socialise and get active at the same time. Members are required to register with the Heart Foundation to join. ■ Ian Watson, 0411 566 862, or www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Community/ Whats-On/Altona-Meadows-and-NewportHeart-Foundation-Walking-Groups

CWA Werribee Branch

Williamstown Craft Market

Are you looking for an opportunity for friendship, personal development and advocacy in support of relevant social issues? The CWA Werribee Branch has been serving the Wyndham area for 74 years and has a great history of helping members with these opportunities, and supporting needy causes and charities locally, across Australia and overseas. Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of the month at the Wyndham Park Community Centre at 1pm. Other activities include a Craft and Chat morning, various social outings and fundraising events. New members are welcome. ■ Michelle, 97414402

Commonwealth Reserve comes alive on the third Sunday of the month for the Williamstown Craft Market. The market boasts more than 50 stalls showcasing everything from handmade craft, homegrown produce and food vendors. There will also be live music. From 10am-4pm. ■ www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Community/ Whats-On/Williamstown-Craft-Market

Bingo move

Western Budgerigar Club The Western Suburbs Budgerigar Club meets at 7.30pm on the third Thursday of each month at Masonic Hall, 223 Watton Street, Werribee. Meet other members who are also passionate about breeding Budgerigars. ■ Don, 0414 975 862

Wyndham Ladies Probus Are you recently retired or semi-retired? Looking for fun, fellowship and to increase your social networks. The Ladies Probus Club of Wyndham meets on the first Wednesday of each month at Hotel520, Sayers Road, Tarneit, and normally has an outing or event on the third Wednesday of each month. ■ Rosa Sanderson, 0410 303 046

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 6.30- 8.30pm. 2nd Newport Scouts, 6 Market Street, Newport. ■ www.nffc.org.au/beginner-playalong

All Aboard Club Job Seeker Assistance Hobsons Bay Libraries have partnered with Jobs Victoria and a Community Employment Connector(CALD focus) who base themselves at Hobsons Bay Libraries at regular times to provide support and assistance to job seekers, with referrals and resume-job interview help. Community Employment Connector – Altona Meadows Library and Learning Centre, Wednesdays noon-2pm, during school terms. Jobs Victoria Advocate – Altona North Library Community Library, Thursdays 10-11am.

Alcoholics Anonymous Williamstown

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.

Regular meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous are held at St Andrew’s Church Hall, Williamstown, Wednesday at 7pm and Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Newport, Thursday 6.30pm and Saturday 8.30am. All welcome including friends and family of people with drinking problems. ■ 1300 22 22 22 or www.aatimes.org.au

Bingo for all

Heritage Walks

The Werribee RSL hosts Bingo every Monday, except public holidays. Eyes down at 12.30-2.30pm. ■ 9741 5525

Enjoy a leisurely walk around historic Williamstown and nearby suburbs with guide John. Walks start at 9.20 am each Tuesday outside the Visitor Information Centre, Nelson Place. ■ John, 0418 377336

AL-ANON meets

Newport Fiddle and Folk Club After a COVID-interrupted year, the Newport Folk and Fiddle Group has started up its beginner play along sessions again. All instruments and levels of expertise are welcomed where the main aim is to enjoy music and have fun. On Saturday, July 16,

is free and includes morning tea. ■ 9397 6168

Wednesday Walking Group The Williamstown Community Centre offers a regular Wednesday walking group that walks the local area, 10.15-11am. New members are warmly welcome. This activity

The All Aboard Club has been going for 85 years. It is a social club which works for charities, with speakers, theatre and trips. It meets in the chambers at Williamstown Town Hall at 1.30pm on the first and third Tuesday of the month. New members welcome. ■ Wendy, 0421 747 040

AeroSpeakers Toastmasters Club Would you like to develop confidence in communicating, competence with language and clarity in writing? AeroSpeakers Toastmasters Club would like to invite any and all residents to join them on the first and third Thursday of every month to help develop public speaking, communication and leadership skills. The group meets at the Laverton Community Hub, 95-105 Railway Avenue, Laverton from 7.00-9.30pm. ■ Vince Camilleri, 0413 734 707

Community Lunch and morning tea The Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Williamstown will be holding a free community morning tea and lunch every Friday at the Parish Centre on Nelson Place. The morning tea starts from 10am. Tea and coffee will be served, alongside a variety of fun activities like knitting, board games and puzzles. The lunch will run from noon-1pm, with takeaway options available. Check-in and vaccination status are required.

Altona book sale Friends of Altona Library hold a monthly

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

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, 0414 481 442

Sunshine Community Brass Sunshine Community Brass is looking for new members to join its vibrant band of musicians. With over 90 years of history, the band is looking to grow for the future. Sunshine Community Brass is currently looking for trumpet and percussion players. It rehearses Tuesdays from 7.30pm, at 45 Furlong Road, North Sunshine. ■ Andrew, 0419 444 620

Senior citizens AGM Senior citizens of Deer Park will be holding its annual general meeting on August 15. The meeting will be held at 1pm at 119 Station Road, Deer Park. For the election of the committee and general business. ■ 9363 7326

Rotary club Sunbury Rotary Club meets every Tuesday at the Sunbury Bowling Club from 7pm. ■ sunburyrotary@gmail.com Wednesday, 6 July, 2022 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 17

PUZZLES

Hand it over (colloq) (5) Mountain ascent (4,5)

10 11 12 13

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

Today’s Aim: 21 words: Good 32 words: Very good

1 2 9 4 3 5 8 7 6

5 4 8 7 2 6 9 1 3

3 9 4 5 1 7 6 8 2

N T R Y

E T

9 7 3 2 5 8 4 6 1

7 6 4 8 2 1 9 3 5

2 9 3 6 4 5 1 8 7

4 2 7 9 3 6 5 1 8

1 8 5 2 7 4 6 9 3

6 3 9 5 1 8 4 7 2

8 4 1 7 6 2 3 5 9

3 7 2 4 5 9 8 6 1

9 5 6 1 8 3 7 2 4

2 3 4 8 5 6 7 1 9

3 6 1 5 8 2 9 4 7

5 4 8 6 7 9 3 2 1

7 2 9 4 1 3 6 8 5

9 8 5 7 3 4 1 6 2

6 1 3 2 9 8 5 7 4

4 7 2 1 6 5 8 9 3

18 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 6 July, 2022

NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

A F E S R O N E S I D E

2 8 1 3 6 4 5 9 7

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

O S E D

1 5 6 9 2 7 4 3 8

No. 088

4 6 5 1 7 9 3 2 8

8 9 7 3 4 1 2 5 6

6 7 2 5 (

4 LETTERS ALAS ARSE ARTS AWES BASS BITE CLUE KEYS LASS MISS MULE OBOE RUDE TOOK 5 LETTERS AISLE

LILAC LOAFS MALES MOTOR MOTTO NAVEL OBESE OLIVE OMEGA OPENS OUTDO ROADS SERVE SLEWS SPELL STEAK STEWS STORE STYLE SWELL TERSE

TILED TREES TROTS TRUER UTERI WARTS WOMEN

7 LETTERS ACROBAT AUTOPSY ENAMELS GENTLER SMASHED UNNERVE

6 LETTERS LANCES RECITE SEDATE WAKENS

8 LETTERS EMERGENT LECTURES SHORTEST SUSPENSE

08-07-22

S P A

7 5 6 9 8 2 1 3 4

dilute, duel, duet, dune, dung, dunlin, eluding, eluting, enduing, ennui, etui, glue, glued, glut, glutei, gluten, guide, guild, guile, guilt, gunned, indue, indulge, INDULGENT, lieu, lung, lunge, lunged, lute, nude, nudge, tune, tuned, tuning, unit, unite, united, unlined, unlit, untie, untied, until, utile

8 1 2 6 4 3 7 5 9

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

5 1 8 3 9 7 2 4 6

6 3 7 8 9 1 2 4 5

43 words: Excellent

hard

medium

9-LETTER WORD

$ 3 5 , /

ALIVE APRIL AROMA ARSES ASSES ATLAS BARGE BOAST CHURN CRAVE EARNS EASEL EDGES ENACT ENTER ENVOY ERASE FIRES HAREM INCUR LEPER

easy

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QUICK QUIZ

A quintuplet is one of how many babies born at once?

The Woodchuck or groundhog is what type of animal?

When is the next leap year?

Black, green and Rooibos are all types of what?

Cartomancy is the art of divination by what means?

The black dog is a symbolic representation of what?

What nationality is singersongwriter Elvis Costello?

Jamie Lee Curtis (pictured) starred as Laurie Strode in which 1978 movie?

Soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo plays for which club in the 2021-22 season?

10 Pop singer John Paul Young had a 1978 hit with what song?

ANSWERS: 1. Five 2. 2024 3. Tea 4. Depression 5. Halloween 6. Manchester United 7. Marmot 8. Reading a deck of cards 9. English 10. Love Is in the Air

5x5

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

5 2 9

R E Y A U B P V F S K N T

7 ( 5 6 (

7 5 8 ( 5 2 8 7 ' 2 2 0 ( * $ $ . 5 ( ' 1 0 , 6 6 7 :2 $ 7 / $ 6 2 5 7 ( 6 7 8 7 2 3 6 < 7 6 ( ( / $ 5 6 ( ( / 6 : $ . ( 1 6 ( 1 5 $ 3 & 5 $ 9 ( ( $ 6 ( / 6 : ( / /

' ( 1

9 4

4 1

, 1 & 8 5

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7 , / ( '

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8 1

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7 2 2 $ . 1 7 : $ 2 5 8 7 7 6

hard

0 $ / ( 6

6 0 $ 6 + ( '

5 8 9 6 3 2 9 4 8 7

3 LETTERS AGE ANT ASK BAN DEN EEL EVE EWE IDS ION KEN MEW NET ONE OPT OUT OVA RAP RAW RED RUM TEA TWO VOW

No. 088

% $ 1

5 8

WORDFIT

7 ( 5 6 (

No. 088

, 1 & 8 5

DECODER

% 2 $ 6 7

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

DOWN 1 2

5 8 ( 5 8 7 ' 2 0 ( * $ 5 ( ' 0 , 6 6 2 7 / $ 6 7 ( 6 7 2 3 6 < ( ( / $ 5 6 ( 6 . ( 1 6 5 $ 3 5 $ 9 ( $ 6 ( / : ( / /

medium

18 21 23 24

( / : $ ( 1 & ( 6

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

14 16 19 20 22 25 26 27 28

/ ( ( 1 & 7 7 ( 8 5 5 ( 6 + $ $ 5 / ( $ 0 6 . 9 ( 2 < : 6

11 12 13

8 1 1 ( 5 9 (

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

$ , :2 ( 1 6 & 7 / 5 8 2 ( 7 6 ( 0 ( 5 * ( 1 7

7 ( $ $ 5 6 ( 6

Size (5) Insipid (9) Engine (7) Most long-suffering or submissive (7) Meet (9) Following (5) Digitally generated imagery (1.1.1.) Ancient (11) With excessive effort (11) Come together (3) “Not on your — !” (5) In part (9) Dawn (7) Witticism (7) Silver medallists (7-2) Nordic (5)

2 5 9 ( $ & , $ 7 * ( ( 2 2 % 3 ( ( 6 1 ( 6 % 0 $ ( 6 : 6

easy

Japanese verse form (5) Surgery chamber (7) Japanese warrior (7) Gracefully (9) Discharge (5) Tongue-in-cheek (9) Settler (9) Political policy (5,4) Evenly (9) Greek musician who visited the underworld (7) Distribute (food) (5,2) Flaxen cloth (5) Mediterranean island (5) Arab state (5)

3 4 5 6 7 8 13 14 15 17

ACROSS 1 4 9 10

No. 088

6 7 2 5 (

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.

QUICK CROSSWORD

$ 3 5 , /

No. 088

/ 2 $ ) 6

SUDOKU

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

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From plumbers to pest control, carpet cleaning to building services, dry cleaning to computer repairs, lawn mowing and more, Network Classifieds has been connecting local businesses with the local community with our Trades and Services each week.

Kitchens & Bathroom Renovations

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

Ga ฀

฀ 339 Lou 0412

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ 39 739 y 0431 3 445 Ton

Altona, Laverton, Hoppers Crossing, Werribee. ฀ ฀

www.topedgekitchens.com.au

V Builders & Building Services

฀ ฀

GEORGE FOX 0431 277 046

12422553-FA29-19

STEVE’S GARDENING • Lawn Mowing • Weeding • Rubbish Removal • Removing Trees • Gutter Cleaning • Spraying

Phone 0401 407 282

A1 Garden Maintenance & Rubbish Removals

Call 1300 666 808

฀ ฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀

Call Sam

฀

฀ ฀

฀

฀ ฀ ฀

฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

0450 820 170 - 7 days

V Guttering

Call Paul 0412 V Cleaning Services

Phone John: 0401 763 559

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

V Carpenters

Phone Tony 0404 775 573

section of Network Classifieds.

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

Steve’s Carpentry Services

M & D MICALLEF

House slabs

Doors & Windows Fitted, Pergolas, Decks, Car Ports, Alterations & Renovations All General Repairs No Job too Small

CONCRETING

Stencil Slate

Aggregate Coloured concrete

12423061-SN30-19

0418 217 888

12335742-HM02-17

฀

Martin 0418 171 280 or 9748 3196

G6053960AA-dc29May

Lou’s Colorbond Fencing

V Concrete Products & Services

Plain concrete Wash/seal old

drive ways Bobcat and dingo hire

★ New & Existing ★

Homes

฀

฀ ฀ FREE QUOTES

0421 421 640

V Handy Persons

JOHN’S HANDYMAN SERVICES

Call John 0433 911 967 or 9395 5019

V Fencing & Gates

General Classifieds 1152992-LB36-14

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

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

1232632-ACM26-16

� Carpentry � Doors � Painting � Wallpapering � Tiling � Flat Pack Assembly � All Odd Jobs No job too small - Free Quotes

SMALL SMALL CONCRETING CONCRETING JOBS JOBS

Specialising in office cleaning, building, cleaning, window cleaning and vacate

V Cabinet Makers

� Exposed aggregate, slate, stencil, colour & plain concrete � Exposed aggregate pressure washing, concrete cutting & re-sealing

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

816 479

SM & J Cleaning Service

Doug 0410 227 974 or Brent 0416 913712

P & A GATT P/L EXPERT CONCRETE WORK

12416265-CG17-19

Free Quotes

*conditions apply

20 Years Experience ﬂetcherscarpetcleaning.com.au

12413659-LB12-19

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

3 Standard Rooms for $100 inc GST

฀

V Concrete Products & Services

Fletcher’s Carpet Steam Cleaning We also clean: Upholstery and Tile and Grout

G6084690AA-dc12Jun

CUSTOM DECKS & PERGOLAS

฀

V Carpet Cleaning

12402755-RA44-18

Andrew 0425 852 621 | Froggys.com.au | info@froggys.com.au

12459914-SN36-20

12553408-SG23-22

Pergolas • Decks • Retaining Walls • Renovations • Landscaping

12533274-HC09-22

CONTRACTING

Very diverse in all aspects of specialised property services

LIC NO. 96895C

฀ ฀

RJ GUTTERS

Froggys

Call Chris 9399 8104 or 0419 329 550

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀

PENSIONER RATES

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

8348 5441

฀

12497544-JW23-21

Fencing d n o b r lo Lou’s Cotes & Pergolas

LAWN MOWING SERVICES

“Star Weekly has been the most effective, affordable and efficient advertising company that we have ever dealt with.”- Louie

G6254323AA-dc28Aug

12420493-CG25-19

Call Joe 0498 375 094 - 7 days

12360798-DJ33-17

V Bathroom & Kitchens

Speak to our classified team and find out how easy it is to advertise. Start building your brand today and be seen every week in Network Classifieds Trades and Services. A44-18 12402755-R 4-17 5153 ACM1

12435710-CG03-20

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

Deadline for all classifications is 1:00pm Tuesday.

or 0419 117 958

TRADES & SERVICES

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

0402 232 307

V Heating

KS Heating & Cooling Services • Repairs • Maintenance Over 30 years experience, All types of Air Con, Evap Cooler & Gas Heating System AU31693

Call 0430 332 368

G6425413AA-dc5Nov

V Kitchens

FREE DESIGN-CHEAPEST PRICE

General Notices section of Network Classifieds.

Specialise in: - Kitchens, vanities, laundries, wardrobes, storages Glass: Splashback, shower screen, mirrors, glass. For free quote call Mob: 0423 595 388 Email: sales@lnkitchens.com.au Showroom: 24 Berkshire Rd, North Sunshine

12367852-ACM41-17

We accept payment by:

CALL

12557262-DL27-22

Grow your business with

(include your name, address and phone number)

ADVERTISE with us and get better results

12514849-JW40-21

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

Will beat Supply | Install | Expert Advice any quoted Carpet & Timber | Repairs price by 5% MONTHLY SPECIAL!! Solution Dyed Nylon & Underlay - Fully Installed $47.22 sqm

CALL 1300 666 808 Wednesday, 6 July, 2022 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 19

SECTION STARWEEKLY.COM.AU Trades & Services

General Notices

V Kitchens

General Classifieds V Pets & Services

V Public Notices and Event

ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE

12362716-ACM35-17

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

ENGLISH TUTOR Phone John 0413 827 630

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

section of Network Classifieds.

Employment

Friday 8th of July - Sunday 10th of July

Saida’s Painting And Handyman

FIREWORKS DISPLAY on Sunday 10th of July between 7:00pm and 7:30pm

V Positions Vacant

12532148-AV03-22

We also have LIVE music every day. RIDES & AMUSEMENTS

Free Quote

Bashyrr Saida 0416 561 594 Ibrahim Saida 0403 610 782

• Dodgem Cars • Twister Cha Cha • Ultimate Party Machine • Kiddie Rides • Carnival Games

OPENING TIMES 12557228-27-22

Friday 5.00pm - 10.30pm Saturday 12.00pm - 10.30pm Sunday 11.30am - 7.00pm

V Positions Vacant

Delivery Driver Full time driver wanted for Auto Spare Parts deliveries in the Western Suburbs only. Contact: Mick or Debby 93999911

• Fireworks • Fairy ﬂoss stand • Coffee and donut stand

+ Free Face Painting on Sat & Sun

12416368-CG17-19

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

C704225-JM17-9

Dynamite Plumbing Will blow the others away

David Sheridon 0412 311 148

The Application is for a permit to:

Native Vegetation Removal

The Application Reference Number is:

WYP13349/22

The applicant for the permit is:

Wyndham City Council

Planning Ofﬁcer Details:

Contact: Siobhan Matthews Telephone: 8734 1359 Ext 1359

Lic No. 38755 ABN No. 58054025352

MIRMIC PLUMBING Lic 35031

Call Mick 0417 352 040 V Television/Video/Audio

ANTENNA MAN SAME DAY SERVICE

DIGITAL ANTENNAS AMPLIFIERS TV OUTLETS

12469374-CG46-20

V Tiling

ASAP TILING

Tel 04 3277 4645

Find local work with an advert in the

Trades & Services section of Network Classifieds.

12521636-DL45-21

• Bathroom, Kitchen, Toilet Renovation • Small Extension • Carpentry / Plastering • 20yrs. Plus Building Experience ** call Hill now for a free quote **

The Application Reference Number is:

WYP13490/22

The applicant for the permit is:

The Planning Professionals

Planning Ofﬁcer Details:

Contact: Brendan Miller Telephone: 8376 5550

Applicants should have: • A 'Safety First' attitude, complying with OHS regulations. • A good grasp of Melbourne roads. • An ability to complete and submit paperwork daily. • An ability to clean and maintain our truck cabins. • Minimum Qualiﬁcation - HC Driver If you can see yourself in a position in our company and can provide references for your experience, please phone Stuart on 0422 228 888.

Employment

section of Network Classifieds.

- www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/advertising - Wyndham City Council Civic Centre, 45 Princes Highway, Werribee, VIC 3030 between 9am and 4pm Monday to Friday

You may look at the application and any documentation that support the application either online or at ofﬁce of the Responsible Authority: - www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/advertising - Wyndham City Council Civic Centre, 45 Princes Highway, Werribee, VIC 3030 between 9am and 4pm Monday to Friday Any person who may be affected by the granting of the permit may object or make other submissions to the Responsible Authority by post or in person or; - Online: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/planningobjection - Email: mail@wyndham.vic.gov.au An objection must be made to the Responsible Authority in writing, include the reasons for the objection and state how the objector would be affected. If you object, the Responsible Authority will tell you of its decision. Council must make a copy of every objection available at its office for any person to inspect during office hours free of charge until the end of the period during which an application may be made for review of a decision on the application.

V Professional

Any person who may be affected by the granting of the permit may object or make other submissions to the Responsible Authority by post or in person or;

DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL

- Online: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/planningobjection - Email: mail@wyndham.vic.gov.au An objection must be made to the Responsible Authority in writing, include the reasons for the objection and state how the objector would be affected. If you object, the Responsible Authority will tell you of its decision. 18 July 2022-JW27-22

FREE Quotes

The Application is for a permit to:

Variation to restrictive single dwelling covenant F785889’s wording to also allow for a Medical Centre at 168 Derrimut Road, Hoppers Crossing.

LTE Group is a family owned and operated company with over 40 years combined experience with Earthmoving, Excavation and Piling. We are currently looking for HC Drivers for tippers immediately!

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

12530339-JW02-22

• General Plumbing & Maintenance • Spouting & Roofing • Hot & Cold Water Services • Gas work

The land affected by the Application is located at:

HC TIP TRUCK DRIVERS

12556996-ET27-22

For all your plumbing needs

Bulban Road (Road Reserve) MAMBOURIN VIC 3024

Council must make a copy of every objection available at its office for any person to inspect during office hours free of charge until the end of the period during which an application may be made for review of a decision on the application. The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before:

21st July 2022

General Classifieds V Adult Services

V Wanted

Records The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before:

18 July 2022

Velvet House

12474997-DL50-20

V Plumbing

The land affected by the Application is located at:

168 Derrimut Road HOPPERS CROSSING VIC 3029

V Positions Vacant

60's, 70's, 80's and jazz records. Will come to your place. Good prices. No classical. Ring Len 0490 098 805 or 0434 253 428. V Massage Therapists

NEW NEW NEW 32 Dunlop Rd Hoppers Crossing

0431 390 599 Swa13128xbe

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

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.

Motoring V Wrecking

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

12321532-HM36-16

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

0439 858 298

0409 888 228

1 x Excavator Operator 1 x Loader Operator and 1 x Labourer required. Duties include greasing, maintenance and adhoc. Contact Norm after 5pm for further details:

0428 568 004

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

HIGHLY EXPERIENCED TECHNICIANS ANTENNA SERVICE ALL AREAS

OPERATORS AND LABOURER

12555683-HC25-22

• Painting And Decorating • Timber Repairs • Plaster Repairs • Tile And Concrete Repairs

฀ ฀

Real Estate

45-71 Wickford Road Tarneit, Vic 3029

V Painters/Decorators

฀

Buy, Rent & Sell in our

12423634-SN31-19

12484342-CG09-21

V Landscaping

• Instant & Synthetic Turf • Specialising in Excavation & • Garden / Nature Strip Landscape Construction Design & Makeovers • Site Clean Ups & Removal of all types Free Quote Call Mick 0403 059 904

V Tuition

LMCT 10268W

7 days a week service Call Gus for a free quotation on

Buy & Sell in our

Motoring section of Network Classifieds.

0435 904 818

Call our Network Classifieds team on 1300 666 808 or email us sales@networkclassifieds.com.au 20 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 6 July, 2022

12550336-AV20-22

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Citroen C4 shines for the price By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring The Citroen C4 may look like an SUV, Citroen describes it as a blend of car, hatch and a coupe. Whatever floats your boat. There’s just the one model coming Downunder, the C4 Shine, priced from $37,990 plus on-roads.

Styling It sits high enough to be an SUV and has, lower protective plastic cladding, and it’s categorised as an SUV for statistical purposes. But the rear hatch and steeply sloping rear roof line lend an athletic, coupe-look to the profile. The front with its slimline lights’ highlights “Citroën LED Vision“ technology, with daytime running lights, headlights with three elements and LED fog lights with static corner lighting. The interior features a wide, minimalist dashboard, bookended by large air vents, with easy-to-use controls that does away with unnecessary clutter. It has a minimalist 5.5-inch digital instrument panel. You won’t find any cool navigation graphics here. In fact, cycling through the small screen and its retro graphics produces hardly any visual change at all. A flip-up style, head-up information panel is standard. It’s visible through polarised sunglasses. Excellent! It does the job, but is a little large and intrusive. Rear seat comfort was given plenty of attention during the design process, but legroom still feels a little tight. Advanced Comfort seats, designed for long distances, incorporate a high-density layer covered by 15mm-thick textured surface foam, providing a padded effect. Standard kit includes 18-inch alloys, keyless entry and start, dual climate air conditioning, partial leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, and a four-way power driver’s seat with massaging. There’s also automatic lights and wipers, automatic high-beam, dimming rear-view mirror, LED headlights, daytime running lights and fog lights, static cornering lights, along with front, rear and side parking sensors, electric parking brake, rear privacy glass and heated, power-folding exterior mirrors. Curiously, the physical volume control for audio is located on the furthest side from the driver, whether it’s the right or left-hand drive model. There’s one 12V power outlet in front, along with one USB Type-A socket for charging and one USB Type-C socket for data. The second row has just the one USB Type-A socket for charging. Citroen C4 is covered by a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, with service due every 12 months or 15,000km.

C4 . . . it’s fun, stylish and doesn’t cost a bomb. (Pictures: Supplied)

There’s also blind spot monitoring, active lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, driver attention alert, colour head-up display and a reversing camera with top-down 360-degree image.

Infotainment Infotainment comes in the form of a frameless, ultra-thin, borderless 10.0-inch touchscreen together with six-speaker audio, built-in satellite navigation, voice recognition, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, DAB digital radio and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto -- with the support of high-level acoustic insulation.

Engines / transmissions Power comes from a perky 1.2-litre, three-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine that delivers 114kW of power at 5500 revs and 240Nm of torque from 1750 revs. Driving the front wheels is an eight-speed auto, with paddle shifters. The engine stop-start that delivers excellent fuel consumption.

Safety Safety is disappointingly rated at four stars, narrowly falling short in some areas. It extends to six airbags, forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking with low light pedestrian and cyclist detection.

Driving The sloping roofline, although it looks terrific, makes backseat entry and exit more difficult and reduces rear headroom. The cabin features a hollow form dash and soft touch armrest trim, with high-gloss black accents for the air vents, steering wheel, instrument panel, air conditioning fascia, infotainment controls and centre console. The centre console offers plenty of storage space with lots of other storage available around the cabin. The front seats are comfy, a good size and heated too. The driver’s seat features four-way electric adjustment but manual fore and aft adjustment as well as a massage function. The passengers’ seat has multi-way manual adjustment with electric lumbar adjustment. The rear seat has a split/fold backrest. Its rear area has rear air vents and USB charging. The doors feature a curious, angled strip of cloth trim as ornamentation. Doubling as a rear-view camera, the screen offers poor vision when it comes to reversing in low light at night.

AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE Citroen C4 Shine: $37,990 (automatic) SPECIFICATIONS Citroen C4 Shine 1.2-litre turbo-petrol five-door wagon

Note: This price does not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Citroen dealer for drive-away prices.

Turbocharging the car basically brings performance up to the level of a 2.0-litre engine. It also delivers maximum torque earlier in the rev range, giving it more thrust, especially away from the line. Being a three-cylinder engine, it adds a thrummy feel and note to proceedings. Gear selection is accomplished via a fingertip type push-pull toggle, with separate buttons for park and manual mode and another switch for drive modes. The toggle works okay, but is virtually invisible at night and can be challenging as your fingers search for it, with backlighting for only the park and manual buttons. Gear change paddles are fun for more spirited driving. The three-cylinder turbo delivers a surprising amount of punch for its size, zipping away from

the lights and developing a healthy rasp under hard acceleration. The eight-speed auto is often jerky in execution and reminds us of the dead but not forgotten robotised manual the company once offered. The brakes are grabby too. Much is made of the ride quality which is enhanced by pressurised hydraulic shock absorbers with progressive damping front and rear. The resulting ride is firmish and not altogether unpleasant, but nothing special otherwise. Over the shoulder vision is compromised by the roof structure and rear pillars. Rated at 6.1L/100km, we were getting 6.7 from the 50-litre tank after 720km of road testing.

Summing up I worry for the future of Citroen in this country. Although it makes some fun and sometimes exciting cars, for some reason no one wants to buy them. I guess it can be compared to GM trying to sell Holdens to the French. They’d be suspicious at least. I’m not saying the C4 is a great car, but it offers plenty for the price. It’s fun, super stylish and is an interesting alternative to the lookalike, drive-alike competition. Wednesday, 6 July, 2022 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 21

athletics champion, Baskaran turned to football when she was 16 and has never looked back. Baskaran previously told Star Weekly that her focus was on recovering from an ankle injury. “Now it’s about getting my ankle back to 100 per cent and doing rehab and a bit of upper body training,“ she said at the time. “I’m still doing as much as I can and not lose any fitness. “I want to keep that positive mindset.” Elliott said she and her family celebrated the good news while watching the draft announcements together. “It still feels surreal,” she said. Elliott said she was looking forward to starting training with the other Hawthorn players on Saturday. “Hawthorn is a great club,“ she said. Elliott averaged 13.8 disposals, 4.7 rebound 50s and 3.8 marks at the NAB League level. A Hawthorn spokesperson said her most impressive performance was in the grand final, in which she surpassed 20 disposals for the first

time in 2022 and achieved 12 rebound 50s. “At the 2022 NAB AFLW National Championships, she averaged 9.3 disposals and 2.7 marks,” the spokesperson said. “Elliott’s aerial ability is second to none thanks to her immense composure and exquisite positioning around the contest.“ Hawthorn AFLW list manager Mitchell Cashion said the club was thrilled with the results of the draft. “Coming into our inaugural AFLW draft with seven of the first 13 picks meant we were confident in our ability to select the best talent available,” he said. “To come out of the draft with some of the most exciting prospects in the country is a huge achievement for our entire Hawthorn community, who I’m sure will really enjoy watching these players develop their skills and craft over years to come. “With our AFLW list now completed, we are ready to propel into the season and have exciting upside for the future ahead.” Matthew Sims

LAURA ELLIOTT

CHARLOTTE BASKARAN

Falcons score a huge win

Dejan Vasiljevic is currently in the United States in the summer league to secure an NBA contract.

(Josh White / Miami Athletics)

Vasiljevic aiming for NBA By Fatima Halloum When Dejan Vasiljevic ruptured his achilles tendon while playing for the Sydney Kings in the National Basketball League in 2021, it could have been the injury that ended his career. Playing in his first season for the Kings, Vasiljevic was making an impact back in his home country having returned from college in America. “I was having a great season … and just tearing the achilles while making the same move I made pretty much my whole life, that kind of set me back a little,” he said. Vasiljevic, who was raised in the Wyndham, credits his “great support system”, his parents, sister and a few close friends, for helping him maintain a positive mindset while he recuperated. “I’ve seen too many professional athletes come back even better from certain types of injuries,” he said. 22 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 6 July, 2022

“So for me, it was just about embracing a very serious injury and making sure it never happens again.” He returned to the court during the 2021-22 season and played a key role as his helped the Kings claim the NBL title, beating the Tasmania JackJumpers in the grand final series. Having regained his confidence on the the court, Vasiljevic will this month showcase his skills in Las Vegas, playing for the Phoenix Suns in the NBA Summer League after being robbed of the opportunity on multiple occasions. “When I came out of college in 2020, obviously COVID kind of disrupted that and last year I had my torn achilles,” he said of not playing in the Summer League before. “I finally get the chance to go over and show scouts what I can do and just play my game.” An NBA contract is what Vasiljevic is fighting for, but the 25-year-old says he isn’t choosy when it comes to achieving his basketball dream. “Only 400 people get to play in the NBA, so

you gotta fight for every spot and every chance you get, I wouldn’t even mind what team as long as I get the chance to be able to play,” he said. Amidst the pressure from roaring fans and eagle-eyed coaches, Vasiljevic says he’s “kind of used to” the heat that comes with being a sportsman. “I think when you’re a professional athlete there’s always pressure to perform and win games,” he said. “It’s just another game and an opportunity for me to take the next step in my journey.” If he fails to score an NBA slot, Vasiljevic is happy to come back to Australia, continue playing for the Sydney Kings and keep trying to prove his potential. Vasiljevic recently signed a three-year contract to remain at the Kings. “I look forward to seeing what the next 10 to 15 years for me looks like,” he said. For now, Vasiljevic will continue to live by his motto and enjoy life day by day, not think too far into the future and be in the present.

After a tough couple of games, the City West Falcons have come back firing on all cylinders, with a huge win in the Victorian Netball League championships division. The Falcons made light work of the Peninsula Waves on Wednesday night, winning 93-47. The score is the highest of the season for the Falcons, who are currently sitting second on the ladder with their eyes set on the finals in three weeks time. Falcons coach Marg Lind said the key to the team’s recent success was a strong focus on defence, which showed in their win against the Waves. “We’ve been doing a fair bit of focus on overall team defence, because we feel like we’re the highest scoring team in the league, but we’ve had a fair bit scored against us,” Lind said. “The key was just really good defensive pressure right across each position, not just our defenders.” Shooter Jane Cook had a stellar night on the scoreboard, despite recently returning from an ankle injury. Supporting Cook on the court was Uneeq Palavi and Madelyn Gray, who both did a really great job, Lind said. Lind also commended centre Montana Holmes and goalkeeper Sarah Szczykulski on a solid game. With the finals around the corner and Falcons in the top four in all three divisions, the teams are well placed for the rest of the season, but Lind said some points were tight and they needed to keep winning. The scores are particularly close in the under-19 division, where the Falcons are placed on top of the ladder but only have six points separating them from the rest of the top five. It was a less exciting result for the under-19 team on Wednesday, as they drew with the Waves 49-49. But Lind said the draw was still a good result as the team came back from being down 10 goals. The Falcons will take on the Ariels next week on their home ground, followed by a clash with Melbourne University Lightning on July 13.

(Supplied)

Two Western Jets players have had their football dreams come true, with Charlotte Baskaran and Laura Elliott joining the Hawthorn Football Club’s women’s team. Hawthorn picked Baskaran at number nine, while it picked Elliott at number 26. Baskaran led the Jets to their first grand final win earlier this year with an average of 27.6 disposals, 6.6 tackles, 5.3 clearances and 4.2 inside 50s. A Hawthorn spokesperson said Baskaran was also named captain of the NAB League Girls Team of the Year and was runner-up in the competition’s best and fairest award. “The highly impressive teenager not only possesses leadership capabilities but incredible football smarts and a high work rate all over the ground,” the spokesperson said. “The NAB AFLW Academy member has also represented Vic Metro on multiple occasions, averaging 16 disposals, 12 tackles and 3.3 clearances as well as making the under-18 All Australian team in her most recent campaign.” Having been a keen netballer and state

(Shawn Smits) 286532_01

Hawthorn pick up Baskaran and Elliott in draft

WERRIBEE FOOTBALL CLUB Y

Werribee bounces back in win over ’Roos By Tara Murray Werribee got back to basics – and it worked – as it returned to the winners list in the Victorian Football League. Coming off its worst performance in a number of weeks against Port Melbourne, Werribee was keen to make amends against North Melbourne on Saturday. Werribee started well, and despite not making the most of its opportunities, led at the first break. While the Kangaroos came hard in the second quarter, Werribee was able to maintain its nerve and extend the lead heading into half time. Werribee continued to keep the pressure on in the second half, to seal the 15.15 (105)-9.4 (58) win. Werribee assistant coach Tom Perrett said it was pleasing to see how the boys responded after the previous round. “We were looking for a response from the boys particularly early in the game, we thought we crawled out of the blocks last week,” he said. “It was one of our focus areas to come out and bring genuine heat around the footy and just bring the contest to the game early and we felt as if we did that and that led to us having opportunities to score early. “Unfortunately we kicked 1.3 from set shots in the first quarter, [which is] something we will address during the week. “Creating those scoring opportunities was pleasing.” Perrett said unlike the previous week, the boys were able to prevent the opposition getting a run on when they had control. He said while the Kangaroos had periods of dominance, it didn’t reflect on the scoreboard. “I think the most impressive thing for us was times, periods in the game when we were challenged, perhaps the opposition was able to own the ball,” he said. “Our ability to scramble, defend and make sure they weren’t able to to take momentum put on too much scoreboard damage through those patches of the game were really pleasing. “Last week we could see it happening, but it was like we were too slow to react last week and were 40 points down at half time. “Whereas today there were patches of the game where they did control it, however we wore those shots and were able to respond in return.” Jay Dahlaus, Kye Declase and Logan Wagener all kicked three goals in the win. Keegan Gray, Wagener and Dom Brew were named best. Perrett said he was really pleased with the performance of the forward line, particularly that of Wagener. “Our forwards at ground level were the highlight for me, creating those goals from nothing,” he said. “We had a focus as a forward group making sure at the very worst to get the ball to ground and making sure we numbered up and got involved at ground level.

Kye Declase celebrates a goal. (Pictures: Belinda Vitacca Photography)

Charlie Ham gets a handball away.

“With a late in, Logan Wagener came in today. He finds out 10 minutes before the game that he is going to be coming in and kicks three goals, that was brilliant, shows what type of competitive mindset he has as a player prepared to step in and do his job.” Co-captain Dom Brew said he was pretty proud of how the group weathered the storm. He said they returned to playing the type of footy they know they can play well.

Sam Paea takes a mark.

“They come at us in the second quarter there and late in the first as well, every team will have their five, 10 minutes,” he said. “I’m pretty proud of the boys for how we handled it and stepped up to the plate. “This week honed it right back and got back to playing the way we play, getting back on the same page and continuing our good patch the last five weeks we are now 5-1.

“Obviously we would like to kick a bit straighter, but I can assure you we are doing some goal kicking but the boys we could back to who we are.” Brew thought it was a real good team effort, but touched on the performances of Jack Driscoll on Callum Coleman-Jones and Keegan Gray. The win moves Werribee into the top eight after 15 rounds. This week Werribee faces Coburg.

BARRO GROUP

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