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We’ve turned 120 see page 15 Dem bones are shaking There’s tons of skele-fun at Natalie Mitchell’s Williams Landing home, as the resident hopes to lift people’s spirits in the lead up to Halloween. Every day, Ms Mitchell displays a new spooky scenario using a skeleton family. “We change their clothes, we change the props, we change the scene, no two things are the same,” she said. “People can walk by or drive by, they’ll see them on display, rain, hail, or shine, between 8[am] and 7[pm].” Last year, Ms Mitchell aimed to raise $500 for the Royal Children’s Hospital and with the help of the community, managed to raise $8000. “The whole idea is that they [the skeletons] are essentially drawing the interest of the people in the lead up to Halloween, and then on Halloween night we actually invite the community to actually go through out arrangement,” she said. “This year we’ll be doing a Jurassic Park theme. We’re raising funds for the Wyndham Health Foundation and we are aiming to raise at least a third of the funds needed for a Corpuls CPR device, we’re aiming for $10,000.”
Natalie Mitchell at the front of her house decorated for Halloween. (Damjan Janevski) 302919_03
Centre’s cultural divide A Liberal-National pledge to build an $11 million Indian Community Centre in the west has has drawn mixed reactions from Wyndham residents. Last week, the Coalition said it would build the centre if it wins next month’s state election. Liberal candidate for Tarneit Preet Singh said Tarneit is one of Melbourne’s fastest growing suburbs and had a rich Indian Australian population that would benefit from the centre. “We believe that this funding will provide a much needed facility for our local Indian community,” Mr Singh told Star Weekly.
“It will be great to have the centre where it can serve majority population.” Australian Bureau of Statistics 2021 Census data revealed the top ancestry in the municipality was Indian, accounting for 17.4 per cent of Wyndham’s population. However, a Facebook post announcing the news drew mixed reactions from residents. “A ’community’ centre should also, by definition, be for ALL the community, addressing demographics within its own program structure,” one resident wrote. Another resident wrote: “Great news for the community in west and also a great news for Indian community in west! With buy-in from a major party, this will be great for multicultural
Our aim is to take the stress and
community for its cultural needs. This will also promote tourism and related tourist traffic. “This will add to the infrastructure required and investment required to help local community and cultural events. Current community centres are used by Indian community but are getting too small for its diverse cultural needs.” Mr Singh said for the most part, the community was “very appreciative” of the party’s support. “The centre will be open to all, just like people of all faiths may visit the temples,” he said. “We’re here to support all communities.” In 2017, the Labor state government funded
a feasibility study into a potential Indian Cultural Precinct in Wyndham and indicated that up to $500,000 would be made available to contribute to the development. Star Weekly understands Wyndham council declined the funding in 2018. Mr Singh said the government can always do more and announced the Liberal party would also allocate $100,000 towards reviving the Weerama Festival. The festival’s committee cancelled the event in 2019, citing a lack of timely funding and time constraints. The committee had planned to host a festival the following year, before COVID-19 halted community events in 2020.
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DIWALI CELEBRATIONS When: Friday 21st October, 7pm-9pm Where: Williams Landing Shopping Centre, 100 Overton Road, Williams Landing Join us at the Williams Landing Shopping Centre pop-up park for a very special Diwali celebration! Festivities include a performance by traditional Bollywood dancers, a stunning light display, and free Indian sweets - courtesy of SVS Global Groceries. We can’t wait to see you there!
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Labor lambasted over bus forum By Fatima Halloum An organiser of a public transport community forum aiming to better services in the municipality has called out the Labor state government for not attending. Friends of the Earth Melbourne held the Better Buses for Wyndham Community Forum on October 12, at the Tarneit Community Centre. Representatives from key stakeholder groups, including elected representatives and candidates were invited to share their transport strategies and priorities for public transport. FoE Melbourne sustainable cities community organiser Elyse Cunningham said representatives from the Greens, Victorian
Socialists, Liberal Party and independents were in attendance but the group were “pretty disappointed” a Labor representative had not attended. “We thought it was a pretty solid example that they don’t think they need to come to these things and show up for the community,” Ms Cunningham said. “People in the west have become quite disillusion with the government and are like ‘yeah, this is what we expect’. Ms Cunningham said most Labor candidates and elected officials did let the group know they wouldn’t be able to attend, but she was “really hopeful” a representative would endeavour to attend the next public transport forum. “The government is there to serve the
community and represent and advocate for the community’s needs, not to ignore them,” she said. Werribee MP Tim Pallas was unable to attend the forum due to prior commitments but provided a detailed brief on the government’s bus plan and actions. “There’s always more to do and we’ll keep delivering for our growing community,” Mr Pallas said. Tarneit MP Sarah Connolly was contacted for comment. FoE Melbourne have been campaigning for improved access to bus services in Wyndham, which typically run every 30 minutes. Ms Cunningham believes the government would have benefited from hearing the stories of community members, including transport
tales that highlighted accessibility struggles, students not having access to schools or potential jobs, and sporting facilities being unreachable by public transport. “What we want to see is a change from the long winding lines that we’ve got now, into a simple grid so that buses can run down main roads, which will allow them to come every 10 minutes,” Ms Cunningham said. “We want to see them serviced by clean, electric, vehicles so that they can be powered by renewable energy.” The next forum, titled ‘Transforming Transport in the West’ will be held in Spotswood, Wednesday, October 26, from 6-9.30pm. Details: https://www.melbournefoe.org.au/ events
Community survey findings
Western United A-league goalkeeper Jamie Young, Werribee Mercy Hospital general manager Maree Pane, Mercy Health’s health services chief executive Jason Payne and Western United W-League goalkeeper Alysse Dall’Oste.
Championship trophy brings smiles Western United goalkeepers Jamie Young and Alyssa Dall’Oste brought the prized A-League Championship Trophy to Werribee Mercy Hospital. Werribee Mercy Hospital general manager Maree Pane said it was exciting to have the trophy on show and to have Young on site meeting some of his biggest fans among Werribee patients, visitors and staff. “We are proud of our reputation with the people of the west providing the best in health
care,” Ms Pane said. “It is great to have a partnership and association with Western United and its star defender, who is also recognised as one of the best on field for the Green and Black. “Our patients, visitors and staff welcomed the opportunity to have photographs taken with Jamie and the silverware, and we also wish both the club’s men’s and women’s teams, the very best for the season ahead.” Young acknowledged both the personal
support of Mercy Health and the support extended to the club as a whole. “This helps grow and strengthen the community which supports us on game day,” he said. Western United’s newly established women’s team will compete for the first time in the Liberty A-League Women’s competition on November 19 against Melbourne Victory with Dall’Oste as a potential starting keeper.
The results for Victoria Police’s Community Sentiment Survey has highlighted the the top four community safety concerns in Wyndham. The survey was conducted across all municipalities in the state and sought to gather a deeper understanding of the issues specific prevalent in different local government areas. There were over 9481 responses directly attributed to Wyndham residents. The top issues identifies were, youth offending, street violence, theft or robbery and speeding. Wyndham Acting Inspector Matt Trask thanked residents who chose to contribute to the survey and said police were actively listening to the concerns of community members. “To support this we have initiated the Wyndham Local Safety Committee consisting of police and key community partners which provides broad representation across Wyndham,” Acting Inspector Trask said. “The committee is reviewing the survey results and identifying what we need to do to keep supporting the community and address those concerns. “We will continuously review the committee make-up to ensure adequate representation so that we can hear and respond to concerns.” Crime Statistics Agency Data for July 2021-June 2022 indicated the yearly crime rate was down by 4.5 per cent, theft from a motor vehicle and other theft had increased by 12 per cent and 0.2 per cent. Criminal incidents occurring on the street had decreased by 26 per cent.
Residents in Wyndham can expect better mobile services after the state government announced it would fast-track plans to improve connectivity in the municipality. Earlier this month, Werribee MP Tim Pallas and Tarneit MP Sarah Connolly announced the state government has partnered with three telecommunications providers to deliver mobile infrastructure projects across Wyndham. Residents, businesses and visitors will have access to increased mobile coverage and improved services across including in Hoppers Crossing, Laverton North, Mount Cottrell, Point Cook, Tarneit, Truganina, Werribee and
(Unsplash)
Better connectivity on the way for Wyndham residents
Werribee South and Cocoroc with 44 new or upgraded towers assigned to the municipality. Together with telecommunications partners Optus, Telstra and TPG Telecom, the state government will build 27 new mobile towers and upgrade 10 towers to 5G by 2026.
“We’re thrilled to be at this point in the Connecting Victoria rollout, signing $300 million worth of deals with telecommunications providers to boost mobile connectivity across Victoria and turbocharge our digital economy,” Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Minister Jaala Pulford said. “This is about more than faster movie downloads – it’s about enabling Victorians to access the best healthcare technology or take advantage of education opportunities, and about giving our businesses the tools they need to succeed in a competitive global environment.”
The program addresses feedback provided by Victorians on the areas in the state where improvements are most needed. “This will be a game-changer for many people in the City of Wyndham, supporting the area’s growth by ensuring everyone can access mobile connectivity that is on par with what’s on offer in Melbourne’s CBD,” Ms Connolly said. The state government said the $300 million mobile investment is part of the $550 million Connecting Victoria program to fast-track better mobile and broadband in as many places as possible. Details: vic.gov.au/connectingvictoria Wednesday, 19 October, 2022 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 3
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Feedback wanted Wyndham council is advising residents that the state government is seeking community feedback on the Tarneit Road and Princes Highway intersection and surrounding roads to help improve traffic management in the area. Council said the feedback would help to develop a long-term traffic management plan for this area, considering improvements to arterial and local road networks. Details: https://bit.ly/3S98Lps
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Manor Lakes News and Lotto owner Rajiv Sharma sold the division one winning card. (Damjan Janevski) 302972_01
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Lotto win in Wyndham
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A Wyndham Vale woman is $100,000 richer after discovering she won the Lucky Lotteries Super Jackpot draw. The resident said it had been a “whirlwind couple of weeks” for her family and upon being informed of her win, she initially believed it was a joke. “Sometimes it feels like the weight of the world is on your shoulders, but this is just incredible, this news has just made my day,” she said. “I’ll be putting a large chunk of the win straight towards paying down my mortgage, then I’ll look into completing some renovations we’ve been thinking about.” The winning entry was purchased at Manor
Lakes News and Lotto and owner Rajiv Sharma said he was over the moon for the resident. “It’s an amazing prize, it’s a $2.20 ticket and she bought seven random tickets and she won $100,000,” Mr Sharma said. “It’s really good and I am really really happy for them, it’s so exciting.” Mr Sharma said it’s the seventh first prize sold at his store. “I feel very lucky that we can fulfil somebody else’s dream, just to help it out, it feels very nice being the medium,” he said. “We’ve [also] had more than 37 second division wins in the last five years. “Some people would call us a lucky store.”
Australians are being urged support Stroke Foundation’s Stride4Stroke next month. The physical activity fundraiser encourages people to get moving to reduce their own stroke risk all while raising much needed funds to support survivors of stroke and their families, and to improve stroke treatment and care. Registrations are now open for the event which starts on Tuesday, November 1.
Road work Stage two of the Sayers Road rehabilitation began on Tuesday, October 18, and will run for about three weeks. Wyndham council said traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction along Sayers Road between Derrimut Road and Crossway Avenue for the duration of the works. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Wyndham Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
Footscray Road closed in both directions In October and November 2022
Footscray Road will be closed in one or both directions at various times in October and November 2022 so we can continue building the elevated road between Maribyrnong River and the CBD. Detours via Dynon Road will be in place. Drivers should plan ahead and allow for extra travel time.
Thanks for your patience We understand that these closures may be disruptive to you. Thank you for your ongoing patience as we work as quickly and safely as possible to get the job done. Visit bigbuild.vic.gov.au for more information, including detour routes and closure times.
Keep in mind there are other disruptions during this time. Find a detailed list at bigbuild.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne
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Invest in the west calls By Matthew Sims Advocacy and advisory committee LeadWest is calling on the state and federal governments to ’invest in the west’. The committee launched a new advocacy campaign on Monday, October 10, outlining a number of projects in the western suburbs which are in need of funding. As part of the campaign, LeadWest has also requested a $200,000 investment from the state government, plus a co-contribution from each LeadWest council, to create a regional mental healthcare program. LeadWest has proposed the program would be co-designed with the assistance of young people towards innovative solutions to strengthen the prevention and early intervention of the youth mental health system in Melbourne’s west through providing tailored youth-led and place-based solutions and investment recommendations to support the redesign of the youth mental health system over the next five to 10 years. The campaign also included lobbying the state government to review, plan and implement an active and public transport network, including an interconnected cycling, walking and bus network. LeadWest chairman and Wyndham mayor Peter Maynard said more than 17 per cent of Melbourne’s population live in the western suburbs, but the region did not receive the appropriate level of funding from the state and federal governments. “We aim to change that,” he said. “Now is the time for state and federal governments to ‘Invest in the West’ to cater for the current population and for future growth.” Other priorities outlined as part of the campaign were the construction of the full
Council representatives from across Hobsons Bay, Brimbank, Maribyrnong, Wyndham and Melton helped launch LeadWest’s advocacy campaign ‘Invest in the West’ at Sunshine station on Monday, October 10. (Supplied)
Outer Metropolitan Ring [OMR] including freight rail, passenger rail and the eight-lane freeway to create a north-south connection from the Hume Freeway to Werribee and onto the south west regions of Victoria and the $16 million Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre, which has received a $5.5 million commitment from the state Liberal-National coalition and a $5 million investment from Hobsons Bay
TO OUR YEAR 12 STUDENTS
council. Cr Maynard said the projects outlined in the advocacy campaign required “immediate attention“. “Only through prompt strategic planning and investment in infrastructure and community services can we guarantee the long-term viability of the west,“ he said. Details: www.leadwest.com.au
NEWS
Ten year art plan adopted Wyndham council has adopted its 10 Year Art Plan for 2022-32. Council said the important plan will guide its work over the next 10 years to ensure Wyndham continues to grow as a creative hub. The Wyndham 10 Year Public Art Plan was produced following extensive research, consultation and global benchmarking to understand priorities and look for opportunities. “Wyndham City aims to develop a world class public art program over the next 10 years, delivering dynamic and contemporary public art in a creative celebration of place, culture and environment to our diverse community,” Wyndham mayor Peter Maynard said. “The Public Art Plan sets out and provides a 10-year projection regarding how public art programming will be delivered. “To achieve our vision to develop a world class public art program we need a holistic approach through consultation, artist development, communication, education, engagement, research and evaluation. “Our vision is to support and develop a public art collection of quality and regional significance.” Council’s Public Art Collection is made up of permanent public artworks located in public spaces, pop-up inflatable artworks and temporary projects. The plan was developed with public art consultants T Projects.
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Family reunites with paramedic
Mrs Gildea embraces a paramedic who treated her daughter. Top right: Rian Gildea explores the inside of an ambulance. Centre: A plaque honouring Caireann hangs on the walls of Ambulance Victoria Point Cook. Right: Rian with AV paramedic Taz Kumar. (Pictures: Supplied)
The family raised just over $9000 and chose to distribute the funds between AV, Red Nose Australia and their daughter’s primary school. “Caireann’s school has been so supportive of our family, that we felt we had to give back and thank them, as they are always trying to think of innovative ways that our daughter can be remembered and keep her memory alive,” Mrs Gildea said. On Thursday, October 13, the Gildea family visited AV Point Cook branch to reunite with
the paramedics who treated their daughter and provide them with a $4000 donation, which will go towards training and simulation equipment for the branch and upgrading their paediatric training capabilities. “The donation is incredibly selfless, coming from a truly wonderful family,” Ms Webster said. “It is actually the first time a community donation has been made to the Point Cook branch, so it’s a big part of our almost-14-year
history in the area. “Something like this will be talked about forever.” Mrs Gildea hopes to keep the memory of her daughter alive. “We also love talking about her, and remember her everyday; on 26 July Caireann would have turned 11, so as a family, we made pancakes – one of her favourites – and had a birthday cake with pink candles,” she said.
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Caireann Gildea was just eight-years-old when she died from a ruptured Arteriovenous Malformation in her brain stem in March 2020. Her parents, Point Cook residents Kathleen and Neal Gildea, said the loss of their daughter came “completely out of the blue”. “The day before, she had won a 200-metre race at Little Athletics, and then the next day she was struggling to breathe,” Mrs Gildea said. “Neal told me to immediately call triple-0 and he was advised to commence cardiopulmonary resuscitation [CPR].” Ambulance Victoria (AV) paramedics arrived on scene to find Caireann in cardiac arrest, and took over her medical management from Neal. “It was a complex case, but Caireann was resuscitated on scene and transported to The Royal Children’s Hospital, however she was unable to recover and passed away a couple of days later,” AV team manager Blixa Webster said. Several tests and brain scans were conducted, and doctors informed Caireann’s parents that their daughter had experienced a rare internal bleed in her brain. “Where the AVM ruptured affected her heart rate and breathing,” Ms Gildea said. “Caireann remained on life support … to give extended family from Ireland and New Zealand time to say their goodbyes in person.” Her parents opted to donate Caireann’s organs, and both kidneys were donated to a man and woman who had both been on dialysis. A teenage boy received her liver, and two of her heart valves are also being stored for possible future transplants. After Caireann’s death, the Gildea family set up a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for organisations that helped support them through their tragedy.
Free Kinder: the best start for 2023. Enrolments are now open for Free Kinder. Free Kinder will be available for all Victorian three and four-year-old children at participating services in 2023. Free Kinder will be available in sessional (standalone) and long day care (childcare) settings across the state, saving families up to $2,500 per year, per child. In 2022, funded Three-Year-Old Kinder continues to roll out across Victoria. Find your local kindergarten services at vic.gov.au/kinder
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Hunt for stolen motorbikes
Housing Minister Danny Pearson and Tarneit MP Sarah Connolly were among some of those visiting the construction site.
(Supplied)
Affordable living boost A $17 million social housing development will be constructed in Truganina in an effort to help residents requiring housing assistance. Last week, Housing Minister Danny Pearson visited the construction site where 42 social housing homes will be built. The homes will be a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments. Mr Pearson said the development would provide much-needed additional housing options for Aboriginal women, women experiencing family violence, women over 55 and women at risk of homelessness. “This development in Truganina is part of our record investment in new social and affordable
housing across the state. It will provide more homes for those who need them most,” he said. “The Big Housing Build is providing a roof over the head of Victorians who need it and create thousands of local jobs, supporting our state’s economic recovery.” The Truganina development is part of the more than 6600 homes that have been built or are under way through the Big Housing Build, an initiative by the state government to create modern social housing and job opportunities through their construction. The state government contributed $14 million to the project, and remainder was funded by Women’s Housing Limited, who will
own the homes and manage the tenancies. “This development will make a real difference, providing women with the safety and security of social housing and helping build a strong local community,” Tarneit MP Sarah Connolly said. The Truganina project has created 160 jobs and is expected to be completed by early 2024. The Big Housing Build is the largest single investment in social and affordable housing in any state or territory’s history and will deliver more than 12,000 new homes across Victoria, boosting the state’s social housing supply by 10 per cent and creating 10,000 jobs over the four year program.
Police want anyone who might have seen a Honda CRF250F motorcycle advertised online to come forward. The call comes after two Wyndham men were charged after police recovered 11 stolen Honda motorbikes which were among 52 bikes allegedly stolen from a shipping container in New South Wales. “If you see a brand new bike being advertised online for an unusually low price, or if a seller profile looks suspicious, please screenshot it and come forward to police,“ vehicle crime squad detective senior sergeant John Dimos said. NSW police were investigating after a shipping container containing 52 Honda CRF250F motorcycles was taken to a holding yard in Strathfield South on Tuesday, July 19. Police discovered the bikes had been stolen three days later. The estimated value of the theft is more than $680,000. Police began investigating reports several bikes had been transported to Victoria and a search warrant was executed at an address in Williams Landing, prompting the arrest of a 21-year-old man on Tuesday, August 30. Two motorbikes were located at that property. The Williams Landing man was charged with two counts of handle stolen goods. He was bailed to appear in court in 2023. Police conducted further searches in Williamstown North, where police locate and seized nine allegedly stolen motorbikes, and Tarneit, where police charged a man with nine counts of handle stolen goods and possessing a drug of dependence.
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Mum pleads for paediatric help By Fatima Halloum Wyndham resident Lucy Holmes* doesn’t know when her eight-year-old daughter will be able to live with her again. “My daughter has behavioural issues and I can’t control her, so she’s been at her father’s house for the last three weeks because I physically cannot restrain her when she’s having an outburst,” Ms Holmes said. “She’s done things like jumped out of moving vehicles several times [and] put
herself in serious danger.” When Ms Holmes visited her GP to try and obtain a referral for her daughter to see a paediatrician, she thought she would be able to see a specialist within a few weeks. “Every referral I’ve had, I’ve just been told either they’re not taking any new patients, they don’t have a waiting list, some have said the wait is over 18 months,” she said. “I’ve had to go back [to the doctor] several times, I think I’ve had about eight different referrals now trying to get into a paediatrician,
and the earliest I’ve been able to book into one is at the end of February.” Ms Holmes said the situation for her daughter was “not great”, having to wait almost six months for her daughter to receive care was “pretty alarming” and was calling for a solution that would see families receive faster access to specialists. “I’ve subsequently been trying to find somebody sooner, but every other paediatrician I’ve contacted has an even longer wait list,” she said.
“I thought the end of February was bad, but I found out that was the best I could get.” Until Ms Holmes can get her daughter to a clinic for assessment, a diagnosis, and potentially medication, she can’t live with her. “She’s a danger to herself and she’s had to stay with her dad long term, which is heartbreaking,” she said. The federal government was contacted for comment. *Name has been changed.
Werribee flood averted As rainfall soaked the state last week, many Wyndham residents gathered along Watton Street to catch what could be a once in a lifetime view of the overflowing Werribee River. While Werribee Riverkeeper John Forrester doesn’t believe it’s the worst flood he’s seen, he admits the fast moving, murky water is “very, very powerful stuff”. “This is probably equivalent to maybe a flood back in about 1993,“ he said. “I was walking through the Werribee River Park, about two hours ago, there are about three or four streams of water, It’s covering parts of the golf course the river channel itself, couple of billabongs and some flooded wetland areas.“ At Watton Street, the excess flood water submerged walking tracks, signs, and flooded nearby parks. “It’s good to get it all flushed out, [it’s] a good opportunity to wet the ground, of course River Red Gums need flooding every few years “Those river beds that are far removed from the the normal small flow we get, will get a
good soak for the next few days, that help them become greener, richer, trees.” However the flooding could also cause a few potential difficulties for the animals that call the river home. “The mating of the platypus happens right at this time of the year,” Mr Forrester said. “It’s very difficult for platypus to find each other in this kind of weather, so they will probably be tucked away in their burrows, which are usually air tight.” An evacuate immediately warning for residents along the Werribee River was issued by VicEmergency about noon on Friday. It was later reduced to watch and act. Fatima Halloum
Werribee riverkeeper John Forrester at the Werribee Road Bridge on Watton Street.
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Belinda with new-born son Oliver, and two year-old Arlo. Both boys were born outside of Wyndham, but spent time as patients in Werribee Mercy Hospital’s Special Care Nursery. (Joe Mastroianni) 226335_01
By Alesha Capone Demand for birthing suites at Werribee Mercy Hospital has reached capacity. The hospital welcomed 3833 babies in 2020, slightly lower than the 3888 babies delivered there in 2019. Health services chief executive Jason Payne said Werribee Mercy Hospital’s birthing numbers had remained steady over the past two years because the birthing suites were unable to accommodate any more expectant mums. He said some pregnant women within the Werribee Mercy Hospital catchment are
being forced to use services at public hospitals outside the area. “The demand exists for Werribee Mercy Hospital to deliver more babies locally but this cannot occur without expanded facilities,” Mr Payne said. “It would be preferable that local families had access to more of the best high quality and safe public birthing services at Werribee Mercy Hospital, so they don’t have to travel.” Mr Payne said planning was under way to boost the capacity of the birthing suites. “A third stage of Werribee Mercy Hospital, which is currently in the final stages of planning, will involve the creation of more
birthing suites, additional post-natal beds, and other ante and post-natal facilities, accompanied by additional midwifery and nursing staff. “Based on demand for existing maternity services, it is projected that Werribee Mercy Hospital would be well placed to meet an anticipated increase in demand of up to 30 per cent more babies in the western metro area.” Mr Payne said Mercy Health has been working with the Victorian Health and Human Services Building Authority and the Department of Health and Human Services since 2016 to prepare for the future needs of Werribee Mercy.
In November’s state budget, $4.8 million was allocated to finalise planning for the third stage of the hospital’s development. “We have acknowledged publicly the funding was a clear sign the voices of the people of the west of Melbourne are being heard and government is committed to meeting a major upgrade,” Mr Payne said. Mercy Health Group chief executive, Adjunct Professor Stephen Cornelissen, said the next stage of Werribee Mercy Hospital’s construction required $300 million in funding “to ensure the people of Wyndham receive the level and quality of health services they deserve and need”.
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Chance at a head start By Matthew Sims Brimbank and north-west students aiming to access education and training now have an extra chance, with Victoria University [VU] and scholarship and educational support provider Western Chances signing a Memorandum of Understanding on Tuesday, October 11. Since it was launched about 20 years ago, Western Chances has allowed students to access about $8 million in scholarships, assisting more than 3500 young people across Melbourne’s west to help them overcome barriers to securing education. Since 2006, VU has offered up to 35 scholarships of $1000 per year, with the scholarship helping students pay for laptops, home internet or public transport. First-year VU paramedic student and Werribee resident Alannah Nix started receiving the scholarship eight years ago when she was a student at Hoppers Crossing Secondary School. Alannah’s sisters Gemma and Caitlin also received scholarships with Western Chances, which supported Gemma towards her goal of becoming a nurse, with her currently working at Footscray Hospital, while Caitlin is a teacher in Queensland. Alannah said the program has helped support her and her sisters not just financially, but also personally and professionally. “Western Chances helped each of us get to where we are now,” she said. “They don’t just provide money, they gave us connections to a great community, and to personal and professional experiences we’d have never had.” The Memorandum of Understanding would allow VU and Western Chances to expand the scholarships on offer for people in VU TAFE courses, develop programs to link Western Chances alumni with career and industry
Western Chances chief executive Zac Lewis, first-year Victoria University paramedic student and Western Chances scholarship participant Alannah Nix and Victoria University external relations and partnerships deputy vice-chancellor Wade Noonan. (Supplied)
networks and expand opportunities for scholarship recipients to engage in internships and gain work experience. VU vice-chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker said the commitment would allow the partnership between VU and Western
Chances to develop further into the future. “Our partnership has grown enormously over the past 16 years and we are so excited to celebrate this milestone by taking it even further,” he said. Details: www.westernchances.org.au
NEWS
Funding for sport reserves Werribee residents will benefit from $3 million investment through the state government’s Growing Suburbs Fund. The state government will invest $3 million towards three projects in Werribee, including $2 million towards Galvin Park Football Cricket Community Pavilion Redevelopment, $1 million towards Alfred Road Reserve Family Recreation Space and $320,000 towards Presidents Park Community Events Space. “This investment will help to bring the Werribee community together, offering really great playgrounds, parks and reserves for all to enjoy,” Werribee MP Tim Pallas said. An Indoor Cricket and Community Centre will be constructed at the Alfred Road Reserve, which will include indoor training areas with six synthetic cricket training wickets, female friendly change rooms, administration rooms, learning and training area, social space and accessible amenities. “We’re delighted to be partnering with the Victorian government on a project that provides for our up and coming home grown stars with quality cricket facilities in Werribee,” Wyndham mayor Peter Maynard said. A future cricket oval and multi-use sporting fields for cricket, Australian Rules football and soccer, cricket nets, netball courts and pavilion will also be developed at the site. The new cricket centre is expected to be complete in early 2024.
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COMMUNITY STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
Denise has her crowd in stitches It was an extra special Morning Melodies in Wyndham, as Denise Drysdale entertained residents with stories, songs and impersonations. Star Weekly photographer Joe Mastroianni was at the Encore Events Centre to photograph the laughs.
Denise met with residents as part of Seniors Week festivities.
Denise Drysdale with her gorilla impersonation. Right: Denise with Robert. (Pictures: Joe Mastroianni) 302501
Mary, Sandra, Sandra and Rosaria.
Val, Gina and Rita.
Gloria enjoys the show.
Val and Norah.
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COMMUNITY STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
Bollywood dancers entertain Bollywood Dance School Australia held a workshop for Wyndham residents. Star Weekly photographer Joe Mastroianni was at the Manor Lakes Community Learning Centre capturing the fun.
Bollywood dancers Sohini Banerjee and Darshan Pawar lead the lesson. (Pictures: Joe Mastroianni) 302185
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Are you experiencing burnout? Did you know that 46 per cent of Australian workers have expressed feeling burnt out? Burnout is a form of exhaustion caused by feeling overwhelmed with emotional, physical and/or mental stress. Burnout can happen to anyone at any age and stage of life. When we’re trying to juggle caring for our family or friends, helping others, work etc, it can get very tough. Regularly putting the needs of others before yourself can contribute to burnout. Sometimes caregivers miss or ignore symptoms of burnout as they put the needs of the person they’re caring for ahead of their own. Burnout symptoms can feel like symptoms of stress. Three common signs are: • Feeling tired or exhausted • No enthusiasm and feelings of negativity • Inability to perform your role When feeling burnt out it can be hard to find time for yourself. Taking time to look after your health will help you to care for others and do the things you care about. Once you’ve identified your burnout signs, there are ways to turn things around.
Get enough sleep Sleep is vital for good physical and mental health. If you aren’t getting enough sleep, it can lead to burnout. To improve your sleep you could try cutting down on caffeine before bed, listening to calming sounds or a visit to your GP may help.
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Taking time to look after your health will help you to care for others and do the things you care about
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Exercise Exercise or movement is one of the best things we can do for our mental health. Getting your heart rate up or going for a relaxing stroll can improve your sleep quality and mental health alongside your physical fitness.
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Burnout is common when feeling overworked and stressed. (Supplied)
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Funds to expand recycling firm By Dora Houpis Two merged scrap metal recycling companies in Laverton North and Brooklyn will be able to expand, creating more green jobs following a state government funding boost. The combined business of Pacific Metal Group in Laverton North and Cougar Recycling in Brooklyn and Port Melbourne employs 36 people and is expected to get funding as part of the government’s $250 million Business Growth Fund. Pacific Metal Group chief executive Jason Whitaker said the funding will provide
welcome support to the businesses’ operations. “Pacific Metal Group, through its metal recycling facilities in Victoria, has the opportunity to be a leader in decarbonising steel,” he said. “With the support of the Victorian Business Growth Fund this project will create skilled, green jobs for Victorians.“ Tarneit MP Sarah Connolly said the funding will support local workers. “Pacific Metal Group is a great local business and it’s fantastic for workers to see this support for its growth,” she said. Southern Metropolitan MP Nina Taylor said Cougar Recycling has a long history.
“Cougar Recycling has established its reputation over decades – this investment will allow the business to continue its evolution.” she said. The investment is expected to enable the business to upgrade processing and collections infrastructure to produce cleaner and more valuable recycled metals, with potential for further acquisitions to better support suppliers and customers. The business will continue to be run by existing management who have been in the industry for more than 30 years and are passionate about decarbonising steel
production. Australia supplies about seven per cent of Asia’s recycled metal imports and Victoria provides about one third of all Australian recycled metal exports. Established in 2020, created via Spirit Super and Aware Super and managed by independent fund managers Roc Partners, the Business Growth Fund program invests in successful small and medium-sized businesses which are ready to grow. Details: business.gov.au/ grants-and-programs/Victorian-BusinessGrowth-Fund
Residents learn CPR automated external defibrillator (AED) before paramedics arrive, they are more than twice as likely to survive,“ Mr Kumar said. “It was my pleasure to run this event with both Lotus Living and Bluefit by providing valuable training for the Jubilee community. “It was a great opportunity to create further awareness and let the community know about the GoodSAMs app and encouraging as many people as possible to download the app.“ The GoodSAM responder app alerts members of the community who are willing to start CPR if a person nearby suffers cardiac arrest. More than 15,500 Victorians have signed up to the app, but more responders are needed.Ambulance Victoria community engagement liaison co-ordinator Tarun ‘Taz’ Kumar and Jubilee aquatic centre facility manager Sienna Mannix. (Supplied)
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Wyndham residents kicked off Shocktober with a community information session at Jubilee Water Park on Sunday, October 16. Attendees learnt how to conduct cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use an Automated Ecternal Defibrillator (AED). “Shocktober is a month-long nationallyrecognised campaign aimed at improving cardiac arrest survival rates,” Ambulance Victoria (AV) community engagement liaison co-ordinator Tarun ‘Taz’ Kumar said. Restart a Heart Day takes place during Shocktober and Ambulance Victoria held call, push, shock sessions at various locations across the state. According to the latest Victorian Ambulance Cardiac Arrest Registry (VACAR) Annual Report 3020-21, 79 per cent of cardiac arrests occurred inside the home. “When someone receives cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and a shock from an
14 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 19 October, 2022
For 120 years, this paper and its predecessors have proudly been a voice for the Wyndham community. Originally known as the Wyndhamshire Banner, before becoming the Werribee Shire Banner, Werribee Banner, Wyndham Weekly, and most recently, the Wyndham Star Weekly, the paper has dedicated its pages to the news that matters to the people who call Wyndham home. We looked through the pages of our archives to see how Wyndham has changed since 1902 and to rediscover the stories that made the headlines over the years.
From travel stop to thriving town By Fatima Halloum When Werribee District Historical Society’s Lance Pritchard moved to Wyndham in 1973, he says there was only about half a dozen houses nearby. “We bought our land in ‘68 … and from my block of land from when my house was first built in ‘73, I could see the You Yangs,” Mr Pritchard. “The original shops were just the shops at what is now Hoppers Junction, there was only half a dozen shops.”
Mr Pritchard said Werribee wasn’t a town people set out to visit, instead it served as a stop over area for people wanting to travel between Geelong and Melbourne. “[In a time] when it took several hours to travel, people would stop for lunch at Werribee, we had several hotels … we had a ferry service that used to stop once a week,” he said. The community feel was “very strong” and Mr Pritchard said all the people knew each other. “When we moved here there was only about 20,000 people in Werribee at that stage, [it’s]
totally different [now],” he said. According to the 2021 census, there are just over 90,000 residents who call Werribee home. Mr Pritchard said originally, the township was laid out not to have any shops or businesses along the northern side of Watton Street. “Entering the town, you would come along from Hoppers Crossing, you might notice that the road slowly veers away from the railway line,” he said. “You would enter the town and go through Troupers Park and Kelly Park which had fountains and rose gardens, then you would
come to where the Duncans Road intersection is, [and] it would open out into this lovely park with the river. “The original layout people had the right idea but it got destroyed by the subdivision of Watton Street.” Mr Pritchard said Werribee residents were finding they no longer have leave the municipality for access to a range of things the town once lacked. “It’s improving, we can just hope things continue to improve,” he said.
The changing face of the Banner over the years The Wyndham Star Weekly has undergone a lot of changes since 1902. The paper has experienced name changes, masthead redesigns, layout updates and the introduction of colour photographs. Starting out on Friday, October 17, 1902 as the Wyndhamshire Banner, the paper covered small farming communities between Melbourne and Geelong. The Wyndhamshire Banner described itself as being the “Werribee, Little River, Tarneit and Laverton representative” – serving much of the region it does today. Council news featured prominently in the paper but it also included titbits from across the world. The first edition included a story about “unlucky cyclists” all the way from England who took a tumble while out for an evening ride. Also making news in that edition was the story of a man in Gippsland who borrowed a rooster to ensure he woke up in time to make his way to “the metropolis” the next morning. The paper also included a call for people to advertise, advising that “if you want to do business, advertise, and do it judiciously”. A few years later, the paper became known as the Werribee Shire Banner, keeping that name until January 1990. Along the way, the masthead was changed, and in January 1983, colour was added for the first time. In January 1990, the word ‘shire’ was dropped, with the paper then known as the Werribee Banner – a name that stuck for the next 20 years. A sister publication dedicated to Point Cook was launched in July 2004. In December 2009, the Banner celebrated the Werribee community with an edition dedicated to good news. On September, 8, 2010, the Banner had another name change and the Wyndham Weekly was born. The paper featured the same news the Wyndham community had come to expect from the Banner, with the edition of extra features and lifestyle content. In a editorial at the time, editor Eugene Duffy wrote that it was time for a change. … As Werribee changes so is its paper,” he wrote. “The Banner is a proud part of the region’s past; with these changes we are confident the Weekly will remain part of its future.” Then in May 2014, the Wyndham Star Weekly was born following a merger of the western suburbs’ Weekly and Star News Group papers.
The first edition of the Wyndhamshire Banner, published on October 17, 1902.
The Werribee Shire Banner, March 1968.
Colour was first added to the masthead in January 1983.
The Werribee Banner was born in January 1990.
‘‘
... As Werribee changes so is its paper. The Banner is a proud part of the region’s past; with these changes we are confident the Weekly will remain part of its future 1995 brought about another change to the masthead.
Good news edition, December 2009.
’’
- Eugene Duffy, former editor
The first edition of the Wyndham Weekly, September 8, 2010.
The masthead was changed again in 2004.
Another redesign in July 2013.
First Point Cook Banner, July 2007.
Wyndham Star Weekly is born, May 7, 2014.
Wednesday, 19 October, 2022 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 15
Werribee: then and now Werribee has undergone many landscape and building changes since the Werribee Banner was established.
THEN: Werribee Station was opened in 1857 and serviced the population of 130 residents, the town’s population has since grown to almost 100,000 residents. NOW: Werribee Station. (Damjan Janevski) 303637_01
THEN: Lowman’s Fruit Market was established on Watton Street in 1911. It was later demolished in 1952, and is now the site for Chatterbox Cafe and Carbone Lawyers. NOW: Watton Street.
THEN: Station Place was formerly known as Station Street. The before image shows shops on both sides of the street and more shops on the corner of Duncans Road and Watton Street, Werribee. NOW: Station Place. (Damjan Janevski) 303638_01
16 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 19 October, 2022
(Damjan Janevski) 303636_02
Werribee’s past is in good hands Shared by the Werribee District Historical Society, a non-profit volunteer organisation was formed in 1970 in an effort to preserve, archive and research historical material, and buildings of Wyndham, these images illustrate examples of early life in Werribee.
Above: Bunny Taylor’s was the first General Store and Post Office in Werribee, beginning operation in 1858.
Balfour’s Camp Hotel was demolished in 1925 and was replaced by the Bridge Hotel in 1926.
Left: Mr Henry Barnes outside the Banner office.
The N.A. Kendall Wheelright, located on the corner of Jellicoe Street and the Princes Highway.
May, 1892 marked the first sod turn at Melbourne Water’s Western Treatment Plant then known as the Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Works Farm.
The1983 dust storm.
Flooding in 1983.
Plans for a nudist beach in 1983.
The 1995 train derailment.
Weerama 1992.
Residents share memorable Werribee moments Wyndham residents have shared the community stories that mattered most to them over the 120 years the Werribee Banner (now Wyndham Star Weekly) has been in circulation. The February 1983 dust storm that enveloped Werribee South was one of the memorable stories for a lot of residents. The Banner shared photographs residents took of their backyards and motorists driving along the Princes Highway pulled over to
observe the phenomenon. The October 1983 Werribee River flood also made the list. The Banner reported that the flood was one of the biggest floods the town had ever faced. At the time, the Shire of Werribee was advised to close the Cottrell Street ford after the river flooded. Another story that came to mind for many residents was the creation of the Werribee
South nudist beach. In 1983, 56 per cent of residents surveyed answered ‘yes’ to the question ‘do you favour the establishment of a free beach in a separate and secluded area of the Point Cook Park with limited access and signs to clearly indicate it as such?’. Wyndham council voted in July 2015, to ban nudists from the beach after feeling that urban growth in Werribee South and Point Cook meant the beach was no longer secluded.
Residents also nominated a train derailment in September 2, 1995. A woman died and eight people were taken to hospital. The much-loved Weerama Festival was also a highlight for the community. Weerama celebrations in 1992, honoured the rich, multi-cultural heritage of the town with its ‘A Community of Nations’ theme.
Wednesday, 19 October, 2022 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 17
Growing pains are a hot topic Over the years, there’s been one topic that has always been big news in Wyndham: Development. In 1960, the community won a 13-year campaign to have a hospital built in Werribee. In September 1960, it was announced that the Werribee and District Hospital would be built at a cost of $181,610. It came as the population of Werribee started to boom amid an uptick in land sales. The Banner of the 1980s also reported stories of the municipality’s growth. In April 1980, it was announced that the Werribee Hospital would benefit from a $1 million expansion in light of the region’s planned growth, while another $700,000 was pledged in 1986. In 1993, roads were a hot topic, with the Banner running stories calling for the upgrade of the neglected Princes Freeway which was increasingly carrying more and more traffic. Congestion of the municipality’s roads have continued to be an issue ever since, with the Wyndham Weekly reporting in March 2013 that the council had launched a congestion campaign aimed at securing government-funded road upgrades across the city. The in November 2016, the state government committed $1.8 billion to upgrade seven of Wyndham’s busiest roads over the next six years. By 2020, the Wyndham Star Weekly was once again reporting the need for upgrades at Werribee’s hospital. In February 2021, it was reported that demand for birthing suites at Werribee Mercy Hospital had reached capacity, with planning under way to boost the capacity of the birthing suites. In July this year, Star Weekly reported Wyndham became home to almost 75,000 extra people between 2016 and 2021, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data. The rapid population growth meant Wyndham was struggling to keep up with the required infrastructure, mayor Peter Maynard said. “We need more funding assistance from the state and federal governments,” he said at the time.
Far left: Plans to expand the hospital in 1980. Left: A $1.8 billion roads plan makes front page news in 2016. Below: Werribee Mercy Hospital’s growing pains made the headlines in 2020.
Far left: In 2021, maternity services were at capacity. Left: A surge in population growth between 2016 and 2021 was causing growing pains in 2022.
Left: In 2020, residents rallied against plans to dump toxic soil in Wyndham Vale. Below: Hundreds of residents took to Watton Street in protest.
Plans for a toxic waste dump in 1982.
Left: The Banner reveals plans to dump toxic waste in Werribee in 1996. Above: The fight is over in 1998.
The Wyndham community rallies The Wyndham community has rallied against plans to dump toxic waste in the municipality on three occasions over the years. In 1982, the community united against a state government plan to dump toxic waste at the Board of Works Farm in Werribee. The issue raised its head throughout the decade, prompting opposition leader Jeff Kennett to pledge in December 1986 that “the worst industrial toxic wastes would not be treated in Werribee or anywhere else in 18 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 19 October, 2022
Victoria under a Liberal government”. Then in March 1996, the Banner revealed Wyndham could become the home of a major toxic waste dump and waste technology precinct within two years. A fight against the proposal followed, pitting residents against multinational company CSR and the state government which backed the company’s plans. Community leaders, residents and businesses united in their opposition to the “toxic dump” as it was known.
Werribee Residents Against Toxic Dump was formed, led by chairwoman Joanne Ryan (now Lalor MP) and spokesmen Julian Menegazzo and the late Harry van Moorst. In November 1998, the Banner hailed the community’s fighting spirit as it reported that plans for the “toxic dump” had been aborted. Residents took up the fight once again in February 2020, this time rallying against plans transform a Wyndham Vale railyard into a toxic waste dump.
Star Weekly reported that the state government was considering dumping toxic soil from the West Gate Tunnel project at the newly constructed rail stabling yard at Hobbs Road, Wyndham Vale. Hundreds of residents took to Watton Street to deliver a message that the soil was “not welcome in Wyndham”. Residents continued the fight until alterative sites for the soil were given the go-ahead by the Environment Protection Authority in late 2021.
The wonder of Werribee Park Wyndham’s tourist drawcards have been a regular source of stories over the years. The Werribee Park precinct – featuring the Victorian State Rose Garden, Werribee Mansion, Werribee Open Range Zoo and the National Equestrian Centre – has long been a top destination for tourists. Werribee Open Range Zoo The zoo was officially opened in 1983 and will celebrate its 40th anniversary next year. It was started as an agistment area for animals from Melbourne Zoo. In November 2020, Wyndham Star Weekly reported state government plans for an $84 million upgrade, which will include a new elephant sanctuary and a specially-designed site for rhinos and bison, as well as a tree-top sky safari gondola. Star Weekly’s predecessor, Wyndham Weekly, marked the zoo’s 30th anniversary in September 2013, noting five million people had visited the zoo in its first 30 years.
Far left: The 2020 announcement of an upgrade to Werribee zoo. Left: Werribee Open Range Zoo marked its 30th anniversary in 2013.
Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre The neighbouring National Equestrian Centre hosts prestigious competitions and events throughout the year. But in October 1983 it made front page news in the Banner for a more royal reason. Princess Anne visited the centre, where she watched the Australian Equestrian Championships and presented sashes to winners, including her husband. The visit coincided with the official opening of the equestrian centre, which was hailed as “the most successful three-day event ever held in Victoria”. Above: Princess Anne visited the National Equestrian Centre at Werribee Park in October 1983 to mark its opening.
The Banner heralded the 1977 opening of Werribee Park. Inset: A new exhibition marks 145 years of Werribee Mansion.
Werribee Mansion Victorian State Rose Garden The stunning roses at the Victorian State Rose Garden has long been a favourite photo location for our photographers – even back in November 1986 when the Banner celebrated the garden’s official opening. It was reported that the garden was “one of the most ambitious projects undertaken at the park”. Initially the garden was cared for by five stalwarts of the Rose Society of Victoria –all of whom lived in the eastern suburbs and were of retirement age. The Victoria State Rose Garden Supporters group took over in 1993, putting in more than 10,000 collective hours of gardening a year to Above: The State Rose Garden at Werribee keep the blooms in peak condition. In 2018, Star Weekly photographer Damjan Park opens in November, 1986. Inset: The 25th anniversary of the Victorian Janevski visited the garden to mark the group’s 25th anniversary. State Rose Garden Supporters Group.
The historic Werribee Mansion has regularly graced the pages of our paper. From providing the perfect backdrop for events, to refugees growing vegetables in its gardens, and the magnificently spooky night-time tours offered by mansion volunteers, the iconic location is a must visit. In December 1977, the Banner reported that Werribee Park would be opened to the public “following restoration of major rooms of the mansion”. The opening included a full weekend’s programme of equestrian events in addition to the opportunity to inspect the “magnificent mansion”. Just last week, Star Weekly reported on an exhibition celebrating the mansion’s 145th year. The exhibition also features personal stories, memories and photos from people who had visited the mansion and is a “bit of a time capsule”.
Famous faces who put Wyndham on the map Wyndham has been home to more than a few famous faces, and parts of the municipality have shined on the big screen. We take a look at some of the people and movies that helped put Wyndham on the map.
Far left: The Banner reports Russell Mark’s Olympic Gold Medal in August 1996. Left: The Banner celebrates Anthony Callea finishing as runner-up in Australian Idol in 2004.
Olympic gold medallist Russell Mark In August 1996, the Banner celebrated the Hoppers Crossing resident’s first Olympic medal – gold in the double trap. The Olympian spoke with the Banner 12 hours after his win in Atlanta, thanking Werribee residents for their “million” faxes support. Meanwhile, Wyndham council planned to welcome Mark home with a tickertape parade. Council’s chief commissioner Bernie Knight said Mark’s win would promote Werribee to the World. The Banner once again celebrated Mark’s success following his silver medal in double trap at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, and his medals at Commonwealth Games, including gold during the Melbourne Games in 2006.
The Banner ’s coverage of Julia Gillard’s replaced Kevin Rudd as prime minister in June 2010.
Cricketer Merv Hughes
Singer Anthony Callea
Wyndham holds a special place in Hughes’ heart. Born in Eurora, Hughes also called Apollo Bay, Violet Town, Myrltleford and Werribee home. Speaking with the Wyndham Weekly in 2013, Hughes said Werribee resonated with him most strongly and spoke of his time playing for Werribee in the Victorian Football Association (not VFL) before making his Victorian cricket debut.
In November 2004, Point Cook’s Anthony Callea was named runner-up in the second season of Australian Idol. The municipality had thrown its support behind the singing teacher, with an 1000-strong crowd gathering at Callea’s former school, Mackillop Catholic Regional College on the night of the finale. Speaking with the Banner, Callea’s uncle
Below: Cricket legend Merv Hughes grew up in Werribee.
was no place like home, declaring Melbourne’s west “a fabulous place”. The Lalor MP, whose electorate office was in Synnot Street, Werribee, split her time between Canberra and her Altona home during her three years in the top job. When she lost the party’s leadership to Rudd in June 2013 and decided to retire from politics, Gillard spoke fondly of her electorate, thanking voters and told the Wyndham Weekly she planned to return home soon to say goodbye.
Mad Max The 1979 film helped put Little River on the map. Filming for the movie, staring Mel Gibson, took place in Victoria, including in Little River. The town’s Kirk’s Bridge appeared in a scene in which Gibson’s character wiped out four bikers in a fatal pursuit. Above: The Dressmaker, released in 2015, was filmed in Little River.
Dominic Callea, paid tribute to his fans from Wyndham.
Former prime minister Julia Gillard In June 2010, “west end girl” Julia Gillard replaced Kevin Rudd as leader of the federal Labor Party, becoming Australia’s first female prime minister. Speaking to the Banner in one of her first interviews as prime minister, Gillard said there
The Dressmaker It was Little River’s time to shine once again in 2015, when Hollywood stars descended on the town to film The Dressmaker. The film starred Kate Winslet, Judy Davis, Liam Hemsworth and Hugo Weaving, with a number of scenes also shot at Werribee Park. Wyndham council heralded the filming as highlighting the natural wonders of the municipality’s amazing landscapes, and continued Wyndham’s “long tradition of being on the big screen”. Wednesday, 19 October, 2022 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 19
COMMUNITY STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
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
Garden swap Calling all Gardeners! The Wyndham Community Garden Swap has been running for more than 12 years now. It is a free community gathering of local gardeners who loathe waste and like to recycle and share surplus plants, seeds, produce and all things gardening. The WCGS meet at 10am on the first Sunday of each month at the Mossfiel Reserve, Hoppers Crossing. ■ Rita, ritaosullivan8@gmail.com
Hoppers Crossing Ladies Probus The friendly and vibrant group meet at Hotel 520 on the second Wednesday of each month from 10am. They have a guest speaker each month as well as social lunches, outings and theatre trips. ■ 0407 856 519
Werribee Annual Craft Festival The Werribee Craft Festival is back after a three- year hiatus and inviting stall holders to join the annual Craft festival running from 5-9pm on November 4, and 9am-5pm on November 5. ■ Nicole, 0411 103 149, or werribeecraftfestival@hotmail.com
Wyndham Rotary
Sunbury Model Railway Club president Robin Bootle.
Wyndham Rotary is welcoming people interested in helping residents in need in the municipality. People interested in finding out more, can meet the group at the Italian Sports Club at 6.30pm every Wednesday for a meal, to share ideas and work for a common cause. ■ Julie, 0406 196 630
curious minds. ■ Jess, 0450 348 969
Diabetes group
Lions Club
The Werribee Diabetes support group has been active in the community for over 18 years providing advice, information and support for members. The support group provides an opportunity to hear from experts on how to manage your diabetes, to share information on diabetes and to engage with other diabetics. It meets at the old council shire buildings at 10am every second Friday of the month. ■ Bob, 0409 252 872
Lions Club of Werribee meets at the RSL Club 2a Synnot Street Werribee on the first and third Wednesday of the month 6.30pm for a 7pm dinner meeting. Visitors most welcome. ■ Lou, 0409 331 271
U3A Werribee The group is a not-for-profit community organisation for semi-retired and retired Wyndham residents. They hold a variety of classes/activities specifically designed for Seniors, including, light physical and mental wellbeing sessions, arts, games and craft, and general classes such as current affairs, history and lunch groups. Most classes/activities are held at Wyndham Community Centres. ■ Rick, 0402 299 220
(Damjan Janevski) 302433_01
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.
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
Bingo move 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
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. CWA Werribee Branch also support 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, 9741 4402
Bingo for all
New walking group for young and old
AL-ANON meets
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
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.
The Werribee RSL hosts Bingo every Monday, except public holidays. Eyes down from 12.30-2.30pm. ■ 9741 5525
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
book sale every second Saturday of each month, 10am-12.30 pm. The book sale is held at Williamstown library in the Friends room, which can be accessed through the front desk. The event is cash only. ■ libraries.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au
Drop in chess, cards and Scrabble ■ Don,
0414 975 862
Walking group Morning Melodies
CWA Werribee Branch
20 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 19 October, 2022
Western Budgerigar Club
The Altona Meadows & Newport Heart Foundation Walking Group is a local community of men and women committed to walking and socialising together for about 60 minutes. It meets Wednesdays at 10am at the Jolly Miller Cafe in Altona Meadows or Fridays at 10am at the Newport Lakes Reserve. Members are required to register with the Heart Foundation in order to join. ■ Ian Watson, 0411 566 862 or www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Community/ Whats-On/Altona-Meadows-and -NewportHeart-Foundation-Walking-Groups
Cherry Lake Market Altona Lions Club Cherry Lake Market is held on the first Sunday of the month. Set between Millers Road and the stunning Cherry Lake in Altona, this market has something for everyone. The market hosts more than 60 stalls selling plants, bric-a-brac, handcrafts, hot jam donuts, tools, clothing and much more. There is live music every month from the Cherry Lake Cultural Series, showcasing local musicians from across Hobsons Bay. From 9am to 1pm. Cherry Lake, Millers Road, Altona. ■ www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Community/ Whats-On/Altona Lions Club Cherry Lake Market or cherrylakemarket@gmail.com
Cobber Club Cobber Club provides exercises suitable for seniors, including chair exercises. The club meets on Mondays at 10am at Oz Tenpin at 2 Linmax Court, Point Cook on the first Monday of each month, Altona RSL at 63 Sargood Street, Altona on the second and fourth Mondays and at the Altona Badminton Centre at 271
Williamstown book sale Friends of Williamstown Library holds a
If you love playing chess, cards or a game of Scrabble in an informal and fun setting, visit Braybrook Community Centre on Tuesdays, from noon-2.30pm.
Woodcarving workshop Aimed at all levels of ability in the ancient and international craft of woodcarving. Women are welcome. Bring your own tools and projects if possible. Or do you have Grandpa’s old gouges to donate? On Tuesdays, 9.30am to noon, at 280 Queen Street, Altona. ■ jah2802rot@gmail.com
Heritage walks 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 377 336
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
Women’s choir Willin Wimmin choir welcomes new members. It meets 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
PUZZLES SUDOKU
No. 103
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
easy
8 9
2 6 1 4 9 3 9 6 2 5 5 3 9 2
24
Takes without permission (8) US city known as ‘The Windy City’ (7) A group with a common interest (9)
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9 2 9 7
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14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
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12
13
9 7 2 8 4 6 3 1 5
7 2 9 6 5 3 4 8 1
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1 6 4 9 2 8 3 5 7
9 1 7 5 6 2 8 4 3
Today’s Aim: 8 words: Good 12 words: Very good
F
U
D
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No. 103 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down. NOTE: more than one solution may be possible
D G E D E N U E
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P O R T I K E R L I V E
D
7 LETTERS DRASTIC ICEBERG IDOLISE INHABIT INTERNS PARSECS
6 LETTERS LEASES NEEDLE SPIDER STATER
8 LETTERS ENSEMBLE ENTWINED EPILEPSY PRIORITY
21-10-22
S H A
5 7 3 8 9 6 1 2 4 5 4 1 9 7 2 8 3 6
U
STYLE TENSE TIGHT WHEEL WHINE WOUND YABBY
QUICK QUIZ
1
In what year did boxer Kostya Tszyu (pictured) win his first professional world title?
7
In 2007, which anniversary did the Cannes Film Festival celebrate?
2
Which office is of the highest rank in the diplomatic service?
8
3
What insect has the largest brain, relative to its size?
Since Federation, how many double dissolutions of the Australian Parliament have there been?
4
On the Richter scale, what magnitude might an earthquake be if it produced vibrations similar to that of a passing truck: two, three or five?
9
Which poem by Edgar Allen Poe begins 'Take this kiss upon the brow!'?
E
3 4 6 7 8 9 5 1 2 8 9 7 6 3 1 2 5 4
E
MEETS MERES ODOUR OGLED ORALS PIANO PILLS PUREE READS SALES SARIS SCARE SEEDS SEEDY SENDS SHEAR SIREN SNOTS SNOWS SORES SOWED
DIFFUSING, digs, ding, dings, find, finds, fundi, fungi, fusing, gins, nisi, siding, sign, sing, sniff, suing, using
2 5 8 1 3 4 7 6 9
6 8 2 3 4 1 9 7 5
4 9 1 2 7 5 6 3 8
6 2 3 4 5 8 7 1 9
9 7 4 8 6 5 1 2 3
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I G
22
1 4 5 7 3 9 6 2 8
6 8 3 2 5 1 4 7 9
8 9 7 6 1 2 5 3 4
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T E
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21
A
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4 LETTERS ANON BARS EYED LADS LENS OWLS RAIN ROBS SASH SAWS SEAL STAB STEP TSAR 5 LETTERS ABYSS
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20
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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”.
N
3 2 1 5 9 4 8 6 7
5 6 4 3 8 7 1 9 2
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Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com
5x5
9-LETTER WORD
17 words: Excellent
hard
19
medium
18
easy
17
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16
3 4
15
6
5
14
4
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6
In which constellation does the Sirius star reside?
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4 5 6 7 8 14 15 16
ACROSS 1 4 9 10 11 12 13 15 17 19 22 25
No. 103
6 1 2 7 6
7
QUICK CROSSWORD
Wednesday, 19 October, 2022 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 21
SECTION STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
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Somers Parade Kindergarten will hold their Annual General Meeting on Wed 23rd November 2022 at 7.30pm via Zoom. All welcome. If you wish to attend, please email somersparadesecretary1 @gmail.com and a meeting link will be sent to you.
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Lic 35031 HIGHLY EXPERIENCED TECHNICIANS ANTENNA SERVICE ALL AREAS
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Contact Norm after 5pm for further details:
0428 568 004
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Monday 31st October at 12 noon
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SPORTS QUIZ 1. What is the AFL mascot for the Essendon football club?
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14. Which Victorian regional city is hosting matches in the first round of the 2022 ICC Twenty20 World Cup? 15. Jason Horne-Francis was recently traded to which AFL club? 16. Shane van Gisbergen and Garth Tander recently won which Supercars Championship event? 17. Bryce Cotton plays for which NBL team?
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23. Victor Wembanyama is a 2.20m (7’3") tall teenage professional basketballer from which country? 24. Former Collingwood footballer Brodie Grundy was traded to which AFL club? 25. In which sport is social media personality Paige Spiranac a former professional?
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WRFL objects to Deer Park, St Albans move The move of St Albans and Deer Park to the Essendon District Football League has hit a hurdle. As previously reported by Star Weekly, the EDFL approved the application of both sides to join the competition for next season. The Western Region Football League had 10 business days to determine whether it would formally object to either or both applications. A WRFL spokesperson told Star Weekly on Wednesday that the league had decided to exercise its right to go through the AFL Victoria objection process. WRFL chief executive Matthew Duck had previously said the league is disappointed that the applications have been made from two valued clubs, but equally understand this is the community football landscape they operate in. AFL Victoria will now make the decision on the future of the two clubs. AFL Victoria will initiate an objection hearing where the clubs and both leagues will be given the opportunity to make written submissions in support of their case. Those submissions will be exchanged and a second
Deer Park’s move to the Essendon District Football League has hit a hurdle. (Joe Mastroianni) 296107
submission be requested again from all parties. AFL Victoria then convene an objections hearing panel where parties present in person and elaborate on their submissions and may be
subject to inquiry from the panel. The panel will then consider the evidence presented and then determine the verdict of the objection within a few days.
Payne’s mixed combine By Tara Murray Spotswood’s Matthew Payne experienced the highs and the lows at the recent AFL state combine. Payne topped the table in the agility test and finished second in the 20 metre sprint, but his testing ended on a low note. “It was a great experience,” he said. “I was a bit unfortunate, I did all the testing bar the two-kilometre as I strained my hamstring in my last 20 metre sprint I did. “It was hard after all the effort I put in and the two-kilometre is one of the more important ones, along with the sprint. “It’s probably the biggest indicator if you’re been training or not, I’d been training pretty hard for it.” Payne is hoping to get the opportunity to put a time together before the draft to show the AFL recruiters what he can do. Overall, Payne said he had expected to test well having had a bit of an athletics background, having been involved in Williamstown Little Athletics when he was younger. The combine capped off a solid draft year season for Payne. He combined school football with Melbourne Grammar and playing in the NAB League with the Western Jets. Payne said it was a really good experience to be part of both programs. “Most western suburbs boys just play for the Western Jets, but I’m lucky enough to go to Melbourne Grammar as well,“ he said. “It was a good opportunity to get a feel for both leagues which are pretty different in many aspects. “It was good to play with a lot of different body playing boys. At Melbourne Grammar you have the Sandringham and Oakleigh Chargers regions so it was a good opportunity to play with them, but I love playing with the Western Jets as well.” Payne admits to putting high expectations on himself leading into the season and admits to putting too much pressure on himself at times. He said the Jets staff helped him learn so much more about his game. “I probably would have liked to have shown a bit more those things happen and you can’t have the perfect season and the perfect game, it’s pretty hard,“ he said. “As a small forward as well … you can’t always have great games and as the season grew on and I matured, I learned what was a good game for me and that was what really mattered. “Robbie Chancellor, the Western Jets coach, Luke Williams, they were really good for me along with Jack Rhodes the wellbeing coordinator. They all helped me a lot and
Matthew Payne. (Jonathan DiMaggio/AFL Photos)
understanding what a good game looked like for me. “As the season grew on and with the help of their support and my support network, my form really improved. “I think in the back half of the year I thought I was putting in some good form.” Payne played one trial game with Vic Metro, which he was happy with, but didn’t make the final team.
Payne, who models his game on Sydney forward Tom Papley, said football was always the goal like every other kid. For now it’s about recovering from his hamstring injury and preparing for the coming months. “The goal is to get the hamstring right and do well on my VCE exams,” he said. “Come November, hopefully things go my way.”
Rupertswood, the most recent team to join the EDFL, had to go through that process when they tried to make the switch in late 2020. AFL Victoria later approved the move after a panel hearing after the Riddell District Football League objected to the move. If both clubs join the EDFL it will mean there are 31 clubs with senior men’s teams. Neither club had women’s sides this year, but Deer Park had previously had women’s sides. Tt would be a blow for the WRFL, with both sides in the competition’s top division. Deer Park, which won a seventh straight premiership in 2019, made the semi final this year, knocked out by grand finalists Werribee Districts. St Albans finished in seventh with five wins. The loss of those two teams would reduce the number of senior men’s clubs to 23. A St Albans spokesperson said the club was not going to comment until the process is completed, while Deer Park was contacted for comment. Tara Murray
Cricket called off once again Most cricketers across Wyndham were again left twiddling their thumbs on the weekend. For the third straight week, wet weather has meant that most competitions didn’t ahead due to the number of grounds unavailable. The Victorian Turf Cricket Association was the first to make the call, calling off games on Wednesday. In an email to clubs, seen by Star Weekly, the association said there were 39 grounds not available even before Thursday’s heavy rainfall, with some grounds in the region flooded. “The VTCA would like to inform all clubs, players and officials that play for Saturday 15th October has been called off,” the association said on social media. “With a high percentage of grounds unable to get play on, along with the rain, we will continue to ask for updates throughout next week, with the hope of starting October 22nd.” The VTCA has rescheduled round one to December 4, which was the designated catch up day. The Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association made the call on Thursday, with round one now being abandoned with round two set to be played next weekend. Victorian Premier Cricket called off all games across both the men’s and women’s competitions, with some grounds under water. Players in the VTCA, VSDCA and men’s premier cricket are yet to play any cricket at all, with the first three weekends called off. Cricketers in the Western Suburbs Churches and Community Cricket Association were among the rare ones to get on the pitch on Saturday. Many games were called off across the 13 divisions, but there was still plenty of action. In division 1, West Point beat the Brimbank Strikers and Williams Landing accounted for Truganina. The other two division 1 matches were washed out. In division 2, Tarneit Central Gold, United Tarneit, and Tarneit Central Green were the winners, while Old Melbourne and Mambourin didn’t get on the pitch.
Wednesday, 19 October, 2022 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 25
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A poor second half hurts United Western United needs to go back to playing its game for 90 minutes after a second straight loss to start the A-League Men’s season. United showed some good signs in the first half against Sydney FC on Sunday afternoon, but weren’t able to convert on the scoreboard. Down 2-1 at half time, United dropped their heads and let Sydney take control of the game. Sydney would score the sealer in the 69th minute to win 3-1. United coach John Aloisi said it was a mixed performance. “The first half we were really good, exactly the way we wanted to play,” he said. ”We performed really well and we created a number of opportunities, yes we didn’t take them, that was probably the negative. “We made some errors, we ended up giving them a lift, the goal and penalties they ended up getting were from our errors, “Then in the second half we lost our way
and lost our structure.” Aloisi said the second half was the most disappointing thing, as it was something they normally wouldn’t do. He said they could have quite easily been 3-0 at half time, had luck gone their way. “The first half the way we want to play it was excellent in all areas,” he said. “We have to make sure that we don’t lose our way just because we are behind or just because we lost a game of football. “We have to keep playing to our strengths and what we have been trying to work on, which is why I was disappointed for the second half.” Aloisi said it was hard to put his finger on what exactly went wrong, but admits their mistakes let Sydney back into the game. He said the group needs to continue to back in what they’ve done so well the last 12 months.
“We’re always going to be able to create chances, but we ended up becoming too stressed,” he said. “Too much of a game playing into their hands. They’ve got good players going forward with space, if we didn’t give them that space like we did in the first half, they’re not going to create much.” Aloisi said now sitting 0-2 as defending champions was the time to show the character and the culture of the group that is spoken about so much. “Now is the best time to show what we are made of,” he said. “That will show on the pitch if you keep on doing the right things. “You don’t need to panic, you need to keep playing your football, don’t think you have to win the game, you play your football, you perform well, where normally the results will follow.” United will face Macarthur on Friday night.
Josh Risdon was the goal scorer for Western United. (Supplied)
Ava Lazaridis. (Supplied)
Success for Warriors
Luke Dahlhaus has joined Point Cook. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett)
Dahlhaus joins Bulldogs By Tara Murray Western Bulldogs premiership player Luke Dahlhaus is reuniting with his former teammate Clay Smith at Point Cook next year. The Western Region Football League division 1 club announced on Tuesday that Dahlhaus, who played 225 AFL games with the Western Bulldogs and Geelong, would join the club next season. Dahlhaus retired from the AFL at the end of the 2022 season, having played 10 games this year and wasn’t part of the Cats AFL premiership team. Smith said there was plenty of excitement in the playing group and the wider WRFL community, following the announcement of Smith joining the club. He said their friendship played a role in Dahlhaus coming on board. “We’ve been struggling for the last few years and to get someone of that calibre will help the club as a whole,” he said. “It’s also nice to have a mate around to help me with the young kids.” Smith said he was unsure if Dahlhaus would 26 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 19 October, 2022
take on an official leadership or coaching role, but expected him to provide plenty of leadership either way. He said Dahlhaus had enjoyed working with the younger players at Geelong while in the Victorian Football League this year. “He’s been in the AFL system for 11 or 12 years,” he said. “He wants to come down and enjoy local football. “He did say in the VFL he took on a leadership role and stepped up and talked more which is unlike him.” Smith said Dahlhaus would spend a bit of time in the midfield which he was looking forward to. For Smith the signing of Dahlhaus is a massive boost as he heads into his first season as senior coach. Smith takes over from Brett Jacobs. Jacobs stood down as coach having coached the side since 2019. He said it had been a big six weeks since the season ended as he starts preparation for next season. “I’m excited about it,” he said. “Brett and I had a really good relationship during the year. “We knew the transition was coming and
he let me take training and take a lot more at games. “We still speak now bouncing ideas off each other.” The Bulldogs are set to announce some more signings in the next couple of weeks. In a second big signing last week, the club announced former Geelong rookie Paul Tsapatolis would be joining the club. The former rising basketball star made the switch to football, but couldn’t break through for an AFL debut. Smith said they had looked to add a bit more experience to the group as they look to continue their development. The Bulldogs finished this year ninth with four wins. “We looked at the side and wanted to add a little bit more depth,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of players between 24 and 25 and a couple of older guys who are set to hang up the boots. “We’ve got such a strong junior program with our under-18s making the grand final. We’ve got the young guys coming through, but we want to put some more players around them to take the pressure off them.”
Wyndham Warriors riders were among the many stars to hit the track at the recent BMX state titles. After a couple of tough years for the club due to COVID-19 and limited opportunities to hit the bike, 11 Wyndham riders were in action at the state titles. Warriors coach Jordan Morgan said it was one of their biggest numbers of riders competing in years. “We don’t have many numbers so this is a good story for us,” he said. ”We’ve had more in the past, but probably not for at least the last six years. “We had quite a few riders make semi finals, especially in the 13, 14, and 15-year-old age groups which are the biggest age groups number wise.” Of the 11 Warriors riders, five made the final in their respective class. Ava Lazaridis won the under-14 girls and placed second in the junior women superclass. She also claimed the series title. Morgan won the men’s masterclass to give the Warriors two state titles. Jude Gasm finished seventh in the 15 boys and Jamie Truran finished sixth in the superclass. Morgan said they were now starting to see things turning around after COVID. “We have more than 50 members but we had to close and couldn’t do anything for months,” he said. “The members have come back and we have some good membership growth and people are liking what we’re doing.” The national titles are held at the end of November, while the Warriors season ends in December.
Slow start for Werribee in pennant division two Werribee will take some time to settle on its line up for the new Bowls Victorian weekend pennant division 2, section 1 season. A number of new players were given opportunities as the selectors looked at some different combinations in the opening round on Saturday. The combinations didn’t quite click with the Bees losing the opener to Deer Park 2, 95 (14)-67 (4) at Deer Park. Bees secretary Steve Weston said it wasn’t the start they were after. He admits though that Deer Park 2 are the favourites and a very strong team and hard to beat. “We had two very close wins and two big losses,” he said. “We had a few new players in the side. “Denis [Hewitt] has come down from the country, while we had a couple of players cross from Hoppers. “We mixed the teams around, but it was a disappointing start to the season.” Robert Smith (18-15) and Brendan Barker (23-21) were the winning skips for the Bees, while Robert Panton and Gavin Joyce skippered the losing rinks.
Weston said they had some new selectors this season who looked to mix the sides up early as they worked out their best line ups with all the new players. After just missing finals last season, Weston said finals were the aim this season. The club again has five Saturday sides from division 2 down to division 6. They also have four mid-week sides with action starting last week. The top side this week faces Altona Sports at home in round two. It was a big weekend for the club as on Sunday they celebrated their 100th birthday. The club hosted a lunch for about 160 people including local politicians and other dignitaries. Weston said before the event they were looking forward to the day. Meanwhile, Hoppers started its season with an 81 (16)-61 (2) loss to Yarraville Footscray 3 in division 2, section 1. Craig Timberlake was the winning skip for Hoppers, winning 21-13. Gregory Berry, Vincent Gerace and Stephen Bartlett were the losing skips. Hoppers will face last season’s runners-up
Denis Hewitt, Eddy Williamson and Lyn Milledge. (Joe Mastroianni) 303538_05
Keilor in round two. In division 3, section 1, Palm Lake, which is based in Truganina, beat Newport, 104 (16)-77 (2), while Werribee 2 suffered a loss to Deer Park 3.
Bright summer for Vales
In division 4, section 1, Point Cook beat Altona 3, 90 (16)-63 (2), while Werribee 3 had a win in that same section. Tara Murray
Four recommit to Werribee
By Connor Buttigieg Wyndham Vale is eager for a season to build upon as the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 5 club heads into the summer. Looking to restore a winning formula through a talented flock of youth, the Vales will also look forward to celebrating the history of the club in what is their 40th anniversary season. Returning for a fourth-consecutive season as captain-coach, Jay Dolliver is optimistic that the group can return to winning ways. The Vales finished second bottom last season with just four wins. Dolliver said the club has a couple of key goals heading into the summer. “We’d like to rebuild a club culture after the loss of a lot of senior cricketers,” he said. He mentioned building a winning culture through the young crop of players the club is developing. Given the club milestone, Dolliver said there was an extra spur his group could gain from the occasion. “I think every season brings the motivation to get positive results on field, but the 40-year anniversary should bring some more energy to playing for the pride of our club,” he said. A clear focus for the Vales is to further develop the exciting youth who have been progressing through the senior ranks over the past couple of years. “We’ve had no real recruits as such, but the natural progression of a heap of our juniors should hopefully fill the hole of the loss of our senior cricketers,” Dolliver said. “We’ve had a number of improvers, but Michael Fry, Nathan Griffiths and Jacob Carter are the ones that have stood out after a solid pre-season.” Arguably as important to the development of the up-and-coming players are their experienced counterparts, who will provide guidance as part of that development according to Dolliver. “In the first XI there’s myself and Liam McLaughlin, who’ve played a lot of first XI cricket which will help,” he said. “We also have a number of senior guys in the seconds with Craig Campbell and Brendan Cross, accompanied by captain Ben Funnell.” The Vales will look to get their season off to a promising start this Saturday, after the first three weeks of cricket have had to be
Michael Fry has had a strong pre-season. (Mark Wilson)
abandoned due to the non-favourable weather and unplayable grounds. After a two-day game was originally fixtured for round three, it will instead become a one-dayer this Saturday. Wyndham Vale will face Seabrook, which dropped down from division 4 last season, in what will be a good test for Dolliver’
young side. In other matches scheduled for this Saturday, Sanctuary Lakes is set to play Melton Centrals. In division 3, Werribee Centrals are set to face Sunshine Heights and Point Cook is set to play Pascoe Vale Hadfield. Meanwhile In division 4, Bellbridge is set to play Gellibrand.
Werribee has secured the signatures of four key players for next year’s Victorian Football League season. Werribee announced on Friday that Nathan Cooper, Nick Hayes, Josh Porter and Bior Malual have re-signed for next year as the club aims to return to finals. Hayes and Porter, both 28, are two of the team’s elder statesmen with Hayes having played footy across three different states while Porter has now had three stints in the VFL with Werribee. Fullback Cooper enters his third year at the club and will be hoping for some continuity with his footy next season after a COVID-year and then an injury-affected 2022 that limited him to 12 games. Malual is approaching 50 games for the club after breaking through at VFL level in 2019. Werribee football manager Mark Micallef told the club website that all four players are hugely important to the side. “Josh and Nick are two of our most experienced players and are so important to our forward group thanks to their football IQ and ability to direct and educate our younger players,” he said. “Nathan is one of our key posts down back and was terrific early in the season before going down with injury while Bior is crucial to the way we play with his hard running and beautiful ball use.” One player who won’t be back next season is Ollie Hanrahan after he decided to take some time away from football in 2023 and focus on cricket for the next 12 months. Harahan joined Werribee this year after five seasons in the AFL with Hawthorn and was a quality addition for the club this season and was one of their more consistent players. Hanrahan will appear for Hawthorn Kingston in Victorian Premier Cricket this summer and then plans to spend next winter playing cricket in England. Tara Murray Wednesday, 19 October, 2022 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY 27
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