Star Weekly - Wyndham - 30th August 2023

Williams Landing continues to be a sought-after suburb

With the City of Wyndham one of the fastest growing regions in Australia, Williams Landing continues to be one of the west’s most sought-after suburbs, proving popular with homebuyers, investors, and businesses alike.

Developed by ASX listed Cedar Woods Properties Limited, Williams Landing is Cedar Woods’ national flagship development, currently home to over 150 businesses across 28,000 square metres of office space – with over 19.5 hectares of commercial and residential sites set to be delivered over the next 10 years.

By employing a considered approach to development, Cedar Woods has cultivated a successful commercial hub for the Williams Landing and broader Wyndham communities, offering flexible, modern offices in close proximity to a wide range of local amenities including the Williams Landing Shopping Centre and railway station.

After the sell-out success of Boston Commons in early 2023, Cedar Woods is delighted to once again expand the business community of Williams Landing with the launch of Hudson Hub – the sixth office building for the suburb.

Hudson Hub is set to create more opportunities for businesses to join the Wyndham business community; adding a further 79 office suites, a conference centre and five ground-floor retail suites to Williams Landing. All office spaces will come complete with NBN infrastructure, a private kitchenette, and access to on-site parking and end-of-trip facilities – with the suites on level 3 also featuring generous outdoor terraces. Hudson Hub will also feature the first rooftop terrace within Williams Landing’s commercial community, offering a versatile space

for relaxation, team collaboration, networking, and creative inspiration.

As long-term sponsors of the Wyndham Business Awards, Cedar Woods recognises and champions the important

role that local businesses and business owners play in the continuing success of Williams Landing and the broader Wyndham area and looks forward to supporting local businesses – both

existing and emerging – in the years to come.

For more information on strata offices at Hudson Hub, please contact Sudha Williams on 0498 001 489.

Message from the

Mayor

On behalf of Wyndham City, I congratulate all entrants, finalists, and winners of the annual 2023 Wyndham Business Awards.

Now in its 27th year, The Wyndham Business Awards are the esteemed and respected business event in Wyndham that attracts high quality entrants.

This year, 175 entries were received across 12 new categories that recognise the diversity in our business community: from start-ups, social enterprises to large employers and excellence in sustainability, diversity and inclusion, innovation, and technology.

The top three award categories entered were Small Business, Excellence in Customer Experience and Micro Business.

The 2023 Wyndham Business Awards celebrate local business entrepreneurs, innovators and hard-working operators and business leaders.

They provide an unique opportunity for businesses across key industry sectors of all sizes and types to showcase their successes and be recognised for their hard work, effort, dedication, and commitment to their customers and the community.

The awards highlight achievements and are an important and significant way to acknowledge and appreciate business excellence, achievements, accomplishments, innovation, and success.

EXCELLENCE IN LOCAL COMMUNITY

Wyndham is home to more than 32,000

GST registered businesses of various sizes and diversity; from home-based sole operations to large multinationals and everything in between.

Our city has grown from strength to strength and the flourishing of new businesses has helped shape our local economy and fosters economic prosperity.

Wyndham City’s Economic Development team has positively positioned Wyndham as a city that supports, advocates, and promotes businesses so they can thrive and reach their potential.

Your participation and your support together with other participating businesses has ensured that the awards continue to grow in size and reputation.

Thank you for taking the time to enter and as your business evolves, I would encourage you to consider entering again in future years.

On behalf of Wyndham City, we appreciate your hard work and dedication in the Wyndham business community, and we wish you continued success.

Congratulations to all finalists and winners of the Wyndham Business Awards. It is certainly a magnificent achievement.

Cr Susan McIntyre Mayor

RELIANCE REAL ESTATE

Established in 2011 by chief executive and founder Sunil Kumar, Reliance Real Estate has grown from its humble beginnings in Werribee to become a prominent player in the real estate industry in Melbourne’s west.

With a remarkable expansion journey, the company now operates 11 offices throughout the region.

At the core of Reliance Real Estate’s inception was Sunil’s vision to create a business that not only achieved commercial success but also held cultural and ethical significance within the community. He aimed to establish a company that could give back to the people, actively engage and support the community, and foster strong connections through various organisations and causes.

Furthermore, Sunil wanted Reliance Real Estate to evolve as a family-oriented business, providing long-lasting careers to individuals in the west and assisting them in fulfilling their property dreams.

What the judges said...

Sunil and his team demonstrated an outstanding commitment to service excellence and community engagement. This reflects in the exceptional contributions the business has made to both its clientele and the community it serves

Wyndham City wishes to congratulate all finalists and winners in the Wyndham Business Awards and acknowledge the generous support of the following organisations MAJOR SPONSOR CATEGORY

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR

SUNIL KUMAR – RELIANCE REAL ESTATE

Sunil founded Reliance Real Estate in Werribee in 2011 and has demonstrated exceptional leadership, driving remarkable growth for the business. Under his visionary approach, Reliance now operates 10 offices across Melbourne’s west.

FRUIT2WORK

Fruit2Work started its life inside a traditional charity before becoming a stand-alone certified social enterprise.

Fruit2Work creates meaningful employment opportunities for people impacted by the justice system. Through the vehicle of fruit and milk delivery, Fruit2Work provides the opportunity for people to re-build their lives.

Ex-offenders are given opportunities to learn important workplace and life skills with a chance to transition to meaningful permanent employment.

With a simple goal of wanting people to lead better lives, Fruit2Work has to date successfully returned more than 100 citizens providing each one with a second chance.

Finalists

•฀ALL฀GREEN฀NURSERY฀&฀GARDEN฀฀•฀FRESH฀SELECT •฀FRUIT2WORK฀฀฀฀•฀QUEST฀WERRIBEE •฀RELIANCE฀REAL฀ESTATE฀฀฀฀฀•฀TOP฀COAT฀PAINTING฀MELBOURNE

All About Supporting YOU

Sunil’s leadership style is truly inspiring, characterised by his genuine care and compassion for his team members. He is deeply committed to their success, both professionally and personally, adapting to their unique needs and valuing their input and opinions.

Sunil firmly believes in placing the right people in the right roles.

A philosopher and perpetual learner, Sunil is motivated to support and uplift those around him. He places great importance on family and work-life balance while humbly guiding others towards greater achievements. Integrity is at the core of Sunil’s character. He takes full responsibility for the team’s performance and establishes meaningful connections with each member of Reliance.

Sunil’s empathetic leadership cultivates loyalty and enhances creativity within the team. His humility makes him relatable, and his unwavering positivity serves as a powerful driving force. He is solution-oriented, ensuring that others feel valued and significant. Sunil’s leadership exemplifies strength, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the success of Reliance Real Estate and its members.

What the judges

said...

Sunil is an extremely impressive business person, as despite the extraordinary growth and success of his business Reliance Real Estate, he is quick to mention all his past mistakes and learnings. A student of business growth principles, even after 11 years, Sunil’s energy, leadership and drive to see others succeed is stronger than it has ever been

YOUNG BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR

MONIQUE QUASH – MQ ESSENTIALS

Monique Quash is the founder of MQ Essentials, a business providing a range of pure essential oil and crystal products for health and wellness.

From the age of 13, Monique researched, planned and studied to create her range of products to support her passion for health, wellness and natural therapies.

With a customer base that spans Australia-wide and countless positive reviews, Monique has taken MQ Essentials from an idea to a viable and successful business whilst she continues her studies.

What the judges said...

Monique – outstanding presentation and vision for where she is going. Passion for helping people, with a holistic approach. She gets things done. She has self-funded and researched her business providing a product to the market, to meet the needs of a range of clients, all from the age of 13!. We look forward to what Monique does next and wish her every success

EQ LEADERS

EQ Leaders are innovators in industry-leading leadership and team development programs that leverage the power of leadership in nature.

They are experts in organisational learning and development and some of their team members just so happen to be horses.

Their EQ EMPOWER leadership programs build connected leaders and high performing teams. Their programs mirror challenges in the workplace through expertly designed activities with horses, allowing participants a safe space to learn from experiences and practice what it feels like to lead differently.

The horses’ unique ability to reflect human behaviour allow program participants to build trust, strengthen relationships, enhance teamwork and collaboration, better understand behavioural and communication styles, create inclusive spaces where everyone is valued, understand what it means and feels like to lead differently and learn to advance creative problem solving skills.

What the judges said...

Overall, EQ Leaders is an outstanding example of an emerging start-up business with strong local and social commitment, offering an impactful leadership development program

What does PROJECT SPACE do?

There are two divisions:

1. Project Management - the design, construction and enhancement of major truck stops and service stations, medical centres, cafes, restaurants, retail stores and industrial warehouses.

2. Project Marketing - anything unique including luxury apartments/townhouses, energy complexes and healthcare facilities.

‘Why are we different?’ you might be thinking but PROJECT SPACE does so through collaboration with a dedicated team of researchers, data analysts, architects, arborists, consultants, engineers, town planners, statisticians, and real estate agents. Projects are undertaken with a heavy emphasis on thorough research and meticulous data analysis which results in a well-developed and profitable proposal using a customer-driven process. That’s the difference. As a first step in working together to achieve your goals, contact us via phone or email. Dr

SMALL BUSINESS

QUEST WERRIBEE

Quest Werribee is an accommodation provider that has been located in Werribee since 2012. Quest Werribee takes great pride in offering exceptional services to its valued guests. Over the years, through hard work and dedication, franchise owner Amol advanced from housekeeper to front office manager, eventually becoming the property manager.

Quest Werribee prioritises providing inclusive and welcoming experiences for all guests with the dedicated team striving to deliver exceptional service, ensuring that each visitor feels comfortable and well-cared for during their stay. They are committed to maintaining the highest standards of hospitality and creating lasting memories for guests.

What the judges said...

The Quest demonstrated a clear focus on creating a customer experience in the community of Wyndham

THE DENTAL GALLERY

The Dental Gallery has been providing dental care to the Wyndham community from 2004, initially leasing in Sanctuary Lakes Shopping Centre, before moving to a purpose-built building.

In August 2015, The Dental Gallery was one of the first dental practices in Melbourne to achieve the voluntary dental practice accreditation meaning its quality systems, processes and infection control are in keeping with national safety and quality health service standards.

The Dental Gallery provides general dental care as well as more advanced dental procedures, such as dental implants, crowns and veneers, wisdom teeth extraction, orthodontics for young children through to adults, sleep apnoea dental appliances, TMJ and Myofunctional therapy (a new therapy to improving the tone/strength of oral tissues and muscles).

The leadership team showed great awareness and dedication to the customer and saw the business through the eyes of the customer

Top Coat Painting Melbourne

• Is a leading painting company in Melbourne, offering a wide range of services to both commercial and residential customers. With over 10 years of experience, we are committed to providing our clients and referral partners with the highest quality painting services possible.

• Our team of experienced and skilled painters are experts in all aspects of painting, from interior and exterior painting to lead paint removal and epoxy flooring using premium products materials. We are also fully qualified and insured professionals representing the top 1% of painters nationally through our Dulux Accreditation.

• In addition to our painting services, we also offer a free quote service, so customers can get an estimate of the cost of their project before they commit. We’ve diligently created a strong network and reputation for customer service to ensure we can add value to any project in residential and commercial settings.

• If you are looking for a professional and reliable painting company in Melbourne, Top Coat Painting Melbourne is the perfect choice. Contact us today to get a free quote and learn more about how we can help you with your next painting project.

What the judges said...

MEDIUM BUSINESS

EXCELLENCE IN SUSTAINABILITY

FRESH SELECT ALL GREEN NURSERY & GARDEN SUPPLIES

The history of All Green Nursery & Garden dates to 1979 when the Fragapane family started a humble nursery in their own backyard. What began as a small operation in a garden shed has blossomed over the past 44 years into a thriving family business. They take immense pride in providing their local community with an extensive range of lush plants, top-quality landscaping and gardening supplies, and unmatched customer service.

Today, they have expanded to three locations, covering a combined area of 35,000m².

All Green are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce, while also making a positive difference in their community. By providing employment opportunities and supporting individuals in their personal and professional growth, they aim to contribute to a stronger, more inclusive society.

What the judges said...

All Green Nursery is an impressive third generation local Hoppers Crossing business that has grown and developed with the suburb into a strategically managed and focused business

Fresh Select is a family-owned national vegetable grower business based in Werribee South. Fresh Select began over 30 years ago, initially as an exporter but has since shifted its focus to domestic supply and has grown to be one of Australia’s largest brassica growers and suppliers to Coles.

Today Fresh Select employs over 100 people at its head office in Werribee South and supplies approximately 22 lines of produce to Coles nationally.

Fresh Select established Nutri V in 2016 after it identified the true impact of food loss and food waste in its growing process. With a strong focus on sustainability and a mission to reduce food waste, Fresh Select and Nutri V have established a production facility to deal with their own farm and the region’s vegetable loss from production waste and out-of-specification produce. They turn this into nutrient-dense vegetable powders and healthy snack foods, all via a circular economy solution.

What the judges said...

Fresh Select is a clear winner in sustainability excellence due to its comprehensive and multifaceted approach to promoting sustainability

A finalist in the Wyndham Business Awards for excellence in customer experience, Insight Vision Care remains rooted in its core value: prioritizing patients above all else.

OUR OPTOMETRIC SERVICES INCLUDE:

• GENERAL AND PAEDIATRIC CARE

• DRY EYE MANAGEMENT

• ROUTINE DIABETIC EYE CARE

• LATEST LENS TECHNOLOGY

• ORTHO-K AND SPECIALTY CONTACT LENSES

We ensure personalised journeys, surpassing expectations from the moment you engage with us. Insight Vision Care merges cutting-edge technology with quality customer service, making your experience as remarkable as your vision.

EXCELLENCE IN INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY

MICRO BUSINESS

THE ROOM XCHANGE

The Room Xchange is Australia’s only verified house-sharing platform that provides a solution for homeowners who are struggling to keep up with the impact of 12 interest rate hikes, and renters who face difficulties in finding accessible and affordable housing.

The Room Xchange bridges the current gap by leveraging existing resources: 13.5 million unused bedrooms in 10 million homes across Australia.

A stringent verification process creates a trusted community and their algorithm matches users based on personality, values and lifestyle.

Users can request rent for the room or choose our unique model called ‘Rent Offset’ which allows the homeowner to request help around the house to offset part or all of the rent. It then enables renters to reduce their living costs.

What the judges said...

The Room Xchange is an exciting, innovative business that traditionally set out to create ’house-sharing’ and match Australian homes that had idle, spare bedrooms with boarders or lodgers needing a place to live in exchange for tasks/household chores and/or at affordable cost

NOT FOR PROFIT OR SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

TOP COAT PAINTING MELBOURNE

Top Coat Painting Melbourne is a leading provider of residential and commercial painting services across the western suburbs of Melbourne.

Starting with an initial goal of providing premium painting works to local community members, they have developed strong partnerships with local suppliers, builders, and small businesses that have allowed them to transcend the traditional role and reputation of painters to become preferred referral partners across several industries.

Priding themselves on using high-quality materials, maintaining clear communication with clients and partners, and maintaining an exceptional level of training for their team to become a true value add for all projects that they are involved in.

With foundations of quality workmanship and great customer service as core focusses, Top Coat Painting continues to grow and become a destination company for clients and employment opportunities.

What the judges said...

The judges were impressed by the level of strategy, planning and customer orientation offered by Top Coat Painting Melbourne, which we believe went beyond what was required of a micro-business

EXCELLENCE IN DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

FRUIT2WORK

Fruit2Work (F2W) & Recycle4Change (R4C) exist to create chances for those impacted by the justice system, providing transitional employment opportunities to allow them to reintegrate with society as returning citizens. Both of these NFP social enterprises operate under the umbrella of Chance Creators.

F2W does this by providing a service delivering fruit, milk and pantry items to the workplace.

R4C will do this by operating two automated container deposit depots as part the state government’s contained deposit scheme launched this year.

In the seven years of its existence, the F2W enterprise has successfully returned more than 100 citizens with the unprecedented record of zero recidivism against a Victorian state record of almost one in two people returning to the system within two years.

What the judges said...

Fruit to Work is a remarkable social enterprise with a strong social purpose, bringing positive change to the lives of individuals affected by the justice system

MELBOURNE FURNITURE INSTALLERS

Melbourne Furniture Installers (MFI), specialises in turning flatpacks into masterpieces. Their team of professionals adds a touch of humour to a hard day’s work maintaining a high level of professionalism when providing their customers with the best furniture installation services.

With what started as an epiphany while constructing his children’s trampoline on a rainy Christmas Eve, founder Joseph Dabley realised he could utilise his expertise to assist other parents who struggled with the common flatpack. As time passed, Joe confidently transitioned from home assembly to completing multilevel office fit-outs.

The MFI team of experts is equipped with the best tools of the trade and are dedicated to assembling furniture while sharing good laughs with their customers. Building furniture is not just a job; it’s also an opportunity to foster relationships with customers, one happy customer at a time.

What the judges said...

MFI is a business with a heart that is true to supporting an inclusive and diverse workplace

Wyndham businesses celebrate

Wyndham’s business community packed out Encore Events Centre in Hoppers Crossing on Friday, August 25 for the annual Wyndham Business Awards. The business community’s night of nights, the awardscelebratedbusinesseslargeandsmall who call Wyndham home. Winners were

announcedacross13awardcategories.More than350guestsjoinedthecelebrationswhich included performances from MC’s Tim Campbell and Anthony Callea and The Diamonds, along with a locally curated menu featuring local produce from across themunicipality.

The Wyndham Business community celebrated at Encore Events Centre.

The 2023 Wyndham Business Awards winners. (Pictures: Supplied)

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Spectacular students

Wyndham students are preparing to join more than 2000 students from across the state in performing at the 2023 Victorian State Schools Spectacular.

This years show ‘Happy Trails’ will be performed on Saturday, September 9 at John Cain Arena.

Among the cast, which features circus artists, puppeteers, singers, dancers and skaters, are students from Werribee’s Suzanne Cory High School.

Five Suzanne Cory students, Dinda, Vijval, Ojas, Elina and Mandy, will play in the show’s 51-piece orchestra, while Keerthana will sing in the VSSS choir and Frank will be joined by Taya from Hoppers Crossing Secondary College in the backstage crew.

Students from Tarneit P-9 College will feature in the 960-person mass choir and will be joined by Saltwater Secondary College students in 1100-person mass dance troupe.

The students will be performing songs they themselves helped select, including Katy Perry’s Firework, AgeofReason by John Farnham and SittingonTopofthe World by Delta Goodrem.

The spectacular will be performed at 1pm and 6.30pm on September 9 and will be broadcast at a later date.

No to police in schools

By Cade Lucas

Police have ruled out stationing officers at Wyndham schools despite the alleged assault of four teachers at Tarneit Central College last week.

The alleged assaults occurred about 3.50pm on Tuesday, August 22, when a group of teenage girls attacked teachers who were believed to have been protecting a student.

Five girls were arrested at the scene, while another three girls, aged 13, 14 and 15, were arrested in Tarneit on Friday, August 25.

A 19-year-old female was charged with affray and bailed to appear at Werribee

Magistrates Court on January 8, 2024, while a 15-year-old was charged with affray, stalking, riotous behaviour and assault and bailed to appear at a children’s court at a later date. The other youths are expected to be charged on summons.

In a statement, police said they were aware of tensions between a group of girls in the area, but placing officers in schools wasn’t necessary.

“There will not be an ongoing police presence at schools in Wyndham however we are monitoring intelligence to proactively intervene and prevent disputes before they occur,” police said, adding that no weapons were involved and the Proactive Policing Unit

and youth workers from the Embedded Youth Outreach Project were providing security and support.

Tarneit Senior College principal Shane Cole-Hayhow said school safety was his highesty priority.

“We are being fully supported by the Department of Education and other agencies torespondtothecurrentincidentsandsupport ourstaffandstudents,”MrCole-Hayhowsaid.

Whilepraisingtheteachersfortheiractions, AustralianEducationUnionVictorianbranch president Meredith Peace said it shouldn’t be their job and that staff shortages were partly to blame.

“In some instances the growing workforce shortage crisis is making it harder for principals, teachers and education support staff to manage difficult behaviours and incidents of violence,” Ms Peace said.

“ItistheresponsibilityoftheDepartmentof Education to ensure schools are safe for both staff and students and that means ensuring there are enough teachers, principals and support staff on school campuses to provide the education and support students require and avoid incidents like these.”

A Department of Education spokesperson said a security audit to identify further preventative measures was being conducted.

Suzanne Cory High School students: Keerthana, Elina, Dinda, Ojas, Vijval and Mandy are preparing for the Victorian State Schools Spectacular on September 9. (Damjan Janevski) 355458_01

New laws for trucks and trolleys

By Cade Lucas

Nature strips must be maintained, shopping trolleys accounted for and permits required for trucks to park outside homes under new community amenity laws passed by Wyndham council.

The Community Amenity Local Law 2023 will come into effect next month and will remain in place until 2033 after receiving unanimous support at the meeting on Tuesday, August 22.

The updated laws, which replace those passed in 2015, also include provisions relating tohooningandshort-stayaccommodationand follow 18 months of community consultation.

Wyndham mayor Susan McIntyre, welcomed their adoption.

“The Community Amenity Local Law is an important document that shapes our city and I thankeveryonewhotookthetimetocontribute to consultation,” Cr McIntyre said.

“Our Local Law protects everyone who lives, works and visits in the area – ensuring we’re looking after public health and safety and how our city looks and feels - enabling us to enjoy whereweliveandencouragingvisitorstomake our city a destination of choice.”

Under the 2023 laws, property owners must keep grass on their nature strips beneath 30 cm in length and not alter them unless in accordance with council’s Nature Strip

Beautification Policy.

Those unable to maintain their nature strips will be offered assistance.

Retailers must take measures to prevent the theft of shopping trolleys from their stores and maybeheldresponsiblefortheircollectionand removal if found on council land.

Owners of trucks and other heavy vehicles will require a permit to park them at their homesandcannotparkoncouncilpropertyfor more than an hour unless there are signs that expressly allow it.

Anit-hoon clauses allow police to take action against spectators at hooning events, while home owners using their houses for short-stay accommodation will require a permit.

New festival celebrates river life

When asked why the Werribee River Association decided to start its own festival, Jess Fairfax gets straight to the point.

“It’s basically about celebrating the Werribee River,” said Ms Fairfax, one of the organisers of the inaugural River FEST which will take place on September 24 to coincide with World River Day.

“It’s a pretty amazing natural asset that we’ve got. It runs 110km from Wombat State Forest down to Port Phillip Bay, through areas close to our homes, central Werribee and it’s something we enjoy walking and cycling along and has great naturally flora and fauna.

“I reckon it needs as much celebration as possible.”

Given the line-up of attractions booked for the festival, Ms Fairfax and her colleagues are certainly staying true to their word.

Beginning with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, the festival’s main stage will feature performances from 60-person community choir, Glee West, celebrated western suburbs band, The Orbweavers and will be headlined by Ethiopian born, now Wyndham-based musician, Nhatty Man.

Weaving, painting and craft workshops will also be held, as will drumming, conservation

and recycling activities.

Featuring throughout will be the platypus, the Werribee River’s most famous fauna.

Ms Fairfax said the platypus represented why the Werribee River shouldn’t just be celebrated but protected too, another focus of the festival.

“There’s also threats to the river such as pollution and run-off that we as a community can help protect it from.”

River Fest runs from noon to 5.30pm on Sunday, September 24 at Wyndham Park.

Entry is free.

Speaking in support of the motion, deputy mayor, Jennie Barrera said the updated laws had been through extensive community consultation and were tailored to Wyndham’s needs.

“Our residents can be assured that we’ve been through a very robust community engagement process that ensures that we have a legally certifiable set of local laws that will be much simpler to understand and will meet local community needs and expectations.” Residents will be allowed time to adjust to the new laws before measures are enforced.

Details: https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/ community-amenity-local-law-2023

Give feedback

Wyndham council is calling for feedback on the draft Housing and Neighbourhood Character Strategy 2023, which aims to ensure housing is well located and designed to meet the community’s future needs.

According to mayor Susan McIntyre, the 2023 strategy prioritises the development of new homes in areas that are close to existing and proposed servicesandtransport.Italsosetsoutan action plan that will support council in planning for greater housing diversity, high quality design and enhancement of the character of Wyndham’s neighbourhoods.

“Wyndham is growing at a rapid pace and over the next 20 years our population is expected to grow by more than 200,000 residents,” Cr McIntyre said.

“To accommodate our growing future population, we need to carefully plan to ensure that new housing is well located and well designed to meet the needs of our diverse community.”

The strategy identifies three broad categories of housing change –limited change with restraints on accommodating increased housing, incremental change near activity centres and future residential areas and substantial change near transport hubs.

To provide feedback and for more information visit: theloop.wyndham. vic.gov.au/wyndham-housingneighbourhood-character-strategy

Public consultation is open until September 10 with a drop-in sessionsplannedfor Monday,September 4, 5.30pm-7.30pm at the Wyndham Civic Centre, Werribee.

Cade Lucas

The Werribee River Platypus mascot with some of the artists and performers who are booked for River FEST at Wyndham Park on September 24. (Damjan Janevski) 355637_01

Illegal casino bust in Truganina

By Cade Lucas

Twenty-one people have been arrested and cash, drugs, alcohol and gaming equipment seized after police raided an alleged high-end illegal casino in Truganina overnight.

The alleged illegal casino was uncovered in a Truganina factory where police conducted a search warrant at about 9pm on Thursday, August 24.

It’s alleged as many as 50 people per night had been attending the unlicenced casino which required an $8000 buy-in and had been

operating weekly throughout this year.

A 35-year-old Truganina man, the alleged operator of the casino, is expected to be charged on summons with conducting unauthorised gambling, advertising unauthorisedgambling,sellingliquorwithout a licence, consuming liquor on unlicensed premises and having liquor on unlicenced premises.

The remaining patrons are expected to bechargedwithbeinginsideanunauthorised gambling premises, consuming liquor on unlicenced premises as well as drug

Aboard the purple train

When Hoppers Crossing’s Tania Kukielka joinedMetroTrainsthreeyearsagosheexpected to provide customer service and help to people using Melbourne’s train system.

Last week it was LGBTQIA+ youth rather than rail commuters that the Authorised Officer was helping as one of the organisers of MetroandYarraTramscelebrationsfor‘Wear

It Purple Day’.

The day which aims to express support and respect to LGBTQI+ youth by wearing purple, also involved allowing a group of high school students access to the Metro Academy in South Kensington where they learnt about the industry and what a career in rail would look like, as well as having a go in the X’Trapolis training simulator.

GivenitwasMsKukielka’swife,aProtective Services Officer, who originally suggested she apply for job at Metro because it was an inclusive and supportive employer, it was an

especially poignant day.

“It feels really good working for a company where everyone is seen as equals,” said Ms Kukielka of working at Metro where the number of female drivers has grown from 26 in 2009 to 550 today.

Yarra Trams has reported similar growth and both are recognised as WORK180 organisations committed to raising workplace standards for women and gender-diverse people across the network.

Ms Kukielka said both public transport providers served as an example for other employers.

“While there’s still away to go, Metro is showing people that this is the culture we want and its where we want to be. We’re part of everyone’s journey on a daily basis and it’s importantthatadiverserangeofpeople–with different sexualities, genders, nationalities and much more – are visible on our network.”

possession offences.

Inspector Scott Colson said the arrests were the culmination of a long running investigation into illegal gambling.

“Our investigation concluded last night, as local detectives, the VIPER Taskforce, State Liquor Unit and Public Order Response Team executed a warrant which led to the arrest of 21 people,” Inspector Colson said.

“When significant quantities of cash are seized from organised crime syndicates, we knowthisdealsahammerblowtotheirability to fund further illegal activity.

“We’veputastoptoalargeamountofmoney ending up in the hands of the wrong people, which could have then been used for further criminal offending in the community.”

Illegal gambling can result in a two-year prison sentence or a $192,000 fine.

Inspector Colson said the latest arrests were a warning, not just for those involved in unauthorised gambling, but organised crime in general.

“Ifyouareinvolvedinanykindoforganised criminal activity, make no mistake, we have our eyes on you.”

BY RCA VILLAGES

Hoppers Crossing’s Tania Kukielka (right) and wife Melissa on Wear it Purple Day (supplied)

Keerthana’s a top tutor

Suzanne Cory High School student Keerthana Karthik is Wyndham’s Young Person of the Month for August.

Keerthana has been awarded for helping others less fortunate than herself through volunteering, fundraising, tutoring and school activities.

Each week she tutors students from low social economic backgrounds and manages a chapter of youth-led charity, Health Cove, which organises fundraising events to address inequality in the health system.

Passionate about music and the arts, Keerthana teaches a performing arts class at Blossom Community Care for people funded by the NDIS and will also be a member of the choir at next month’s Victorian State Schools Spectacular.

“Wyndham City thanks Keerthana for the positive contribution she has made and continues to make in our city,” said Wyndham mayor Susan McIntyre when announcing this month’s winner.

“Keerthana encourages young people to be positive and inspires hope through her volunteering and fundraising efforts.”

Keerthanawillreceivea$300giftvoucherfor winning the award, which is given each month by Wyndham council to a young person who has made a positive contribution to the community.

Recipients must be aged between 12 and 25 and live in Wyndham.

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

Briefs

Manor Lakes burglary

A 46-year-old man was arrested following a series of alleged burglaries in Manor Lakes on Tuesday. Police received a report from a security guard of a man allegedly seen running from a building site with his arms full of stolen items at the corner of Ballan and Ison roads about 2.30am on August 29. Police arrested the man in Werribee a short time later. It’s alleged he had broken into at least three new townhouses that were nearing completion, but what was actually stolen is still to be determined.

Drunk driver triple the limit

A Point Cook motorist was allegedly three times the legal blood alcohol limit when he crashed into a parked car early on Saturday, August 26. Police were called to the scene in Jamieson Way, Point Cook, about 2am, where a Tesla had collided with a parked car, causing extensive damage to both vehicles. The driver of the Tesla was not injured in the collision, but allegedly recorded a reading of .171 when later breath tested. The 25-year-old man had his licence immediately suspended and is expected to be charged on summons.

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Cade Lucas

Suzanne Cory High School student Keerthana Karthik is Wyndham’s Young Person of the Month for August. (Supplied)

A ray of hope for African youth

Robiel Abraham said it wasn’t uncommon to feel unsafe when he was growing up in Melton South. When he was 19, the tragic murder of a friend acted as the catalyst for he and his friends to take matters into their own hands and form the African Youth Initiative (AYI). He spoke to Liam McNally about the organisation’s rise and the future they’re aspiring to help shape.

AYI is a not-for-profit organisation that is committed to reducing the barriers African-Australian young people face in Melton and across the west and helping them reach their full potential.

The group aims to empower the community throughayouth-ledapproachtorole-modelling and a range of initiatives including workshops, mentoring programs, men’s and women’s groups, weekly basketball games and is currently working on a documentary.

In the past month the group was awarded a $150,000 grant from the state government, and also held its biggest event to date, the African Youth Forum.

Robiel Abraham and Aken Angok were still teenagerswhentheyfoundedthegroupin2020.

Robiel said Melton was a difficult place for young people to feel safe growing up, and the feeling of danger culminated after the tragic murder of a friend.

“That was the awakening moment for me and my best friend Aken,” he said. “When that happened we were just devastated. We met up andwerejustthrowingthisgridironballaround and talking about what we can do.

“Seeing our whole community grieve, it helped us think ‘We’ve got to do something, We’ve got to help out in any way, because we can see that this might become a cycle’.”

Robiel said the issues facing his community are complex, but the most common problems he sees stem from identity crisis, mental health and a lack of resources.

Identity crisis, Robiel said, stems from cross-cultural interaction between parents and their children, young people not really embracing or knowing their culture, as well as feeling unwelcome in the culture in which they are raised.

Hecanpointtoarangeofinstancesofracism in his youth, from his brother being called the

‘n-word’ walking home from school, to his neighbour who displayed a swastika flag, his mother having police instead of an ambulance called her after a car accident, or being followed around shops by staff when shopping with his little sister.

“It really impacts you as a young person… You felt like in your own community no one wants you there or no one trusts you,” he said.

“Our young people struggle with their identity, some of them were born here, but they don’t feel Australian, some of them mimic other cultures, because they don’t feel accepted by the culture they’re in here.

“It feels like ‘oh, if this is what I’m being judged as, why don’t I just act this way then?’”

“There’s also a lot of young people doing phenomenal, there’s a lot of high achieving young Africans and we would love for these young people to be celebrated… But there’s negativeoutcomesthatstemfromthoseissues.”

Robiel said that the biggest factor in the solutions they’re providing is that they’re youth-led, by the people from the local community.

“Young people know it’s safe when it’s created by young people that actually care about them,” he said. “And because we know these people that are disengaged we reach out

tothemonapersonallevellike,‘heyman,come to this workshop, I know you’re looking for a job, come, we’ll help you out.’

“It’smakingsurethattheyfeelsafeattheentry level, we’re not trying to be the be-all-end-all… It’s the environment we’re creating, not just as an organisation but that the young African community are creating together.”

The group’s efforts were recognised when about 90 people attended the African Youth Forum that AYI ran with the Department of Justice and Community Safety and the Commission for Children and Young People at the Kurunjang Community Centre.

Robiel said the primary focus of the event was to amplify young people’s voices directly to those in power.

“It was an amazing turnout,” he said.

“Wehadpeopletherethataredisengaged,we hadpeopleasyoungas14yearsold…Theysaid they felt like they had a voice.

“We were the bridge between the young people and those in power. That was a tremendous success.”

Sheladi Nsengiyumva agreed that it was a powerful event.

“We explored many things like trauma, financial disadvantage, African youth in prison, and it was the first time for a lot of African

youth to express emotions that they’ve been experiencing,” he said. “I think it was a day of healing for a lot of people.

“It was really a safe space for people to open up and share their experiences and not just speak about issues but delve into solutions.”

Before the 21-year-old became a media advisor for AYI, Sheladi knew the team for a long time and saw them as friends from the communitywhohadhelpedhimwithguidance, getting jobs and getting into basketball.

“I always saw them as role models, and kind of a light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.

“I guess I’d experienced first hand a lot of the issues African youth were facing in Melton.

“From 2015 to 2019 it was getting progressively worse… [I was] seeing friends go to prison, seeing friends ruin their lives. It moves you to want to help and do something.

“When I saw AYI was really making a difference and they were really serious and pushing for change in our community, that inspired me to be involved as well and be a part of that change.

“TheyreallyinspiredmetodowhatI’mdoing now. I think it inspires a lot of people in the Melton community to see someone that looks like me trying to make a change, not a 40 year old white man who doesn’t really understand what we’re growing through.”

Robiel said it’s a privilege to be able to serve his community.

“It’s been a blessing, we’re thankful to God that the community has been able to support us, that we’ve got opportunities,” he said.

“Everythingthatwedo,wedoforourfriends, our relatives, and just anyone else that has had a similar experience to us growing up as an African Australian, facing the identity crises and the accusations, and all the stuff that our community has been through.”

Details: https://www.ayi.org.au/

AYI co-founder and chief executive Robiel Abraham and AYI creative director Abak Dhieu. (Jacob Pattison) 353959_02

The African Youth Forum on August 12. (Supplied)

‘‘ Young people know it’s safe when it’s created by young people that actually care about them ’’

- Robiel Abraham

Water action runs deep

By Cade Lucas

Supporting First Nations businesses, increasing employment opportunities, promoting reconciliation events and growing bush tucker and native vegetation are among the commitments in Greater Western Water’s inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan launched last week.

Wadawurrung Traditional Owner Ash Skinner performed a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony to open the launch event at Wunggurrwil Dhurrung Centre in Wyndham Vale on Friday, August 18.

Charge up in Wyndham

Electric vehicle use in Wyndham is set to power up, with EV charging stations now operational in the municipality. Six chargers have been installed at three locations across Wyndham, with two in Werribee and one in Tarneit.

Two 50kw fast chargers are situated in the car park behind the Wyndham Civic Centre and are capable of charging four cars for up to two hours, providing 450km in driving range.

Three22kwchargersarelocatedonthe groundfloorcarparkbeneaththeHunter Building in Synnot Street, Werribee and allow for 130km of driving.

Both Werribee charging stations were installed in partnership with the state government through the Destination Charging Across Victoria Program.

GWW managing director Maree Lang said developing the RAP involved critical self-reflection and constructive feedback from First Nations colleagues and community.

“While it’s our first RAP as Greater Western Water, it recognises where we have come from through the efforts of our previous organisations.

“Together we worked to understand where we were at as an organisation and what is achievable for the two years that this RAP commits us,” she said.

The Innovate RAP seeks to foster consultation and collaboration between GWW and the First Nations community.

Ms Lang said building commercial relationships were a particular focus of the RAP.

“Working alongside First Nations organisations is integral to achieving our goals, and this is particularly true of our work with Traditional Owners, with whom we are building not just strong relationships but healthy business partnerships.”

The RAP features artwork from WadawurrungartistB.J.Cwhichwasselected through The Torch, a not-for-profit that delivers Indigenous arts programs in prisons and allows artists to keep the proceeds from the sale of their work.

ThelargestchargerislocatedatBembit Bag-rook Community Centre in Tarneit, which delivers up to 400km of driving per hour of charge.

Wyndham councillor Sahana Ramesh said the new stations will help address a shortfall of EV chargers in Melbourne’s west and aid the transition to electric vehicles.

“We’repreparingforawaveofchange,” Cr Ramesh said. “We know that in other parts of the world there are EV chargers at regular intervals in city streets supporting drivers who want to shift to renewable energy powered cars.”

Details: https://www.wyndham.vic. gov.au/evchargingstations

‘‘ Working alongside First Nations organisations is integral to achieving our goals ’’

- Maree Lang

GWW chair David Middleton and managing director Maree Lang with artwork of Wadawurrung artist B.J.C at the RAP launch. (Supplied)

Container scheme a step closer

By Cade Lucas

Point Cook could soon have a new container deposit centre following a decision by Wyndham council.

A motion to lease a council-owned property in Wallace Avenue, Point Cook, to not-for-profit organisation, Chance Creators, received unanimous support at a council meeting on August 22.

Chance Creators, who operate the social enterprisesFruit2WorkandRecycle4Change, have been appointed as the Wyndham network operator for the state government’s

Container Deposit Scheme which begins on November 1.

Both Fruit2Work and Recycle4Change employ ex-prisoners, something Wyndham deputy mayor, Jennie Barrera, said made the proposal ‘a really promising opportunity.’

“This has the potential to have really far-reaching environmental and social justice benefits for this city,” Cr Barrera said in moving the motion.

Under the proposal, a council-run animal adoption centre currently operating next door would be extended to take in the northern part of the property, but excluded

Decades of dancing

Boot scootin’, cutting the rug, tripping the light fantastic; whatever the idiom and whatever your preferred style of dance, September 9 at the Encore Events Centre in Hoppers Crossing will be the place for you. It’s where the Werribee Concert Band will be performing ’Dance Dance Evolution’, a concert that is as much about getting the audience up and moving as it is about the music.

“As the title suggests, the theme for this concert will be dance music from a variety of cultural backgrounds and time periods,” said the band’s communication officer, Blake Mitchell.

“From a European waltz, to the music of The Beatles, and Latin inspired sambas, our program is sure to get audiences out of their seats and dancing in the aisles!”

The concert kicks off at 6pm on Saturday, September 9, and will be a one off, so

Wyndham residents are urged to dust off their dancing shoes and book ahead to avoid disappointment.

Ticket prices are $15 for adults, $12 for concession and $10 for children aged 12 and under.

For tickets and more information, visit: https://rb.gy/x9gs

from the lease.

Wyndham council purchased the 3000 square-metre property in February last year and has since based its animal management unit and pound there while leasing the rest of the property to children’s entertainment provider, Hijinks Play Centre.

Financial troubles recently forced Hijinks to terminate its lease and it’s the area it has vacated that the Recycle4Change facility would occupy.

While calling it a ‘sound proposal’ Cr Sahana Ramesh questioned how this arrangement would work.

“I have a couple of concerns, mainly about having a bulk container depot within the same roof structure and next door to the Wyndham pound and how the two could co-exist,” said Cr Ramesh who added that a report into the arrangement was currently underway.

The proposal is now subject to community engagement, with a public notice posted on the council website for the next 28 days.

If approved, the container deposit centre is expected to be operational by the end of the year.

Chance Creators declined to comment.

The Werribee Concert Band are preparing for their ‘Dance Dance Evolution’ concert at Encore Events Centre in Hoppers Crossing on September 9. (Supplied)

Looking for Residential Aged Care?

Public vote on centre names

Local residents will have the chance to name new community centres being built in Truganina and Werribee following a meeting of Wyndham council on Tuesday August 22.

Council voted in support of allowing a public vote to name the centres currently being built in Shipwright Parade, Werribee, and Everton Road, Truganina.

Theresultsofcommunityconsultation that showed ‘linking the name to a place’ as the preferred naming theme for the new centres, was also endorsed.

Residents will have the choice of three names for each of the new centres when voting takes place next month.

Saying no way to bullies

By Cade Lucas

Students and teachers at Hoppers Crossing Secondary College donned orange and participated in a range of activities for the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence.

HCSC joined schools across the country on Friday, August 18 in participating in Australia’s key bullying prevention initiative for education providers.

“This was a wonderfully colourful, student led awareness raising opportunity for our school community,” deputy principal Julia

McCahon said.

“We had a range of learning activities planned – with every student making a pledge to tackle bullying.”

Students engaged in these activities while sporting the day’s traditional orange colour scheme and following its theme for 2023 ‘growing connections.’

Among the activities reflecting this theme was a clubs fair, where students learnt about and signed up to different lunchtime clubs on offer at the school, providing them an opportunity to build peer connections and find like minded people.

Year 7 and 8 students performed a production of ‘Wired’, while some year 12 VCE-VM students developed and delivered anti-bullying lessons to year 9 classes.

The lessons were aimed at building their knowledge of the difference between being a ‘bystander’ and an ‘upstander’ and were well received.

Almost 70 per cent of Australian schools participated in the 2022 National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence and it’s anticipated the 2023 event will have matched or even exceeded that figure.

For the centre at 104 Shipwright Parade, Werribee, voters will choose from: Shipwright Parade Community Centre, Lollypop Creek Community Centre or Ironbark Community Centre.

Those voting to name the centre at 1 Everton Road, Truganina, will choose from: Truganina Community Centre, Everton Road Community Centre or Pimelea Community Centre.

Wyndham councillor Josh Gilligan hailed the move.

“Hurray,commonsensehasprevailed in relation to the naming policy,” he said. “Finally we’re able to give the community a vote on whether or not they should name a building in the suburb,intheareainwhichit’slocated.”

Council will consider a report on the results before confirming the new names.

Hoppers Crossing Secondary College students Deegan, Darcy and Zoe participating in the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence on August 18. (Damjan Janevski) 354680_01

Carrying on a legacy of support

By Cade Lucas

Like many retirees, Werribee’s Mary Brand keeps herself busy by volunteering.

Unlike many others though, the 68-year-old gets a special title to go with her unpaid work.

“I’m a volunteer with Melbourne Legacy called a legatee,” said Ms Brand of her role with organisation that cares for returned service people and their families.

“I provide social support and assistance to predominantly World War II, Korean and Vietnam widows in the western branch.”

In being a legatee, Ms Brand is performing the same role she and her family benefitted from when her late father struggled with the aftermath of serving in WWII.

“War caused the illness,” she said of the impact the conflict had on her father, a member of the army who was posted to the Middle East, Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) and Papua New Guinea.

“He was ill all his life post-war and Legacy supported my mother and five children as dad was often in hospital.”

That support ranged from fire wood being chucked over the back fence to boxes of food and clothing being delivered and even scholarships to help with their education.

Afterherfather’sdeathin1996,thesupport then continued for Ms Brand’s mother.

“After he passed away we moved mum to Melbourne and she joined a Legacy widows’ group in Melbourne and made wonderful friendships with the other widows,” she said.

The former library technician and information manager within the government and professional services sectors said it’s a sense of gratitude for all this help that motivates her to do the same.

“The support that we got when we were young and the support mum got when she was older, that’s whole reason why I volunteer for legacy. To be able to give back.”

UpuntilSeptember2,givingbackwillinvolve Ms Brand and her fellow legatees asking other people to give during Legacy Week, which this

Fast track

year coincides with its centenary.

“It’s also the 100th year of Melbourne Legacy in October so we’re looking forward to especially generous community support this week,” said Ms Brand who will be selling badges alongside other legatees, widows and current ADF personnel.

“Legacy continues to support families of service personnel even if they haven’t been to war.

“It’s as relevant at today as it was in WWI when it started.”

Details: https://www.legacy.com.au/ legacy-week/

Werribee’s Mary Brand, who is a child of a war veteran, will be selling badges during Legacy Week. (Damjan Janevski) 355469_02

A feast of art

The Wyndham Art Prize exhibition is underway at The Annex at the Wyndham Cultural Centre.

Featuring works from more than 70 finalists in the 2023 prize, including nine artistsfromWyndham,thefreeexhibition is open daily until October 22.

Among the works on display are those of thisyear’soverallwinner,Melbourneartist

Arraya Loynd’s work ’Dissociated’ and winner of the Local Emerging Artist award, Point Cook’s Nandita Nadkarni and her work ‘Crafted Clay Odyssey.’

These two prizes were awarded by a jury and announced at gala event on August 16, however there’s one final prize that those attending the exhibition can have their say on.

The $2500 People’s Choice Award will go the artist whose work receives the most votes cast at the gallery ballot box.

Details: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/venues/ wyndham-art-gallery

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Local artist Rukz One’s entry.

Local artist Lucia Mocnay’s entry.

2023 Wyndham Art Prize honourable mention Duain Kelaart.

‘Dissociated’ by Arrayah Loynd, the winner of the 2023 Wyndham Art Prize on display at Wyndham Cultural Centre.

(Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 354729

Above: 2023 Wyndham Art Prize honourable mention Ali Griffin’s work.

Right: Winner of the Local Emerging Art Prize at the 2023 Wyndham Art Prize, Nandita Nadkarni’s work ‘Crafted Clay Odyssey’.

Roll up for a bowl and a delicious, affordable meal

Have you heard the news? Lawn bowling is no longer for the retired but for everyone to enjoy.

Come down to the Hive and try something different!

Lawn bowls is a low-cost, low-impact sport and a great way to get back into regular exercise.Itcanbeplayedindividually,socially or competitively. But most importantly, it is the ideal activity for people of all ages to have fun and make new friends.

Werribee Bowls Club has three greens with bowlers practising their skills all year round on the synthetic green. There is a choice of bowling from the very social barefoot bowls to friendly social games to the BV Pennant games that are held every year between October and March.

The club also has a large function room and an undercover outdoor area for hire. It is open for celebrations, Christmas parties, workplace training/team building, family functions or friends just wanting to catch up for a drink and a bowl.

Bookings are essential, so get in early as times are subject to availability.

Why not join up as a member and receive free coaching, discounted drinks and the use of the bowls and greens for practise? Grab your free cap and start bowling today!

Werribee Bowls Club, Chirnside Park, 239 Watton Street, Werribee.

Enquiries: 9741 3229. For further details including open hours, visit: www.werribeebowlsclub.com

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

All Abilities Netball

All Abilities Netball for Youth (10-25 years old) is run by Wyndham Netball Association every Saturday morning during school terms. 10.30am on outside court 14 at Eagle Stadium, Ballan Road, Werribee. Intellectual, physical and social disabilities are catered for in a fun and supported group. Come and try your first session for free. $2 for stadium entry.

■ Phil, 0437 078 739

Walking Netball

Walking Netball is a low impact, no running, no jumping version of our national game for those that love the fun, friendship and activity of a weekly game of netball. Mixed gender and no maximum age. 8pm every Thursday during school terms on inside court 4 at Eagle Stadium, Ballan Road, Werribee. Come and try your first session for free. $2 for stadium entry.

■ Phil, 0437 078 739

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 at 6.30pm for a meal, to share ideas and to work for a common cause.

■ Julie, 0406 196 630

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

Diabetes Support Group

The Werribee Diabetes support group has been active in our community for over 18 years providing advice, information and support for members of the group. 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 252872.

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.

■ 0408 123 669

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.

■ https://genwest.org.au/what-we-do/ health-wellbeing-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.

■ Jorge, 0433 566 575

Bingo for all

The Werribee RSL hosts Bingo every Monday. 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

Wyn FM

Wyn FM is Wyndham’s community radio station, broadcasting on 88.9 and online from its studios at the Victoria University campus in Werribee. It offers a wide range of programming including music, sport, news and lifestyle shows as well as broadcasts in languages other than English. New broadcasters, volunteers, members and sponsors are always welcome.

■ 9919 8089, or wynfm.org.au

Book sale

Friends of Altona Library hold a monthly book sale on the first Tuesday, Friday and Saturday of each month at the rear of Altona Library 123 Queen Street Altona, access via Coles carpark, from 10am to 1pm.

■ https://libraries.hobsonsbay.

Yarraville Mouth Organ Band.

Celebrating 90th anniversary with an open day on Sunday, September 24, 1pm5pm, 203 Williamstown Road, Yarraville. Practice is held on Fridays at 8.10pm in the band hall at 203 Williamstown Road, Yarraville. The band plays a wide range of songs from waltzes to lively tangos or polkas. Beginners or experienced players are welcome.

■ Heather, 9399 2190, or ymob1933@yahoo.com.au

Altona Girl Guides

Altona Girl Guides currently have vacancies for girls aged five-plus who would like to learn new skills, gain confidence,and expand their friendship circle while having fun.

■ hobsonsbay@guidesvic.org.au

English lessons

Want to learn English in a fun and relaxed setting? Build your English, digital and employability skills with the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP). AMEP now available in Williamstown. Laverton Community Education Centre now offers free AMEP classes to eligible clients at Joan Kirner House in Williamstown. Classes are on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9.30am -3 pm. Childcare is available for children who are under school age. Laverton Community Education Centre is a not -for -profit organisation. The Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) is funded by the federal department of Home Affairs.

■ 93692726.

Carers’ walk and talk

A collaboration between the state government, Interchange Outer East and Brotherhood of St Laurence (BSL), the Pathways for Carers program is launching a monthly walk in Footscray on the third Thursday of each month. The goal of each group is to provide carers with peer-based support, information, services and resources, opportunities to be active and connect with other carers, connect with nature and connect with their local community.

■ lauren.mcalpine@bsl.org.au, or www.pathwaysforcarers.com.au

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

Friendship group

Altona Day Voice Interest and Education of Women [VIEW] Club meets at 11am on the third Wednesday of the month at Altona RSL. Funds raised for the Smith Family Learning for life program.

■ Janet, 9394 6522, or 0412 010 176

Wednesday walking group

The Williamstown Community Centre offers a regular Wednesday walking group, 10.15am-11am.

■ 9397 6168

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Staughton College students Violet (front), Darcy, Bethany, Robin and Madison who are cast in the school production ‘Alice’s Adventures Absolutely Anywhere’. (Damjan Janevski) 354992_01

SUDOKU

No. 148 12 9 51 748 75

ACROSS

1 Plant yielding gingili oil (6)

4 Area; zone (8)

9 Donkeys (5)

10 Heedless (9)

11 Garment (5)

6 Harmony (7)

7 Egyptian queen (9)

8 Old name of phone company (7)

10 Spurs on (5)

14 Accept reluctantly (9)

16 Scene of simple pleasure (7)

58 25 961 78 6

12 Characterised by regular lines (9)

13 Useless person or thing (4,4)

15 Interior courtyard (6)

16 Discharge (6)

18 Moving out (from) (8)

23 Point to be judged upon (9)

24 “I don’t know” (colloq) (5)

26 Undervalue (9)

27 Japanese camera company (5)

28 A city and seaport of Scotland (8)

29 Attempts (6)

DOWN

1 Began (7)

2 Actress, – Sarandon (5)

3 Melodious (7)

5 Use to insert charge into muzzle-loading firearm (6)

17 Island in the North Atlantic (7)

19 Skin disease (5)

20 Gnawing animals (7)

21 Sediment (7)

22 Conclusion (6)

25 Mobile phone company (5)

easy 8 174 78 691 8

53 6 56 9 45 7

78 9 27 5 87 3

15 97 7215

medium 635 3527 684

2386 41 73

1 14

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DECODER WORDFIT 9-LETTER

12 25

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561274893

894631275

483756912 147362589

629143758 258917364

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936485127

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735691428 273586149

698247531 154329687

easy medium hard

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12 words: Good

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24 words: Excellent Aim:

N L D

N E

18 words: Very good

hard No. 148

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

E L I T T G

entity, eying, gelt, genii, GENTILITY, gently, glen, ignite, inlet, intel, lenity, lent, letting, lien, lignite, line, lite, tent, tile, tine, tinge, tingle, title, yeti

QUICK QUIZ

N E S B A S E R E L U D E G O R G E A N G E L N E E D S

ALERT ALLOT ALTOS ANGEL APING APRON ARENA AROMA ASSET AURAL DALLY DISCS EASEL EASES EERIE EMIRS ENDOW ENEMA FLAME GRIME GRINS

IDOLS MANGE MEMOS MERES MERIT MOODS OMEGA PANDA PAPAS PASTA PEEPS ROAMS SEATS SHAME SLEWS SNEAK SNOWS SPANS SPATS STEAM STEER

STOPPER WINSOME 8 LETTERS COMPARES GONDOLAS STRIDDEN SUBLIMES 11 LETTERS HODGEPODGES STANDARDISE

01-09-23 Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

1 For which 1999 film did R.E.M. write TheGreatBeyond?

2 And which US entertainer is the film about?

3 True or false: bull sharks can tolerate both salt water and fresh water?

4 The Swiss food product Cenovis is similar to what Australian product?

5 What is the term for an infant cockroach?

6 What is the most abundant protein in the human body, constituting roughly 25 to 35 per cent?

7 Thessaloniki is the capital of which region of Greece?

8 Name the 2009 advice book for teens written by Kelly Osbourne (pictured).

9 What are the two primary ingredients of marzipan?

10 For which art movement is Émile Gallé known?

13 26 JZ ANSWERS: 1. Man on the Moon 2. Andy Kaufman 3. True 4. Vegemite 5. Nymph 6. Collagen 7. Macedonia 8. Fierce 9. Sugar and almond meal 10. Art Nouveau

No. 148

No. 148

No. 148

General Notices

Planning and Environment Act 1987

WYNDHAM PLANNING SCHEME

Notice of the preparation of an amendment

Amendment C268

The Wyndham City Council has prepared Amendment C268 to the Wyndham Planning Scheme. The amendment applies to the following properties located along the east side of Crawfords Road Werribee South, all of which are affected by HO25 and identified in the image below:

• 201 Crawfords Road, Werribee South (Lot 1 on Plan of Subdivision 332021Q)

• 225 Crawfords Road, Werribee South (Lot 2 on Plan of Subdivision 332021Q)

• 245 Crawfords Road, Werribee South (Lot 3 on Plan of Subdivision 332021Q)

• 275 Crawfords Road, Werribee South (Lot 1 on Plan of Subdivision 513533D)

• 285 Crawfords Road, Werribee South (Lot 2 on Plan of Subdivision 513533D)

• 295 Crawfords Road, Werribee South (Reserve 1 on Plan of Subdivision 513532F)

General Notices

The amendment proposes to delete the Heritage Overlay from HO25 ‘George Chirnside Experimental Dairy’ Lot 4 Crawfords Road, Werribee South VIC 3030. You may inspect the amendment, any documents that support the amendment and the explanatory report about the amendment, free of charge, at:

•the Wyndham City Council website at www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/services/building-planning/ planning-scheme-amendments/current-planning-scheme-amendments and •during office hours, at the office of the planning authority, Wyndham City Council –45 Princes Highway, Werribee VIC 3030

•at the Department of Transport and Planning website www.delwp.vic.gov.au/public-inspection or by contacting 1800 789 386 to arrange a time to view the amendment documentation. Any person who may be affected by the amendment may make a submission to the planning authority about the amendment. Submissions must be made in writing giving the submitter’s name and contact address, clearly stating the grounds on which the amendment is supported or opposed and indicating what changes (if any) the submitter wishes to make.

Name and contact details of submitters are required for council to consider submissions and to notify such persons of the opportunity to attend council meetings and any public hearing held to consider submissions. The closing date for submissions is 25 September 2023. A submission must be sent to the Wyndham City Council – 45 Princes Highway, Werribee VIC 3030. The planning authority must make a copy of every submission available at its office and/or on its website for any person to inspect free of charge for two months after the amendment comes into operation or lapses.

Aaron Chiles

Manager Strategic Planning and Property Department

MERCY HEALTH: CARING FOR A LIVING Health Services

Maintenance Officer

Full time

Werribee Mercy Hospital

Opportunity exists for a skilled and experience Maintenance Officer to join our team at Werribee Mercy Hospital

ABOUT THE ROLE:

•Located at Werribee Mercy Hospital in the Engineering Department

•Permanent Full-time position with a Rostered Day Off per month

•Monday to Friday role, 8am – 4.30pm

•5 weeks annual leave

•Potential to salary package up to $11,660 to increase your take home pay

•Role provides plenty of variety with responsibility for on-going repairs and preventative maintenance of building assets & infrastructure

•Training will be provided on commencement

•Join a small, friendly and social team who work closely together in a relaxed environment

•Requirement to participate in the paid-on call roster (1 week in 4) with vehicle + laptop provided for on call

Enquiries to: Aaron Preedy apreedy@mercy.com.au)

Quote Ref No: 19406

Applications close: 06/09/2023

For more information and to apply, please visit mercyhealth.mercury.com.au

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Real Estate Agents Everywhere

Drive away from the mainstream

By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring

Renault Arkana is a stylish mid-sized SUV that arrived here in 2021 effectively replacing the short-lived Kadjar in Renault’s three-model SUV range. It sits between the compact Captur and the family-sized Koleos.

It’s slightly larger than Kadjar in all exterior dimensions but with almost identical engine outputs.

Renault Arkana comes in three variants: Zen, Intens and R.S. Line. There’s a single drivetrain combining a 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and front-wheel drive.

Styling

Arkana joins an increasing trend in the evolutions of SUVs with a smoother sloping rear profile that emphasises styling rather than all-road performance. With this in mind Renault is marketing Arkana as an SUV Coupe.

Combining the two different components can be challenging but the Renault designers have managed to do it and have put together a very attractive vehicle. One feature is a high (200 mm) ground clearance which lifts the Arkana without making it look too gawky.

Arkana R.S. Line adds comes with a specific front bumper design with an F1-inspired aero blade, 18-inch diamond-cut alloys, , R.S. Line badging, gun metal grey door trims, and front and rear skid plates.

LED lighting is used extensively including the headlights; daytime running lights; tail lights and turn indicators.

A small powered sunroof is optional on the Intens and standard on the R.S Line. There are seven colour options, only Blue is standard the others are cost options.

Interior

Our test vehicle was the Arkana Intens with the optional sunroof which, together with the coupe-like lines, meant that entry proved a bit awkward. The driver’s seat has power adjustment but with a limited height range which, even at its lowest level, meant that my head grazed against the roof.

The R.S. Line has carbon-look interior trim, alloy sport pedals, a perforated leather steeringwheelwithR.S.Linebadging,redand grey contrast stitching, and R.S. badging.

It has a fully digital 10.25-inch instrument cluster, a frameless auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and a sunroof.

Rear space is excellent with surprisingly good headroom given the sloping roof and, courtesy of the 2720 mm wheelbase, plenty of kneeroom.

There’s leather and suede upholstery in the Intens and R.S. Line as well as electrically adjustable, heated and ventilated seats for both driver and front passenger.

ThecentrepieceoftheinterioroftheIntensis its9.3-inchportraitshapedtouchscreenwhich not only displays the normal infotainment features but also, through its multi-sense system, controls the pre-set Eco and Sport drive modes to adjust the powertrain and steering.

There’s also a MySense feature which allows the driver to customise these settings to suit their own individual preferences.

Directly below the touchscreen are a series of small buttons including quick access to the multi-sense system, front seat heating / cooling and door locking.

Sensibly, the air conditioning is controlled by three large knobs that are easy to reach and simple to operate. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for the audio volume controls which require either a series of taps on small tabs at the bottom of the touchscreen or on small buttons on a steering column stalk behind the steering wheel.

There’s a good-sized space at the centre of the front console for storing smartphones and, in the R.S., includes a wireless charging

pad.TherearetwoadjacentUSBportsdirectly above it as well as AUX and 12-volt power sockets.

A small storage box sits below a slide-out armrest in the centre console.

The boot features a split-level floor that can take up to 485 litres at its lower level. With the 60/40 rear seatbacks folded that can be expanded to 1268 litres. A space-saver spare wheel sits beneath the lower floor setting.

Engine / transmission

Arkana has a 1.3-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol with outputs of 115 kW at 5500 rpm, and 262 Nm at 2250rpm. It drives the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Safety

Renault Arkana comes with a five-star ANCAP safety rating with a high level of features in all variants including six airbags; electronic stability control; adaptive cruise control with speed limiter; blind spot warning; autonomous emergency braking including pedestrian and cyclist detection; lane departure warning and lane keep assist; traffic sign recognition; front, rear and side parking sensors; rear view camera; automatic headlights and windscreen wipers; ISOFIX child seat anchorage points; and tyre pressure monitoring.

The Intens and R.S.Line add rear cross traffic alert and speed limit alert.

Renault’s Easy Park Assist is standard in all models and uses a combination of sensors and rear-mounted camera for hands-free parking. Infotainment

AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE

Arkana Zen: $37,500

Arkana Intens: $41,000

Arkana R.S.: $45,000

SPECIFICATIONS

Renault Arkana Intens 1.3-litre turbo-petrol

five-door hatchback

Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Renault dealer for drive-away prices.

ArkanausestheRenaultEasyLinkmultimedia system through a 7.0-inch landscape touchscreen in the Zen and a 9.3-inch portrait touchscreen in the Intens and R.S.Line.

Likewise, the higher-spec variants get a 7.0-inch driver’s digital instrument cluster with the option of a full-digital 10.25-inch screen while the Zen has a 4.2-inch display.

Satellite navigation isn’t offered in the Zen but is standard in the Intens and R.S.Line.

All variants get a six-speaker Arkamys AuditoriumSoundsystem,AppleCarPlayand Android Auto connectivity.

Driving

Arkana uses the Renault credit card style key and includes ‘walk-away’ automatic door locking.

Although the rear window is large, its shape together with the broad C pillars do limit side and rear visibility quite significantly.

Arkana is quite sluggish off the mark with

little low-down torque and a jerky dual-clutch transmission. Switching to Sport mode makes a big difference and, apart from motorway cruising, we spent most of our time with it switched on. There is a bit of torque steer to catch the unwary.

Steeringissharpandresponsivewiththere’s only minimal body roll through corners although it is more SUV than coupe in that regard.

Ride provides a nice balance between firmness and comfort.

The extra ground clearance infers off-road capability, however that’s offset by the absence of an all-wheel drive option.

Fuel consumption is listed at 6.0 litres per 100 kilometres, we averaged a fairly good 7.2 L/100 km.

Summing up

Renault Arkana is a classy looking, well-equipped and competent vehicle that’s suretoappealtoloversofFrenchmarquesand anyone else looking for something away from the mainstream.

In terms of pricing, Arkana can be assessed as either a budget-priced Euro premium SUV-CoupecompetitoralaAudiQ3Sportback and BMW X2 or as a fairly expensive offering inthecongestedandhighly-competitivesmall SUV segment. The buying public will make that decision.

Renault Arkana comes with a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, five years of capped price services with an impressive 30,000km service interval and five years roadsideassistancewhentheservicesaredone by an official Renault dealer.

Renault Arkana is a classy looking SUV Coupe crossover. (Pictures: Supplied)

Tigers bring Eagles back to earth

Werribee Districts maintained its incredible season record on Saturday with a massive come from behind win in the Western Region Football League division 1.

The Tigers took on the in-form team of the competition on Saturday, the Yarraville Seddon Eagles.

The Eagles were up by 45 points midway through the third quarter and looked likely to continue their winning streak, which began after they lost to the Tigers back in round 11.

A couple of goals late in the third term to the Tigers helped settle the nerves and bring the deficit down to 27 points at the break. In the last the Tigers were ruthless kicking four goals four, while keeping the Eagles scoreless to escape with a one point win.

Sean Gregory was named as the Tigers best in the 11.7 (73)-10.12 (72) victory. Joshua Mould, Lachlan Rainbow and Trent Lee

booted three majors each.

With finals next week, Tigers coach Chris Gilham said it was good to play a game at such high intensity.

“It was good to get a bit of a tune up for finals,” he said.

“You can get into these dead rubber situations which can be a bit of a waste of time, but this game was red hot.

“It was a great challenge and we learnt plenty from it.”

While the overall result was irrelevant to the Tigers finals spot, the message at three quarter time was about playing the style of football that will be crucial come September.

“The way we play and the things we pride ourselves on, we needed to get them back in check,” Gilham said.

“Making sure we executed… it wasn’t all about trying to win that game on the weekend, it was more about our game.

“Momentum’s a massive thing in footy so once things started rolling for us and the boys got a bit of an appetite for it, we lifted and they were able to play some really good footy.”

The Tigers begin their finals campaign this week against Point Cook, where the winner will find themselves in a grand final.

“It’s going to be on for young and old,” Gilham said.

“I think it’ll be really tight, I don’t think it’ll be high scoring.

“I can see it being a real grind, and two teams just going at each other.

“It should be a good clash, they have some strengths that we have to look after, we’re similar. Looking forward to it.”

Harper Sercombe

Falcons scrape through

By Harper Sercombe

Wyndhamvale are through to the Western Region Football League women’s division 2 grand final by the barest of margins.

The Falcons faced Spotswood’s division 2 side at Saltwater Reserve on Saturday afternoon in a qualifying final.

It was a match for the ages with the sides level at the full time siren, with extra time needed to decide a result.

The Wolves were up by seven points at half time in what was a low scoring affair, much like the other game the match began to open up after the break. With the Falcons taking a seven point lead into three quarter time.

In the extra time period, of five minutes and end, the Falcons were able to garner a couple of crucial, game winning behinds to kick themselves into the grand final.

The Falcons were two point victors in the 5.8 (38)-5.6 (36) clash.

Kellee Mcintosh booted two of the Falcons majors and Eloise Ettridge was her side’s best on ground.

Veteran coach of the Falcons Craig Prior

saiditwasalwaysgoingtobeatoughandtight encounter with the Wolves.

“To be a draw at overtime was not overly surprising, we knew it was going to be bloody close at the end there,” Prior said.

“I’ve coached well over 200 games at Wyndhamvale and that’s the first time I’ve ever had a game come down to extra time.

“We weren’t allowed to address them… so the girls were left to their own devices for 10 minutes.

“There’s not a lot you can do as a coach, you’re sort of just a passenger with everyone else by that stage, all you can do is watch and hope you’ve done enough.”

After a tough, physical encounter against the Wolves, Prior said the week off has come at a perfect time.

“We’vegotalotofsoregirlsafterthatgame,” he said.

“For this side [making the grand final] is massive.

“This side reformed three years ago and we started at the bottom of the ladder, the next year we barely scraped into finals… so for this group their growth has been huge, just to

make a grand final is huge.

“Their commitment to just wanting to have agohasbeenhuge.Ican’tcreditthemenough.

“They’veblownmeawaywiththeamountof work they do, they never give up, they’re never out of it.”

The Falcons will face the winner of West Footscray and the Wolves in the grand final.

In other results, in the women’s division 1 competition, Werribee Centrals will have to do it the tough way if they are to progress through to a grand final, following their loss to Spotswood on Saturday.

The Centurions started the game with a bang, scoring their first goal within the first two minutes of the clash. The Wolves rallied through back to back goals to Molly Althouse to put them up at quarter time.

The sides went goal for goal in the second term, with the Wolves maintaining a six point lead at the main break.

The Centurions hit back again in the last, with two goals. But it was not enough with the Wolves taking a 7.5 (47)-5.5 (35) win.

The Centurions will face Caroline Springs in a preliminary final on Saturday.

Sports shorts

AFL

North Melbourne’s Eddie Ford has topped off his first win at AFL level with the AFL Rising Star nomination for round 24. Ford played his junior football with Point Cook before crossing to the Yarraville Seddon Eagles in the Western Region Football League. The versatile forward arrived at Arden St from the Western Jets via pick 56 in 2020 AFL Draft. He has since played 22 games, including 14 this season rotating through the forward line and the wing. The 21-year-old was instrumental in the Roos’ 35-point win over the Gold Coast Suns at Blundstone Arena, with three goals, 19 disposals and eight marks.

Soccer

Western United’s women’s coach Mark Torcaso has been appointed the new coach of the Philippines women’s national team. Torcaso will bring Andrew Durante along with him as an assistant coach, with both men remaining in their respective roles at Western United. Torcaso said the chance to manage on the international stage was impossible to give up, admitting his anticipation to get started.

Coates Talent League

Western Jets took on Greater Western Victoria Rebels to finish their home and away campaign of the Coates Talent League boys competition . The Jets were outplayed all day by the Rebels losing 13.16 (94)-4.14 (38). Lachie Mcarthur, Massimo Raso, Logan Morris were amongst the Jets best. The Jets will now take on Sandringham Dragons on Saturday afternoon in the first final.

Coates Talent League G

Western Jets celebrated a good win over Greater Western Victoria Rebels to give them their third win of the Coates Talent League girls season. The Jets were just two point winners on Saturday, winning 3.5 (23)-3.7 (25). Sierra Grieves, Kiera Whiley, Zoe Attard were the Jets three best players. The Jets will play Calder Cannons in Williamstown on Saturday morning to wrap up their home and away season.

FOR MORE SPORT, VISIT

Web: starweekly.com.au

Wyndham Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Trent Lee. (Joe Mastroianni). 282001_16

Rachael Burton. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 356233_14

Centurions lose a thriller in opening finals game

Werribee Centrals are hoping to bounce back after losing a thriller to East Point to open the Geelong and District Netball League finals.

The Centurions started their finals series against East Geelong on Saturday in the qualifying final, having finished third in the regular season.

East Geelong got the better start, but the Centurions stayed in the game. Eventually it would come down to the wire, with East Geelong getting the win, 29-28.

Centurions co-coach Hailey Kennedy said it was disappointing not to come away with the win, but were confident that they weren’t far off.

“East came out really strong and attacked every ball and had the momentum,” she said.

“We were able to find our feet and found how we play.

“We lost by a goal but we had opportunities that we missed. We know where we went wrong and we can hopefully fix it in the next couple of weeks.”

Kennedy said what proved costly was not converting on their centre passes and had

unforced errors, while they weren’t able to convert when East Geelong did the other way round.

Kennedy said that midcourters Nicole Weatherley and Melissa Prismall were their best.

“They had really good games and busted their backsides trying to get intercepts and get every ball.”

Kennedy said while they have some areas to work on, they were still able to put together somegoodpassagesofplayandremainpatient throughout.

The Centurions were without defender Caitlin Hendricksen for the day, while fellow defender Amanda O’Malley has a back injury they are trying to manage. Hendricksen will be back this week.

Kennedy said with a few things going against them to only lose by one goal showed the strength of the side.

TheCenturionsthisweekfaceThomsonina knockout semi final.

Kennedy said they were confident of getting the job done.

“We’ve beaten them before this season,” she said. “Looking at our side, we things if we can play well be can definitely beat them.”

The Centurions B-grade was knocked out on Sunday, with Kennedy saying the side fought on despite being under strength due to a few injuries.

It’s good news for the club with its under-15, under-17 and under-19s teams are still alive.

Kennedy said it was good signs for the future to have so many junior sides still in finals.

Tara Murray

Wyndham loses big one

By Tara Murray

Wyndham’s hopes of the perfect Big V championship women’s season came crashing down in overtime of the grand final on Saturday night.

Facing the Bulleen Boomers in the decider for the second straight year, Wyndham wasn’t able to make it back-to-back titles.

Scores were locked at 70-apiece at the end of regular time, before the Boomers found another level in overtime to come away with the 84-79 win and the championship.

Wyndham coach Gerard Hillier said while it would have been a good spectacle to watch as a spectator, it wasn’t the result they were after.

“It’salittlebitdisappointingnottofinishoff the season the way we had played during the home and away season,” he said.

“That is how it plays sometimes. It was an arm wrestle all day and no one broke away at any point.”

Hillier said it was a stop-start game throughout with both teams, with both teams heavily penalised with fouls.

He said there were some crucial calls down the stretch which were evenly distributed throughout both teams.

“Bulleen got the lucky break and was able to claw away over time,” he said.

“There was a couple of minutes towards the end where the scoring really dried up and both sides had the opportunity to win.

“Unfortunately for us we weren’t able to put enough points in during over time as the scoring dried up.”

In the past, Wyndham would have had game two and possibly a game three to win the championship, but it was played as a one off game this year.

It was also played at a neutral venue.

Hillier said that it had a different feel with only one game and not at the club’s home courts and having such a young side they could have benefited from having more than one game.

“We roll with what the league puts out there,” he said. “It was one game and it didn’t go our way.:”

SkipperAmandaPaschaltopscoredwith34 points as she also had 15 rebounds, 10 assists and four steals.

While disappointed with the result, Hillier said they had continued to give young locals opportunities and they continue to take it.

“We pride ourselves on giving local players opportunities to play senior basketball,” he said. “For the likes of Holly Dolny (17 points) and Aleks Connolly (16 points) to play considerable minutes and key roles in the

Six part ways with United

American Sydney Cummings is the biggest name departure announced by Western United ahead of the A-League Women’s season.

United announced six changes to its list for this season, which kicks off in October.

Cummings departs having been a constant for Mark Torcaso’s side, playing every minute of every match at centre-back and earning a player of the month nomination in December.

CummingsscoredfourgoalsforUnited, including an ice-cold winning penalty against Melbourne City in February.

Francesca Iermano was a starter in Western United’s historic opening match against Melbourne Victory, going on to make nine appearances in total.

Danielle Steer joined Western United halfway through the season and will depart after scoring two goals and providing two assists in 14 appearances.

The attacker’s best performance came against Canberra United where she scored her first ever professional goal and added an assist in a 5-0 win.

Veteran Aleks Sinclair is another who departs the club.

The Victorian football icon moved into the professional game for the first time, playing eight times for Torcaso’s side and formed part of the inaugural leadership group.

Tiana Jaber was the last addition to United’s squad, arriving in the west as an injury replacement signing heading into the final weeks of the campaign.

After playing twice in the regular season, Jaber departs with a runners-up medal after playing the final 10 minutes of the grand final off the bench.

It was a difficult season for Harriet Withers was unable to get onto the pitch as she tried to overcome an ankle injury.

Western United football general manager Mal Impiombato thanked each player for their historic contributions to the football club.

“Each of these six players have played crucial parts in building our history as a football club and will each be fondly remembered in the west,” he said.

championships game, that is huge for us.

“Itunderliestheworkwashavedonethelast 12-24 months. They will keep learning and will come back bigger and better next year.”

After winning two tiles late season and having three teams in grand finals, Wyndham

had all four teams make finals, with two sides finishing runners up.

Hillier said it would have been good to have some success in the way of championships but they had laid the foundations for the next few years.

“We would like to thank each of them for their significant contributions over the course of our first season in the Liberty A-League and wish them all the best with their next steps.”

Melissa Prismall (Jacob Pattison)354750_08

Holly Dolny (Jacob Pattison)354751_06

Torcaso to lead the Philippines women’s team

Western United women’s head coach Mark Torcaso has agreed a deal to become the next head coach of the Philippines women’s national team.

On the back of the Philippines’ debut in the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Torcaso will hope to continue building the nation’s growing reputation in women’s soccer.

Torcaso said the chance to manage on the international stage was impossible to give up, admitting his anticipation to get started.

“Itistrulyanhonourtotakeupthisposition with the Philippines. It is a dream come true to be taking on an international coaching opportunity,” he said.

“This opportunity is one that we couldn’t pass up and we are incredibly grateful for the support of everyone at Western United in making this work.

“The Philippines team has been a great

football story over the last year and it is really exciting to be able to work with this group. I can’t wait to get started and bring more success to this nation.”

Torcaso will bring A-League Men’s legend and Western United under-23’s assistant coach Andrew Durante along with him as an assistant coach, with both men remaining in their respective roles at Western United.

Durante acknowledged what a significant opportunity this was in his young coaching career.

“Everyone at the club has shown incredible support for us and we are both extremely excited to bring all of our commitment into both of our roles,” he said.

“This is a huge step in my coaching journey to be able to help coach a national team and I simply can’t wait to begin, to learn and developandtakeoneverynewexperiencethat comes.”

Western United football general manager Mal Impiombato hailed this as a monumental moment for the club to have Torcaso and Durante on the world stage.

“We are immensely proud as a football club that Mark and Andrew have been given this opportunity on the back of their hard work and excellence in their positions,” he said.

Guziak aims for the sky

By Peter Howe

Amelie Guziak has a voracious appetite for competition and the need to test herself against the best in the world.

The 16-year-old reckons she was born on a squash court.

“I have never played another sport,” she said. “I was taken to watch my dad play when I was three or four and fell in love with it right then.

“I have been on the court ever since. I started playing in competitions when I was 10 years old.”

Guziak was identified by Squash Australia early in her career and given a scholarship to the Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS). She currently plays for the RACV club and is coached by former world number one squash player Cassie Thomas.

“I didn’t have a coach for nine months which in retrospect helped me grow,” she said. “I had toworkoutmyowntacticstobeatmyopponent and not rely on someone else to tell me.

“I had to become more creative.”

She did however, struggle during this time to combat her mental demons.

“I got very anxious and struggled with my performances,” she said. “I was burned out. I turned to Paul Price, a performance specialist and former squash champion, within three

months I was feeling good and back in control of my game.”

Being selected to represent Australia in the World Junior Squash Championships last month is the pinnacle of her career to date.

It meant she was ranked in the top six players in the country and to make the teams event was even better because she was then ranked in the top four.

Australia finished in the top eight for the first time in 20 years. She is currently ranked number one in Australia in the under 17’s and number two in the female junior rankings overall.

Guziak has a gruelling training regime where she trains and plays five days a week.

She believes that it is the VIS strength and conditioning program that has seen her rise up the rankings.

“I am much physically stronger, have better agilityandendurance,”shesaid.“Ilovenothing better than bringing myself to complete exhaustion following a fitness session.

“I am just the most competitive person! My strengths are my fitness and work ethic. I am skilful and disciplined. My focus and mental strength are also critical for me.”

The world championships was her second big event in a short period of time, having been part of a Squash Australia tour group that went to England to play in the British

Junior Open Squash Tournament last year.

It was her first international experience.

“I wasn’t nervous or intimidated, I had nothing to lose so I went onto the court to test myself against the world’s best,” she said.

“The experience was invaluable.

“I think it definitely helped me during the recent World Championships. I wasn’t nervous, I felt I belonged, and I was driven to succeed.”

The year 10 student at Keilor Downs Secondary College has some big goals in the near future.

“My short-term goals are to knock out a top seed in a Professional Squash Association event and win the under-19 Australian Junior Championships.

“I’d like to go back to the British Junior Open and make it to the final.

“Longer term, I’d like to build my world ranking, and improve in stages to the top 50, top 20 and to be world number one.”

Guziak is the August nominee for the Don Deeble Sports Star Award which is sponsored by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club, Strathmore Community Bank, the Deer Park Club, Ascot Vale Sports and Trophies and Star Weekly Newspapers.

If you would like to nominate a monthly winner or attend a dinner, contact swrsportsclub@gmail.com or 0408 556 631.

Torcaso has been one of the leading managers in Victorian women’s football since taking over Calder United’s inaugural side in 2016.

After winning a remarkable 11 trophies at Calder, Torcaso stepped into the role at Western United and carried the team all the way to the A-League Women’s grand final, winning the coach of the year award.

Torcaso is also director of soccer at Epping school St Monicas, principal Brian Hanly congratulated him on his appointment.

“We are very pleased to see Mark achieve this international appointment,” he said.

“Mark heads an important program that aims to give students the opportunity to achieve at the highest level. We create local, national and international pathways for our students.”

Harper Sercombe

Not over for West Point

West Point will have to earn promotion the hard way after a disappointing final day of the regular FV state league 5 west season.

West Point entered the final round in third spot on the same amount of points as second placed Melton Phoenix, its final round opponent.

Balmoral had already secured the title and promotion, but the second promotion spot was up for grabs.

The loser of the Melton and West Point match would still have a chance to earn promotion, but it would come through a play off match.

The Phoenix, which had hit some strong form of late, proved too strong winning 4-2. Marcus Sherif and Dawit Melesse were the goal scorers for West Point.

Speaking on West Point social media after the game, coach Tom Petreski said it was a high quality game against a good opponent.

“We were 1-0 up,” he said. “It was pretty good. Overall the game was of the highest quality. Look at the teams at this level, West Point and Melton are right up there.

“It was a fierce, tough, fair encounter of a really good quality.

“Credit to Melton.”

Petreski said the result was disappointing knowing what was at risk if they had come away with the three points.

“The build up was exciting, the experience was exhilarating, but the final result we fell short, losing 4-2.

“We’re pretty disappointed, but in saying that it’s definitely not over.

“We have a play off game next week. The job is to regroup and go again.”

Petreski said they had done all the hard work during the season, so they know what they have to do in the play off.

West Point faces Truganina Hornets, which finished third last in state league 4 west, in the play off.

The Hornets finished its season with a 4-2 loss to Barnstoneworth United.

Meanwhile, Tarneit United finished its season with a 4-2 loss to ETA Buffalo Club of Victoria, while Wyndham had the bye.

In state league 2, Hoppers Crossing avoided relegation with a 2-1 win against Altona North.

Amelie Guziak. (Supplied)

WERRIBEE FOOTBALL CLUB

Matt Hanson reaches game 100 for Werribee

By Tara Murray

When Matt Hanson moved from Tasmania to Victoria to play in the Victorian Football League with Werribee in 2015, he had no idea he would still be there today.

Hanson on Saturday is set to play game 100 for Werribee as the club takes to the field for its qualifying final against Box Hill.

One of Werribee’s stars over a long period of time, which has included winning four best and fairests, Hanson said it was exciting to reach the milestone.

“It’s been a long time coming and I’m really excited,” he said. “It’s been nine years at the club, I’m pretty due for it.

“I’m ready to go.”

Hanson played all his junior football in Tasmania and played a couple of years in the Tasmanian State League before deciding he wanted to try his luck and play at the highest level.

He had no idea where it would lead him.

“The main reason I moved was to play footy at the highest level,” he said. “I moved to Melbourne and Werribee in 2015 and thought I would try my luck in the VFL.

“I’ve stayed with Werribee for nine years and it’s been a journey, one that I never thought would happen.

“I’m glad I took it up.”

Despite his success in the VFL, Hanson never got his opportunity on an AFL list. It’s something he is OK with.

“It’s one of those things that didn’t happen,” he said. “I’m not disappointed, I’m proud of what I’ve been able to do at Werribee,” he said.

“I’ve played the best I can and I’ve been lucky enough to be at such a great club for nine years. I’m thankful for that and I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Hanson said there were lots of reasons that he had stayed at Werribee throughout his VFL career.

He said that the culture of the group was one of the main reasons. He joins Tom Gribble and Michael Sodomaco who are on the current list to have played 100 games for the club.

“It’s really a team first vibe at the club,” he said. “Everyone has their individual goals but everyone is working towards that premiership.

“There’s a good core group of players. There’s a fair number of players that have been here for five to 10 years together.”

This year hasn’t been the easiest year for Hanson, having played just five games this year after two long stints on the sidelines.

“I broke my hand and had two surgeries and then I dislocated my AC joint,” Hanson said. “It’s a good club to be about and seeing the guys performing gets you motivated to experience that winning feeling, I’ve come back at the right time.”

One thing Hanson is keen to achieve is a premiership.

The club has its best chance of winning in Hanson’s time at the club. The club finished second on the ladder on the back

of 15 straight wins.

“I’d love to get my hands on it later in the year,” he said. “It’s one thing we are chasing as a group.

“It’s quite special winning 15 in a row. The core group have been together for some time and there’s a lot of continuity

in the group.

“We’ve added some young guys and vibrant pieces stepped up into the team. Hopefully we’ve got three or four more games in the year and we want to take it as long as we can and hopefully not lose another game.”

Werribee’s finals campaign starts on Saturday at Avalon Airport Oval at 2.05pm.

Hanson said it would be a tough game.

“We haven’t played them this year,” he said.

“We will do our due diligence like any other game.”

Matt Hanson (Belinda Vitacca Photography)

Matt Hanson is swamped after kicking a goal (Belinda Vitacca Photography)

Matt Hanson (Belinda Vitacca Photography)