Star Weekly - Wyndham - 6th September 2023

Counting all the animals

Warringa Park Specialist School in Hoppers Crossing launched its book ‘One Big Bungil’ last week.

The product of a school maths project, ’One Big Bungil’ is a counting book that students can use to count animals as they develop their maths and number recognition skills.

All illustrations were done by students at the school, which caters for children with intellectual disabilities.

The animals depicted are all found locally near the Werribee River and their names are printed in Indigenous language, adding to the students’ learning experience..

“The text and illustrations in the book are highly engaging and we would like to share this with both our school community and beyond,” said Warringa Park School principal Ashwini Sharma.

“We would like to see copies of this booking helping many other students to learn counting whilst exploring our Indigenous culture and the fauna of Werribee.”

All students at the school received a copy of ‘One Big Bungil’, while copies were donated to other schools and local libraries.

Map of suburban poverty

By Cade Lucas

SeventypercentofsingleparentsinWyndham Vale North are living in poverty.

That’s one of several startling statistics revealed in a new analysis by the Victorian Council of Social Servces (VCOSS) that shows Wyndham is home to some of the poorest suburbs in the state.

The ‘Mapping Poverty in Victoria’ report conducted in conjunction with economic modelling group, NATSEM, used data from the 2021 census to estimate the poverty rates among different demographics in different locations.

The report found that 800,000 people

were living in poverty across the state, with 600,000 in Greater Melbourne alone. While the statewide average of 13.3 per cent was unchanged from the previous report based on the 2016 census, poverty in Melbourne had increased, offsetting reductions in rural and regional Victoria.

This increase was particularly evident on the urban fringe, including in Wyndham, where the poverty rate of 16.1 per cent remained above the state average.

“People are living further away from services,” said VCOSS CEO Emma King of why the outer suburbs were more disadvantaged.

“Jobs are not in the local area and they

have far to travel.

“People don’t have enough money to pay rent, pay for food or put petrol in the car.“

“Outer suburbs are not close to public transport, things compound,” Ms King said.

Wyndham was also above the state average in all other major categories, including women, over 65’s, mortgage holders and private renters.

The north west of Wyndham was where the problems were most acute.

Along with having the highest rate of single parent poverty in Victoria, Wyndham Vale North was in the top 15 for children in poverty (31.2 per cent) and top 10 overall (24.9 per cent).

Ms King said Wyndham Vale having a lot of single parent households and poverty affecting women more than men were reasons why it was particularly hard hit.

The nearby suburbs of Tarneit South (21 per cent), Werribee East and Truganina (both 20 per cent) had the next highest poverty rates, while locations to the south and east faired better, with Point Cook South (11 per cent) recording the lowest poverty rate in Wyndham.

In a statement, Wyndham council said a range of support services were available for those in need and could be reached at: communityconnector@wyndham.vic.gov.au or 1300 023 411.

Warringa Park Specialist School students: Jordan (front), Ollie, Joseph, Arijan, Blake and Ayub with the new picture book the school have released. (Damjan Janevski) 357843_02

Proposal to transform ruined bluestone cottage

Tarneit’s historic Doherty’s House could be revived as a cafe if a proposal from Wyndham council receives enough support.

Community feedback is now being sought on the proposed concept plans for Doherty’s House Cafe which would seat 50 patrons.

Considered an important example of Wyndham’s European heritage, the bluestone cottage in Sapling Boulevard, Tarneit was originally built in the 1870’s.

However, bushfires in 1969 destroyed much of its structure, including wooden rafters, windows and outbuildings.

For more than half a century Doherty’s House lay in ruins until preservation works were completed last year.

Under the Doherty’s House Cafe proposal, the cottage’s original bluestone walls and chimney would be retained, with a pitched roof, commercial kitchen and coffee counter, toilets, cool room and outdoor garden and dining area added.

Wyndham mayor Susan McIntyre said turning Doherty’s House into a cafe would preserve the building while creating a functionalspaceforlocalfamiliesandvisitors.

“By incorporating the bluestone walls into a cafe, we’re able to retell the pastoral history of the area to new generations keepingalivethisimportantaspectofourpast while creating a lovely new space to enjoy with family and friends,” Cr McIntyre said.

Wyndham councillor Josh Gilligan said the proposal would maintain a vital link to Wyndham’s past.

“Preserving our heritage is important. I’m proud of the work done to date to transform this bluestone ruin into an iconic place in Tarneit,” Cr Gilligan said.

“This place will thrive and become a central hub for families and kids that want to enjoyamealoracoffeeandexperiencewhat neighbourhood living should look and feel like.”

Community feedback is open until 18 September.

For more information and to have your say: www.theloop.wyndham.vic.gov.au

Bike park for Point Cook

It’s official – Point Cook has a new bike park.

Work is now complete on this $450,000 upgrade, which includes a new shelter, bike repair station, bike racks, drinking fountain with a water bottle refill tap, new picnic settings, additional seating, and more canopy trees and plants.

Located within the existing park along Corporate Drive, the bike park offers locals, bike riders and walkers with an inviting area to stop and rest, and is perfect for those using the Wyndham Bay Trail.

It is also close to the shops and facilities at Tribeca Village.

WyndhamCity’sActiveCityportfolio holder councillor Peter Maynard said the Point Cook Bike Park was a great addition to the area, especially with warmer weather on its way.

Influencing little lives

By Cade Lucas

Victoria is facing a shortfall of pre-school teachers and as the fastest growing area in the country, Wyndham, is experiencing it more than most.

According to Victoria University education think-tank, the Mitchell Institute, many suburbs in Wyndham are considered ‘childcare deserts’ where there are more than three children per childcare place, or less than 0.333 places per child aged four or under.

To try and address this shortfall, Victoria University has started a Graduate Diploma in Early Education aimed at career changers, particularly those from overseas.

“Itdrawsinalargenumberofstudentsfrom India, China and Vietnam,” said VU’s Head of Early Childhood Education, Professor Mary-Rose McLaren.

“All of these people have done university

level study already, they have bachelor degrees at least and they’re making a career change and lifestyle choice to undertake this graduate diploma.”

The one year program is also open to domestic students, but Professor McLaren saidit’sthosefromoverseaswhoareespecially drawn to it.

“There’s a huge shortage of early childhood teachers since the state government roll out of 3 year old kinder and it’s a really attractive course for overseas students because it has guaranteed employment at the end of it.“

Along with rapid population growth, the pre-school teacher shortage in Wyndham is driven by the amount of young families moving to the area, many of whom come from India,ChinaandVietnam,thesamecountries as those enrolling in the new course.

Professor McLaren said this was unlikely to be a coincidence.

“When there’s a diaspora more people want tocomebecausetheyaren’tculturallyisolated” she said, before adding that career-changers from these countries were especially suited to their new roles.

“They make really awesome early childhood teachers. They’re great,” Professor McLaren said.

“I think it’s because they’ve made a really positive choice and it’s a career change that offers them opportunties they really invest in the course and in the practice.”

SOme of those who have invested are now already teaching, with the first classes graduating in April and June this year and more to come in October and December.

Professor McLaren said while the new graduates will help address the shortfall in early childhood educators, more still needs to be done.

“They’ll ease it, they’re not going to fill it.”

“As any bike rider knows, it’s always great to have a spot where you can quickly stop, rest, have a drink and pump up your bike tyres,” Cr Maynard said.

“The Point Cook Bike Park has been delivered as part of the Wyndham Coastal and Marine Management Plan and is part of a suite of work currently beingundertakeninthatarea,including the shared path and footpath upgrades recently completed around Sanctuary Lakes and Saltwater Coast Estate in Point Cook.”

Free information sessions to tackle diabetes in the west

Across Victoria, diabetes is most prevalent among locals living in Melbourne’s west including in Brimbank, Melton and Wyndham.

Victoria University has partnered with the Wyndham Health Foundation to provide a series of free, health information sessions to educate the community in Melbourne’s west about the issues most affecting them.

The first of these series is a diabetes informationsessionfeaturingapanelofhealth experts who will share their latest findings and practical tips on managing diabetes, including the role of exercise, nutrition, and

other interventions in preventing or treating the disease.

The Western Health Chronic Disease Alliance reports that 35 per cent of all inpatients at Western Health have diabetes, the highest in Melbourne.

Professor Vasso Apostolopoulos said the information session aims to educate the communityandenhancetheirunderstanding of both type-1 and type-2 diabetes. She said for many in the west who are living with type-2 diabetes, they are unaware of just how damaging the effects of unmanaged diabetes can be.

“People don’t think about the long-term effects of diabetes and what it will mean for them in the future. They tend not to think about that, but research shows that diabetes is linked to heart disease, kidney failure, increased risks of depression and a lot of other effects that can result long-term,” she said.

Professor Apostolopoulos said type-2 diabetes is widespread in the west due to a range of factors including the low socio-economic status of households, and lackofaccesstoqualityfoods.Type-2diabetes is also often concentrated in areas that are

further away from access to recreational spaces such as ovals, parks and bike tracks. She said it is important to understand that when diabetes is first diagnosed, it can be managed by small changes in lifestyle, exerciseanddietwhichcanmakeasignificant difference to the impacts of diabetes.

The free information session will take place on September 12, from 6-7.10pm at Victoria University Lecture Theatre Werribee Campus. Registration is required.

Details: https://shorturl.at/DJPR8

Hannah Hammoud

The upgraded bike path station in Point Cook. (supplied)

Indian immigrant Pearl Jain is now a pre-school teacher in Melbourne’s west after completing a new graduate diploma at Victoria University. (Damjan Janevski) 355473_02

An artist’s impression of Doherty’s House Cafe. (supplied)

Ovarian cancer hope for women

By Liam McNally

For western suburbs mum Rochelle McKenry, ovarian cancer is a deeply personal topic that reaches deep into her family history, but a new blood test currently in development may change the way she looks at the illness.

Ms McKenry’s family are five-generation BRCA2 carriers, a gene mutation that puts carriers at increased risk of developing certain hereditary cancers including breast, prostate and ovarian cancers.

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal of all cancers affecting women in Australia, and a silent killer.

The current five year survival rate is 49 per cent and this has not changed substantively in 50 years, according to the Hudson Institute of Medical Research (HIMR).

Currently, there is no accurate and reliable detection test for ovarian cancer.

Invasive surgery to remove the ovaries remains the only way to definitively diagnose the presence of malignant disease.

Ms McKenry lost her great grandmother to ovarian cancer, and upon learning they were BRCA2 positive, her mother and aunty made the choice to undergo risk management surgery.

Ms McKenry is also due to undergo the surgery in September, saying she weighed the decision over two years.

“I didn’t want someone telling me that I needed to get rid of parts of my body to live a longer life,” she said.

“I’d only just had my second daughter and it was a confronting time.”

In the near future, a new blood test may be available to improve ovarian cancer diagnosis, with the potential to reduce unnecessary surgery.

HIMR, funded by the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF), has developed a new diagnostic test for ovarian cancer which, pending regulatory approval, may be available for triage use by 2025.

The blood tests will be underpinned by a patented novel biomarker, CXCL10, which is produced early and at high levels by ovarian cancers, but not in non-malignant disease.

CLEO Diagnostics lead medical advisor Professor Tom Jobling said this new test will help ensure that an optimal management plan can be put in place early, which will streamline the referral process and provide the best care for patients.

“This also extends to patients with benign

conditions, where early identification will permit direction to more appropriate use of resources,” he said.

The blood test is now being commercialised by ASX-bound Australian company Cleo Diagnostics Ltd, and HIMR chief executive Professor Elizabeth Hartland said Hudson Institute is delighted to be partnering with Cleo Diagnostics to take work on ovarian cancer one step closer to delivering a much-needed diagnostic test.

Ms Mckenry said a diagnostic test would be brilliant.

“The prevention of unnecessary risk management surgery is amazing,” she said “Going through that change early in life is hard… yes you’re removing the risk but to have this choice through this blood test, it’s a major breakthrough.

“If this was available to us earlier, I wouldn’t have had to go through two years of trying to come to terms with the reality of taking away my body parts, it’s an emotional rollercoaster.”

Ms McKenry said the test has the potential to be important for her children when they grow older.

“Our children legally can’t test for this gene until they’re of age… For them, I hope that this gene won’t change their life,” she said.

“I hope they will live a long and prosperous life, life is filled with worries but that shouldn’t be one of them.

“The world of BRCA2 is changing, people, the government, and the health system are becoming more aware. I hope that by the time [they’re older they’ll have] tests like this blood test, and I hope they will have something like this for breast cancer as well.”

‘‘ I didn’t want someone telling me that I needed to get rid of parts of my body to live a longer life ’’

- Rochelle McKenry

Rochelle McKenry (middle) with her mother Beverley Butler (left), her aunty Glenda Cusack (right) and her daughters Matilda, 5 and Lillian, 8. (Supplied)

A fruitful west project

A project mapping fruit trees in the west has been launched by Slow Food Melbourne.

The Urban Harvest Project is run by the not-for-profitorganisationwhichhostsmarkets in Spotswood and Footscray twice a month.

President Alison Peake said the project aims to help people geolocate fruit trees in their neighbourhood via a website.

“We hope this will educate people about what trees they have in the area,” she said.

“There will be the option to put different information in about the tree.

“Itmightbewhetherthetreeisindependently owned, or if the fruit is just for the owner to be shared to the public.”

MsPeakesaidthisideastartedbecauseofthe many migrant families who have established

gardens and fruit gardens in the west.

“There are also plans for the implementation of a series of workshops to teach people about the tree they have and what to do with the different seasonal produce,” she said.

“One example workshop might be focused on when lemons are in season, the participants might learn how to make lemonade or lemon chicken with their fresh produce.

“These workshops will hopefully get people who’ve got trees involved, either with doing things themselves or with sharing the fruit with people.

“Theworkshopswillbetaughtbyavarietyof people,includingchefs,farmersandotherfood specialists.”

Details: www.urbanharvestlocal.com.au

Briefs

Motorbike fatalities

Two teenagers were killed and three people seriously injured in a collision in Grangefields on Sunday. Police have been told at least two off-road motorbikes and potentially a quad bike were being ridden on Beattys Road when the collision occurred about 6.35pm. Five people were injured as a result of the collision, including an 18-year-old Altona Meadows woman who died at the scene. A 17-year-old Hoppers Crossing boy was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries, where he later died. Two younger children, a six-year-old boy and 11-year-old boy, were taken to hospital with serious injuries. A 43-year-old Altona Meadows man was been taken to hospital with injuries.

Hunt for prisoner

Police are hunting an inmate who escaped a minimum security prison in western Victoria. Police said Daniel Briffa left Langi Kal Kal Prison in Trawalla “by unknown means” sometime between 7.30pm and 9.30pm on Monday. The 50-year-old had been imprisoned for drug, theft and traffic related offences. He is not believed to be violent but anyone who sees him should ring triple-zero immediately. He was last seen wearing a dark green tracksuit and is known to visit the Werribee, Hoppers Crossing and Tarneit areas. -AAP FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au

Wyndham Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

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Alison Peake with her lemon tree promoting the new urban Harvest Project. (Damjan Janevski) 353198_01

Harvesting to offer help

By Cade Lucas

The food relief program at Werribee Park beganasajointventurebetweenParksVictoria and refugee settlement agency AMES during COVID.

Three years on, food grown and harvested at Werribee Park is helping to address another crisis.

“This program is in response to the ever growing cost of living crisis, which is particularly present in Wyndham,” said James Brincat, Parks Victoria’s Area Chief Ranger for Werribee Plains.

“Everthing is hand harvested, bundled and bagged to be delivered to a number of charity based kitchens and food share outlets, with the next step being going into the mouths of our community members doing it tough,” said Mr Brincat of the harvest which is underway and will continue until Melbourne Cup Day.

The hand harvesting is done by volunteers, butasMrBrincatexplained,theyparticipatein the whole gardening process.

“There’s over 150 volunteers from the local Wyndham community that take part in the program from planting and harvest to food distribution and preparation.”

The volunteers are are another way the program assists the disadvantaged.

Local disability groups volunteer as part of a gardening program tailored for disabled young adults, while women from the local Karen community also contribute.

“Theyhelpwithplantingandmaintenanceof the silverbeet including hand weeding because we don’t use any herbicides and pesticides,” said Mr Brincat of the Karen women who are refugees from Myanmar.

The program grows other vegetables at community gardens, but at Werribee Park the focus is solely on silverbeet, which grows in a

parterre garden in front of the mansion.

“It grows easy and we can use it as a green manure crop to dig back into the soil at the end,” said Mr Brincat of why silverbeet was chosen.

“You can put it in such a range of dishes.”

While the food relief program is designed to help others, Mr Brincat said it could only do

Tarneit black spot funds

AnotorioustrafficblackspotinTarneit is among 57 sites across Victoria that are set to be upgraded thanks to a federal funding program announced last week.

The intersection of Bethany Road and Tarneit Road in Tarneit will be modified as part of the $25.6 million Black Spot Program funding that was announced by Federal Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Senator Carol Brown and Victorian Roads and Road Safety Minister, Melissa Horne, on August 29.

The program funds safety upgrades tolocationswhereseriouscrasheshave occurred or are at risk of occurring and which have been nominated and recommended by an expert panel.

The Bethany Road and Tarneit Road intersection upgrade will involve higher safety platforms being installed on through-lanes for Bethany Road approaches and changes to left-turn signalling to give pedestrians a head-start.

Minister Horne welcomed the injectionoffederalfundingtoimprove the safety of Victoria’s roads.

this by receiving some of its own.

“The local Sikh community sponsor the entire project,“ he said.

“They cover all costs which is about $5.500 dollars. That pays for the plants and the rabbit proof fence that has to go up and the organic fertilisers and anything else we need.”

Helping those who are helping others.

“The Black Spot Program strongly aligns with Victoria’s road safety strategy to help stop deaths on our roads,” she said.

The Tarneit intersection was the only location in Wyndham to be funded under the program.

POINT COOK Homes for sale from $345K

BY RCA VILLAGES

Cade Lucas

Hpi Hpi Paw (front) from the Wyndham Karen community harvesting silverbeet at Werribee Park as part of a food relief program jointly run by AMES and Parks Victoria. (Damjan Janevski) 353444_02

Never too late to learn

It’s Adult Learners Week (1-8 September) and the theme for this year is: It’s Never Too Late.

Sixty nine year old Werribee restauranter and Indian immigrant, Sunil Abbott, is a great example of that.

Sunil, 69, migrated to Australia from India in 2011 with the equivalent of a Year 12 education.Hestruggledtoadaptandhadlittle ornoknowledgeofcomputersandtechnology or how systems and services worked. He had never encountered an EFTPOS machine and had to go about learning basic skills that others take for granted.

Sunil now runs two busy restaurants, yet, despite his demanding work, he makes time forlearningandhasundertakenmanycourses at his local community education centre.

Now a prominent leader in his community, he helped establish a local platform that promotes learning and social connections for older people. His commitment to lifelong learning has earned him numerous awards and positions on various councils and representative bodies.

He says that he has learned more in the past 12 years here in Australia than in his entire time in India and he feels happy to be in an environment that encourages learning at any age.

How did you end up in Australia?

I came to Australia in 2011. Both my son and daughter were living here. As I came on businessvisaIwassupposedtostartabusiness and as my son, daughter and son-in-law are all chefs. We mande our first restaurant in Richmond by the name of Jaiho.

When did you start learning in Australia?

I started learning how to operate front of house in the restaurant. Understanding the accent was a bit difficult but our customers are very kind to speak slowly. I started listening

to radio news while driving to work and this helped me in understand the accent . Was it difficult beginning to study again at an older age in a foreign country?

As I had good knowledge of English, it was not difficult. With the help of Wyndham Community and Education Centre, I first learned the basics of computers.

I then joined a Wyndham Citizens Academy course where we interacted with

Vote to name new centres

Voting is now open to determine the names of two new community centres currently being built in Wyndham.

Wyndham council last week adopted a recommendation that a public vote be held to allow residents to choose what the centres, in Everton Road, Truganina and Shipwrights Parade, Werribee, should be called.

For the centre in Truganina, residents can choose from the following –Truganina Community Centre, Everton Road Community Centre and Pimelea Community Centre.

For Werribee, the options are –Shipwright Parade Community Centre, Lollypop Creek Community Centre or Ironbark Community Centre.

Wyndham mayor, Susan McIntyre, said“InJunethisyear,weaskedresidents to pick from one of four themes –Traditional Owner recognition, gender equality, linking the name to a place, or commemoration – to guide the name selection for each community centre”.

the judiciary, legislature, journalists, police and legal departments and learnt how they worked. After this I enrolled in the Walk Through Health course which helped me to pass on information to my fellow migrant seniors during COVID-19. What is your advice to other older people? My advice to all seniors is it is never too late to learn and there is no use by date to learning.

“In both instances, the community indicated a preference for names that aligned with the location of each community centre. Now we’re asking residents to vote on their preferred name based on suggestions made by the community during the first round of consultation that are compliant with Geographic Naming Victoria guidelines, as well as an additional name suggested by council officers for consideration.”

VotingisopenuntilSeptember24and bothcentresaresettoopenbynextyear.

69 year old Indian immigrant, restaurateur and Werribee resident Sunil Abbott is an ambassador for Adult Learners Week from September 1 to 8 . (Damjan Janevski) 57426_02

Preventing more trauma

By Cade Lucas

Sexual assault is a traumatic experience for any victim, but it doesn’t always end with the incident itself.

Disclosing sexual assault to others can also be a source of trauma if not handled correctly, something the Western Region Centre Against Sexual Violence (Westcasa) and Victoria University (VU) are hoping to prevent.

The two organisations have entered into a partnership to deliver a range of training programs on how to respond to someone disclosing a sexual assault.

“That they feel safe, feel believed, that there’s no judgement and that the person who is supporting the victim survivor is able to offer avenues of referral and options to seek further professional assistance,“ said Westcasa’s Head of Operations Karen Woolford on what victim survivors disclosing sexual assault need and what participants in the training program would learn.

MsWoolfordaddedthathowpeoplerespond has a huge impact on victim survivor recovery.

“Studies have shown that the first three months post-sexual assault is the best time to elicit the best outcome in terms of recovery, but that first experience of disclosing sexual assault,howitisreceived,hasahugeimpacton their therapeutic recovery and their decision to access services.”

Given many sexual assault disclosures are about historical cases that are revealed years after they occurred, the training also covers how to respond to these cases, though Ms Woolford said the approach was similar.

“Even if it’s something that happened in childhood or a longtime ago, the disclosure and reception of that is still very important in the healing process.”

The partnership between Westcasa and VU

continues a longstanding relationship between the two organisations which also includes free and confidential on-campus counselling for students and compliments the Respect. Now. Always campaign aimed at combating sexual assaults and sexual harassment in Australian universities.

Whileopentostudents,thehalfdaytraining program is mostly aimed at staff and is hoped

Get ready for an emergency

Wyndham council is calling on residents to ensure they have emergency management plans in place as summer approaches.

An emergency preparedness brochure

‘Are you ready?’ was developed as a joint initiative between Melton City Council, Emergency Ready Communities and Wyndham City. The brochure helps residents to safely prepare and respond to fires, storms and floods, heatwaves and other emergencies.

Wyndham Mayor Susan McIntyre said resilience was about being prepared for the unexpected.

“With a rapidly growing population that fringes vast areas of grassland, we encourage our residents to keep their properties safe, clean and presentable to reduce the risk of grassfires and bushfires,“ she said.

“Other risks include structural fires, industrial accidents, transport accidents and in some areas floods.

“TheAreyouready?brochureprovides information on what to do to prepare for an emergency, what to do during an emergency and information and assistance for after an emergency.“

Have a chat to find out more at one of two drop-in sessions:

to one day be an annual requirement for all employees, similar to a first-aid course.

Victoria University students needing counselling or further information can call 03) 919 5400 or email student.counselling@ vu.edu.au.

For 24 hour sexual assault crisis care, call: 1800 806 292. For emergencies call 000.

• Children’s Week Picnic, 22 October, 9am - 3.30pm Werribee Park, K Road, Werribee

• Little River Community Day, 28 October 10am – 12pm, Little River Mechanics Institute 8 Rothwell Road, Little River

Westcasa Head of Operations and specialist trainer Karen Woolford. (Damjan Janevski) 354365_01

Spare space shared for shelter

By Cade Lucas

Like many parents, Williams Landing’s Ludwina Dautovic was left with empty bedrooms once the last of her children moved out of home.

But rather than wondering how to fill them, the mother of two had a different reaction to her extra space.

“When my eldest son left home and his spare bedroom was empty I saw that as a cost centre,” she said. After a few years offering the rooms to family and friends, it wasn’t long before the businesswoman with 30 years’ experience behind her sensed an opportunity.

“Not until my friends started asking me where they could find someone for their room that my entrepreneurial instinct kicked in.”

It was this light-bulb moment in 2017 that resulted in Ms Dautovic founding The Room Xchange, Australia’s first and only verified house sharing platform with nearly 6000 users nationwide.

The Room Xchange differs from normal sharehousing and rental websites by allowing tenants to live with the actual homeowner rather than other renters and to do so in exchange for work done around the house or rental off-sets rather than just paying the full amount.

“Our technology verifies all users through thedigitalIDwhichisintegratedinoursystem. Our profiles make it easy to be matched based on personality, values and lifestyle so you feel like you’re coming home to a friend,” said Ms Dautovic of the platform, which recently won the Innovation and Technology category at the Wyndham Business Awards.

Ms Dautovic said filling Australia’s estimated 13 million empty rooms could help to ease the housing crisis.

“If we can utilise those spare bedrooms

that’s less housing we have to build” she said “We’re utilising resources that already exist and we’re solving problems on both sides of the marketplace,” Ms Dautovic said, pointing out that there had been a spike in homeowners joining the platform since interest rates began to rise.

While acknowledging house sharing could provide a short term solution, Maiy Azize from affordable housing campaign group Everybody’s Home said it was evidence of systemic failure.

“More and more people are turning to housing sharing not out of preference, but

out of necessity because there isn’t enough affordable homes.”

Community Housing Industry Association Victoria Acting CEO Jess Pomeroy said there was only one long term solution.

“Victoria needs much more social and affordable housing to fix this housing crisis.“

Ludwina Dautovic, founder and CEO of ‘The Room Xchange’ which won the Innovation and Technology category at the Wyndham Business Awards. (Damjan Janevski) 357375_01

Nurse leads the charge

Werribee nurse Cindy Ogluszko is leading the charge to help raise awareness of prostate cancer in the community by joining The Long Run this September.

The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) Long Run campaign calls on Australians to run, walk or ride 72km throughout Prostate Cancer Awareness Month to raise awareness and funds for research and support.

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia with one man diagnosed every 22 minutes.

Digital network connection

Wyndham has been announced as a founding partner of the Digital Futures Network.

Led by Deakin University, the digital futures network is a program aimed at bringing together all levels of government, the public sector, business and academia to bridge the digital divide in Victoria.

Thenetworkseekstodothisbyutilising and connecting existing infrastructure andservicestoimprovedigitalcapability across the state.

Wyndham mayor Susan McIntyre said the partnership was an important development for the future.

Ms Ogluszko is a PCFA prostate cancer specialist nurse with Western Health and has been raising funds and awareness every September since The Long Run launched in 2020.

“I get involved each year because support doesn’t stop at the clinic door for me. It’s about showingmenandtheirfamiliesthatyouareon this journey with them for the long run,” she said.

“I first took part in The Long Run in 2020 and completed 72km on my treadmill during COVID lockdowns. This year I’ll be tackling somekilometresonthetreadmillandsomeout and about around the community.”

Along with running to raise money, Ms Ogluszko said she hoped to highlight the importance of exercise in both preventing and recovering from cancer.

In my role, I see men and their families following a diagnosis of prostate cancer. Often these men have been active prior to their diagnosis and struggle to get back on track either mentally or physically due to treatment. We know exercise is good for the body, mind

and soul, so if I can reignite that interest again in my patients and other men in the community, then I have done my job.”

To donate to Cindy Ogluszko: www. thelongrun.org.au/fundraisers/cindyogluszko

To register to run: www.thelongrun.org.au

“For Wyndham, Australia’s fastest growing local government area, this Digital Futures Network partnership means our community and businesses willhaveaccesstoprogramsandlearning tools, through our libraries and SPARK Innovation Hub, to help them better understand, navigate, communicate, live and operate in this ever-transforming digital world,” Cr McIntyre said.

Wyndham councillor Sahana Ramesh concurred.

“This partnership is timely and beneficial as it aligns with our current EconomicDevelopment,Learning,Smart CitiesandResilientWyndhamstrategies, aimed at digitally future-proofing Wyndham’s communities.”

The network delivers free digital, financial and business literary programs as well as providing free access to technology and digital resources to under-resourced communities.

Werribee prostate cancer nurse, Cindy Ogluszko, is running to raise money for research into the disease. (Supplied)

‘‘ It’s about showing men and their families that you are on this journey with them for the long run ’’

- Cindy Ogluszko

Move to Lifestyle Communities and do what you love

Picture this - you find yourself stranded in a sea of wrapping paper and ribbon, keeping an ear out for the gingerbread in the oven and running through your mounting to-do list in your head.

You’ve heard each Christmas carol about a billion times each, and you still haven’t oiled the deck, fixed that hole in the wall or raked the garden.

We’re all familiar with what a whirlwind the lead-up to Christmas is, and no, you’re not dreaming, it’s nearly time to do it all again!

It isn’t just the stress of all the planning, shopping, catering and present-buying, it’s thatnaggingfeelingthatsurelyit’simpossible for time to pass so quickly. Well, we say no more! No more crazy Christmas chaos! No more panic at the passing of time!

When your days are spent doing things you love, you’ll never look back and wonder where the time’s gone. And when you’re living in a sparkling, brand new home, you can wave goodbye to the stress of gardening and home maintenance and say hello to no council rates and a lower cost of living.

Now that’s a Christmas present that won’t be re-gifted!

At Lifestyle Communities, life is what we do. Lifestyle Communities is about opening up new opportunities, experiences and connections for the people who live in its communities.

Why wait when a low-maintenance home and a low-stress life could be yours today?

Give yourself an early Christmas present – a life of opportunity, of peace, and of knowing that the best things in life come to those who reach out and grab them!

Call to speak with one of the amazing team – 1300 50 55 60.

Tips to deal with dementiarelated wandering:

1. Establish a safe environment free from hazards.

2. Create routine and familiarity to help reduce anxiety and restlessness.

3. Provide reassurance, staying calm and helping your loved one to settle.

4. Provide opportunities for engagement, with meaningful activities throughout the day.

5. Make identification and communication easy, with a wearable bracelet or pendant with your contact information.

6. Identify ‘challenging’ times of the day, and schedule activities to keep your loved one busy at that time.

7. Ensure basic needs are being met, including easy access to a toilet, food and drink.

8. Provide supervision and support, especially during periods of increased agitation or confusion.

How to deal with dementia-related wandering

living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. If this is something you’re dealing with, you’re not alone.

• having an increased risk of accidents, injuries, or falls

(above) for those still caring for loved ones living with dementia at home.

To make things more stressful for families andcarers,peoplewithdementiawhowander are often unable to communicate where they went or why, because of their failing memory or declining ability to communicate.  Wandering is a common trait of people

Over 400,000 Australians are currently living with dementia, and over 1.5 million Australians are involved in their care, according to Dementia Australia.

Wandering can pose several risks for seniors with dementia, including:

• becoming lost, confused, or disoriented

• being in dangerous situations, such as crossing busy roads or entering unfamiliar homes or buildings

• being exposed to nutritional deficiencies, exhaustion, dehydration, and exposure to extreme weather conditions.

Williams Landing Aged Care residence facility manager Nithin Shetty provided tips

“Coping with a loved one’s dementia and managing their tendency to wander can be a challenge for carers,” Nithin said.

“But by understanding the early signs and implementing preventive measures, it is possible to minimise the risks associated with wandering until you can find additional support.”

CAREER ...startshere

PRINT AND PRINT AND PRINT AND ONLINE SALES ONLINE SALES ONLINE SALES EXECUTIVE EXECUTIVE EXECUTIVE

Bringing revolutionary robotic technology to Werribee

A special event, hosted by Channel Nine presenter Livinia Nixon, is being held at the Refectory at Werribee Park on Saturday 7 October to raise funds for St Vincent’s Private Hospital Werribee. The evening aims to raise $50,000 to assist in the purchase of the latest orthopaedic technology, a surgical robot.

“The Mako Robot is a revolutionary device used in the most common orthopaedic surgeries:hip,kneeandshoulderreplacements. It assists surgeons to reach new levels of precision, accuracy, and safety. It provides the best outcome for patients,” said general manager, St Vincent’s Private Hospital Werribee Emma Saliba.

“The need is certainly growing. Since January 2018, we’ve performed over 4,000 orthopaedic surgeries with over 800 of these being performed this year alone.”

Prominent Werribee businessman and chair of the St Vincent’s Werribee Hospital Committee, Oriano Salvalaggio (known as Ori), reflects with pride on how much has been achieved since St Vincent’s Werribee first opened its doors five years ago.

“Fiveyearsago,therewasnoprivatehospital in the west. Thanks to our community’s vision, generosity and commitment, Werribee has one of the premier private hospitals in Victoria.

“When I think back to when the committee began holding events to raise funds to build St Vincent’s Private Hospital Werribee, all we had were pictures of a building. But that didn’t matter, because people fell in love with the promise that great healthcare was coming to Werribee.

“Local businesses and donors supported the project because they could see what we were creating and how it would benefit them and their families.

“Werribee is growing at a rapid rate. As we grow, our community gains the power to

Channel Nine presenter Livinia Nixon will host the evening.

expect the best healthcare for our region, care that will benefit us all.

“This is your opportunity to join us on our journey of bringing world-class healthcare to the people in the communities of Werribee

Above: The Mako Robot is a revolutionary device used in the most common orthopaedic surgeries.

Right: Chair of the St Vincent’s Werribee Hospital Committee, Oriano Salvalaggio. (Pictures: Supplied)

and Wyndham by joining us at the Evening of Elegance.”

Tickets to the St Vincent’s Private Hospital WerribeeEveningofElegance, whichisproudly supported by Wyndham Dental Solutions, are

$180perperson,includingathree-coursemeal, drinks and entertainment.

To book tickets head to: https://www. stvfoundation.org.au/event/evening-of-elegance

Reclink finals action packed

Reclink Australia has commemorated the conclusion of its 2023 season with three days of grand final matches in Port Melbourne from August 29 to August 31.

This year’s season was rounded out by eight thrilling games between teams from all over Victoria, and follows three decades of providingopportunitiesforsomeofthemost disadvantaged community members.

The opening day saw the Cohealth Kangaroos, Frankston Dolphins and Port Melbourne prevail over Wynbay Tigers, Maryborough Ravens and Bendigo Gold respectively.

The Port Melbourne side marked its long-awaited Reclink Football League debut with a thrilling last-gasp victory over the regional-based Gold.

Theactioncontinuedtoheatupdespitethe wintery conditions on day two, which saw Sunbury Phoenix defeat the Cardinia Tigers.

The Reclink All Stars prevailed in an extraordinary ‘golden point’ extra time win overOdysseyHouse;beforetheCollingwood Magpies proved too classy for a gallant Geelong outfit.

The final day featured another tight contest as the Ballarat Bushies scored a match-winning goal inside the final minute of play to defeat the Salvo Hawks, and the Casey Cobras overcame the Morwell Panthers.

A wide variety of past and present AFL personalities attended the competition, including current North Melbourne goal kicking superstar and recently-announced All Australian Nick Larkey.

Former champions Terry Daniher, Dermott Brereton and Billy Brownless also attended,aswellasspecialguestcommentary from Andy Maher, Anthony Hudson and Graham ‘Smokie’ Dawson.

Sunbury player Cam giving the team a pep talk. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 356379

Sunbury Rotary club members David Allan, Mani Senevirate, Merv Minett and Paul Craig at the Reclink competition.

74 year old Werribee Reclink volunteer Dianne Murphy.

Sunbury player Ceejay in action.

A successful 2023 season of Reclink football was rounded out by eight thrilling games. (Pictures: Sean Fenning)

Top: Sunbury player and coach Luke devising the strategy for the game.

Above: Sunbury player Braydon.

Animals go wild for spring feast

Werribee Open Range Zoo’s animals are tucking in to the culinary delights of native blossoms and blooms to celebrate the arrival of spring.

Thesun’sraysareawakeninganexplosionof vibrant floral delicacies at the zoo - including hibiscus, grevillea and acacia - much to the delight of wildlife palates.

Werribee Open Range Zoo Natives Life SciencemanagerJacindaGoodwinsaid,while vibrant colours are often alluring for animals, it’s the taste that appeals most.

“Our Eastern grey kangaroos and critically endangered Orange-bellied parrots absolutely adore grevilleas because they contain a sweet honey-like liquid,” Ms Goodwin said.

“The plants have distinctive yellow, pink or red flowers with long, thin petals that can be quite brush-like in appearance.

“Grevillea is also an irresistible and importantfoodsourceformanynectar-eating birds, butterflies and bees, which will visit suburban backyards.”

Over on the zoo’s Savannah, antelope herds ofBlackbuckandLowlandnyalaareexploring flower trails of purple hibiscus.

Savannah keeper Lauren Irving said Hibiscus blooms are particularly popular.

“Hibiscus are trumpet-shaped blooms that have bright and ruffled petals,” Ms Irving said. “The antelope love them because they have a nice tart flavour with a sweet nectar at the base. These flowers are also great because they’re high in vitamin C.”

Acacia is top of the menu for the Zoo’s inquisitive Vervet monkeys and Eland herd.

“Acacia is made up of small, round flowers that occur in clusters to make a characteristic bright yellow display,” African River Trail keeper Gunther Venables said. “It is irresistible to many species, especially the Vervet monkeys, because it is high in sugar

and resembles a naturally occurring sweet treat.”

All blossoms and blooms at Werribee Open Range Zoo are provided to the animals in moderationaspartofarotatingdailyschedule

of food-based enrichment. Keepers aim to replicate food items and experiences that are similar to what the animals come across in their wild environment.

Members and visitors to Werribee Open

Range Zoo may have the opportunity to see animals engaging with blossoms and blooms along the walking trails or during a Savannah bus tour, which run throughout the day and are included in entry.

A critically endangered Orange-bellied parrot nibbles on grevillea. (Zoos Victoria) Vervet monkeys devour acacia. (Zoos Victoria)

An Eastern grey kangaroo nibbles on grevillea at the zoo. (Zoos Victoria)

Eland tucks into acacia. (Zoos Victoria) Lowland nyala is attracted to hibiscus. (Zoos Victoria)

Sensory overload a dogged issue

With finals fever spreading throughout Victoria, Zoe Moffatt talks to AFL fans about Marvel Stadium and how its lighting is affecting spectators with sensory sensitivities.

Going to an AFL game is a ritual for many Victorians. Throwing on your team’s guernsey, indulging in some hot chips and sipping on beer is a weekend familiar to hundreds of thousands of fans across the state.

Western Bulldogs supporter Chris Von D is no exception, he loves the game. He lives and breathes red, white and blue, and once he starts talking about his team you can hear the passion bubble out.

However, for supporters like Chris who have epilepsy or other health conditions, the lighting and post goal celebrations at Marvel Stadium are throwing doubt on their future as beloved spectators.

“Footballisareallyimportantplaceformeto go to,” Chris said.

“My whole leg is inked up red, white and blue, bulldogs everywhere over me. So yes, I’m a big Bulldogs supporter.”

For Chris, who is a diagnosed epileptic, going to watch games at Marvel Stadium –which he calls ‘the kennel’ – is a risk, but one he’s willing to take.

“I was diagnosed with epilepsy 10 years ago … medication way I take about seven morning tablets [and I] take another five at night time. At the end of October last year I ended up going in for brain surgery.

“With everything over the years that’s gone on I just find going to a Bulldogs’ game is just my place.

“I can have a bad week and my wife knows thisandshewilltakemetothefootballbecause I can just switch off you know, you forget about everything.”

Chris said he has noticed the lighting and noise at the stadium increase, and he now chooses to look away from the lights.

“Over time I’ve noticed that they’ve tinkered with the game day setup. The music went up a bit louder, then they put the Bulldog running on the scoreboard [where] he comes running and charging and stuff.

“Me and my wife were sitting there for a game and as the first goal kicked, they flicked the lights and my wife straight away put her hand over my head.

“I asked what she was doing and she said ‘look,it’sflashinglights.It’snotgood.Wedon’t need you having a seizure here.’

“There’s the Bulldog side of me that’s like ‘I want to watch this’ but I do look away … I put my head down and look at my knees.

“There’sbeensometimeswhereI’vebeenata game and … I just sort of zone out.”

Chris said he understands that the AFL is trying to make the game more entertaining, but it should not come at the cost of excluding supporterswithhealthconditionslikeepilepsy, anxiety or autism.

“I just feel they don’t put much thought processintoit.Ithinkit’smoreofa,dowewant to surprise 90 per cent of our supporters [and the] 10 per cent can just close their eyes or look away.

“Footballistryingtoentertainthesupporters Iguess,butIdon’tgotheretoseethelights,Igo to see my team play.”

Consultant Neurologist at Austin Health

Comprehensive Epilepsy Program Dr Saul Mullen said light sensitive epilepsy is relatively uncommon.

“Light sensitivity happens in people who have generalised seizures… and in a practical sense, is really only a minority of those people with generalised epilepsy,” he said.

“People are likely to be provoked by fast

flicker… more than eight flashes per second… brightness matters… the size of the flash matters… and very fine patterns matter.”

Dr Mullen said for people with light sensitivity epilepsy, sunshine, reflections and flickers are problems and sunglasses and medication can help.

“We don’t see a lot of people who have seizures at concerts and venues in general… polarised sunglasses make a big difference… [and] medication helps.”

For people with anxiety and on the autism spectrum, Dr Mullen said it is a different set of problems, and bright lights and loud noises can be uncomfortable for people with physical problems.

“People with various levels of autistic spectrum disorder are going to be uncomfortable in various kinds of sensory environments depending on the contact,” he said.

Marvel Stadium, which is set on the banks of the Yarra River in Docklands, is also the home ground for Essendon, Carlton, North Melbourne and St Kilda.

The stadium has a retractable roof, and in

2009itrecordeditslargesteverAFLattendance with 54,444 spectators.

Fellow Bulldogs fan Amber Holland describes herself as a long life die-hard supporter, and has three kids on the autism spectrum and with varying levels of anxiety.

Amber said she would like to see more information given to spectators about what they can expect at the game, but said the introduction of a sensory room is a “fantastic initiative”.

“Ihonestlydon’tthinkit’sunfairtothelarger population at football games, to enjoy these sorts of celebrations after a goal or upon entry to the ground,” she said.

“What could possibly be done before a game is to announce or put up a warning on the screen perhaps to allow people that may not be aware of what happens during a game, so they can be better prepared.

“I do also believe that Marvel Stadium does nowhaveasensoryroomthatpeoplewithsuch issues at loud and noisy events, can escape to.

“I think it is a fantastic initiative by the stadium to be inclusive and also embrace disabilities, [but] ... perhaps more awareness of

is a

the existing sensory room could be beneficial to some, as it’s not well known about or advertised.”

Marvel Stadium partnered with non-profit KultureCity to make the stadium sensory inclusive with a sensory room and sensory inclusive training for stadium staff.

KultureCity USA director Uma Srivastava said sensory sensitivities can include bright lights, sounds, crowds, smell of concession foods and more.

“It truly depends on the person… [but these aspects] can all be overwhelming and can cause a sensory overload,” Ms Srivastava said.

“One in four of us has a sensory need and we want to make sure that all venues, big and small,arewelcomingtoeveryone,regardlessof their ability.”

Sensory bags, noise cancelling headphones, fidget tools, visual cue cards and weighted lap pads are available to guests who feel overwhelmed by the environment.

The AFL said it has not received complaints about lighting at the stadium.

Western Bulldogs were contacted for comment.

“Football

really important place for me to go to,” Chris Von D said. (Jacob Pattison) 354922_03

‘‘ Football is trying to entertain the supporters I guess, but I don’t go there to see the lights, I go to see my team play ’’ - Chris Von D

Die hard Western Bulldogs supporter Amber Holland (right) celebrating Marcus Bontempelli’s 200th game; Amber with her son who got to run through the banner with the team; Amber (left) with club supporter and legend Irene Chatfield. (Pictures: Supplied)

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,

All Abilities Netball

All Abilities Netball for Youth (10 – 25 y/o) 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. If you don’t know the sport, we will teach you. 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

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/

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 10 am every second Friday of the month.

■Bob, 0409 252 872

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 9.30 am -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 Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.

■ 9369 2726

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

Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Nick Wilson with the ‘Snuff Puppets’, appearing in a new show called ’Swamp’. (Damjan Janevski) 356507_01

No.

DECODER WORDFIT

D A S E A A O A I E

21 words: Good

42 words: Excellent

A C I A L

regalia, taiga, tiger, tragic, tragical, triage, trig

glacier, glare, grace, grail, grate, great, grit, lager, large, raga, rage, regal,

agar, agate, agile, alga, algae, argil, cage, cagier, cartage, CARTILAGE, cigar, crag, gait, gaiter, gala, gale, garlic, gate, gear, gelt, gilt, girl, girt,

No. 149

S

1 By what name is William Michael Albert Broad better known?

2 In medical science, what is the equivalent of gynaecology for men?

3 Panama is bordered by which two countries?

4 What word in English is formed by two words that end in -gry, and is also a combination of their meanings?

5 The astronomical theory that the planets revolve around the sun is known as what?

6 Dhivehi is the official language of which country?

7 Viola, Olivia and Sebastian are all characters in which Shakespearean play?

8 The city of Darwin (pictured) has had to be almost entirely rebuilt twice as a consequence of what two events?

9 Which religion follows the Eightfold Path?

10 And what is the country of origin of that religion?

Today’s Aim: 3 LETTERS ACE AGE ASH ASK ATE AWE AYE BAN BAT EAR ERA EWE FRO NEW NIL NOR OIL ORE OUT ROT RUG SAT SOW TWO 4 LETTERS ARCS BAWL ELKS ELSE ESKY HOWS KERB LYRE OBOE PANG STAB TEST TRIP YARD 5 LETTERS AORTA APPAL AWAIT BATON BEERS BENTS BRINE CLEAT CORNY CURSE DOUBT EAGER EARLY EARNS EDGES EGGED ELDER GRITS NERVE OFTEN OUNCE PARKA PASSE PASTA PEACE REUSE RINSE RIVET ROUND SCABS SCARE SECTS SORTS SPEAK SPOTS STEEL STEER STEWS STYLE SWEAT TORSO TREED TRIBE TROUT TSARS TULIP WAIST WEDGE WREST YOU’RE 6 LETTERS BANNER RETYPE STEREO YEASTS 7 LETTERS AEROSOL ARSENAL ROOSTER ROSTERS SPONSOR WARPING 8 LETTERS ALLIANCE APPOINTS ASTUTEST CLOSURES 12 345678910111213 1415 1617181920212223242526 D S Q N T J F K U I C Z B R W G Y E L O P V M X A H 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 08-09-23 Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com 847529163 931672584 264987315 523861497 752418639 198253746 619734852 486395271 375146928 easy medium hard 523814679 368579214 734265198 186957342 271346985 659781423 947632851 495128736 812493567 786139524 318274956 429856731 932645178 594361287 653917842 145782369 267598413 871423695 1 14 7 20 2 15 8 21 3 16 9 22 4 17 10 23 5 18 11 24 6 19 12 25 13 26 XH ANSWERS: 1. Billy Idol 2. Andrology 3. Colombia and Costa Rica 4. Hangry (angry and hungry) 5. Heliocentrism 6. Maldives 7. NightTwelfth 8. Japanese air raids during WWII and Cyclone Tracy in 1974 9. Buddhism 10. India

No.

Placing your classified advert is so

DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL

The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful for an advertiser to show any intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception under the Act. As Network Classifieds could be legally liable if an unlawful advertisement is printed, Network Classifieds will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. For more information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.

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Real Estate Agents Everywhere

Plugging the generation gap

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

Mazda sports utility vehicle sibling rivalry just got hotter, with a reborn five-year-old CX-8 refitted out and snapping at big brother CX-9’s heels, while fending off the challenge of the mid-size CX-5.

Available in six grades - Sport, Touring, Touring Active, GT SP, Asaki and Asaki LEwith petrol or diesel power front or all-wheel drive, the entry-level Sport FWD petrol comes to market at $42,060, plus on-road costs, while the Asaki LE diesel AWD tips the scales at $71,410.

Rearranging the chairs, the Touring Active takes over where the old Touring diesel stood, while the GT SP fills the gap left by the absence of the petrol and diesel Touring SP and GT models. On test was the GT SP petrol, which takes in premium touches such as power sliding and tilting sunroof and burgundy or black leather seat trim.

Mazda’s five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, with roadside assistance, applies across the model range, with service intervals of 12 months or 15,000 kilometres.

Styling

Mazda designers have modernised the CX-8 exterior with bold new front and rear bumpers, and tailgate, LED headlamps and tail lights, while a new front grille maintains the company’s Kodo - Soul of Motion design tradition.

New signature wings add a premium quality feel, a metallic finish reflecting light in motion, enhancing vehicle dynamics, maybe the colour too,inthiscaseSoulRedCrystalMetallic.Black metallic and machined finish 19-inch wheels give a lift to the sleek styling and sophistication of the GT SP.

Interior

Three rows of seats, with quality finishes, offer enough space to fit all but the most broad-beamed family members comfortably on short trips or long journeys. Massive rear doors open to almost 90 degrees - there are sun shades too - but there’s still some clambering to do to settle in the third row.

Once in, the upright back rest and the cramped knee situation are not conducive to long-distance comfort. There’s limited head room here but the GT SP does have the power adjustment and rear seat heaters of upper

specced variants.

A non-too generous 209 litres of cargo space is available with all seats in operation.

Aremovablebasebootscapacityto242litres. With the third row folded the total rises to 775 litres.

Infotainment

Call me out of touch but I remain a fan of the switch-and-knob style of control of in-cabin tech. There is nothing worse than sticky fingerprints on the touchscreen. The CX-8 centre-console rotary control set-up is my kind of connection.

Some previous CX-8s had only half-smart levels of phone mirroring. Mazda has fixed this and updates now offer Android Auto and Apple CarPlay wirelessly. Also newly included is wireless device charging and 10-speaker Bose audio.

Engines / transmissions

On offer is the choice of two engines - a 2.5 litre four-cylinder petrol or 2.2 litre turbodiesel - both mated with a six-speed automatic transmission. The test vehicle included the former, which came up with maximum power of 140 kW at 6000 rpm and maximum torque of 252 Nm at 4000 rpm.

Diesel versions boast all-wheel drive, while petrolmotorshavetomakedowithfront-wheel operation only.

Safety

The Mazda CX-8 was a five-star rating when it was introduced in 2018. As little has been significantly changed the Australasian New

Mazda CX-8 G25 Sport FWD: $42,060

Mazda CX-8 G25 Touring FWD: $48,960

Mazda CX-8 D35 Sport AWD: $49,060

Mazda CX-8 D35 Touring Active AWD: $56,910

Mazda CX-8 GT SP G25 FWD: $58,560

Mazda CX-8 Asaki G25 FWD: $61,810

Mazda CX-8 GT SP D35 AWD: $65,560

Mazda CX-8 Asaki D35 AWD: $68,810

Mazda CX-8 Asaki LE D35 AWD: $71,410

SPECIFICATIONS

Mazda CX-8 GT SP 2.5L 4-cylinder petrol, 6sp automatic, FWD SUV

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

Car Assessment Program says it will not be retesting the latest version.

Includedareblindspotmonitoring,lane-keep assistance, rear-cross traffic alert, tyre pressure monitoring, traffic sign recognition and Isofix child seat anchors for two of the rear seats.

A reversing camera is standard across the range but only in the Asaki and LE is there a full 360-degree system.

Driving

The 2.5 litre four-cylinder motor sends a

maximum 140 kW of power and 252 Nm of torque to the front wheels only, putting the brake, so to speak, on top-notch towing.

Maximum rating is 1800 kg.

The six-speed transmission is left behind by rivals with more cogs but it doesn’t seem to affect the CX-8 unduly, producing a smooth run through all but the upper echelons of the rev band. Engine noise is the downside here.

Fuelconsumptionisclaimedtobeanaverage of8.1litresper100kmforthepetrolfront-wheel drive on the combines urban / highway cycle. The test vehicle came up with 11.4 litres per 100 kilometres in city and suburban work and 6.1 litres per 100 kilometres on motorway cruising. With a bit of heft to handle, the ride can be hostage to some bumps and bangs over bad roads. Steering responds with feeling and is particularly efficient in parking manoeuvres at lower speeds.

Front-wheel-drive versions of the CX-8 miss out on the Mazda Mi-Drive switchable driving modes allowing the driver to choose between Normal, Sport, Off-Road and a towing mode. All-round vision for the driver is limited by large rear-view mirrors and a slim rear window but I do rate the clarity of the head-up (any head-up) windscreen display.

Summary

Fitting in can be a challenge to anyone going through adolescence. Doing a person’s best for elders can be elusive and so could be the case of the CX-8. Thankfully Mazda has taken the large SUV and planed off some of the prickly sides to its character, leaving an acceptable member of a growing family.

The upgraded Mazda CX-8 does well fitting into the shape of Mazda’s range of SUVs. (Pictures: Supplied)

Centurions bounce back to head through to prelim

Werribee Centrals’ depth was on show as it won through to the Geelong and District Netball League preliminary final.

After a narrow loss in the first week of finals, the Centurions bounced back on Sunday against Thomson in a knockout semi final, winning 47-41.

Centurions co-coach Hailey Kennedy said they were really pleased with the performance.

“We were in control for pretty much the whole day,” she said..

“Alual Garang came into the mix, one of our younger girls stepped onto the court, to give Brigette [Ardossi] a bit of a rest late in the game.

“We were still able to control the game.”

Kennedy said Ardossi, who can play either end of the court, really stood up in the absence of Amanda O’Malley.

She said goal shooter Ellie Tubbs, who shot 23 goals, was another standout.

“It was a good team effort across the court,” she said. “Everyone went in and backed each other up and just

supported each other.”

Kennedy said O’Malley was keen to play and help her side progress in finals, but they made the call they didn’t want to risk her.

She is currently battling a back injury which limited her the week before.

“She’s still having issues with her back,” she said. “As much as she wanted to be out there play, we kept her on the side lines.

“Brigette did a great job in keeper and Caitlin Hendricksen was back.

“Amanda said she was raring to go, but it was in the back of my mind that she could hurt herself more and didn’t want to put her in that position.

‘We were pretty confident with our squad.”

The Centurions will face Winchelsea in the preliminary final, after the minor premiers were beaten by East Geelong, 33-28 in the other semi final.

Kennedy said they were keen to have another good performance and win through to another grand final.

“We are super excited and really happy,” she said. “If we train as well as we did last Thursday, we should have a good game this weekend.

“We’re focusing on the one percenters and the mistakes that we made against East Geelong, we took care of this week.”

The Centurions under-19s continued their remarkable feat winning through the grand final, with Kennedy saying they had been nearly undefeated for three years. Their under-17s suffered a loss but have a double chance, while the under-15s were knocked out of finals on the weekend.

Tara Murray

Suns into grand final

By Harper Sercombe

The Suns incredible season keeps rolling with their spot in the Western Region Football League division 3 grand final booked in.

The Suns defeated the second placed Albanvale on Saturday at Hansen Reserve in a semi final.

After beating the Cobras by 91 points in the penultimate round of the season, the Cobras seemed on early and ready to prove they were a better side than what they showed only three weeks ago.

At half time only a straight kick separated the sides.

The second half began with drama, as a Suns player was yellow carded for an incident late in the second quarter that caught the attention of one of the goal umpires, meaning the Suns were down to 17 men for 15 minutes of the third term.

The Cobras were unable to exploit their extra man on the field, only adding one more goal than the Suns. When the player was able to be reintroduced to the match, the Suns began to assert some dominance, growing

Dragons usher Jets’ boys out of finals

The Western Jets boys Coates Talent League campaign came to a close on Saturday afternoon, while the girls also wrapped up their home and away season.

The boys played the Sandringham Dragons in the wildcard round with a spot in finals up for grabs.

TheDragonswereontopthroughout the day booting six first term goals to give them a 25 point lead at the first break.

It was more of the same in the second quarter, with the Dragons lead growing to 35 points at half time.

The lead grew by another 10 points at the three quarter time break.

The Dragons were then able to kick away in the last, giving them a 20.11 (131)-11.11 (77) win.

Draft hopeful Logan Morris was again amongst the Jets best, slotting three goals, to go with 19 touches.

Lucca Grego and Massimo Raso were the leading ball winners for the Jets with 22 and 21 possessions respectively.

The Jets have now finished their 2023 campaign with a win loss record of four and ten.

their lead to 28 points at three quarter time.

In the last term the Cobras couldn’t finish their hard work, missing five shots on goal, with the Suns continuing on their winning ways, being 15.8 (98)-9.13 (67) victors.

While a spot in the grand final will be a massive achievement for most clubs, for the Suns and coach Dean Cachia said anything short of a premiership would be a failure, following last season’s heartbreak.

“We were in this situation last year, got through to the grand final and fell short so it’s not big celebration or anything for us,” he said.

“We just got the job done yesterday, it was a hard game, they threw everything at us and there were some challenges but we got through them.

“Now we have the week off which we think is a real advantage but we need to put that to good use.”

Gun forward duo Daniel Hovey and Cachia did what they do best, kicking 10 goals between them. Hovey had seven in a best on ground performance.

“It’s hard for any of the teams in this

competition to match his (Hovey) size and his ability to run and jump at the football,” Cachia said.

“Obviously it’s about how the ball comes in, but you’ve just got to get it to him and he’ll do the work.

“He’s a massive advantage for us, to have someone of his size and ability down forward, it gets us out of trouble a lot.”

You would be excused to have a couple of goals kicked on you after being down a man for 15 minutes at a pivotal stage of the game, yet the Suns fought and didn’t allow the Cobras to get themselves into the contest.

“The boys really just dug deep and we turned the game when we had 17 on the field,” Cachia said.

“I think it was more of a mental win… we were able to take another four goals after that point.

“Being up by five goals at the start of the last quarter we were able to change the things that we were doing, play a bit more defensively, which is what we did in the last quarter.”

The Suns will face the winner of Albanvale and West Footscray in the grand final.

The girls were the first to play on Saturday, coming up against Calder Cannons at Skinner Reserve in a round 17 clash.

They were competitive early, trailing by just four points at quarter time. Cannons lead grew to 19 points at the main break.

The Jets showed they weren’t going to just roll over and began to mount a comeback in the third term, cutting Cannons lead to eight with a quarter to play.

However, the Cannons jumped out of the gates adding on three goals to give them the 7.13 (55)-4.2 (26) win.

Tamara Henry from the Jets slotted two majors in the loss.

The Jets leading disposal getters were Zoe Attard with 24 and Stella Cossey with 23.

The Jets finished the regular season in 14th with three wins and 10 losses unable to repeat the premiership from the season before.

Blake Jago. (Jacob Pattison) 357617_12

Brigitte Ardossi starred in defence on Sunday.

(Jacob Pattison) 354750_13

Gatt returns a BMX world champion

Years of hard work have paid off for BMX star Cameron Gatt.

The year nine student at Thomastown Carr College has recently returned from the UCI BMX World Championships in Glasgow as a world champion.

Gatt won the cruiser boys 15-16 age group ahead of fellow Australian Declan McGhee.

For Gatt it was something he had been working towards for a number of years.

“I’ve gone to heaps of world championships, seven or something,” he said. “I’d had heaps of opportunities and haven’t been able to get it done. This one I’m so happy about.

“I felt like I was way more prepared for this world than any other one.

“I won the semi and got a good pick for the final, did my best and came out on top.”

Gatt said he had been aiming to make the final and then see what happens from there. He said you can give it your best shot and sometimes you can win and other times you might crash.

While he had put in a lot of hard work to get the world championship, a growth spurt may have also played a role in helping him take the next step.

Gatt has been immersed in the BMX world since a young kid when he first came across the sport.

“I think when I was five we went to parade and saw them parading and I kept begging mum and dad to go down,” he said. “I was then hooked.

“It’s good to be able to see the places. We’re there for about a week after. It’s nice to go up there and race and then have something to look forward to afterwards.”

The Truganina teenager is now having a break off the bike for a while to recharge and come back bigger and better.

“The next big aim is to stay there,” he said. “Then there’s also other things like the grand, which is another race in the USA and the Olympics if I make it. There’s lots of other things.”

“I want to keep doing what I’m doing and step it up.”

Gatt hopes to compete in the 2032 Olympics.

“I hope that I will be in my absolute prime and I am selected to represent my country in the Olympics in front of our home crowd,” he said previously.

That is the ultimate goal of my career –Olympic gold,” he said.

Tara Murray

United one of eight left

By Harper Sercombe

WesternUnitedisthroughtotheAustraliaCup quarter-finals for the first time after downing Gold Coast Knights 2-0 in a thrilling round of 16 clash on Wednesday night.

The Knights started the match much more comfortably on their home turf, immediately putting United under pressure in the opening exchanges.

It was an end-to-end first half but despite plenty of chances at both ends, the game was still awaiting its first goal when the referee blew for half-time.

The opening to the second half was nowhere near as chaotic as the beginning to the first half with United able to calm things down and hold more possession early on.

A brilliantly worked free kick finally found the opening goal at the 72nd minute mark as Lachie Wales clipped the ball to Josh Risdon at the back post and the captain put his header in a brilliant position across the face of goal. A

Werribee six dominate VFL team of year

A dominant regular season for Werribee has been recognised with six of its players in contention for the Victorian Football League team of the year.

The VFL has selected a squad of 40 for its team of the year, with the final team to be selected on September 18 at the league’s awards night.

Werribee finished the home and away season in second on the ladder only losing twice from its 18 games, including winning 15 games in a row.

Amongst the Werribee players in contention was two-time JJ Liston Trophy winner, Tom Gribble.

The28-year-oldhadanotherdominant season averaging almost 32 disposals a game and will go close to winning his third league best and fairest in a row later this month.

Tackling machine Dom Brew was also put up after his season averaging just short of 10 tackles and eight clearances a match, whilst racking up 25.8 disposals.

Midfielder-forward Shaun Mannagh is another throwing his hat in the ring after averaging 25.9 touches, seven inside 50s and almost two goals a game. Mannagh slotted 32 goals for the season.

Skipper Nick Coughlan also had a fantastic season with the defender, averaging 19.6 disposals and six marks.

Knights defender slid in knocking the back to the back of the net as it went down as an own goal.

In injury time young midfielder Matthew Grimaldi put the ball into the bottom right corner thanks to a Michael Ruhs assist following a fast break to give them the 2-0 win.

The goal capped off a good night’s work for United, who navigated a difficult test to come away with the victory.

United midfielder Seb Pasquali said it was a tough task but one that was expected at this late stage of the tournament.

“We showed a bit of character, it was a really good hit out for us so early in our pre season preparation, so we’re all pretty happy to move onto the next stage,” he said.

“They were putting a fair bit of pressure on us and we just had to sustain it.

“Stick to our structure and ultimately at the end we were able to capitalise on some of the chances we created.”

United will face fellow A-League side Sydney

FC away from home in the last eight as the race for the first trophy of the season continues.

“Sydney are always tough opposition,” Pasquali said.

“We expect nothing less than a tough game. We’ve just got to bring our best and bring the right attitude and mentality.

“Continue with our pre season preparation and view it as another opportunity to win.”

With United’s A-League campaign kicking off on October 21, every win will build momentum as the season gets closer.

“Pre-season’s been great so far,” Pasquali said. “We’ve been training really hard, we’re developingsomereallygoodteamcamaraderie.

“We’re really building on our game style and our gameplay with all the new players who have come into the club this year, they’re all getting accustomed to the way we want to play and enter the culture that we want to develop.

“It’s really quite positive and energetic.” United will face Sydney in the semi finals on Wednesday, September 13.

Werribee leading goal kicker Hudson Garoni booted 39 goals and 26 behinds throughout the home and away season which has seen him nominated for the team. The spearhead averaged 2.4 goals a game.

Utility Kye Declase was selected in the squad for his stellar season, averaging 24 disposals, a goal a game and five inside 50s.

Seb Pasquali. (David Campo/Western United)

Cameron Gatt (Supplied)

Nick Coughlan (Belinda Vitacca Photography)

Contessa finishes up as coach at the Warriors

Adam Contessa’s stint as Hoppers Crossing coach has lasted just one Western Region Football League season.

The Warriors announced on social media that Contessa wouldn’t be continuing on next year.

“Both the club and Adam have mutually agreed on this decision and the players were advised of this prior to round 17, [a] two point victory against Caroline Springs.

“The ultimate professional that Adam is, saw him remain on and committed to seeing out the year which we are grateful for.

“With the challenges both the club and Adam faced in season 2023, he can be proud of the progress this team has made, considering the young players that were given opportunities and exposure to senior football this year.

“HCFC played 21 new senior debutants who will no doubt be the future leaders and be

impact players moving forward.

“The HCFC is extremely thankful to Adam for his time, commitment and efforts this year and wish him and his family all the very best for the future.”

The former Sunshine mentor replaced Steve Kretiuk heading into the division 1 season, with the job appealing to him being closer to home.

The Warriors lost a number of key players before the season and then had injuries and players who headed overseas.

The Warriors, who finished fifth last season and also knocked off eventual grand finalists Werribee Districts, finished the year with just two wins, the best of them coming against the Lakers.

While the side finished last, there has been some talk there will be no relegation as the competition aims to return to more than eight teams in the top grade.

Speaking in early August, Contessa admitted it has been a tough season.

“It has been hard and challenging,” he said at the time.

“We’ve had some growth from some of the challenges, but it hasn’t been ideal. As of last week, we’d had 19 different debutants this year, which is unheard of really.

“We’ve had the opportunity to blood some young guys and see where they are at and give them senior footy experience.”

Contessa said the likes of Cal Buckingham and Caleb Sciberras-Harris were two of the younger players that had really impressed him this year.

He said the morale of the group had been high throughout the season despite the results not being what they wanted.

Straight sets for Centurions

Werribee Centrals are out in straight sets in Western Region Football League women’s division 1 finals series.

Aiming to make their first grand final, the Centurions had their work cut out for them against Caroline Springs, which were aiming to make their fourth consecutive grand final.

After finishing in second position and losing just four home and away season matches, the Centurions failed to win a finals match, losing to Spotswood in a semi final last weekend and to Lakers on the weekend.

TheCenturionswereoffthepacefrom early on finding themselves 21 points down at quarter time.

In the second quarter they began to work their way into the game cutting the margin to just one point at half time.

In the third term the Lakers wrestled back momentum kicking three goals while holding the Centurions scoreless. The last quarter was an arm wrestle with neither side kicking a goal, to give the Lakers the 7.10 (52)-4.5 (29) win and a ticket into the grand final.

Tigers ease past Doggies

Werribee Districts are grand final bound in the Western Region Football League division 1 season for a second straight season.

On Saturday, the Tigers came up against second placed Point Cook which was set to be a mouth watering contest.

The Tigers were on top all game, taking a 26 point lead into the main break.

However, it was after half time when they really started to flex their muscles, booting seven third quarter goals to put the game to bed.

In the last quarter, the Bulldogs kicked a few goals but it was all too little too late. The Tigers once again showed their strength in the division, easily winning, 16.11 (107)-8.8 (56).

Joshua Mould was amongst the Tigers best with three majors, while Bailey Siwek was awarded with best on ground honours.

The Tigers have been the team to beat all season, losing just the one game to Point Cook Centrals in round 15. However, coach Chris

Gilham said he and his side are not getting ahead of themselves.

“We’ve had a terrific home and away season but it counts for nothing once you get to finals,” he said. “You’ve got to do it under that pressure and match situation.

“But to play so well yesterday [Saturday], especially to start the way we did was really positive.”

The Tigers had a five win gap on the Bulldogs and had top spot locked up for quite some time.

“We’ve sort of been biding time to the finals came,” Gilham said.

“So to jump out of the blocks and apply some really good pressure to the opposition, get some opportunities on the back of good defence and contest wins and then get some reward on the scoreboard was crucial.

“Then to go again in the second half was really pleasing, just a really good overall performance.”

For Point Cook, Shaun Wyatt and Billy Kolniuk were named their best.

The Tigers will now enjoy a week off while the Bulldogs and Altona fight for the spot to join them in the big dance. Altona beat Yarraville Seddon Eagles in the other semi final, 9.14 (68)-6.18 (54).

“It’s been a long season, we’ve got blokes carrying some soreness and being pretty knocked up over the 18 weeks… the bye will come at a good time for sure,” Gilham said.

“We’ve played all of them (Altona and Point Cook) a few times now, so we’ve all had a good look at each other.

“I wouldn’t be writing anyone off… they’re all very capable.

“You could make a case for all of them, whoever we play we know it’s going to be red hot competition, and we’ve got to be at our best to beat them, whoever we play.”

Harper Sercombe

In early July the Centurions were just percentage behind Spotwood in their sixth year in the competition. In July coach Glenn Ballard said all the work they’ve done over the years was starting to come together.

“The core group of the team has been together for six years,” he said.

“They’re starting to click and understand structures.

“We had a lot of new players join us who had never played football before. They’ve now played 30,40 or 50 games and are starting to click and understand what football is about.”

With more finals experience and another preseason ahead of the women’s team.

Harper Sercombe

Tara Murray Adam Contessa (Supplied)

Werribee Centrals (Ljubica Vrankovic) 356232_02

Callan Gilboy (Jacob Pattison)357618_23

WERRIBEE FOOTBALL CLUB

Werribee win through to the preliminary final

By Tara Murray

Werribee is now one game from a Victorian Football League grand final berth after a first up finals win on Saturday.

Entering the finals as the form team in the competition on the back of 15 straight wins, Werribee faced Box Hill for the first time this season in a qualifying final.

Werribee got out an early lead of 20 points before the Hawks steadied late in the first quarter. Not much separated the two teams after that with Werribee able to maintain its lead throughout on the way to an 11.14 (80)-8.12 (60).

Werribee coach Michael Barlow said it was a nice feeling to win through to the preliminary final for the first time since 2013.

The club at the time was aligned with North Melbourne and it was its third preliminary final in a row without making it any further.

Barlow himself is no stranger to a VFL preliminary final, having been part of Werribee’s team in 2008.

“It’s pretty cool seeing where we have come from and the way it is all coming together,” he said.

“We’ve got into a preliminary final now. We’ll get into it now and write on the white board how the next couple of weeks will look and how to plan it out.”

While Werribee entered the finals with not much finals experience at this level, Barlow said the group of leaders that have been about for a long time really led from the front.

He said the continuity of the group and the coaching group the last few years meant that they understood the important moments as a side, which they did on the weekend.

Barlow said Saturday’s game was one where they couldn’t really get away from Box Hill but did enough early in the first quarter to lead throughout.

“Box Hill is a good side and we knew that they would come for us,” he said. “At the start of the game neither side was dominant but we were able to make the most of our opportunities.

“After 15 minutes we were 20 points up and that was the margin in the end.

“They came from 27 points back to nine points, but our experienced players stood up. It’s really important to do the work early in finals.”

Barlow said they would take plenty of positives out of the game, as well as a number of areas that they still have to work on.

“We couldn’t get a handle on their game,” he said. “Both sides had moments they were good around the ball, the loose ball and really strong aerially.

“There were a few areas that we weren’t at a high level we would have liked. We had to win a little bit differently.

“There’s some good focus areas, two or three areas that we need to improve if we’re going to have a chance to win a preliminary final.

Kye Declase was the only multiple goal

kicker for Werribee with three goals. Tom Gribble had 26 disposals, while skipper Nick Coughlan had 25 possessions.

Milestone man Matt Hanson had 21 disposals in his 100th VFL game.

Barlow said their backline led the way, especially early when they set up the match winning lead.

“Nick Coughlan got a lot of intercept marks,” he said. “Kye Declase on a wing was really good on a day where there was no dominant forward, he kicked three goals.

“Dom Brew in the middle did a defensive role and got plenty of the ball. Louis Pinnuck was also in the best three or four.”

Werribee now gets a week off ahead of the preliminary final where it will face either Williamstown or the Brisbane Lions.

For Werribee, a win will put it through to its first grand final since 2005 as the club searches for its second premiership, the other being in 1993.

Barlow said they would get five sessions in before the preliminary final.

“We’ll manage the loads and have more dedicated training,” he said. “We’ll look to have a circuit breaker and we thought about giving them a night off, but they have a thirst to want to be around each other.”

Matt Hanson in game 100. (Belinda Vitacca Photography)

Nathan Cooper takes a hanger. (Belinda Vitacca Photography)