Star Weekly - Wyndham - 19th April 2023

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United in grand final!

By Tara Murray

Western United is daring to dream as it moves one step closer to an A-League Women’s championship in its first season.

United only took one match to show it wouldn’t be easy beats this season, but that underdog mentality remained throughout the season.

On Sunday, United despite having 12 players in their squad who had never played A-League, let alone A-League finals took it to minor premiers Sydney FC for a spot in the grand final.

Golden Boot winner Hannah Keane gave United the lead in the 26th minute and that was the margin at half time.

The Sky Blues continued to put the pressure on, having 26 scoring shots to eight and having 12 shots on target to United’s three.

But United’s defence stood tall as it had all season, continuing to block out Sydney’s attack. Goalkeeper Hillary Beall showed why she is one of the best players in the competition, denying Sydney that equaliser.

United would still lead 1-0 at the end of 90 minutes, but with eight minutes of injury time it needed to hold on.

It did, securing a remarkable grand final spot.

United coach Mark Torcaso said in the post game broadcast that he never imagined being in this position.

“We worked extremely hard in the off-season to get this team right and this club right in regards to the girl space,“ he said.

“To be in this moment right and to be playing in a grand final is absolutely amazing.”

Speaking in the post game press conference, Torcaso said it was pretty incredible to see where the group had come from.

Torcaso along with players Alana Cerne, Adriana and Melissa Taranto, Emma Robers, Julia Sardo, Aleks Sinclair, Natasha Dakic, Alyssa Dall’Oste, Stacey Papadopoulos, Raquel Deralas and Harriet Withers were all with National Premier League side Calder United, this time last year.

“It’s unbelievable because a lot of these girls come from an NPL set up and have never been exposed to this,” he said.

“Twelve girls have never been exposed to an A-League environment. I love it just for

them that they get that opportunity to play in a big game like today and another big game in two weeks time.

“It’s an amazing achievement for the club and those individuals.“

Torcaso said he had been concerned about jitters entering the match, but there had been noneonshow.HesaidthelikesofAngieBeard and Chloe Logarzo had been really good in helping the others.

Torcaso said the result highlighted the strength of the state league game in Australia and particularly in Victoria.

Both Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory also made the final four.

“We’ve got a lot of talent here,” he said. “In our first season to be able to have that, have a number of players play in big games.

“[We were] close to the top of the ladder all year. The game has definitely come on leaps and bounds and it’s only going to get better with the World Cup coming up.”

Torcaso paid tribute to the staff that had put together a program that allowed the girls to compete week in, week out,

He said no matter what, they just worked

hard each week.

“It was just about grinding out games week in week out, we knew that we would not be overly entertaining in watch,“ he said.

“We’re definitely give a fight and we’re going to work hard for each other every game, literally just fight to the end.”

Torcaso said nothing changes for them in the lead up to the grand final which is on April 30. They will face either Sydney or Melbourne Victory.

“Always had this one day, one week at a time and it will be the same.”

Western United players celebrate after Hannah Keane scored on Sunday. (AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi)

Builders hit by ‘a perfect storm’

The manager of a west Melbourne building company said that rising costs, COVID delays, and trade shortages have created a “perfect storm” of pressure in the building industry, but there is “light at the end of the tunnel”.

The Melbourne building industry has taken significant hits this year, with Porter Davis going into liquidation and leaving more than 1500 homes unfinished, and Hallbury Homes and Lloyds Group also entering into administration.

Keogh Homes is a family owned custom builder based in Hoppers Crossing that

servicesMelbourne’sCBD,west,north,andout to Geelong and Ballarat. Keogh Homes general managerPatrickKeoghsaid“buildersaregoing bust left, right and centre” due to fixed-price contracts being outpaced by inflation.

“I won’t sugar coat it, it’s affecting every builderinthestate,”hesaid.“[Thecosttobuild] a house with four bedrooms, two living areas, has gone up between $120,000 and $150,000 in the last four years.

“Working on fixed price contracts we’ve got nowiggleroomifthere’spriceincreasesthatget passed on from material suppliers or trades.”

Dance stars return

The dance stars of Wyndham are putting on their best dancing shoes to raise $100,000 for mental health.

This is the fourth year running of the Werribee Mazda Dance Stars on the Floor show, with eight selected local stars gearing up to perform at the Wyndham Cultural Centre on Friday, August 5.

Heather Marcus is coordinating the show again this year and said that it has been big hit among Wyndham residents.

“This year we want to work harder to bring an even better show for the community in Wyndham to enjoy,” she said.

“We have chosen our stars very carefully this year to make it very inclusive.

“We wanted to make sure that nobody felt left out.”

The dance stars are on a quest to raise funds for two local charities, the Wyndham Health Foundation and Story Dogs. The star who raises the most funds will be

crowned the winner.

“There are eight stars this year who come from all different walks of life, and they’re all coming together for a great cause,” said Ms Marcus.

The stars are teamed up with professional dancers with six weeks of lessons to showcase two choreographed dances.

Hannah Hammoud

Dance stars Aaron Sellick, Leah Coates, Majak Duwar, Debasree Das, John Dabley and Roksana Armani. (Jacob Pattison) 328034_02

Mr Keogh said secondary issues were worker shortages and COVID-delays.

“There is just a lot of work out in the ground atthemoment,andnotenoughtradesoutthere to do it,“ he said.

“Thevolumebuildersrelyonsmallermargins but greater volume of work, and they rely on getting through jobs quicker… But because of all these delays on site that’s obviously pushed them out and they’ve felt the pain from that.”

Mr Keogh believes that with such large companiesgoingunder,theindustrywillbegin to correct itself.

The Victorian Government is making it easier for families to find a three and four-year old kinder learning program they can count on.

LED BY A QUALIFIED TEACHER

The Kinder Tick recognises kinder programs that are led by a qualified teacher.

PLAY-BASED LEARNING PROGRAM

It highlights kindergartens and long day care centres that offer play-based programs to help children learn and grow, before they start school.

“With what’s happened to the other builders who have gone bust recently there is going to be a bit more of an influx of trade availability so in the next few months that’s going to make things a lot easier and get jobs moving.

“And then obviously every contract that we’ve signed in the last six months has been based on current prices and inflated prices that we expect to come through in the next few months. Unfortunately that means increased prices that we have to pass on to the clients but obviously that’s what we need to do to remain viable.”

FUNDED AND APPROVED BY THE VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT

It also identifies services that are approved for Victorian Government funding.

Meesha shines in April

Wyndham council has announced St John’s Ambulance volunteer Meesha Pujitha GunawardenaastheOneWyndhamrecipient for April.

Meesha has regularly volunteered with St John’s Ambulance, providing supportive healthcare in acute situations and calming patients during stressful situations.

In 2022, she received the St John’s Ambulance Wyndham division’s member of the year award.

Meesha has also been volunteering as a ward ambassador every week at the Monash Health Medical Centre and is currently completingaMasterofPublicHealthtowards working in public health and adovating for improved health outcomes for people in rural and remote areas and First Nations people.

Wyndham mayor Susan McIntyre said Meesha was a “positive influence” within the community.

“Meesha is an exemplary role model,” she said.

“Her passion to help others in the community is truly wonderful.

“Wyndham council thanks and appreciates the contribution Meesha makes to Wyndham and the wider community.”

OneWyndhamrecipientsareresidentsaged between12and25yearsofagewhocontribute to the Wyndham community and are role models to other young people.

Winnersreceivea$300giftvoucheroftheir choice and other prizes.

Details:www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/services/ youth-services/awards-competitions/ one-wyndham

Fatal accident

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal crash in Yarraville on Sunday which killed a Werribee woman. Emergency services were called to a carpark off High Street on Sunday, April 16 just after 1pm. Police said they were told a man was reversing his car into a car park when he accelerated forward. The vehicle struck a woman before hitting a wall and stopping a short distance away. The 38-year-old Werribee woman was taken to hospital where she later died. Police interviewed the 48-year-old Werribee driver and released him pending further enquiries.

Youth centre boost

Wyndham council’s Youth Resource Centre will receive an upgrade after the council received state government funding. Youth Minister Natalie Suleyman announced last week that the council will receive $150,000 to support the refurbishment of its existing Youth Resource Centre. The centre supports young people aged 12 to 25 with counselling and mental health support, employment and general youth support services and programs. Refurbishment of the existing facility will ensure safer and greater access to the hub with upgrades to consulting rooms, a commercial kitchen and foyer area. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au

Wyndham Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Meesha Pujitha Gunawardena was the One Wyndham recipient for April. (Supplied)

Owners plead for deposits back

By Rachael Ward, AAP

Father of two Anil Vemula dreams of living in a house his family loves but that has never seemed further away after the collapse of home builder Porter Davis.

Mr Vemula says he made sacrifices for three years to save up a deposit of $33,000 for a home in Tarneit but has no idea if he’ll ever see that money again.

“We don’t know what to do now,” Mr Vemula said as he choked back tears outside Victoria’s Parliament on Sunday.

“We need help, we need our deposits back.”

Mr Vemula and dozens of other customers

staged a protest on Sunday describing how their lives have been upended since the company went into liquidation last month, impacting about 1700 builds in Victoria and Queensland.

Protest organiser Mike Tarno estimates 800 families have lost on average between $30,000 to $50,000 and said many were left without insurance.

He is calling on the state government to set up a fund to support those families in the upcoming May budget and he wants better building regulations.

Many say they need financial and legal assistance to help them navigate their next

steps, get their deposits back and gain access to plans.

“A lot of us are afraid to build now, it’s just not safe to build in Victoria,” Mr Tarno said.

Premier Daniel Andrews said he would make announcements about support for impacted customers in the future and was prepared to change rules so a similar situation did not happen again.

“If there’s weaknesses in the system, of course, then we stand ready to make those changes but you’ve got to work out what’s happened first,” Mr Andrews told reporters on Sunday.

“There are enough reports, I think, for us

all to be very, very concerned that just what Porter Davis has been up to when it comes to baiting customers with cut price contracts they knew they would not be able to fulfill.” Protest organisers say they will continue to stage demonstrations until the government steps in.

Liquidators Grant Thornton on Monday confirmed Nostra Property Group had entered into a sales agreement for Porter Davis’ multiple dwelling business. Nostra will complete up to 375 town houses, 169 of which haven’t been started yet, as well as offer ongoing employment to 16 Porter Davis staff.

Public art project will be a treat for the senses

Cocoroc’s Western Treatment Plant is set to come alive with an explosion of art and activity this weekend, as part of the Treatment III public art project.

A collaboration between the Public Art Commission, Deakin University, Wyndham council, Melbourne Water, the West Gate Neighbourhood Fund, Scienceworks and Hobsons Bay City Council, Treatment III is the third iteration of the event first held in 2015.

The Night and Day event will be held at the Western Treatment Plant in the lead-up to sunset on Friday, April 21 and in the early hours of Saturday, April 22.

Deakin University School of Communication and Creative Arts academics Professor David Cross and Associate Professor Cameron Bishop are curating the event, which will include nine

newly commissioned artworks. Professor Cross said the works aim to celebrate a day in the life of the plant and the

plants and wildlife which call the site home.

“We’re very interested in what a 24-hour cycle looks like at the Western Treatment

Plant,” he said.

“What many people don’t realise is the Western Treatment Plant is also one of the state’s most popular spots for birdwatching, with some birds migrating from as far away as Siberia to its wetlands,” he said.

Art projects on show during the event will include live ice sculptures, a bioluminescence show and large-scale video screenings.

Attendees will be taking a minibus tour throughout the old township of Cocoroc to experience the works.

Melbourne Water Western Treatment Plant head Alanna Wright said the plant was an jewel in Melbourne’s infrastructure.

“This project will put an exciting spotlight on the rich history of this special space.”

Details: www.treatment3.org.au/ night-and-day

We would love the opportunity to spoil you by offering free personalised treatments from students at the Tamarua Beauty Academy in Altona, who specialise in making people feel good and look fabulous.

Come along and get your hair, nails or make-up done after a short tour of Point Cook Village where you can meet the vibrant community, view the spacious apartments and villas, and see all there is on offer.

If you are planning your retirement and considering your next move, your search begins here!

Bookings essential.

RSVP by calling the team on 9394 6799 today.

BY RCA VILLAGES

Point

Point Cook

“Living in Point Cook Village was not something I had planned for myself, but it is the best move I have ever made.”

Resident

Treatment III’s Night and Day event will feature works from Dr Fiona Hillary, Peter Burke and Edwina Stevens. (Jacob Pattison) 327995

Remove abandoned vehicles

By Matthew Sims

Wyndham council is reminding residents to remove unregistered and abandoned vehicles from public land and property to create a cleaner and safer environment and to report any abandoned vehicles to council.

Wyndham mayor and community safety portfolio holder Susan McIntyre said the council wants the area to be welcoming and safe for all.

“Sometimes residents leave vehicles that need repairing on the side of the road or

parked outside their houses and this affects theoveralllookandfeeloftheneighbourhood and also creates unwanted opportunities for theft and vandalism,“ she said.

“There are also safety concerns for the community when cars are left on the side of the road as they can create traffic disruption and visual disturbances.

“Abandoned cars also take up parking spaces that are intended for residents and creates a shortage of parking spaces and congestion on our streets.“

Council officers undertake regular checks

Youth fest celebration

The Wyndham Youth Resource Centre Youth Festival will mark the centre’s 20th anniversary this Friday afternoon.

Running from 4pm to 8pm on Friday, April 21 at 86 Derrimut Road, Hoppers Crossing, the festival will celebrate the achievements of Wyndham’s youth with a range of activities, including live performances, cultural dance competitions and rides.

The Wyndham Street Surfer Bus will be at the event, and free food options will be available in addition to commercial food trucks.

The Youth Resource Centre, which was created to provide a safe and welcoming space for people between the ages of 12-25, offers a range of youth services, information and activities for young people in the Wyndham area.

Wyndham council city life director Liana Thompson said the Youth Resource Centre has been an important part of the community

for the past two decades.

“For 20 years, Wyndham’s Youth Resource Centre has proudly welcomed young people to the centre to participate in programs and activities, support activities and counselling, assistance with accessing education, employment and social opportunities and develop and strengthen young people’s connection to community,” she said.

“The Youth Resource Centre holds a special place in our community.

In the last year alone, 23,624 young people haveattendedtheYouthResourceCentrewith over 85,000 attending in the last five years.

Ms Thompson said everyone is welcome to come along to celebrate the occasion.

“Wyndham’s Youth Resource Centre reaching its 20 Year Anniversary is a fabulous achievement and a wonderful milestone to be celebrating,“ she said.

Matt Hewson

of all unregistered and abandoned cars, with all unregistered cars on council land towed away.

Cr McIntyre said owners will have up to 21 days after a car is classified as abandoned to collect their car from council’s contractor and pay all costs associated with the care being impounded or risk the vehicle being sold at an auction or destroyed.

“If a car is registered and left on a road, nature strip or any Council land for two months Council will observe that it has remained stationary for that time and it will

be considered abandoned and towed away, with notice,“ she said.

“So, the best thing to do is ensure any unregistered cars are on private property and thatregisteredcarsparkedonthestreetarenot left there for two months and are displaying current plates to avoid being mistaken as abandoned.”

Residents are advised to check if a vehicle is registered before contacting the council.

Details: 1300 023 411 or mail@wyndham. vic.gov.au

WERRIBEE CEMETERY

Werribee Mausoleum

NEW ADDITION

The Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust is planning to build a new addition to the Werribee grand public mausoleum.

We’re pleased to offer families the opportunity to register their interest, to purchase a crypt(s) in the new addition to the Werribee Mausoleum. The proposed addition is adjacent to the existing mausoleum.

To register your interest, please call 1300 022 298, email enquiries@gmct.com.au or visit gmct.com.au/werribee-mausoleum

CREATE A LEGACY FOR YOUR FAMILY

The majestic mausoleum in the historic Werribee Cemetery will be expanding. The Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust is planning to build a new addition to the Werribee Mausoleum.

This is a special opportunity to create a new legacy for your family with the option to purchase single or double crypts. For families who have already purchased crypts in this iconic mausoleum, it may be an opportunity to purchase additional crypts near your loved ones.

Werribee Mausoleum has two attractive buildings that are in harmony. The original mausoleum has a distinctive tiered black roof, and the second is a contemporary structure with striking architectural features.

“We have a proud history of building iconic public mausoleums and this new development is part of our continued commitment to providing the community with this unique interment option, ” said GMCT CEO Andrew Eriksen.

All of this with the peace of mind that the Trust, a community focussed organisation established by the Victorian Government, will look after this sacred place for generations to come.

To register your interest in purchasing a crypt(s) in the new addition to the Werribee Mausoleum, please contact our Customer Care team on 1300 022 298, email enquiries@gmct.com.au or visit https://www.gmct.com.au/werribee-mausoleum

Artist’s impression of the new addition to the Werribee Mausoleum.

Wyndham’s Tyler Kokocinski and Noah Skendos are excited to celebrate the anniversary of the Wyndham Youth Resource Centre. (Jacob Pattison) 329058_05

Truganina apartment approval

By Matthew Sims

Another piece of the puzzle of a $300 million development of Truganina’s town centre has fallen into place.

AtWyndhamcouncil’splanningcommittee meeting on Tuesday, April 11, council passed a motion to grant a permit for a three-storey apartment building comprising 28 dwellings and a reduction of four visitor car parking spaces at 190 Woods Road in Truganina. Costingfivemilliondollars,thedevelopment would create a high-density residential

development adjacent to the future Truganina town centre, which will take advantage of access to services and infrastructure, including a future train station.

TownplanningconsultantPhillipRygl,who addressed the council on behalf of Fortuna Truganina, said the applicant also owned the broader precinct which would make up one half of the future Truganina town centre.

“It will deliver much-needed housing affordability and diversity,” he said.

“We’re proposing quite a number of one and two-bedroom apartments, together with a

Funds for sick kids

A local excavation company has raised and donated $20,000 to the Royal Children’s Hospital as part of the Good Friday Appeal.

Truganina based company Casabene Group raised $8000 from a T-shirt fundraiser and family fun day on March 18, and donated an extra $12,000 to the Good Friday Appeal.

Thefaceofthis year’sappealwasaCasabene worker’s son, Arlo, who has had a long battle with hypoplastic right heart syndrome and a number of other complications.

Casabene director Pip Casabene said they wanted to give back to the appeal after seeing the challenges Arlo and his family have faced.

“Arlo was the face of the Good Friday Appeal this year, having his father Romi working with Casabene Group and knowing his challenges gave us an opportunity to want to give back,“ he said.

Director Reg Lumani said they were proud to be able to support the cause.

“We are extremely delighted to hand over

a cheque for $20,000 to the Royal Children’s Hospital to support a world class facility that we are so fortunate to have so close,“ he said.

Director Marty Vaina said they wanted to thank the community who donated so generously.

“[We] want to thank our wonderful team who worked tirelessly to put together two wonderful fundraisers and to the community who donated so generously,“ he said.

“We have been lucky enough over the last 40-plus years in business to have built such a large community and we look forward to being able to have many more fundraisers in the future.“

After spending the first year of his life in and out of hospital, Arlo is now happy and healthy, with has his final surgery scheduled for the next year or two.

Zoe Moffatt

small number of three-bedroom apartments.

“This is one piece of the puzzle and that puzzle was over a $300 million investment by our client.”

Wyndham councillor Josh Gilligan said the application’s removal of car parking spaces encouraged more active transport usage.

“We want to reduce car dependency where it is safe and applicable to do so,” he said.

“We want to be making it really clear that we are a responsible authority that encourages high-density development and send a message to the development industry that applications

such as this are welcome over single-storey development.

Speaking against the motion, Cr Robert Szatkowski said the application had failed to take into account the necessary utilities for residents and the nearby area.

“I think it’s a degree of arrogance by the developers to design this from the start not taking into consideration the obligations to provide certain amenity to the lot,” he said.

Cr Mia Shaw said the application was a “terrific high-end development”.

Casabene Group directors Reg Lumani, Pip Casabene and Marty Vaina with the cheque for the Royal Children’s Hospital. (Supplied)

Education precinct designs out

Designs have been unveiled for the Truganina North Education Precinct.

Education Minister Natalie Hutchins and Early Childhood and Pre-Prep Minister Ingrid Stitt on April 10 unveiled designs for the new education precinct which include, Truganina North Secondary School (interim name) and Truganina North Primary School (interim name), along with a new co-located kindergarten.

Offering improved accessibility for families across the Truganina North community, the precinct means local students are provided with a smoother transition from kinder all the way through to secondary school, with all

facilities located within the same precinct.

Expanded in 2021 to meet the community’s growing needs, Truganina North Primary School will be able to enrol up to 650 prep to grade six students when it opens on day one of term one next year. The school will include an administration and library building, three learning neighbourhoods and a community hub, with a co-located kindergarten offering places for 66 children which will also open from Term 1 in 2024 – saving parents and carers time and money with one easy drop off.

Truganina North Secondary School junior campus, located in Everton Road will be able to enrol up to 600 students and will include

A road towards healing

When Michelina J Di Mauro was at a crossroads in her life, she turned to painting. Having produced a number of works and exhibited them previously, Di Mauro’s new exhibition At a Crossroads opened at the C&H Gallery on Saturday.

Di Mauro said she watched a video in 2017 which resonated with her and changed her life.

“At a Crossroads exhibition is a collection of 27 original paintings produced intermittently from2017andduringlockdownsuptill2022,” she said.

“It seems we are always at a crossroads in life and the pressures and worries that come hand in hand especially in adulthood.

“I have and proclaim the touch of an angel, a divine experience that has changed my life completely.”

Di Mauro said two of the paintings were

inspiredfromhertoughtimesin2017,however it was not until a time of brokenness and into 2019, that life was totally transformed and her mind renewed and she started to create ‘New Things’.

The exhibition will run until May 4.

C&H is a privately run commercial gallery space, founded in 2018. The gallery aims to show a new exhibition every three weeks, providing a vibrant cultural space for artists and art lovers alike.

The gallery is at 393 Old Geelong Road, Hoppers Crossing.

an administration and library building, two learning neighbourhoods, an arts and technology building, science and technology building and a community hub.

The senior campus in Morris Road will be abletoenrolupto800seniorstudentsandwill include an administration building, library, learning neighbourhood, technology and science buildings and a community hub.

The secondary school will open to year seven junior campus) and year 10 (senior campus) students in its first year, and progress by year level thereafter.

Ms Hutchins said a growing area like Wyndham needs investment in educational

infrastructure to match, that’s why we’re building more schools there than anywhere else in the state.

“We’reensuringstudentsandteachersacross thestatehavethe21stcenturymodernlearning facilitiestheyneed,justlikethesemuch-needed schools and kindergarten in Truganina, enabling them to reach their full potential.”

Laverton MP Sarah Connolly said they makingsurethatfamilieslivinginTruganina North have access to a kindergarten, a primary school and a secondary school all located at the same site, making those morning drop-offs and afternoon pickups that much easier.

Michelina J Di

Tyre & Auto Service

Mauro (Supplied)

April 25th 2023

anzac day

FortheFallen

With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children, [Australia] mourns for her dead across the sea. Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit, Fallen in the cause of the free.

Solemn the drums thrill: Death august and royal Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres.

There is music in the midst of desolation

And a glory that shines upon our tears.

They went with songs to the battle, they were young, Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.

They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted, They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.

They mingle not with their laughing comrades again; They sit no more at familiar tables of home; They have no lot in our labour of the day-time; They sleep beyond [Australia’s] foam.

But where our desires are and our hopes profound, Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight, To the innermost heart of their own land they are known

As the stars are known to the night;

As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust, Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain, As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkness, To the end, to the end, they remain.

Laurence Binyon composed this celebrated poem, the fourth stanza of which is recited every Anzac Day, as he sat on a Cornish cliff-top looking out to sea. It was written in mid-September, 1914, a few weeks after the outbreak of World War I as the British Expeditionary Force was suffering casualties at the Battle of Mons, the Battle of Le Cateau and the First Battle of the Marne. Laurence said the lines from the famous stanza were the first that came to him. Too old to enlist, he worked as a medical orderly for the Red Cross. He lost his brother-in-law and several close friends in the war.

ANZAC DAY at the Werribee RSL

Tuesday 25th of April

Watton Street will be blocked off to all traffic by 1.30PM on Sunday 23rd April for the annual ANZAC parade and wreath laying ceremony.

SUNDAY 23RD APRIL:

Gather at the Cultural Centre (Watton Street Werribee) at 2.00PM

Form up at 2.20PM

March off at 2.30PM down Watton Street to the Cenotaph at Station Place.

Conduct wreath laying ceremony (conclude at approx 3.15PM)

March back to the Sub Branch for afternoon tea.

On Tuesday 25th April (ANZAC Day)

there will be the traditional Dawn Service held at the Cenotaph (cnr Watton and Station Place)

The Dawn Service will commence at 6.30AM and conclude approx. 6.45AM.

All attendees are invited back to the RSL for breakfast

LEST WE FORGET

Werribee RSL I Synnot St, Werribee I 9741 5525

Lunch marks a U3A milestone

By Jena Carr

A Werribee seniors community group has celebrated a milestone with a special event for members.

University of the Third Age (U3A) Werribee hosted a lunch at the Italian Sports Club on Thursday,April13,tocelebratethenot-for-profit volunteer group’s 30th anniversary.

U3A president Rick Conn said the event was a great chance for its members to come together to socialise and provided an opportunity to recognise their efforts.

“We’ve got some long serving members, some who have been there for over 20 years, andwhoweregivencertificatesofappreciation at the event,” he said.

Mr Conn said the event included cutting

the anniversary cake and a Certificates of Appreciation presentation for members with more than 20 years of long and committed service to the organisation.

He said U3A Werribee allowed people across the Wyndham area to socialise while participating in community-based educational, creative and leisure activities.

“Social interaction is especially a big one,

particularly for seniors,” he said.

“Ithinkthemainthingis,forthoseresidents of Wyndham who are retired, semi-retired, or 55 years and over, it’s important to maintain a lifetime learning education.”

Mr Conn said the event on Thursday was attended by close to 72 people who enjoyed a two-course meal. Wyndham Mayor Susan McIntyre was a special guest.

U3A Werribee Region Certificate of Appreciation holders Kathy Mason, Anna Mitchell, Wally Balodis,Helma Balodis and member Melina Abou-Seif. (Supplied)

U3A Werribee Region life member Barbara Knowles and Certificate of Appreciation holder Elizabeth Pearson cutting the 30th anniversary cake. (Supplied)

The dental experts to make you smile

Sayers Dental Aesthetic & Implants is a dental practice located in Hoppers Crossing.

The practice offers a range of dental services includinggeneraldentistry,cosmeticdentistry and dental implant treatment

Some of the general dentistry services offeredbySayersDentalAesthetics&Implants include check ups, fillings extractions, root canal treatment and oral hygiene services.

The practice also provides cosmetic dentistry services such as teeth whitening veneers and delta bonding

In addition, Sayers Dental Aesthetics & Implants specialises in dental implant treatment. This involves the placement of artificial tooth roots into the jawbone, which can then be used to support a dental crown, bridge or denture. To book your free Implant

consultation please call 9749

1178

The practice is run by Dr Rashi Gupta, who has over a decade of experience in the detail field. Dr Gupta is supported by a team of experienced dental professionals who are committed to providing high quality care in a comfortable and welcoming environment

The clinic is location at 483 Sayers Road, Hoppers Crossing.

Empowered lay the foundations, so you can build a life

Empowered Liveability was founded to create tailored living solutions for people with complex requirements, including young people forced into aged care. With a plethora of lived and vocational experience in complex care provision, including direct care, support coordination, training and counselling within disability, mental health, and aged care, the team is made up of passionate advocates that believe in people with disabilities living life on their own terms.

Combining expert disability knowledge with property expertise, the Empowered Liveability team supports participants to choose where, how, and who they live with and who they are supported by.

With over 40 SDA funded properties on large blocks throughout Australia, Empowered homes are considered equivalent to large luxury homes. Working with ethical and heart centred investors, who often have a connection to the disability or mental health sectors supports the Empowered Liveability purpose of empowering people to thrive through independent living options.

The Empowered team are also able to

facilitate complete choice and control in aiding participants and families to build their very own dream home. With a view to create many options for disabled people to choose from, the team is adamant that co-creation of Specialist Disability Accommodation is the way of the future, working hand in hand with participants to encompass every possibility of creating life-long homes, not workplaces.

Empowered Liveability ensures the process of finding or creating your forever home, is enjoyable and an empowering process end to end.

Empowered homes are considered equivalent to large luxury homes.

Hoping for a place to call home

Young people aged 12 to 24 make up 23 per cent of all homeless people across the country. On Wednesday, April 19, Youth Homelssness Matters Day is encouraging discussion and awareness of issues relating to youth homelessness.

Anne Margaret lives at the St Albans Youth Residential Recovery (YRR) centre after experiencing homelessness. This is the first time the 23-year-old has fully lived away from her family home.

Ms Margaret said she is hopeful that with support she can still achieve her goals, despite the uncertainty of her current predicament.

“It’s the best thing, just to have a place that feels like home,” she said.

“I feel good living here and I hope that things work out for me.”

Across three locations, including a site in St Albans,cohealth’sYouthResidentialRecovery (YRR) program is providing a home for young people where they can be themselves and work on their recovery goals in a supported, inclusive environment.

The nine-bedroom St Albans site provides a safe space for people aged 16 to 25 years to pursue their mental health recovery.

With their own room, shared spaces and the opportunity to take part in all kinds of activities and group events, the residents work side by side with their mental health and wellbeing coaches to set and meet their personal goals.

Residents are required to pay a service fee of $80 per fortnight for program costs.

Ms Margaret said walking into the unit is like walking into someone’s house.

“You have your personal space and your freedom,” she said.

“It’s helping me not rely so much on other people but to be more independent and to be the best version of myself.”

Ms Margaret recommends the YRR program to other young people in the area.

REQUIRED REQUIRED REQUIRED

program from all walks of life and I am really proud of this commitment,” she said.

“I feel really proud of the way our staff can support young people to make their houses feel more like their own.”

Ms Sheppard said having a good orientation process allows young people to feel comfortable while they are transitioning out of homelessness or insecure housing.

“Our approach is client driven and collaborative,wherebystaffwilloftenorganise careteamsmeetingswiththeirothersupports, to make sure we are collaboratively working together to better outcomes and support the young person through orientation,” she said.

YRR youth mental health and wellbeing coach Aidan Rossiter said the focus of the program was valuing clients’ capabilities first.

“We take young people as they are,” he said.

“We accept and value all the young people who enter the YRR program.”

“If you’re not social, it will help you be more social and more active in the community,” she said.

“It will help you be positive about life.”

Fellow YRR client Cass (they/them) said they feel “relaxed and safe and included” by the YRR team.

St Albans YRR youth mental health and wellbeing coach Maya Sheppard said the program welcomes people of all backgrounds.

“We at YRR welcome young people into the

TheSalvationArmynorthwestmetroyouth services manager Ralph Salera said the Salvos are actively supporting about 150 young people who are experiencing homelessness across the northern and western suburbs of Melbourne.

“I’ve worked in the sector for over 16 years and certainly today’s housing crisis is the most difficult we have encountered,” he said.

“Lack of options and cost of living is contributing to family stresses and impacting young people.

“Theyoungpeopleareeithersleepingrough, in crisis accommodation, couch surfing or in temporary supported housing.”

Matthew Sims spoke to a number of people experiencing youth homelessness and those supporting them.

‘‘ It’s helping me ... be more independent and to be the best version of myself ’’ - Anne Margaret

Resident Anne Margaret with youth engagement worker Jarryd Cooper. (Supplied)

Mr Salera said services were currently stretched across the western and northern suburbs of Melbourne.

“We are seeing wait lists for support increasing,” he said. “In Brimbank alone, we have 20 plus young people waiting for allocation to support services.”

About 40,000 young people aged 15 to 24 years presented to a homelessness service across Australia in 2021-22, with about half experiencing mental ill-health and more than one third experiencing domestic and family violence.

The 2021 Census data showed there was a 31.26 per cent increase in youth (12 to 24 years of age) homelessness compared to 2006 figures, jumping from 21,945 in the 2006 Census to

28,804 in 2021.

The 2021 rate of homelessness was highest within the 19 to 24 age group, with 91 out of 10,000 respondents indicating they were experiencing homelessness.

HopeStreetYouthandFamilyServicesoffers the Hope Street in Melton program, which supports transitional housing for young people andyoungfamilieswhoareprovidedwithsafe, secure and affordable accommodation for 12 months to two years.

Hope Street supported 255 young people and young families in the Melton area in the 2021-2022 financial year across the First Response Youth Mobile Outreach Service and the First Response Youth Refuge.

The family unit at the First Response Youth

Refuge in Melton supported two siblings, Ade andPals,whoarrivedinAustraliainNovember 2021.

They came from Ethiopia with no English language skills.

Hope Street supported them to access educational courses to assist with their language development, link them both into the local Ethiopian community, supported them with cooking, living skills and using public transport.

They are now both able to converse in English and have successfully obtained a property where they are thriving and continue to develop their English and adapt to life in Australia.

IPC Health Homeless and at Risk of

Homelessness Response (HaRH) team manager Eliza Mead said the team provided assertive outreach strategies, providing holistic health and wellbeing assessments, facilitating and supporting referrals into IPC Health’s services and/or into external services, such as MelbourneCityMissionortheSalvationArmy.

“There is a collaborative and co-ordinated service response,” she said. “We work really closely with those organisations.”

Mrs Mead said a number of factors led to people experiencing homelessness, including extreme financial disadvantage, lack of immediate response to critical needs, a lack of local and accessible services and limited technical literacy.

“Since July to March, we supported 53 rough sleepers,” she said.

“We do know there are likely a number of other health and wellbeing needs for them.

“We have built some very solid relationships within that community.”

The HaRH program has been successful in registering 280 clients between July 2022 through to March 2023 and in collaboration with Tenants Victoria, IPC Health has door-knocked 96 rooming house properties and engaged with 75 tenants, of which 64 are now HaRH clients. IPC Health has also held outreach engagement and support activities at Rockbank Caravan Park, the Tin Shed in St Albans, Melton South Community Centre and Salvation Army Social Housing Service in Sunshine.

Details: www.yfoundations.org.au/ yhmd-2023

(Shutterstock)

‘‘ We are seeing wait lists for support increasing ’’

- Ralph Salera

Little sprouts of creative flair

Childrenonschoolholidaysbusiedthemselves on Friday getting creative at a Little Sprouts Recycled Seed Card Workshop at Iramoo Community Centre. The event was part of Wyndham Council’s Pop Up Library Van program. Star Weekly photographer Jacob Pattinson captured the fun.

Leo, 2, was one of the youngest participants. 329163_02

Tilly, 4, enjoyed the creative fun. 329163_05

Raviprakash, Arjun, Avantika and Arnavi .329163_07

Ariel, 4, busy making a rabbit. 329163_06

Ajay, 9, with his creation. 329163_09

Chethan, 6, proudly shows his work.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED?

Volunteers needed

The Werribee District Historical Society is holding two information evenings at the Old Shire Office at 49 Watton Street in Werribee. Tuesday, April 4 and Wednesday, April 5 from 5pm to 7pm.

■ Lance, 0468 435 090

Lara community market

Every second Sunday of the month the Rotary Club of Lara District holds its monthly community market at the Lara RSL from 9am to 1pm. The market brings together small business and local stallholders from across the area, with there being food stalls, a petting zoo, live music and a huge range of various products for sale from our stallholders. There is plenty of parking just opposite at the Lara train station.

Wyndham Rotary

Wyndham Rotary welcomes people interested in helping people in need in the community. Interested in finding out more, come to the Italian Sports Club each Wednesday night at 6.30pm for a meal, to share ideas and work for a common cause.

■ Julie, 0406196630

CWA Werribee Branch

The Country Women’s Association Werribee Branch meets on the third Wednesday of every month at the Wyndham Park Community Centre at 1pm. Afternoon tea is provided. The branch also has various social outings and fundraising events. Visitors who would like to learn a little of what the CWA do are welcome. You do not have to be a keen cook or crafty person, just someone looking for friendship.

■ Michelle, 0407 207 801

Friends of Presidents Park

The Friends of Presidents Park meets from 10am to noon on the first Thursday of the month, to undertake Landcare activities along the Werribee River through the park and surrounding areas. Bring your own gloves and water. Morning tea provided. Meeting at the carpark near the Shaws Road Bridge, Heaths Road, near the fenced dog park.

■ admin@werribeeriver.org.au

Seniors House of Fun

The Grange Community Centre would like to invite the seniors of Wyndham to its weekly Seniors House of Fun. This is a free program running every Friday 11am-12.30pm, at The Grange Community Centre, 260-280 Hogans Road, Hoppers Crossing.

? Vanessa, 8742 8000 or enquires@ grangecommunity.org.au

Seniors club

The Werribee Senior Citizens Club Inc meets at 80 Lonsdale Circuit, Hoppers Crossing. The group is open to all people 55-plus , and it runs on Wednesdays, 10am- noon. Entry: $2, includes morning tea.

■ 0403 041 499

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

Sunrise Social Groups

GenWest Sunrise Social Groups are currently seeking new members for their Melton, Brimbank and Wyndham programs. The free groups are organised

by Genwest and provide a social space for women, gender diverse and nonbinary people, who have a disability, chronic health issues and/or mental health challenges.

■ genwest.org.au/what-we-do/healthwellbeing-programs

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

Lions Club

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.

■ Lou, 0409 331 271

Bingo for all

The Werribee RSL hosts Bingo every Monday, except public holidays. Eyes down from 12.30-2.30pm.

■ 9741 5525

Western Budgerigar Club

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

■ Don, 0414 975 862

Wyndham Ladies Probus

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

■ Rosa Sanderson, 0410 303 046

Williamstown book sale

Friends of Williamstown and Newport Libraries hold a book sale every second Saturday of each month 9.30am to 12.30pm. The book sale is held in Friends’ Room – entrance from deck on Ferguson Street. Cash only sales.

■ libraries.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au

Heritage walks

Enjoy a leisurely one-and-a-half hour walk around historic Williamstown and nearby suburbs with guide John. Walks start at 9.20 am each Tuesday outside the Visitor Information Centre in Nelson Place. Each week is a different week and a printed sheet with the route and points of interest provided each week. Walks are leisurely and we usually end at a cafe for a tea/ coffee.

■ John, 0418 377 336

Walking group

The Altona Meadows and Newport Heart Foundation Walking Group is a local community of men and women committed to walking together, socialising together with a post-walk coffee and chat and enjoying the natural beauty and birdlife that is to be found throughout Hobsons Bay together. Anyone is welcome to join the group on Mondays 10am at Altona Beach, Wednesdays 10am at Altona Meadows (Jolly Miller Cafe) or on Fridays 10am, at Newport Lakes. The group walks for 60 minutes and enjoys the physical and psychological benefits of walking together in clean, fresh air rain, hail or shine, at its own pace and according to individual abilities. Members are required to register with the Heart Foundation in order to join. Hobsons Bay resident Ian Watson established the walking group four years ago under the Heart Foundation’s umbrella, and, in 2021, was awarded the Heart Foundation’s Australia wide Golden Shoe Award for Courage and Commitment.

■ Ian Watson, 0411 566 862 or www. hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Community/ Whats-On/Altona-Meadows-and-NewportHeart-Foundation-Walking-Groups

Palliative volunteers needed Mercy Palliative Care is looking for volunteers to visit palliative care patients in their homes to offer social support.

■ 9313 5700 or MPCVolunteerCoordinators@mercy.com.au

Musicians Wanted

Established in 1979, the Westgate Concert Band is seeking new members. Do you play woodwind, brass or percussion and are looking for a welcoming place to play enjoyable and challenging music? Rehearsals are held Saturdays during school terms, 9am to noon at Braybrook College.

■ westgateconcertband@gmail.com

Free English conversation class

Is English your second language? Do you want to improve your English skills and meet new people? Practise English conversation in informal interactive group sessions. Light refreshments provided. Mondays during school terms from 1pm to 3pm at the Altona Library meeting room at Queen Street, Altona.

■ Joe Pellone, 0431 915 970, or joepellone@gmail.com, or Jill Mackenzie, 0439 994 705, or jill.mackenzie111@ gmail.com

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 7-9.30pm.

■ Vimi Gaoneadry, 0411 530 944

Art workshops

The Louis Joel Arts & Community Centre presents MonArt. Workshops for people of all abilities facilitated by community art specialist Amanda Neville, Mondays 10am-11.30am. Cost: $5 casual fee each week.

■ admin@ljac.com.au, or 9398 2511

West Footscray Rotary

The Rotary Club of West Footscray meets at the Medway Golf Club in Maidstone for lunch, fellowship and guest speakers each Wednesday from 12.30 until 2pm.

■ David, 0416 497 398

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

New choir launch

A new community choir in Melbourne’s west will launch on Friday, April 28. With One Voice – Hobsons Bay will meet at the Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre at 5 Sargood Street in Altona each Fridand genders. No auditions and no sheet music.

■ www.withonevoice.org.au/choirs/ hobsonsbay/

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

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of West Footscray resident Bill Marshall as ‘Captain W.N. Fish’, who is a producer of the Festival of Surrealisms. (Damjan Janevski) 328234_01

PUZZLES

SUDOKU

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

QUICK CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Drafted Russian cavalry soldier (7)

5 Windfall (7)

9 Inherited from one’s family (9)

10 Exactitude (5)

11 Pick (6)

12 Going in (8)

14 Greek oracle (6)

15 Nasty (4)

19 Paradise (4)

20 Type of brandy (6)

24 Relating to cultivated land (8)

25 Maximum (6)

27 River flowing from Tibet to the Arabian Sea (5)

28 Incapable of being seen (9)

29 Vote in again (2-5)

30 Gnawing animals (7)

DOWN

1 Opportunity (6)

2 Aid (6)

3 Appraised (8)

4 Grunge musician Cobain (4)

5 Personal items (10)

6 Medical professionals (6)

7 Nightwear (8)

8 Haughty (8)

13 Expert (10)

16 The way one acts (8)

17 Resent someone’s pleasure or good fortune (8)

18 Being admitted to a church (8)

21 Fictional castaway (6)

22 Spindle for thread (6)

23 City of the 2004 Olympic Games (6)

26 Declare (4)

DECODER WORDFIT

1 14

2 15

3 16

4 17

5 18

6 19

7 20

8 21

9 22

10 23

11 24

12 25

9-LETTER WORD

12 345678910111213

726813549

831954762

162349857 615497283

987125634 394268175

549672318

278531496

896427513

478356129

962718354

721935468 287549631

543681297 659173842

easy medium hard

135294786

314862975

E Today’s Aim:

251394687

384965712

572481963

453786921 927638145

436827591 165742839

C I E D 19 3 LETTERS ALL AYE EGG END ERA GEE GYM HER IVY KIT LEG LIE NIL ODE ORE OVA PEA ROE ROT RUE SLY UPS WAS WON 4 LETTERS CLAP DASH EARS EBBS LIMP LYRE NEAR NEST ONES PAWS STOW TREK VASE WEBS

619273458

798516324 843159276

1415 1617181920212223242526 J V T G Q C H L U D Y A B Z M R F W P N E I X K S O 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

cent, codeine, coin, coined, concede, conceit, CONCEITED, cone, coned, conic, decent, denote, dent, dine, dint, docent, done, donee, encode, entice, enticed, icon, into, need, nice, niece, node, note, noted, notice, noticed, occident, once, tend, tine, tone, toned, tonic

No. 129

QUICK QUIZ

5 LETTERS ADAGE ADEPT ALGAE ALIEN ANTIC AORTA ARENA BIPED BOOED BRINE DINER EATEN EAVES EGGED ELITE ELUDE ERASE ERROR ESSAY HALON HELLO

INANE IVIES KNEES LINES LIVES LUNGE MINCE NERVE OUTED PETAL PLOYS PRESS RENEW SASSY SAWED SEEDS SEEDY SENDS SOLVE SPIKE STARE STRAW

SUGAR TEEMS TENDS TRIPE TWEET VEERS WEEDY 6 LETTERS GRASSY NEARED PASTEL SIERRA

7 LETTERS ENGRAVE GENTILE ILLEGAL INSERTS SOPRANO STATION 8 LETTERS DILATING GREETING LENIENCY LESSENED

21-04-23 Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

1 An acre is how many square metres: 4047, 4247 or 4447?

2 Video game storefront Steam is owned by what company?

3 The ‘evil Santa’ Krampus has the horns of what animal?

4 What is the title of Susanna Clarke’s 2020 fantasy novel?

5 What is the heaviest organ in the human body?

6 The world’s oldest tree, a bristlecone pine, is located in which US state?

7 The condor is the common name for which two species of bird?

8 Which of the following authors does not have a Nobel Prize: Alice Munro, Peter Carey, Albert Camus or Gabriel García Márquez?

9 Justice Smith and Herizen F. Guardiola (pictured) starred in which musical drama Netflix series?

10 Which former Hawthorn player has the most AFL Premierships?

13 26 KO ANSWERS: 1. 4047 2. Valve 3. Goat 4. Piranesi 5. Liver 6. California 7. California condor and Andean condor 8. Peter Carey 9. The Get Down 10. Michael Tuck (with seven)

No. 129

No. 129

No. 129

Derrimut Road

• Hoppers Crossing Werribee Plaza Tavern Heaths Road, Cnr Derrimut Road

• Hoppers Crossing Coles Supermarket 250 Heaths Road, Cnr Derrimut Road

• Hoppers Crossing APCO Service Station 178 Morris Road

• Hoppers Crossing Hoppers Crossing Shopping Centre24-48

Old Geelong Road

• Hoppers Crossing Woodville Park Shopping CentreShop 20/70

Warringa Drive

• Hoppers Crossing IGA Plus Liquor Shop 4, 2-6 Deloraine Drive

• Hoppers Crossing Aqua Pulse Café 82 Derrimut Road

• Hoppers Crossing Coles Express 260 Derrimut Road (Cnr Hogans Road)

• Hoppers Crossing The Grange

Community Centre 260-280

Hogans Road

• Hoppers Crossing Hoppers Crossing

Cricket Club Hogans Road - Hogans Road Reserve (Club House)

• Hoppers Crossing Super Lotto News

agency Shop 8/166 Hogans Road (Hogans Corner Shopping Centre)

• Hoppers Crossing Woolworths

Supermarket

• Hoppers Crossing (Hogans Corner)

Corner Hogans Road & Derrimut Road

• Hoppers Crossing Tigers Club House

70 Old Geelong Road

• Hoppers Crossing Popeyes Kebabs

255 Old Geelong Road

• Keilor Park Star Weekly Office Unit 6/19 Thomson Road (Cnr Keilor Park Drive)

• Laverton Ray White Real Estate 6/161 Railway Avenue

• Manor Lakes Manor Lakes News & Lotto Shop 14, 455 Ballan Road (Manor Lakes Central Shopping Centre)

• Manor Lakes Manor Lakes Shopping Centre 455 Ballan Road (Manor Lakes Central Shopping Centre)

• Point Cook Featherbrook Shopping Centre 238 Boardwalk Boulevard

• Point Cook Wyndham Library Service Unit 1-21 Cheetham Street

• Point Cook Point Cook Pharmacy Shop 1-11 Dunnings Road

• Point Cook Jamieson Way Community Centre 59 Jamieson Way

• Point Cook Direct Chemist Outlet Shop 13, 15 Kenswick Street

• Point Cook Stockland Point Cook Shopping Centre Murnong Street

• Point Cook Saltwater Community Centre 153 Saltwater Promenade

• Point Cook Saltwater Coast Sales

Office 261 Saltwater Promenade

• Point Cook The Brooks 215S neydes Road

• Point Cook YPA Real Estate Shop

10/46-56 Tom Roberts Parade

• Point Cook Wyn City 36 Wallace Avenue

• Sanctuary Lakes Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club 70 Greg Norman Drive

• Sanctuary Lakes Sanctuary Lakes Resort 72 Greg Norman Drive

• Sanctuary Lakes Waterstone CaféSanctuary Lakes 72 Greg Norman Drive

• Sanctuary Lakes Sanctuary Lakes Real Estate 300 Point Cook Road

• Sanctuary Lakes Sanctuary Lakes Shopping Centre 300 Point Cook Road

• Tarneit Tarneit Central Shopping Centre 540 Derrimut Road

• Tarneit NewsXpress - Riverdale Village SC 200 Hummingbird Boulevard

• Tarneit Penrose Promenade Community Centre 83 Penrose Promenade

• Tarneit Brian Mark Real Estate Shop 18, 380 Sayers Road

• Tarneit Wyndham Village Shopping Centre 380 Sayers Road

• Tarneit Shell Service Station 380 Sayers Road (Wyndham Village

‘soap opera’

Shopping Centre)

• Tarneit Barry Plant Real Estate Shop

9, 380 Sayers Road (Wyndham Village Shopping Centre)

• Tarneit Community Centre - Tarneit 150 Sunset Views Boulevard

• Tarneit Serranos Cafe 747 Tarneit Road ( Tarneit Gardens SC )

• Truganina Koomail Tardy Community Centre 117 Alcock Road

• Truganina Palm Lakes Resort 7 Taronga Road

• Truganina Arndell Park Community Centre 29-49 Federation Boulevard

• Werribee Eagles Stadium Café 35

Ballan Road

• Werribee Ison Village 150-168 Bulban Road

• Werribee Casaccio Egg Farm 170-198 Bulban Road

• Werribee IGA Supermarket 92-94 Cottrell Street

• Werribee Mercy Place Wyndham 39 Deutgam Street

• Werribee Werribee Park Motor Inn 112-124Duncans Road

• Werribee Italian Sports Club 601 Heaths Road

• Werribee The Woman’s Hub 236 Hoppers Lane

• Werribee St Vincent’s Private Hospital 240 Hoppers Lane

• Werribee St Vincent’s Care Services Werribee 240 Hoppers Lane

• Werribee Wyndham City Council 45 Princes Highway

• Werribee Werribee Mercy Hospital Coffee Shop300Princes Highway

• Werribee SIMS IGAWerribee Village Cnr Shaws & Tarneit Rd

• Werribee Tatts Lotto16Station Place

• Werribee Westwoods First National1Synnot Street

• Werribee Werribee RSL2A Synnot Street (Kelly Park)

• Werribee Werribee Fersh Market2/57Synnot Street

• Werribee OBrien Real EstateShop 2/85Synnot Street

• Werribee Cellarbrations 52-54 Vincent Crescent

• Werribee Professionals Triwest 6a Watton Street

• Werribee Bendigo Bank 42 Watton Street

• Werribee P. Di Natale Real Estate 44

Watton Street

• Werribee Coles Supermarket 143 Watton Street

• Werribee Wyndham Cultural Centre 177

Watton Street

• Werribee Hodges Werribee Level 1/1 Watton Street

• Werribee Raine and HorneShop 4, 1-13

Watton Street

• Werribee Barry Plant Real Estate 21

Watton Street

• Werribee YPA Real Estate 1 Werribee Street

• Werribee Wyndham Private Medical Centre 242 Hoppers Lane

• Werribee IPEP Clinic University Werribee Campsus Gate 1, Building 12 - 235 Hoppers Lane

• Werribee South Werribee South General Store 785 Duncans Road

• Werribee South Wyndham Cache (LT’s Egg Farm)1K Ave

• Werribee South Anglers Anchorage Take Away 67 O’Connors Road

• Williams Landing Williams Landing News, Lotto & Tobacco Shop T10, 100 Overton Road (Williams Landing Shopping Centre)

• Williams Landing Woolworths Supermarket 100 Overton Road (Williams Landing Shopping Centre)

• Wyndham Vale BP Service Station 210 Ballan Road

• Wyndham Vale Woolworths 205 Greens Road (Wyndham Vale Square Shopping Centre)

• Wyndham Vale IGA Wyndham Vale 50 Honour Avenue

• Wyndham Vale Iramoo Community Centre 84 Honour Avenue

• Wyndham Vale Manor Lakes Community Learning Centre 86 Manor Lakes Boulevard

• Wyndham Vale 7 Eleven Wyndham Vale Corner McGrath Road & Ballan Road

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Which netball team remains unbeaten in the Suncorp Super Netball competition?

2. The Central Coast Rhinos are a team in which Australian league?

3. How many goals did Jeremy Cameron kick for the Geelong Football Club in Round 4?

4. Which Minnesota Timberwolves player has been suspended for one match after throwing a punch at a teammate?

5. In what year did Roger Federer last win the French Open?

6. How many Australian men’s cricket players are currently playing in the IPL?

7. Which AFL club does Lloyd Meek play for? Archery was added to the Olympic Games in

Who directed the Air, about Michael Jordan's partnership with Nike?

True or false: Norwood Oval will be part of the AFL’s Gather Round?

What milestone did St Kilda football club celebrate in Round 4 against Essendon?

What are the team colours of the Washington Wizards NBA team?

How old was US golfing legend Tiger Woods when he won his first masters title?

14. Which former cricket star faced backlash online after he posted an ‘awkward’ video to social media?

15. To date, how many games has Port Adelaide won in the 2023 season?

16. What did F1 racer Fernando Alonso place at the 2023 Australian Grand Prix?

17. And which team did he race for?

18. Which tennis star, known widely as ‘The King of Clay', will miss out on the court at Monte Carlo Masters due to injury?

19. Which AFLW team does netballer Ashley Brazil play for?

20. The Netflix film The Swimmers tells the true story of which Syrian sisters in their journey to the Olympics?

21. Which six-team women’s rugby union competition includes the Fijiana Drua?

22. Former Brisbane Lions footballer Jack Crisp last played for which AFL club?

23. Which college basketball team did the Connecticut Huskies defeat to win the 2023 NCAA Division I men's championship?

24. The parent company of the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Chmpionship) recently announced a merger with which professional wrestling company?

25. Play was suspended during the 2023 Masters after heavy winds brought down several trees near which hole?

26. Which top US professional league features teams including Houston Dash, Orlando Pride and Portland Thorns?

27. Actor and former professional wrestler Dwayne Johnson played college football for which university?

28. NBA player Kyrie Irving has played for how many NBA teams?

29. Which Nigeria-born, New Zealand-residing professional mixed martial artist defeated Alex Pereira at UFC 287?

30. Which Spanish professional golfer won the 2023 Masters?

$29 .00

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Under-16 girls teams ready to play

The next generation of female footballers will be on show during the AFL under-16 National Development Championships.

The championships, which started last week involve 10 teams from across the country, each playing two games each.

The sides have been split into two different pools, and the teams who finish atop their pool’s ladder will be named title winners.

Both Victoria Metro and Victoria Country were in pool A along with South Australia and Western Australia.

Western Jets coach Hayley Gossow is the coach the Victoria Metro team.

Two of her Jets players Jazmine Dalli and Caitlyn Volpe have been named in the squad as well.

Chloe Baker-West, Lara Churchill, Taylah Gilchrist and Jade McLay from the Calder Cannons have been named in the team, with Matt O’Connor part of the coaching team.

Five Northern Knights players have also been named in the squad.

Marlo Graham, Phoebe Hargreaves, Olivia Jesser, Scarlett Johnson and Teresia Koliavu are part of the squad.

ThetwoVictorianteamsplayedonThursday, with Victoria Country winning by four points. They will each play their second match at Arden Street Oval on Sunday, April 23, with VictoriaCountrytotakeonWesternAustralia at 10.45am, before Victoria Metro plays South Australia at 12.45pm.

For the first time, the championships is being played as an interstate carnival, with matches scheduled across four states. Three of the

The Tigers fire up early

By Tara Murray

A fast start set up Werribee Districts’ big win against Spotswood in the opening round of the Western Region Football League division 1 season.

Last season’s runners-up, the Tigers flew out of the blocks and led by 55 points at quarter time on Saturday.

That quarter set the rest of the match up, with the Tigers winning 19.17 (131)-5.8 (38).

Tigers coach Chris Gilham said they were happy with that first up performance.

“Weweren’tsurehowitwasgoingtogoafter the practice matches,” he said. “We started really well and we were able to establish a good lead and we were able to go from there.”

Gilham said the game was won at the Contest and finding position was key. He said that with the wind and rain.

“The mids were able to find the contest and we were able to get deep entries for our forwards,” he said.

“We were able to put Spotty under pressure, we knew they are a pretty good team.”

Gilham said they could have put 10 to 15 players in the best players, with many of the usual suspects standing up.

Lachlan Rainbow and Trent Lee kicked four goals apiece for the Tigers, while Daniel Schibeci and Andrew Panayi also scored multiple goals.

PanayiwasakeyfortheTigersinthemiddle and up forward, while Dillon Viojo-Rianbow started the season in strong form, while defenders Joshua Kellett and Ethan Di Battista were really strong down back.

Gilham said while they were thrilled with the performance, part of the story was the players who didn’t make the term.

“We had three or four debutantes, with the core group still there,” he said.

“We had four or five players from last year’s senior grand final team who started the year in the reserves.

“One of the strengths is the depth through the club. We only recruited three players and two of them were players back to the club.”

Coming off a grand final appearance last season and having all three teams in grand

Hoppers made to pay in loss to Westvale

Hoppers Crossing needs to start making the most of its opportunities in the FV state league 2 north-west season.

The Reds are yet to win a match this season, but have had their chances in most matches to put more pressure on the opposition.

It was the case again on Saturday against Westvale, with the Reds losing 2-1 to Westvale.

Speaking to Hoppers Crossing Soccer Club TV, player Kevin Smart said they were their own worst enemy at the moment.

“It’s been the same story for the last four weeks, again you can say it every week that we’ve been the better side,” he said.

“Should have put chances away, but if you don’t, you get punished.

We’ve got a big run for four matches of teams that are around us, mid table sides.

“The boys know if we stay as a collective group, we’ll stick together, start getting results, it’s coming.”

On Saturday, the Reds started the better of the two sides hitting the scoreboard in the seventh minute.

Smart said the good start had been something that they hadn’t done this season.

“We thought we did well in patches but again, young side we switched off and we got punished on two set pieces, other than that they didn’t create too much.”

Westvale, which hasn’t lost since 2021, scored twice before half time to take the lead.

Smart said both goals were pretty disappointing to concede.

“We got punished,” he said.

“It’s under-eight stuff. The boys need to have a hard look at themselves about little things like that because at the end of the day, we don’t cop those two goals and we win 1-0 nil and the first team to beat them in a year and half, and we don’t.”

Smart said coach Allan Vella also shared that message at half time, saying they had switched off on set pieces.

The Reds were unlucky not to get a penalty in the 58th minute from a possible hand ball that wasn’t called.

Westvale finished the game with 10 men, but the Reds weren’t able to capitalise.

The Reds this week face Epping City at home.

Smart said having already lost two games at home, it was a must win match for the side.

In state league 3 north-west Point Cook upset Sunbury United on Saturday.

Alex Vlassis opened the scoring for the Jets in the 11th minute, before Sunbury hit back four minutes later.

Reardo Luka scored in the 28th minute to see the Jets regain the lead.

That would be enough for a 2-1 win.

The Jets now sit sixth on the table with two wins and two losses.

In state league 4, Truganina Hornets lost to Laverton 3-2.

finals, Gilham said they wanted to continue to build on what they did last year.

“We were around the mark last year and this year we don’t think we have to change much,” he said.

“We’ve improved and we want to focus on sticking to the level we know that we can play.

“We need to get better though.

“Last year we were 2-4 at one stage and made the grand final. We wanted to make

sure that we started the season well and we did that.”

In other matches, Point Cook made it two in a row, beating Point Cook Centrals in the local derby.

The Bulldogs were able to hold off the Sharks, winning 13.8 (86)-12.10 (82).

Hoppers Crossing is without a win after two matches, losing to Caroline Springs, 11.16 (82)-10.5 (65).

All five goals came in the first half, with Laverton able to hold on despite playing the whole second half a man down.

In state league 5 west, West Point beat Lara United, Wyndham lost to Balmoral, while Tarneit United had a bye.

Tara Murray

Calder Cannons girls in the under-16 squad and Matt O’Connor. (Supplied)

Lachlan Rainbow kicked four goals on Saturday. (Joe Mastroianni) 298023_05

Wyndham still finding its feet in the Big V arena

Wyndham is starting to get a better idea where it sits in the Big V men’s state championship competition.

Last season’s champions we sitting 2-1 after the first three rounds, but are now in the middle of a run of three matches against last season’s other finalists.

Wyndham coach Lucas Allen said before the weekend’s matches it had been a bit of an up and down start to the season.

“We had a really poor first week and then we made some adjustments to get back to who we know we can be,” he said.

“The next three games we face McKinnon, Hume and Sunbury, the other three finalists from last year.

“We’re not sure where we are at, at the moment, but we’ll have a fair indication after those three matches.”

Wyndham split the results against the McKinnon Cougars and the Hume City Broncos, which should give Allen more of an idea of things.

On Saturday night, Wyndham beat the Cougars, 100-95.

Wyndham trailed by seven points at the last

break, before a 29-17 final quarter.

Maurice Howard top scored with 25 points.

On Sunday, Wyndham lost to the Broncos 93-84 after the Broncos led by 14 points at the main break.

Manel Ayol top scored with 21 points.

Speaking before the matches and coming off the bye, Allen said they were still working out what their best basketball looked like this season despite nearly having an identical team to last season.

“We tried to change some things in the off

Falcons start with win

A fast start set up Wyndhamvale’s win in the Western Region Football League division 2 season opener against North Footscray.

A battle between two finalists from last season, the Falcons got the jump early on the Devils, who were never able to recover.

The Falcons kicked 6.5 to one goal in the first quarter to lead by 35 points at the first break.

The goal scoring would dry up for the Falcons after the first quarter.

The margin was reduced to 30 points at the main break, with the Devils kicking the only goal for the quarter.

The Falcons then kicked the only goal of the third quarter to push the margin back out.

While the Devils were able to double their score in the final quarter, it wasn’t enough with the Falcons winning 8.9 (57)-4.8 (32)

Jack Tessari kicked three goals for the Falcons, while Mathiang Kak kicked two goals.

Alex McKinnon and Connor Yeoell were named their best.

In the other division 2 match on Saturday, Parkside was way too strong for Braybrook, winning 23.20 (158)-2.3 (15).

The Magpies had 12 goal kickers with Nathan Montague named best on ground.

Sunshine had beaten Albion in the other round one game on Good Friday.

In division 3, Tarneit started the season with a big win against North Sunshine.

The Titans jumped out of the blocks and led by 33 points at the first break. A seven goal second quarter had the Titans just short of 100 points at half time with the lead out to 81 points.

The second half was much of the same, with the Titans winning 27.20 (182)-6.3 (39).

Alex Roze kicked six goals in the win, while Jason Seduikis kicked five goals.

Brendan Binek, Roze and Micheal Naawi were named the best.

Brodie Raines was named the Roadrunners best.

In other games, West Footscray got its first win in more than 1311 days, beating the Laverton Magpies.

The Roosters lead throughout and were able to overcome some last quarter nerves to get the win, 11.4 (70)-7.7 (49).

Albanvale was too strong for Sunshine Heights in the other match.

After leading by just three points at half time, the Cobras kicked nine goals to five in the second half to come away with a 12.16 (88)-8.11 (59) win.

Brock Mclarty was named the Cobras best.

The Suns had the bye. They start their season this Saturday against Tarneit.

season,” he said. “They were things that [we realised] weren’t going to work.

“They worked in the pre-season, but not the season. We’re getting back to the different defence stuff that we didn’t focus on in the off season,

“It’s a competitive competition and we are still trying to find our feet.”

Wyndham remains in second spot despite the loss, only behind the Broncos, who are undefeated. This week they face the Sunbury Jets.

The Wyndham’s women’s side remains undefeated after two big wins on the weekend. On Saturday night, Wyndham beat the McKinnon Cougars, 93-67.

Zoe Zwerling and Amanda Paschal top scored with 26 points each.

Wyndham then backed it up with an 84-71 win against the Pakenham Warriors. Wyndham did all the damage in the second half after trailing by four points at half time.

Wyndham sits atop the table ahead of a clash with the Sunbury Jets this Sunday.

Tara Murray

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Hockey

Werribee started the Hockey Victoria men’s Vic League 1 competition in fine form on Saturday. The Tigers easily accounted for Yarra Valley, 5-1. Peter Roberts scored a double for the Tigers in the win. Werribee’s women’s team, which is also in Vic League 1, started the season with a win, beating Yarra Valley 2-1. Brittany Webster and Brittany McIntyre were the goal scorers for the Tigers.

GDFL

Werribee Centrals are on the board in the Geelong and District Football League. After a thrilling loss in round one, Centrals were too strong for North Geelong on Saturday, winning 12.9 (81)-8.11 (59). Centurions were able to build the lead the first three quarters, before an even last quarter. Joshua McDonald kicked four goals for the Centurions, while Matthew Miller and Bradley Carlton were the side’s best. The Centurions face Bell Post this Saturday.

GDNL

Werribee Centrals had a big win against North Geelong in the Geelong and District Netball League. North Geelong gave the Centurions no trouble, as last season’s grand finalists won 61-33, Ellie Tubbs shot 47 goals for the Centurions in the win. The Centurions are undefeated after two rounds. The Centurions face Bell Post this Saturday.

NPL

It was a tough night on Friday for Werribee City in the National Premier League 2 competition. The Bees proved no match for the Eastern Lions, losing 4-1. The Lions scored twice in the first half, before a converted penalty gave the side a 3-0 lead. Lewis Bradford got a goal back through a penalty, before being sent from the field after two quick yellow cards. The Lions then scored a fourth to seal the win. The Bees sit in 10th position.

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Maurice Howard (Supplied)

Jack Tessari. (Joe Mastroianni). 282002

WERRIBEE FOOTBALL CLUB

YOUR FOOTBALL CLUB

Werribee made to pay for lost opportunities

By Tara Murray

Werribee needs to find a bit more polish if it is to get the results it’s after on a more consistent basis in the Victorian Football League.

After coming off a strong win against Southport in the previous round, Werribee faced the tough task of hosting Geelong on Saturday.

Werribee was made to pay for not making the most of its opportunities, losing 9.6 (60)-5.17 (47).

Werribee coach Michael Barlow said the result was disappointing considering the opportunities that they had.

The side kicked just two goals from the 15 scoring shots they had in the second half.

“Intermsofstatsandownershipofthegame and insides 50s, scoring shots, we were in front in all those metrics, but we just couldn’t convert,” Barlow said.

Barlow said the conditions weren’t too bad at Avalon Airport Oval, despite the low scores on the day possibly showing otherwise.

He said they could have easily put on a decent score.

“We had 22 scoring shots and four or five full misses,” he said. “Had we converted, we would have had a really good score.

“Defensively we were really good, they had 15 shots on goal and 40 inside 50s. The defensive game was in check, but we needed the polish to get the chocolates.”

Nicholas Hayes was the only multiple goal kicker Werribee with two. Shaun Mannagah struggled to repeat his efforts from the week before, kicking five behinds.

Barlow said the polish factor was more than just goal kicking.

“We’re working on it and speaking with the players,” he said. “The goal kicking is what you see in the paper.

“We’re continuing to work on the field kicking every week. Aerial marking as well. You see the goal kicking, but there’s other aspects where we need to tidy up our game.”

Barlowsaidthebackgroupwasthestandouts in terms of four quarter performances, despite a couple of moments. He said Louis Pinnick continued his good start to the season while Ariek Lual and Nathan Cooper continue to do roles for the side.The loss leaves Werribee sitting 1-2 after four rounds and in 15th spot. After losing by one point in round one, the side could have easily been sitting 3-0.

“From our point of view, irrelevant to the result when reviewing the Southport game win you get the result that took our opportunities,” Barlow said.

“We kicked 4.1 which was a really good start to the quarter. It gave us space and we soldiered on from there.

“On Saturday we kicked 0.5 in the last quarter. They kicked 2.2 and that is the difference between us being 2-1 or even 3-0 and where we are now.”

Werribee this week faces Williamstown on Sunday in an Anzac Day game. Barlow said it was pretty special to be part of a game honouring such a special occasion.

“It’s an honour to play on that weekend,” he said.

“It’s also our past players day and it’s a further return to playing at home.

“It’s a special day and it’s important to honour the day with a good effort, that Anzac spirit and what that looks like for our guys.

“The effort had been there the first three weeks, now we need to add that polish with the ball.”

The Seagulls enter the match on the back

dynamic destination of choice.

The framework will be a guide for staged development in the area and for attracting investment over the next 30 years.

of three wins. Barlow said it’s a side that is showing it is one of the benchmark’s of the standalone sides.

It will help to ensure the town centre meets the needs of the growing population in Tarneit with the centre ultimately providing a capacity of 8,000 jobs and a home to more than 10,000 people.

results against Port Melbourne, Coburg and Frankston.

Please register for an information session to find out more:

“They have picked up and god some quality

“They’ll want to get a clean sweep of the standalone clubs.”

• • Questions can be emailed to tarneitudf@wyndham.vic.gov.au and feedback shared on the Loop by 20 March on https://theloop.wyndham.vic.gov.au/tarneitudf

Nathan Cooper was one of Werribee’s best on Saturday. (Belinda Vitacca Photography)

The Werribee bench looks on. (Belinda Vitacca Photography) It was a disappointing day for Werribee. (Belinda Vitacca Photography)